The Seven Year Itch sends me off the Edge

[pink tulip]

After 7 years off from cruising we (husband and another couple) sailed on the Edge November 11-21.   This was to use up our credit from the canceled cruise on the Refection in March 2020. We are in our mid forties and our friends in their fifty's. My husband and I have cruised only 8 times before, mostly with Celebrity but also on Holland America, Princess and Carnival.  Needless to say we were very excited to be aboard Celebrity once again after such a long hiatus.  Despite the threat of tropical storm Nicole possibly delaying our flights from Canada we embarked on schedule with the sun shining. I thought I would share my thoughts on our experience since I so enjoy reading others here on Cruise Critic.

 

We stayed in room 8104 which is at the very front of the ship in a deluxe ocean view.  I really quite liked the room itself with the huge floor to ceiling window that offered amazing views, especially as we entered ports.  It felt a bit bigger than the average room because of the slant of the window.  However we have always stayed midship before and being this far forward you do indeed feel the ship move a lot more. It was also quite rocky the first few days on board,  probably due to the residual effects of the storm.  This worried me but despite really feeling the ship move, with our Dramamine tablets ingested we were fine.  Also being that far forward meant more walking as most things are at the rear of the ship.  Another thing to note is were were right above staff quarters and after talking to a few they mentioned they have a staff bar near there and the noise in the early morning hours of partying got so bad our friends, who were two door down, eventually moved to another room after several complaints to customer service.  I didn't notice it too badly from our room but I also wore earplugs.  When the ship is entering and especially leaving port it is very loud with lots of shaking.  This also wasn't a huge issue for me and I learned to expect it but my husband was not impressed, another reason to move midship for next time. I was very impressed with the storage! We don't pack light and there was a space for everything! Bathrooms were fabulous! Our room strewed was great and one of things I absolutely love about cruising is literally every time you come back to your room its been fixed up! Perfection!!

 

The room our friends moved into was a verandah stateroom. None of us really liked the new design with just the window that opens.  Personally I would not book this room, there is just something about a traditional balcony that is superior but I know lots love them.  Perhaps a sunset verandah might be nice next time!

 

The Edge is beautifully decorated and I enjoyed all the artwork and also the design of Eden.  The haunted forest (what we called it) you walk through to get to Eden was also great fun!

 

The martini bar was nice too but I miss the ice covered bar in the older ships. Although this space is lively and elegant it doesn't offer the wow factor found on other ships that have much larger atriums and glass elevators and massive staircases etc.  You just felt like you were in a hotel lobby bar.  A nice hotel but it wasn't impressive. Most nights the crowd spilled into the café space that was just above.  This space offered comfortable seating and you could still enjoy the entertainment from the martini bar but you were unable to order anything but what the coffee shop offered in the form of beverages. I don't understand why they can't bring martinis or other drinks when that bar is so close.  

 

We didn't participate or join many of the activities in the club because we were usually eating from about  8-1030 each night and napping and getting ready before that.  We did make it to the ABBA sing along which was great fun!  But other then that I cannot comment on the other activities offered.  We made it to two shows.  The Billy Joel entertainer and the final show called Colors. I'm sorry to say I was very disappointed in the entertainment.  Even the singers in the martini bar were just ok.  The Billy Joel show was underwhelming and probably the worst performer I have heard sing his songs. The singing in the mini musical Colors was almost unbearable.  The aerialists were the best part.   I guess I just remember the entertainment being better, its definitely not Broadway.  It would be a nice addition for Celebrity to add a comedy lounge and a late night comedian to perform after the late show.  I miss the piano bars on the older ships as they were my favorite place to go after dinner. We did hit the casino a few nights for some roulette and actually didn't break the bank.  But most importantly had great fun and the staff there was amazing!   The acoustic performances in Eden was the best entertainment by far on this sailing, it always drew a crowd.  

 

• In regards to Celebrities new dining arrangements...we had anytime dining but made reservations for each night to eat in the four restaurants twice.  We chose anytime dining hoping to get a 7/7:30 reservation as 6 is too early and 830 a tad late.  This was not possible. I'm not sure if they just don't allow for reservations at those times or we just didn't book early enough (about two months out).  So we ended up eating at 8 or 830 anyway. I really am not a fan of the four restaurants replacing the two level dining room with the grand staircase I loved to walk down each night.  I miss sitting at the same assigned table with the few others you would get to know throughout  the cruise and all discuss what you did that day.  I miss having the same wait staff that knows your preferences after the first few nights, I miss the baked Alaska performance on the last night and the huge buffet they would put out with ice and food sculptors.  The service in the main dining rooms ranged from average to abysmal.  The 'sommeliers" were definitely not trained and really offered nothing but slow service.  This is with exception in Eden and the Steakhouse. 

We dined at Eden twice and the Steakhouse once.  We absolutely loved them both for their menu and service. Eden's dishes were art and the cocktails worth the upcharge. The steakhouse mac and cheese was the best I have ever had!  We tried to reserve again but they were all booked up.  The food in the main dining rooms was also very good but the poor service took away from the whole experience. The French onion soup was a group favorite.  Book the specialty restaurants you won't be disappointed! But I would suggest getting your reservations before you board.

 

One more thing to note about food on this ship, between 11am and 12pm there is no where to eat except maybe the mast grill which in itself is lacking.  This was extremely frustrating for me as I don't necessarily want to get up early for breakfast.  At no time on any cruise ship should you be without several options for food.  With a few adjustments Celebrity could remedy this.  Have a panini, cold salad and soup bar in Eden available from 10am-midnight they have the space use it!  Have the pizza also available 10am-1am.  Have the juice bar in the pool area also open at least from 7am-6pm.  The mast grill should offer more options such as wings, nacho's chicken fingers, smokies.  The rooftop grill was never open.  Raw on 5 seemed empty most of the time.  Perhaps use the space for takeout sushi and an oyster champagne bar. The buffet offered plenty of delicious options but it was the same options everyday for breakfast lunch and dinner.  Maybe switch it up a bit? Perhaps
this is a staffing issue and in future sailing it will improve. 

 

My husband and I enjoy dressing up each night and we were really looking forward taking advantage of all the photo opportunity's Celebrity provides. Unfortunately the photographers were not what I remember.  There used to be so many more options, locations and backgrounds.  Several of our pictures had closed eyes or something else that could have been adjusted if they would have taken the time to care. They just kept pushing for the photo shoot that was a huge upcharge. 

On sea days it was a challenge but not impossible to find a chair. We didn't get in the pool or hot tubs. There was always someone around with a cart offering drinks which was greatly appreciated.

 

The sunset bar and the the magic carpet were wonderful and the bar staff in both were efficient and friendly. Sunset offered so many comfy places to sit and enjoy the ocean.  The back of the ship has always been my favorite!

 

I did a spa pass on our second last sea day and really enjoyed it.  The spa was quiet and beautifully designed with lots of options to relax in. I would defiantly do this again.

 

All in all it was so nice to experience cruising again! Perhaps because it was so early in the season many staff were still in training but despite the lack of experience you could tell they were all trying their best.  As the Caribbean cruising season continues the staff will become more efficient.
I do miss the old Celebrity ways however it was a fabulous holiday with many happy memories and we will sail Celebrity again, just maybe on an older ship. Not sure of the Edge class is for us.

 

[beerme1]

Enjoyed your review. Thank You Pink Tulip!

 

We have only cruised on Royal three times and are going on Celebrity Equinox in December. 

From what I have seen and read it is an older class mid size ship that is loved for the attention you get from the staff. Looking at the cruise lines you have cruised on, it would seem to me Celebrity is your preferred line. We've been on Oasis, Jewel and Symphony on Royal. Truth be told we probably had the most fun on our first cruise which was Oasis but Jewel was a fun trip and Symphony exceeded that. 

 

I get that we won't get water slides, zip lines, flo riders and rock walls that we never used anyway but they were always good entertainment.

Speaking of which, that is one concern I have switching to Celebrity. Comedy and broadway shows, and the aqua shows are all GREAT fun on Royal. I have reservations about what we're about to experience on Celebrity Equinox. That said. we have no kids and while I can't say we were ever bothered by kids on Royal, I'm damn sure I won't miss them either lol!

 

Thanks again for your review. Makes me wonder if I would do Edge next or stay on Equinox.

Ultimately, teh basic bar package is included. I'll be alright 🙂

[NutsAboutGolf]

Thanks for the engaging review.  I agree with just about everything although I prefer anytime dining.  On the topic of dining in MDR, you can talk to the M'D about having the same table

 

-Entertainment,  would love a nightly comedian and some name-brand Broadway shows

-Mast grill, worst food on the ship.  Give us gourmet and more selection; the burger patty is flavorless and the hot dog is just awful

-Eden, both the cafe and specialty restaurant have the best food and dining experience, on the ship

 

[pink tulip]

30 minutes ago, beerme1 said:

Enjoyed your review. Thank You Pink Tulip!

 

We have only cruised on Royal three times and are going on Celebrity Equinox in December. 

From what I have seen and read it is an older class mid size ship that is loved for the attention you get from the staff. Looking at the cruise lines you have cruised on, it would seem to me Celebrity is your preferred line. We've been on Oasis, Jewel and Symphony on Royal. Truth be told we probably had the most fun on our first cruise which was Oasis but Jewel was a fun trip and Symphony exceeded that. 

 

I get that we won't get water slides, zip lines, flo riders and rock walls that we never used anyway but they were always good entertainment.

Speaking of which, that is one concern I have switching to Celebrity. Comedy and broadway shows, and the aqua shows are all GREAT fun on Royal. I have reservations about what we're about to experience on Celebrity Equinox. That said. we have no kids and while I can't say we were ever bothered by kids on Royal, I'm damn sure I won't miss them either lol!

 

Thanks again for your review. Makes me wonder if I would do Edge next or stay on Equinox.

Ultimately, teh basic bar package is included. I'll be alright 🙂

We were thinking of trying Royal next.  I have always been deterred because of the kids and the 6000 guests and the logistics that go with that. But I think we are ready to try it.  The Edge, from what I was told, was at 80% capacity which I believe is 3500 and it never felt crowded except at the pool on sea days.  I would like to sail an itinerary I don't really care about so we can make it all about the ship and really take advantage of all that Royal offers for fun.

[beerme1]

4 minutes ago, pink tulip said:

We were thinking of trying Royal next.  I have always been deterred because of the kids and the 6000 guests and the logistics that go with that. But I think we are ready to try it.  The Edge, from what I was told, was at 80% capacity which I believe is 3500 and it never felt crowded except at the pool on sea days.  I would like to sail an itinerary I don't really care about so we can make it all about the ship and really take advantage of all that Royal offers for fun.

 

In that case book the Icon on Royal next year.

The itinerary is why we booked the Celebrity cruise. 11 days and has six ports. Five of which we've never been to. Ultimate Southern Caribbean. Our ass's on a beach in Antigua for Christmas and at sea for New Years Eve. Party on! 

[mahdnc]

1 hour ago, pink tulip said:

After 7 years off from cruising we (husband and another couple) sailed on the Edge November 11-21.   This was to use up our credit from the canceled cruise on the Refection in March 2020. We are in our mid forties and our friends in their fifty's. My husband and I have cruised only 8 times before, mostly with Celebrity but also on Holland America, Princess and Carnival.  Needless to say we were very excited to be aboard Celebrity once again after such a long hiatus.  Despite the threat of tropical storm Nicole possibly delaying our flights from Canada we embarked on schedule with the sun shining. I thought I would share my thoughts on our experience since I so enjoy reading others here on Cruise Critic.

 

We stayed in room 8104 which is at the very front of the ship in a deluxe ocean view.  I really quite liked the room itself with the huge floor to ceiling window that offered amazing views, especially as we entered ports.  It felt a bit bigger than the average room because of the slant of the window.  However we have always stayed midship before and being this far forward you do indeed feel the ship move a lot more. It was also quite rocky the first few days on board,  probably due to the residual effects of the storm.  This worried me but despite really feeling the ship move, with our Dramamine tablets ingested we were fine.  Also being that far forward meant more walking as most things are at the rear of the ship.  Another thing to note is were were right above staff quarters and after talking to a few they mentioned they have a staff bar near there and the noise in the early morning hours of partying got so bad our friends, who were two door down, eventually moved to another room after several complaints to customer service.  I didn't notice it too badly from our room but I also wore earplugs.  When the ship is entering and especially leaving port it is very loud with lots of shaking.  This also wasn't a huge issue for me and I learned to expect it but my husband was not impressed, another reason to move midship for next time. I was very impressed with the storage! We don't pack light and there was a space for everything! Bathrooms were fabulous! Our room strewed was great and one of things I absolutely love about cruising is literally every time you come back to your room its been fixed up! Perfection!!

 

The room our friends moved into was a verandah stateroom. None of us really liked the new design with just the window that opens.  Personally I would not book this room, there is just something about a traditional balcony that is superior but I know lots love them.  Perhaps a sunset verandah might be nice next time!

 

The Edge is beautifully decorated and I enjoyed all the artwork and also the design of Eden.  The haunted forest (what we called it) you walk through to get to Eden was also great fun!

 

The martini bar was nice too but I miss the ice covered bar in the older ships. Although this space is lively and elegant it doesn't offer the wow factor found on other ships that have much larger atriums and glass elevators and massive staircases etc.  You just felt like you were in a hotel lobby bar.  A nice hotel but it wasn't impressive. Most nights the crowd spilled into the café space that was just above.  This space offered comfortable seating and you could still enjoy the entertainment from the martini bar but you were unable to order anything but what the coffee shop offered in the form of beverages. I don't understand why they can't bring martinis or other drinks when that bar is so close.  

 

We didn't participate or join many of the activities in the club because we were usually eating from about  8-1030 each night and napping and getting ready before that.  We did make it to the ABBA sing along which was great fun!  But other then that I cannot comment on the other activities offered.  We made it to two shows.  The Billy Joel entertainer and the final show called Colors. I'm sorry to say I was very disappointed in the entertainment.  Even the singers in the martini bar were just ok.  The Billy Joel show was underwhelming and probably the worst performer I have heard sing his songs. The singing in the mini musical Colors was almost unbearable.  The aerialists were the best part.   I guess I just remember the entertainment being better, its definitely not Broadway.  It would be a nice addition for Celebrity to add a comedy lounge and a late night comedian to perform after the late show.  I miss the piano bars on the older ships as they were my favorite place to go after dinner. We did hit the casino a few nights for some roulette and actually didn't break the bank.  But most importantly had great fun and the staff there was amazing!   The acoustic performances in Eden was the best entertainment by far on this sailing, it always drew a crowd.  

 

• In regards to Celebrities new dining arrangements...we had anytime dining but made reservations for each night to eat in the four restaurants twice.  We chose anytime dining hoping to get a 7/7:30 reservation as 6 is too early and 830 a tad late.  This was not possible. I'm not sure if they just don't allow for reservations at those times or we just didn't book early enough (about two months out).  So we ended up eating at 8 or 830 anyway. I really am not a fan of the four restaurants replacing the two level dining room with the grand staircase I loved to walk down each night.  I miss sitting at the same assigned table with the few others you would get to know throughout  the cruise and all discuss what you did that day.  I miss having the same wait staff that knows your preferences after the first few nights, I miss the baked Alaska performance on the last night and the huge buffet they would put out with ice and food sculptors.  The service in the main dining rooms ranged from average to abysmal.  The 'sommeliers" were definitely not trained and really offered nothing but slow service.  This is with exception in Eden and the Steakhouse. 

We dined at Eden twice and the Steakhouse once.  We absolutely loved them both for their menu and service. Eden's dishes were art and the cocktails worth the upcharge. The steakhouse mac and cheese was the best I have ever had!  We tried to reserve again but they were all booked up.  The food in the main dining rooms was also very good but the poor service took away from the whole experience. The French onion soup was a group favorite.  Book the specialty restaurants you won't be disappointed! But I would suggest getting your reservations before you board.

 

One more thing to note about food on this ship, between 11am and 12pm there is no where to eat except maybe the mast grill which in itself is lacking.  This was extremely frustrating for me as I don't necessarily want to get up early for breakfast.  At no time on any cruise ship should you be without several options for food.  With a few adjustments Celebrity could remedy this.  Have a panini, cold salad and soup bar in Eden available from 10am-midnight they have the space use it!  Have the pizza also available 10am-1am.  Have the juice bar in the pool area also open at least from 7am-6pm.  The mast grill should offer more options such as wings, nacho's chicken fingers, smokies.  The rooftop grill was never open.  Raw on 5 seemed empty most of the time.  Perhaps use the space for takeout sushi and an oyster champagne bar. The buffet offered plenty of delicious options but it was the same options everyday for breakfast lunch and dinner.  Maybe switch it up a bit? Perhaps
this is a staffing issue and in future sailing it will improve. 

 

My husband and I enjoy dressing up each night and we were really looking forward taking advantage of all the photo opportunity's Celebrity provides. Unfortunately the photographers were not what I remember.  There used to be so many more options, locations and backgrounds.  Several of our pictures had closed eyes or something else that could have been adjusted if they would have taken the time to care. They just kept pushing for the photo shoot that was a huge upcharge. 

On sea days it was a challenge but not impossible to find a chair. We didn't get in the pool or hot tubs. There was always someone around with a cart offering drinks which was greatly appreciated.

 

The sunset bar and the the magic carpet were wonderful and the bar staff in both were efficient and friendly. Sunset offered so many comfy places to sit and enjoy the ocean.  The back of the ship has always been my favorite!

 

I did a spa pass on our second last sea day and really enjoyed it.  The spa was quiet and beautifully designed with lots of options to relax in. I would defiantly do this again.

 

All in all it was so nice to experience cruising again! Perhaps because it was so early in the season many staff were still in training but despite the lack of experience you could tell they were all trying their best.  As the Caribbean cruising season continues the staff will become more efficient.
I do miss the old Celebrity ways however it was a fabulous holiday with many happy memories and we will sail Celebrity again, just maybe on an older ship. Not sure of the Edge class is for us.

 

Nice picture and review. I'm always interested in reading the first impressions of the Edge class ships from passengers who have sailed on other Celebrity ships. Thanks for taking the time to write it. 

[parrothead33]

Thanks so much for your honest review.  We are staying in the same cabin in April and was wondering if you could post a picture or 2 of the cabin if you have any. Thanks again for taking the time to write your review.

[pink tulip]

9 hours ago, parrothead33 said:

Thanks so much for your honest review.  We are staying in the same cabin in April and was wondering if you could post a picture or 2 of the cabin if you have any. Thanks again for taking the time to write your review.

I don't have photos but here is the video we took as we dropped our bags.  
It wasn't 100% ready at the time but still looked good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PTC DAWG]

17 hours ago, pink tulip said:

We were thinking of trying Royal next.  I have always been deterred because of the kids and the 6000 guests and the logistics that go with that. But I think we are ready to try it.  The Edge, from what I was told, was at 80% capacity which I believe is 3500 and it never felt crowded except at the pool on sea days.  I would like to sail an itinerary I don't really care about so we can make it all about the ship and really take advantage of all that Royal offers for fun.

Edge at 80% would be just under 2400 passengers.

[parrothead33]

Thank you so much for the video….better than pictures.  The room looks great and so do you guys!  Had an IV on Apex when we sailed in April so this will be a different experience for us.  Thanks again.

 

[SusieAV8R]

22 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

Thanks for the engaging review.  I agree with just about everything although I prefer anytime dining.  On the topic of dining in MDR, you can talk to the M'D about having the same table

 

-Entertainment,  would love a nightly comedian and some name-brand Broadway shows

-Mast grill, worst food on the ship.  Give us gourmet and more selection; the burger patty is flavorless and the hot dog is just awful

-Eden, both the cafe and specialty restaurant have the best food and dining experience, on the ship

 

I used to love having hamburgers at the Mast Grill but stopped going there our last few cruises after being disappointed.  I didn't put one and one together, at the time but it makes sense that Celebrity has downgraded the quality of their food.  If X thinks that uncomfortable modern decor and downgraded food will make them into a luxury line, Lisa is kidding herself!

[JonoBhoy]

Looking amazing. We are aboard on 2nd Jan after a 5 year Celebrity hiatus. Like you, we have an affinity with the Solstice class ships (Reflection/Solstice,  however I am looking forward to what Edge has to offer. Hoping we enjoy it as much as you did 🙂

[newtocruiseinblue]

Nice review and video! Thank you!

[woneill63]

We were on a 10 day Edge cruise on Oct 14, out of Rome.  And feel the same way you do about the Edge, underwhelmed.  We had booked a sunset vista cabin, aft balcony, but couldn't use the room because of a distinct odor, Celebrity moved us to an Aqua Class cabin on deck 9, we were not impressed with the infinite veranda stateroom, basically just a large window.  

We didn't enjoy the martini bar as much as on the one on the Constellation, it lacked the ice top bar and had a completely different vibe.  The pool deck had very few lounges under cover and out of the sun.  We caught a few shows and the entertainment was just ok.  I can appreciate Celebrity's willingness to try a different direction with this class, call me old school, it just wasn't my style. 

On the plus side, all our meals were very good, we ate at all the different restaurants except for Raw on 5 and the Rooftop Grille.  Our dinners at Eden and Fine Cut were outstanding.  We sailed at roughly 66 percent capacity, so the service was excellent.

This summer we have booked a cruise on the Equinox and I think that this class of ship will be a better fit for us and other family members joining us.