mac_tlc

We have made all of our show and dining reservations when the concierge sends the email. Both Coastal Kitchen and any specialty dining. The shows that will take reservations would be the ice show, Aqua show, production show(s) and comedy show. May not need it for all of them as they will have a standby line. We would rather have the reservation if if is something we want to see—- easier to plan the day. mac_tlc

We are considering the 1/24/25 LA-Miami voyage. mac_tlc

We sailed on Equinox in January 2020 and that was our first Sky Suite experience. Our waiter in Luminae was Jose and we loved him! Let's fast forward to the restart and the Edge in July 2021. Our first E-class Sky Suite and who is in Luminae ???? Jose !!! We all recognized each other and he affectionately referred to us as "mama" and "papa". It was so nice to see a familiar face after the previous 18 months. Also had Hussein and Joao in Retreat Lounge, also from Equinox. We were also lucky to meet @KKB on this cruise and her Mom. If you need a partner for any music trivia, its @KKB!! We were back on Edge in October 2021 and who is in Luminae ???? Jose !!!! By now, I almost felt like his papa! We were on a roll so we went back on Edge in March 2022, but (sigh) Jose was no longer there --- he had gotten a promotion to Butler --- I really wonder how he has fared with the latest butler changes. We had the same Butler (Al) on Edge in 2021 and Apex in 2022. This year has been the year of Beyond, with a January and April sailing. Petre as Luminae Maitre'd and Mariana as Luminae host were on both sailings and are both moving to Ascent -- hopefully we will see them in January 2024. Of course, it was great sailing in April with some CC friends, @KKB, @Silkroad, @GenerationX, @Mrs_Tiki . So, it's really about the people --- crew and fellow passengers. Those are what we will miss as we are investigating alternatives, due to the crazy future Retreat pricing. mac_tlc

This seems to be very ship dependent We sailed with four D+ people.. On 12 night Jewel in June, we were able to use it any night so long as it was paid on night 1 or 2. They ran the receipt for both sets of BOGOs on day 1 and our second meal was on day 12. On 9 night Oasis in August, we were able to use it any night and they just rang up one meal for each couple on the nights we used it (nights 3 and 6). I do appreciate the flexibility . mac_tlc

FWIW, The updated menu was on Oasis last month out of Bayonne. mac_tlc

The popcorn cart was set up outside of Studio B on the Oasis last month every time there was an event there, mainly the ice shows. $2.50 a bag --- saw a decent number of purchases. mac_tlc

It took me until page 4, but I'm in!! Like so many others, we are looking at some other lines. As my DW and I have thought about it, the main X factor deterring us from booking them is the Retreat price (ok, also how us cancelled-TA folks were cast aside). We really enjoy the E-class Retreat experience. Looks like an MSC YC and an Oceania cruise will be the next two we book, just trying to decide when and where. With my wife's mobility issues, we don't want a really port intensive itinerary -- its not feasible to get off at all of them. My guess is Oceania will be a TA or Panama Canal. We shall see. Anyway, looking forward to another Jim & Iain review !!!! mac_tlc

On Jewel in June and our cabin was definitely not updated. A fair bit of scratches, nicks, dings and semi-functioning drawer and door hardware. mac_tlc

Sounds like they have their Oceania blinders on 😂😂 😉😉. mac_tlc

A quick scan of their website shows the ships are about 40,000 to 55,000 gross tons and have between 475 to 750 passengers. Oceania’s smaller ships have about 650 passengers, larger ones about 1250. Viking ships have about 930 passengers. I am as interested in investigating other lines as others around here lately. But people continually throw out dollar comparisons without adding ship details too. For us, we will probably not go from a 3000 passenger E-class ship to a 475 passenger Regent cruise. For still a decent amount of money, that feels like too much of a change in experience. We will walk before we run and seriously consider Oceania, but only on their larger ships. Price is not the only determining factor. mac_tlc

Just upgraded our basic wifi to premium for $3.99 a day for our Edge cruise in August 2024. No good deal on upgrading beverage package though. mac_tlc

The last few cruises, I have become a fan of the cheese platter for dessert. Not a big chocolate fan and most of the desserts look better than they taste. Often it is the cheese platter and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for me ! mac_tlc

I would go three or four down either side, away from the entry door. We have been on both sides, on Oasis and Allure, and don't notice any difference. We also greatly prefer the sides. mac_tlc

Better hurry up and book it before 10/4 so you can get that $800 OBC!

I noticed it, mentioned it and noted that it is a bigger $$ item than the grats. On a 7 day cruise, suite grats are $322, OBC has been $600. I plan on tracking four or five random cruises for pricing before and after 10/4. I’ll look at balcony, Aqua and suite prices. The engineer in me needs data and a spreadsheet in order to come to a conclusion. 😂😂😂 mac_tlc

I think it’s pretty obvious why they are taking the tips out—— so they can effectively raise the price without the number changing. I fully expect the listed price for an AI cruise to be no different on 10/4 than it was on 10/3. So Celebrity pockets the gratuity amount that was previously part of the fare. No different than shrinking the size of the potato chip bag, or ice cream container, or yogurt container and leaving the price the same. People notice the stated price. Hope I am wrong but Celebrity has brought out the cynic in me in the last 6 months. mac_tlc

They must be “syncing up” the Daniel Boulud options. The appetizer and main course are the same as was on the Beyond in January and April of this year. The dessert on Beyond was the chocolate pill which my DW did not like. mac_tlc

We also loved our E-class Retreat experiences and have two more booked early next year. After that? A family trip to Alaska next August in 4 SV's and then nothing on Royal or Celebrity -- first time in over 20 years. Their pricing and customer disregard don't warrant our $$$. Looking at MSC YC and Oceania, with a quick glance at Viking, but their payment policy and wheelchair "inconsistencies" have stopped us from serious consideration. mac_tlc

For the Retreat it's gratuitygate and OBCgate, and OBCgate is a bigger amount.

The pdf is posted to Celebrity's TA web site, .... and its still there....so.....

That was the Boulud menu on our Beyond cruises in January and April. mac_tlc

Unless it’s a recent change, we have done it before —— in both directions. mac_tlc

I think the Norwegian Prima and Viva have Tandoori ovens in their Indulge Food Hall. mac_tlc

That is not the case in the Caribbean. Seashore/Seaview/Seaside/Seascape have no interportting cruises out of Miami or PC. For the price, the YC is worth a try -- most reviews are positive and indicate its equal to or better than the Retreat. If I can save multiple thousands of dollars to branch out a bit, it's a good option for us. mac_tlc

Ah, Michael Corleone syndrome:: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in " 🤣