Livish from the Apex

[abbydancer2003]

Hello.  A little over a week ago, I pointed you to my Royal Liver from.  Yesterday, we moved over to the Apex, and here's the live.  I'm posting all of yesterday, including the early morning on the Symphony.

 

So today we move from our first Royal Caribbean and Symphony of the Seas cruises to our first cruise on the Celebrity Apex.  

 

We woke up around 7.  Breakfast closed at 8 and that would give us enough time to get ready to go, and do one last check of the room.  Last night I had a bit of a worry as it said my air tag was in Fort Lauderdale.  I don’t see how I could have left it in the hotel though, so we’ll see.

 

After double-checking everything, we headed to breakfast.  The restaurant was busy and the lounge was packed.  I wasn’t quite sure how we’d know when to leave, but soon we heard an announcement for self assist and early luggage tags.   

 

I had Rice Krispies and bacon.  I asked for banana with my cereal, and Rowella (the server) wasn’t sure they still had any.  When it arrived, she said I did get the last one.  After we were done, we stayed at the table drinking coffee, since there was nowhere in the lounge area to sit and breakfast was over.  At one point, Glen went to the restroom, and I went to say goodbye to some people we’d met, and when we got back to the table, the coffee was gone.  

 

At about 9:10, our late luggage tag group was called.  We headed down and joined the line to leave.  It moved fast and we were soon in the terminal collecting our luggage and heading through customs.  It was facial recognition, so very fast.

 

Next stop, the transfer area.  There were two.lines, one for Fort Lauderdale and one for Miami.  I asked someone official and they had no idea what I was talking about.  They couldn’t find our names, partly because I think they were looking at the end of the alphabet.  No matter, they said they’d take us last, and told us to wait with the Miami people.  (Note:  When we used a transfer on Celebrity to get from Miami to Fort Lauderdale airport, we had the same issue that all buses went to the local airport).  Eventually, I asked someone else, and he told me to wait by the buses.  Then he asked a driver if they’d take us, and he said yes, so he had us drop our bags in front of the bus (to make sure they were at the front when we got dropped),  He told us to board the bus in the front seat.

 

So we waited.  After about 20 minutes, the driver came on and said we were waiting for 10 people, two groups of 5.  One had cleared customs and the other was still in.  After another 10 minutes or so six people got on.  Then the other guy said that we were waiting for 19 people. 

 

One of the official people said that the terminal was cleared, yet we still waited.  One guy got off and talked to them, apparently we were waiting for the rest of their group.  A few minutes later the driver asked him to call the other people.  The person did, and reported the rest would take an Uber, so we were able to leave.  I think all told it was 30-40 minutes.  A Lfyt, if we were willing to wait 15 minutes, would have been around $8.00.  If we ever do this again, we’ll get ourselves there.

 

Fortunately terminal 25 was our first stop.  We did notice a walkway along the route but it would have been a very uncomfortable walk.  At the terminal, they directed the bus to the end of the drive, and they dropped us, and our luggage with a porter.

 

Things went very smoothly from there, we entered the terminal, turned left for retreat, our boarding passes were checked, and we were escorted to an elevator.  In the checkin area, we were checked in and boarded right away. 

 

First stop was our room, to drop our backpacks.  Our “off the ship” overnight bag was checked).  Before we got out of the room to go to the lounge, the head butler, Dharma came and introduced himself.  We talked about what the service would be and he said we could always call him.  I told him I wanted the minibar emptied (turned out all that was there was one coke) and we wanted to put water, coke and ginger ale in it.  He said that the host would provide and refresh the water.  

 

Next stop was up to deck 15 for the retreat lounge.  I  wanted to try to get a reservation for Rooftop Garden Grill on San Juan night, and had been completely unsuccessful with the shoreside concierge.  I had to wait a few minutes as the person there was helping three people ahead of me with the internet, but once I got there she was able to get us 8:00pm.  Perfect, and no big deal.  

 

At 12:20, the moderator of the Facebook group, and my new friend texted about the Facebook lunch meet up.  We headed down and joined 4 other people.  

 

I started with the kale salad with romaine instead of kale.  IT was good.  For my main, I had the steak frites, and it didn’t disappoint.  

 

There are new desserts.  Glen had the Dark Chocolate and Dulce de leche mousse-like thing.

 

 

I had the new Apple Berry cobbler.  It was good and better than the thing they used to have.

 

 

After lunch there was supposed to be 2:30 Facebook meetup, but by then, it had started raining,  Cindy and I went there to see if it would be feasible (it wasn’t).  We then wandered around the upper deck trying to figure out if we could do it.  We couldn’t.  The next challenge was to figure out how to get back in.  Fortunately, Glen came out from the retreat area, and we could get back in that way.

 

We agreed to meet for dinner at 8:30, and headed back to the room.  I took my phone down to deck 4 (I think) and spoke to my sister for a while.  On the way there, I met Shaun or room steward.  I guess, since all the rooms in this area are sky suites, he’s actually a retreat host.  

 

When I got back, our luggage had arrived.  By the way, my air tag was there.  Soon after we started our grand ship tour.

 

First some room pictures of the room.

 

The bed.

 

 

The balcony.  Notice the lack of Kelly Hoppen tchacis.  (There’s one.  It’s an odd shaped vase like thing.  I’m using it to store things.

 

The really nice bathtub.  Not too high to climb into.

 

Here’s the entrance to some of the dining rooms.

 

Ramdom hallway art.

 

 

 

I think this piece is backwards.

 

The funhouse mirrors leading to Blue and Eden.

 

After our tour, we headed back to the lounge.  They had their evening bites, which are exactly the same as on the S and M class - basically charcuterie plus glasses of nuts and potato chips.  I decided to show them what Royal offers, and when I went to the desk, I realized that concierge Yulia was in fact the same Yulia who was there on the Equinox with us in 2021.  We chatted for a bit about things.  It was nice to see her.

 

Next up getting ready for the evening.  We decided to go to the 7:00 pm show.  We got there around 15 minutes early per head butler recommendation.  There were lots of seats so, since the stage is round, we went to the second row on the side.  We moved in a couple of seats, because there was a family with.a small child behind us.  However just before showtime, a couple sat down.  I mentioned that there was a tiny little girl behind them (still lots of seats) and all they said was “OK”, and stayed.  

Then a group sat right in front of me, block my view, so I went the first row.

 

The show was called “Tree of life, and it was a standard production show with a theme of seasons around a tree (only stage prop).  The screens behind it displayed the changing seasons.  Kind of cool, but no story.  

Some pictures.

 

 

 

 

After that we went back to the lounge to wait for our 8:30 dinner.  At 8:20 Cindy texted they were at the table.  We headed down and joined them at a table in an alcove behind the entry.  Our waiter came and told us the main dining every day was available.

 

I started with main dining onion soup.

 

For may main I had the New York steak with Cabernet sauce:

 

Doesn’t exactly look like a NY steak.

 

For dessert, I tried the citrus orange sponge.  The picture didn’t come out, but it was a spongy bit of orange and some citrus slices.  Not bad, actually.

 

We enjoyed some talk after dinner and then back to the room for the night.  The ship was rocking a lot, so taking a shower was fun.  Glen took the first one and explained how all the pieces worked.   He did say to wait for it to get warm.  Once I did it was nice.

 

I finished the night with a Facebook chat with someone down the hall.  We’ll have drinks tomorrow night.

 

 

 

 

 

[seasoon]

Thanks for starting your review on the Apex.  Nice to know what's ahead.  However guess you didn't notice you were telling us "A little over a week ago, I pointed you to my Royal Liver".  Was that an over enjoyment during your Royal cruise imbibing?  LOL!

[lola2013]

Abbydancer,

I was on the Apex sailing prior to yours…disembarking as you boarded.  As usual,  I was sobbing as I was dragged off the ship 😭.

Everything (with the exception of some rain) was perfect.  I sailed in a SV on deck 9 which was great.  The staff was fabulous.

Enjoy RGG; we ate there the first night…yummy.  Fortunately, I remembered to wear my “expandable” pants!  With the exception of the oxtails offered in Cosmopolitan, it was my favorite meal.

i hope you have a great sailing.

Happy Holidays 🎄

Susan 

 

[seasoon]

40 minutes ago, lola2013 said:

Abbydancer,

I was on the Apex sailing prior to yours…disembarking as you boarded.  As usual,  I was sobbing as I was dragged off the ship 😭.

Everything (with the exception of some rain) was perfect.  I sailed in a SV on deck 9 which was great.  The staff was fabulous.

Enjoy RGG; we ate there the first night…yummy.  Fortunately, I remembered to wear my “expandable” pants!  With the exception of the oxtails offered in Cosmopolitan, it was my favorite meal.

i hope you have a great sailing.

Happy Holidays 🎄

Susan 

 

I think you said you were in 9312?  Did you like the cabin and balcony space and did they provide a lounger?

[lola2013]

14 minutes ago, seasoon said:

I think you said you were in 9312?  Did you like the cabin and balcony space and did they provide a lounger?

9312 is correct…great cabin and balcony.  I wasn’t able to use the balcony as much as I would have liked due to some rain.  I thought I would have to request a lounger when I boarded, but it was waiting for me.  I loved the cabin so much that it’s already booked for December, 2024!

Susan 

[kwokpot]

2 hours ago, abbydancer said:

For may main I had the New York steak with Cabernet sauce:

 

Doesn’t exactly look like a NY steak.

It's not a steak.It's a ROAST. I HATE when Celebrity does this. They call certain meat entrees  steaks which denotes a specific type of preparation. What they serve is an entirely different preparation. It's the same cut of beef but instead of the beef cut and cooked individually on both sides its cooked whole as a roast and THEN individually sliced. Same cut of beef but the preparation totally changes how the meat looks and tastes. A ribeye steak and a slice of prime rib is the same cut of beef but looks and tastes not remotely the same. 

Edited December 17, 2023 by kwokpot

[abbydancer2003]

6 hours ago, seasoon said:

Thanks for starting your review on the Apex.  Nice to know what's ahead.  However guess you didn't notice you were telling us "A little over a week ago, I pointed you to my Royal Liver".  Was that an over enjoyment during your Royal cruise imbibing?  LOL!

oops!  Glad you enjoyed it.

[jelayne]

@abbydanceryou should be able to get the small filet in Luminae any night, much better than their version of NY strip steak. .  It disappeared for a time but it was available anytime I wanted it on the Edge in November.

[abbydancer2003]

Apex Sunday December 17

 

This is our first full day on the Apex, and it’s a sea day as we head to San Juan.  The ride as been rather rough, and our room is just behind the bridge and one deck down, so we fell all of it.

 

In spite of the fact that we moved the clocks forward, we decided to go to Luminae for breakfast this morning.  We made it with time to spare, and were seated at the same table we were at last night.  

 

The breakfast menu has changed a little bit.  Glen and I both had new items.  I tried the baked oatmeal. 

 

 

It was good, but it’s pretty dense.  Baked oatmeal is one of my sister’s go to dishes, and she wins.  Her’s is lighter, and less cakey.  It tasted OK, but I don’t know if I’ll order it again.  Glen ordered Iberico Ham EVOO, with tomato over sourdough toast.  He didn’t love it either.  

 

After breakfast, we decided go to Al Baccio for a while.  We were able to find a table by the window and enjoyed lattes while listening to the captain telling us that we won’t be arriving in San Juan until 5:00pm (supposed to be 3:00pm).  Apparently we left an hour late (Sky Princess left at least 8 hours late), and there’s been a lot of weather.  Alt least they didn’t cancel it.

 

After a while we headed back to the room to set up our router and Roku.  We were able to connect everything.  On the way, I noticed our room is on the sign for the hallway.

 

 

We were able to set everything up, except we could not get our remote for the TV (needed it to switch the source) to do anything but change the channel and volume.  I couldn’t find the thread that had it, so we called the head butler to get IT there.  (He did say we could call him).  While I was explaining the issue, he arrived at the door, and told us how to do it on their remote.  After he left, we put it on the network, and watched a Chicago Fire episode before lunch, mostly because we could.  At this point, I was sipping ginger ale pretty constantly, as in high seas sometimes I get a bit queasy.

 

After the show we went to Lumenae for lunch.  We both started with the broiled feta salad.  I still have no idea what’s broiled in it. 

 

 

For my main I had my modified Luminae burger (halved horizontally, to make a 1/4 pound burger.  They did it it right, but it had bacon on it, which I don’t recall before.

 

And I finished with my favorite white chocolate mousse.  

 

Looking out the window, the waves look like cotton candy.

 

 

After lunch, we thought it might be fun to go to Eden to read.  Got there and it was mostly closed for a rehearsal of some sort. So since there were no good seats, we went to the martini bar and read for a while.  I took a brief trip to the casino, and played 40.00.  I was up 3.00 after the fourth spin, so I cashed out.  I tried to add money, but appeared to be locked out.  I took my ticket to the cashier and she explained that if I cashed it, I’d be locked out for the rest of the cruise.  As been reported, you have to spend 50% of what you put in to continue.  I thanked her, and left with my ticket.  I’ll go back later tonight or tomorrow to play to 20.00.  

 

Eventually we went back to the room- I do enjoy watching the water and working on my posts.  The balcony is a good thing for us.

 

Tonight was the retreat lounge officers Meet and Greet.  We talked to some new friends from online, and some nice people at the same seating area once the officers left, and then Carollyn, one of the concierges about her experience working at Costa during the Concordia incident until we eventually ended up at dinner.

 

Tonight’s amuse bouche was a burrata and tomato treat that was quite good.

 

 

For my started, I tried the Jerusalem artichoke (aka sunchoke), soup, leaving the prosciutto off.  It was actually pretty good.  (It was no recommendation on a previous cruise).

 

 

Glen had the beef tartare.  Also looked good.

 

 

For my entree, I asked for the ribeye dinner, but with the 4oz felt mignon instead.  Glen had the actually ribeye and it was much closer to a ribeye than previously.  It was cut like a ribeye, just thicker.  

 

For dessert, I decided to try the “carrot celebration”.  

 

What we are looking at is pureed carrot on the bottom, some cream cheese and then a carrot foam.  There were also dried carrots, and dots of chocolate.  The foam and cream cheese were decent, but the rest was a miss.  I don’t know what they were thinking.

 

We went back to the room, watched a bit of TV and called it a night.  We didn’t get a whole lot of sleep last night.

 

 

 

 

 

[abbydancer2003]

Symphony/Apex Day 9 - San Juan - Monday 2

 

We started the day with breakfast in Luminae.  On the way, up we ran into our head butler.  I asked how we could get morning coffee, something we’d always received from our butler after calling.  He said we could call room service, or he could arrange for it at the the same time every day.  I decided to try that for 8:00 am every day.  We’ll see how it goes.

 

We were quickly seated in one of our regular tables (we have a few)Today I had the new peach cobbler French toast.  It was pretty good.  Glen however, tried the new potato waffle.  He thought it was a miss.  The cheese on it wasn’t melted, just a slice between two waffles.  On the side were little bits of bacon with maple syrup.  Looked like grease to him.  They really need to bring regular waffles back.  Hopefully by our next Edge class cruise in August.

 

I then tried to reach the couple on the ship that we’re touring with in St. Maartin.  They said they were having a late breakfast in the buffet, so we went there.  We wandered around, but it was a little hard, since we’ve never met them in person.  We did, however, run into Cindy and Bob, and agreed to have dinner with them on St. Thomas night.  

 

I then got a text from Lori that they were at the pool bar.  So we headed there, found them and had a nice chat for a while.  After the chat we thought about getting a drink on the Magic carpet, but no real seating, so we just walked through.

 

We went back to the room for a bit after that, as I’m still trying to stay up with blogging and email.  Next was lunch.  We both started with the Bibb lettuce salad and I had the ravioli .  For dessert, we both had the new pear poached in red wine sauce.

It was very good.

 

After that, we put on shorts, and went to the retreat sundeck to read.  While we were there, a server came by offering mango sorbet.

 

 

We then went back to the room to watch the sail in from both the bridge cam and the balcony.  It turns out that from deck 10 the forward view is somewhat blocked by the bridge.  

 

 

Once we docked, we headed up to the lounge to get escorted down.  That was amusing - we were able to get to deck 5 on the forward elevators with Eliya, but getting into an aft one was impossible, because they were all full. So we decided we could walk, and the stairs were jammed.  Somehow she kept us all together, and led us around the (honestly not very long line) and walked us to the front.  We were soon off the ship.

 

Once on shore, first stop was Walgreens for some essentials.  It’s right across the street from the pier.  Next we walked around for a bit, and then tried to find a store to buy coffee in.  We saw a Xmas display in a park that was very pretty.

 

 

At the edge of the park we found a cute sign.

 

 

We eventually found a store and were able to purchase some coffee.  After that, we headed back to the ship.

 

Once on board, we had some time until our reservation at the Rooftop Garden Grill, so we went to the lounge and chatted with Yulia for a bit.  

 

At 8, we headed to the restaurant.  It wasn’t full, but there were several others there, including a large group that split up.  We were next to the adults, and the kids were at a table a little bit far.  It was fine.

 

Before I get to the dinner, we tried to order wine.  They had only two reds, both of which are now over the premium package.  Elegance at 19.00 a glass, and one other cabernet.  I ended up with a rose, since I don't really like cabernet that much.  I thought, honestly, that since they couldn't provide a wine within package costs, they shouldn't charge for a wine that should never have been an upcharge in the first place.

 

We started with the Vegetable Crudite.  It was pretty good.

 

Next course was salad - Glen had a caesar.  Looks pretty standard, and the picture came out blurry (not sure why that’s happening with my new phone.  I’ll work on it before my next cruise.

 

I had the watermelon & Feta, which would have been very good, except their watermelons have lots of seeds.

 

As you can see, I don’t like raw onions.

 

About this time I got an ambiguous text from my sister about my nieces college graduation date “next year”.  Did she mean next year as of today, or in two weeks.  I was pretty sure she meant 25, as if it were 24, we would have plane and hotel reservations by now.  We cleared it up to 2025.  Fortunately , we will not be on a cruise at that time.

 

For mains, Glen had the NY steak and I had the grilled filet mignon.  It comes with roast potatoes, but I asked for baked instead.  I also had the baked beans, and creamed corn.  

 

 

My steak was very good, Glen thought his was slightly under seasoned.

 

For dessert, Glen had the Cookie (capitalization theirs) and I had cherry apple pie.  Both were good.

 

After dinner, we wandered around the upper decks for a bit, and saw San Juan at night.

 

And we found this interesting piece of art.

 

I think it looks better at night.

 

After that, we called it a night as they say.  Tomorrow, Sent Maartin and a tour.

 

 

[hcat]

The filet mignon and baked potato looked good.  What basic  wine could we get up there with the Classic Alc Package? 

[yogagal47]

Thanks for this detailed day by day report! We look forward to our first Apex cruise January 3rd.

[abbydancer2003]

16 hours ago, hcat said:

The filet mignon and baked potato looked good.  What basic  wine could we get up there with the Classic Alc Package? 

I asked for it, but they forgot to give it to me.  I'll try to remember at breakfast tomorrow, before we leave.  If I don't, I'll be on the Connie in 3 weeks, so remind me then, or I'll try to remember.

[abbydancer2003]

Symphony/Apex day 10 - Sint Maarten Tuesday 2

 

Before I get into breakfast, I did want to mention that so far, our every morning delivery of coffee has been working great.  

 

Today, we have our tour booked with our guide from back when Tony of Tony’s Taxi and Tours.  For some reason, he had a conflict today, so he’s sending a friend.

 

Since we arrive at 10 am, we went for breakfast.  I started with a full fruit plate, but that was too much,  and then had simple bacon and eggs.  

 

On the way to breakfast, I got a text from the people on the tour with us.  Apparently his sea sickness has continued, so they were cancelling.  The problem was that we hadn’t paid, and the cost was more than if it had just been us.  (I wasn’t 100% sure I’d book it if it was just us).  They said they weren’t willing to pay, which is a first for me, as usually most people will if they cancel.  

 

As we were docking I got a text from her that if we can leave after 10:15 (which was when I was planning to leave the ship) she’s joining us.  Great.  We agreed to meet in the Martini Bar around 10:15.

 

Since, as mentioned Tony wasn’t available, we were getting his friend Curtis aka “The Man of the Land”.  We were told to go to the taxi dispatch and ask for him.  And that worked, they all know who he is.  He arrived soon after, and we piled into his car.

 

First stop was an overlook of the port area, 

We also noticed a lot of signs with people’s picture on them First he told us they were wanted posters, but actually there’s an election coming up.

 

Next stop was Oyster Bay, and we observed hotels, and condos.  The hotels across the bay look like they have great views.

Here’s us in front.

 

 

Next was stop at a gift stand by the side of the road, where they have iguanas hanging out.

 

Iguanas are not native to Sint Maarten but now they’re common.

 

At the gift shop they offer sticks with leaves to feed them.  They do it for tips.  Glen couldn’t resist.

And yes, he did tip.

 

Next stop was Orient Beach, which is the beach for both normal swimming and clothing optional beach time.  Since we stopped at the clothing optional beach, I don’t have pictures.  You’re welcome.

(Actually there are signs saying no pictures.

 

From the we went to Loterie Farm after crossing into the French side.  It’s a jungle property in St. Martin that offers adventures such as swimming, hiking and ziplining.  In our last visit I thought it was a hotel, because it has a registration desk, but that’s for activities.  It also has a restaurant, so we stopped there and had appetizers.  Glen had conch fritters and I had the only non seafood thing - vegetable gyozas.  They were good.  

 

Next was a drive through the town of Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin.

 

After that, we headed back to the the Dutch side, stopping a very cool border.

 

The Dutch welcome sign.

 

The French welcome sign.

 

And Glen standing on the Dutch side.  Notice the yellow line?  That’s the border.  I had fun for a couple of minutes jumping back and forth between countries.

 

Up next was the obligatory ride to the airport.  As we drove between the airport and the Maho beach (where people go under the landing planes, a commercial airliner was coming in.  As it went right overhead, Curtis banged on the roof of the car.  Apparently he actually scared a previous passenger with that.  It was cool driving in under the plane, though.

 

We also saw the area for cab dispatch.  Beth (my sister) and I are planning to visit the bar on the side of the beach, and now we know how to get there and back.

 

Our last stop before the ship was another overlook from the other side of the island.  We saw a wild pig.

 

Oh, and the view was also gorgeous.

 

There was a monument you could climb up a hill to, but only Glen did it.  Watching him come down, I’m gad I didn’t do it.

 

Curtis next took us back.  We enjoyed the tour, and saw a lot of the Island, but we agreed that while we enjoyed it, we probably won’t use Curtis again, as he did like to hear himself talk, and spent a lot of time talking about himself.  So while we enjoyed our time with him, we won’t repeat it.

 

 

Once back on the ship, I was a little bit hungry, so I went to the buffet.  I got a latte at Al Baccio 2, and noticed they had afternoon tea selections.  So I decided to go to the restored lounge for their tea, but I got there 8 minutes too late, so I went back to the room.

 

And on the way back into the ship, I had to take a picture of this.

 

The welcome signs to the restrooms are all over the ship.  I don’t recall ever being welcomed to a restroom before.

 

At that point I decided to go ahead and fill out the luggage valet form.  I’ll check both our bags, so we only have to pay for one person (no airline fee) and we won’t risk being told that we can’t check the bags until 4 hours before our flight.  We’ll try to check our little overnight bag, but if we can’t, we can take it as a carry on.

 

We turned the form in at the lounge, and then went to the show.  It was a singer, Leah Allyce Canli, who was certainly entertaining.  

 

After the show we went back to the lounge for a bit, and then went to dinner.

 

None of the appetizers appealed, so I asked for the Normandie excluding baked brie.  I was warned that it might not be hot and would take a while.   Honestly, it may have taken a few minutes more, but it was hot.  Perhaps not as hot as it would have been downstairs, but certainly hot enough.

 

For mains, Glen had the Game Hen with Spaghetti Squash and Pepitas, and I had the same, but with chicken.  They looked pretty much the same.

 

I finished with the new Vacharin, and Glen had a new Raspberry mouse with Yuhzu.  Both good.

 

Thus ended our evening.  St. Thomas and food tour tomorrow.

 

[Cruise a holic]

We loved our Apex cruise!  Was the window washing equipment in front of your balcony the entire trip?  We did a b/2/b on her last January.  The suite lounge/deck are a 10!  Loved it- only negative comment is not enough shaded areas.  So we got up on deck early to find a shady spot.  Enjoy your cruise- thanks for sharing.  We loved Eden, try to dine their.

Edited December 23, 2023 by Cruise a holic

[abbydancer2003]

6 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

We loved our Apex cruise!  Was the window washing equipment in front of your balcony the entire trip?  We did a b/2/b on her last January.  The suite lounge/deck are a 10!  Loved it- only negative comment is not enough shaded areas.  So we got up on deck early to find a shady spot.  Enjoy your cruise- thanks for sharing.  We loved Eden, try to dine their.

Nope, but the cabin is considered obstructed view, because the bridge is just above and forward.

 

We'll be trying Eden on one of our cruises in August.

 

 

 

[abbydancer2003]

Symphony/Apex Day  11 St. Thomas

 

 At 7:50 our room service coffee delivery arrived. We have a food tour at 10:00 this morning, and we’re supposed to arrive by 9:45.  The ticket says it’s a 25 minute walk, but that’s from the Havenhearst(?) pier, but Celebrity uses Crown Bay, which is a 45 minute walk.  Since it’s pretty hot here, we decide dto take a cab.  Instead of a full breakfast, we went to the lounge for continental breakfast.  I had two almond croissants, and it turns out they do have brewed coffee in the morning.  

 

Just after 9, we headed out.  We walked through the terminal area to cab dispatch and, got in “truck cab”. We were dropped at exit point with everyone else in the downtown area.  We asked where the fort was, and dispatcher said to left, but big red thing was right.  We asked a vendor, she said it was the big red building (which is what I though). We bought a magnet from her and talked with her for a while.  She was a lawyer but art is her thing.  We talked about voting in USVI, and her kids who are in military.  We were early, so it was nice speaking with her.

 

We got to the fort early.  We found 3 other people going (when Beth and I went,, just us.  I guess this is high season).  At 10:00 there was no guide, so I called the local number and got voicemail.  However, one of the other three people was friendly with one of the employees (maybe the only employee, because she knows her from her hotel, so called her.  She was almost there, and a few moments later Jane, our guide arrived.  She started with a bit of the history of the Island.  

 

We saw their replica of the Liberty Bell, Apparently each state has one, and some other places.  (I’ll have to see if American Samoa has one when I’m there in April). 

 

We also saw some statues and older buildings, and Jane gave us some more history of slave revolts, etc.  Then it was on to the food part.

 

First stop was E’s Garden teahouse.

 

 

We were treated to a nice cold raspberry tea first.

 

Next up was a salad plate with a fish salad  and green salad with crackers.

 

 

I didn’t eat the fish, although I did try it.  Glen said it was good.

We finished with ice cream handmade from soursop.  It was yummy.

 

Next stop was Gladys’.  That was a stop when Beth and I did the tour in 2017, but they’d closed because of the hurricane after that.  They’ve now reopened in a new location.

 

Here we were treated to Callaloo soup, apparently made famous in a a Cosby episode, where he was trying to find a recipe, a cornmeal and okra mix to go into the soup to make a dumpling, and a conch fritter.  There was also hot sauce.  I enjoyed the soup and “dumpling” and tried the conch fritter.

 

Glen said if I put the hot sauce on the fritter, I wouldn’t taste the conch.

 

We also had a drink that was rum and cinnamon and some other stuff that we’ve both forgotten the name of.  But it was good.

 

Next stop was Pate’s for meat pies.  We had a choice of beef, chicken, fish or cheese.  Glen and I split a chicken one, and it was good.

 

 

 

Our final stop was dessert.  We went to St. John Brewers on the Waterfront, where we enjoyed rootbeer floats with rum.

 

 

After chatting for a while, we all said our goodbyes.  We were the only people from a cruise, everyone else was staying at resorts.  I guess that’s the effect of the holiday season.  Jane gave us instructions for getting a cab (walk to the Main Street and find the cab area.  As we walked over a cab driver offered us a ride in his SUV cab.  Because of the direction of the road, we had to go around onto a parallel street, but it was all good.  He told us about getting the car, and how proud of it he was.  Sadly, no-one else wanted to go the same way, and I don’t think he picked up a fare back.

 

Once back on the ship, we went to Al Baccio for coffees.  Then to the room and then to tea in the lounge.  While in the room, I read the meeting instructions for our tour tomorrow,   At the lounge, I asked Carollyne if she could print the map for me.  She said they could so I ran down and emailed the PDF.  It was hard to see in black and white, so she said she’d go downstairs, make a color printout for me, and deliver it to our room.  Which she did.

 

While watching sail-away (along with a drunk guy talking about his family left behind - note - NOT TRUE)  from the lounge, I saw what looked like fun.

 

And the required channel picture as we left St. Thomas

 

After dressing for dinner, we went back up to the lounge and had a drink with new friends Harvey and Joanne.  Soon their friends arrived and they went to dinner, apparently taking Glen’s drink with them, because it was gone after they left.

 

He got another one, and took it with him to the show.  This was Crystallize, and while not too much plot, it was pretty spectacular visually.

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight we met our friends Bob and Cindy for dinner.  We were first seated in a table in the main dining area, but that was too loud, so we moved back to one in the front alcove.  I think I will, on all future E ships, ask for that area.  

 

I started with one of their new asparagus starters.  I enjoyed it.

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Next I had their sirloin entree, and still more like a roast.  I finished with the new blueberry mousse.  It was pretty good.  I think this was the yogurt ice-cream dessert, so I’ll probably ask to switch with a fruit sorbet in the future.

 

.

After dinner, we went back to the room, and I tried to watch the new Captains Club video.  After 35 minutes of stop and start, all I learned was about St. Lucia, so I’ll watch in either the airport Saturday or home on Sunday.

 

Thus ended St. Thomas day.  Tomorrow is our last port and our only new port - Puerto Plata DR.  

 

[39august]

Since you are going to the Retreat lounge for drinks, could you ask if A. they have Mer Soliel by the glass, and B, if so what is the price?

[Tyler414]

1 hour ago, 39august said:

Since you are going to the Retreat lounge for drinks, could you ask if A. they have Mer Soliel by the glass, and B, if so what is the price?

I do not think this is a "live" review.  Pretty sure they have been off the ship for a week, as Apex just left Port Everglades a few minuets ago.

[Cruise a holic]

Your tour looked interesting.  However my DH would starve.  He will not eat seafood of any kind.  Not for us.  Glad you had a great time.

[abbydancer2003]

21 hours ago, Tyler414 said:

I do not think this is a "live" review.  Pretty sure they have been off the ship for a week, as Apex just left Port Everglades a few minuets ago.

 

Got off yesterday.  Sorry I can't ask.

 

6 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Your tour looked interesting.  However my DH would starve.  He will not eat seafood of any kind.  Not for us.  Glad you had a great time.

Actually, the only two seafood items were the fritter and the fish salad.  When I book these, I usually put that I don't eat fish, and most of the time there is an alternative.  It hasn't been a problem yet.  This time, I forgot to mention it.

 

And I will have all posts up by the 26th I think.  

[Cruise a holic]

4 hours ago, abbydancer said:

 

Got off yesterday.  Sorry I can't ask.

 

Actually, the only two seafood items were the fritter and the fish salad.  When I book these, I usually put that I don't eat fish, and most of the time there is an alternative.  It hasn't been a problem yet.  This time, I forgot to mention it.

 

And I will have all posts up by the 26th I think.  

Txs

[abbydancer2003]

Symphony/Apex Day 12 - Puerto Plata

 

We arriving at 11,  so we went to breakfast.  I had  fruit, a bagel and bacon.  Usually after about a week and half on a ship I just have a slightly lighter breakfast.  Glen had Eggs in Purgatory, and said it was basically a quail egg shatshuka.  He seemed to like that one.

 

After breakfast we went to the lounge.  As we sailed in it was raining.  

Here’s the obligatory fort at sail in picture.

 

 

We went back to the room to gather our stuff, and at about 10:55, we were docked, so we went up to lounge to be led out.  Much easier than in San Juan.  Carollyne took us down, and there was no line to get off.  

 

I followed the map she printed, and while the directions didn’t match verbiage, the map was accurate.  We had to leave the port area.  Here’s the map.  It was about a 15 minute walk.

 

 

Just after the gate, we found the correct people (the ticket said to look for their company name).  They took us to a 20 person van, and we waited about 30 minutes for the rest of the people.  There were supposed to be 14 people, but only 12 showed up.

 

Normally the first stop on the tour is the cable car to the top of their mountain, but because it was still rainy, we decided to do that last.  So first we went to the fort area.

 

The fort is open for tours, but they take longer than we head.  Our guide Tony gave us about 20 minutes to wander around.  Also in this area there’s a performance bowl.  

 

 

There’s a monument there, but only muddy grass to get to it, so who it is will remain a mystery.

 

 

We walked around the entire area, and then headed to the city center. 

 

The area was decorated for Xmas.

 

We saw the former house of the prime minister.  I think this was at one point the capital of the country. Now it’s used for music, theater and dance classes that are free for children.

They even have a public library.  I think they offer free classes there as well.

 

 

Next stop was their umbrella street.  We had 20 minutes there to wander.  We split a cheese empanada, and bought two bags of local coffee.

 

 

 

If you look towards the back of the picture, the far end of the street is actually an arbor with vines.  It’s very pretty.

 

After that, it was to what is the centerpiece of the tour, the only cable car in the Caribbean. On the way, we stopped and two people left the tour.  Apparently there was more waling than they thought.

 

 We arrived at the Cable Car, technically a Gondola, and at the entrance there was a Caribbean band playing to welcome us.  The plan was for us to take the cable car up, and drive down.

 

There was a few minute wait for the car to come down (apparently there are two cars, one goes up while the other goes down.

 

Here are some pictures from the ride.

 

 

 

At the top, there’s a replica of Christ the Redeemer, a gift from Brazil.  

 

The building it’s on was used at one point for military purposes, although because it’s often cloudy there it wasn’t very useful.  Now it houses gift shops.

There are hiking trails from there.

 

After wandering around, we drove to one of the trails with the park at the top of the cable car (Isabel del Torres, also the name of the mountain).  We saw a typical external kitchen display with many medicinal plants, as well as coffee and cocoa.

 

 

Once we ware back on the bus, Tony gave us a fruit juice or rum punch, made with local rum.  I believe everyone opted for rum punch and it was good.  Apparently rum is another one of their top crops.  We then headed back to the ship, with a stop for Tony to buy each of us a very ripe banana.

 

We were dropped at the gate, saving a few steps.  If you go here on a private tour, the walk we did is the only ext from the pier area.  

 

We were back on the ship by about 4 pm, and after a stop in the room to drop our stuff and rest a bit, I went down to Al Baccio for a latte and pastries.  I got a dulce de leech eclair and a lemon tartlet (that doesn’t do to go very well).  I suppose that if I had a dedicated butler, he/she could have brought them, but that’s not something I’d typically do, normally I get them myself.  So I can’t comment on what would have happened if I’d tried to get one.

 

After watching a show on our Roku, and dressing for the second Evening Chic night, we went to the lounge around 7 for a drink before dinner.  I had my first hot toddy.  It wasn’t too bad.  

 

Since it was Evening Chic, the restaurant was crowded.  We waited a bit for a table in one of the quieter areas.  Yesterday, when the amuse bouche was a fish selection, Lia, our very good assistant waiter gave me some berries.  I’d mentioned that on the Silhouette, they’d given me watermelon with balsamic, ie a single piece of watermelon with a balsamic drizzle.  Apparently, I wasn’t specific enough, because I got a small bowl of watermelon pieces in balsamic vinegar.  

 

For an appetizer I had tomato soup from Blu.  The Asiago Grill Cheese croutons were a little lacking, but other than that it was good.  We both had the rack of lamb for our entree.

 

I’ve had this a lot, and this time, it didn’t look quite as good, and I’m not sure why.  Also, there were no sun chokes on the plate.  I asked and Nino had the chef make some, and a bowl of them showed up as we we finishing.  I think there was less salsa verde on these than usual as well.

 

For dessert, we just split a creme brûlée, since nothing else appealed.  

 

Tomorrow is a sea day and the last full day of the cruise.

 

Edited December 25, 2023 by abbydancer

[abbydancer2003]

Sorry for nothing yesterday, I've got a cold and spent much of the day resting, and hoping my hearing will return soon.

 

Anyway, here's the sea day.

 

Symphony/Apex Day 13 Sea Day Friday 2

 

We were up for breakfast, Glen tried Eggs in Purgatory, and liked it - he said it was a mini shatshuka, but with quail eggs.

 

After leisurely breakfast I went to guest services to make some change. Glen and I agreed to meet at Guest services or at Eden to read.   We went back to eastern time yesterday, but because of airplane mode, my watch didn’t change.  On the way I remembered that we had a meeting with future cruise person at 11:00.  My watch showed 11:29, so I thought I’d missed it, but I realized it was actually 10:30.  

 

After guest services, I went to the lounge, and apparently the appointment was at 10:30, but fortunately, the Future cruise guy waited and was gracious about it.  I texted Glen to come up there.  We started with getting some open bookings, and while he was processing those, Glen texted that he was on his way.  He arrived just in time to book some actual cruises.  In September of 2023, we did Quebec to New York on Princess.  Because of Hurricane Lee, we missed 3 ports, and so I wanted to try again.  Also, the sun is supposed to be very active, so we might combine it with a chance to see Northern lights.  Apparently in 2025 the Silhouette, will be doing that itinerary, so we decided to go mid September, which will give us some room on either side to go somewhere to see them.  Our very nice Future Cruise person asked if we wanted something for 2026.  We decided, that since my only trips to Japan was a few hours in Narita airport in 2015, and an upcoming 5 hours in Haneda airport in 2024, we’d do Japan.  We picked a cruise at the end of March and were about to book it, when I realized that I’d looked that the wrong year for conflicts with Passover.  So we changed it to mid March.  We also told the Chandra (the future cruise guy) about Quebec, since he’s going there.  It was a very nice meeting and we’re set for now.

 

After dropping the paperwork off in our room,  we went to Eden to read.  Glen said that the seats along the ramp are too warm, so we sat at a table near the cafe.  I also looked at the cafe, and I see why people like it.  It looks like they have nice sandwiches and salad.

 

When it started getting crowded and loud with people eating lunch, we went back to the room to drop our stuff, and then headed up to lunch.  On the way I got a message from Cindy that they were going to join other people for dinner and did we want to go at 7.  We said that was fine.

 

We were seated at one of our regular tables, and our dinner waiter Nino was our server.  I started with the lemongrass soup

It was a lot spicer than I remembered, and too spicy for me.  None of the other appetizers appealed, so Nino brought me a beautiful fruit cocktail.

 

 

I had the Cobb salad for my main.  He’d noticed that I’d taken of red onions before, so asked if I wanted them removed.  I said yes, and he then went through everything that wasn’t on the menu.  I also took off the egg.

 

For dessert we both had their “homemade yogurt with raspberry marmalade.  It was Ok.

 

 

 

After lunch, we went back to the room just to relax and watch our Roku and of course do the dreaded packing.  

 

At 7, we met Tina and Paul at the restaurant.  They were one of the couples we are having dinner with.  They said it would just be 6 of us.  We were seated in the main section, by the entrance so we had our usual staff.  For a started, I had burrata. It was good,   For a main, nothing appealed, so I asked for the filet, but with béarnaise sauce and asparagus.  He suggested a backed potato, which I changed to the steamed buns from the short rib.  

 

 

I was very happy with it,  Some at our table had the prosciutto  wrapped chicken, which they were not happy with, and Glen had the short rib, which he was not happy with.  So they all switched to the filet with béarnaise sauce.  It took a while, but in the end, everyone was happy.

 

For dessert I tried the coconut creameaux with white snow.

 

I’n not sure what was in it but it was pretty good.  

 

By the time we were we done, my watch showed after 10pm.  Nobody else seemed concerned, thought.  We thanked our wait team, as they’ve been great, and very willing to work with me to find food I liked.  I know I’m not the easiest person, so I let them know that I really appreciated it.

 

Back in the room, we packed up our electronics, finished packing the suitcases, put them out and got ready for our last sleep.  At that point I realized that it was not 10:45, but 9:45, and I got the luggage out on time (which never happens).

 

Tomorrow, we leave.

 

 

[abbydancer2003]

I'm not sure anyone is reading this, but for completeness, here's the finale.

 

Symphony/Apex Day 14 - Goodbye

 

They are kicking us off the ship today.  Oh well, people who are daily posting countdown numbers on our next cruise posted 21 days yesterday, so not too long. 

 

We set the alarm for 7, so that we’d have time to get dressed and make sure we didn’t leave anything.  So far, that’s worked pretty well.  At 7, we were up and noticed we’re in Ft. Lauderdale.  It was soon after sunrise, and the sky was pretty.

 

 

We got dressed, checked everything and took our backpacks and our “get off the ship” bag with us to breakfast.  Glen had bacon and eggs, and I had my last grapefruit half (sugar delivery vehicle and something I never have at home) and the cinnamon apple crepes.  Cindy and Bob ended up sitting next to us, so we chatted with them for a bit while finishing breakfast.  

 

I also remembered to ask about the wine list.  Here are the glass pages.

 

 

 

Note that we had wines that weren’t listed, and not over package price.

 

After breakfast we went to the lounge to wait for last call.  Our flights not until 6, our luggage is going directly to the plane (I have been tracking the airbag and confirmed it’s off the ship), so no rush.

 

While there, I went to the outside deck and looked around.  Ships to the left, ships to right, ships straight ahead. (or stuck in the middle with you)

 

 

I counted 7 total.  In the West Coast, LA has 2, Vancouver 4, Seattle 2, SF 2 at different piers.  Wow!

 

At about 9:15 we were told we had to leave.  We followed Carollyn out, said our goodbyes and headed off the ship.  We walked through baggage, making sure we didn’t see ours (although my air tag indicated it was not by the ship) and then headed to customs.

 

It was facial recognition again and easy peasy.  We then headed out and found the cab line, with no cabs.  We started talking to the people next to us, and decided that if they had a bigger cab we would share it.  We ended up sharing a midsize car, but it worked, since we didn’t more than our backpacks and small carry off bag.  

 

We arrived at the airport and decided to check the carry off bag.  We found the premiere line and it went out of the “chute" and around about 30 people beyond that.  So instead, we took it through security with the idea of checking it later.  This is what you get when there are 7 ships each discharging 2-5 thousand people.

 

Security was surprisingly fast, and we soon were at the United club parked at seats for the day. I did check the air tag and the bags were in the terminal with us.   We had roughly 7.5 hours to boarding.  The Club was also crowded, but after about 5 minutes at a high table we did find the comfortable seats.

 

At around 2:30 Glen took the bag out and checked it.  I knew he succeeded because I could now see 3 bags that were checked.

 

The flight was uneventful and we did get the meals we preordered.  The only entertainment was on our devices, so I plugged my iPad in to charge it and watched Crazy Rich Asians in preparation fo our March cruise.  (Fun Fact:  John Chu, the director is the son of the owner of our local Chinese restaurant.  There’s an autographed movie poster for that and In The Heights in the lobby.  Their chicken salad is considered among the best.)

 

The only other thing worth mentioning is that when the bags came out, they’d had regular United tags over the ones from the ship.  Baggage claim was also a zoo, since two flights were sharing it.  

 

The moral of the story.  Do not book a cruise to return home two days before Christmas.  In fact, I will try to avoid December as much as possible.

 

And if anyone is here, thanks for reading.