Cap_D

We used the valet service on Beyond in Fort Lauderdale and can't say enough good things about it.  It made the end of our trip a lot smoother than it would have otherwise been.  And, while we don't have mobility issues, it is a no-brainer.  Just need to be mindful of the flight time window (if one has a choice). 

I would also note the porters at Port Everglades are very good and worth big tips.  They are pros.

6 hours ago, RichYak said:

As far as I know, YC Director and Retreat Manger are very different jobs. My understanding is that the YC Director is like the Hotel Director for all of YC. Everyone in YC ultimately reports to him. I'm not sure exactly what the Retreat Manager's job is. The concierges and butlers work for him. The room stewards don't. No one in Luminae works for him. 

 

After only one sailing in YC on MSC, I could see how inefficiently run the Retreat was, possibly because of these varying reporting lines.

@RichYak terrific point and one you made a few weeks ago that I forgot to acknowledge.   The downside is the customer shoulders more responsibility in Retreat than they should have to in order to get a full Retreat experience.  

20 minutes ago, Bongomeme said:

Yup

That's what I had thought.  Too much $.  

3 hours ago, Bongomeme said:

I got it too…5100 euro for 1 week med trip in ot1 cabin.  Much as I love Explora, no thanks!

Per person?

5 hours ago, hcat said:

mostly a dip and dunk pool in the Retreat,  if one can find space.. and the swing chairs are usually " taken" for the day... by cocktail lovers!

On Edge class ships, so true about the swing chairs often being monopolized.  The pool could definitely be a bit larger, although after 4:30 our experience has been all of the pools begin to clear out.   

2 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

The  rule is you only have 30 days to transfer a reservation to a TA so technically the window has closed.  The Book Later certificate has a booking number so it's considered a reservation even before you assign a ship/sail date.

 

It's been reported here that some TA's successfully transfer outside of the 30 days.  In either case a reservation can't be transferred after final payment date which I believe August sailings would be past.

Thanks.  I was afraid that was the analysis.  In this case, these rules and a close in booking become a disincentive to travel on Celebrity.  Also, looking at Explora or land options. 

Question:  I have a book later certificate secured on April 2.   I may book a cruise for August and would like to get the benefit of the book later certificate (credit for the amount paid, and OBC) and go through a TA or assign it to a TA.  (I don't presently have one in mind, but also don't need extra help).  Is this possible?  I would normally skip the TA and book direct, but besides using the TA for other aspects of the trip, they "might" reward us with a bonus, etc. and that is more than Celebrity is offering.  If we take this trip, we may not have any other reason to use the certificate or finalize a trip within the 10 months.  

For a typical Celebrity arrival what time does the ship usually clear and, with checked bags, how early would you book an international flight to the U.S.?

Thanks in advance. 

I'm curious too.  Posting so I see future responses. 

23 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

If the Captain was not aware of a restricted zone with an offshore limitation, distance off the coast is far and away less important than water depth.  And, what conspiracy do you see that limited the investigation?

The investigation by the authorities seemed to be just interviews or attempts to interview people.  No data collection at all.  A billion dollar cruise ship that is as computerized as Edge would have data, as would any number of other possible sources, which would provide facts.  But, I'm not suggesting conspiracy. 

46 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

Anything from the ship would likely require a warrant.  Cell signals would require getting a passenger manifest, either from Celebrity (again, likely warrant) or CBP, and warrant to the cell providers to divulge the locations of subscribers.  Not sure how long AIS tracking sites keep pat track data for ships, but again, likely a warrant to get the information.

As reported on in the linked article above, the investigation seems conveniently limited, and the Captain's (in article) reported recollection of depth, but not distance is suspect.

Wouldn't the evidence be on the ship in the computer and, if this is such a thing, satellite, radar scans, cell phone signals, starlink signal data, etc. from third party sources?  

From the article:

"When the ship returned to port in Honolulu, O‘ahu-based officers boarded it and interviewed the captain and ship’s master. The captain said he was in full control of the vessel and was always in waters of not less than 30 meters depth. He was unclear as to the vessel’s distance from shore."

If true, then had Captain been the appropriate legal distance from the coast (3,000 feet) he should have been able to report as much to the authorities.  

1 hour ago, netjerko1 said:

Investigation is over.

Investigation of cruise ship spotted off Nāpali Coast ends inconclusive : Kauai Now (kauainownews.com)

Does anyone know if the investigators would have had the ability to compel production of credible ship navigation data that would have demonstrated whether or not it was within the restricted distance?

Not that a lot of this would be apparent  before sailing, but a lot of the Celebrity experience is dated and fixed at the time of the original deployment.  For some that is a source of comfort, but for others it's not going to appeal.  And, it's not Disney classic, but rather at this point just dated.  Like walking around old department stores.  For example, many of the background music soundtracks, theater shows and their music, visible technology (or lack of it, like the crude thermostat on older ships), decor, cabins, bathrooms, etc.  Younger passengers (of which I am one) want newer and fresh, or at least updated.  So, depending on the ship, one could be very disappointed or get the feel of hotel past its prime.  Venues like Cellar Masters (and the 70s soundtrack) seems like it an old 80/90s Marriott or Steak n Ale's pub (if it were still in business).  Not everything needs to be Virgin, which is its own to vibe.  But, the vibe on some Celebrity ships is without question unrenovated and fixed in time.  Edge class will likely have the same fate unless they have a different maintenance and refresh schedule.  Hyatt's,  Ritz Carltons, Fairmonts, Marriotts, and Westin renovate from time to time, update lobby music and not default to Sweet Caroline or similar tunes no matter how classic, etc.  Fully realize cruise ships are not often updated, and that's the nature of the business.

14 hours ago, abbydancer2003 said:

For us the last few Retreat Officers parties haven't been great either.  Few officers, sometimes the captain shows up, sometimes not.  (Kate never showed up on the Beyond). On the one we went to on our B2B, we talked to one person, the other stood at the entrance talking to each other.

Our child enjoyed meeting the officers, much like meeting the crew on an airplane or seeing different professions.  We did notice some clumping, too.  That said, at hotels and resorts when the manager introduces themselves to guests, it's a nice touch. Visible management is as much for the guests as it is the staff.  And, we know that on Celebrity the feedback loop often requires someone above departments to coordinate or surface a need.  

FWIW - When we were on the Beyond the standouts at the Officer reception in the lounge was the Hotel Director and Staff Captain Giuseppe, plus the Retreat manager.  That was fine considering the hotel/Retreat aspects of the sailing are where feedback can make a difference on the experience or give them an anecdote to share with corporate and vice versa.  (For example, the chat feature was mentioned to me as something they were testing on another ship).   Giuseppe was notable because he was featured prominently in Captain Kate's videos from the recent contract. 

11 minutes ago, C-Dragons said:

I agree.

Strongly disagree.  The Luminae staff aren't doing anyone a favor by being open or serving food, it's their job and it's a key feature and cost of Retreat.  For thousands of dollars a day the Retreat experience should be built around the passengers and not the other way around.  Few resorts would shut down hot breakfast at 9 am, especially on holidays like Easter or weekends (although on a ship there's no such distinction).  And, on port days there is no lunch served for Retreat guests at Luminae.  Further, early end time is an issue on specific port days when one can't depart the ship until 10 am or later.  Even McDonald's serves breakfast to 10:30 am.   The Luminae dining room can't handle everyone at opening, too.  FWIW, on port days the Luminae staff are assigned to the OVC for lunch, which isn't a break. 

1 hour ago, jelayne said:

Seems the oatmeal problem has totally turned you off to X.  Have you tried the smaller luxury lines where the crew to guest ratio is higher?    They may be staffed to deliver the personalized service you would like.  I don’t think new ships with about 160 suites are staffed to deliver the service unless you are in one of the 10 or so truly high end suites.

Perhaps.  For 1600 - 2000k  and up per day one of the staff standing around could have easily placed the order, passed me the phone to order room service, or slipped into the active kitchen for a scoop of the oatmeal or a packet of instant.  They'd have done that if I asked for an alcoholic drink, or as folks recount on here find a specific spirit if its not at the bar.  So, my point is Retreat staff should be hospitable and not indifferent.  As it is, the Retreat experience is a bit of a farce, with made up scarcity, and challenges that require solving for by the paying guest.  

There's no actual details in the document, except the Chat is new and would help with Butler utilization and convenience.  I would add they need to fix the app for updated Android users so that new message alerts are visible, messages that are left on VM also are sent to chat, and have charging/outlets be more widley available.  A tablet in the room like some hotels could help, too.  But, if Butlers and retreat staff are not empowered, and product design is not oriented for guests (like no self serve coffee with breakfast in the lounge, sundeck menu with precooked burger, premade wrap, and limp salad), Retreat amenities become less useful and smoke and mirrors. 

Could one chat and ask for dishes from room service to be delivered wherever the guest is (or at least in the Retreat enclave)?  If not, that's a good example of the staff still not being able to meet a customer request.

Until they solve for the issue I describe in the below post from earlier today, I call BS on the enhancements.  

Celebrity should also apologize to every person who purchased Retreat and sailed during the period where Butlers were fired, the paid minibar explicitly enforced, etc.  And, one sous vide vacuum packed pre prepared chicken dish from a Boulud commissary doesn't make for an enhancement to the Luminae menu.  Also, still waiting for the promised Luminae room service breakfast menu that has consistently been promoted before booking for years and yet is entirely ignored by shipboard staff at all levels.

7 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

That it should have also been obvious to the captain and crew that the ship was too close...

Also simple Google searches turn up the Hawaii law that is the source of the legal restrictions.  Easy to find.

To the post above, I realize port changes happen all the time, but here aren't the changes seemingly a direct result of Celebrity/ship's actions?  Or were the schedule changes due to weather or known prior to departure? 

Has Edge modified the shipboard schedule and food offerings to adjust for the new schedule and any port cancelation(s) (I can't keep track)?   Fully realize schedule and port cancelations can occur, but the cause here (unless weather is an issue) is entirely Celebrity.

23 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

They will not admit liability ...

 

We will likely not know what caused this mess up...

Eventually requests using U.S. federal and state freedom of information laws may net info from the relevant government agencies since it would seem the ship was well within U.S. waters.  This presumes the government gets involved, but does seem there is already Coast Guard records.  We can all keep track of Captain Matt the Comedian, and instead of asking trivial questions at the officer talks, Presidents cruise, etc. questions about Hawaii and the Edge bridge team should be asked.  Common sense and eyes would have suggested they were too close. 

1 hour ago, CruseKrazy said:

Another thing is Captain Matt’s personality - extremely confident, almost cocky. He said in the talk on board about his career how difficult it is becoming captain.  The years of study, the personality vetting, the understudy work etc..  But one thing he made very clear is if he deviates from the approved cruise plan significantly he would be relieved of his duties at the next port.  Hence I find it hard to believe he knowingly violated the cruise plan or safety regulations etc. by sailing too close to Na Pali.

 

The vibe I get from many of the Celebrity Captains in their public talks is they may not have much supervision and be asked to be too many things.  (I should note that they've all been gracious with my family and for a few days are interesting role models for our child)   I have no doubt it requires years of commitment like any other profession. Yet, it's not like they are tested and scrutinized like airplane captains. Rather, at least on Celebrity, they become entertainers, tour guides, and vloggers plus all of the standard stuff.  

1 hour ago, CruseKrazy said:

Ironic too because X’s new slogan is “Nothing comes close” (except the Edge lol!)

 

Yet, they prominently show french fries in the ads, and likely would delete comments on their social feeds about this situation.  The lack of public response speaks volumes.  

Having watched a number of the Captain Kate videos where she talks up the bridge crew, the coverage of the bridge, etc. it seems inexplicable that the route and all other movements of the ship were not consciously made, and couldn't be questioned by a crew member (although I'm skeptical that the bridge crew would actually challenge the captain given how they are placed on a pedestal)*.  The reports of the flip comment from the Captain in the theater make this more disturbing since at that point he shouldn't be performing on stage as part of the evening entertainment.  

*Many of the bridge crew on Beyond seem quite inexperienced as feature in Captain Kate's videos.  Wonder how much experience is present on Edge.