vtcruising Posted February 25, 2019 #151 Share Posted February 25, 2019 1 hour ago, johhnnyt said: Don't miss Impulse in the Grand Plaza, best band I had heard on Celebrity in years. One interesting thing to check out while they are performing. I found the acoustics much better upstairs than down below by the Martini Bar. The band sounded near perfect upstairs while down by the Grand Plaza heard a lot more reverb and bass. Can't wait to try Edge again in November Yes, we would try to get a table at the rail at Cafe al Bacio when the GP was loud. The music sounded better up there and you could see the band well. We have found that the Ensemble Lounge also gets loud when full - with everyone talking it can be difficult to hear the music, so we sit as close to the band as possible. With the GP on the Edge having many more seats, it is even louder when full. Luckily we eat late so we would go to the GP between 5-6:30 before the early show and it was usually was not too loud. If we stopped by later at night, we would sit in Cafe al Bacio and wait for a rail seat to open up. These are the railing seats in Cafe al Bacio on Deck 4: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare hcat Posted February 25, 2019 #152 Share Posted February 25, 2019 (edited) We will definitely try that approach.. We usually went to Cafe Baccio in the late afternoon...but sat at the area closer to the serving area..It was very quiet there! Love my tea forte and did splurge on an IGLU for the birthday! Edited February 25, 2019 by hcat 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 25, 2019 Author #153 Share Posted February 25, 2019 Thanks Johnny. We heard them play the live karaoke last night and while they weren’t singing they were clearly having a blast with the guests so it will be nice to hear them preform. I’m sure we will see them tonight. Last night we had Live Band Karaoke in The Club. It was surprisingly extremely busy. I like the layout of the club on the ship much better than Quasar. The bar area feels like a real bar area as if we were on land and it’s a beautiful looking bar. The lounge areas looked well spread out and everything centered around the dance floor. Lots of people were singing. Most were terrible but a few were actually really good. The band looked like they were having a lot of fun. The four us were able to snag two seats at the corner of the bar. Three bartenders were working and service was actually very quick though I think that’s because most people were just ordering quick drinks of beer or wine. On my Instagram story I had some video of the club last night. Here are some photos of it empty during the day. I do have some video as well that I will upload. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 25, 2019 Author #154 Share Posted February 25, 2019 I look forward to providing you my thoughts on the Martini Bar set up. I think I need a few more nights under my belt to give you a correct assessment. Tonight is formal night. I did bring my tux this time around. I’ll make sure we all take some photos tonight and I’ll report back on how well dressed everyone is. We ate lunch at Le Grand Bistro today. Cover charge is $20 for lunch. We were really excited to try it as Johnnyt raves about it. It surely did not disappoint. It was fantastic. Everything we had. Totally worth the $20 for lunch. Here is the menu. Food photos to follow. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 25, 2019 Author #155 Share Posted February 25, 2019 We started with the cheeses. Then everyone had the French onion soup except I had the Escargot which was heaven in a bowl. Phenomenal. Then I had the lobster bisque which had a puff pastry top. Very good, though very hot! Then I had the ham and cheese on croissant which had a wonderful sauce. I was fully but I ended up eating it all. Then we were all full but we still got dessert. Because well, when in Rome...or France It was all very very very tasty. Can not recommend it enough for lunch. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quo Vadis? Posted February 25, 2019 #156 Share Posted February 25, 2019 (edited) On 2/24/2019 at 6:20 PM, chicagopaul said: Lunch was in Luminae today. It was busy but service was prompt. We both had the ceviche and the lobster roll. There was not a lot of lobster, but the quality seemed pretty good. The bun was toasted nicely and very tasty. There was no mayo on the lobster, just a very light citrus vinaigrette. Mayo was offered on the side. Wow.... Seared Bronzino on the menu.. " "Bronzino Agnolo di Cosimo, usually known as Bronzino, or Agnolo Bronzino, was a Florentine Mannerist painter. His sobriquet, Bronzino, in all probability refers to his relatively dark skin." I personally prefer the Branzino when it's prepared right... Edited February 25, 2019 by Quo Vadis? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fjcpooh17 Posted February 26, 2019 #157 Share Posted February 26, 2019 8 hours ago, dodger1964 said: 8 hours ago, dodger1964 said: I have never heard of drinks being free while gambling? I wonder if that is new, just a one day promotion, or a ship anomaly? While on Reflection this past Dec the casino was offering free drinks to people gambling. We had the drink package so can’t tell you exactly how many nights they ran it but know it was at least a few. Definitely remember seeing it on cruise planner and people were surprised to recieve free drinks while gambling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 26, 2019 Author #158 Share Posted February 26, 2019 We were able to get two seats at the Martini Bar tonight. It’s not as crowded as I thought it would be. We sat down at about 6:50. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishLassie Posted February 26, 2019 #159 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Hi Paul, Following along & enjoying your blog. Not sure if you remember but I'm the one that asked about "Taz". Did you ever hear from him as to what ship he's on now, or have you seen him on Edge? We go on Reflection next month so hoping maybe he's on her. Have a great time & looing forward to more of your blog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schmoe38 Posted February 26, 2019 #160 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Paul We are so pleased to hear that you are sailing with Priscilla. She has been with us on a few sailings and we are so looking forward to sailing with her again. Fingers crossed that she will be on when we board Edge, Nov 15/19. p.s. We met Milton on Century when he was offering up “prescriptions” at the pool bar (during his “Doctor” days). Enjoy the remainder of your time on board. Randy and Connie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheeseheads4ever Posted February 26, 2019 #161 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Paul and Edward, Enjoying your BLOG exciting to read your terrific writeup. Ive heard thta the Martini Bar is much different from the other Celebrity ships. Will wait for your thoughts after a few more stops there. Enjoy your cruise!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 26, 2019 Author #162 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Hi Paul, Following along & enjoying your blog. Not sure if you remember but I'm the one that asked about "Taz". Did you ever hear from him as to what ship he's on now, or have you seen him on Edge? We go on Reflection next month so hoping maybe he's on her. Have a great time & looing forward to more of your blog. He was transferred to the Edge. He’s currently on vacation. I know he left one or two cruises ago. Not sure where his next assignment is but I’ll see if I can find out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 26, 2019 Author #163 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Good Morning from the Retreat Bar! Let’s start with the daily today. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 26, 2019 Author #164 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Last night the Martini Bar was definitely popping around 8. Very crowded and the bartenders were putting on a show. If you follow me on Instagram check on my story and you can see some video. PaulKBlackburn on Instagram. The Martini Bar is a beautiful bar but I really do wish it was larger so more people could sit at the actual bar. The overall set up of the area works well for a hotel, but for a cruise where people enjoy socializing it is not the most conducive to conversation. Silent Disco was last night in the club. It was a blast and lots of people attended. I’ll have plenty of video put together for you all. Dinner photos coming up soon. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 26, 2019 Author #165 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Last night dinner was in Luminae. We had my favorite dinner dish in Luminae, the halibut! Above is the steak tartarBelow is the Halibut Above is the cheesecake from dessert. It was wonderful. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4supermom Posted February 26, 2019 #166 Share Posted February 26, 2019 I agree that the Martini Bar is much too small. There are about 40 seats at the Martini Bar on the S class ships & 13 on Edge. We too love to socialize at the Martini Bar & it is very difficult to do so on Edge. Had a few discussions with Peter about it. It will definitely be something I put in the survey so hopefully it will be changed on Apex. Definitely agree this configuration is better for a hotel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
florisdekort Posted February 26, 2019 #167 Share Posted February 26, 2019 It took me a while to understand the complaints about the Martini Bar. I counted 200+ seats in the bar yesterday, but people are talking about actual bar stools at the bar itself. Now I get it. We mostly take a table and there are plenty of those. We also frequently go to The Club for drinks, the Eden Bar or The Retreat. Lots of choice on this ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lamondys Posted February 26, 2019 #168 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Paul, we are sailing on the Edge March 24th. We met I Made on the Equinox last year, and loved his service. Could you kindly ask him him if he will still be on the Edge for the March 24th sailing? Thanks and Happy Birthday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upwarduk Posted February 26, 2019 #169 Share Posted February 26, 2019 17 hours ago, chicagopaul said: Tonight is formal night. I did bring my tux this time around. I’ll make sure we all take some photos tonight and I’ll report back on how well dressed everyone is. Paul, Have they reverted to Formal night on Edge, or do you mean Evening Chic. I hate that term, much prefer Formal night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishLassie Posted February 26, 2019 #170 Share Posted February 26, 2019 3 hours ago, chicagopaul said: He was transferred to the Edge. He’s currently on vacation. I know he left one or two cruises ago. Not sure where his next assignment is but I’ll see if I can find out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Thanks so much for the info Paul. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. Looking forward to more of your review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bo1953 Posted February 26, 2019 #171 Share Posted February 26, 2019 15 minutes ago, upwarduk said: Paul, Have they reverted to Formal night on Edge, or do you mean Evening Chic. I hate that term, much prefer Formal night. p - No, no reversion, just what some of us continue to refer as this 'night'.... old habits/desires to be sure. bon voyage 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeRick Posted February 26, 2019 #172 Share Posted February 26, 2019 16 hours ago, chicagopaul said: We were able to get two seats at the Martini Bar tonight. It’s not as crowded as I thought it would be. We sat down at about 6:50. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Paul, Is that a large martini glass or one of the smaller ones? On other ships we order the large size martini's from the Martini Bar and they are covered in our Premium beverage package at $15. On Edge they gave us the small martini's for $15 and had the larger ones for $18 - which was a $3 upcharge. I'm wondering if this is just Edge or now fleet wide? Kind of a pet peeve. Yeah I know we could just order more of the $15 size and be covered. However when they are busy it takes time to get another drink! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 26, 2019 Author #173 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Paul, Is that a large martini glass or one of the smaller ones? On other ships we order the large size martini's from the Martini Bar and they are covered in our Premium beverage package at $15. On Edge they gave us the small martini's for $15 and had the larger ones for $18 - which was a $3 upcharge. I'm wondering if this is just Edge or now fleet wide? Kind of a pet peeve. Yeah I know we could just order more of the $15 size and be covered. However when they are busy it takes time to get another drink!This is the regular (perhaps you’d say large) martini glasses. Covered under the premium package. I have seen them serve the smaller ones for classic but haven’t seen any bigger ones above the premium package. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagopaul Posted February 26, 2019 Author #174 Share Posted February 26, 2019 p - No, no reversion, just what some of us continue to refer as this 'night'.... old habits/desires to be sure. bon voyageCorrect! Old habits die hard. Just meant evening chic. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bo1953 Posted February 26, 2019 #175 Share Posted February 26, 2019 13 minutes ago, chicagopaul said: Correct! Old habits die hard. Just meant evening chic. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk LOL, no worries... after all this time the approach has been 'formally' changed, we continue to see questions/comments about this term its' meaning and etc. X's web site explains it well, though. I fully intend to bring my Tux for 'Chic' night on our Edge sailing... and think 'Formal' in all of its' connotations... For some, 'Formal' means putting on a jacket and tie... others, long pants or a tie, if they can get away with it shorts is very formal for some.. LOL Continue to enjoy your sailing and bon voyage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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