rwf1

Because we can be disappointed and still have a good time. If a port was cancelled, or if it rained everyday, we would be disappointed but still have a good time.

We board the Apex on Aug. 21 for our 25th anniversary. Not looking forward to this transition starting on our cruise. Of course, we will deal with it and still have a great trip. This is our first Celebrity cruise and we were really looking forward to trying out Celebrity now that we are empty nesters. Thought it might be our new cruise line. However, we most likely won’t book Celebrity again since they removed a key amenity waaaaay after final payment. And with no intention of notifying us of it either. Of course, I am sad so many crew members are losing their jobs. Plus, I fear the remaining crew are going to be under attack when people find out they no longer have access to a personal butler. It isn’t the crew’s fault, but they will get the blame and anger. Yikes! I’m not looking forward to the tension on this cruise. Plus the disorganization as crew figure out a new system and new roles. On the cruise, we will figure out how to tip (if we do) the team butlers (if there actually are any). We have tipped our butlers on NCL, and I admit I don’t want to tip a team of them. The extra gratuity was to thank them for personalized service. However, I don’t want to not tip them since this situation isn’t their fault. Sigh. . . We will just see how it goes. I am concerned that the retreat team butlers are less experienced. Tipping would motivate them to continue to improve, however, if they don’t receive extra tips, then I am worried that service from the team will decline instead of improve. For anyone still reading, I apologize for such a long post! Guess I needed to vent!

Thanks for the information about the Berlin tour. When we take this cruise later this summer, my husband wanted to do the Berlin trip, and I was against it due to the lack of time we would have there. Your review confirms that we should stay closer to port on that day. However, if we do, I like your idea of taking the Celebrity train and touring on our own. When returning to the ship, it seems like they would have an expedited way for Retreat guests to board. Do any of the ports have separate lines for Retreat guests?

haynesra: Thanks so much for the information!

We will be flying Delta as well. Would you mind saying what you found confusing? Do you check in at KLM instead of a Delta counter? Appreciate any info. Thanks!

Thanks for the reply! Nice to know what a proactive butler is able to do for you! I agree the improved service could have been a coincidence, but seems unlikely.

Great review! Thank you! I was curious if you feel you received a better table when the butler made reservations for you. I am happy to make our reservations, unless like you, we can't find the time we want. However, I also wondered if going through the butler perhaps increases our chances of being seated by a window, etc.

Thanks so much for such detailed replies. The information is really helpful. If we could get a move up bid, or a good rate to just upgrade, we would love to have this suite next year for our 25th anniversary.

Since the villa opens directly onto the retreat sundeck, do you hear noise from that area? People talking while walking by, etc? You had only one sea day, so perhaps that will be harder for you to answer.

I am truly enjoying your review. Great details and information with just the right amount of humor and snark. Love it! Thanks so much!