msteries

Since I am a good sailor, I usually book a forward facing cabin up on deck 10 (with the big picture window).  Couldn’t get it this Feb. so taking 7004.  Deck plans show an open deck circling those front cabins.  Has anyone sailed in 7001-7004?  Are people waking around on that deck?

This next winter I will have much more obc than I can possibly use, especially with upgraded drinks pkg.  Thus I am really interested in using some for tips.  Usually I bring cash onboard with various sizes of bills.  For example, how do I make sure my tip goes to Retreat Lounge staff?  Will they see this as impersonal and remote?

Pool is small, but fantastic for cooling off.  No way to get an athletic swim, but by swimming diagonally across it a bit of exercise is possible.  Also delightful swing chairs at the end, which are usually shaded, mean a delightful way to splash feet. 

Cabin 10166 sits next to the frame for the Magic Carpet, so price is lower.  I once knew which cabins did not have window-facing beds (so nice) but it’s been awhile.  Does anyone know?  Thanks!  Mary

Considering a February cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam.  It has been a few years since I sailed HAL.  I love the smaller, older ships, but don’t see a recent drydock.  If you sailed her recently, would you comment on her condition?  Also, is the thalassotherapy pool open these days?   Covid changes to the spa?  Thanks for any information!

Really enjoying your spirit since I, too, cruise without my husband, who will take any excuse not to travel.  (this year it’s the aging dog).  I went solo on the Edge in its inaugural year and am so looking forward to the Apex 1/28 to 2/5.  I like meeting new people and generally found a bar with congenial people to return to the same time each evening.  Not sure that will be safe this year so I have been thinking about how to engage a bit differently.  Thinking of staying masked and slowly walking by others in the area, chatting a bit from a little more distance than usual if they seem to also wish to chat.  Up on deck in the retreat it is generally very windy, so I will feel free to order a drink (or two or three) and keep the mask off.  On the Edge be sure and find the wonderful little Eden outside deck seating area.

I hope you have a wonderful cruise.  SW Ohio is in for two days of frigid weather with windchills way below zero, and some more snow..  Even if SFlorida is only 59 at sail-away, I will be happy!

Thanks, everyone!  Great News

I’ve done lots of cruises pre-covid, and was under the impression that hairdryers and curling irons were not allowed.  Hmmm… just went browsing around the app’s health and safety pages, and found that now these are allowed; that only appliances are forbidden.  Is this true?

Not sure what it will be like in these covid times if Retreat pool area is too crowded to risk, but if I get my drinks quickly and made well I always tip the staff out there. But probably the best thing you can do for any staff that gives fine service is to have paper and pen so you can write down their names and mention them specifically on that final survey.

Delighted to see newest schedule for my cruise on Apex January 29.  Of course, all can change again.  As I understand it, there is a terminal newer than Amber Cove.  Anyone know which is most likely?

2 hours ago, ohiojohn said:

Yes mask mandate is in effect for this cruise.  We have not seen anyone without masks when inside.  But outside masks are not required.  Watching NFL games outside  on the big screen on the Roof Top Garden is fantastic.  Second game currently chilly.

Great news about the big screen for NFL games (must remember my good windbreaker).  Not keen on (hopefully) watching my beloved Packers play the championship game at an indoors bar.

Darn… sounds like things may be crowded.  I like the food in Luminae, too.  I seem to recall (seems like we have lived thru MORE than just two years of this mess…) that I enjoyed the Greek offerings in Cyprus.

CC system won’t let me react to your posts.  Thanks for responding everyone! 

Still hoping to sail on the 29th and wondering if I have to book specialty restaurants because social distancing in Luminae is unlikely.  Anyone onboad now who can report?  Thanks!

I am enjoying your posts.  Have a glorious time.  Wishing you plenty of sunshine and smooth seas!

Supposed to be on the Apex 1/29 but still hesitating.  Would you let us know about location for covid isolation if someone happens to mention it- still deck three with no balcony?  Not sure I could take that!

1 hour ago, mac_tlc said:

Completely understand. We are scheduled for the Apex on 1/29 but will wait until closer to the date to decide. Half of me is hoping Celebrity cancels so I don’t have to make the call, but that is a long shot I think. 
 

mac_tlc

Exactly what I feel.  Also booked on the 1/29 Apex.  And very put off by the prospect of a deck 3 isolation.  If they could just add some with balconies!

33 minutes ago, SNJCruisers said:

On the Apex now.  Just got done with five day, clearing customs for seven day. 

Sitting at Cafe Al Bacio sipping a double espresso with Baileys over ice.  B2B transfer was easy peasy.  Facial recognition makes it a quick process.

Made it to Puerto Plata, refused at Nassau on the five day.  Two out of three production shows went on, with Tree of Life being cancelled.  Musicians were abundant, mini production shows in Eden cancelled.  Had 1300/2950 on board for 5 day.  Masks were mandatory as of last Monday inside everywhere unless you are eating, drinking or seated at a bar or restaurant.  Sip n cover not needed thank goodness.  About 100 people on the B2B.  We have the ship to ourselves till the new cruisers come on around 1130.  We get a sit-down lunch in Tuscan for the B2B cruisers.

 

May I ask you to find out the current hours for the martini bar?  Any time when it is not super crowded?  During a Pre-covid trip on the Edge, I never could get a seat at the bar, and this year I would be happy to sit anywhere if I can maintain a bit of social distancing.

Interesting to read about all your strategies and meds.  It is so stressful for everyone that Omicron symptoms are so similar to head colds, allergy symptoms, etc.  So I plan to be very observant of those around me if I do start sneezing!  And not blame them for any reaction.

Beginning to think I will cancel.  I just could not spend isolation in an interior room.  Since I am boosted, I am not so frightened of becoming terribly ill, but the thought of coping by myself while unable to get out and enjoy the sea breezes and scenery make me regret the splurge on an Apex sky suite. (for my 75!). I can wait til the 25th to cancel…. hope springs eternal and all that, but maybe not this time.

10 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

I live in "Covid-saturated" Floriduh. 

 

My husband and I and like minded friends have not been infected by a Covid infection. That is because we take all the "unnecessary" precautions of being vaccinated, boosted , wearing masks and socially distancing. 

 

I have to say it is extremely aggravating to still be living like this because of the local idiot residents and the fools that visit as tourists.

 

My advice is that when you hit the ground in Florida for that one day prestay , that you take all the precautions I have listed.  In addition avoid eating in restaurants (either eat outside or buy take out) and wear a mask when outside around others.

 

That way you should be able to avoid picking up an infection that will show  up at some point during the cruise.

Thanks, Homosassa!  Here in Ohio I cannot eat outside anymore, but I already follow your suggestions.  Our numbers are bad, so I only venture out for groceries.

I live in a part of Ohio that is despairingly called sinus valley.  And now we sufferers don’t really get a respite during the winter months!  One of the joys of cruising has been that after a day or two in the sea air, most of my problems disappear, although I am wondering about how I will react to all the cleaning products necessary during covid.  Have any fellow sufferers cruised recently?  How did things go?  If I do sail on the 29th I can’t help but wonder how people will react to someone who starts sneezing!  My game plan is to mask in the corridors, spend most of my time outdoors on the retreat deck or on my balcony, but of course I don’t want to miss eating in Luminae.  Guess my martini treats will be drunk during the off-hours when the bar is mostly empty.  Anyone know offhand the hours for the martini bar on Apex?

I keep waffling about doing the cruise, mainly because of airports and a one day prestay in covid-saturated FtL.  Since onboard percentages seem to be in the 1-2% range, I am willing to risk the ship.

My apologies for asking something that has been answered elsewhere.  I will be taking the Abbott Binax test that is proctored by a person online.  The results go into a Navica app on both my iPhone and iPad.  Is that what I show when I check in at the pier?  Or do you send something to Celebrity ahead of time, like you do with your vaccination card?

10 hours ago, Denny01 said:

Been on both. Edge in March 2019 on a B2B, and Apex this last Thanksgiving. Pick the itinerary or date which works better. Both very similar. If you are going Retreat, Apex has a bit more added, but other that that???? I Loved both. Went with Infinite Veranda SR on both and greatly enjoyed.  Get a bed near the BR to give you more room between the bed and Veranda. 

 

You can’t go wrong with either.

 

den

Curious as to what has changed with the Apex.  I sure enjoyed my suite on the Edge that inaugural year.  I have paid and checked in for Apex Jan. 29, but like many watching covid conditions very carefully….

Really delighted to read your running comments as I board the Apex on Jan. 29.  Sky Suite.  I got to sail on the Edge during her inaugural year, and will be interested to see what, if anything, has changed.  I always have my butler bring breakfast, but not sure if a SS cabin entitles one to ask for a mimosa along with it??  Adore the Celebrity suite perks but a little shy about being too demanding.

One very special thing about traveling solo in a suite is that the butler has always kept an eye out for me, and never seems to resent that tips from a single would be less.

Just got two Abbott Binax card tests from my county library for free - a wonderful perk if you live anywhere in Ohio, not just in Greene County?  Not sure but Ohio residents should check.  Was worried about November exp. date, but a call to My Abbott help reassured me that those lots do not expire til the first week in February.  Phew!

On 11/13/2021 at 8:59 PM, Oville said:

Haven’t sailed post Covid but our last Edge cruise, 1/2020, you absolutely needed reservations at Le Bristol for lunch.  It’s the best deal on Celebrity but I must add in Eden we had the best dinner ever on an X ship.

So did I!  Actually I loved everything about the Eden - the lovely casual daytime ambience with small group or soloist providing lunchtime music, the wild and wonderfully weird night shows, the little outdoor seating up above.  But I fear Eden has been “un-weirded” (if that a real word) because so many traditional cruisers hated it.  If anyone has recently been on Edge or Apex, I would love to hear what you thought.

Does anyone have a sample lunchtime menu for le Grand Bistro (if that is the one open for lunch on the Apex)?  I sailed on the Edge in her inaugural year and really loved the free lunch offerings in the little bistro tucked in Eden.  But have a lot of OBC this time out, and so looking for other possibilities.  For dinner, as a solo traveller, I have had disappointing experiences in the fancier evening dining spots, but have always had friendly service in the Luminae.