mac_tlc

Supposedly, it is still the Retreat Team approach. We have not seen or heard from our Head Butler. IMO and experience (twice now in two months), it is an attempt at cost cutting that has failed miserably. Can’t wait to see how LBH addresses it in the upcoming Q&A webinar. Dedicates butlers are supposedly appearing in early March. mac_tlc

Well, I have heard of Aqua folks who don’t “love” Blu. Hope they don’t impact others the MDR or take a spot at a specialty restaurant that someone else really wanted. I’m always curious how people know so much about their fellow passengers. How did those AQ folks know that suite guests were the problem??? Can’t we all just get along? mac_tlc

We have done all of the E-class ships. This is the first time in 9 cruises over 4 ships that it felt crowded everywhere. This is our third time on Beyond. I think it’s a combination of it now being a sea day instead of a port day and perhaps the daily activities are not as robust as a planned sea day since they had to assemble the schedule last minute. mac_tlc

Captain Kate explained the situation very well. The two ships are anchored at Spot Bay. There are only two anchorage spots there and they are for smaller ships. Also they can only handle one tender at a time. Beyond is too big to anchor there with too many guests. It would take forever to get people off and on. mac_tlc

If I could find a seat, I could see how warm it is. None to be had. Spa Cafe— full, Mast Grill — full, Retreat deck bar —- full. Headed back to room where I knew there were a couple empty chairs.. mac_tlc

Retreat guests can also go to Blu, at discretion of maitre’d. We will be flexible on the time.

Indeed. Medical emergency. mac_tlc

We will probably talk to the Retreat Concierge today —- still no head butler sighting. The difference and inconsistency in service level is disappointing. It’s not that we have a long list of unattended items. The entire change in the butler situation has pushed the responsibility for things to the guest. Fill out the breakfast card, grab a couple sodas from the lounge etc. Day 1 we filled out the breakfast card. It was delivered on time, accurate and hot by a gentleman who said he would be our breakfast server and he does the Retreat area. He set up the breakfast, poured the first cup of coffee and chatted for a few minutes. Day 2 we do the same, it’s delivered this morning by someone different who pleasantly delivered the tray and left . Still beats making breakfast ourself! mac_tlc

Another excellent meal in Luminae last night : First the amuse bouse, buratta with a bit of pesto. I had the poached lobster appetizer, Rozi made it a double and I forgot to take the picture. 🙄🙄. I will usually take lamb whenever it is offered and it was delicious. We skipped dessert and made our way to the 7:30 show, Stage Door. We have seen these shows before but continue to be amazed at the theatre and the wall. Excellent production. In addition to the live Celebrity Beyond orchestra, this show has a simultaneous soundtrack recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. It plays and is displayed on the screens. You can see it in the last picture. Really an interesting aspect to the show. We were in the first row of the balcony (lots more legroom) on deck 5. mac_tlc

We were in GC on Ascent last month. Made it ashore for about an hour. mac_tlc

On Beyond now, We are going there tonight so I’ll report back on my LiVE thread. mac_tlc

Farewell Grand Cayman:

Today was going to be our first foray into the Solarium pool. I just walked by it, at 7:30, and it is packed already. Lots of early tour folks with time to kill now. I am really surprised at the level of “chair hoggery” . By the main pool, 3/4 of the prime chairs have towels, clips and no people on them. If that was my go-to spot, I would be quite unhappy. mac_tlc

For the sake of accuracy, today’s now invalid Celebrity Today:

Let’s go back in time to lunch yesterday. We contemplated going to the MDR but the menu didn’t catch our eye so we went to Luminae. Here is the menu: I had the broiled feta salad—- I have never found anything with feta to be bad. The hint of mint pesto added a great flavor. Then onto the Cajun Shrimp Po Boy. It was delicious! A perfect roll, very fresh , grilled shrimp, slightly seasoned with some spicy aioli —- it was really good! Too bad they are not repeating this menu. Had to have dessert because Rozi convinced me, white chocolate mousse: An excellent lunch!!! mac_tlc

Welcome to Grand Cayman! Or maybe not……. Tendering operation is unsafe due to weather today, so GC is a no go. Sea day instead. Time for the activities group to scramble. Had no plans to get off today but solarium will be more crowded. mac_tlc

Did you have a Crown Loft? They have two attendants to service the CL’s. mac_tlc

It’s dinner time on Day 2 — still no head butler sighting. mac_tlc

Drat, I’ll have to tell my 29 yr old son he isn’t going to Alaska in August. I’ll give him your number 😏😏😏. mac_tlc

Unless it is due to weather, it should remain adults only. It may be less utilized 5-7, but if that is someone’s preferred time, then they should have the same rules as someone using it 11-1. mac_tlc

Our thinking too. We have done it 4 times and love it, but love has a limit—- I guess it’s about $60 😂😂. Probably should have confirmed with concierge before he cancelled it but, that’s OK. Have another $108 OBC I need to dispose of. mac_tlc

Even after 51 cruises you learn something every day. I had made a reservation at Eden for Day 1 a few months back, during a crazy sale at the now unheard of price of $45pp. We had decided that we wanted to change it from day 1 so I had the Retreat concierge change it to Day 5. I noticed this morning two credits on my account for $53.98 ($45+20%) . I wandered back up to the concierge today to inquire why. Seems that moving a reservation is really a cancel and rebook. But a rebook at on board ship current prices. Yah, well that’s a no go. Not paying $85 pp. So we now have a night free to try Blu, where we have never been —- for $0. mac_tlc

Glad to report we have a Beyond the Podium speaker this cruise. He will speak at 10am in the theatre every sea day. The first talk today was very interesting, looking forward to the rest —- with a caramel macchiato and an almond croissant from Cafe alBacio. mac_tlc

Our current position: Cuba: E-class ships have a lot of great photo opportunities. Here are some from my walk this morning: And the chair hogs were up early today::

We have a tour booked with Dora in Cartagena. In Aruba, we arrive at 4pm on Saturday and leave around 6pm Sunday. Plan right now is to just wander. One of our favor places in Amsterdam in Pancakes Amsterdam so we will try to get to Dutch Pancakes on Sunday morning . Nothing planned yet in Curaçao. Meat pie and a Red Stripe is all that is needed in Falmouth Jamaica, and it’s inside the port gate. My DW utilizes a wheelchair in ports since she cannot walk very far, and standing for long periods is challenging. She can get on and off any bus. That complicates any port adventure. Dora in Cartagena said the wheelchair can be accommodated on the bus. We are not really beach people but considered a trip to Eagle Beach in Aruba. May still try that. mac_tlc