Surcharges for drinks in Retreat Lounge

[goofysmom99]

1 hour ago, billc23 said:

I have no problem with Silversea being in the RCG family. If one does't like the performance of their VW Jetta, would they not purchase a Porsche because money goes to the VW group?  

 

The Volkswagen Group sells passenger cars under the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Cupra, Jetta, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Škoda and Volkswagen 

 

Hopefully Silversea stays the same quality they have.

I get it.  I receive the shareholder benefit on Silversea, too.

[TrixieBel]

On 1/14/2024 at 4:24 PM, terrydtx said:

Here is what we are being told are the only wines available in Edge Retreat Lounge.

Well at least this has a sparkling Brut. Unlike that Luminae list someone has shared - that shows the only sparkling being a Prosecco - too sweet for me 😜 

[Baynanno1]

15 hours ago, jelayne said:

Decoy has been moved back to the Premium package. The others are still outside of the Premium package.m

 

My response was in answer to a specific question (to me) on a previous post.

 

In hindsight, I should have added that some prices have changed yet again since 19 December 2023 with the return of some "elevated" wines to within the Premium Package.

Edited January 16 by Baynanno1

[phoenix_dream]

3 hours ago, jmdlv1 said:

Just received a call from Geidy in the "executive office"

Who said all the changes are being looked at and there may be some postive news at the end of the month.

Hope they are positive changes for real. Unfortunately doesn't help me much on my upcoming b2b.

[PTC DAWG]

50 minutes ago, goofysmom99 said:

I'm counting on it. 

 

I can count on one hand the number of productions shows I've been to on X in the last decade so won't miss those.  Casinos no longer are as entertaining as they once were for me, so that's OK, too.  I do enjoy lounge singers/musicians, chatting with other folks where we can hear each other (sans DJ), trivia, enrichment lectures, and being able to order decent wine by the glass without a surcharge.  Also hoping to find better dining options (better quality proteins).  I'll be in Luminae next month, and will be interested to see if the food has improved since last March when I wasn't at all wowed, at least in a good way.  Willing to try something new for the comparable price of a sky suite (actually, as a solo, it's $5K less).

I’m sure it will be nice, enjoy. 

[Whinenowine]

1 hour ago, goofysmom99 said:

I'm counting on it. 

 

I can count on one hand the number of productions shows I've been to on X in the last decade so won't miss those.  Casinos no longer are as entertaining as they once were for me, so that's OK, too.  I do enjoy lounge singers/musicians, chatting with other folks where we can hear each other (sans DJ), trivia, enrichment lectures, and being able to order decent wine by the glass without a surcharge.  Also hoping to find better dining options (better quality proteins).  I'll be in Luminae next month, and will be interested to see if the food has improved since last March when I wasn't at all wowed, at least in a good way.  Willing to try something new for the comparable price of a sky suite (actually, as a solo, it's $5K less).

Agree that you'll love it.  Worst case, it's another data point as you calibrate what you're looking for these days in a cruise (vs what's offered). 

[Winemaker_1]

1 hour ago, TrixieBel said:

Unlike that Luminae list someone has shared - that shows the only sparkling being a Prosecco - too sweet for me 😜 

You may just be drinking the wrong Prosecco.   Prosecco can be made with varying degrees of residual sugar as shown below.  It's a confusing scale but here are the levels.  Look for something Extra Brut or Brut Nature (Zero).  These will have little to no perceptible sugar.  In the lab, 2g/L (0.2% sugar) is considered absolutely bone dry.  Many people will not perceive residual sugar up to 5g/L (0.5%).  It's all about balance for me.   Given the right acidity, a kiss of residual sugar can be a good thing.

Edited January 16 by Winemaker_1

[Whinenowine]

9 minutes ago, Winemaker_1 said:

You may just be drinking the wrong Prosecco.   Prosecco can be made with varying degrees of residual sugar as shown below.  It's a confusing scale but here are the levels.  Look for something Extra Brut or Brut Nature (Zero).  These will have little to no perceptible sugar.  In the lab, 2g/L (0.2% sugar) is considered absolutely bone dry.  Many people will not perceive residual sugar up to 5g/L (0.5%).  It's all about balance for me.   Given the right acidity, a kiss of residual sugar can be a good thing.

I'm partial to low dosage champers (like Agrapart).  Problem is that too many low-end sparklers need higher dosage amounts to cover the inherent flaws in the wine (I know that's a snobby-sounding comment, so apologies in advance).

Edited January 16 by Whinenowine

[Winemaker_1]

6 minutes ago, Whinenowine said:

...Problem is that too many low-end sparklers need higher dosage amounts to cover the inherent flaws in the wine.

Indeed.   And you can extend that statement to many mass market still wines under $15.

Edited January 16 by Winemaker_1

[camella]

23 hours ago, markeb said:

 

No, they won't. And the $23/glass wine is in Australia with gratuities included, so $19/glass on a sailing in the rest of the world. Which the average customer will simply interpret as $2.40 extra from their premium package (or $4.00 apparently in Australia). Or $10.80 from their classic package. 

 

They're selling drink packages. The Premium Drink Package is currently on sale for 69.99/day plus gratuity (at least on some sailings). That's just over 4 $17 drinks per day. A pina colada during the day. A couple of bottles of water. Maybe a soda or a latte. A martini before dinner. Let's add that up real quick:

 

Coke $4

Bottle water: $4

Sunset Pina Colada: $15

Martini at the Martini Bar: $17

Latte: $5

Glass of wine in package: $17

 

That's $62 (Before someone jumps in, the gratuity washes out mathematically here.). Have two martinis, 2-3 bottles of water, maybe one more Pina Colada and you're well over the 69.99. Two cokes, two bottles of water, two pina coladas, two martinis, a latte and a glass of wine and you're at $102, so you've paid for a full price package. Red Bull is $7 and San Pellegrino Naturali is $6, so those add up as well. And if you really want a better wine with dinner you get a 20% discount on a bottle of much better wine (which are largely priced much better than the cheap stuff). Of maybe you just enjoy the wine that is in the package.

 

For package holders (which seemed to be the majority on my last two cruises) the absolute price is irrelevant. You've already paid for the first $17. That's a sunk cost whether you buy a glass of wine or not. It's not a $19 glass of wine, it's a $2 glass of wine (or $2.40 with gratuity). The price of the wine on land is irrelevant. It only matters whether it's in your package or you're paying extra. To the vast majority of cruisers not commenting on these threads. And looking at the various bars on the ship, there are a lot of people buying drinks other than wine. So they're happy their package is paying for what they drink. Which is a lot of rum and coke, Jack and coke, bourbon and coke, etc. And beer.

 

I'm not going to argue whether they're premium wines. They're not. They're $2.40/glass wines.

Ok didn't know they were Australia prices. That makes a difference.  I agree I like having the package because I will have the coffee and lots of water and sparkling water and my wine. The drink price for the packages was $15 for premium in October but I guess now it's $17?  The $2 upcharge isn't great but it's not awful...like I said though nickel and diming and I hate that.  I like to pay in advance and have everything taken care of and if I choose to tip more for the bartenders or cabin stewards etc then I do.  Don't like to have that big bill at the end of the cruise.  Thanks for the clarification!

[jmdlv1]

I spoke to my TA yesterday and told her I emailed LBH regarding all the issues.

She suggested I also send one to Katina ,SVP of sales and service for The Americas.

I figured the more executives that hear about our level of dissatisfaction the better..

 Her email is : Kathanasiou@Celebrity.com

[HMR74]

On board EQ now.

dining fairly good. Service mostly pretty good.

 

i still see strange things which I attribute to mgt.

 

eg, We have premium drinks, however in order to get fresh squeezed juices , only at Luminae, Blu or Aqua spa. Be nice to make it easy for the other ~80% in MDR. 
 

no bottled water when leaving ship. That used to be a nice touch as well as beach towels,

 

had dinner at Qusine the other night, braised short ribs of beef, excellent, but also in MDR last night, equally excellent and same size. Not sure why I want to pay  about 60 pp, for the show.

servers and steward could not be nicer and more attentive and they do hustle.

 

wine, the premiums are in some places but not others. At ensemble lounge they promised me they would have it the next night and they did. I understand that its a lot of inventory, skus to have, but X used to tell us all about how good its wine celler is. Did it replace wine celler space with a few more staterooms?
 

they screwed upon my internet. I bought 5 , 3 extras since 

we do not like switching back and forth , and do like having  iphones and ipads always on. 
 

now a days with two factor identification, its nice to have internet on 2 devices. Esp with windows machines which lock you out and you need second device. 
 

 

 

 

[45december]

On EQ now. Decoy added back to premium pkg. 

Sunday Jan.21.

[phoenix_dream]

5 hours ago, 45december said:

On EQ now. Decoy added back to premium pkg. 

Sunday Jan.21.

I understand you could not get it in Luminae?

[Jillianr1976]

Does anyone have an updated included liquor list for each of the packages? 

[goofysmom99]

37 minutes ago, Jillianr1976 said:

Does anyone have an updated included liquor list for each of the packages? 

I seriously doubt that even Celebrity has one right now.

[richczarnecki]

On 1/22/2024 at 3:48 PM, phoenix_dream said:

I understand you could not get it in Luminae?

I had Decoy in Luminae on Ascent last week.  But I prefer the Grenache Blend.

[George C]

I think we will be using OBC to get a much better wine than decoy at least got dinner.

[WinesAtSea]

Reporting in after a cruise in the Retreat on Celebrity Apex that concluded yesterday. Mixed results on the wine. 

 

First, it was my general impression that examples such as Decoy or Whispering Angel either had been lowered back to $17 on menus (such as in Eden) or were readily poured without an upcharge in most venues, including the Retreat. In one case I was told the Whispering Angel was not in the package and I pointed to the menu saying it was $17 and they provided it. 

 

On a broader level, I do see a concerning erosion of their wine program. At the most basic, there is a strong push toward the cheapest wines they have in Luminae. For example, on the first night I asked for Decoy with my steak and was told it was not available. Perhaps this was true -- in Luminae - but I had earlier that night in the Retreat, so it was debatable. I was first offered the French wine Chateau Bertrand (a minervois), but I said I preferred a cabernet. I was then asked to try a wine called Excelsior from South Africa, then Souverain from California. Both retail for under $10 a bottle I didn't really care for either, but ultimately relented and said I'd settle for the Excelsior. The Somm did return with another bottle -- I'm afraid to even share it for how poorly it makes Celebrity look -- 19 Crimes. I told him I knew this wine and didn't care for it. He poured a sip anyway and I confirmed this was far to sweet for my taste. By this point I was just wanting something to drink so the Excelsior it was. To his credit, the Somm (Carlos) kept trying and actually did return with a bottle of Decoy a few minutes later. 

 

We tipped the Somm generously for the effort early in the cruise and found that things did improve. He would regularly bring bottles from off the menu that seemed to be thoughtful pairs (e.g., a chianti classico for a pasta dish). There was also a cotes du Rhone that was quite delicious, although it only appeared once. A provence rose was nice and crisp with lunch. The summary is that decent wines seem available, but there is a desire to push off many of the cheaper bottles. We also found that the staff seemed quite busy and thus had little time to talk to us and ask about our wine preferences or get to know what we might like more than others. This also showed up when we had a bottle we brought from home that we wanted decanted. We were told they only had 2 decanters and both were currently in use. This sort of situation is not acceptable in Luminae. 

 

As another example, One diner near us was visibly upset after asking for a champagne within the package, but being poured a prosecco. 

 

One possible explanation for this was provided by a Somm in another venue. They mentioned that there had been a chance to the beverage program leadership and a prior/interim director had ordered some poor choices -- including the 19 Crimes. This  person indicated they were trying desperately to get rid of these wines as the new/current director had much better offerings on order.

 

Whatever, the explanation, we took the opportunity to gently share with the staff (and on our survey) that we had been disappointed in the eroded wine program. The wine on celebrity had been what had made their brand stand out, but that by diminishing it, they were pushing us away. 

 

happy cruising!

 

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Thanks for the report.  We cancelled a March cruise so hoping the wines will improve by December. 

[Texed]

We were very fortunate on Ascent.  Our Somm was wonderful.  We would tell him what kinds of wine we liked, and what we were having for dinner.  He would bring a wine for us to try.  Almost everyone he brought was a winner, all on the Premium Package. 

 

BTW, we did not pre-tip.  🙂

[George C]

3 hours ago, WinesAtSea said:

Reporting in after a cruise in the Retreat on Celebrity Apex that concluded yesterday. Mixed results on the wine. 

 

First, it was my general impression that examples such as Decoy or Whispering Angel either had been lowered back to $17 on menus (such as in Eden) or were readily poured without an upcharge in most venues, including the Retreat. In one case I was told the Whispering Angel was not in the package and I pointed to the menu saying it was $17 and they provided it. 

 

On a broader level, I do see a concerning erosion of their wine program. At the most basic, there is a strong push toward the cheapest wines they have in Luminae. For example, on the first night I asked for Decoy with my steak and was told it was not available. Perhaps this was true -- in Luminae - but I had earlier that night in the Retreat, so it was debatable. I was first offered the French wine Chateau Bertrand (a minervois), but I said I preferred a cabernet. I was then asked to try a wine called Excelsior from South Africa, then Souverain from California. Both retail for under $10 a bottle I didn't really care for either, but ultimately relented and said I'd settle for the Excelsior. The Somm did return with another bottle -- I'm afraid to even share it for how poorly it makes Celebrity look -- 19 Crimes. I told him I knew this wine and didn't care for it. He poured a sip anyway and I confirmed this was far to sweet for my taste. By this point I was just wanting something to drink so the Excelsior it was. To his credit, the Somm (Carlos) kept trying and actually did return with a bottle of Decoy a few minutes later. 

 

We tipped the Somm generously for the effort early in the cruise and found that things did improve. He would regularly bring bottles from off the menu that seemed to be thoughtful pairs (e.g., a chianti classico for a pasta dish). There was also a cotes du Rhone that was quite delicious, although it only appeared once. A provence rose was nice and crisp with lunch. The summary is that decent wines seem available, but there is a desire to push off many of the cheaper bottles. We also found that the staff seemed quite busy and thus had little time to talk to us and ask about our wine preferences or get to know what we might like more than others. This also showed up when we had a bottle we brought from home that we wanted decanted. We were told they only had 2 decanters and both were currently in use. This sort of situation is not acceptable in Luminae. 

 

As another example, One diner near us was visibly upset after asking for a champagne within the package, but being poured a prosecco. 

 

One possible explanation for this was provided by a Somm in another venue. They mentioned that there had been a chance to the beverage program leadership and a prior/interim director had ordered some poor choices -- including the 19 Crimes. This  person indicated they were trying desperately to get rid of these wines as the new/current director had much better offerings on order.

 

Whatever, the explanation, we took the opportunity to gently share with the staff (and on our survey) that we had been disappointed in the eroded wine program. The wine on celebrity had been what had made their brand stand out, but that by diminishing it, they were pushing us away. 

 

happy cruising!

 

If I can’t get a decent Cabernet I do like any Chianti Classico (always look for the rooster), we sail on Summit next month.

[WinesAtSea]

1 hour ago, Texed said:

We were very fortunate on Ascent.  Our Somm was wonderful.  We would tell him what kinds of wine we liked, and what we were having for dinner.  He would bring a wine for us to try.  Almost everyone he brought was a winner, all on the Premium Package. 

 

BTW, we did not pre-tip.  🙂

That is great. That you enjoyed them is the key. 

 

We found several of them that we were poured to be fairly pedestrian or even unpleasant. That isn't the vibe they're going for in Luminae. 

 

Our somm did ask what we were having for dinner, but never bothered to ask what we liked or didn't like, which was the issue for us. We are pretty knowledgeable about wines (have visited many wine regions around the world) and so have a sense of the styles/profiles we enjoy and so a chance to discuss each night would have been ideal. It seemed he just didn't have the time covering a large dining room. 

[markeb]

5 hours ago, WinesAtSea said:

On a broader level, I do see a concerning erosion of their wine program. At the most basic, there is a strong push toward the cheapest wines they have in Luminae. For example, on the first night I asked for Decoy with my steak and was told it was not available. Perhaps this was true -- in Luminae - but I had earlier that night in the Retreat, so it was debatable. I was first offered the French wine Chateau Bertrand (a minervois), but I said I preferred a cabernet. I was then asked to try a wine called Excelsior from South Africa, then Souverain from California. Both retail for under $10 a bottle I didn't really care for either, but ultimately relented and said I'd settle for the Excelsior. The Somm did return with another bottle -- I'm afraid to even share it for how poorly it makes Celebrity look -- 19 Crimes. I told him I knew this wine and didn't care for it. He poured a sip anyway and I confirmed this was far to sweet for my taste. By this point I was just wanting something to drink so the Excelsior it was. To his credit, the Somm (Carlos) kept trying and actually did return with a bottle of Decoy a few minutes later. 

 

I'm not sure this is the motivation as much as a push to the lowest common denominator/or a regression to the mean. Maybe not as much on the reds; certainly none of cabernets are that great. And the "sommeliers" generally aren't that well trained or versed, and if you say you usually drink a cabernet, rather than "I'm having the...", they'll go straight to that style wine and likely never go anyplace else. On Equinox in November I ordered a fish dish one night and without asking anything about my preferences, I was immediately offered a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the most popular style of SB in the country and a style I loathe, especially with food. Easy question not asked.

 

In spite of posts on Cruise Critic, odds are the vast majority of diners on Celebrity, even Luminae, aren't as into wine as those of us who are want to believe. The drink packages skew things as well; even if the $17 wine isn't the best on the list or the best pairing, it's the one they'll sell in the package. I do miss the variety they used to have of good alternative wines like Tempranillo or Gruner Veltliner (although I do see some in the app on occasion) that helped offset some forgettable better known varietals. Oh, well.

[Texed]

2 hours ago, WinesAtSea said:

That is great. That you enjoyed them is the key. 

Our somm did ask what we were having for dinner, but never bothered to ask what we liked or didn't like, which was the issue for us. We are pretty knowledgeable about wines

 

Sorry you were disappointed.  I am sure you know more  about wines than I do.  I am pretty pedestrian myself.  😁

Edited February 11 by Texed