Lastdance

I find the people on the swings in The Retreat Pool(not you, Texed)to be quite comical. One dropped her drink into the pool only to dive in and get it, then hold it up high asking for a refill! When my DH and I were having lunch on deck 17, a lady kept waving me down. What? She finally came closer and wanted to move our loungers to her spot so she could have ours...she was one of the ladies on the swing, but not the one who dropped the drink. She wanted our shade; however, I said please do to move our loungers, as we actually want the shade. She looked at me, smiled, and said okay then maybe we can share. Anyway, she was back on the swing in the shade when we returned. 😌

It always takes them time to staff-up after TA’s, but usually we do not do Eden so I guess that’s good!

I am with you on that(new, shiny, bright and did I say new?), but Reflection was my favorite ship of S-class. I enjoyed her Sunset Suites that were called S1 Corner Aft. My DH would be happy on any Celebrity ship, not to mention other companies, but I am an E-class girl except for the high prices for suites nowadays, especially in Europe. Although we are looking at two Norway cruises b2b on Apex. We are back onboard Beyond this week, so maybe book those, but not in suites, although???

Yes, Vista for a TA in 2024/25 is such an awesome price for a PH1 that I hope the rest is that good. We also have 600 OBC from Celebrity and another huge chunk from our TA. We did not get one of those huge extended balconies, but will sneak on one that is not being used....🤣

M, I keep getting the same, but do not have a linked booking. Yesterday, I received two more! go figure, as everything seems to be so random nowadays, except cabin/suite increases.

I have never known it to be an upsell; it has never been in our suite or cabin. My DH always brings it in immediately too, as he enjoys doing things for himself, but he certainly wouldn’t object if it was already I the room!

B2b’s and MoveUp’s can certainly get expensive, not to mention confusing too, but you don’t know until you do it, as far as, how many days you can stay onboard and enjoy. My DH and I found the sweet spot at 22: however, we thought a month would be great. I guess it would be if someone else was paying and the itinerary was right. Combining with your own land tour by yourself is such a nice balance, so we have made it a month, just not onboard a ship for all that time. I will say that we did miss the ship quite a few times...no one really knows until he/she does it!

I think MoveUp should be changed to “PayUp.” 🤑

GP, I think Celebrity added two stair-climbers and took away the rowing machines. I still love rowing, but also love stair-climbers; however, to have both is wonderful for a short workout. Your lunch looked lovely, especially the fish for a more healthier option...glad you had your favorite drink too, or least one of your favorites!🥃 Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about your cruise. Do you embark on Friday, Dec. 1? if so, I will be glaring at Ascent for taking T25 from Beyond, as I will be boarding!🍸

I totally agree: I am living well with my additional four cruises that were booked before all of this happened, so I will smile for a while, then adjust my mindset when booking my next cruise...

I hate that term “revenue enhancement” almost as much as enhancement itself! Everything is enhanced because they say it is: however, It could also mean the lowering of prices, not to mention actually "enhancing the product” which is rarely what happens!🫤 Ahhh, but it’s all a game anyway and so far, stockholders are winning, so you could almost pay for one person for Eden maybe two depending on you shareholders OBC...🤑

Whatever you choose to pay for anything is opportunity cost. It is your money to spend. My DH and I had an awful meal the first time we ate there, so no plans to return whatever the cost. Celebrity is testing the waters with everything onboard using supply and demand. There are people who will pay whatever to enjoy the ship their way, until the money needs to go for other things than disposable income. Everyone has a point of no return!

As one ages, birthdays become even more special(you can’t live without them,) so... Happy Birthday, Jim! My aunt lived to be 98; she said the reason she lived so long was because she always ate her dessert first! Also, like the word dessert, there were two S’s, therefore two desserts. She was a character! What does this crystal ball have in store for you besides a wonderful long cruise?

I remember hearing about this on Beyond too, but do not know if it ever materialized. I also remember something about the wind being too strong, but correct me if I am wrong.

I use OBC for my spa treatments etc, but book any excursions independently. That really helps with keeping track of things; however, OBC will not be that plentiful with Celebrity’s new plan, so I will definitely change my spa habits, as their prices are extremely high. Yes, Celebrity has caused me grief over OBC, so I always have my hard copies. One time, my TA’s OBC was not credited until five days into my cruise...not fun spending time checking on everything. Of course, it has always been taken care of sufficiently, but not without a hassle. I am sure things will work out for the OP, but it is still frustration and worry.

I have to agree with all of you regarding suites. We have three on the books, due to booking when first released, but one is on Oceania Vista - TA. In a few days, we will be back on Beyond, then Edge, followed by Ascent in an SV. We are elite+, so do not need the Premium drink package, so are doing zero proof. We have had a SV on Apex/with Sunset suite for second cruise and really enjoyed it. Luminae’s menu just isn’t the same quality or choices. With the high prices and lower quality for suites, I am going to only book regular cabins on Celebrity unless something changes. My DH and I are really excited about my Oceania cruise in a PH1. The price was 9,000 and it included 600 OBC. My TA(travel agent)also upped the ante, so a fantastic deal, IMHO. Then, we are staying in Portugal and driving to Algarve in the south. Furthermore, using FCC to book seems to work quite well, especially if you need to cancel an NRF cruise. Z...I hope your situation, whatever you decide, works out well for you!

No loungers in the suites either according to several FB posts. I am definitely going to ask when I board Beyond because it is the same way.

I still believe that SV’s and Sunset Suites have the very best views. Your first photo says it all. We are getting ready for our Beyond Southern Caribbean cruise, so will plan on snafus, along with being patient. We have friends going on the Silly a few days after us. Was the ship being decorated for Christmas, as I was hoping to see some on my cruise?; we have not done a Caribbean cruise in decades, just lots of European ones which have lovely ports and many unique and historical places to visit. Thank you for your thoughts and answering questions...

Another lovely reading experience as you traveled on your b2b. Your first Retreat experience with a few snafus appears to be the norm nowadays, but you had lots of good experiences. I look forward to your next review, as it certainly brightens my day. Hope debarkation runs smoothly, along with your flight(s) back home. ~Safe travels without hiccups!

We are boarding soon; I went through that on one of my b2b cruises on the same ship with our new cabin attendant. It never got better, so we just rolled with it and got towels too, using our Do Not Disturb sign more than ever.

Why does it matter when someone wants to check in for their cruise? Life is short and it is your cruise, so do it your way. Of course there are pros and cons depending on if you have seen everything there is to see in Ft. Lauderdale, not to mention Florida. You paid your own money for this cruise, unless you got lucky and someone bought it for you. That’s my two cents!

I would love to see a diagram of the ship with all the cabin numbers replaced with what people actually paid...maybe not! Anyway, pricing would be all over the place for sure. Some would be very pleased while others not so much! Sometimes I actually enjoy the game, but it does get tiring. A good TA that automatically finds price drops is a gem.

Exactly...we find that to be so true when Celebrity’s asks for our information.🙃

I just hate that “wet” feeling in very humid countries; Since living in Houston for almost 30 years, the entire idea of a shower can be wasted in less than three minutes, not to mention my hair going wack-a-doodle! Now, as far as one’s skin is concerned, it is lovely!🛀

Oh my gosh...I wonder why not? They were used so much. Obviously, the decision-maker didn’t know, or maybe care, about how much those were used. I just shared that with my DH and he said...what??? “No row; no go!” 🫥