Cap_D

This matches our Camp at Sea experience on Apex in Spring 2023. The staffing to child ratio is very favorable, and they were engaged and personable. The family events (e.g., camp out with dessert, bingo with kid friendly prizes, etc.) were well attended and fun. Retreat staff and all of the crew from the Captain to senior staff to onboard entertainers to pool attendants provided a unique experience for toddler and parents. Really can't be replicated.

Good reason to avoid NCL Haven when traveling with a family with members under 16 unless one wants to spend their outdoor time at the non Haven pool. If they can't be bothered to have a decent product or one they can appropriately describe, I have zero faith they would be able to perform. Big failure on their part.

Thanks for the terrific TR. Enjoyed learning about how you integrated your tours at each port, and really explored the dining options on the ship.

If presently on a ship look in the cruise planner for a QR Code under the title "We'd like to hear from you." That will open a browser window to a form to share feedback to the senior team on the ship.

Curious to know if anyone is on the President's Cruise on Solstice?

True. Results can be very good.

I concur entirely with the comment above to do it based on dates, price/room selection, and itinerary. The overall experience for most passengers is likely going to be indistinguishable, except and unless you would be spending a lot of time at the Sunset bar (Edge and Apex Sunset bar are disappointing, very exposed, and worn), would visit the smoking section near the Sunset bar, or would be able to take advantage of the outdoor seating in Aqua class Blu on Ascent. We've traveled on Edge and Apex, which are essentially identical with just some different artwork, but nothing from an experience standpoint. Beyond and Ascent are stretched versions of Edge and Apex with additional guest rooms, some limited cosmetic changes (not to the guest rooms), and some additions that come primarily with the increased space. For all passengers, the difference between the two sets of ships will be the Moroccan/Nate Berkus themed Sunset Bar, a slightly redesigned resort/pool deck with some additions of soft seating, and some interior changes to the martini bar orientation on the plaza, and one or two interior bars. That also comes with some additional guest rooms. For retreat passengers, the positioning of Luminae, and the retreat lounge, and the retreat deck is different. But, again there are more suites. The differences also don't seem to be that material, unless you have familiarity and of experience the prior setup on Edge or Apex. Within the last day or so, Celebrity released publicity materials for Ascent describing the changes mostly in terms of how it differs from Beyond. As mentioned above, for Aqua Class passengers that will mean outdoor seating at Blu restaurant. And, for every passenger, some redesign of certain venues including the casino. FWIW, for around the same time, after Edge and Apex, we chose Beyond because of the itinerary. And, crew and senior managers rotate, so we know the intention is to have the same level of service across all the ships.

Also, the Mast Grill is used for Dinner on the Edge/Magic Carpet.

Our first cruise was in a Sky Suite with a toddler on Edge (Gordon), and then on Apex. So, I can't speak to having a baby on the ship, but by way of observation, general experience close to when we had a baby and reading a lot of these boards. Retreat will definitely be worth it. The additional layer of dedicated service, points of contact that are coordinating behind the scenes, and other aspects of the experience should be helpful for many reasons. A couple thoughts: If there's a choice, I suggest a room near the forward elevators, so you have easier access to Luminae, Retreat Deck, and Retreat Lounge. The Butler will be helpful as a single point of contact, and able to follow up on things while and if you have your hands full. They will work with the Retreat hosts/concierges, as in some cases it's that team that handles certain requests. They also can coordinate with maitre ds and take responsibility for breakfast delivery, which will be helpful as no doubt it maybe hard not follow up yourself. In Luminae this will happen anyways, but get to know the team asap, and you may like the table in the section behind the host station. There's about 6 or fewer tables, and a partition/wall dividing it from the rest of the dining room. I suspect that area will be suggested, and it's a bit more private. At Luminae, if full dinner is too long before you feel you need to change things up or return to your room, I suggest thinking about preordering apps, or dessert or arranging for dessert to go as soon as you order. Dinner can stretch on if you allow it, and in our experience with a toddler we didn't ways make it all the way through. The tub in the Sky Suites will be functional. It's a unique shape with a lot of room. You will get priority for poets with tenders to get off, and there will be a note with directions. Usually it's meet in a designated spot, and then staff escort and coordinate so you don't have to wait on designation gateway for very long. As a practical matter, your group will be less than a general group that is also waiting. Returning may be different, but perhaps you can ask and others may be understanding. Check and double check the fridge situation, if you need one. Many have said the room fridges are actually chillers, and so aren't cold enough for milk storage, medicine, etc. Butler will be part of this process, but hopefully it can be addressed before you arrive. I am not sure what pieces of baby equipment they have onboard, but I would bring what you normally bring in terms of pack and play, etc., covers, sheets, fav blanket, etc. Even if they have it, the home scent will be helpful. There's no limit on luggage. A good stroller with shocks or good rubber tires will be helpful at the ports. Big fan of the baby jogger city mini gt2 all terrain, with a fan. You'll find plenty of places to stow it in your room (I don't quite think it's like a scooter people leave on the hall in alcoves. On the retreat deck, there's many good places to make homebase around then solarium roof. It's less busy, and there's a few places for wind and shade, although that will be variable. You may find one parent (if both are traveling) stays in the room in the evening and the other explores. Don't forget to put the breakfast order out while you both are able to make selections or have a standing order even if also going to Luminae or the OVC (for something different, though busy). The back of the OVC near the pizza is a great area for families, strollers, less cross traffic, and nice aft view. I think I've seen high chairs tucked away, but check. Eden Cafe on sea days is another option, and the staff will help carry or bring food to a table. There's outside seating, but very sunny and possibly windy. The Club when not in use has a balcony level with really awesome soft seating and banquettes that may be a helpful, darker, and quieter place to sit, and possibly coral a crawler (just check where outlets may be, please). There is also a bar on the first level, and it's staffed with servers or being prepped at various times during the daytime around some of the activities. The balcony should not get crowded, however. Book an early seating at Eden for dinner. There is an accessibility elevator the maitre d will help with. Don't chance the stairs. Reminder, there won't be baby supplies on board (diapers, baby meds, etc.). Not a reason to not go, but just observations that seem relevant: On Deck 14 when walking from then solarium to the elevators, be careful, wear flats, and ideally do not carry your baby by hand. Use a carrier or stroller...or avoid. We have seen slip and falls as the floor gets slippery. Also, if on the main resort deck or mast grill, test the chairs before sitting down if you're holding your baby. We have seen a chair leg give out on an adult. I hope you will find all of the staff helpful and many things easier than if on land or another resort. Have a great cruise.

Big fan of being near that elevator bank for access to the Spa Cafe, Resort Deck and Mast Grill. That room may be under one of the windows that open in the solarium. That window is adjacent to a set of loungers that is somewhat private compared to the main area, and often where we've seen passengers resting quietly. No idea if there would be a sound issue anymore than if there were a cabin or anything else above the room.

Update: while no longer showing in the app or website, the Celebrity rep that we worked had the certificates in the system.

In case it's useful for others: I don't see two onboard bookings (open ended/tba) made in April, and the add a reservation number doesn't work this evening. It looks like I was only charged for one on my credit card despite having two different reservation numbers / PDF confirmations via email at the time the certificates were submitted. I will update once I have more info.

Regarding snacks: First, it shouldn't be a big deal to ask, although they really should be offered. The components are generally part of various room service menus or available at the OVC. In fact, there are YouTube videos of dozens of cheese plates being prepared in Celebrity ship kitchens. Second, get specific or else you may just end up with the standard cheese plate and basic saltine crackers in cellophane (not need for a suite and butler for that). Third, get creative, anything edible on the ship should be eligible, at least to ask. The concept is convenience. You could theoretically find, for example, cheese, roasted almonds and breadsticks in a few places, salty potato chips (crisps) at Eden Cafe on sea days on E-Class, candy at scoops, etc., but wouldn't it be easier and a more relaxing vacation if you weren't forging for a snack at your requested time? Lastly, you've paid about $1,800 or more a day. Even if it was half that much, the price should cover a lot of snacks, and the butler is otherwise doing what at the requested time? Regarding breakfast: if you have a recurring order, find the menu, mark it up, make copies, and attach it to the hang card each night AND give it to the butler OR, at least, take a picture each day of your order form and when you place it on your door for the timestamp. This way you're not filling out the card, making the same notes each time, and can increase the chances the order is filled, as requested. *Would be so much easier if one could communicate with butlers via email or chat, and also place orders online (not sure it matters who delivers the food, although butler's have room access).

I wouldn't knowingly stay at a resort or in a hotel room that hadn't seen a refresh in over 10 years. Gross.

Ditto re Eden, even if it's just to have them fire up a steak or the lettuce salad plus terrific service. While on Apex in April in the Bahamas we were told dinner on the Magic Carpet is on an evening selected based primarily on weather. But, we also observed that it was extremely windy for guests on both nights (there either were two seatings, or the second was an attempt at a makeup dinner for the wind during the first).

Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

If it helps, most of the flavorings for drinks (not just coffee) are Monin brand. So, one can look up the nutritional info,. Alhere is some Vitamin water bottles somewhere on the ship.

Curious if you 5 in a row can at all be relaxing? My guess is we"d stay in the shop at least 1 out 5 days. SE Asia looks like a great trip.

Has anyone done an itinerary with 5 port days in a row? We'd welcome observations. We're looking at Spring 2024, and are generally familiar with the islands. Thanks in advance.

On Apex the week before Easter the ship was full, there were many kids, but no one seemed unruly or obnoxious. Only a small number of kids in Retreat. From what we can tell and two sailings, Celebrity does a great job of developing a safe experience for passengers of all ages. Crew was great, and kids seemed happy.

Ditto to @jelayne's comment. We have sailed Edge class twice and found that notes provided shoreside made it to Luminae, and that the Luminae team handled it flawlessly, personalized, etc. Couldn't have been better, and one of the reasons we have enjoyed cruising. It's great how daily the same waiter flags items that are an issue before one asks. The MaitreD can also assist with questions, concerns re room service items, and coordinate with other restaurants. (Some of the running around and phone action seems to be these sorts of needs). The head waiter will often play a role between kitchens, if needed. (Same for kids menu items). Depending on your allergy needs, I would suggest Eden, which is cooked to order and has ample fresh ingredients. Eden Cafe was also very customizable, and the staff are from Eden restaurant, so very conversant in food allergy needs, etc. Side bar: we could be wrong on this, but one thing we noticed is that a lot of the Celebrity food prep seems to involve less problematic ingredients than may otherwise be used. E.g., yogurt instead of mayo, simply grilled items at OVC, simple ice cream/milk bases (not very custardly).

You seem to be a good sport about this, but they had a week or more and many other times this morning this could have been addressed without the intrusion in your day The Traveling Gamblers that were on for 4 weeks reported they had the same issue. I find it astonishing that Celebrity can't figure out how to make this a seamless experience and not include security or any encounter that is inconvenient.

We would all benefit from any feedback you care to share given your product knowledge and interest in good food. So, thank you. If you decide to say something about the possibly tired menu, protein quality, or systemic items, please seek out Martin. We don't think he was onboard two weeks ago, or instead we spoke with Adrian. From what we saw in this video (Luminae galley tour toward end): he has some ability to process that sort of feedback, Christophe, too. *The thumbnail picture doesn't do the casual tour with Martin justice. Lots of tidbits sprinkled in. It's a one on one stroll so not the same as the excursion "tour". Btw (possibly well known and not intending to make this travel log about feedback), we had used the QR code form in the celebrity today (the form was convenient, and our feedback was not something Luminae related) and folks descended on us in a constructive and positive way within hours.

The friendly Sandbar to left of the port exit when facing it from the water has terrific drinks and food. Great place to watch the ships, tenders, and people watch. Hang a left when exiting the port, and it's the first building after a small parking lot with the bar's food truck, smokers, and grills.

Generally, the issue with Island excursions and ports is that they are mostly not consistent with the onboard ship experience, but this also highlights that the onboard experience can and should be improved. Given the number of striped crew that hangout in Destination Gateway with their special phones, acting important, etc. someone should have taken some leadership on assisting with this unfortunate situation. Both the medical center and a restroom are a few steps or pushes of a wheelchair away, and the landing team portside with the tent, water, and wash clothes should have a protocol to radio ahead if they identify a guest returning injured. A ship of about 1000-1,200 crew for about 2,900 passengers surely has someone that can step up and be responsible for the care and comfort of its passengers? What are they all for and doing? Not taking a side on responsibility for the selection of the vendor, port, etc., but everything that happens after the incident upon being informed of the incident and injury (or just the OP being in eyeshot of the gangway (or tender) is something that the ship's crew can entirely turn into a positive .... or in this case a negative. Crew are often asking guests if there's anything they need, how is their cruise, inviting guests to Q&As, cocktail receptions, and a sales point of Celebrity is the presence of their crew among the guests. Seems like a lot of steps went wrong here in how virtually every crew member responded (or didn't share information with those that could have assisted).