HELP! NCL to Celebrity....

[graphicguy]

I've vented over at NCL until smoke came out of my ears after they blistered me with emails and videos touting how they're "BACK" to cruising and they kept saying there was NO WAY they weren't cruising because they required 100% of their passengers and crew to have the COVID vaccine.  Then......the rug was pulled, and they cancelled my sailing because they moved the crew to a ship that charges higher fares.  I'm Platinum with them, and I'm done.  Getting my refund and running away from them.

 

Enough belly-aching on my part, though.

 

I looked at Carnival.  They're some angry folks over there about sailing safely.  Not sure why, but they are. Don't want to sail with that mess.

 

Royal has been my 2nd "go to", but I heard they did something similar as NCL with a Bermuda cruise.  So, I have some trepidation there.

 

That brings me here.  Haven't sailed Celebrity in about a decade.  So, coming from Haven over at NCL, I'm looking at the RETREAT on the Edge sailing in July.

 

Questions.....

-I'm trying to gulp down as much information as possible, but what is the RETREAT?  Is it a Suites Only area with concierges and butlers, similar to NCL's Haven?

-I saw the RETREAT has its own restaurant and pool area...all good news.  But, I can't tell if specialty restaurants are included in the RETREAT fare?

-Looks like no casino on the Edge?  At least, I didn't see one advertised.

-tips included?  They say so.  But, on NCL they call the separate tips "service charges".  I'll assume the same on Celebrity?

-WiFi included....how fast is it?

-RETREAT has priority seats for entertainment, embarkation, debarkation?

-Looks like the Sky Suites I'm looking at are all centered around the "magic carpet"?  Is noise an issue?

 

Appreciate everyone's taking the time to read, and also comment and help out someone who's adrift.

 

[SWFL Cruisers]

I sailed Carnival, NCL & RCL until I tried Celebrity and never looked back.

Most of your questions can be answered here. 

Celebrity Cruises Suites: The Retreat - All Suites. All Included.

[C-Dragons]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

I've vented over at NCL until smoke came out of my ears after they blistered me with emails and videos touting how they're "BACK" to cruising and they kept saying there was NO WAY they weren't cruising because they required 100% of their passengers and crew to have the COVID vaccine.  Then......the rug was pulled, and they cancelled my sailing because they moved the crew to a ship that charges higher fares.  I'm Platinum with them, and I'm done.  Getting my refund and running away from them.

 

Enough belly-aching on my part, though.

 

I looked at Carnival.  They're some angry folks over there about sailing safely.  Not sure why, but they are. Don't want to sail with that mess.

 

Royal has been my 2nd "go to", but I heard they did something similar as NCL with a Bermuda cruise.  So, I have some trepidation there.

 

That brings me here.  Haven't sailed Celebrity in about a decade.  So, coming from Haven over at NCL, I'm looking at the RETREAT on the Edge sailing in July.

 

Questions.....

-I'm trying to gulp down as much information as possible, but what is the RETREAT?  Is it a Suites Only area with concierges and butlers, similar to NCL's Haven?

-I saw the RETREAT has its own restaurant and pool area...all good news.  But, I can't tell if specialty restaurants are included in the RETREAT fare?

** Specialty restaurants are not included, but Retreat guests have a private dining room called Luminae. (It is better than the Specialty restaurants Imho.)

-Looks like no casino on the Edge?  At least, I didn't see one advertised.

** Yes, the Edge does have a casino.

-tips included?  They say so.  But, on NCL they call the separate tips "service charges".  I'll assume the same on Celebrity?

** Gratuities are included.

-WiFi included....how fast is it?

** The WiFi speed is usually very good, but we don’t use it all the time.

-RETREAT has priority seats for entertainment, embarkation, debarkation?

** Yes, yes and yes.

-Looks like the Sky Suites I'm looking at are all centered around the "magic carpet"?  Is noise an issue?

Noise is not an issue, but if you want to have a forward view, pick a suite forward of the MC.

 

Appreciate everyone's taking the time to read, and also comment and help out someone who's adrift.

Welcome back. 😉 We're sailing in July too.

[pl281]

@graphicguy

Having been on the Edge in summer on 2019....

 

1) The Retreat is included with all Suites

2) Luminae is the dining room / restaurant for the suites and is included

3) In my experience all the tips are included - the only time you might see something more is if you have a beverage beyond the "allotment" there might be a tip on the difference in cost

4) the S3 (lowest category of the Sky Suites) are the ones around the Magic Carpet - as the Magic Carpet does not move throughout the day - most people comment more so on the "track" blocking the view left or right vs any noise - if you look at the edge review google doc it has more comments

[dporter]

Hi GraphicGuy,

 

We cruise both NCL Haven and Celebrity Retreat; both are great.  I have tried to answer your questions below based on our experiences.

 

Questions.....

-I'm trying to gulp down as much information as possible, but what is the RETREAT?  Is it a Suites Only area with concierges and butlers, similar to NCL's Haven?

The Retreat IS a suite only area, each ship will be slightly different based on layout and age, you can check on the deck plans.  Typically included is a lounge, an outdoor space (not all have pools but most have hot tub or other water feature), private restaurant. Yes there are concierges and butlers.

 

-I saw the RETREAT has its own restaurant and pool area...all good news.  But, I can't tell if specialty restaurants are included in the RETREAT fare?

The Retreat restaurant is Luminae and the menu changes daily (unlike NCL Haven which is repetitive).  The specialty restaurants are NOT included.

 

-Looks like no casino on the Edge?  At least, I didn't see one advertised.

According to Celebrity website there is a casino on Edge.

 

-tips included?  They say so.  But, on NCL they call the separate tips "service charges".  I'll assume the same on Celebrity?

The tips ARE included on Celebrity, we never had to tip additional to concierge or butler.  Of course, you are always welcome to give more.

 

-WiFi included....how fast is it?

We rarely connect while on vacation, it is our time to disconnect.  When we did have the use it it was fine for email.

 

-RETREAT has priority seats for entertainment, embarkation, debarkation?

Yes there is priority embarkation and debarkation.  The priority seats for entertainment were different then NCL Haven, it was only for specific shows not every show.

 

-Looks like the Sky Suites I'm looking at are all centered around the "magic carpet"?  Is noise an issue?

Haven't sailed on a ship with Magic Carpet so unable to commit.

[Reel Love]

Hi graphicguy.  I have only sailed once on the Edge but not in a suite so cannot help you there.  I can confirm however that there is a casino onboard.  As usual, I only made donations there, lol.  Welcome back to Celebrity and enjoy your cruise  😊

[graphicguy]

OK…so a month after booking with Celebrity and the crazy fiasco with NCL, my TA contacts me over the weekend and says…”Graphicguy, are you sitting down?”

 

“Uh-Oh…this can’t be good.  Sure…what’s up?”

 

“Your Celebrity Cabin just dropped in price by $1,800”.

 

(Jaw drop)…”WHAT?”

 

Apparently, even though I’m sailing as a solo (didn’t start out that way, GF is a nurse and just can’t go), in the Retreat, no less, Celebrity is making a gesture to my (now) solo status with a LARGE reduction in fare.  PLUS, they have upgraded me to an S1 from an S3 AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE!

 

Never seen this before.  I’m doing a little dance, right now!

 

Just feel it.  This cruise is going to rank right up there.

[hawkesbaynz]

Well done graphicguy.... the sun is shining on you😃

[C-Dragons]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

OK…so a month after booking with Celebrity and the crazy fiasco with NCL, my TA contacts me over the weekend and says…”Graphicguy, are you sitting down?”

 

“Uh-Oh…this can’t be good.  Sure…what’s up?”

 

“Your Celebrity Cabin just dropped in price by $1,800”.

 

(Jaw drop)…”WHAT?”

 

Apparently, even though I’m sailing as a solo (didn’t start out that way, GF is a nurse and just can’t go), in the Retreat, no less, Celebrity is making a gesture to my (now) solo status with a LARGE reduction in fare.  PLUS, they have upgraded me to an S1 from an S3 AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE!

 

Never seen this before.  I’m doing a little dance, right now!

 

Just feel it.  This cruise is going to rank right up there.

Glad you're happy with the out come. Just an FYI, an S1 is more expensive than an S2 and and S3, so technically not an upgrade. The S3's are inside the track of the Magic Carpet.

However the S3's do have a larger verandah, which Imo makes them very attractive.

Edited to add: I reread your remarks and I apologize if you were not originally booked in a Sky suite. Congratulations on your cabin.

Edited June 28, 2021 by C-Dragons

[graphicguy]

42 minutes ago, C-Dragons said:

Glad you're happy with the out come. Just an FYI, an S1 is more expensive than an S2 and and S3, so technically not an upgrade. The S3's are inside the track of the Magic Carpet.

However the S3's do have a larger verandah, which Imo makes them very attractive.

Edited to add: I reread your remarks and I apologize if you were not originally booked in a Sky suite. Congratulations on your cabin.

No issues.  Thanks.

 

I was really headstrong in my S3 on deck 12, as it's close to Luminae.  But, if there was a "gotcha", as you point out, was the cabin being right underneath of the Magic Carpet.

 

So, ended up on Deck 10 in an S1.  Aside from the S3 being over or under the Magic Carpet, I'm not sure what the S1 offers differently,  But, my TA said it was a better category. She's never steered me wrong, so I went with it and took the S1 + the price decrease.

[KKB]

Honey, The Retreat fits EVERYTHING you want--suites, butlers, private pool, bar, restaurant, lounge areas. 

Yes, you may dine in ANY restaurant.

NO extra tips (unless you choose to)

There is DEFINiTELY a casino!

Word is Edge internet is done well.

Regarding Magic Carpet--reviews I've read say it is very occasionally bothersome but overall not an issue.

[C-Dragons]

1 minute ago, graphicguy said:

No issues.  Thanks.

 

I was really headstrong in my S3 on deck 12, as it's close to Luminae.  But, if there was a "gotcha", as you point out, was the cabin being right underneath of the Magic Carpet.

 

So, ended up on Deck 10 in an S1.  Aside from the S3 being over or under the Magic Carpet, I'm not sure what the S1 offers differently,  But, my TA said it was a better category. She's never steered me wrong, so I went with it and took the S1 + the price decrease.

The difference is location. 😉 You've got a good TA, who got you a good deal.

Which Edge sailing are you on?

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, hawkesbaynz said:

Well done graphicguy.... the sun is shining on you😃

Thanks!  Sometimes I get lucky.

[graphicguy]

1 minute ago, C-Dragons said:

The difference is location. 😉 You've got a good TA, who got you a good deal.

Which Edge sailing are you on?

7/31/2021, or about a month from now.

[coffeebean]

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

OK…so a month after booking with Celebrity and the crazy fiasco with NCL, my TA contacts me over the weekend and says…”Graphicguy, are you sitting down?”

 

“Uh-Oh…this can’t be good.  Sure…what’s up?”

 

“Your Celebrity Cabin just dropped in price by $1,800”.

 

(Jaw drop)…”WHAT?”

 

Apparently, even though I’m sailing as a solo (didn’t start out that way, GF is a nurse and just can’t go), in the Retreat, no less, Celebrity is making a gesture to my (now) solo status with a LARGE reduction in fare.  PLUS, they have upgraded me to an S1 from an S3 AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE!

 

Never seen this before.  I’m doing a little dance, right now!

 

Just feel it.  This cruise is going to rank right up there.

So happy for you @graphicguy Enjoy!

[graphicguy]

Just now, coffeebean said:

So happy for you @graphicguy Enjoy!

I know you've. been on the same NCL journey.  Thanks, and best of luck to you, too!

[graphicguy]

3 minutes ago, KKB said:

Honey, The Retreat fits EVERYTHING you want--suites, butlers, private pool, bar, restaurant, lounge areas. 

Yes, you may dine in ANY restaurant.

NO extra tips (unless you choose to)

There is DEFINiTELY a casino!

Word is Edge internet is done well.

Regarding Magic Carpet--reviews I've read say it is very occasionally bothersome but overall not an issue.

Thanks.  I'm feeling pretty good right about now.

[coffeebean]

1 minute ago, graphicguy said:

I know you've. been on the same NCL journey.  Thanks, and best of luck to you, too!

😀 Hubby and I don't have any cruises booked at this time. In fact, we had no cruises booked pre-pandemic so we have not had to worry about cruises being cancelled. We are last minute cruise bookers...... sometimes, one week out.

Edited June 28, 2021 by coffeebean

[C-Dragons]

Just now, graphicguy said:

7/31/2021, or about a month from now.

We're on just before you. Hope you have a great time!

[talljules1]

Hi GraphicGuy

 

We've mostly sailed with Celebrity, but have done one on NCL (it was a great cruise - met lots of lovely people and had a great time, but we were not in Haven) and one MSC Yacht Club.

 

Now we have moved up to Celebrity Retreat level.

 

My take is:

 

1. Celebrity ships are much nicer - and the food is MUCH better (even if you compare specialty dining to specialty dining). I find it harder to quantify how they are nicer - "more plush", if that means anything. Somehow it is all just better quality.

 

2. Can't compare to the Haven, but the retreat offering is good. I think you'll likely enjoy it.

 

We'd do NCL again, but would be looking at Haven, and not a standard balcony. Would think twice - whilst the company was good, the food was lacking for me, as was the drinks selection compared to Celebrity.

 

 

[KKB]

2 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Thanks.  I'm feeling pretty good right about now.

One note--not ALL Celebrity retreats have pools. But the Edge class does.

AND I just heard a different opinion on internet from this week's cruise that internet is slow. Guess it depends what you want it for.

Edited June 28, 2021 by KKB

[graphicguy]

7 minutes ago, C-Dragons said:

We're on just before you. Hope you have a great time!

Can't wait to hear about your sailing.

[graphicguy]

7 minutes ago, coffeebean said:

😀 Hubby and I don't have any cruises booked at this time. In fact, we had no cruises booked pre-pandemic so we have not had to worry about cruises being cancelled. We are last minute cruise bookers...... sometimes, one week out.

Been there, done that...a lot.  I've booked a week in advance, too.  The GF is a nurse and sometimes only able to grab last minute time off.  So, she takes it when the opportunity strikes....sometimes a few weeks, or even a week before we decide to cruise.

 

She won't be able to join me this time (although, originally she was) as her hours are accelerating again as people are getting vaccinated again due to the new variant that's getting more prevalent.  She works ER.  But, I'm taking her to Europe this winter, as she deserves it.

 

 

[graphicguy]

Well...this has gone in a totally different direction.  Due to some family "issues", I needed (no, was requested) to change my cruise plans.  Long story, and as family stuff goes, I agreed to make a change....

 

IF......

-I could rebook the cruise with NO penalties and NO more money out of my pocket (unless said family member was willing to cover the cost delta).

-I would not endure ANY flight change fees

-I could change flights for the new date without any fare changes that came out of my pocket

-I got the "OK" from my GF (not that it matters to her as she has to work)

 

So, given all that, I called my TA and explained the situation.  She just came back with this change.  Instead of sailing 7/31 on the Edge in the Eastern Caribbean, I'm sailing next week embarking 7/10 on the Western Caribbean.  Same S1 cabin.  Actually, same exact cabin.  In addition, I got an additional $60 extra OBC to boot.

 

Now, to change insurance and flights and make all the other arrangements, only in an accelerated manner.

 

[hcat]

We don't gamble but felt the Edge casino seemed small but upscale.  It had a nice bar..and it may have been expanded.

 

Loved the ship all around..great art work...amazing theater and shows.  Enjoyed EDEN and the Club. And the Bistro ..great food there and in all the mdrs as well,!

Nice views and drinjs out on the MC...

  It' all about personal taste. Something different  than same old same old,