Jim_Iain

Today was day 4 and I thought I would reflect on the cruise - especially with our recent disappointment with the Edge Class ships. Michael's Club - vs - Retreat Lounge While the Suites lounge hasn't been updated and still the old dark clubby paneling - we are enjoying it much better than Retreat. The Concierges are engaging, attentive and very responsive to any request. Even though they don't have a hot/cold table they have everything you wish with table side service. It is our go to place for a light continental breakfast. We went to the CC Breakfast one morning and it was mobbed -- we had to grab a table when someone got up and it was cleared of the dirty dishes quickly. I think this cruise has a large CC member count -- they had 2 Captains Toasts --- Elite + and above and all others the next day. They have a actual bar on Solstice which we love. Originally there were 4 chairs and Lucy pulled up 2 more --- then last night she had 8 high top seats for the group that we have been drinking with. Really fun - as opposed to to the Airport Lounge feel of Edge. Sorry --- these are of course only my opinions and we each have different tastes and preferences. I think Edge convinced us we will never sail E-Class again. If E-Class is Celebrity's future we are Celebrity's Past... ok... ok.... I'm an GRUMPY OLD GIT! Stay tuned. Luminae - So far would give it a 10+ on Solstice vs a 7 on Edge. Food always perfectly cooked to order. The Maitre'd an Assistant are ever present and checking in. The Sommelier greets us when we arrive and is watching glasses constantly. Edge shall we say was like pulling teeth or asking the assistant waiter to find him. Iain was please that they had his Louis Jardot - Macon-Village 2020 on the Premium Package.... He is happy. I have my Fre Red - January 2024 so am also pleased. When we first boarded we saw they had implemented the "New" Luminae Menu - Of course the Raspberry Pistachio Vancherin had been replaced with the Chocolate Pill on the Daniel Boulud menu. Last night I noticed it was on day 3 menu. I asked Mori (our waiter) if it was a mistake. He said no- they were going to alternate and it was indeed available --- 2 points for the Solstice. Next up Murano - Excellent as usual. It was quiet with light music in the background - unlike ALL OF THE SPECIALTIES on Edge Class with no walls and blaring noise an music. I would give our experience a 10+ vs. all the specialties on Edge Class - 7- More later --- Iain just left for a smoke and I meet him in Michael's Club in 15 minutes.

This is what you do on a day at sea when bored. I closed my eyes and didn't look up.

The funny things is my steps are normal on my watch and in the app. Just the over achiever notice is way off.

Looking forward to it after so many days at seas. I’m going to give my GoPro an underwater try. 26C or 79F predicted per captain 👨‍✈️ just now.

Quick.. fly to Honolulu and we will pick you up shortly.

You may like to join our roll call. We currently have about 20 on our Roll Call list. All will welcome you and answer any of your questions. I've done over a dozen TA's and Love them. This itinerary has interested me for years.

I'm not sure if it has ever been done yet. I had it booked pre-pandemic and then again this year and they cancelled both. 3rd times the charm, I hope, and have booked it again for 2025

I've been having problems on iPhone today. Keeps dropping and making me log back in. I have to hard kill the app and then reopen to get it going again. Working fine on PC I am at sea so may be the reason.

Mike On Solstice had slim picking. They do have watches, AirTags a few pads and iMacs. I can check which models if interested?

Oh no... I was just catching up on your posts and hated to see those nasty luggage tags already. Thanks for taking us along on your vacation and look forward to your next adventure. Jim & Iain

Now a knife fight may just be in order. I think I would love it. I haven't had breakfast yet and already salivating. My MIL use to make the best Pear Chutney - She gave me her recipe so some day I may just have to make some in her honor. Almost booked a New England cruise on Oceania this fall but it was too close to our Double Header TA's in October / November. We booked a combo - Alaska, Panama Canal, Caribbean ending in New York instead. It is our trial baloon on Oceania.

Wandering around see what catches my eye

With so many sea days been getting in some steps Something has gone astray for sure.

Really slept well last night. It is so nice to wake up to beautiful blue skies and calm seas.

I did a quick video of our dinner at Murano an posted it on my Group page.

Really would love to the do the New England / Canada one again. Loved it. Would definitely have lined up (or stole Linda's fantastic Prince Edward Preserves. Yum

You must have be a teach... Yup... needed to put a Zero on the End.

Lets' go back to day 1 when I should have introduced the staff Captain: Theo HD Mario Valention Suites Mgr Joana MC Hosts Jhini and Ken Butler Bart Room Att I Wayan CC Hosts Melvin, Aldin & Ginger Asst Waiter Bayu MC Bar Att Singh and Lucy CD Peter Baker FB Ivan Maksimovic

Good Morning from somewhere in the Pacific --- Tomorrow will be our first port of call - Mystery Island, Vanuatu. This island is said to be haunted by ghosts and are only visited by the inhabitants of the nearby Aneityum Island and Tanna Island further up north, when there's a cruise in town. The southernmost island of Vanuatu, its diminutive size (159 square kilometers, or 61 square miles) and lack of modern amenities—there's no Internet nor even running water or electricity—lends the place something of a Robinson Crusoe-esque atmosphere. It will be a Tender Port - Stock Photo

Weather has dramatically improved. Seas are calming by the hour and pool deck was packed. We turn our clocks forward tonight. It is incredible that we only have 2 time zone changes on this cruise. (Plus a dateline). With the cancellation of Lifou Loyalty, Island we will not get to Venauatu until our Saturday (Friday U.S.)

They had the regular Retreat ones on Edge in December

Funny thing. I found it on my Facebook freed. The kids messaged me I need to get them for all the grandchildren for Xmas.

Would be a perfect retirement gift. Many recommend fly to Hawaii for a couple days on way over.

Retreat has always had a nice little box of Belgium Chocolates on Chic nights last night we received Celebrity 2.0