Luminae Wishes....

[Gonzo70]

5 hours ago, Doubt It said:

Considering the high price of Celebrity suites, the menu in Luminae is far too limited. Now with the Edge class, access to the MDR menu has been eliminated. Seems suite class has been downgraded.

 

Contrasting with Oceania where every guest enjoys table side preparations, olive oil and balsamic, cheese cart in the included in the specialties. The food quality and size of the menu offerings blows Luminae out of the water. 

 

If a guest is a foodie, Celebrity is not the line to book.

 

It is not Celebirty specific,  but any large cruise ship is not going to be enticing from a culinary perspective to a true foodie. Too many constraints on mass market cruise ships for even specialty restaurants to compete with a good quality (non chain) land based venue. On mass market cruise ships you have a corporate chef creating a menu to appeal for the masses with a menu that does not change based on what ingredients are fresh and in season (and limited fresh food period). With a good land based restaurant you have a chef creating a menu that plays to their particular strength, is able to be far more creative and adventurous and sources quality ingredients at the peak of freshness that change based on the seasons - and sometime soon even based on what is good and locally available on any given day. Also you have a higher food budget at good land based venues, so the ability to procure much better quality ingredients. 

 

While I enjoy most of my meals on the ship, even the best meal I’ve had on a ship has paled in comparison to good land venues I frequent. Sometimes there is the opportunity to have amazing meals in ports though; had an incredible pre cruise meal in Santiago Chile last cruise at Borago; among my bets meals of the year. 

[dkjretired]

On 1/4/2019 at 11:38 AM, Mynki said:

I clearly remember the announcement when Luminae was created stating that it would feature locally sourced fare and include lunch daily. But we all know how that went. 🙂

Now the head chef follows a strict menu set by Miami, the only exceptions being some buffet items and some menu choices for the crew.

I like Luminae but agree wholeheartedly that more choices are needed. I think many people will find it lacking after only two or three cruises when it starts to become repetitive. That said, I find Blu to be the same. 

It's a shame that Celebrity didn't take the opportunity to completely overhaul the Luminae menu with the launch of Edge and extend menu choices fleet wide. 

If people are growing tired of limited menus then perhaps it's time to start ordering more off menu choices, I have no doubt that if this became more popular then X would address the issue very quickly. 

 

The comment about locally sourced ingredients was written into the description of Luminae and on the website for several years. As you stated not currently practiced.

Edited January 6, 2019 by dkjretired

[dkjretired]

We have had comments about items from the MDR not being available in Luminae on Edge, I would assume the same is true about Blu.  I do enjoy the shrimp cocktail, onion soup, salad, creme brûlée and my wife and son enjoy the escargot.   I am curious how many if any of these items will not be available after each ship get its revolution makeover.  I would hope none because the kitchens are adjacent but the way things are turning out on the Edge, its a bit concerning. 

[Katsno]

19 hours ago, miched said:

I know what you mean.   I don’t take anything too serious and just like having fun and yanking a few chains.   As you said some are just too uptight and stuffy.  

 

My wife always looks at me and asks when I am going to grow up.   

 

Referring to the toot I usually take printed up papers that I place  on chairs as I am walking by that read “Please do not fart in the cushions”.    My wife always makes sure that she is walking way ahead of me when I do that.   Don’t know why?   🤔

 

hope we meet up someday

 

happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅.

 

Hi there - Y'all seem to be the type of folks I can ask this.  We have sailed in Aqua Class for the past 9 years and this is our first  time in a suite (Sky Suite S1).  I am not really sure of what to expect or ask of our 'butler'.  Our room attendant was always so helpful and amazing in taking care of us and we usually tipped him/them well.  But with a butler, what do those of you who sail in a Sky Suite recommend - $100 - $200? or does it depend on how much we need him?

 

Thanks for your answers

Kathy and Mark Wilson

Golden, Colorado (sailing on the Summit in 11 days)

[TeeRick]

18 hours ago, dkjretired said:

We have had comments about items from the MDR not being available in Luminae on Edge, I would assume the same is true about Blu.  I do enjoy the shrimp cocktail, onion soup, salad, creme brûlée and my wife and son enjoy the escargot.   I am curious how many if any of these items will not be available after each ship get its revolution makeover.  I would hope none because the kitchens are adjacent but the way things are turning out on the Edge, its a bit concerning. 

It seems to be all about the logistics of the access to the main kitchen area so IMO only Luminae at the Retreat on Edge has this issue.

[miched]

17 hours ago, Katsno said:

 

Hi there - Y'all seem to be the type of folks I can ask this.  We have sailed in Aqua Class for the past 9 years and this is our first  time in a suite (Sky Suite S1).  I am not really sure of what to expect or ask of our 'butler'.  Our room attendant was always so helpful and amazing in taking care of us and we usually tipped him/them well.  But with a butler, what do those of you who sail in a Sky Suite recommend - $100 - $200? or does it depend on how much we need him?

 

Thanks for your answers

Kathy and Mark Wilson

Golden, Colorado (sailing on the Summit in 11 days

 

What the Butler does depends on what they want to do and what you ask.   Some will do a lot and others may tell you that they can’t (won’t) do it.   

 

They automatically get $4/day pp as part of your daily $18/ day pp gratuity.  The suite attendant $3.59. Dining $9.39 and  housekeeping $1.52.  If you feel they deserve more than that then TIP extra.

 

First time in a suite we didn’t use the Butler at all.   It was our fault and not his but he got $8/day for doing nothing.  We rarely seen him.  He offered to keep our fridge stocked with any beer, water and etc that was in the drink pack.  We really have a hard time with someone doing a lot of stuff that we can do ourselves.  I don’t need him to make reservations acting as a relay  when I can call myself.  We we never in the cabin for the afternoon snack.  Don’t need a escort into the theater to sit in a area that I don’t like.

 

On the other cruise the Butler was just too helpful.  He seen us carrying a coffee back to our cabin and demanded that he carry it for us.  He asked what it was and we told him Americano and he said that he can and will deliver it in the morning for us.  The next day he was standing at our door with a pot of coffee as we were leaving to get our Americano.   He said he had the Americano for us.  It wasn’t.  It was just a pot of coffee.

 

Every morning he would deliver that regular pot of coffee.   He keep our bar stocked with any beer I wanted.  He seen us going back to our cabin with a drink.  Asked what it was and told him a Woodford Old Fashion.   He again demanded to carry it for us and said he would get them for us.    We came back to our cabin later in the day and there were two covered glasses of  straight up  Woodford Bourbon sitting on the table and every day after.  It was almost as if we couldn’t leave or go back to our cabin without him seeing us and wanting to do something.  I asked if he does parties on the balcony and said sure let him know and he will do it.    We didn’t ask if there was a extra charge for the food and beverages for those parties as we weren interested in hosting or doing one. We gave him and extra $10/day but really don’t think he did $18/ day of service.  He was almost a pain that we wanted to avoid.  He said that he really like it when they use to have the daily treat cart that they came around with every afternoon as he got to interact more with the passengers.   The passengers now have to go to Michael’s around 4:00.  Don’t know how it was as we never made it there.  

 

We have also learned from others that if you don’t  feel that your Butler is giving the service that they should within reason to talk to the suite manager.  If possible they will change the Butler if there really is a problem. 

 

I am sure if you do do a search you can see a lot of what people have their butlers do.  We just not high maintenance or need much.  It was a nice experience but unless the price is in reason we are happy  with AQ or a regular balcony.  And  the way the prices are going when the balcony gets too ridiculous our cruising days will end. 

 

Hope this helped

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[chemmo]

Kathy and Mark, we do enjoy having a butler! 

 

Setting out and clearing your breakfast, bringing coffee....Generally there to sort any problems you may have...

 

One of the nicest things he will do for you is arrange evening dining course by course from the MDR on your veranda....Great after a heavy day sightseeing.

 

Re drinks, technically the butler only sorts beers, sodas and spirits for the top suites although several SS guests with drinks packages have reported that their butler has done this for them.

 

If you decide to host a party the butler will bring trays of snacks and fruit juice and clear up after. No charge.

 

We ask our butler to sort a small snack for us to enjoy late at night on the balcony, our favourites being shrimp and cheese plates....Really nice to return to your room to enjoy a last drink on the balcony with a few nibbles.

 

Although afternoon tea is now in Michael’s your butler will still, on request, deliver tea and a selection of mini sandwiches and sweets...

 

A good butler will do all requested of him, a great butler will think of little things you didn’t even know you wanted!!! For example, we were returning to our suite with some ‘new friends’, out pops the butler, sorts out the seating on the balcony, insists on serving drinks and then pops back a minute later with nuts and chips...On another occasion our butler saw our young adult son returning to the room early and asked him if everything was OK. When he said he was just a bit tired and going to watch a film the butler returned with popcorn!

 

Many guests do not particularly want the butler ‘fussing’ so have a chat with him on boarding about the services you would like. 

 

We do always give the butler extra tips...how much does depend on how much we have used them and how efficient they have been...

[PhoenixCruiser]

Great information, thanks [mention=462425]chemmo[/mention]

 

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

[Katsno]

55 minutes ago, chemmo said:

Kathy and Mark, we do enjoy having a butler! 

 

Setting out and clearing your breakfast, bringing coffee....Generally there to sort any problems you may have...

 

One of the nicest things he will do for you is arrange evening dining course by course from the MDR on your veranda....Great after a heavy day sightseeing.

 

Re drinks, technically the butler only sorts beers, sodas and spirits for the top suites although several SS guests with drinks packages have reported that their butler has done this for them.

 

If you decide to host a party the butler will bring trays of snacks and fruit juice and clear up after. No charge.

 

We ask our butler to sort a small snack for us to enjoy late at night on the balcony, our favourites being shrimp and cheese plates....Really nice to return to your room to enjoy a last drink on the balcony with a few nibbles.

 

Although afternoon tea is now in Michael’s your butler will still, on request, deliver tea and a selection of mini sandwiches and sweets...

 

A good butler will do all requested of him, a great butler will think of little things you didn’t even know you wanted!!! For example, we were returning to our suite with some ‘new friends’, out pops the butler, sorts out the seating on the balcony, insists on serving drinks and then pops back a minute later with nuts and chips...On another occasion our butler saw our young adult son returning to the room early and asked him if everything was OK. When he said he was just a bit tired and going to watch a film the butler returned with popcorn!

 

Many guests do not particularly want the butler ‘fussing’ so have a chat with him on boarding about the services you would like. 

 

We do always give the butler extra tips...how much does depend on how much we have used them and how efficient they have been...

 

Thank you so much, that is exactly what I wanted to know.  It was very helpful.

 

We sail in ten days!!

 

Kathy and Mark

[Gordoncruickshank]

Unfortunately not all butlers are as reactive as some of those mentions in the previous posts. On our Eclipse Cruise last February we did not see the butler for most of the first week. Then all of a sudden he decided he had better try and do something and became a bit of a pest. The only thing I asked him to do was to make sure that there were 4 champagne glasses in the suite the next night as we had invited a couple we met in Luminae and Michaels to enjoy a glass from a bottle that was left for us after our wedding anniversary. He didn't turn up with them. Appeared as we were leaving the cabin to go to Luminae with them. No tip I am afraid (but that is probably the first time that has happened). We usually leave something based on what he did for us.

 

Our problem is we do not want all the food they try and bring us as breakfast and lunch is plenty to keep us going until our evening meal and any other food in the middle just fills you up. Sometimes we will miss lunch and have afternoon tea in Michaels just to try and cut down on the amount we eat.

 

[Fogfog]

On 1/3/2019 at 7:29 AM, CHEZMARYLOU said:

Our last 2 cruises we passed on dinner at Luminae 80% of the time.  The menu's are getting stale and the only thing on the MDR menu that we order is salad and escargot.  Since we have unlimited specialty dining we take advantage of that.  

 

Is there any unlimited specialty dining anymore? We used to purchase that and yet on the last cruise were told it no longer existed. We produced pages printed from the website and told no..Both at M'D and GS.

 

The prior year we ate at the specialty restaurants for lunch/dinner daily .

 

What am I missing? Have 4 sailings booked and would be glad to know  TYIA

[Fogfog]

On 1/3/2019 at 9:20 AM, chemmo said:

I think many of us board now, request the Luminae menus for the cruise then book the speciality restaurants on nights we can’t find anything to suit! Again a reflection of limited choice....

 

We would also welcome a ‘refresh’ to the speciality restaurants although I would hate to loose the filet mignon and sea bass in Murano’s and the rib eye in Tuscan! We did prefer the pasta selection in Tuscan before the last menu change. I used to love the mushroom ravioli.

 

We enjoy Murano as well... the Dover Sole and Chateau B. ... among other things. The pace and service.

With the ships being "revolutionized"  we will sorely miss Murano 😞

[chemmo]

10 minutes ago, Fogfog said:

 

Is there any unlimited specialty dining anymore? We used to purchase that and yet on the last cruise were told it no longer existed. We produced pages printed from the website and told no..Both at M'D and GS.

 

The prior year we ate at the specialty restaurants for lunch/dinner daily .

 

What am I missing? Have 4 sailings booked and would be glad to know  TYIA

 

If you are in a RS or PH unlimited speciality dining is included.

[Fogfog]

On 1/3/2019 at 11:44 AM, JFontaine said:

Immediately prior to the launch of the Edge, a maître d told me that 80% of Americans (60% of others) order off of the Main Dining Room menu in Luminae.  I just can't imagine what they say to people with kids or teens who don't want the fussy Luminae menu.  Too bad for you??

This statistic shocks me.

We find the MDR food terrible... often dry, bland or overcooked. Things that come out like bad cafeteria/convention food. Dried out Chicken Cordon Bleu for example...  

 

I learned on one cruise to that asking for a NY strip when nothing else looked good got me shoe leather overcooked and under seasoned. The waiter had suggested something else and I had asked if getting a steak was possible.  

 

When the UDP was available we ate at Murano 3 times in one week, and split the other nights with the Porch and Lawn Club. Did lunch at with Lawn Club, Porch or Sushi on Five. 

 

With the cost of suites--the dining should be decent and not need MDR supplementing as the OP suggests.  Just my 2 cents

 

 

 

 

 

[chemmo]

7 minutes ago, Fogfog said:

 

We enjoy Murano as well... the Dover Sole and Chateau B. ... among other things. The pace and service.

With the ships being "revolutionized"  we will sorely miss Murano 😞

 

We are really hoping that Murano remains in some form or other....Since the Ocean Liners were removed from M class it has really reduced choices....

[Fogfog]

On 1/5/2019 at 2:50 PM, Jim_Iain said:

I would love to see them update (replace) most of the Amuse-bouches.    I can only think of only 1 or two that are actually interesting and tasty.   Some have really been major disasters.   One that comes to mind is a hard whole radish covered in butter.  99% of guests sent it back and it was recently pulled from the menu. 

 

Interesting.   Googled it--evidently it is a very "french" thing. Who knew.

I like both radishes and butter so I would eat mine and yours ! haha

 

https://www.thekitchykitchen.com/?recipes=/butter-dipped-radishes/

[Gordoncruickshank]

17 minutes ago, Fogfog said:

 

Is there any unlimited specialty dining anymore? We used to purchase that and yet on the last cruise were told it no longer existed. We produced pages printed from the website and told no..Both at M'D and GS.

 

The prior year we ate at the specialty restaurants for lunch/dinner daily .

 

What am I missing? Have 4 sailings booked and would be glad to know  TYIA

Celebrity stopped the Ultimate dinning package a couple of years ago and replaced it with a range of packages from 3 meals up to 14 meals at different costings dependant on the number chosen. Generally the more you pick the cheaper it is per meal and the incremental cost of adding an extra meal to the package is less as you buy more meals. What you can't do is go to the porch or sushi on 5 or any of the lunch specials within the package unless you are using that as one of your meals. You could do that on the old Ultimate package which covered all your meals in Speciality Restaurants.  

[Fogfog]

Just now, Gordoncruickshank said:

Celebrity stopped the Ultimate dinning package a couple of years ago and replaced it with a range of packages from 3 meals up to 14 meals at different costings dependant on the number chosen. Generally the more you pick the cheaper it is per meal and the incremental cost of adding an extra meal to the package is less as you buy more meals. What you can't do is go to the porch or sushi on 5 or any of the lunch specials within the package unless you are using that as one of your meals. You could do that on the old Ultimate package which covered all your meals in Speciality Restaurants.  

 

I know and it is  a bummer. The Porch was wonderful for lunch. We did it on embarkation day--- seafood, sparkling wine and a chair in the shade in the quiet... was LOVELY. So sorry they did away with UDP. 

That cruise we ate in the specialty dining exclusively.  We joke about it --however with the UDP and Prem bev.. the Ship WAS the destination and after the "Triplehorns" * had made great use of the UDP that X stopped the program. (*movie reference :D) 

[CHEZMARYLOU]

1 hour ago, Fogfog said:

 

Is there any unlimited specialty dining anymore? We used to purchase that and yet on the last cruise were told it no longer existed. We produced pages printed from the website and told no..Both at M'D and GS.

 

The prior year we ate at the specialty restaurants for lunch/dinner daily .

 

What am I missing? Have 4 sailings booked and would be glad to know  TYIA

We were in a Royal Suite which comes with unlimited specialty dining.  We love the Dover sole at Muranos.

[bigbenboys]

On 1/5/2019 at 7:34 PM, Gonzo70 said:

A nice cheese course option (similar to what Murano has) would be great; with the $$$$$ suites cost, this seems a reasonable expectation. However #1 on my list of requests would be the previously promised local cuisine. A shame ships travel to so many interesting places and Celebrity almost never serves fresh, local cuisine. I was excited when Celebrity had announced Luminae would offer some local fare and still hope they one day come through and execute this. If done right, would be a huge boon to Luminae and a big draw for many (and be a positive to the chefs as well to do something on their own rather than just robotically follow a corporate menu that quickly becomes tired and almost never changes). 

Celebrity did talk about local sourced foods. They have had fresh items in the Oceanview cafe. While it sounds nice. I just cant see Celebrity letting a chef go out in a port and buy fresh items they choose. The items might be fresh, but it is all pre-planned.

[K12Guy]

9 hours ago, Fogfog said:

 

Is there any unlimited specialty dining anymore?

 

Unlimited specialty restaurant dining is a perk for Royal Suite and Penthouse guests and is included in the stateroom pricing. I don't know that it can be purchased separately.

[Alsmez]

10 hours ago, Fogfog said:

 

I know and it is  a bummer. The Porch was wonderful for lunch. We did it on embarkation day--- seafood, sparkling wine and a chair in the shade in the quiet... was LOVELY. So sorry they did away with UDP. 

That cruise we ate in the specialty dining exclusively.  We joke about it --however with the UDP and Prem bev.. the Ship WAS the destination and after the "Triplehorns" * had made great use of the UDP that X stopped the program. (*movie reference :D) 

 

We did the same, the one time we were able to enjoy the UDP. It was a fantastic option, but I have a feeling that my daily seafood tower at the Porch made them rethink it! We bought a 7-night package for our next cruise and ate in Murano most nights, but we stuck to the buffet for lunch, mostly. Bummer.

[Fogfog]

10 hours ago, Fogfog said:

 

I know and it is  a bummer. The Porch was wonderful for lunch. We did it on embarkation day--- seafood, sparkling wine and a chair in the shade in the quiet... was LOVELY. So sorry they did away with UDP. 

That cruise we ate in the specialty dining exclusively.  We joke about it --however with the UDP and Prem bev.. the Ship WAS the destination and after the "Triplehorns" * had made great use of the UDP that X stopped the program. (*movie reference :D) 

Hahahah We thought it was US that made them eliminate the UDP! 

Glad to know we had company

[GastroGnome]

We happened to be on Sillouette for the launch of LPC last summer and the head chef overseeing that launch was also the guy who introduced Luminae.  I couldn't resist the opportunity and asked why the menus have not changed once since incept (and in fact they have very slightly) and why it was not possible to have the local specialties originally planned.  In fairness he had an answer and not being overly familiar with the complexities of ordering / producing food on such an international scale I accept his premise.  But he did say the Luminae menus were next in line for a re-vamp once LPC is embedded.

 

For my Luminae wishlist.... new menus. (As long as they keep the charred octopus!)  And change those horrible chairs!

[sippican]

On 1/4/2019 at 6:27 AM, chemmo said:

 

I still find it hard to understand why, when so many guests are requesting different sides or full dinner requests from the MDR menu, Celebrity are not realising that something must be lacking on the Luminae menu....

 

 

In my case, I rely heavily on the MDR menu as it clearly illustrates which items are safe for me to eat. On our Summit cruise, the Luminae dining staff was greatly lacking in thier knowledge, and ability to provide a gluten-free dining experience..