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.

Were those wines ordered in a Retreat venue and listed on the menu? I expect not.

Based on the e mail she sent me, anyone ordering off a menu in the Retreat venues (Lounge, Luminae, Deck) will not be charged if they have PBP.

Is Chic night fixed for a 7 day cruise? What two days? I leave Sunday on Ascent.

Yes, of course, I meant folks who directly booked their voyage in Retreat.

I leave on Ascent Jan 14 and will report back

Here you go: From: Laura Hodges Bethge <lhodgesbethge@celebrity.com> Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2023 5:16 PM To: Richard Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Retreat Hi Richard, Everything on the menus in those three venues are included in the premium package. There have been and continues to be items for an extra charge and those are available upon request. We are currently redesigning all our wine menus to have more variety, diversity, inclusions, and even more high-end wines by the glass via coravin (those will have an upcharge). We plan to have these in place by the Spring and I know everyone will be pleased. Takes time for us to procure and re-adjust. The team is well into it and I know all our guests will be happy with the options and choices. Have a great time onboard. Best, Laura Laura Hodges Bethge President, Celebrity Cruises Office: 305.982.2520 Mobile: 786.553.8961 lhodgesbethge@celebrity.com

I believe that all Retreat guests get the Premium package as part of the booking

Read Post 300 - you should not be charged for menu items in Retreat per Laura.

Read my Post 300. You should not be charged for anything on a Retreat menu. Full stop.

According to Laura, anything on the Luminae menu is complimentary. So ignore the Premium limit.