Edge class public areas question

[shipshape sam]

Would appreciate some clarification on public areas on deck 15 and 16.  I have read that the Retreat area on deck 16 is for suite guests only.  If that is correct, is there sufficient public areas on deck 15 such that you do not feel crowded as I did not see a lot of sun deck space?

 

We are starting to look at our next cruise and wondering if we should exclude the Edge and Apex?  We do not care about being in full sun, but do like to sit/lounge in shade up on top decks and I especially like to just walk around with a beer and lean on the rails with a view of wake and water in general with a breeze.

 

Any input would be great.

Edited February 16, 2020 by shipshape sam

[cruisestitch]

The deck 16 restricted-access Retreat Sun Deck faces forward, so there would not be a view of the wake from there

[Jim_Iain]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the deck space on Edge.    While deck 16 is totally restricted to Suite Guests there is a large sun deck area on 15 outside the entrance to the Retreat.    You will not get views forward your will probably find 50-60 loungers outside the Retreat.   Many are nicely protected from the wind and depending on time of day you will find shade. 

[Bo1953]

You really need to go to X's website and pull up the deck plans which will make it clear...

 

There is a delineation between The Retreat and Public Areas.. which mirror the actual ship as built.

 

bon voyage

[Jim_Iain]

Bo can probably remind me but aren't the entrances to the two Martini Glass Hot Tubs on 15.    I walk the track about 12 miles every day and recall seeing lots of open seating at the top of the ramped incline and never seen it totally filled with sunbathers.  

[Jim_Iain]

I was just looking around and was wrong in my answer above.   The seating area I'm talking about is on deck 16 outside the Retreat.    The Hot Tubs are also there -

 

Doors to Retreat -

 

Loungers outside of Retreat -

 

 

The Hot Tub

 

 

Additional Loungers on  starboard.

 

[helen haywood]

It’s not a top deck, but Eden has fantastic views of the wake, both inside and outside.

[Bo1953]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Bo can probably remind me but aren't the entrances to the two Martini Glass Hot Tubs on 15.    I walk the track about 12 miles every day and recall seeing lots of open seating at the top of the ramped incline and never seen it totally filled with sunbathers.  

Yes, they are...

 

... and there was lots of open seating there, often.

 

bon voyage

[Cdresser]

I can also attest to the amount of public open seating on deck 16. We had an Edge Villa with entrances onto deck 15 and 16. We often used the exit on deck 16 through the retreat because it was the easiest access to the smoking area between deck 14 and 15. I don't recall this area ever being very populated.

[shipshape sam]

Thanks to everyone for your input/experience!  Also, thanks Jim for the pics!