Cruise a holic

I also was hesitant. However tried the Edge and the Apex b/2/b in a suite. The Apex was perhaps the best celebrity cruise ever. The dedicated suite areas are fabulous. " Try it you will like it!"

We never had a problem on any E-class ship. But we dine early= by 6:00PM Perhaps later the noise level is loud. Also, unlike Blu and MDR's , tables for two are spaced well.

The water is safe. Why drag bottles of water?

I wouldn't pick deck 11. The rule for the best experience is cabins above and below. If deck 11 has a public space above it- you could be disturbed by noise . Can happen in the middle of the night as those spaces might be getting cleaned. We once had a horrible experience on a ship with a cabin below the pool deck. In the middle of the night they were using a jackhammer to fix something. Took over one hour. We did complain and the ship gave us some perks. We were in a suite.

I guess I am sailing too much. We rotate from Celebrity to Royal! LOL. However I prefer waiter service as my remark about buffets stands!

I agree. However, we had a bad experience with a TA and had to do most of the leg work ourselves. Some also have groups they can add you too and have higher priority with the cruise line. Of course bottom line, if all cabins are booked you might have to move for a back 3 back. You usually get real assistance especially in suites from the ships staff.

Now what they seem to do is take a few pictures and it's a green screen with multiple backgrounds. Not great as you wear the same clothes in all of the pictures. We used to enjoy nightly photos with different clothes and backgrounds- different photographers pics were of different quality. Enjoyed all the port photos and boarding pics. Another cost cutting item. We paid so much less a few years ago- perhaps they will discontinue as the prices are obscene and fewer people take the packages- also a problem on Royal.

If you aren’t in a sky suite and above, you pay a room service charge

I recall a stir fry station on the Silhouette. We will be on her again in January, The also have a nice pasta station. Since we sail often on both Celebrity and Royal (Oasis Class) we find the buffet on the Solstice and Edge class (Celebrity) much better. Enjoy your cruise.

I would call celebrity and tell the agent you are interested in booking. Share the information with your TA or book directly with celebrity. Some TA's are lazy and aren't very helpful. We used one and we were very dissatisfied with her. We did a b/2/b in a sky suite and got zero. Shop around.

We requested a table for two when we dined in the MDR. No problem.

The persian garden on the silhouette is an area within the spa that has a small steam room, stone heated loungers and a dry heat room. Some showers also. I found the area to be very hot and wasn't "my cup of tea". We had AQ then. No longer book AQ.

got a survey also-

We are booked on the Symphony 9 nighter in August with family. The extra two days IMO are surely worth more. We enjoy the two island beach days. I have been watching the rates and they haven't gone down for grand suites. Since August from NJ is very desirable, the ship will probably sail full. Perhaps a few inside cabins might be available.

On the Adventure of the Seas the Cappuccino machine was broken most days- we should have been given coupons to getting premium coffee at the promenade coffee bar- but weren't . Never sail on that rust bucket again.

I found Blu on the apex poor. First, it is located in a hallway- some tables near the hallway and people see in and out- If you are early, make sure you get a table far from the noisy hallway. The food was fair. Not great. For the past 10 plus years, they put out the same spreads and breads and veggies. Time for a change- The tables for two were almost on top of each other- people jumping in on your private conversations. Not for me anymore- have moved up to suites and really prefer luminae on all classes of ships. Other options dine in speciality restaurants- rotate. Our favorites are Eden and on S class Silhouette and Reflection Lawn club grill.

I think the kids and you will prefer Royal Caribbean. The freedom is a great ship. IMO best for families of the cruise lines you mentioned. I would remove any Carnival Ship. Enjoy

I wouldn't do that. First, consider the bathroom and storage. Better to get two adjoining balcony cabins, or even windowed cabins. If your budget will allow, at least a two bedroom, bathroom suite.

Things have changed in the cruise world. It appears that the mission is high profits. Sad, but we do enjoy cruising. We have lowered our expectations. Celebrity has cut butler service off for sky suites, has modified menus- however I heard menus might be improved around thanksgiving.Some cruise lines aren't offering twice a day cabin service, and charge for room service in many categories. They have also increased amounts for tipping- while they should be paying their employees a fair and decent liveable wage and not ask to consumer to pay for this.

The porch is known for its seafood platter. For those who love seafood, a great place for lunch. They used to also serve hamburgers, but haven't dined their in years. We love the lawn club grill for dinner- our favoriite speciality restaurant. We have had good experiences at Murano also- but the special lobster dish is too rich for me- the heavy sauces don't agree with me. I request grilled lobster tails, and hasn't been any problem. The pasta at Tuscan is very good- some other dishes- hit or miss. Enjoy your cruise.

Haven't sailed in a Celebrity suite in years- what are the perks now? Do you get a butler? We have done Royal suites and Sky suites also. But the cost is getting out of control for us.

IMO I would stay put in a sky suite- Aqua sky suite not worth any additional. Save your money and try a couple of specialty restaurants.

IMO, AQ suite not worth it- we prefer Luminae restaurant. So much better then Blu. And we do not use the thermal suite- Tried it, but really found it not worth it. Also, when we sailed on AQ we had some items in the room, that had a strong perfumed order that need to be removed as it made me choke. No value at all IMO.

We never made reservations at Luminae- We typically went for dinner around 6. I remember on the M and S class ships a long line starts about 5:30 for seating in that restaurant.

I am torn. Have had a implant post put in $$$ Just found out that the "tooth" will cost me an additional $1900. while we have dental insurance, will still cost me half. Guess I will pass!