Beyond Live Jan 8 to Jan 22

[mperrizo]

8 hours ago, volk904 said:

Which night on the eastern cruise was Evening Chic night with the lobster ? Do they serve that in all 4 dining rooms?  

For us it was dinner on Friday after being in the Puerto Plata stop. Lobster was provided in all four dinning rooms. 

[mperrizo]

 

It was an early morning rise for our brief stay in Nassau today. We pulled up to the Pier around 6:45 this morning and were given shoreside access just before 7:15 this morning. 

 

Docking right after us this morning where the Harmony of the Seas and the Celebrity Reflection.  While we ate the Explorer of the  Seas began to approach the pier and following it into port was the Carnival Paradise. It was kind of surreal thinking we have been lucky enough to have sailed on 4 of the 5 ships so far in port. Today we docked bow out again with the starboard side facing the Atlantis resort and Paradise Island.

 

To try something new we booked an excursion in Nassau to the beach day at Blue Lagoon. Our checkin time was at 7:30 and unlike our excursion  last week in St. Thomas we waited in the theater for 15 minutes until they called the first excursion time before finally being led to Deck 2 aft to exit the ship. This seemed to be delayed as Explorer needed to secure next to us as we were sharing the outside pier with them.

 

Once we were outside we found the progress that continues to be made on the Nassau pier improvement project impressive. Docking on the outside pier is still a long walk but shade structures  are going up everywhere. After the brief walk towards the end of the pier complex we boarded a double decker blue lagoon tender boat. Our excursion was joined by four other excursions from Beyond for the tender ride to Blue Lagoon. On a hot day packing that many folks on the ferry boat may make the ride miserable but with it only being 64 degrees being on the lower decks seated shoulder to shoulder with our new friends was a welcome warming surprise.

 

Our tender left the pier at 8:15 for an approximate 30 minute ride to blue lagoon. The ride was narrated on the way and helped pass time as we explored an area we had never been before. When we arrived at Blue Lagoon we were informed our tender back would depart promptly at 12:30 for our 2:30 all aboard. 

 

After we disembarked our host walked us in line to the adults only area. Walking in line to the area almost felt like being in a kindergarten class but it was what it is. If you have never been to blue lagoon it is designed to take in as many tourists as possible with a variety of activities on the island including animal encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and sting rays as well as tours on segways, water inflatables and lots of loungers. We were the first tender to arrive and it felt quiet. The lagoon is a tidal lagoon that today due to the Atlantic waves had quite a current and made the Atlantic beaches unusable.

 

On our walk in and subsequent exploration we found the potential for the location great but it needed a little more TLC. Examples of the needed TLC were the adults only beach chairs were so stretched out, and the un-raked beach.

 

The experience came with lunch and a limited beverage menu which we didn’t realize either of these when we booked so the lunch and beverages were a welcome bonus experience. 

 

Lunch was a choice of fish, chicken, or beef served buffet style  with plantains, rice and beans and a salad. This coupled with very attentive beach hosts who even went in fully clothed to deliver drinks made the experience. As the sun decided to visit and more passengers from other ships arrived  the vibe became more lively.

 

We also enjoyed strolling around on the island and observing the animal encounters. Though a very commercial experience with chairs that were worse than a Motel 6 mattress with springs sticking through purchased when Tim Bodet left the lights on. 

 

We have checked the box at Blue Lagoon for an adult beach day but would consider a different experience here in the future. Especially if we were looking for the animal experience or the in water inflatable park the place would have been great especially for tweens and teens.

 

At 12:00 we began our stroll back to the tender area for boarding at 12:15 and scheduled departure at 12:30. The area back by the pier was packed with passengers from all ships and some still arriving to Blue Lagoon.

 

We promptly left 5 minutes early to make our way back to the Nassau pier. The ride back was not narrated but still pleasant as music played. These pleasantries were only mildly disrupted by the 4 year old who needed a nap as the adult only portion of this excursion was only the beach area with the loungers from medieval times.

 

Once arriving at the pier DW and I debated a stop at Island Republic Brewery and into Kay’s Jewlers to say hello. When we returned to pier another vessel the MSC Meraviglia had joined us in Nassau. Despite  the busy pier we ventured out had a beer and a browse at Kay’s Jewelry store and made our way to Island Republic for another before boarding the beyond. We can not say enough good things about Kay’s who has locations throughout the Caribbean (different than USA chain) and the folks at Island Republic. We have been visiting both for years and have always been treated great!

 

After a quick lunch back on board we made it to the outdoor pool deck where the new passengers who just joined us all finally found the pool deck. We were scheduled for all to be on board at 2:30pm local but based on announcements 5 minutes prior to sail away we may have been missing 2. With excitement of a young child on Christmas Eve I made my way to the magic carpet on deck 15 hoping to see pier runners. After waiting 15 minutes at the ready to watch the run it was time to return poolside as our lines started to slack so they either boarded or we would be gone before the run and we were on our way at 3:15 for a day at sea tomorrow making our way to Costa Maya. Captain Kate tried to start a horn battle but I think several of our docked piers where not interested in the game.

 

While waiting it was sad to see the condition of the Explorer of the Seas. This ship I believe was scheduled for a dry dock that was cancelled due to Covid and has not yet occurred. From my garage point across the pier it definitely could use a shoe shine. We have fond memories of sailing on her and hope to again soon.

 

Back by the pool bar passengers complained about the speed of service at the bar as we sailed away. I used it as an excuse to avoid joining the water aerobics class as I was lacking in liquid encouragement. Tonight dinner is at Eden which we have only heard rave reviews.

[mperrizo]

As we sailed away from Nassau into partly cloudy skies the pool area cleared as the Atlantis Resort began to fade in the horizon.  DW headed to the room for a nap as I made it to the sunset bar for a cigar and to enjoy a beautiful sunset with a bourbon in hand.

 

As I sit taking in then scenery of the sunset bar I am impressed as it is a wonderfully laid out space and much like it’s neighbor rooftop gardens is an under utilized area on the ship. One of the places that we have found the Beyond excels is spaces to read or just have a private moment taking in the seascape. The entire upper deck area has much more of a land resort atmosphere but is complemented by 360 degree views of the ocean. 

 

After enjoying the best sunset so far in our B2B it was time to prepare for a night out on the Grand Plaza. The entertainment offerings tonight include some recaps from last week including the group ukebox which we skipped and instead enjoyed supporting Celebrity Cruise lines via the casino and then off to Eden for dinner with what we thought would be a double bonus of an Acoustic Duo playing while we dined on a wonderful dinner.

 

The dinning room in Eden with a window seat has wonderful visual atmosphere as even at night the wake is viewable as it is illuminated off the back of the ship. There was a large party seated in our immediate vicinity that was a little loud that and our location did not lend to enjoying the live music while we dined. The service in Eden from our server was wonderful instead of fretting about the menu we asked him to just bring us dinner. After he asked a few questions about food allergies he was off to orchestrate 3 wonderful courses. 

 

Our first course included 3 dishes a Truffle risotto, an Aegean Ceviche and a Crab Cake. All of these dishes stood out the texture of the risotto was perfect, the ceviche came with a coriander sorbet that brightens the entire dish, and the crab cake put the crab as the focus and not the breading. 

 

Our entrees included two dishes the Beef Filet with Mini Short Rib Wellington and the Fresh Corvina. Both of these dishes were standouts the Fresh Corvina was flaky and  beautifully plated but a little heavy on the capers that brought a salt forward taste to the dish. The Filet and Short Rib were cooked to perfection and paired well with the Shiraz DW picked. 

 

Desert was another wonderful and very different 3 selections with a Meyer Lemon Tartlet, Butterscotch Brûlée and an Aztec Chocolate Tart. 

 

We had a wonderful server who had weaved  an intricate pattern of dishes from start to finish by his knowledge of the menu and just when we couldn’t think about another bite he arrived with a tower of petit four to leave on our table. 

 

As we set there and finished our glasses of wine we reflected on a wonderful day in Nassau with a superb dinner and the excitement of another sea day tomorrow. We decided it might be time to head towards our stateroom. Though we were originally planning to see Decadence in Eden again it was not to be.

 

On our way back to the room it was nice to see that our shipmates for this week had found the silent disco and the grand plaza was hopping with what seemed to be half the ship listening to individual tracks being spun by the ships 3 DJs. After taking in the atmosphere it was off to our room for a surprise.

 

When we opened the door we were greeted with a bottle of Moët and Chocolate covered strawberries. We flirted with the idea of going back out for the night with our randomly gifted treasures but decided we would save them both for tomorrow.

[yokoboy]

Thank you for your excellent review.   My family and I are on the same Eastern itinerary on March 5th.  Do you still have the Celebrity Today sheets from that part of your cruise?  If so, would you be willing to post or send them offline?   

Please let me know.  

 

Just the activities portion would be fine.

 

Thanks again,

Sean

Edited January 17, 2023 by yokoboy

[mperrizo]

36 minutes ago, yokoboy said:

Thank you for your excellent review.   My family and I are on the same Eastern itinerary on March 5th.  Do you still have the Celebrity Today sheets from that part of your cruise?  If so, would you be willing to post or send them offline?   

Please let me know.  

 

Just the activities portion would be fine.

 

Thanks again,

Sean

I believe we have kept them all. I will try and take pics and post at some point but it may

be easier to scan when we return home. Getting some things to upload with the premium Wi-Fi has been time consuming.

[yokoboy]

56 minutes ago, mperrizo said:

I believe we have kept them all. I will try and take pics and post at some point but it may

be easier to scan when we return home. Getting some things to upload with the premium Wi-Fi has been time consuming.

Whatever is easier for you.   Your posts have made our planning much easier.  Thanks again.

[kidz_rn]

Am I correct that Celebrity does not require guests to sign out pool towels? I know Royal C does, and I never understood why the difference between the sister cruise lines. Demographics?

[LGW59]

31 minutes ago, kidz_rn said:

Am I correct that Celebrity does not require guests to sign out pool towels? I know Royal C does, and I never understood why the difference between the sister cruise lines. Demographics?

you are correct

[dreamer321]

4 hours ago, yokoboy said:

Thank you for your excellent review.   My family and I are on the same Eastern itinerary on March 5th.  Do you still have the Celebrity Today sheets from that part of your cruise?  If so, would you be willing to post or send them offline?   

Please let me know.  

 

Just the activities portion would be fine.

 

Thanks again,

Sean

Stealthdog posted the dailies in his Live review of Celebrity Beyond from December 11-18 Eastern Caribbean. Hope this helps.  I'm on the sailing leaving Sunday, Jan. 22 and I really enjoyed seeing the schedule.

Edited January 17, 2023 by dreamer321

[mperrizo]

1 hour ago, kidz_rn said:

Am I correct that Celebrity does not require guests to sign out pool towels? I know Royal C does, and I never understood why the difference between the sister cruise lines. Demographics?

That is correct and it has been wonderful. I am sure the difference is related to demographics. Both lines are owned by the same company but Royal has lifeguards and Celebrity does not. It is a risk benefit decision I am sure just like the towels.

[mperrizo]

Today marks the beginning of our first day at sea of two on this leg of the B2B. In the first leg we thought our stateroom on Deck 3  Port midship was quiet besides at porting times. It seems this is true unless they are in the kitchen early in the back of La Voyage which is a grayed out area in the deck plan of Deck 4. We have not noticed that much noise in the evening when we are getting ready. However this morning I am not sure what they were preparing in the kitchen but it was enough noise and vibration to shake the support structure outside of our stateroom. It is our hope that they prepare our upcoming anniversary dinner in a few nights with this much vigor and enthusiasm.

 

With the early morning vibrations bearing the brunt of the roosters job it was time to get up and put a few miles under our feet on the track. As we made it to the track I was in awe and amazed at how many fellow passengers must have been up early to secure pool chairs. I wonder if they were awoken by the same rooster but were just quicker to respond to the crowing. After a few miles out of the way it was time for some relaxed reading and a Bloody Mary. If I haven’t raved yet about the Bloody Mary forgive me. No the Bloody Mary is not some feat of Gastro Pub menu balancing above inebriated tomato juice, it is just simple and consistent. Ship wide at every bar they use a Bloody Mary seasoning called Demitris. The more they put in to the tomato juice the hotter it gets but it has a consistency. 

 

It is this consistency with good bar staff that have made it great. Celebrity in this regard has set their staff up for success and I hope they will consider doing it in other areas.

 

One such area as the morning biscuits and gravy and other buffet items. When traveling on a B2B you begin to notice little things as the rush of newness fades into total relaxation. However last week the biscuits looked like miniature hockey pucks and not like the consistency of a British cookie biscuit but that of a raw compressed flour variety. To complement these lack luster gluten cakes was gravy that may have rivaled a southern kitchen. Well for this week of the B2B they must have reassigned the biscuit maker to the gravy. Though through reassignment or practice the biscuit has become edible and looks inviting, the gravy has the consistency of milk and now has mushrooms added in instead of something to impart flavor such as sausage. 

 

I am all for staff autonomy to work within their imagination and let just the confines of the ingredients available  speak to them but provide some level of training and oversight for consistency.

 

After breakfast we made our way pool side and were able to score two chairs despite so many being held by individuals who have still not been back since we were up and moving early for a walk. We settled in for a read and sun time. At 10:00 we were greeted by Captain Kate and Cruise Director Tim with welcome news that it will get warmer as we continue west. As the sun finally began to come around we quickly were baking and looking for the bar servers to start a sea day off in style.

 

As the day progressed the clouds left and we had a great warm and sunny day. This group of fellow friends either contained a higher percentage of sun worshipers or it is because it is our first great weather day on this leg. The pool was packed through lunch and into the afternoon more so  than the week prior with less passengers. 

 

Lunch today was at the Oceanview Cafe and the specialty was Italian. Some of the puff pastries that had been made and focaccia bread was great. We both really enjoyed the cheese selection today with burata and mozzarella that was extremely fresh.

 

After the pool activities of Water Aerobics follows by pool basketball it was time to head away from the sun for a bit and a few of our fellow sun worshipers had the same idea as the pool area really started to clear after 4:30. On my few trips through the solarium today it did not seem to be nearly as busy as the previous cruise even on warm weather days. Also the shaded walkway on the port side of the ship on deck 14 has been closed since the last Sea day last week as they are replacing light fixtures with an upgrade to LED. Last week this was a hidden gem to read or watch people stroll by when I needed a short sun break but wanted to still be close to the pool.

 

Tonight both production casts are preforming with Stage Door in the main theater at 7:30 and 9:30 and Night of Dreams in Eden. In addition several other events are being held tonight such as the festive frisky fued adult game show and music at multiple venues. We have been active pretty much everyday and even with B2B cruises will miss some activities as we prioritize others.

 

Tonight we do not have dinner planned so it will probably be dinner in one of the main dining room one last time before continuing our visit to the specialty venues. 

[CruiseCrew123]

@mperrizo - Would you let us know what time you arrive in Costa Maya ? I’m on this itinerary on 2/29 and the app is completely different to the published port times and our original timings .

Edited January 17, 2023 by CruiseCrew123

[mperrizo]

3 hours ago, CruiseCrew123 said:

@mperrizo - Would you let us know what time you arrive in Costa Maya ? I’m on this itinerary on 2/29 and the app is completely different to the published port times and our original timings .

Will do we are anticipating 12:00ish based on what we heard on the announcements today.

[CruiseCrew123]

That’s what I feared . We booked a beach club based on being in port from 10.30 till 19.30 . Looks like far less time there now 😞

[Guest]

Its lovely to read someone's positive review of the Beyond in the midst of all the people on here complaining about cut backs. 

 

Can't wait to board our B2B next month!! 

[hcat]

We were on BEYOND in Nov..not much to complain about.  We were in suite class first time.( using up.our fcc) ...It was  very nice,  but  I am looking forward to being back in AQ Class with BLU... and daily  access to the  Thermsl suite.

 

There were a few issues with the automatic doors in various spots..Getting locked in or teased by an unending open snd close cycle esp in Luminae was a bit nerve wracking but hopefully that's been fixed!

[Cruise a holic]

2 hours ago, hcat said:

We were on BEYOND in Nov..not much to complain about.  We were in suite class first time.( using up.our fcc) ...It was  very nice,  but  I am looking forward to being back in AQ Class with BLU... and daily  access to the  Thermsl suite.

 

There were a few issues with the automatic doors in various spots..Getting locked in or teased by an unending open snd close cycle esp in Luminae was a bit nerve wracking but hopefully that's been fixed!

Big difference from a suite to AQ.  The AQ staterooms are infinite balcony cabins and small.  IMO Blu on Edge class ships in the middle of a hallway not private and very noisy- M and S class much better location and cabin.   Thermal suite can be purchased for a day or two.

[mperrizo]

 

After showers it was time to hit the Grand Plaza and specifically the Martini Bar at 6:00 tonight. At the Martini Bar a bride and groom we saw earlier in the day were partying on the dance floor with friends and family to the tunes of the Dance Band Cari Soul. After another fantastic experience at what we might consider our local watering hole after two weeks we made our way to the Casino.

 

Walking around early tonight and at the Martini Bar everyone must be at dinner as it was quiet and table mins were even at $5.00 on some of the games which we have not seen this low. After an hour of playing roulette we had our best luck so far and had only left $1.00 in Celebrity’s coffers for tonight’s play.

 

We went to Cyprus around 7:40pm and had no wait at all for a table. After a relaxing dinner we found the Grand Plaza busy as groups seemed to be shifting from shows to dinner and from dinner to the show. We browsed the gift shops, and stopped into the Club for the end of Majority Rules. We stopped by the room to drop off a purchase of more sunscreen and had to promise each other we would not sit down as we knew we wouldn’t make the 11:00pm show in Eden.

 

After struggling to stay awake we had a double espresso and started a bar crawl on the way to Eden. One of the things we have noticed on the back half of this B2B is how much bar staff have moved from one location to another. I am not sure if this is normal every cruise or if we just happen to catch the wave of change. Regardless the bar service from the floor staff was noticeably better today pool side.

 

We made it to Eden right about 10:00pm and we’re able to get great seats for the show Dreams. By about 10:30 the venue was almost full with one off chairs available and standing room. We were lucky enough to secure front row opposite the bar for this performance. 

 

The Eden cast was the same cast as last week but we had heard that one of the casts are rotating off the ship after this cruise. Regardless the Eden cast in the production of Dreams was amazing. This retelling of the Alice and Wonderland story was fun and a must do if live entertainment is something that even just mildly interest you.

 

The casts enthusiasm for providing top notch entertainment in a small venue is palatable. This may be because where we sat but it was worth it to get to the venue early and having a few cocktails. I encourage for the Eden shows to arrive early as a poor seat in this small venue will defiantly impact your enjoyment of the performance.

 

After the show we found ourselves walking out of Eden at 11:50 to an empty ship. With a quiet stroll through the casino and the Grand Plaza we joined are fellow cruisers in resting for our port day tomorrow in Costa Maya.

[LGW59]

15 minutes ago, mperrizo said:

 

After showers it was time to hit the Grand Plaza and specifically the Martini Bar at 6:00 tonight. At the Martini Bar a bride and groom we saw earlier in the day were partying on the dance floor with friends and family to the tunes of the Dance Band Cari Soul. After another fantastic experience at what we might consider our local watering hole after two weeks we made our way to the Casino.

 

Walking around early tonight and at the Martini Bar everyone must be at dinner as it was quiet and table mins were even at $5.00 on some of the games which we have not seen this low. After an hour of playing roulette we had our best luck so far and had only left $1.00 in Celebrity’s coffers for tonight’s play.

 

We went to Cyprus around 7:40pm and had no wait at all for a table. After a relaxing dinner we found the Grand Plaza busy as groups seemed to be shifting from shows to dinner and from dinner to the show. We browsed the gift shops, and stopped into the Club for the end of Majority Rules. We stopped by the room to drop off a purchase of more sunscreen and had to promise each other we would not sit down as we knew we wouldn’t make the 11:00pm show in Eden.

 

After struggling to stay awake we had a double espresso and started a bar crawl on the way to Eden. One of the things we have noticed on the back half of this B2B is how much bar staff have moved from one location to another. I am not sure if this is normal every cruise or if we just happen to catch the wave of change. Regardless the bar service from the floor staff was noticeably better today pool side.

 

We made it to Eden right about 10:00pm and we’re able to get great seats for the show Dreams. By about 10:30 the venue was almost full with one off chairs available and standing room. We were lucky enough to secure front row opposite the bar for this performance. 

 

The Eden cast was the same cast as last week but we had heard that one of the casts are rotating off the ship after this cruise. Regardless the Eden cast in the production of Dreams was amazing. This retelling of the Alice and Wonderland story was fun and a must do if live entertainment is something that even just mildly interest you.

 

The casts enthusiasm for providing top notch entertainment in a small venue is palatable. This may be because where we sat but it was worth it to get to the venue early and having a few cocktails. I encourage for the Eden shows to arrive early as a poor seat in this small venue will defiantly impact your enjoyment of the performance.

 

After the show we found ourselves walking out of Eden at 11:50 to an empty ship. With a quiet stroll through the casino and the Grand Plaza we joined are fellow cruisers in resting for our port day tomorrow in Costa Maya.

Ive so enjoyed reading this each morning on my subway ride, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[scaught]

5 hours ago, Glitterati said:

Its lovely to read someone's positive review of the Beyond in the midst of all the people on here complaining about cut backs. 

 

Can't wait to board our B2B next month!! 

AGREED. Upcoming cruise is my first on Celebrity, and I've been clicking away at this discussion board for a couple weeks. It's gotten depressing so it's good to read some nice comments. 

[countess5]

I apologies if you have stated this already, but would you confirm the main theater show times? Is it 7:30 and 9:30?

We will be sailing B2B in February and it would help in planning our dining.

 

Cheers! 

[mperrizo]

1 hour ago, countess5 said:

I apologies if you have stated this already, but would you confirm the main theater show times? Is it 7:30 and 9:30?

We will be sailing B2B in February and it would help in planning our dining.

 

Cheers! 

Main theater shows are at 7:30 and 9:30 Eden shows are at 11:00 and events in the Club have varied a little in time.

[countess5]

39 minutes ago, mperrizo said:

Main theater shows are at 7:30 and 9:30 Eden shows are at 11:00 and events in the Club have varied a little in time.

Thank you for the information! Enjoy the rest of your day.

 

Cheers!

[hcat]

4 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Big difference from a suite to AQ.  The AQ staterooms are infinite balcony cabins and small.  IMO Blu on Edge class ships in the middle of a hallway not private and very noisy- M and S class much better location and cabin.   Thermal suite can be purchased for a day or two.

Been  there done that...On EDGE we had the Inf Balc in AQ.. and used the extra space for a cozy seating area,., BLU was in a bad spot on EDGE and had NO views and poor acoustics...but Not  so on BEYOND.  It was changed in design and there were very. nice views..great  food and service  ( preferable to Luminae)..brighter decor than Luminae  Hoping it will be the same on Ascent!

 

We def enjoyed the suite perks  and the larger stateroom and storage,   but the pvt pool was crowded some days  as were the  suite bars and we saw lots of wasted space..just our opinion. Not the best choice for us...

 

We now  look forward to BLU and Thermal suite access

 

We also had an amazing middle Sunset Veranda on EDGE for a diff cruise ..large room, huge aft outdoor balc..and amazing 4 mdrs.

 

Have not had a bad cruise yet  (since Mercury) with X so hope the cutbacks do not change that  outcome..PLanning on Fine Cut and  EDEN..

[Hutcha]

Thanks for the great review. I'm on Beyond Feb 26th. I have a question for you. Looking at the dinner menus, on the app, all of the main restaurants have the same Celebrity Signature Entrees except Cyprus. They appear to be different each night there. Is this your experience?