katenmax2

On 4/28/2024 at 10:42 AM, 81Zoomie said:

Thanks Jim!🍷🍷🍷!   I know you and Lain normally don’t drink reds, but the Rioja may be the most interesting (other than the standard offerings) to try.  It appears to have a following.  As for the Bin 45, a picture is worth a 1000 words 🫣😂🫣!

 

Tragic!  Next they'll be serving Boons Farm or Almaden in Luminae. Or better yet, box wines for $17 a glass.

7 hours ago, Amberlulu said:

Hi, I’ve just upgraded to this cabin from an Aqua class cabin but wondering if I’ve done the right thing.  Has anyone stayed in this cabin.  I didn’t realise that we wouldn’t have free access to the spa area or access to Blu.  Any thoughts please? TIA

We stayed in 11160 for our FLL, Roatan, Belize and Grand Cayman cruise.  The cabin was nice and I enjoyed the large balcony.  The cabin layout was also larger with a nicer bathroom.  Closet space was tighter than the S1 and S2 cabins.  As we booked this suite without moveup, the Retreat amenities were all included.  You are free to dine in Blu if there is available space and to access all of the Retreat facilities.  Only your elected drink package and wifi transfer with you. Not sure about the Spa access. A good question for shoreside concierge services.  Overall S3 Retreat experience on Apex was comfortable and enjoyable. The return of the butlers (which we did not have in February) was a much missed amenity that you will have. Luminae was decent but Blu was better (imho).  

28 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Thank you for your service and your comments... 

 

...Need to research how Japanese customs would feel about my bringing a container of roasted beans into the country.

 

Same to you my fellow Vet!

I'm not versed on how specific country restrictions are about carrying on coffee beans.  I think grounds might be a better way to go but again, not sure.  I've only sailed on Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises and Celebrity allows us to bring onboard.  Never had an issue with customs in any airport (only brought them into Mexico though). As long as you keep the grounds onboard the ship upon embarkment and not take into port, I do not see any issue.

PS:  I retired here to sunny Florida after living for 15 years working in DC and living in Northern Virginia (Arlington)🙂.  I miss the seasons but after visiting at Christmas this last year, glad I made the move!

On 4/4/2024 at 7:15 PM, Harrisonkid said:

Put me in the Espresso camp also...but like food coffee can be subjective..putting Baileys in it  helps my morning nap though..lol.

Yup, helps the swill go down while at the same time, is a short haircut on the dog that bit us the night before.

21 minutes ago, zitsky said:

You mean to tell me that you bring your own espresso machine onboard, and they let you?

 

This is like the folks who tell me to put the $10 Lodi Cabernet in a decanter.  After I’ve aerated it, of course.

Yeah, that's the ticket.  I bring along my own espresso machine, grinder and coffee accroutrements.  Oh, and I also bring along a wine decanter and venturi for those delicious Kendall Jackson wines aboard 😉  

6 minutes ago, zitsky said:

You lost me at pour over.  You realize that’s just the same as a drip coffee pot?  Tell me why not.  And Cafe Al Bacio has the best coffee?  How is that possible when they buy coffees picked under a crescent moon when everyone knows the best coffee is picked under a full moon?  Plus they don’t even serve Ethiopian coffee.  🙄

Well, there are apples and oranges here.  Drip coffee makers often are so basic, they fail to bloom the coffee grounds - essential to producing a quality coffee without bitterness.  Even IF the drip coffeemakers - Read, I have one of the better ones - A Behmor Brazen 3 (for large pots, and it blooms coffee at my desired timing settings), they do not allow for the disposal of the initial first bloomed bean coffee disposal. These intital drippings are bitter.  A pour over method allows for the blooming as well as disposal of the intitial bitter coffee dripping.  More work, yes.  The result is a full flavored coffee without the bitterness.  Of course, ground size is an additional element in play. Pour over or espresso pour over, require a smaller grind than drip coffee makers.  It's a play to your taste like for both methods.

That all said, Al Bacio, onboard Celebrity has the best offerings for THEIR coffee vs bringing along one's own equipment and beans.  

If I booked a long cruise (say 28 days or better), you'd bet your life and hands down, I would bring along my own grinds and drip equipment. Yes, I AM a coffee snob but actually find Celebrity Al Bacio coffee tolerable - especially with an added shot or 2 of espresso.

I haven't heard about the full moon vs crescent moon but, think you are pulling my leg on that one.  And yes, I enjoy Ethiopian coffees as well. Kona, Jamaican Blue Mountain and select small grower Columbian are my favorites.

On 4/7/2024 at 10:48 PM, DaKahuna said:

 

Nothing beats "midwatch coffee" on a Navy ship around 0400.  Large 25-cup pot put on at about 2300 the innards with the grounds removed and by 0400 it had re-boiled a few times.  You could almost stand a spoon up in a cup of it.  Talk about an eye opener.  
 

 

Wowza.....Vets onboard here.  Salute!  Air Force veteran here.  Best coffees ever were offbase when I was stationed in Turkey and Italy.  Nothing compares.  On Summit back in 2022 (right after the covid lockdown), Zafer Colak, a Turkish native and hotel director on Summit, had the staff in the Tuscan restaurant make me his specialty Turkish Coffee. Was sooooo yummy!  The extraction method is important and the Summit barrista made it to perfection. 

It IS possible to garner specialty coffees on Celebrity, regardless of beans IF you make friends with those in the know. Zafer and I connected based upon our Turkish experience.

Note:  Do not be aftraid to talk with and engage in conversations with your cruise staff, directors, etc....  they will provide a much better overall experience overall once you do.  Has never failed me and I have some personal home phone numbers.

On 4/3/2024 at 10:53 AM, Jim_Iain said:

I find the coffee is really good at Al Bacio.   The stuff they have for free in OVC is like drinking battery acid.    I often bring a travel french press and my own coffee.

 

 

Hi again from your fellow cruiser on Beyond (EV guys!)  Agree, OVC is battery acid.  I never thought about bringing a french press or other coffeemaking apparatus. I'm a pour over person.  My sister doesn't even drink coffee and couldn't care less when we cruise.  Didn't know Celebrity allows us to bring onboard.  Good to know if the Butler brings an electric kettle, I can make pour over with a simple setup and bring aboard my own fresh grounds.  Thank you for this suggestion! C U all soon on a future cruise.

On 4/3/2024 at 10:46 AM, LB_NJ said:

I have not been on Apex so my views are about Summit and Constellation but first a question.

 

Have you sailed Celebrity in the recent past? Wondering if you generally like the coffee on Celebrity and just want to know how Apex compares?

 

Also, you will not get a good answer to your question.  I say this because food is subjective and coffee even more so.  For example I buy good whole bean coffee and use a burr grinder at home.

However, I really don’t like Starbucks coffee which some people really enjoy.

 

Personally, I detest Celebrity coffee with the exception of the espresso based drinks at Baccio Cafe.  
 

Until you have tried the coffee onboard yourself it will be impossible to predict if you will be happy.

Pour-over RULES!!!!!!!  

We have sailed on all Edge class ships with the exception of Ascent (next year).  Have additionally sailed on Summit, Equinox and Connie.  

I am personally a coffee geek.  I grind my own blends (Opus grinder) from top quality beans sourced from numerous countries.  I am VERY picky and detest commercial coffees from Starb**** and the like.

I am also 56 points from CC Celebrity Elite Plus with numerous sailings under my belt.

In general, Celebrity Coffee offerings are weak and flavorless, as are most cruise ships (heads up Seabourn, NOT gourmet as you claim). 

The room service, Oceanview and overall standard coffee offerings on Celebrity STINK!  Weak, lacking flavor, watered down and otherwise; disgusting for us geeks.

My favorite is the Al Bacio coffees (+Al Bacio 2 (next to oceanview cafe) made to order and to our preferred espresso additions.  Apex has much better barristas than any of the other Edge class ships I've sailed. Smoother taste (read: lack of bitterness) and stronger. 

I cannot say where Celebrity sources their coffees. They advertise "local" sources in ports, which gave me hope.  I DID notice on my last Celebrity Apex sailing, in March of this year, that the Al Bacio coffees were smoother overall after visiting Roatan and Belize. I do know all Al Bacio beans are ground daily (from the barrista's mouth to my ear) but not necessarily, roasted onboard.

If you are in any Retreat Class cabin, your butler will have Al Bacio make your specialty coffee and bring to you any time of the day desired at no charge; even if you add a shot of alcohol to it.  In Royal and above suites, there will be a Levazza expresso maker with an in-suite stocked selection of premium coffees so that you are able to make your own at any time of day.  They are delicious and you can select a double.  The butler will stock cabin with the creamers, milks and sugars.  Once again, the Retreat Lounge has that nasty standard coffee.  In Luminae, they will make you any type of coffee you desire with the same offerings as Al Bacio.

If not in a Retreat Suite, room service will deliver an Al Bacio coffee made to your liking.  With a premium beverage option, there is no charge for the addition of Al Bacio coffee added to any continental room service breakfast.  The balance of the day, they will charge the $9.50+ 20% service charge.  With the classic beverage package, there will be the usual upcharge +20% gratuity to order plus room service charge.  

In the main dining rooms and Blu, the service staff will serve Al Bacio quality specialty coffees according to your beverage package restrictions.

Overall, Al Bacio coffees are THE best offering on all Celebrity ships. Luminae, Blu, Main Dining room and the ACTUAL Al Bacio cafe (including room service request for such) are THE best bet on Celebrity.  The specialty dining rooms also incorporate the Al Bacio coffees; again, depending on your beverage package level, may or may not be included.

3 minutes ago, PinkSandGirl said:

The cabin is creaking in spots now.  Nothing bothersome but wanted to note.  

 

🍹

Arghhhh....Rough Seas?  Myself, I enjoy the rocking experiences and rough seas.  Takes me back to the days of waterbeds and sleeping in sailboats overnight!

This review of the Edge goes far "Beyond" my experiences on these E class ships. I enjoyed the humor intersparsed with a thorough review of the overall ship experience.  Yes, Edge certainly went above in cutting "edge" technology and design.  For art lovers, Edge, along with it's 3 sisters (as of this comment), will take you to another dimension of feasibility.

The Celebrity Edge Class ships are truly wonders upon the seas.  The artwork and overall design/esthetics are visual candy, the service impecable and the experience meets and exceeds expectation.  

Beyond and Ascent take the best of Edge and Apex and accend into a new level of awesomeness (if there is such a word).  

I have yet to experience Ascent but will this coming November.  The other 3 E class ships have not failed please beyond expectation.

The Retreat on Beyond and Ascent ships "Xcel" to yet another level (pardon the pun....uh hemmm, but 2 levels) above Edge and Apex (my favorite of all the E class as it appeals to my artistic side).

Service on all Celebrity ships require some reverting back to the basics as the levels have descended in the post covid era we live in; after the OP related her experience.  

Overall, I recommend any Edge ship experience.......especially for art lovers and 1st time cruisers. Sail Retreat Class and you'll be spoiled for life!

5 hours ago, Arizona Wildcat said:

Since this is a new booking you also might want to contact a couple TAs to see if they have group fares.  Then switch and transfer at the same time.

There is a website where you can list your cruise and have TAs Compete for your business.  Usually a saving of about 5-8%.

WoW, I didn't know this.  Thank you for the advice.  In the Retreat category, this may just well be a significant price reduction!

5 hours ago, Lwertz said:

Thanks so much.  I have been doing "fake bookings" as well.

I do this as well to check price fluctuations and better cabin selections! 

Happy Cruising.

6 hours ago, Oxo said:

Thanks for your great dailies & pics. We all appreciate it!...

....

Happy Cruising!

I second your sentiment Oxo.  PinkSandGirl, am looking forward to reading about your daily adventures on the beautiful Beyond!  Sailed on her last year 2x and enjoyed the Retreat experience once we straightened out some service issues on our 1st sailing. 

Hopefully y'all will have the Captain Kate/Bug experience and share with us about it. 👱‍♀️  We sadly missed her on both sailings.

5 hours ago, Loracpin2 said:

Although we still book with Celebrity (Elite+ and have said this many times before) ever since RCI purchased the line in 1997, little by little, year after year Celebrity has been in a downward spiral!!!. 

I discovered cruising in early 2019 after fully retiring.  I can only imagine how those of you who've gradually watched the decline in service and offerings over the years.  Must be shocking.

My first cruise was with my bff and grandchild on RC.  We stayed in a huge family suite on Freedom of the Seas. I thought service was outstanding but, had nothing to compare it with.  I wanted a more adult experience so changed to Celebrity.  Sailing on Edge was my first experience and was love upon 1st cruise.  Service, food, hospitality and ambiance I related to staying at a 4 star resort.  There were 6 of us gal pals sharing an Edge Villa (now limited to 4).  I never wanted to leave the cabin and was thoroughly spoiled.  I've never had a butler serving me anything I desired. Luminae was a special experience and a dedicated deck for suite guests (right outside the master bedroom door) was unbelievable.  I spent many days inside the cabin in the private plunge pool on our balcony.  Hooked!  Cannot go back as I was forever spoiled by the Retreat Experience.

Flash forward to today.....I have 56 points until CC Elite Plus with 9 Celebrity cruises under my belt......Summit, Edge, Beyond, Apex, Equinox and Connie.  All had their unique features.  All had outstanding service, food and overall quality until around the start of 2023.  Beyond and Apex are the only 2 ships I've sailed since then. I've witnesses the rapid decline with double and at times triple the cost.  

So what's up with Celebrity?  They are NOT Seabourn (sailed on 1x - loved) nor Seven Seas (have not sailed on yet).  The prices are almost identical now (sometimes Seabourn even less) without all of the included perks of the luxury lines.  

All comments welcome.  I still enjoy Celebrity but thinking the line is my comfort point that few of us stray from.

On 4/10/2024 at 2:48 AM, the penguins said:

You can hardly use the term steerage on E class as only around 5% of passengers have the forward view you love. One reason we will never cruise E class.

For those who've not sailed on E class ships in the Retreat, only the Iconic Suites have forward facing decks.  The Oceanview fully fore cabins also do and as a bonus, include extra living space.  Even in the Retreat Lounge, there are only side facing windows as the Spa and fitness centers capitalize on those valuable fore view real estate. The Retreat decks do wrap around the entire fore section of the top deck and 1/2 and offer spectacular views but......when it's windy up there, forget keeping towels in place, hats will blow off and it's blazing HOT during the warmer summer months.  The M and Solstice ships are my favorites with their floor to ceiling windows in the sky lounges.  The good news with E class ships is that there is a roof garden (with cabanas (no charge) that provide awesome aft views, as do the Oceanview Cafes. 

I like all Celebrity ships but service has definitely declined since reopening after the pandemic. 

The loss of Lisa at the helm also brought changes that steer towards profit over service.  Hopefully, Summit will get their act back together as it was my favorite ship in the Celebrity lineup.  

For those who are onboard Summit, the hotel director's name is Zafer Colak (but he may be off contract right now) @ ext 6400 (any acting director).  He takes the hotel side of the ship very seriously and will promptly correct any defects on the service side .  

On 4/12/2024 at 11:54 PM, PinkSandGirl said:

Butler Update 

 

We do have a dedicated butler.  He seems nice.  Will report more as time goes on.

 

 

This is indeed GOOD news to learn the SS butlers are definitely back!

2 minutes ago, screwsmcernst said:

We are sailing in a MCSS for our upcoming Alaska cruise.  We decided to pay for a suite for Luminae because I have a food allergy.  It seems like it won't be long until sky suites are removed from the Retreat altogether.   Unless Luminae is absolutely top-notch, we will probably go back to our Concierge class cabins.  I think Celebrity is shooting themselves in the foot.  It seems like the people at Celebrity are taking a page from Boeing's "corporate suite" level decision making.   They are ruining what use to be a great product. 😆

I see the SS being removed as well unless the current CEO is replaced. I sure miss Lisa.  

On the bright side, you will enjoy the MCSS on Edge.  Big balcony and a nice light/music show when the magic carpet passes 2x at night. They are my favorite SS class when available.  Bathtub accessibility is also better than regular SS and that separate vanity in the bathroom was convenient👩

2 minutes ago, bjahil47 said:

Sorry you had a bad experience but our experience was the opposite.  We just got off Beyond last week.  Dedicated butler who brought great, hot breakfasts, brought water, diet cokes and ice tea numerous times.  Our room attendant gave us the Celebrity bag, card holders and filled ice bucket twice a day.  He also left beach towels.  Our butler also asked us numerous times if he could bring specialty coffees, drinks from bars or food.  My husband had a medical situation and had to pack his bags in case he was not given a “fit to sail” letter from doctor In Cartagena.  The butler kept calling and asking me if I need anything or if I heard from my husband.  He also stated if we had to get off ship he would be there to help us.  Note that this was first sailing on Beyond that dedicated butlers were back. In May, our RS butler was Rupert and he was very attentive - much like your experience now on Beyond. 

It sounds as though you had a great sailing!  Beyond is a beautiful ship. Last year in April, the entire crew was new (staff contracts ended) and Captain Kate was absent. Marie was our butler and she did the best she could but had 24 cabins to service and informed us SS were lowest priority. She did bring us delicious breakfast, specialty coffees and stocked our fridge but we had to ask to meet her for 2 days before service took place.  Apex was such a drastic change, I questioned ever sailing on Celebrity again in a SS. Josef was our attendant. The shipboard staff were wonderful as always but the Josef acting as a butler was a sore point as he obviously wasn't trained in any butler and SS amenities or services. Room service food was rotten and after the 2nd day, we wouldn't order any further.  Easy to pop up to the Retreat lounge and grab some bites.

Guess we'll see how the June cruise in a Signature Suite on Reflection will change my present attitude.

19 minutes ago, bjahil47 said:

We just got off beyond in a SS.  We had a dedicated butler and we also had the Retreat Room Service Menu which was delivered by our butler and it was  definitely NOT canned, pre prepared or frozen!  I don’t know where you are getting your information but it’s not correct!

Sailed early March in a SS to Eastern Caribbean on Apex.  Was informed we did not have a butler nor "Retreat Team." Normal Cabin attendant cleaned the room and that is all. Only 1x per day.  Room service was charged as were any sodas, water and beers ordered.  Retreat Concierge had to take off those charges as they were included.  I posted pics of what was delivered for breakfast and the meals were inedible.  Same items are available in the OV cafe. Never heard from Head Butler and no cards were placed in our cabin for anyone but room attendant.  We rarely saw him and he had a bad attitude if we asked for anything other than room cleaning.  

We didn't expect to have a butler per Celebrity's notification but not providing ice, water, beach towels nor Retreat tote bag was unacceptable.  Cabin attendant stated none of these amenities were included with a Sky Suite. Charges placed for Ocean View kitchen normal menu breakfast were also unacceptable.  The Apex Retreat concierge did inform us butlers were returning in June but rollout would be slow and may change as Celebrity is having a difficult time rehiring and/or training butler staff.  

We are low maintenance passengers.  We ask butlers, at most, for a decent breakfast daily with speciality coffees from Al Bacio.  On our cruise, that came with an added charge. 

Just my personal experience from an actual cruise in March.  Last year on Beyond we had a similar experience in a Sky Suite (but not the Royal Suite a couple of months later).  The plans to end butlers in a SS may have been in try out mode but we did receive the mini-fridge stocked and breakfast was not from the OV cafe. 

Just now, Liao said:

Sorry but I did not make any false accusations, I actually made no accusations at all.  I simply stated what YOU said in your post.  I then shared what I was told when I called Celebrity.  I'm not on a ship thus I cannot READ the newsletter, because I don't have one.  Frankly there are so so many different comments here about butlers, teams etc etc I have whiplash from reading them.  At this point, I take my info directly from Celebrity,  Enjoy your cruise.

This information came directly from Celebrity.  Was in an email from Captain's Club sent out this afternoon. I don't know what individuals aboard ships now are saying as the updated information may not have been relayed to the crews yet.  

I guess we will discover the real deal once aboard.  I just expect to receive what was advertised as included without having the downgraded levels of service and offerings which Celebrity has instituted in all classes of service.  Removing onboard credits, gratuities and downgrading the food and wine offerings is unexcuseable.  Is a well-known complaint within the entire Royal Caribbean Cruiseline families. 

My latest booking in a Royal Suite is $17,570 for an 8 day cruise to Aruba on Ascent.  Last year on Beyond (same cruise), it was only a bit over $9K with an onboard credit of $800 and gratuities included. That is double the cost.

1 minute ago, JaneStarr said:

Not the OP, but the information is in sub-links through the “More Reasons to stay in the Retreat” section of today’s Captain’s Club email.

First link is:https://click.na.celebritycruises.com/?qs=00a817ab5a394becb2746c283946e0d68202520daed02eceaf0e09bb1459bad2219b53398bf2bf281385a10052cc016603468b09bea7ef04a318f3f8397d0edc

 

Which takes you to  “TAKE YOUR SAILING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THE RETREAT” LEARN MORE link:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/staterooms/suite-class?icid=xplrsh_wrnssn_thr_hm_other_162

 

From there, you have to click on “all suites” and drill down into the pages for each suite category (and expand the listing along the way) to see what they list as included with each category. 

I’m not convinced any of this is up-to-date regarding the Team vs Dedicated Butler reinstatement because the stated effective date isn’t until June.

 

I also agree with you that the mini fridge stocking has not been an official perk for suites below RS in the past. It’s just something nice that proactive butlers have done for us these past several years — since we always have a premium beverage package.

 

The sad thing about all this is that Celebrity created this atmosphere of distrust by throwing so many cutbacks up to see what would stick.

 

Jane

Thank you Jane for posting the links. I should have included in my original post.  Celebrity updated all classes of suites this evening. I tried to book a Sky Suite on Ascent for next November.  The butler and any reference to "Team" was removed from my included amenities.

28 minutes ago, markeb said:

 

Can you post what you actually received? What you're saying directly contradicts what people are currently seeing onboard and what everyone up to the Celebrity President has publicly stated.

 

The minifridge has NEVER been included as a matter of policy. It's frequently been restocked by butlers as a form of customer service. But that is NOT a change.

 

Retreat Butler and team has been on the web page for months. Did it change to reflect the return of butlers and change back? 

 

Celebrity is far from perfect and doing a great job of shooting themselves in the foot, but I'm sorry, your post makes no sense. The info on the web page that you're showing is the "official" current state as they bring back butler servie.

 

There is no there here!

How many of you are travel agents, Zenith members and online Bullies?  I expect to get what I paid for. Always have.  For doubters, I suggest you read today's Captain's Club Newsletter and follow the links for the changes to the Retreat.  Do a faux booking then look at the details for the suite you booked.  As of this evening, Butler has been completeley removed from all Sky Suite details whereas it was there this afternoon when I originally posted this update.

16 minutes ago, Liao said:

She also stated in one sentence that only Royal Suite and above and then she said Iconic, PH and EV, leaving out Royal?  I called Celebrity after seeing this because I am in a RS early next year, they assured me dedicated butler in RS.  The CSR also said the butler re-rollout is still in effect for other suites as they have been advertising.

I would enjoy learning who you spoke with on Celebrity!  I called the Retreat Concierge after receiving the email today.  She verified the newsletter is correct and that the present butler team approach is in affect for all Sky Suite categories. Please READ your newsletter before making false accusations. I'm also in a Royal Suite on a future cruise.  The Luminae breakfast is removed as is a dedicated butler. Butlers will be approaching all but the top suites (Royal Excluded) in a Team approach.  They will be butlers but not dedicated.  You may see several different butlers on any one cruise.  They will service MANY other cabins as well as Royal Suite cabins.  

It truly waits to be seen how Celebrity will implement these new roll outs announced today.

18 minutes ago, JaneStarr said:

I really think this has to be a mistake where somebody linked to old info. It wouldn’t surprise me if this was another proofreading fail.

 

Can’t imagine Celebrity management would be crazy enough to reverse direction on this failed experiment so quickly.  Will be watching closely to see how this plays out.

Jane

Not a mistake and not old information.  All celebrity Retreat details were updated today.  The info posted came directly from today's Captain's Club Newsletter Update for the Retreat.  Is easily verified by going straight to the Celebrity website, calling the onshore Retreat concierge and/or reading your emailed newsletter and following the link provided.  Trying to book a suite now and as of this evening, the Butler is completely removed from SS and "Team" inserted in it's place.  

Since Celebrity retracts info, allows individuals to book expecting mini bar refills and a butler, then collects the inflated prices while retracting once one books, the situation falls under false enticement and is open to a lawsuit by all individuals affected by daily updates.  Celebrity's disclaimer on their ability to change terms and conditions after booking will never be upheld in any court here in the United States.  I would know as I am a retired attorney.