Mirage

Just off Apex a week ago. Was on Reflection in 2023. As others have stated there both great ships, certainly differences, yet do not see either one would hold a reason to not sail on her. Enjoy Reflection. Mirage

No idea who the CC hosts are, didn't care to search them out, I am on vacation. If they advertise they have an event and when we went and it wasn't there, well ok too bad. We always went on our over 30 Celebrity cruises to the CC Elite Plus and above cocktail events. Warm passed appetizers and more importantly usually spoke to other interesting guests. When they dropped and only partially maybe reinstated it, just one more reason to just ignore the Elite plus member invites. At least for us no longer much value in these. Others may have a different view.

Was on Apex last week. Captains Club notice said was to be held twice in Eden roped off area. We went at the listed time. No roped off area, no event. Did not go the second listed time. I guess it depends on ship and sailing.

Just off the Apex FLL yesterday, upon embarkation a week ago, we had 12:00pm. Others with later time were waiting outside terminal. Entered terminal 25 at exactly 12:00pm was on board by 12:15 pm in cabin, Fastest ever, efficient easy. You mileage may vary. Mirage

I do not think the M or S Class are any "Less" than the E class. All in my view have their own unique charm. Last Year Apex TA and another Apex Cruise This year it was Edge, then B2B Reflection - Edge. Couple weeks it will be Apex for NYE. None on Edge class were IV's as we have done that and not a fan of IV's. Your mileage may vary. Mirage

Dined at Fine cut last Thursday night on Edge. Wonderful meal. Our group had Filet Mignon and Ribeye's all were fantastic. Overall a great meal in all respects.

We have taken our kids when they were young on many cruises outside of Holiday time. Have had as few as 4 total kids on a cruise our 2 and 2 others. They happened to seat us at same table an 11 day Southern Caribbean. We typically take longer more than 7 day cruises and those seemingly have fewer children. I would not hesitate taking outside holiday cruises. The educational benefit to the children is priceless. Our kids always hung around with us and have never been to the Kids Club, were fortunate their very respectful, can sit for a long dinner and absorb the conversation and know just how to be proper. Our view is the cruise with well behaved children is an educational experience, not to be missed. We take our now grown children and two grandkids on Reflection next week.

On Apex there is not a formal library. If you walk the back of the ship on the curved walkway in Eden, near the top there was a shelf with maybe 50 books, probably left by other passengers. Mirage

Yes, the drinks you mentioned are included. Mirage

We were recently on the Celebrity for the TA in May then went right after on Enchanted Princess. We have cruised both lines many times. I have not been on the Regal so cannot comment specifically on that ship. Apex was a Sunset Veranda, and the Enchanted Princess was a mini suite. The food in my opinion is better on Celebrity. We ate in all the MDR’s and all the specialty restaurants. Princess, we dined in the MDR’s and Sabatini’s, and the Steak house. I would say disappointed with the Specialty on Princess and the MDR was just okay at best. Cabin on Apex was great, we have been on Infinite Verandas on Edge class, and they do not appeal to me. Princess mini-suite is fine and is somewhat similar although has a tub and the balcony is quite small. The bar venues are certainly different between the two lines. Martini Bar on Celebrity gets the nod as a better venue. I will say pizza on Princess slightly better only that is not a big draw for me. Buffet on Princess is to me an awkward setup. Celebrity easy and better variety and quality. To each there own. My children have traveled extensively with me on many cruise lines, if you ask them, they vote for Celebrity every time.

Yes, we were on the Apex TA in May. Flew out of AMS to SOU to get on a Princess cruise. Was at AMS 4 hours ahead of scheduled flight time. Bags would not go thru the automated KLM check in system. Worked with agent she worked for 5 minutes trying to get bags thru the system, eventually the machine accepted and bags never arrived in Southampton. We left on Princess cruise no bags, Bags did show up four days later in Rotterdam. Princess was great gave us toiletries and discount on some clothing in their shop. We quickly bought a few things in Southampton on way to ship. Still waiting for a claim for items we purchased with KLM. Your mileage may vary, although not a lot of fun in AMS long lines and bags not routed. Can happen to anyone normally would bring at least one carry on, although when gone for a month rolled the dice and checked the bags, this time, we lost. Have been thru AMS at least 25 times, first baggage issue there. Mirage

You can schedule with the App or go to the Restaurant and talk to the hostess. If in Concierge cabin you can have them schedule for you. Same with suites. On the TA last month just walked up to and were seated in the 4 MDR's in no more than 2 minutes, anytime we walked up. Maybe 2/3 capacity cruise. Mirage

On Apex last month 2 USB type A on wall on one side of bed. Several 110 and 220V outlets in a box on desk US style and several Euro style plugs. One US style in Bathroom

Around 11pm ships time this evening Helo’s out of France made winch lifts off the Bow Helipad. Hoping those transported are going to be okay. Ship slowed to 7 kts. While Helo prepared for approach. Mirage

Eden Cafe was open on Embarkation Day Dec 27 21 NYE Cruise, four of us dined there for lunch. We are on the Apex TA on Saturday, it is our first choice on Embarkation day. Your mileage may vary... Mirage