richczarnecki

I had Decoy in Luminae on Ascent last week. But I prefer the Grenache Blend.

915

Supposed to leave 915. That could be tight.

Book it. Sea Excursions. We left the dock about an hour late and were back to ship around 4. Such a beautiful beach! Drinks and good not overpriced like some other excursions

It's a whole separate checkin setup including a lounge, snacks, drinks. We were there at 1030 and the lounge had almost all the seats taken so arrive early!

Onboard Ascent now. Retreat lounge menu has changed and now includes Decoy.

We leave on ascend tomorrow and decoy is $15 on the room service menu

Thanks! Like I said, research may lead folks to move from an upgraded mass market line to a true luxury line. If you calculated the value of all those add-ons, it further justifies the $/day calculation.

Huh? We are talking about comparing a luxury level (Retreat) mass market cruise vs a full luxury line. Price, perks, etc. Sounds like some research could be very useful to me

Thanks. Your earlier comment sounded like you had done some research and concluded that another luxury line was similar in price but elevated in luxury. Good luck researching!

Just curious what luxury line you might be referring to . . . would like to know for future reference.

OK, so here is my latest conversation with Laura. Seems like something is changing for the better, with Sunday's Ascent departure being the first to add more wine ("variety") choices under PBP (the date I sail). But she still does not confirm that a Retreat menu item over the PBP limit will not be charged (as others have experienced). So hopefully more (better?) choices within PBP in Retreat, but still an upcharge for Retreat menu items over $17. BUT then she says this, which would seem to state that nothing on Pool Deck and Lounge menus is either (a) over $17 or (b) will not be upcharged. Confused? I shall see and report back . . . From: Laura Hodges Bethge <lhodgesbethge@celebrity.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 11:41 AM To: Richard Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Retreat Thank you for your note. I can assure you that on Ascent this weekend, in all three locations for the Retreat, there will more variety than in the past on the wine menu and those wines will be included in the premium package. As I mentioned, as we have always had, in all locations around the ship, wines for an additional charge over and above the package are available if a guest would like them. Laura Hodges Bethge President, Celebrity Cruises lhodgesbethge@celebrity.com From: Richard Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 11:59 AM To: Laura Hodges Bethge <lhodgesbethge@celebrity.com> Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Retreat Thank you, Laura. That's great to know! But I still am unclear. If I order wine off a Retreat menu with a premium package, am I still understanding correctly that I will not be charged even if the menu price is above $17? I believe you stated that here but other passengers are saying this is not accurate and that they are being charged. Thanks again! Rich From: Laura Hodges Bethge <lhodgesbethge@celebrity.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 12:07 PM To: Richard Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Retreat Hi Richard— All of the wines on the Retreat Pool Deck and in the Retreat Lounge are within the Premium Package, and those same wines are available in Luminae (given Luminae is a restaurant that list is more extensive). And, starting this weekend on Ascent we are adding more variety to that list of wines included in the premium packages– so that our Retreat guests have plenty to choose from. (It will be fleetwide by the end of the month). There are additional wines available for an upcharge – that has not changed. Did we make some changes to inclusions in the classic and premium package, we did, and that will always continue to evolve and change based on guest preferences and inventory availability. As I also mentioned, we are in the midst of reviewing, updating and adding breadth and depth to our wine menu. As you can imagine, these things do not happen instantaneously. We are excited to bring these new offerings to our guests in the next few months. My very best, Laura Laura Hodges Bethge President, Celebrity Cruises lhodgesbethge@celebrity.com

I have continued my e mail with Laura Bethge and will see what she says. Clearly, what she has documented to me is not being followed.

What do you base that on?

Are Retreat passengers able to access Blu for breakfast instead of Luminae? Any opinions on if one is better than the other for breakfast? Might be nice to have breakfast outside one day.