LIVE SIDE-BY-SIDE Celebrity Summit Retreat & Seascape Yacht Club 12/9-21/2023 ~ 1st MSC vs Farewell (?) X Suite Experience

[RichYak]

56 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

Sorry if the current content is Seascape heavy.  I will try and provide more comparative content now and later for those that seem to be curious.

Don’t apologize or change anything because one person is complaining. A thorough review of another line from a Celebrity cruiser’s perspective is welcome and appreciated. Keep doing what you’re doing. Thanks!

Edited December 10, 2023 by RichYak

[George C]

Enjoying this thread , we booked MSc yacht club for next December (did it 4 years ago) and we have our annual celebrity summit music charter in royal suite in March .

[countess5]

Any idea with future cruises what they offer if booked on board? Also, is the casino smoke free? 

 

I have read about the food on MSC not standing up to X but I have also read recently that the food on X has changed.

 I guess we will find out in February. 🤔

 

Cheers! 

[hcat]

3 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

Good morning!  Thank you very much for reading.  Sorry if the current content is Seascape heavy.  I will try and provide more comparative content now and later for those that seem to be curious.  We are just super excited to be back on any ship.  We recognize several key items for us that we can easily find on Celebrity that do not exist here or we have not yet discovered them.

 

The equivalent of a Cafe Al Bacio would be one.  Our first lunch and dinner in the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant were fine.  Dessert has been the best course for me so far, but I love dessert….🤣🤣🤣

 

If my memory serves me right, our most recent experiences in Luminae in October 2021 on board Equinox exceeded yesterday’s dining experiences.  I realize that may seem like a lifetime ago to some.😉

 

There is an army of staff in the YC Restaurant and waiter Mark is doing great.  Of course, we never experienced a shortage of waitstaff in Luminae either.  Luminae is a much more beautiful and luxurious dining environment on M- and S-class ships compared to here.  
 

Enjoy your day!😃

This is helpful b/c  I can relate to X ships..Esp b/c  it seems  E Class ships  seem more comparable than Summit  to  the MSC ship you are on.. 

(We would  be ovelwhelmed by really large ships of any brand.. )

 

Fact that so  many are tuning in to this review and the Virgin thread  means Celeb is losing loyal followers!

 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

4 hours ago, hcat said:

i guess..but the X Board is getting more reviews for Virgin, MSC, etc.

 

By going to the Boards for those lines, one gets a more complete picture beyond one review..

 

 I am looking forward to the Summit review!

 

If you don't find it valuable, just scroll on by.  Many of us do find it valuable.

[clanger]

3 hours ago, RichYak said:

Don’t apologize or change anything because one person is complaining. A thorough review of another line from a Celebrity cruiser’s perspective is welcome and appreciated. Keep doing what you’re doing. Thanks!

Agreed, please carry on and thank you !!!

[Stem to Stern]

1 hour ago, countess5 said:

Any idea with future cruises what they offer if booked on board? Also, is the casino smoke free? 

I will see what I can dig up on future cruises.

No smoke seen or sniffed in the casino.  
I watch for the black ashtrays when I am walking around outside.  If I spot them I double back in the opposite direction of them.

[Stem to Stern]

Let’s talk about last night….

View of deserted One Pool prior to sail away taken from one of the four tables in front of Al fresco buffet and coffee bar.

We followed Carnival Horizon and Independence OTS.  Taken from Deck 20 overlooking Top 19 private area for Aurea Experience guests.

MSC Signature Martini - Grey Goose, amaretto, and something else.  Sweet like a Southern Comfort Manhattan.  The glass was cool.  Egg sandwich and something else from munchie bar on Top Sail Lounge.

Then to 7:00 show with sea inspired singing, dancing, and acrobatics.  DH has most of the pics.  
Do Re Mi - MSC mascot with cruise director and activities team  introducing show.

Menu

Menu

Veal chop

Leak and clam risotto for the table

Pistachio and coconut dessert

DH went to bed.  I joined new friends in Top Sail for guitar player.

[Stem to Stern]

9 hours ago, riredsox said:

Is Arthur still the Maitre D?

No.  Mauricio.

[Cruising89143]

Really enjoying your review. We had booked MSC YC a total of five times but Covid got in the way each time. We will try again one day. MSC has placed a team out west so I’m hoping for a west coast ship in the near future. 

[Salt Lifer]

10 hours ago, RichYak said:

Don’t apologize or change anything because one person is complaining. A thorough review of another line from a Celebrity cruiser’s perspective is welcome and appreciated. Keep doing what you’re doing. Thanks!

Agreed.  I actually enjoy the lives from all cruise lines specifically written by those who are primarily Celebrity cruisers.  I figure these people enjoy similar things in a cruise as I do (things that X delivers, or at least delivered at one time), so it gives me a good indication if I may like a cruise in a different line.

[jcpc]

@Stem to SternI'm really enjoying your pictures and posts.  I will admit that I missed Cafe Al'Bacio when I sailed Meraviglia earlier this year.  But I quickly warmed up to the Top Sail Lounge and the Lounge Butlers working there for my morning and afternoon cappuccino fixes.  And I enjoyed all the snacks that were offered in the Top Sail Lounge (but, alas, no almond croissants!!!)

[Stem to Stern]

1 hour ago, jcpc said:

@Stem to SternI'm really enjoying your pictures and posts.  I will admit that I missed Cafe Al'Bacio when I sailed Meraviglia earlier this year.  But I quickly warmed up to the Top Sail Lounge and the Lounge Butlers working there for my morning and afternoon cappuccino fixes.  And I enjoyed all the snacks that were offered in the Top Sail Lounge (but, alas, no almond croissants!!!)

Late night update:

Having a blast meeting new friends.

Such diversity on board.🤩

This is a different experience.

I was texting my new cruise buddy yesterday.

She reminded me that “Experiences are what travel is all about.”

Experiences definitely make our lives richer.

Day 2 of 12 in the books and my heart is fuller.

On that note….

Speaking of snacks….😂😂😂

DH came back for a nap early yesterday afternoon to discover these lovelies.  He let me have them all and I devoured them.  Soft and moist sweet goodness.  Meanwhile he nursed a ginger ale.  

All soft drinks are bottled or canned.  All water is in plastic or glass bottles.  Was never a fan of Celebrity’s canned water circa 2021.

Later in the afternoon our junior butler was distributing these during nightly turndown.  Is there a surplus of fruit on board?  Seeing eight of these bowls on a trolley outside our suite gave me quite a chuckle.  Carmen Miranda, eat your heart out!!!😀

Have I mentioned how much I lurrrve dates?

DH also loves real potato chips with pre-dinner cocktails in Top Sail Lounge.  He said  they were better than the Pringles in the suite.  Will be curious to see what munchies are in The Retreat Lounge next week.

Spoiler alert:  Day 2 dinner in YC Restaurant did take a turn for the better.  More pics coming in a catch-up post.

Edited December 11, 2023 by Stem to Stern

[Stem to Stern]

Let’s talk about last night.

Dress was “Rock/Casual” and I apologize.  I am awful at ussies.  And the white specks in the photo may possible have been debris on my camera lens.  However, after positive feedback from my new cruise buddy, I am posting it.😬

Night 2 in YC Restaurant was an improvement over last night.  DH and I agreed.  What was up with the breaded veal chop on Day 1 dinner?  At least say it’s breaded on the menu!!  Odd, weird, and quirky will be common adjectives that come to mind with MSC.

Check out the butter server….

And the butter….

Menu

Crab cake starter dressed with onion, green apple, and mustard.  Avoided the mustard and it was great.  Next DH devoured the vegetable soup.  No pic.  Hot, flavorful, and warmed him up.  (Cold air blowing on him when seated for dinner was bothersome even though he had his cashmere on.  This prompted his last-minute second starter addition.)😆

Prime rib for both and lobster ravioli for the table.  Delish!😊

We shared tiramisu.  Yum!  DH’s is better.❤️ Resembled a Christmas tree to me. I was stuffed.

We were not interested in last night”s comedian especially after Day 1’s lackluster opening night Imaginocean song and dance extravaganza.  Bad name, bad lighting, decent aerialists, cool LED stage backdrop.  I obtained the pics from DH.  YC reserved seating was a plus.

 

 

Edited December 11, 2023 by Stem to Stern

[Stem to Stern]

Quick check-in before the Captain’s Cocktail in Top Sail Lounge:

Had coffee in Top Sail while chatting with a fellow passenger.  She sails YC mostly because Royal Caribbean suites are much more expensive.

Do you notice all the brown and boomerang themed decor in here?  But I love the large, oversized chairs and loveseats that fit three people.

To compare with what has been reported in The Retreat and what I will discover on board Summit next week, the approx 130 Yacht Club suites are tended to by 12 Butlers and 12 Junior Butlers.  Loveliest crew members in YC.  We will meet the entire army at the Cocktail at 11:00 ship time which is actually 10:00 Florida time.  I guess at that hour it will be a Bloody Mary for me.  But not like that spicy one I started out with at lunch yesterday.  But DH ordered his spicy, so when I later said I would have one too mine came spicy.  I really had to sip it.  Cheers!😎

Edited December 11, 2023 by Stem to Stern

[riredsox]

15 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

No.  Mauricio.

Thank you

[goofysmom99]

1 hour ago, Stem to Stern said:

But I love the large, oversized chairs and loveseats that fit three people.

 

I look forward to your comparison of the Retreat seating on Summit.  

[Stem to Stern]

22 minutes ago, goofysmom99 said:

 

I look forward to your comparison of the Retreat seating on Summit.  

Definitely.  I forgot to mention how uninviting we found the furnishings and overall comfort level of the redesigned Retreat Lounge on Equinox.  The whole layout is just a miss.

Top Sail Lounge is at least triple the square footage of The Retreat Lounge on Equinox.  I am eager to compare and enjoy the more-spacious former Michael’s Club on Summit.  Thanks for sticking with me.

[jcpc]

@Stem to SternI'm really enjoying your posts and I hope you guys are having a great time.  I loved the fact that "pickies" are available in the Top Sail Lounge all day long whereas in Retreat I think they have limited hours for munchies (i.e., morning and pre-dinner cocktail time).  One day I actually ate both breakfast and lunch in the Top Sail Lounge......LOL  And I'm not really a "sun" person so some sea days were also spent in the Top Sail Lounge reading (and drinking!!! LOL)

 

We also had those fancy silver butter dishes on our Meraviglia sailing but they were filled with butter in a dish - not wrapped butter packets.  Either one would be fine with me.  I think sometimes I prefer the wrapped butter packets!

 

 

[George C]

40 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

Definitely.  I forgot to mention how uninviting we found the furnishings and overall comfort level of the redesigned Retreat Lounge on Equinox.  The whole layout is just a miss.

Top Sail Lounge is at least triple the square footage of The Retreat Lounge on Equinox.  I am eager to compare and enjoy the more-spacious former Michael’s Club on Summit.  Thanks for sticking with me.

Michaels has been renamed to retreat a few years ago , I liked it but it was not equal to MSc yacht club, although service in retreat is fantastic and if they don’t have liquor or wine you like they will try to get it. Another negative on retreat is they used to have live music once in a while and they stopped that . On our last yacht club cruise there was live music most of the night , I am hoping that this continues. 

[DaKahuna]

51 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

Definitely.  I forgot to mention how uninviting we found the furnishings and overall comfort level of the redesigned Retreat Lounge on Equinox.  The whole layout is just a miss.

Top Sail Lounge is at least triple the square footage of The Retreat Lounge on Equinox.  I am eager to compare and enjoy the more-spacious former Michael’s Club on Summit.  Thanks for sticking with me.

 

 We have not sailed on Summit but we have on Millennium which has also been "Revolutionized".   Michael's Club has been redesigned and renovated as the Retreat Lounge.  So you may find the design similar.  

 

 If memory serves me correct, food in the lounge were not available all day as you have found in the Top Sail Lounge.  

 

 On our Millennium cruise we did have live music once and a magician another time but these were on-off's. 

 

 

[Stem to Stern]

33 minutes ago, George C said:

On our last yacht club cruise there was live music most of the night , I am hoping that this continues. 

So far, for the last two nights, the live music has continued in Top Sail.

[Stem to Stern]

16 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 We have not sailed on Summit but we have on Millennium which has also been "Revolutionized".   Michael's Club has been redesigned and renovated as the Retreat Lounge.  So you may find the design similar.  

We sailed on Summit post-Revolution, but in Aqua.  The spaces that were “revolutionized” were done so very acceptably from an aesthetics perspective.  Curious to see what comfort level is provided in The Retreat Lounge on Summit.  I’m 6’2” and all legs.  So I notice when seating is not deep enough.  I often find myself removing the toss pillow to create more seat depth.  I have to do this when dining at the Al fresco buffet in YC.  But in Top Sail and YC Restaurant, the seating is more than adequate.

[George C]

23 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 We have not sailed on Summit but we have on Millennium which has also been "Revolutionized".   Michael's Club has been redesigned and renovated as the Retreat Lounge.  So you may find the design similar.  

 

 If memory serves me correct, food in the lounge were not available all day as you have found in the Top Sail Lounge.  

 

 On our Millennium cruise we did have live music once and a magician another time but these were on-off's. 

 

 

My Edge and Beyond had no music, I was told this was discontinued, they also removed the piano from summit suite lounge when it became the retreat . 

[George C]

2 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

We sailed on Summit post-Revolution, but in Aqua.  The spaces that were “revolutionized” were done so very acceptably from an aesthetics perspective.  Curious to see what comfort level is provided in The Retreat Lounge on Summit.  I’m 6’2” and all legs.  So I notice when seating is not deep enough.  I often find myself removing the toss pillow to create more seat depth.  I have to do this when dining at the Al fresco buffet in YC.  But in Top Sail and YC Restaurant, the seating is more than adequate.

Seats in retreat on summit seemed low I am 6’4” they had a couple tall tables by the bar that we tried to get , no negative issues in Luminae although food wasn’t as good as pre Covid. We splurged and had Royal suite which gives us free specialty Le Petit Chef was so good we did it twice and should have done it 3 times , Italian food is Tuscan was pretty bad , next visit I will stick with a steak.