Cap_D

Happy anniversary.  Thanks for the thread. 

On the CocoCay day, what were the food offerings on the ship?  Was the OVC up and running?  Just curious, and realize you were not onboard. 

Also, are any of the pools on the island included or just beaches?

I couldn't imagine staying on the ship, but am curious.  Everyone, including management, speaks of CocoCay as a moneymaker.  I don't question the statements, but where is the revenue coming from with a typical Celebrity passenger and ship?  If the drink package works and there is edible included food and decent nonrevenue places to lounge then the revenue would only come from a small number of people that upgrade especially compared to a Royal ship where one has to pay to escape crowds or for decent food.  I realize you did the beach club.  

Fully supportive of stops at CocoCay over any other Caribbean port to better ensure a good beach/pool day, etc.  (No cabs and buses to get anywhere, pan handlers, strays, village of Effy and Diamonds International, etc ).  Just wish the dates worked better for our calendar.   

1 hour ago, cruisestitch said:

Yes that’s the way it works.

Agreed.  Airline tags will be placed on luggage by the airline, including any status tags, when it arrives at the airport. 

3 hours ago, Karen450 said:

So many great suggestions!  Thank you.  Since menus are fleetwide, can anyone recommend particularly delicious and healthy-ish entrees enjoyed in the MDR?  For discerning fish eaters, how is the salmon? 

It may very well vary and be specified on the menu, but the standard salmon filet tasted and appeared to be farm raised salmon typical of what's found at restaurants, flash frozen at U.S. supermarkets, and Costco/BJs/Sam's Clubs. We had sit down dinners at Rooftop, Eden and Luminae (Retreat).  Among those we ate branzino, cod, halibut, corvina (Eden), and likely others. I cannot comment on the MDRs, but the salmon available from room service was probably from the MDR stock, as was a filet I had in Luminae one night when ordering from the "classic" menu. 

Based on personal experience two weeks ago, it is possible to sail (in our case 10 days), enjoy a variety of food, and not gain a pound on the trip.  (I had a recent scary cardiac issue and recovery has pushed me to recently drop weight and watch my intake of salt and saturated fat).  We stuck to the same portions and types of foods we now eat at home.  The suggestions above are excellent.  Ability to eat healthy and tasty, with convenience, is also one of the top reasons we enjoyed our recent cruise despite some light popping and creaking in the cabin and some other hiccups (and Celebrity's yoyo on various cutbacks, advertising issues, etc)

A few tactics we had:

There are a lot of sauces, possible butter use, and salting, so we always asked for entrees without the three.  This made it into my profile so often waiters knew in advance. 

Most calorie savings were done by sticking to oatmeal and berries at breakfast.  We then avoided most of the breads, especially when one sees them over and over at different venues. 

We also avoided all the cold cuts and cheeses. 

With regard to the salads and vegetables, we often asked for a double order at restaurants (and would add salmon or chicken).  We would also avoid the soups. 

At least on Beyond, for a few dinners, the evening vegetables and salad bar at the buffet with a small taste of other items was sometimes preferable to us versus Luminae.  We also would grab apples for snacks. 

For recent medical reasons we had to cut out most alcohol and sugared drinks. 

We didn't hesitate to ask for some drinks, like a sparkling water, to be tossed in the blender with a dash of flavored syrup for taste. 

If we were splurging it was calculated like a bite of pizza from a slice that was hot and fresh, a portion of a good looking steak (no sauce), the ice cream flavor that I like and not because it was available, etc. 

Eden and Rooftop were accommodating.   Eden Cafe seemed healthier than the Spa cafe offerings that were premade.   

We avoided the Mast Grill, but were in line during a food gap and needed lunch.  We got out when the grill cook dripped sweat all over place. We said something to him (he was a manager) and got salmon from room service.  

I also did a lot of exercise each day, though I did take some elevators and many were visibly doing a lot more than me.  

51 minutes ago, mafig said:

??? please elaborate.

We are considering Constellation next year.

You may have a great time, and it may fit your needs.  I find it hard to justify some of the pricing when the ships are 10-20+ years old and untouched in meaningful ways, e.g., same decor, cabin, etc. as 20 years ago.  Hotels would usually update, discount, or rebadge to signify they aren't at the level any longer.  Celebrity seems to march forward, and 20 years from now we'll still be wondering if the next Beyond drydock will fix the noise issue, dated decor, and maybe the magic carpet (which I like, but could see being permanently abandoned (such is the way of cruise lines and hotels with revolving restaurants) if maintenance is needed).

Recent threads on here have had reports of older ships breaking down like Summit, rusting on various ships, and ancient cabins (fixture, cabins, carpet, HVAC systems, etc.). 

For some video on cabins that may fall into the needs work category:  

 And

None are the ship you're looking at, but they cause me to think most of the older ships are left with whatever it had on opening day and a friendly crew. 

One would need to do the analysis, but most do not seem substantially discounted compared to E Class for comparable itinerary and dates.  (I don't see discounts happening where the older ships are being sold at budget prices out of the gate.  Perhaps only if it's a shoulder period, they don't sell, a block is released, etc.). 

56 minutes ago, Saab4444 said:

I don‘t understand why people ar still booking this ships and even with noise state they had a great cruise. If you are not even able to sleep which is a basic requirement your expensive cruise is simply ruined. And I don‘t understand how Celebrity can still praise this ships as the greatest, they should be ashamed.

I generally agree.  Cruising is a bubble, and my take is many customers tolerate issues and react to things differently than they would on land.  

In our case, our room had a tolerable amount of noise and nothing as bad as what others have reportedly experienced most of the time.  It's relative, but we all slept through the noise except on the rough sea days that increased the noise and sloshing.  With that said, we still complained, questioned senior officers and had other issues. We had a good trip but that was despite the room noise and other issues.  We probably would not go back on Beyond.  Apex and Edge were more solid builds.  The older ships, and for now, the 10 - 20 year old cabins and reports of rotting older ships don't do anything for us.

As someone that has and does travel extensively (non cruises) there is a unique psychological effect that seems to take hold of customers being on an advanced booked, prepaid cruise experience where there is no choice or options once onboard.  Few want to admit or believe a bad time. Plus Celebrity creates its own alternative universe and may actively try to keep public info on the issue quiet.  

The effect of everything is that customers are muted, they want to have a good time (and may have mitigating factors at play, like an unlimited drink package, love of a certain food item, fast friends with crew, etc) and that the cruise lines take advantage. 

On top of that, for some reason many cruise passengers tolerate the rigid excuses given  that impinge on what one usually expects for reasonable hospitality (like a Retreat lounge that won't serve snacks except at fixed times, and they are straight from the OVC, butlergate, food cutbacks, perks listed that are illusory or already included, concierge lunch that happens before assigned check in times, etc) and the accepted cruise industry practice of building hotel cabins and spaces with no intent or plan to keep them fresh or renovated.  It's even accepted that the senior officers get to gawk at the passengers in the plaza and become the entertainment (like the q and a or pool volleyball), but not acknowledge actual issues.  

43 minutes ago, Mariastreby said:

Last night’s show WAS phenomenal! We’re onboard too, in Sky Suite 9173 (blessedly quiet), but haven’t heard anything about a Captain Kate Retreat appearance. 
 

Maybe tonight at the Silent Disco there will be numerous officers, I heard. Maybe you can bring this continuing noise issue up with someone there…?? 🤷‍♀️

I've brought it up.  They claim the shipyard has a team investigating.  When asked what the status is they said it was ongoing, and its a big ship.   The company doesn't care.  

Glad it was a good experience.  We did the catamaran excursion too, three weeks ago.  It was well done, and we found the crew careful with our 6 year old.  Off topic of the excursion, we had a similar rocky start and some rain for the start of the cruise until the first port day, and while the shipboard noise didn't dissipate the rest of the trip was mostly smooth sailing.  

1 hour ago, PinkSandGirl said:

Hi!  Uber Premier SUV.  I used to use a small business transportation company but had a problem in '22 and ended up getting Uber so now we just use Uber.  I like using local, small businesses but after the last one, Uber now.

 

At home we use an independent small business.

 

🍹

Fwiw-Over three trips to FLL, we have consistently had to cancel Lyfts and go with Uber when ordering a premium SUV.  For some reasons the Lyfts were never Suburbans or equivalent without curved cargo areas.  

12 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

We didn't go to the Carole King tribute show

This dates the cruise as being for an older demographic.  

I hope this works out.  I know there is a lot of love for this ship and the design.  But, it's 23 years old based on an older design.  Does Celebrity charge less per day/room for an equivalent sized room as it would for the other classes or ships?

2 hours ago, spammie said:

Hi. We are on this cruise also. We were on here last November in the Retreat. This time in a regular infinite veranda. My favorite drink at the World Class Bar, Violet Hour used to be covered with the Premium drink package. Now there's an up charge. 🙄 Lots of alcohol got moved from the Classic to Premium so we upgraded our package prior to the cruise for a great price of $6.99 per day.  
 

Our cabin on deck 7 is a little bit noisy but nothing crazy like our Sky Suite was. 

Would enjoy hearing more about specific differences and observations in the experience. 

Hope you and @PinkSandGirl have great cruises and vacations.  

Two thumbs up for the luggage valet service for certain flights from FLL (or MIA).  We took advantage of the service when disembarking the Beyond.  It was awesome, and would not hesitate to use it again.  For those that value the convenience of a cruise, this adds to that rating.  

The short version for anyone not familiar with it:  You enroll, agree to the service fee and any baggage fee from the airline, return the form to your room attendant or concierge, and then if elgible, affix the provided tags to your luggage when setting out your luggage the evening before disembarking.  You then see your luggage again at your final airport destination.  The service will affix actual airline luggage check tags for you, including any priority labels. 

It was about 30 USD per person, charged to the account (not sure if OBC could be used).  Well worth the cost, and made the return experience a breeze.  Port Everglades and FLL is already easy. 

Only drawback is not supporting a porter through a tip, as they have always been terrific during our prior cruises.  

Nothing comes close to the popping and creaking on the Beyond, regardless of Captain Kate or whomever is the captain the other half of the year.

We are fans of Captain Kate, but after being on Beyond two weeks ago we found her to be more remote than other captains when it came to being physically around.  If announced, she would be mobbed.  Her ability to speak clearly and communicate is a huge plus while on the ship.  (On the other ships, if the captains can't speak clearly and provide relevant information they should find somebody who can.  It's almost never a problem on major arlines, and shouldn't be too much to expect a premium cruise.  And Captain providing a garbled message and seeming like he would prefer to be doing anything else is a turn off.)  It was nice to see her on the gangway saying goodbye but it would have been better if she had said hello when we arrived, and throughout the stay.  Perhaps even better if she acknowledge the noise issues.  Her Instagram post are fantastic, educational, and self-aware.  

The advertising campaign got off to an odd start when the email from the Captains Club had a woman eating french fries!  Also, for what it's worth, there were two new ads that ran during WWE Monday Night Raw on USA Network yesterday.  We have noticed the ads in past weeks too. We don't know if that's because we are the viewers and the ads are targeted, or if everybody's seeing them.  

11 hours ago, Salt Lifer said:

 

I thought the show tonight was a lot of fun and thought Tom McCormick put on a good show.  I would attend this show again.

 

My only complaint has nothing to do with Tom... it is that this show was held in The Club.  I hate this venue.  There is never enough seating, and the seating that is there is not comfortable and you can only see the stage from a fraction of the seats.  For example, here was the view from my seat tonight:

 

With every new E-Class ships I keep hoping that Celebrity will do away with this venue, or at least fix it, but they seem to be stubborn. I noticed on this ship that they have monitors all over which I thought might solve the problem, but the show started and nothing was on the monitors except the show logo.  Except.... 45 minutes into the show someone decided to flip a switch and suddenly the monitors showed the show! 

 

Actually seeing the performer makes it better, but I still hate that venue.

Agree with issues about the venue.  It has the right idea, but the configuration and seating doesn't work well.  The entrance way also becomes a bottleneck.  The inconsistent use of the monitors is frustrating considering the tech and automation that is available.  

To the poster above re hotels:  Hyatt Centric has been consistently clean and well maintained over three stays between 2022 and two weeks ago.  We would not hesitate to stay there again.  Friendly restaurant waitstaff too. 

Observation:  The apple pie always appears better in pics from anywhere but Luminae.  For some reason, the Luminae kitchen does not know how to heat up and brown a slice of the otherwise very basic apple pie.  

Enjoy your cruise.  

10 minutes ago, Mariastreby said:

I assume you’re referring to the Beyond? Hard to believe it was even in an interior hallway! And deleting comments…? That reeks of something pretty bad, trying to cover this issue up. 
 

We are embarking on the Beyond this Friday, in a SS. Ninth deck, 9173. Closer to the forward elevators. I used to think this noise thing was always on IV cabins, but obviously not. I can only cross my fingers, and pack earplugs. 

Yes.  We were on Beyond.  The SS is a terrific room design, but we would have preferred it to be quieter.  The Edge design itself is a plus in my book (aside from the lack of non Retreat full balcony cabins).  

We had popping and creaking in  SS 10143 (which is in a cluster of SS) each day and noticeable in the hallway up and down the corridor, and forward elevator lobby. The hallway music does not cover it up.  It was like we were on a smaller sail boat or freighter.   It was worse in rough seas, but present at all times.  It seems like seams are not right, maybe made worse by certain air dynamics and window /door frames (not exclusively the source of noise).

The construction of the ship and response (reports on this board of shims) is a disaster.  Someone messed up, then QC and sea trials messed up, and so on.  It's like Boeing made the ship.  Considering it's been two years, don't expect this to be fixed or acknowledged.  As mentioned previously, someone told me their social media comments on the noise were deleted on Celebrity controled channels.  

10 hours ago, PinkSandGirl said:

Retreat Pre-Cruise Personalization & Shoreside Concierge 

 

At least 2 months ago I started to receive e-mails to personalize the cabin.  I also received an e-mail from Shoreside Concierge about a week ago.   My dad also received the e-mails for their cabin.  

 

I didn't receive this type of communication the last time I sailed on the Beyond.  Same cabin type this time as last time, Sky Suite. 

 

Here is the e-mail (not the shoreside one - it seems to have disappeared from my inbox), the questions asked and then what showed after I submitted the form. 

 

🍹

 

 

 

 

 

None of our preferences were implemented when we boarded Beyond two weeks ago.  It was as waste of our time to complete the form, and moreso the options presented and other Retreat amenities are not clearly spelled out when on board.  To those booking Retreat, be prepared to repeat your requests.  

On 4/3/2024 at 9:09 PM, PinkSandGirl said:

10-night Ultimate Caribbean Itinerary 

 

April 12th - Day 1: Fort Lauderdale 

April 13th - Day 2: At Sea

April 14th - Day 3: At Sea

April 15th - Day 4: St. Maarten

April 16th - Day 5: St. Lucia

April 17th - Day 6: Barbados

April 18th - Day 7: Antigua

April 19th - Day 8: St. Kitts

April 20th - Day 9: At Sea

April 21st - Day 10: At Sea

April 22nd - Day 11: Fort Lauderdale 

 

🍹

 

I wanted to post the map with the route but the sailing has been pulled from the website for some time now and I can't find the map that shows the route. 

 

On our sailing last week the map that had been on the website when booking was actually wrong.  We hadn't noticed until we referenced it during our trip.  I won't post it here to avoid confusion.  Have a great cruise.  It may be Captain Kate's final cruise on her current contract based on her Instagram vlogs.  

1 hour ago, Straughn said:

I have sailed on E class ships in a suite, and in an SV. First comment is on the theatre seating. I go to the earlier show, followed by dinner in Luminae or one of the four dining rooms. As a suite or SV passenger, I never had a problem, if showing up 15-20 minutes before curtain, in  getting a seat in the upper level of the theatre. On the rare occasions where the headliner was super popular, your mileage on timing may vary.

 

As for dining in Luminae, I have had great meals, and, occasionally, some which made me wonder if I was in Ruby Tuesday. Average time is 60-90 minutes. This depends on what you order, how many courses you order, and what time you dine. And, I completely agree with @Georgia_Peaches that Luminae layout, on the S class ships, is far superior to the E class ships.

How was the food quality in the MDR on Edge class?  We ate in OVC and Luminae, but have always been curious if we could manage 5 -10 days with no Luminae or Retreat Deck and some combination of everything else considering the prices vs value. 

Capacity is smaller.  The design of the ship has Eden, Plaza, The Club and other venues used for programing including during the production shows. 

The practical issue is the production show and theater labeling often win out (and by odds) when consideration is given by a guest of what entertainment to attend, per comments made by cruise staff on Edge class ships. 

My thinking is this especially the case if one factors in the availability of uniform cushioned seating, etc.  (If one has previously been to The Club, then one would know the seating and site lines are not optimal for many relative to the Theater.  Though there are some great seating options in The Club and the shows are often presented as 270 degrees).  

With regard to reserved seating area, we knew about it, but the butler we had never promoted it.  It's the balcony, which has better pitch to the stage then the first floor.  Last week 30 minutes was any reserved seat, and then it filled in until showtime.  We felt there was enough reserved seating.  For Arte we sat center 3rd row balcony for the 930 show (30 minutes early) and our neighbors arrived at about 15 minutes early.  For the first production show at 7:30 we arrived 10 minutes early, and sat on the right side.  It was fine.  The key is to go to Deck 5 and snake into the balcony right side entrance.  Don't get caught on Deck 4 with the line.  But do arrive as early as you can.  There was a waiter taking drink orders. 

Was on Beyond last week, all of the above was true to our experience.  And, we did like it.  But, a few observations:

A+ on meeting dietary needs due to recent near fatal heart issues at 48.  That's the waiter being attentive and generally some safer menu items being available including several on menu fish dishes (non tilapia) and grilled salmon.  Very appreciative.  So, we would gladly do it all again.  It was easy.  No foraging for a full meal that I could eat or rest of family would want. 

Push to customize or get brown sauce left off.  I'd be surprised though if filets others in our family had would have been any better in Fine Cut.  My feeling is it's not worth the noise of the plaza, lack of char capability, and likely subpar sides.  Luminae does have odd cuts of beef, as is well documented on this board. 

Bread service around ship and OVC looks like same offerings we see in Luminae.  The lavash and breadsticks are ubiquitous.  Several mains seem the same, too.  

Eden was, as it probably should be, superior (we ate there 3x with OBC).  We also had dinner at rooftop (for change of venue), and OVC 1x for veggies, salads and speed.  All were good, and not necessarily better than Luminae.  Dietary needs were known before I sat down, and food was about the same.  (Sorry to spoil it, but a lot of the items are available all over the ship at times).  We have never eaten in an MDR, so can't compare how less banquety the food is, and there is some of that in Luminae (e.g., ask for a side a veggies, and see what you get).  

We think Luminae on Apex in Spring 2023 was a bit superior in the service, hot food and quality department (pastas were hotter, child filet was available without it seeming like a challenge, for example).  (Admittedly this an odd comparison and bfast:  Granola now is now longer nature valley in taste, but rather Kellogg).

Lots of commotion in the dining room because of the placement of the wine fridges (often show fingerprints).  We had to work to not have a view of it multiple seatings.  There are also a lot of 6 tops for some reason. 

There is a window 4 top with a partition on left side of dining room.  It's very private, yet with a booth  for 2 of 4 seats. 

In our view, lunch is usually better executed than dinner. 

The support staff are great, but the maitre'd team is not all that warm and fuzzy with exception of Orhan (sp).  Head waiter is not friendly and unclear if she adds anything as compared to prior cruises (e.g. , Apex Spring 2023).

Hours for breakfast are limited to 9 am even on late port arrival days. 

Reality is it does take a while for food, but not sure why sometimes given the output.  

Host stand has no seating for anyone waiting, and awkward sculpture that is in the way.  Counter can cause issues for younger guests and their heads, and older guests and their midsections of trying to get out of way of guests being seated.  Poor design. 

More bathrooms than Apex and Edge, which only has one. 

Value - maybe, but also had good experiences at other venues and at some point question double paying for about the same thing or just time shifting the menu item. (Again, many items are same and will be at other venues, just different times).

Having left Beyond on Monday (sorry to confirm some of your experiences):

Cruise Director is Shawna Hachey (Canadian).   

Butler* Debacle - The Butler situation would be beyond frustrating, and is absurd given the invite to wait in your room for the appearance and no appearance.  You should demand a meeting with Nina the Hotel Director (but don't expect empathy, she seemed remote from customer service despite being around the ship, not the Retreat) and explain how it's the opposite of hospitality at this point.  No one has 90 minutes to wait to make requests that shouldn't need to be made to a specific person, etc. if they can't deliver.  The concierge that set up the 90 minute wait should be waiting tables on the Retreat Deck, which seems to be purgatory. 

Caveat:  That said, we found most of the Retreat Concierges responsive and friendly, but only after an issue that pushed them to be.  Yet, they still couldn't find me a bowl of oatmeal at 9:33 am and I had to obtain and return from OVC with it to combine with lounge offerings swiftly removed at 10 am to the disappointment of our child who arrived at 10:01ish.   

Create a Record - Fill out the QR code and send send same message to executive office via email.  The lunacy should be documented.  The system is broken.  (But, query what is the system intended to do except run passengers in circles for items that should be available, e.g., a comfortable chair, snacks, on time room service, etc. ? Nothing that would be an issue at a land hotel). 

Retreat Sundeck on Beyond - Our experience was similar.  We waited 20 minutes for a so called waiter to take our order after asking to give one at the bar and the bartenders acting as if it is not their job. (They did roam and take drink orders, although the pool crowd can monopolize).  And, while known, the sundeck menu and food is pretty dreadful.  A pre cooked burger, premade wilted salad, premade wrap, mushy shrimp, and not much more.  The waiters are also the c-team.  Not sure where the waiters for food come from, but would not want them at another venue and they have no clue what the menu is or anything despite serving on the Retreat Sundeck each day. 

Will say first sea day with good weather, March 24 the concierges helped with finding seats and directing traffic, servers, which helped. After that no one seemed in charge or taking leadership on the sundeck.  A pair of housekeeping supervisor and trainee were ubiquitous though to the point of distracting.  Pool attendants were helpful in proactive finding a puzzle piece our child had misplaced.  So, good people, but not great management and too many strict lanes so staff are limited in what they can do. 

*Last week we did have service from a responsive Butler who was around, but it was not proactive or intuitive. Also, not sure why very specific snacks require a butler vs just being able to place a standing order, but they do.  That's on Celebrity.  The snacks (crackers and cheese) were better quality than on Apex a year earlier.