Live Edge Review - July 3-10, 2021

[KKB]

6 minutes ago, miched said:

 We found going to the CD is usally a waste of time.   If you make a negative comment about the music or any other activity they will githe stock comment that they have no control over it because it is what the main office wants.

 

if you praise something they will say that it was their choice and they usually try accommodate what they feel the passengers want. 
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅 

I've had success in the past with this.

I rather do it in conversation--"It's a shame the dance floor has been empty all night. Sure wish they would play some 80s tunes..." 

[sonnycruises]

On 7/4/2021 at 5:21 AM, elf426 said:

Now that I have post-workout endorphins flowing, plus a fancy spa juice and a latte coursing through my blood, here are a couple more thoughts from Day 1 plus some from this morning.

 

Muster Drill 2021 is. the. best. I can’t believe I forgot about it last night, but we got a survey this morning and it reminded me. You literally open the app and watch a 20 second video about the life jackets, click complete, then listen to the emergency horn sound, click complete and go to your muster station to verify you completed your drill. Why people wait to do this is beyond me. Be Like Mike, Just Do It.

 

You’ve probably caught on that we enjoy spending time in the casino. Celebrity takes the cake here as the casinos fleet-wide are non-smoking. Having spent the morning at the Hard Rock Seminole, this was a refreshing and welcome change in environment. Anyone will tell you the non-smoking sections of most casinos are a joke (ventilation shmentilation), so being 100% non-smoking earns major kudos from me.

 

F&B – no major comments yet but just a funny thing IMO. Celebrity has committed to eliminating single-use plastics, so bottled water now comes in aluminum bottles. They look like the Coors Light bottles from a few years ago and make me chuckle. Simple minded, I know. Evian water (available with the premium package) comes in a glass bottle.

 

A quick note on the buffet – the staff serving everyone has its ups and downs. For instance, someone might not be at the station you need served from. Have some patience, they’ll get there, but instant gratification is no more. Or, in my case this morning, someone could be standing right there but is so zoned out they don’t notice you. Poor guy, he was deep in some thought and all I wanted was a waffle. I’m not sure why I can handle the syrup thingy or the hot sauce but not the tongs, but thems the rules. I think we all learned that a lot of people are pretty gross (none of us beautiful cruisers) and so we have to tell strangers precisely how many sausages we want at a time now.

 

I wish I could say more about entertainment, but we didn’t time anything out well enough yesterday and missed the majority of scheduled events. The duo that’s been in the atrium has been good, kind of a hipster/folksy/acoustic cover band – I knew all of the songs they were doing but I’d venture to guess the typical Celebrity client wouldn’t recognize a Weeknd song if it smacked them in the face. BUT. Sweet baby Jesus the DJ that was in the nightclub last night needs to rethink some life choices. You can’t tell me that by midnight there wasn’t enough liquid courage flowing to get people on the dance floor, so the only plausible excuse was the atrocious music he played for the first 30 minutes of his set. People kept going up to him to make requests and kept getting rebuffed, like he had a set playlist of disco that he couldn’t deviate from. Ok, sure, maybe he’s restricted to the BMI catalog only or something, but sir, if no one is dancing, quit playing the same style of music, especially when people are clearing asking for something else.

 

Ok, that’s enough for now. Not that I have a special affinity for Nassau, but looking out and seeing the straw market, Senor Frogs and the rest of the main drag shuttered and empty makes me kind of sad. But the grey skies make me glad I can wander this floating city and just relax for the day.

I'm 71 and a total Weeknd fan

 

[Alabaster Cruiser]

21 minutes ago, KKB said:

I've had success in the past with this.

I rather do it in conversation--"It's a shame the dance floor has been empty all night. Sure wish they would play some 80s tunes..." 

 According to how badly you want to hear a song i have found that the djs respond very well to casino chips😁

[elf426]

Good evening chic everyone. I wish I could say this sea day was filled with activities but it was filled with eating and naps mixed with activities. I started with a quick stop in the buffet for a bagel and water before hitting the gym for a Peloton session. The more I visit the buffet the more my “oh they’ll serve us this will be great” attitude wavers. More on that later. Unless I’m blind (and I don’t wear my glasses to the gym) there isn’t water on the gym floor. So plan ahead. Like I didn’t yesterday. Also one of the Pelotons magically disappeared since yesterday. The fancy suites can get them put in their rooms, so I assume that’s what happened. Or else someone got sick of being called a hustler and beat the **** out of the bike.

 

As I’m part hobbit, I had second breakfast with my husband afterward. There are two custom egg stations open and one side had no line so we both got omelets. The scrambled eggs on the buffet line are wet. No, like runny. Ew. Il Secondo Bacio has been so-so, so-so we went down to Café al Bacio for lattes afterward. I parked in the solarium for a couple hours after that. Literally fell asleep in my lounger reading. So much for the latte. With the ships gentle rocking and a cool breeze blowing through I was a goner.

 

Thankfully I was woken up at noon to go get lunch since it’d been more than 15 minutes since I stuffed my face. I also randomly remembered that the included wine tasting from our Drinks and More package was at 1pm, so off to the MDR for lunch we went. I like to try the MDR for lunch at least once as a change of pace to the buffet. Truth be told I think we set a land-speed record as our entrees came out within minutes of ordering. Maybe they read my comments about last nights dinner?

 

I went solo to the food and wine tasting event in Normandie dining room and was seated at a larger 10-top table with a fun group. We got five wines (Riesling, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon) as well as some bites that we were instructed how to eat. For instance, we tried all the wines alone then were asked to try a smoked fish with the sauvignon blanc or some cherry tomato and cheese with the cab. It was a ton of information but the sommelier leading the event was really good. In true cruise fashion they spent the last five minutes trying to sell everyone on the remaining two tasting events of the sailing.

 

Now I have to try and wedge myself into some spanx so I don’t look like a stuffed sausage for the rest of the night. Nah, I’m actually excited to have something to dress up for. Doesn’t mean I still don’t need a shoehorn to get dressed but it’s worth it. And for those of you in the know, the Tampa Bay Lightning can clinch the Stanley Cup tonight in Montreal with a win. I’m hopeful the ship will broadcast the game somewhere. If I could get the broadcast on the silent disco headphones I’d be in heaven.

 

Also, I've vastly underestimated the amount of Weeknd fans on the boards. Guess the Super Bowl execs finally got their halftime show pick right. 

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

1 hour ago, miched said:

 We found going to the CD is usally a waste of time.   If you make a negative comment about the music or any other activity they will githe stock comment that they have no control over it because it is what the main office wants.

 

if you praise something they will say that it was their choice and they usually try accommodate what they feel the passengers want. 
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅 

 

On other cruises (RCCL), I have followed up with an email with my "glows and grows" and in a couple of cases mentioned the atrium entertainment (once a glow, once a big grow). I received a call back from someone with the president's office has personally called me to discuss some of the things. In the case of the big grow for one of the acts (the female half clearly knew NONE of the songs as she was glued to her iPad and pronunciation, and in some cases rhythm was WAY off) and the woman I spoke with said that I was not the first to mention it and that those in charge on the ship were aware and were dealing with that situation.

 

So I'd go that route - email after the fact (I send mine within a few days of getting home) rather than get the stock answer on board.

[MamaFej]

1 hour ago, elf426 said:

Good evening chic everyone. I wish I could say this sea day was filled with activities but it was filled with eating and naps mixed with activities.
 

 

 

 And for those of you in the know, the Tampa Bay Lightning can clinch the Stanley Cup tonight in Montreal with a win. I’m hopeful the ship will broadcast the game somewhere. 

FTR: eating and naps are activities. 

 

In 2014, we could not watch the Kings in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the Millenium. In 2019, we  could not watch the Dodgers in the World Series on the Eclipse. Two crew members tried to find it for me, but it wasn’t possible. I hope you have better luck. 

[3red7s]

21 hours ago, stinkyenglishteacher said:

You can take Dramamine at night to help, too. I get motion sickness pretty badly and take it at night a week before a cruise and then during the cruise. Way better than my head in a toilet, and the sleep is 💯.

I totally agree with the Dramamine.  I had the patches once.....then pills.....they all gave me a very bad taste in my mouth....not good considering you want to enjoy the food!!

 

[3red7s]

On 7/4/2021 at 10:45 AM, SHIP TRAVELER said:

I am following.....and enjoying .  Just wanted to drop a note to a fellow gambler.  When we were in Nassau last we went to the Baha Mar resort casino.  The resort is upscale and it has a very large newish casino.  They were giving free play for cruise passengers who signed up for a card.  We enjoyed video poker at the bar with much better pay schedules than on board the ship. Service was grea, drinks were free to players and all the machines were up to date....it felt like Las Vegas.  Much nicer than the Atlantis Casino which felt old and dark to me.

Just saying if you want to do a taxi ride and stay in the air con on a hot day you might enjoy this place.

Do you remember how long of a ride it was to Baha Mar & what you paid for a taxi cab ride? 

 

[Covepointcruiser]

The sea sickness patches have numerous side effects including dry mouth, bad taste, loopy brain and upset stomach.    Our doctor recommends the chewable Bonnie 24 hr tablets with aignicantly less side effects.   You should also avoid alcohol with the patches.

[Paticakes]

Great reading your review.  We sail on July 17.  Any luck in the casino?

 

[seapad]

Will be on this ship in October...can't wait! Can you please tell me of reservations are required for any one of the entertainment shows? I was trying to check my cruise planner and not seeing any shows listed, and np option to reserve. So just wondering how it was handled on your cruise? Is it hard to get a reservation? 

 

Thanks!

[LGW59]

3 minutes ago, seapad said:

Will be on this ship in October...can't wait! Can you please tell me of reservations are required for any one of the entertainment shows? I was trying to check my cruise planner and not seeing any shows listed, and np option to reserve. So just wondering how it was handled on your cruise? Is it hard to get a reservation? 

 

Thanks!

you do not need a reservation, just show up and enjoy the show(s).  

[Host Anne]

elf ~ thanks so very much for spending time to share your experiences with us.  MUCH appreciated.

 

I'm debating whether I want the Bolts to win tonight or come home and win it here!  I'll take either and I hope you are getting to watch the game! 

 

Keep on enjoying your cruise!

GO BOLTS!!!!

[Fouremco]

1 minute ago, Host Anne said:

elf ~ thanks so very much for spending time to share your experiences with us.  MUCH appreciated.

 

I'm debating whether I want the Bolts to win tonight or come home and win it here!  I'll take either and I hope you are getting to watch the game! 

 

Keep on enjoying your cruise!

GO BOLTS!!!!

You misspelled Habs!!!

[elf426]

3 hours ago, MamaFej said:

FTR: eating and naps are activities. 

 

In 2014, we could not watch the Kings in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the Millenium. In 2019, we  could not watch the Dodgers in the World Series on the Eclipse. Two crew members tried to find it for me, but it wasn’t possible. I hope you have better luck. 

Yup, it’s on the Sports24 channel. The streaming internet is actually good enough at the moment to pick it up on Peacock too on our iPad.

[elf426]

2 hours ago, Paticakes said:

Great reading your review.  We sail on July 17.  Any luck in the casino?

 

Close enough to even to be content 🙂 but we’re still early in the game 

[pixiedust777]

11 minutes ago, elf426 said:

Yup, it’s on the Sports24 channel. The streaming internet is actually good enough at the moment to pick it up on Peacock too on our iPad.

Tied at 1 beginning of the third. 
I am not even watching the game but the loud conversation from DH in the family room I am able to get a play by play of the action. 🤣🤣

Edited July 6, 2021 by pixiedust777

[Susanb10567]

Thanks for all the updates…

 

are there separate sections in the dining room, theater and casino for non vaccinated guests..the latest email from Celebrity for my 7/17 cruise stated that…was just curious if it is happening 

[kwokpot]

5 hours ago, elf426 said:

Unless I’m blind (and I don’t wear my glasses to the gym) there isn’t water on the gym floor. So plan ahead.

Pre pandemic there was lemon water in clear dispensers with a spigot in a couple of places towards the rear of the gym.

Edit: if you enlarge the attached photo you'll see where the water dispenser in the gym preciously was located. 

Edited July 6, 2021 by kwokpot

[SJ1_]

On 7/3/2021 at 9:39 PM, elf426 said:

Hi everyone, longtime lurker, occasional poster here. One can never have too many trip reviews, so I’m throwing my hat in the ring after several “gee, I should have done that” trips. I’m what you may call snarky, and generally don’t see many reviews with sass (perhaps for a reason).,.....

 

 

 

Thanks for joining me so far, I’ll try to update everyone throughout the week.

 

[SJ1_]

It is so great to read about someone on a Cruise ship  Been too long looking forward to hearing about

your cruise and Thank u for sharing !!

[George C]

14 hours ago, TeeRick said:

So can anybody on board comment on whether the kids under 16 are wearing masks?  

I have seen children without masks and sometimes with definitely not enforcing saw some in retreat area today without masks.

[George C]

2 hours ago, seapad said:

Will be on this ship in October...can't wait! Can you please tell me of reservations are required for any one of the entertainment shows? I was trying to check my cruise planner and not seeing any shows listed, and np option to reserve. So just wondering how it was handled on your cruise? Is it hard to get a reservation? 

 

Thanks!

No reservations, shows we attended were never more than half full, for a good reason .

[ipeeinthepool]

Are there any updates on the blue wristbands?  Is everyone still wearing them or did people cut them off after they got wet and then dragged through dinner?

Edited July 6, 2021 by ipeeinthepool

[Sunshine424]

7 hours ago, George C said:

I have seen children without masks and sometimes with definitely not enforcing saw some in retreat area today without masks.

I believe Celebrity says "Masks are encouraged for unvaccinated guests under 16 years old while indoors when not eating or drinking."  While younger children can't get it yet there are many 12 and older who are already fully vaccinated, so maybe some of them are vaccinated already.