How much extra is retreat worth ?

[kingcole]

I've only sailed Celebrity once and that was in a 50% Blue Chip discounted Penthouse to Antarctica on an older ship.

 

In March, we are booked on Edge to NZ from Sydney and this time we are in a Concierge Veranda. I will miss the retreat benefits and looking at the ship, maybe more so than last time as there are a lot more Retreat benefits.

 

We have an all inclusive package at the moment but would inevitably end up upgrading to premium drinks and internet. There is also an extra $800 OBC, so a $1600 value for the 2 of us. Dining in Luminai would also mean we are less likely to spend money on specialty restaurants. But the difference in cost to the cheapest retreat room (Magic Carpet) is about $5000. This seems steep.

 

Sadly, I didn't gamble much on our Antarctica trip so all casino can offer is 20% off the fully refundable rate.

 

I'd be interested in some opinions on my dilemma  

[RichYak]

Retreat pricing has gone through the roof in the last year. I wouldn't pay more than $500pp/pn total.

[prmssk]

We just did this analysis for our Ascent cruise and saw a similar pricing difference.  We just couldn't justify it.  I will miss the Retreat but I've cruised in cheaper rooms on Celebrity enough times that I know I will still greatly enjoy the cruise.

[kingcole]

4 minutes ago, RichYak said:

Retreat pricing has gone through the roof in the last year. I wouldn't pay more than $500pp/pn total.

We're not a million miles from that. It's $12500 for an 11 night cruise, so so $569pp/pn. I'll keep an eye open for price drops and offers. There was a suite GTY offered a couple of weeks ago but was only $200 each lower and has gone now anyway. 

[jelayne]

How many nights is the cruise?  For us the number of sea days is a factor.  If it is a port intensive cruise we are inclined to pay less.   Port days we grab a quick breakfast at the buffet, are off the ship for lunch and don’t use the Retreat Sun Deck and spend minimal time in our cabin.

Long cruises with many sea days we find we enjoy the Retreat Sun Deck on the E class, eat at Luminae for lunch and a few breakfasts and spend more time in our cabin.so we find more value in the Retreat when there are a lot of sea days  

[danceswithphones]

We stay aboard on port days. Never even considered anything but Retreat level. The Beyond (and the Ascent) really nailed the ship-within-a-ship concept. 

[paulh84]

It's not really a matter of a comparison cost to us since no matter how to view it, it is a frivolous expense. We would do an inside on Carnival if cost was the only consideration. Things I take into consideration are:

 

E class vs S/M class Retreat  

Number of port days 

Itinerary in general  

Would I be disappointed if I did not win a Move Up bid 

Other travel expenses for the year 

Price of comparable trips during the same timeframe 

 

I was considering cancelling a Suite booking for next January until I looked at other options. One of our go-to resorts for the same time is $2,000 a night with only breakfast included. 

[TeeRick]

51 minutes ago, kingcole said:

I've only sailed Celebrity once and that was in a 50% Blue Chip discounted Penthouse to Antarctica on an older ship.

 

In March, we are booked on Edge to NZ from Sydney and this time we are in a Concierge Veranda. I will miss the retreat benefits and looking at the ship, maybe more so than last time as there are a lot more Retreat benefits.

 

We have an all inclusive package at the moment but would inevitably end up upgrading to premium drinks and internet. There is also an extra $800 OBC, so a $1600 value for the 2 of us. Dining in Luminai would also mean we are less likely to spend money on specialty restaurants. But the difference in cost to the cheapest retreat room (Magic Carpet) is about $5000. This seems steep.

 

Sadly, I didn't gamble much on our Antarctica trip so all casino can offer is 20% off the fully refundable rate.

 

I'd be interested in some opinions on my dilemma  

It is for quite a few a personal or lifestyle choice, not necessarily a financial one.

[Shiba_Lover]

It's very subjective.  It's really based on if you will use/ enjoy the amenities and if the cost of those are enough to justify it to you.  I've had the same discussion with my husband about going in Aqua vs Retreat when I though the cost per night was a bit insane and he said no way because to him, he really enjoys the retreat lounge as an option.  So it's just a personal choice.  No matter what, the entire ship is great and there's lots to enjoy everywhere.

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

I think their E class Retreat product (for the staterooms that have the genuine premium "all in" included, all restaurants, balcony hot tubs, etc) is quite appealing.

 

Beyond is a nice and new(er) ship. I think Edge would be likewise a good option to consider if you are looking at the Retreat.

 

Can't answer anything on their pre-Edge class ships, but they appear dated. I have/am only going to be sailing on the two newest ships with this line.

 

*no intention of angering or offending anyone with this post. Just observations provided OP.

 

Peace to all

 

 

Edited July 5, 2023 by 4-2-N-8

[RichYak]

1 hour ago, kingcole said:

We're not a million miles from that. It's $12500 for an 11 night cruise, so so $569pp/pn. I'll keep an eye open for price drops and offers. There was a suite GTY offered a couple of weeks ago but was only $200 each lower and has gone now anyway. 

Note that my $500pp/pn threshold is just that, mine. Others may have a different price point. Retreat or not, I can't see paying more than that for a mass market cruise ship. I can try premium and luxury lines for that price.

[George C]

I love the retreat on E class , really love the outdoor retreat but would weather allow you to use that on this cruise? I like the idea of keeping your room and gambling on move up to get a suite . 

[Mark_K]

If I can afford it, I tend to “bite the bullet” and try not to think about what it cost. Although I don’t usually pick the cruise first, I usually shop retreat prices and pick one that looks good and has somewhat reasonable pricing.

 

And like RichYak mentioned a couple of times we’ve ended up on Silversea instead of Celebrity.  

[mailmama]

Taking in consideration of the $5000 increase to move from Aqua to any suite class, would be that for $173 per person you can purchase a 5 night specialty dining package. This $300 plus dollars is a far cry from $5000. Since you have a beverage package already, all bars are readily available. The main difference is the basic square footage of the room. We've done a Celebrity Suite and verandas and insides even. We look at all these little factors and decide what we need and what we don't. Itinerary and who is sailing with us factors in also.

[wineoclock]

For me E class ships only retreat will do as I like a proper balcony not a pseudo one. S class we’ve done Aqua & would do so again depending on itinerary & number of sea days. 

[dateacher]

After about 6 cruises on Celebrity in regular cabins, we bid up to Retreat on Beyond in January.  It was a B2B and we ended up with Retreat on both legs.  I was hooked and have booked it on the Ascent for January.  I did book a shorter cruise because of the price but am not sure if I will go back to regular cabins, especially on E class. I don't like the IV.

 

I love the lounge and the quieter pool deck. 

[shipshape sam]

21 hours ago, TeeRick said:

It is for quite a few a personal or lifestyle choice, not necessarily a financial one.

For sure.  I look at the Retreat pictures, then take the savings and donate in casino.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

1 hour ago, shipshape sam said:

For sure.  I look at the Retreat pictures, then take the savings and donate in casino.

 

If you can handle vapers...

[mrgabriel]

There is no right or wrong answer. It depends on the individual, their financial situation, their goals/desires/wants/needs.

 

What matters to us is how/if we'll be able to take full advantage of the suite. We would consider paying top dollar for a suite on a cruise where we wanted to spend more time in our cabin - so that would be a cruise with a lot of kids, fewer ports of call (or ports we want to visit), poor weather. Also, if it was a special event - like retirement, big anniversary or birthday. 

[Andrewgary]

I just can't justify the rates they charge for a suite. I'm sure the Retreat is wonderful but I just can't seem to pull the trigger on the price tag. It's all individual, of course, and maybe one of these days I'll bite the bullet and splurge. My fear is it'll be like being upgraded to first class-once you experience it it's hard to go back to coach with the hoi polloi. Best to stick with my veranda (SV on Edge Class) and not realize what I'm missing. 

[Laurab23]

We did the PH on Summit. So expensive but it was so nice. That balcony was on my bucket list. I know it will never happen again, my finances just can't handle it. But I got to do it once. Booked in a Aqua on Eclipse next May. I remind myself that I am lucky to do Aqua.

 

Laura

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I have sailed in suites and enjoyed the experience when the price was somewhat reasonable.  No more at the current prices.  I know that I can be perfectly happy in a regular balcony room.  And if this vaping nonsense continues, I will definitely be moving to another cruise line.  So much for "Healthy at Sea."

[hcat]

personal preference..and pricing rule

 

Over the years, we have been most happy in AQ Class but recently used all our accumulated cancelled  cruise credits to try RETREAT  on BEYOND.

 

....early embark lounge was nice concept but no goodies were served in the lounge except soft drinks and alcohol, and hardly enough seating 

.....early  disembark was a godsend but many cheaters tried to get into the Suite departure area..hard for staff to control. 

......special suite guest theater seating was nice but not necessary

....stateroom was a perfect size but bathroom layout was not the best..the big tub w/ shower was  def a slippery slope!

.....having a butler was a nice extra but it  became tedious with over- attention....

......Retreat lounge had a nice little bar and  a healthy breakfast spread.. Overall, it was a large space, seems that part of it.could have been put to better use.  The concierges there were  very helpful sorting things out.

......outdoor retreat area was very nice  with  comfy loungers and some shade,  but often overcrowded. Esp in the dip pool, around  the bar, and lunch seating.   Groups tended to monopolize the space daily  as their own.  .Best day there was a sea day when it was much less crowded..very nice!

......Luminae was a big disappointment for us .It was very dark, long and narrow, noisy at times. Not easy to get seated at the front window area. I  got stuck inside the auto door bathrom.. it was never fixed.. Our waiter was very good but otherwise nothing special there..Menu was not to our liking,  and food was just ok. Shrimp cocktail had  small gooey shrimp and  ketchupy sauce.  The bread  was doled out by one server for all..no bread basket on table, and bread often late. Wine service was standard.

 

After getting the everyday alt entrees for a few days, we tried  BLU....no comparison!  Beautiful view, great menu, food and service.  Pre dinner treats and a bread basket always on the table.  Giant firm shrimp with great sauce 

Note: BLU on EDGE has no view due to location !

.....we also missed access to the AQ class Solarium/ spa rooms ...not included in Retreat Class.

 

For us the Retreat extras do not warrant any extra charge..  We are back in AQ Class and then a SV for our next 2  E class cruises    Only downside is we will have to manage the Celebrity boarding and disembark  fiasco..pack our patience!

 

hope OP can decide what's best.. we are glad we tried Retreat once..just for the experience!

 

 

[shipshape sam]

8 hours ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

 

If you can handle vapers...

Yeah, that could be a problem.  If vaping is a problem for DW or me, we will just pocket the Retreat savings. 😃 

 

Seriously, I am still amazed any cruise line allows inside smoking or vaping.  Smoking was allowed on our recent sailing of HAL's Rotterdam and they had a smoking area outside on Lido deck aft which was next to a bar and they allowed smoking in casino.  Casino was never crowded and we spent just a short time in there over the 11 day cruise. Never felt it was busy.  Was that due to smoke?   It was for DW! Area outside was busy/crowded and a mix of smokers and those with them. 

[t18c97]

What’s it worth, it’s worth it if you think it is.