chisoxfan

Just booked a CO aft veranda (Rotterdam) and first time using this as well as being back to HAL after many years. A few questions if anyone would be so kind: - assume Orange can be used as desired, ie. no issue going to MDR on occasion? On X they frown on Blu and Luminae passengers using MDR (it is possible but always a hassle) -we booked through HAL and is there an issue in transfer of reservation..... we did for first time book an Easy Air flight so not sure if this adds issues? Overall CO seems to be a great value added concept. I would add that I had to call HAL three times.... first agent said no CO available... second said I had to make a booking before they could even check availability and then was cut off....third agent (apparently a supervisor) said it was available and booked me accordingly. Many thanks in advance

Impressive -at around 140 bucks a tin you could pay for your whole cruise ordering enough. I'd have Jeeves deliver twice a day.😁

My assumptions were that X provided OBC was non-refundable and could be used for dining, drinks, excursions, and on board shops. Have heard rumblings that there are more restrictions on usage in casino? Would greatly appreciate any comments on OBC usage particularly in casino. Thanks in advance.

Certainly can understand your viewpoint and largely share it. We started to add AI's to our trips replacing cruises in the Winter. Looking at future travels in Europe, spending sea time to sneak a few ports for limited hours is not always ideal. We were on Apex to Egypt and Holy Land which was cancelled (itinerary changed) in Oct. and I came to the realization that if we want to really experience things in this region it makes more sense to stay with tours and/or driver vs. long bus rides and confined port time. We felt that it was almost a blessing that we cruised the Greek Isles with beautiful weather instead. Same with UK where we are also looking for more inclusive land tours. We accepted cruising because it was a relative value and easy. The value part part of this equation is fast declining. Your comment on the repetition and superficiality of it all initially struck me as strident but in general I can appreciate the sentiment.

I agree that X has lost its 'edge' on their new class of ships. We just got off Apex and have a suite on Ascent upcoming. The Retreat product on Edge class is impressive with dedicated pool area, lounge, and Luminae but generally the price is insane and they keep removing benefits (OBC, tips, butlers). So if we get a great deal on a suite on a warm weather, hang out on the ship cruise we would consider X but only in Retreat. The rest of the Edge class design is uninspiring and quirky where the old S class was really innovative and classy but getting long in the tooth. Our old standby of AQ on S class ships has been taken out by removing real balconies on the new generation (Thermal suites were never that nice IMHO and not improved on Edge class). So for us (like MSC) X has become a suite only option and not a go to cruise line. We are excited to try Rotterdam (have only sailed Westerdam and Eurodam before) this summer and the Cub Orange concept appears to be an attractive plus. I know the music will be 10X better than X. JMHO

Just 'returned' to HAL booking a 14 night cruise. One other thing I also like is that unlike X they seem to offer a more reasonable deposit return policy ie. most of X deposits are non-refundable unless you pay a king's ransom up front. The Club Orange is also intriguing although I have to admit I essentially got three different answers from three HAL agents regarding availability. ps. would also personally be fine to lose the big production shows.

Love HAL but haven't cruised them in several years just because.... we prefer newer ships and HAL itineraries haven't worked out for us. The music on HAL (BB Kings) is a game changer as we just got off Apex and I thought the bands were playing along with pre-recorded /soundboard. HAL also has traditional balconies that in our opinion surpass the IV's on X. We have booked Retreat on X but pricing is ridiculous. They (HAL) haven't designed their new ships around suite passengers which is refreshing. Are doing Ascent this Jan and am hoping music quality is better but also was just getting ready to call HAL to check some options for next year. After a few decades of cruising we have HAL and MSC Yacht Class on radar unless there is dramatically reduced pricing available for X Retreat. This whole cruise thing used to be so simple.

As they say "Past performance does not guarantee future results"😀

Just what I read on TA. Complaints of island cleanliness, long trip etc. This excursion was first day on our cruise and we figured we did not need to leave early (7:30) to do this.

Sad to hear of the shark fatalities but there are many sharks off Bahamas. We just cancelled an excursion to Pearl Island not because of sharks but bad reports on island. Hilton has closed (used to do a Day Pass) and not sure what the new prop offers. At the end of the day we will (boringly) do what is easiest. Sleep late and hang out at the Retreat. Maybe go into town for a few hours. Not complaining.

Comment struck a chord. Please forgive moving off target a bit. On Apex the vocal groups seemed to be controlled by someone running a computerized mixing board. The sound was muddy and 'artificial'. I felt that they may have been using background music tracks in their performance. Very disappointing. Love HAL with their live music venues where you don't have to ask 'is it Memorex' (an ancient reference from the 70's which referred to the sound difference between recorded and live music). Thanks for the indulgence.

Know they refund taxes if ports changed but never thought they would charge additional taxes after final payment. I think they can by contract and I am sure these fees/taxes change but I have never run across this. In fact I have never had a cruise amount changed at any time after initial booking or I never noticed. It was poorly handled….a simple note on additional taxes needed or charge during cruise would have been better than threatening to cancel booking since final payment was not complete. Anyway said and done.

Great.Thanx for reply.

We had a 'similar' unusual issue that I still do not fathom. We made a final payment in early Oct. on Jan. cruise booked through big C store. We were leaving the country and wanted to make sure this had been completed. Everything seemed OK and final payment reflected all the pricing I had been given to date. A week later (while overseas) receive an e-mail asking us to complete final payment or risk losing cruise. Difference was about 14 bucks so I paid it to avoid issues. This piqued my curiosity so I called T/A on return last week. After a run around they said difference was due to additional taxes? I have never had amount of cruise changed after final payment so was perplexed. I am sure taxes do change but whether an airline or cruise trip have never experienced an additional charge after payment was made. Based on small amount of charge it wasn't worth more phone time but am curious if anyone has a clue as to what is going on?

Hello. As older X cruisers we were well aware of 'bed by the balcony or bath' on S class (in hindsight amazing how much time we spent on this and hump or non hump cabins). That said we had a sky suite this month on Apex and we really liked the bed facing the balcony. We thought this was a 'standard' arrangement but have also seen SS suites on Edge Class where the bed is more traditional (ie. parallel to balcony). Would anyone be kind enough to enlighten us on this? Looking at cabin diagrams there does not seen to be info on bed location. We are on Ascent in Jan. and just wanted to understand what we may find. Thanks in advance. ps. as an aside after our cruise we also found info on You Tube that might have been good to know regarding a few things..... one that lights, temp can be adjusted by app (we kind of figured out that the wall switch could do some things)...... shame on X for not providing some info on boarding. Also, saw some blow away specialty cocktails on Eden. We went to Martini Bar and did not see those 'fun' cocktails and had no idea they would be at Eden.

Yes, there was a link but I did not go there. Otherwise it was an overview of Retreat benefits followed by amenities. The only reason I initially mentioned was that the reference and link to Butler was included.. AMENITIES BUTLER COMPLIMENTARY 24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING, INCLUDING FULL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, & DINNER COMPLIMENTARY WELCOME BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE OR SPARKLING WINE COMPLIMENTARY IN-SUITE ESPRESSO & CAPPUCCINO FRESH FRUIT DELIVERED UPON REQUEST PRIORITY CHECK-IN, DEPARTURE & PORT TENDERING/BOARDING RESERVED THEATER SEATING ON EVENING CHIC NIGHT *Special suite amenities may not be available or offered to buy-up guests. **To see all spirit brands included in the premium beverage package, view our menu. For more options available on board, ask your sommelier.

Interesting how we all differ in opinion. We thought the bathroom was a highlight of the Apex SS. I hate bathtubs in general and prefer showers but this (in our opinion) was a great compromise. My wife actually took a bath (probably first ever on a cruise) and I appreciated the expanded shower 'area' without stepping over a tall tub threshold. Also like dual sinks and enclosed toilet. King bed facing balcony ticked off the boxes for us (remember seeking bed by balcony cabins on S class). Almost our perfect cabin as we don't need more room than this. We have had balconies of every size but this one was OK.... wide but a bit narrow. We stayed at a four star historic hotel in Paris after the cruise and both lamented we would prefer our Apex bathroom to what we had. JMHO

The e-mail was from Retreat and touted benefits of same. The only reason I mentioned was that it included reference to Butler Service the apparent ending of which started this lengthy topic. Heading is copied below: Your action is needed to help us personalize your upcoming Celebrity Ascent cruise Celebrity Cruises From:theretreat@email.celebritycruises.com

We looked at the 'luxury' lines also and came to the same conclusion that smaller ships were not for us. Not sure we even found enough to do of interest a few weeks ago on Apex or last year on Enchanted Princess. We enjoyed AQ for years on S class but don't want to forego balcony on E Class. Besides where AQ used to be a small premium it is now a large one. Persian Garden was never a highlight- we might force ourselves to use it for a few hours if the heated loungers were open. I believe the spa is similar on E class but frankly have not investigated. So for now it looks like E Class Sky Suites if we can find a deal or well priced SClass AQ. I also keep an eye on Holland because we like their music so much but they certainly have not been immune to price explosion. Sadly we used to book cruises for a decade(s) 'automatically'. With the changes in price and selection it is now maybe a second or third option on our vacation 'list'. I can't believe this is ultimately good for the Industry or maybe it has just passed on our demographic to one that is more profitable. The point being we are like you.... looking for dependable cruise home without much hope for reasonable (for us) solutions.

Thanks for responding and clarifying. Sounds as if we are on the same page. I remember years ago on NCL complaints that when a butler delivered an in-cabin dinner he did not stand by and serve each course separately. Certainly the cruise lines are in part to blame for all the expectations they create. Happy cruising.

Since you quoted me and I am not sure how to read your post but think you are in agreement. I just want to be clear. We don't want a butler, never did, never will (no matter which travel venue). We had minimal cabin 'support' in our Oct. Sky Suite (definitely no butler and minimal contact with cabin attendant) and everything was good. Reading wailing about 'no butler' policy and just today receiving an e-mail from X regarding the butler services for an upcoming Ascent cruise I confess to being thoroughly confused.

Ironically, I am now more confused than ever over all the butler 'controversy'. I just received an e-mail from X regarding our Jan. Ascent 7 day Sky Suite cruise... and it refers prominently to a butler with a link that lists duties such as unpacking? To avoid any drama I think I will simply reply, 'not needed'.

Exactly our sentiment. One of the problems (IMHO) is the inconsistency that always plagued the 'butler' model (speaking as much from my experience on NCL and in all inclusive properties since I never technically had a butler on X). Should they help you unpack, serve room service dinner, escort you to show, fill your fridge, deliver canapes, arrange for laundry.......everyone seems to have different expectations and one could argue that those who demand these services can dominate the butler's time. I prefer having clear guidelines on what is supplied with any cabin (or service) and like you appreciate the Retreat benefits you outline. The concierge(s) were always available in the Retreat Lounge and were pleasant and attentive. The cabin attendant was rarely seen but our cabin was spotless and always attended to. What's not to like.

This was our first X Suite experience and I was simply observing that NCL and MSC always escorted us to the cabin in suites. Since these were our only reference points for suite travel it was muscle reflex that this was 'normal'. When we met our cabin attendant we told him we didn't need the 5.5 dollar bottles of Evian proudly displayed on the desk and said we just wanted the fridge for our own water. He asked if we needed anything else and I said if he wanted to throw a few beers in that would be great. We never saw those but a few waters showed up every day. The Retreat Lounge was so close we never saw any issue with stocking anything but water in our cabin. We did enjoy an refreshed complimentary stocked fridge on MSC YC and on a Princess aft balcony last year you could order alcohol (with drink package) for complimentary delivery which I thought was a great feature for all guests. Not a complaint but simple observation as we enjoyed the Retreat experience.

We have had butlers on NCL. If I may be permitted to offer my opinion we just don't feel it is important to our cruising experience.