PinkSandGirl

Hi! Wow! I haven't been able to log on and how time flies. The days are busy plus other trips I've had, work and everyday life. I haven't forgotten about this and will continue to update. I still have a lot to share. This will be the 'Live' Review that keeps on giving. 😉 Thank you to all who have continued to follow (even though I haven't posted in some time) and to those who have contributed. 🥰 Kelly 😃 🍹

Muster Station Drill A definite improvement from years ago. I do have to say though, I didn't mind lining up on the Promenade Deck with my life jacket on. 😉 Hehe. It was one of those things that made a cruise, a cruise. 😉 It has evolved over the years. I definitely like the new version as opposed to waiting in the theatre for what seemed like an hour. I did this new version last year and again for this cruise. This time though, the app wasn't working properly for any of us (the four of us). Some of the steps had to be done on the phone (app) and others on the TV in the cabin. We finished that and went right to our Muster Station - Get it done with. I don't know why people wait. Anyway...we get there and no one was there. Not one crew member in sight. We waited a few minutes and left. We then went for our 1st cocktail, lunch and then went back. Once we went back, a minute, if that is all it took. They scan your SeaPass and off you go. 🍹 Screen with a reminder in the terminal as we were about to board the Beyond App TV in Cabin with Steps Carpet at theatre entrance A sneak peek of the theatre. I'll give a full theatre review but I will say I liked this concept better than I thought I would. 😉 Muster Station Check-in Next up...more of the ship and what we did, ate, drank and saw on embarkation day!

Retreat Cocktail Menu I ordered the Copperhead daily. 😉 🍹 Copperhead - Good. Ordered daily, at least once. The Retreat. Not found of. At first, not bad and then it was hot. Only had this one time.

Retreat Lounge and Retreat Pool Deck A definite plus and reason to book the Retreat, in my opinion. The 4 of us all think the same. Absolutely worth it. If you utilize the areas, then yes. =). You need your Retreat SeaPass to access the areas. The Retreat takes up the forward areas of Decks 15, 16 & 17. It was never really super packed in any of the areas. We always found good seats. Staff were, almost all, very friendly. 🍹 More Retreat and Ship to Follow... Cape Liberty. 911 memorial Towels and Blankets since it was chilly We had this as our private pool on more than one occasion! I always had a laugh when I saw this tennis lady. How great is she? Snacks. Breakfast, tea and then before dinner. Always changes. Retreat Lounge Entrance

Hi! I apologize for being quiet the past few days. Life and work definitely gets in the way when updating cruise critic. 😉 It's so hectic before vacation and I think just as hectic, if not more after vacation. I need a vacation after my vacation. 😂 I'm still here and will be adding more pictures and thoughts. The Beyond has just begun her USA sailings so I'm sure my input will help future sailors. 😉 Thank You to everyone who has contributed and who have thanked me and showed appreciation. I love researching and getting pictures and comments so I hope to help those who have cruises coming up on the Beyond and/or possible future sailings. =). 🍹

Hi! The balcony had both shade and sun. I wouldn't say it was any different from when I've had a cabin on the more forward section (S-class). There was a slight top bump out but I don't think it made a difference at all. I had reservations about being in an 'indent' but it honestly was perfectly fine. I am very particular and picky so I would definitely say if it made a difference. It did not...based on our sailing and trajectory of where we were going. 🍹

hcat, Hi! I hope you have a wonderful cruise! 🥳 I'm sure you're already onboard. 😉 Kelly =). 🍹

Craft Social for a cocktail then Our First Visit to Luminae - Lunch Our tradition on S-class is to have our first drink at the Martini Bar and write our names in the ice with the ship name and date. Since the Beyond's Martini Bar isn't ice topped, we thought we would go to Craft Social. Craft Social. So cute on the Equinox. Craft Social on the Beyond...not as cute, much smaller and missed those little cozy nooks. I know that on the Equinox Craft Social was born out of the Revolution and the old wine bar area. Beyond is a larger ship and there isn't a bar inside the casino so it seems odd it would be so small. There were times it was packed, other times you could find a seat. I think I would have been in more if it had a different feel to it. As for the name, they really should have some good Craft Beers. I like visiting Craft Breweries all over the place and appreciate good stouts and porters. Those can not be found there...it was the same on the Equinox. My mom and I stayed simple with Malibu Baybreezes, my boyfriend had a double Captain and Coke and my dad had a specialty cocktail, Tito's Punch, that was over the Premium limit. We sat for a little bit before we made our way to Luminae. This is also where I asked for my first evian. I would come to find out no little bottles of evian onboard. Large bottles, yes. Small, no. They had Acqua Panna. As we made our way from Deck 4 to Deck 16 to Luminae we got to see a little more of the ship along the way. That 'chandelier'. That's not my idea of a chandelier. It looks like something from outer space that's going to shoot down a beam to suck people back up. 😂 Luminae We waited briefly at the hostess stand and gave our Cabin #'s and Names. We continued this the whole time. Last year in Blu, they knew us right away. Not in Luminae. I think she started to recognize us but when it came to names and Cabin #'s, not so much. I understand they meet new people constantly but just a comparison to Blu from last year. When we entered Luminae, it is nice. I think it's large and spacious. There are tables of two, tables that can be put together, round 'booth' tables for 4 or 6, larger tables that can accommodate 8 guests and other tables as well. The room seems to keep going as the windows wrap around the room as you walk. We were seated at one of the round 'booths'. We would sit in one of those on every visit except one time. We liked them. Velvety material that felt cozy. Menu. I knew what I wanted before we sat down (thanks to the app). Bourbon and Peaches 🍑, Borscht Soup and Burger (no bacon jam) (since it's mostly raved about, the burger). Everyone else had some of the same and some different. Lunch Menu Day 1 Those lights are like flashlights or some kind of baton weapon. 😆 Their mayonnaise isn't very good. This is ship wide. You can tell just looking at it. What did I think of the food? ■ Drink. Good ■ Soup. Excellent ■ Burger. Eh. I've had better... I asked for mustard. It was a Dijon that had a kick. I prefer yellow on a burger. I love all kinds of mustards but when it comes to a burger, good old fashioned yellow. It was a thick burger. I like thinner 'flat top' burgers. I did know it was going to be thick. ■ Fries. Ok. My boyfriend and mom said they weren't seasoned (I was fine with that, just dip in ketchup) and my mom's were cold. ■ Dessert, I didn't think I wanted anything but my dad ordered the Creamy Dark Chocolate and Duche de Leche and then I ordered one too after he got his. It was good. Presentation not very appealing but it tasted good. The sun had come out earlier (it was very foggy all morning) but then the fog rolled back in. As we were sitting in Luminae, the clouds and fog started to clear a bit and the sun was trying to pop through and we saw the Statue of Liberty. 🗽 Luminae quickly filled up. They were pretty busy. It was nice to have a sit down lunch. Service. It was fine. I wouldn't say exceptional. First day with all new guests so I'll give them some slack. 😉 I will also point out here. There are no menus outside of any restaurant. I'm used to the sign stand with the menu. Nowhere. I liked when they did that. Is that a new Celebrity thing or just the Beyond? Next up... Our first visit to the Retreat Lounge and then Retreat Pool and Sundeck 🍹

Breakfast and Lunch - Casual Dinner - The same as the rest of the dining rooms and Specialty Restaurants. 🍹

Thanks! I definitely wasn't able to keep up (for how detailed I want to be) while onboard so playing catch up now. 😉 I saw your mom towards the end of the cruise! She was talking to the cabin steward one day (she wanted to give him soda and beer) and then a couple of other times. 😉 🍹

Cape Liberty Embarkation and Boarding the Beyond I haven't gone out of Cape Liberty since 2011. It is definitely different, in a good way. We arrived and a porter took our luggage right away. Once inside, security was very fast. There isn't a separate Suite Access area into the building but once through security, suite passengers go to the left. We went to a desk and showed our Xpress Pass, Passport & Bermuda Travel Authorization Form (received a pink round sticker to wear). She took new pictures and we went to sit. That process took a couple of minutes. There were chairs set up and then an area with some food and hot & cold drinks. I entered the area to get something and a not so friendly guy said to me the area was for Retreat guests only. I kindly said that I was a Retreat guest. While sitting, this same not so friendly guy went up to a couple in front of me and said the same thing. They told him they were as well. Later in the cruise I would see him in the Retreat areas and he was not friendly at all. He should be in a different line of work. A very pompous attitude and mean looking. When you walk by someone, you say, 'Hi!' Never an acknowledgement from this guy. I should have gotten his name. Maybe I have a picture I can zoom in on and see if I can read his name tag. 😆 Boarding was to start at 11:00am. They started at 10:30am. Off we went! After showing our Xpress Pass, up an escalator we went. We had an escort onto the ship. It was just us at that point. Making your way and seeing the ship up close is so exciting and then when you are about to step foot on...How Great Is That?! It never gets old. Never! 🥳 We boarded at Deck 5. The same area the Magic Carpet is 'parked at' when on Deck 5. The orange carpet was rolled out and smiling friendly faces welcomed us onboard the Beyond! The Welcome Glass of Champagne has not made it's way back. I believe there was a Champagne Reception later that afternoon, but not the same. It was the idea that Celebrity had that little thing that stood out. We went right to our cabins to get our SeaPass cards, take a quick look at the the Sky Suites and leave our carry-on bags. Vacation has begun! We were attempting to complete the Muster Drill Videos but the app wasn't cooperating. We had to do some things on the app and some on the TV. We get that completed so we went to our Muster Station in the theatre. No one was there. A few other people were showing up as well. We left and walked around a bit and said we'd go back after lunch. Next up...First cocktails in Craft Social and then lunch in Luminae. 🍹

The Beyond has regular hangers that you can take out of the closet and hang around the room. The problem is trying to find a spot where the item isn't flat against the wall or glass (so it dries quicker). I had things positioned so they were on slight angles. I did the same thing with my bathing suits. The hangers also have two clips. I brought clothes pins too, to help. The post above about the magnets on the ceiling is a good idea. I had magnets that looked similar but had them on the walls. Next time I will try the ceiling, this way items have complete air flow. 🍹 You can see the type of hanger. (I had laundry returned so ignore the white paper bag and the regular thin metal hangers in the middle)

Thank You! I'm not much of a sports fan but since they are a 'home' team, I hope they do well. I remember when they won in 2012. The parade was on Halloween and I went into the city to stay over for a friends Halloween Party. There was a big banner as you got off of the Walt Whitman Bridge. I have been to a Phillies game before so I guess that counts. 😆⚾️ 🍹

Hi! Glad to hear you have made it to Florida (getting closer for you to board) and your place is ok after Ian. Yes, I was grossed out as well about the bathroom situation. I tried to stay calm. 😆 Have a wonderful cruise! I'm sure you will love your Sky Suite! 🥳 Kelly 😃 PinkSandGirl 🍹

You're Welcome! =). Enjoy your sailing! 🥳 🍹

Thank You! How fun! A B3B. You'll have 'lots of time to explore and enjoy. 9 nights wasn't long enough. 😉 🍹

Thank You! 🥰 🍹

Yes, it was good =).🍑 🍹

Room Service Breakfast Card They should leave more than one or two. ☆ Put out before 2:00am for morning delivery. Room Service Menu ☆ There was NOT a fee for late night delivery even though it says it. ☆ There wasn't a # to call or a spot on the phone to push. The # was 5151 after calling Guest Services. 🍹 Breakfast Card that gets put out Booklet with Menus

Cabin Paperwork on Embarkation Day ☆ Celebrity Today ☆ Behind the Scenes Tour Tickets ☆ Welcome Letter ☆ Business Cards for Butler and Retreat Concierge Team ☆ Stateroom Attendant. There was a different name on a card and then later changed to who we had. ☆ Captain’s Club Event Sheet and Perks ● We were Select but are now Elite after this sailing. ☆ Books (2x) about the Art on board, a folder with postcards of art onboard (it was ripped as you can see) and a spa book with prices ☆ Luminae Dinner Card. I just realized it didn't have my name. Cabin # was correct but someone else's name. 🤔 I just found out my mom had an effy necklace for those charms on embarkation day with a note. I didn't have one. 🍹 Welcome Letter Celebrity Today - Embarkation Day. Day 1

Thank You! I think you will like the Sky Suite. I said earlier on I shouldn't have let the secret out. 😂 hehe, but I wasn't the first and won't be the last. You're Welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. I have more to come. 😉 ~ Kelly 😃 PinkSandGirl 🍹

Oh, and plenty of 'shelf' space on the ledge all around to keep things in the shower. Also, nice to have that ledge to put your foot on to shave legs. It's such a pain when you go somewhere with a shower stall/enclosure and there isn't a place to put your foot. It's the little things that count! 😉 🍹

Hehe. Yes. I wanted to see if anyone noticed it or if anyone else had that as well. 😂 The tissues were from Italy. 🍹

Pictures to go with my Cabin Thoughts that are above. I have more detailed cabin pictures earlier that I posted in the thread. 🍹 Look at the bottom. You will see the trash can. You can also see how the faucets are set back. The lights too but hard to tell unless right up against looking in the mirror. Faucets towards back and they don't extend out very much. The bathroom outlet with switch to make it work. Only two cabin hooks on inside of bathroom door. Other than one in the shower. Bathroom drawers under the sink. Hairdryer by Celebrity Water Replenished, cup & saucers, spoons, teabags, sugar, glasses. ~ Pillows ~ Side of bed without an outlet. The phone on the other nightstand may reach over if you wanted to use the USB but then you lose the top area to put anything. Balcony Chair. Room Service tray fits on table in the cabin Lovely view from bathroom sink White Box with Outlets Door and hallway inside cabin There were also cotton balls and Q-tips Balcony solid wall on right Balcony Divider opened up on the left Space between Balcony door and curtains Balcony Door has to be locked in order for the Air Conditioning to be on

First sailing from the USA - Thoughts I thought there would be something special or commemorative since it was the first sailing out of the USA. No. I thought there would be those water boat salutes when leaving Cape Liberty. No. Maybe because of the fog? We did have a water boat salute on our arrival to Aruba which was neat. I've seen other lines, even Celebrity, give out things to acknowledge special sailings. Nothing at all. I like that kind of stuff. There wasn't anything though...on the ship or in the cabin. I still think it was neat being on the first sailing from the United States of America. 🇺🇸 🗽 🍹