Relaxinginthesun

We sailed on Apex in a RS and it will be our one and only time. The Retreat is a gimmick on Edge Class ships. Too big. Too many people. Never felt like I was actually on a ship. It feels like a resort hotel. The veranda was tiny compared to M and S Class. Personally, the S-Class is the perfect size for me and the RS veranda is large enough for a table, two loungers and the jetted tub.

Now that gratuities are no longer included in the cruise fare for RS and above, can you have the automatic gratuities removed from your on-board bill? It is not that I am not going to tip, but when I started cruising many years ago you tipped the crew members who provided you service directly in cash either on the last night or when the service was provided, I figure if I am being asked to pay the gratuities on top of the cruise fare I am going to go back to the way it was and give my gratuities to the crew members who I personally interact with.

My DW and I and are long-time cruisers on RCCL and Celebrity. Due to work commitments we are only able to take one vacation a year, but we are fortunate to be able to always sail in a suite. While we enjoyed our last two cruises on Celebrity, for the first time we were left feeling that the experience fell short of expectations. I am starting to plan this year’s vacation and I am considering trying a new line and once option I am looking at is a cruise on the Discovery Princess in a Penthouse Suite. Over the years the Cruise Critic Community has provided valuable information, tips and advice that have enhanced our cruise vacations and that I what I am seeking now. I would appreciate cruisers who have sailed on both Celebrity and Princess providing any insight as to why in your opinion we would enjoy a Princess cruise or why we would be disappointed. I thank you in advance for your helpful and informative comments.

With the elimination of the butler, they will need those tips to give the cabin stewards more due to their increased workload..

My DW and I have sailed exclusively in Suites on Celebrity and RCCL for many cruises. While we enjoyed our last two cruises on Celebrity, which were both in Royal Suites we were disappointed with level of service in what they now call the Retreat area and the quality of the dining. Therefore, we are considering trying a new line for our next cruise. We sail in suites not so much for the extra space, while that is nice, but we like the all inclusive aspect of it. I would just rather pay for everything up front and from my research so far it seems Regent is pretty much all inclusive. Also, we are used to having a dedicated butler or a genie on RCCL who provides a high level of personalized service. So I am hoping to hear from others who have sailed on Celebrity and or RCCL, if the Regent concept really is all inclusive and if not, what am I missing. Second, is the level of service on-board comparable given there are no butlers. Finally, I would appreciate anyone who has sailed on both lines providing their opinions on advantages and disadvantages of one line compared to the other.

My DW and I have sailed exclusively in Suites on Celebrity and RCCL for many cruises. While we enjoyed our last two cruises on Celebrity, which were both in Royal Suites we were disappointed with level of service in what they now call the Retreat area and the quality of the dining. Therefore, we are considering trying a new line for our next cruise. We sail in suites not so much for the extra space, while that is nice, but we like the all inclusive aspect of it. I would just rather pay for everything up front and from my research so far it seems Viking is pretty much all inclusive. Also, we are used to having a dedicated butler or a genie on RCCL who provides a high level of personalized service. So I am hoping to hear from others who have sailed on Celebrity and or RCCL, if the Viking concept really is all inclusive and if not, what am I missing. Second, is the level of service on-board comparable given there are no butlers. Finally, I would appreciate anyone who has sailed on both lines providing their opinions on advantages and disadvantages of one line compared to the other.

On our last cruise on Apex in March 2022 on sea days we were unable to get a chaise on the Retreat sundeck. There are so many suites on E-class ships that the Retreat spaces are not large enough to accommodate everyone. The odd thing was that the ship was only sailing at about 60% capacity, but all the suites had been sold. This resulted in being able to get loungers right beside the pool anytime of the day.

Not sure about Celebrity, but on RCCL once our oldest daughter turned 18 both daughters were allowed to be assigned to their own cabin. Not sure if it matter that DW and I had a suite and they had inside cabin directly across the hall.

No the windows don’t open in the living area. The veranda was the one item of disappointment related to the RS on the Edge Class. The veranda on both the S and M class ships are much larger and both have a jetted tub out on the veranda and room for a dining table and chaise loungers. On the E class only room for a couple of chairs and a small table.

Think that is a typo.

You can dim the lights throughout the cabin at night. Also there is a night light effect under the floating counter was was dim enough to not shine light into the bedroom, but more than ample to find your way in the dark. 😃

You can close off the bedroom and bathroom from the main room. However I don’t believe there was a door between the bedroom and bathroom. However, if privacy is your concern the commode is in a separate water closet. The water closet is to the left of the tub between the tub and the closet.

Have sailed in RS several times and Star Class on RCCL and have never been denied date and time of a dinner request including changes made the same day. Only exception was Chefs Table on RCCL. But they only do that a couple of times each cruise. Also, the Shore Concierge will contact you directly 7-10 days before the cruise and you can make reservations through them. Also they will take your preferences for the mini-bar, bar set up, pillow preferences, etc. FYI. You will love Eden. You will also really enjoy the RS. The bathroom is amazing. DW and I recently sailed on Apex. PM me is you would like some actual pics of the RS or have any question.

I have sailed with Walter before and he is absolutely amazing. I am sailing on Infinity the week of Thanksgiving and it is Walter’s last cruise on Infinity and I can’t wait to sail with him before. He know I love Indian cuisine. My unexpected lunch by Walter on our last cruise.

DW and I sailed RCCL many times and would do so again if traveling with kids or young adults. However, being empty nesters Celebrity is the experience we are looking for. As others have said the Celebrity product is geared towards adults who are seeking a relaxed, cool environment. There are usually very few kids/families on board. Most passengers are couples between 40 years old to early 70’s. The entertainment, dining and amenities are geared towards this demographic. Staff is wonderful. I have sailed in Star class on RCCL and the experience in Royal Suites and above on Celebrity is even nicer.