Mrs_Tiki

We returned to Celebrity after the post-COVID startup after cruising the “discarded Seabourn ships” now in the Windstar and SeaDream fleets 2015-2019. We found the Retreat experience (on Edge class ships) elevated from our prior Celebrity cruises, but not quite on par with the smaller ships. But far easier for us to get to Fort Lauderdale than their embarkations ports and there was some appeal to the variety of dining and entertainment options on the larger ships. But now that Retreat pricing has gone through the roof, we are thinking that we will return to SeaDream. Especially when I can book a 7-day cruise AND Economy Comfort airfare to St. Maarten for less than the cost of just the cruise in the Retreat on Edge class!

I agree on all points except Fine Cut. If we have unlimited specialty dining, yes, we would make a reservation. But otherwise, we would prioritize the other venues, as Fine Cut is very similar to upscale steakhouse restaurants available to us at home. Nothing against the food, it is delicious, but Eden and Le Voyage offer a more unique experience. And I would also add Rooftop Grill - food is pretty basic, but the setting at sunset is brilliant!

I am not able to do a direct comparison, as we have not yet sailed on Seabourn, but I can share our experience in the Retreat on X. We have sailed 4 times in the Retreat on 3 Edge-class ships, in everything from the base-level suite to a Royal Suite, which garners extra perks and attention. Yes, when you leave the "bubble", you are definitely reminded that you are on a giant ship and all that goes with it. However, we really enjoyed the other areas of the ship but generally tried to visit when in port so that the crowds would be less. Retreat guests do receive an expedited final disembarkation once the ship is cleared. We were able to relax in the Retreat Lounge until we were ready to depart, then requested an escort from one of the Retreat hosts. I am honestly not sure if the same could be done at one of the ports of call, as we had done those itineraries so often that we did not leave the ship.

Thanks for the great information and photos - we are booked in January on the Ascent. KKB, everyone I've talked to about it have RAVED about that soup, can't wait to try it!

I agree and am grateful for that! But not in georgia_peaches’ example that is the topic of this thread.

Georgia_Peaches, you and I share stage of life, geography, and emotional intelligence quotient on this one. I was raised to believe that etiquette is behaving in a manner that makes others feel comfortable. Which I don’t think includes requiring them to partake in my communications or entertainment without their consent. It’s not just you!

Sorry, I was not trying instigate a dress code debate, just a newbie needing info!

DH and I are taking our first Seabourn cruise in October, an 8-night Pacific Coast itinerary on the Odyssey. How many formal nights should we expect?

Thank you for sharing your experiences on Seascape. When we sailed in YC in March, it was full-on spring break, and parents were nowhere nearly as considerate and attentive to their kids as you and you Austrian friends have been. I am sorry that Gen Z had challenges on your Ocean Cay day, but sounds as if your village handled it wonderfully. (But daggers to the elderly folks who supplanted your spot on the golf cart, let’s just say karma seems to prevail!) and yay Charles!

Reading your new post brought back wonderful memories of meeting you and other new friends on the Beyond. Bon voyage to you and Gen Z, hope you love YC on the Seascape!

@KKB, thank you for taking the time to do this great trip report. It was fun to relive the memories of our fantastic cruise, although like you, I regret not seeing more of @GenerationX@mac_tlc@Silkroad and @Irishredhead21. I know that @mac_tlc will be with DH and me on the Ascent in January. Anyone else?

No disruption of bar service in The Retreat at all. But all of the other bars that we passed during this time, including Eden, World Class, Sunset Bar, and Craft Social, had signs indicating that they were closed due to local customs regulations. Interestingly, when we had lunch at Eden Cafe and asked where I might get a glass of wine, the bartender said that they could go to the Pool Bar and get one for me. I declined because I didn’t want to put him to that trouble. But when he returned with an order for someone else he also brought a glass for me. Bravo!

Happy to report that we are having minimal noise issues on Beyond this week, cabin 10108. On our second night, leaving Nassau and sailing through the Florida Straights, we did experience some creaking and popping noises in the cabin. But nothing that a set of earplugs could not negate. We have not experienced any issues thereafter. Compared to our experience in Apex 10200 two years ago, this is nothing. That cabin had a steady creak/squeak no matter what the sea conditions. (And that is why we now always travel with earplugs!) All that to say, based on our current experience, we would not hesitate to book Beyond again.

On Beyond now. Two day turnaround on Elite laundry service in The Retreat..

Happy to report that we are having minimal noise issues on Beyond this week, cabin 10108. On our second night, leaving Nassau and sailing through the Florida Straights, we did experience some creaking and popping noises in the cabin. But nothing that a set of earplugs could not negate. We have not experienced any issues thereafter. Compared to our experience in Apex 10200 two years ago, this is nothing. That cabin had a steady creak/squeak no matter what the sea conditions. (And that is why we now always travel with earplugs!) All that to say, based on our current experience, we would not hesitate to book Beyond again.

Oh my, I am sorry to hear that this continues. We will board on Sunday, and this reminds me to pack earplugs!

Thank you for taking time to share this excellent review. We sailed in YC on Seascape the week of March 18, and our experience was virtually identical, with the exception of butler service. Our butler Gusti provided the best service we have ever experienced! We were glad to have the opportunity to try MSC, but will likely stick with Celebrity in the future.

I am betting that the only thing better than following along on one of Charla's reviews is actually being on a cruise with her! Can't wait to meet you on Sunday, safe travels!

Wrote it on a list with our other special requests, of which there were very few, just the lounger, an extra bath towel, and a few Coke Zeros for the mini-bar. We received the Cokes, but no lounger, and ZERO bath towels at evening turndown. Not a great start, but things have improved. The lounger was less important to me than having at least one bath towel each!

On Seascape now - the bartender in the YC Topsail Lounge noted that if DH wanted to upgrade to a top shelf bourbon, he could just pay the difference.

I am on Seascape in a regular YC balcony cabin. There is room on the balcony for a lounger, and I asked, but did not receive.

We are in YC on Seascape now. I think this is an unusual cruise due to it being spring break - 59 children in Yacht Club, so many family groups in the restaurant. I have not observed any shared tables such as you inquired about. I don’t believe that YC guests may eat in specialty restaurants for free, but I do know that the concierge desk will assist with reservations and spa appointments. I have attached a photo of the breakfast menu we received in our suite. We have gone to the restaurant for breakfast, but there is also a really nice buffet on the YC pool deck. edited to add: so sorry that the menu posted upside down - don’t know how to fix that!

YES! Love the matching map dresses! Gen Z is a doll!

Looking forward to your review, especially because I will be following along from the Seascape!

My daughter and son-in-law met at Centre, and he is from Winchester. Like your DH, he is a collector/drinker. Weller is a fave of his as well! Whenever we visit, he curates tasting flights from his collection - he is a keeper for sure!