Georgia_Peaches

We had select dining but we made reservations for 8 to 8:30 on most nights. On a few occasions we showed up early and were immediately accommodated as there was no waiting. I have since learned that there were only about 2500+/- passengers on our sailing so that might have had something to do with the lack of wait time. I recommend you check in with the Md when you’re ready and go from there. It can’t hurt to show up a little early.

Awe, you are so right. Finish the story, I'm happy to do! I'm working on him...he's coming around. Can't tell you how much your review is helping...don't worry about mine, LOL...it was the Caribbean for crying out loud 😂. Doesn't hold a candle...

I don't think it's sold out. When we toured, the assistant CD said that the booking process is handled at Guest Relations. IDK if enough people know about it yet for it to be sold out as it is only currently available on Assent.

I was very impressed with the space when we toured it. Had a golf simulator for hundreds of courses...one could simulate a full round of golf. But they also offer football, soccer, and possibly tennis...can't remember. And if you didn't want to simulate anything one could play video games on a large screen. The karaoke set up looked phenomenal and the seating area was cozy. I thought it looked like fun! Definitely not a conference room, but yes, a room for rent but with stuff to do.

I wouldn’t do it, but that’s just me. The extra space is nice and if you get a room with the bed facing the ocean, that’s nice too. But having done a regular veranda (porthole) and then an S1, both on Ascent… we found more value and enjoyment in the porthole. A sunset veranda is even better! We will book this category next time. This is just a personal preference. There was nothing wrong with the Retreat AT ALL. If your budget is tight, keep your current room category and save what you would have spent on the upgrade for something else…like a specialty dinner or two!

Yes, we noticed that as well!

I love your pics, Jim! DH has said more than once that he really has no desire to cruise Australia. He says he’s “heard” it’s like the US only on the other side of the world. I’ve shown him some of your pics. I think I’m seeing a crack in his armor!! So thank you!

It was the first time I had seen caymus by the glass. But the bottle was $175. We opted to go by the glass and each had three good pours (don't judge 😂) over the course of our meal. So the bill was around $110.

The only chic night on our 4 night cruise on Ascent was the first sea day...so second night.

We not only found that several wines had increased from $17 to $19 or more, but the same wine was priced differently in more than one venue. For example, we paid $17 for an Opulence Cab in Craft Social but $19 for the same cab in Fine Cut. For a decent glass of wine, we splurged on the Caymus at $35 a glass minus $17 for the premium package...so $18 net. This was cheaper than buying the bottle outright. But, yes, the wine prices are up!

Funny you say that. One of the desserts we had on Ascent the other day was a chocolate tart like the ones in cafe Al Bacio.

You will absolutely end up with a piece like the sample on display with the difference bring in the colors you choose. It’s a no fail endeavor…the pros make sure of that.

It is now one 750 ml bottle per adult person upon embarkation. Some say they put one in their luggage and carry on one as well, thereby bringing 4 with a double occupancy cabin. It used to be 2 bottles per adult but that recently changed.

Yes.

Yes! Drinks come from craft social just outside the casino.

My final thoughts were that the Retreat is very nice. But we’ve been booking suites on Celebrity for the last 8 sailings because we thought it was an elevated experience. And in many ways it is! But the Sky suite compared to the porthole veranda left us wondering why? We had exceptional service outside the Retreat and so-so service inside.we’ve concluded that the money saved for booking a regular veranda does not sacrifice quality. Our stateroom attendant outside Retreat was exceptional. Our dining experience outside Retreat was very good to excellent. We are scratching our heads now…why book a suite on Celebrity when we are just as happy, if not more in a different category. Our next stateroom category will be a sunset veranda.

What deck are you on and how much shade do you have? Thank you!

Though the menus in Blu were more appealing than Luminae on our recent cruise, I wouldn't pay extra to eat in Blu. I found the MDR to be nice with options that were very pleasing.

I will be following your journey, CS. I know this is a significant one for you and I am wishing you much enjoyment mixed with a little bit of nostalgia. PS..I think you mean 2023? 😊

Absolutely! There are benches in front of the glass blowing area set up for viewing.

Much better information than what we were given when we toured the space! Thank you!

We were told you can book via guest relations. Minimum amount of time is 2 hours and the max number of people is 15. Sorry, I don't know about pricing.

Yes, the fee includes a piece to take home. It's really a base price that can go up depending on what you choose to make. I believe the paper weights are the entry level and it goes up from there. I made the tidal wave vase and I think it was $140 and then we had another piece commissioned by one of the artisans. A great way to use up excess OBC!

The retreat was very nice! It's just not for us anymore. There are so many beautiful venues around the ship that we preferred to spend our time instead of the retreat. I'm not quite ready to book our next cruise but when I do, it will be on E class and in a sunset veranda!

I also really liked the space. I thought it was unique and different. Much better than the pass through hall on deck 5 leading into the Ensemble lounge on S class ships!