LIVE from EDGE - 12/9/18 - 7 night Western Caribbean Maiden Voyage

[WonderMan3]

The ship finally sailed around 5:30pm. We were already back in the cabin and Mike was unpacking. Once he finished, I worked on hair drying our clothes from the wet baggage. We wound up missing our 6:30pm dinner reservation and showed up at 7:00pm. There was a line out the door again like at lunch. It took 5-10 minutes to get to Sokie the hostess but once we did she put us down to be seated in the next series of tables so it was only a few more minutes wait after that. Luminae was crazy busy and loud. It felt like we were in the main dining room not the normal intimate experience of Luminae on the S-class ships. Our sever was Ivan who was very friendly. We had a horrible seat though right next to the kitchen entrance where servers were passing by all the time. We ordered the Tomato Soup followed by appetizers and then the Filet Mignon. Right after we ordered though I started feeling strange. I began to feel nauseous, lightheaded and warm. I realized that I had taken my daily Bonine pill for seasickness a little too close to sailaway. I wondered if it hadn’t had enough time to kick in. But I also worried that it might be Noro coming on as this is how it’s felt when I had it before. I ordered a ginger ale for my drink in hopes that it would help my queasiness. It didn’t really. When the chef’s special treat came I couldn’t eat it. When the soup came the smell of it was making me more nauseous and I had to leave. I took my ginger ale and headed back to the cabin while Mike stayed to finish dinner although he cancelled the appetizer and skipped dessert. He told me later that both the soup and filet were excellent. 

 

At the cabin I rain into the room attendant who was just about to go into for turndown. I told him he didn’t need to so he just dropped off a couple gift items and the daily. I told him I was feeling seasick. He told me to drink my ginger ale without the ice otherwise it dilutes the qualities that help the seasickness. I thanked him for that tip, popped another Bonine and went to sit out on the balcony for some fresh air. Within the hour I was totally better. Mike came back to the cabin and asked if I wanted to eat. I said yes so we headed up to Oceanview and I grabbed a few things like potatoes, rice and grilled chicken.

 

The photos I have from Luminae are only the main menu, chef’s treat which was a manchego cheese ball and the tomato soup since I left early. From the stateroom you’ll see the chocolates, the room service card for breakfast and two thermoses they gifted us.

[WonderMan3]

2 hours ago, jcpc said:

Thanks for your posts, Adam.  Really psyched to see "our" suite!  There are 3 ladies sharing that suite so storage may be a bit "tight" but we'll manage for sure.  We usually travel Summit RS and storage is never a problem there!  But we'll be okay. 

I'm wondering when there's 3 people if they just make up the "top of the couch" rather than pulling out the trundle.

Can you estimate how deep of a step down/and back up it is into the shower/tub (asks the person with bad knees!)

Also, what was your muster station?  I'm reading it's in the hallway in front of the shops (and I'm sure there's no seating there!)

Also, who are the concierges in the Retreat (I read there were 2) and also the suite managers (I believe i heard Bogdan and also Priscilla).  And would you happen to know the name of the Luminae Maitre'd?  Sorry for all the questions.  Thanks for all the info you've already provided.

 

 

I probably wasn’t clear about the tub/shower. It’s at the same level as the bathroom floor, you just have to step over the side and into it which is probably 10-12 inches.

 

Muster I talked about above with photos.

 

The concierges in the Retreat are Joao and Denisa. I have seen them around but not interacted with them. Denisa seems to be the lead and is very active running around everywhere solving problems. Don’t know about Suite Managers. Luminae maitre’d is Anita and hostess is Sokie. There are also a number of supporting staff helping them. The report about Katja from Reflection being hostess appears to be untrue as I have not seen her.

[jcpc]

Thanks, Adam.  Tub/shower will work fine.  It’s too bad you didn’t feel well the first night.  Hope it was a “one and done”!   I am enjoying reading your posts.  Looking forward to your thoughts on casino and entertainment (although I usually don’t sit thru the shows each night!)

[billydog]

In my opinion you should not post photos of other  people (as at the muster drill) without their permission.  I would be very angry with you if I was in one of you photos.

[champagne123]

Wonderful review so far.  Enjoying every second of it!!!!   Glad you are feeling better.

[Gordoncruickshank]

6 hours ago, WonderMan3 said:

 

I probably wasn’t clear about the tub/shower. It’s at the same level as the bathroom floor, you just have to step over the side and into it which is probably 10-12 inches.

 

Muster I talked about above with photos.

 

The concierges in the Retreat are Joao and Denisa. I have seen them around but not interacted with them. Denisa seems to be the lead and is very active running around everywhere solving problems. Don’t know about Suite Managers. Luminae maitre’d is Anita and hostess is Sokie. There are also a number of supporting staff helping them. The report about Katja from Reflection being hostess appears to be untrue as I have not seen her.

Was Anita on the Eclipse. I am sure we had her in both Blu and Luminae (not at the same time of course)

[chamima]

7 hours ago, WonderMan3 said:

 

I probably wasn’t clear about the tub/shower. It’s at the same level as the bathroom floor, you just have to step over the side and into it which is probably 10-12 inches.

 

Muster I talked about above with photos.

 

The concierges in the Retreat are Joao and Denisa. I have seen them around but not interacted with them. Denisa seems to be the lead and is very active running around everywhere solving problems. Don’t know about Suite Managers. Luminae maitre’d is Anita and hostess is Sokie. There are also a number of supporting staff helping them. The report about Katja from Reflection being hostess appears to be untrue as I have not seen her.

 

Please tell Anita hello from Allan and Karen!

We first met her years ago when she was an assistant waiter in Blu. (I think it was on the Solstice in Australia)

It was obvious from the start that she was over qualified to be an assistant and I knew she was on a training track to lead .

Since then we've seen her rise (well deserved) and expect to see her as Food and Beverage manager.

She's a really, really lovely young lady!

 

And Gordon - yes, she was on the Eclipse for a time.

 

Edited December 11, 2018 by chamima

[puppycanducruise]

Great photos and comments.

Thanks for doing this.

[WonderMan3]

After dinner we headed down to the casino to do some slot play. We are both Blue Chip Club sapphire level members and earn a free play incentive for each cruise we take. We went to the cashier desk to have the free play loaded on our cards. They said their systems were totally down for the free play though and that we should check back with them in 30 minutes. So we took the opportunity to do a little wander around the ship. Christmas decorations are contemporary but tasteful and really only confined to the atrium so far from what I’ve seen. The Atrium itself is a very lovely space and very popular. While seating at the Martini Bar itself is limited there is a lot of seating in the vicinity.

 

We went back to the casino around 45 minutes later but their systems still weren’t up so we just started to play with our own money. Their points tracking system was working. At first, I wasn’t having a lot of luck. Mike had a few nice bonuses and wound up breaking even. He decided to head to bed after about 45 minutes of play. I stayed a bit longer and glad I did. I wound up on a machine that started going crazy with payouts as did the other machines in my row. Within less than ten minutes I made up all my losses for the night and the some. I wound up $800 ahead for the night. The moment my machine started to cool down I decided to go to bed. You definitely want to take your money and run with these ship casinos!

[WonderMan3]

I’m finally on updates from Monday! Yay! Here is the Daily and port info.

[lisiamc]

Looking at the Daily Planner, it appears that there is no trivia at all.  I really enjoy trivia, and I’m not sure how I’d feel about a cruise with no trivia ever!

[Georgia_Peaches]

6 hours ago, billydog said:

In my opinion you should not post photos of other  people (as at the muster drill) without their permission.  I would be very angry with you if I was in one of you photos.

Why would that make you angry?  I do not expect any level of anonymity while in a public place, especially on a cruise ship where people are snapping pictures all the time. Now, were I naked or in some other compromising position...well then maybe.  

[Georgia_Peaches]

Thank you for your continued review and pictures.  I was especially intrigued by a few things in the cabin.  You mentioned that the mini fridge is empty and will be filled upon request with choice items.  Are these complimentary?  I don't recall mini fridge items complimentary, even with the beverage plan unless in a RS or higher.  

And the shower situation...no curtain or door to keep in the heat?  How has that been?

Also just wondering if you were able to get pricing for a thermal suite day pass or a week pass.

Thank you so much!...and may your luck continue in the casino!

Edited December 11, 2018 by Georgia_Peaches

[Bo1953]

8 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Why would that make you angry?  I do not expect any level of anonymity while in a public place, especially on a cruise ship where people are snapping pictures all the time. Now, were I naked or in some other compromising position...well then maybe.  

 

Well, maybe not while streaking through The Grand Plaza or RTG.... LOL

 

The Retreat is a whole different issue though...

 

bon voyage

[WonderMan3]

16 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Thank you for your continued review and pictures.  I was especially intrigued by a few things in the cabin.  You mentioned that the mini fridge is empty and will be filled upon request with choice items.  Are these complimentary?  I don't recall mini fridge items complimentary, even with the beverage plan unless in a RS or higher.  

And the shower situation...no curtain or door to keep in the heat?  How has that been?

Also just wondering if you were able to get pricing for a thermal suite day pass or a week pass.

Thank you so much!...and may your luck continue in the casino!

 

I have seen them being more flexible with the mini-fridge since last year even in Sky Suites. On our past two Sky Suite cruises prior to this one the butler has offered to put drinks in our fridge and refresh them throughout the cruise. They all first verified that we had a drink package though.

 

Steam is an annoyance in the bathroom. The mirror gets totally steamed up quickly and there is not a fan (or not a strong one at least) to get rid of it. I have to open the bathroom door to get it to clear.

 

Haven’t been back at the spa to see pricing but will be there on Thursday. I think you should be able to see pricing in your travel planner if you have a booking for Edge though.

[WonderMan3]

11 hours ago, jcpc said:

Thanks for your posts, Adam.  Really psyched to see "our" suite!  There are 3 ladies sharing that suite so storage may be a bit "tight" but we'll manage for sure.  We usually travel Summit RS and storage is never a problem there!  But we'll be okay. 

I'm wondering when there's 3 people if they just make up the "top of the couch" rather than pulling out the trundle.

Can you estimate how deep of a step down/and back up it is into the shower/tub (asks the person with bad knees!)

Also, what was your muster station?  I'm reading it's in the hallway in front of the shops (and I'm sure there's no seating there!)

Also, who are the concierges in the Retreat (I read there were 2) and also the suite managers (I believe i heard Bogdan and also Priscilla).  And would you happen to know the name of the Luminae Maitre'd?  Sorry for all the questions.  Thanks for all the info you've already provided.

 

 

Update. Yes, Bogdan is here as Suites Manager. He has been around frequently this morning at the Retreat.

[RaynJeffnOhio]

Wow, awesome information!  Thanks for sharing.  We get to board the 16th.  Just a couple quick questions I hope you or others can answer.  Does the gym have a locker/changing room with a steam sauna, like the other Celebrity ships (separate from the SPA fee area?)  Can't wait to try the track and treadmills, hopefully with a steam.  Also, using the Celeb App on free wifi...how is that kept separate from free or purchased outside wifi minutes (Elite 90 mins in our case)?  Thanks for any info you can provide.  Enjoy!!  -Ray

[WonderMan3]

We woke up at 7am yesterday and after showering and dressing we headed up to Oceanview for breakfast. It was around 8:15am and it was not overly crowded. Sharing photos of some of the offerings. The waffles were good and so was the omelette I ordered but the hash browns were terrible, not warm and they were stale. The corned beef hash only came in one variety with onions and peppers in it which I did not care for.

[WonderMan3]

[spammie]

Great review so far!  Sounds like our cabins might be the same or in the same area - 11198.  That stinks about your wet clothes!  We have NEVER made dinner reservations for Luminae, sounds like we might have to.  Not happy about that.  

 

Dumb question but the hubby has to fall asleep with the tv on.  He has always found it weird that the remote doesn't have a sleep timer.  Do the new tvs have one?  Can't wait for the rest of your review!  Wanda

[Bo1953]

1 hour ago, WonderMan3 said:

 

Thank you for the photos!

 

They are great... and the review.

 

bon voyage

Edited December 11, 2018 by Bo1953

[mnocket]

10 hours ago, billydog said:

In my opinion you should not post photos of other  people (as at the muster drill) without their permission.  I would be very angry with you if I was in one of you photos.

It's always a surprise to me how very different people can be.  My feeling is that it is unreasonable to expect people who are taking photos around the ship to wait until everyone leaves the area before snapping a picture.  It'd be impossible to take a picture of the pool area in noon sun, or the buffet, etc.  I can't imagine how you can visit popular tourist attractions with the expectation that you won't appear in someone's photos.  It just seems to be a totally unrealistic expectation, but as I said people are very different.

[puppycanducruise]

Congrats on the win in the casino.  Lucky guy!

Wonderful pictures.  Keep up the good work.

[hcat]

15 hours ago, WonderMan3 said:

Continuing from yesterday...

We met our butler around 2pm and he brought three of our bags in with him. His name is Elizer (Eli) and he is very pleasant. We met our room attendant as well and he is also very nice but I can’t recall his name at the moment.

 

Our baggage was a major issue. They all showed up to the cabin wet. As I mentioned in an earlier post, there had been massive downpours right around the time we boarded. Apparently our bags got caught in this. When we opened them about 25% of my clothes had some sort of wetness. Mike’s even moreso. For me the clothes that got totally drenched were the ones I wore down to Florida and weren’t going to wear again. The rest that had wet spots I was able to dry with the hair dryer. Mike had a greater number that were soaked and that took longer with the hair dryer. It was a big pain to deal with. I reported it right away to the room attendant upon discovering the issue. He felt bad for us and said that 2-3 of his other cabins reported the same issue (We heard about even more people later in the day). He offered to have our clothes sent out to the laundry to be dried at no charge. I declined as I didn’t want to risk my clothes shrinking and Mike just wanted to take care of his himself. We also discovered that our garment bag had broken apart inside where the clothes hung. Since we hadn’t opened the bag since our flight we could not be sure if it was the air baggage handlers or the port so we didn’t mention it to the attendant.

 

I finished my packing in time for the lifeboat still. Our Muster Station is D2 which is basically located in a hallway on Deck 5. There were only a few seats there so most of us had to stand for 30 minutes which was ridiculous. See photos below as a reference. I’m not sure how a large group of seniors would be able to deal with this. They need to revisit this Muster choice stat.

 

 

 

Doesn't look  as crowded as our last 2 experiences, both on Infinity.

 

First time was at the photo display area outside of Michaels...no chairs were there but we arrived early and I took one  from Michaels.  It started late, was unduly long and disorganized. Staff in charge were rude and  we were told to sit on the floor..I gave my chair to  someone who truly needed it more than I..

 

. Next trip we were assigned to Michaels..We arrived early and had seats.,It was wall to wall SRO and people were told to sit on the tables ( great for those who would have snacks and drinks there later)

 

I agree that Celeb needs to rethink how they handle these important drills..there are some long protracted threads on this topic so anyone with an interest can search them out,

 

Despite the luggage and clothing set back...looks like you two are having a great time...I may use clear plastic dry cleaner bags to wrap our clothes inside the suitcases.,has saved us from minor spills like mini Tequia bottles,  cough syrup) a few times, and may keep our belongings dry!

 

Hope you continue to win and have no more seasickness!

Edited December 11, 2018 by hcat

[WonderMan3]

So after breakfast yesterday we headed back to the cabin to grab my bag with stuff for our day exploring Key West. We were just going to wander on our own as we had never been there before. Unfortunately the weather was looking poor. It was very breezy and overcast with rain showers coming and going nearby. We had planned to leave the ship at 9am but delayed until 10 to give a chance for the weather to clear which it did.

 

At this point I’m going to skip ahead to our return to the ship. I’ll follow up with our Key West day later as I have to offload all the pictures I took from my camera and go through them.

 

We got back to the ship around 3:15. We just relaxed out on the balcony for awhile. Eli stopped by just after 4 to leave us some daily snacks. We enjoyed those and just chilled on the balcony through sailaway at 5pm.