On board Apex now. Bullet point synopsis and observations!

[CanuckCruizer]

11 hours ago, ian441672 said:

34 days, wow, what a ship to spend that time on! Where are you going? Lucky you. 
 

Might try the Garden Grill next week, depending on the L menu, but as said, I know we will do the Fine Cut again. 
 

We booked our antigen tests on the app for this morning. Easy to do, booked yesterday and could pick time slot from 5am to 11am, before exiting for Santorini. Will have to do the same next week, plus the UK entry required test verified our flight home. 

Off to Santorini on our own today up the cable car for a wonder, as we have an Oia and island tour next week. 
 

I will post up to tomorrow after reboarding / change over day just in case anything worthwhile to let you know happens. 
 

I can let someone else take over if they like to, as next week is likely to be the same for me but others may have different tips and observations. 
 

Hope it’s been useful. I know I used to really look out for updates and hints before I boarded here, especially in these times, so I kind of wanted to pay some of that back. Hope I have!

 

Thanks all. It’s lovely to have another week on board. In short, service has been exceptional and anticipative, over and above. Butler Jackie is fantastic, making his love heart sign with his two hands every time he sees me, slight bow and a welcoming smile. He can’t do enough, offering to walk us everywhere we want to go, which of course we don’t need. This is just typical of all the staff. 
 

Chatting to one Brit in the entertainment crew, he said pax numbers in the 600-700s will be steady for the rest of the Med season before rising slightly at the end and going to the 1000s when returning to the US. 
 

Food has been good, at times very good, but not often wow, exceptional. Happy tho in general with what we have had and that could be in part to our preferences. 
 

Entertainment ranks in the top 3 of all cruises we have done, in my view of course. Loved all the production shows, a couple were outstanding and I hope to see them again next week. Singers were great too. We were the only ones in the Pub Quiz yesterday in the Club (by default we wondered in for a drink at 7), so we won that! Shame about the numbers but that will pick up. 
 

All in all, very special week and we were lucky to be on board this special ship at this time, taking advantage of some low numbers. 
 

Apex may not be for everyone or the traditionalists, but it was for us. In my view Celebrity have raised the stakes in the cruising game with the retreat concept expanding and the Edge Class ships doing the same. Other companies may have to up their game to compete, as we will be back for sure. Celebrity have made cruising edgier (sorry) and really set the standard for this level and type of cruising. Well done, and I certainly hope to be part of that,  (and as the captain would say), True Story!

Ian - I am behind and need to get caught up reading all your wonderful posts!

Yes - we are going to be on Apex for 34 days (B3B) doing a Scandinavia/Russia cruise, British Isles cruise & then a Spain/Portugal/France cruise (repositioning from Amsterdam to Rome).  Then we have a few days in Rome or elsewhere and get on Royal's Odyssey for Greek Isles & Turkey.  In Canada, they are calling it "Revenge Spending" which is basically rewarding ourselves for not travelling in 2020, 2021 and most of 2022 - lol. We are making up for lost time!

Santorini is one of our favourite places in the world!  Hope you enjoyed yourselves!

That was funny about the Pub Quiz - congratulations! ha

Yes - any comments about Turnaround Day would be helpful, even though ours will be in Amsterdam, instead of Athens.

Off now to read about your other escapades...

 

Canuck

 

[CanuckCruizer]

Ian -

Congrats on the negative test!  I can imagine that it would be a great relief.

Thanks for the turnaround info.  Don't recall anyone ever asking us for our credit card again on the next cruise, but will remember to get it out of the safe on that day.

That is wonderful that X is giving you lunch at Le Bistro.  That menu looks so delicious, I think we will have to go more than once.  They have certain "daily" specials as well as a large lunch menu.

Your pics of "Afternoon Tea" - WOW - that is enough food for brekkie, lunch and dinner! haha  That butler is a "keeper".😁  Too bad we're not on Deck 10 - haha.

Don't remember if you talked about this - but are people dressing up (like suits & gowns) for Evening Chic on this cruise?  We find that when the ship is in Europe, people tend to dress more than in the Caribbean.  We always like to get dressed up as we don't have the opportunity to do so at home.

Thanks again for taking the time to report to us - we do appreciate it.

Hope you have a wonderful lunch at Le Bistro.

 

Cheers,

Canuck

 

[ian441672]

4 hours ago, ETHTrader said:

 

What is that dessert in your second pic with blue flames all around?

Was a chocolate bombe. Not on the menu but freely Offered in L. Not sure about MDRs. 

[ian441672]

Interesting stats: only 3 couples in suites doing B2B, so quiet lunch in Grand Bistro. Only 20 people on whole ship doing a B2B, so we are in minority. 
 

Slightly Disappointing news: Same menu in L for next week. So it’s a weekly rotation rather than fortnightly. It’s a definite for Rooftop Garden and Fine Cut in that case. Shame it’s repeated. 
 

Canuck: Sounds fab, very lucky you. You will have amazing tone, hope the menu rotation is better!

 

Casual chic was like any other night tbh, no one especially got dressed up. I only saw one DJ, mostly smart casual and the odd just plain scruffy 😉. We forgot about it almost on one night, but it wouldn’t have made a difference I don’t think! 
 

Apparently new computer system doesn’t allow transfer of  CC details from a different cruise so we were told that is why we need to register again.  
 

Rockumentary was good, some iconic songs, but we preferred Crystallise.  Hope we see similar next week. 
 

Interesting day ahead tomorrow no doubt. Steer clear of L in morning, perhaps buffet, and meet in retreat lounge at 8.55 for swap over and new cards. Quick look at duty free shop then relaxing day on deck, choosing our days for the speciality restaurants. Then back at Santorini already the day after!!

 

Thanks all. 

[CanuckCruizer]

Ian - wow, that is low numbers for B2B.  Hope you enjoy your nice lunch.

 

That's interesting about the new computer system & credit cards.  Good to know.

 

Too bad about the Luminae menu - perhaps you can pre-order something else you like from one of the 4 Dining Rooms.  We have a 12 day, then a 10 day and then a 12 day again - so who knows what ours will be - haha.  If I remember correctly, on our last 10 day cruise, we did have a different menu each night in Luminae but it was on the Solstice, so we ended up ordering almost every meal from the MDR menu, so that was ok.  I am sure you will enjoy the Rooftop Garden Grill as I have heard good things - the ribs look very nice.  Also, you already know that you like Fine Cut, so it will be nice to go back and maybe try another item on the menu.

 

Hope turnaround day goes well for you & also will keep my fingers crossed that you will be able to get off in all the Greek ports.  Unfortunately, I just saw an article that said that Santorini, Rhodes & Mykonos are dark red, with lots of cases & the EU is saying essential travel only.  Don't want to be a "Debbie Downer" but hopefully you will be ok, being on a ship's tour.

 

Thanks again and stay safe,

 

Canuck

[miched]

On 7/28/2021 at 11:40 AM, ian441672 said:

No! I think you can eat your dinner in peace now following lots of feedback they are far less intrusive. The shows are most nights and the whole area is a great ambience and looks really exciting and enticing. Not eaten there but most people say it is really good. We enjoy a drink there for sure immersed right into a show. 
 

Haven’t seen any special on board deals for specialty dining. We’ve only done the one so far.  We got the premium drink package included and most cocktails range from $12-16 but haven’t paid much attention to the prices tbh, no one  has asked us to pay anything much more and we are really just ordering what we fancy. 
 

I ordered a sidecar in 3 different bars and they didn’t really know what one was. In the sunset bar, they gave me a free pour of cognac and Cointreau which I threw. On the Carpet it tasted like a Virgin version and even in the martini bar he clarified what the ingredients were! That aside, it’s all very nice!

Side cars were one of the drinks included in the Elite HH.   Can’t believe they didn’t know what it is and some members of CC giving their reviews claim that the Apex has the best of the best and the Equinox was used for their training.  

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[taylortime05]

On 7/25/2021 at 11:04 AM, ian441672 said:

On board week 1, day 2 of B2B Apex, wanted to share some bullet point observations pre-boarding and on board. For context we are staying in an Aft Sky Suite:

 

• Boarding was relatively pain free. We had 11.30 arrival time, getting there 11.20, no lines with about 50 or 60 waiting around already for results. Our COVID certificates and PLF were checked before we had our test, then a 15 minute wait before we went through the doors for another paperwork check, security and boarding. No room keys, they were on the outside of our door awaiting for us, where we headed for straight away. 
• It really is a beautiful ship. Bright, modern and bold. Lots of nooks, crannies, hidden areas, weird and wonderful sculptures and the entrance to Eden is just an example of that. We’ve never seen things like it on a cruise ship before having done 15 Princess cruises and 3 X cruises. All tasteful (imho!) and designed to make you stand back and admire. 
• Room was lovely. I think our SS was slightly smaller than our previous Caribbean cruise stateroom, but again it was bright and modern, well thought out, and good use made out of the space. I missed the wrap around balcony, being half the previous size but it was fairly deep, 2 cushioned sun loungers, 2 chairs and a small plastic looking table fitted well. A small table in the room, fairly hard chaise longue, heavenly bed, lights tastefully adorned both room and bathroom which was decent size. Wife had a vanity area, modern double sink, squareish tub with rain forest shower head, large size. Small toilet cubicle tucked away, but lots of cupboard space for a change through the room. A bit more wardrobe would have been good but now I’m just being picky. Modern, bright, comfortable. 
• Our butler came and introduced himself, very friendly and pleased to see us. He mentioned the mini bar, asked what beer I liked and said he would restock it. ‘All free, I sort it’. So that was good, free beer, soda and water. He also added another perk to our room which he asked me to keep it quiet which I will, but we were pleased and surprised as I know it is popular for the higher up tiers. 
• We did like Eden. It was new to us but on our walk around as we were finding our way around the ship, it struck us as innovative  and exciting. We got talking to Welder, a barman and he was excited about being back on board and loved his job which was obvious. We saw a 10.45 show there, an Alice in Wonderland show with an adult contemporary twist, songs, comedy, story and acrobatics. Highly recommended and popular it seemed with us getting one of the last seats. Also looking just fantastic was the rooftop garden, it was like a little magical garden, all types of seating and very pretty and colourful. It’s a quirky ship in places and this makes it all the more interesting and enjoyable. 
• About 690 people on board, 220 suite guests (or near) so it was peaceful and made us feel comfortable. 
• Retreat lounge again was fantastic. Bright and white, lots of different types of seating, large windows, nice bar, a very helpful concierge lady and barman offering us our first glass of incredibly welcome, and tasty, glass of champagne. We booked Magic Carpet dinner for Rhodes night as we were told the Chefs table wasn’t happening for COVID reasons, too many families sitting together. I thought I heard elsewhere that someone had booked it but I cannot be sure. We loved the lounge. It also has a rear staircase leading up to the retreat deck and pool. Again, it looked beautiful, spacious, comfortable and bright. A few people like us touring a bit, but not too many people around. It really eased my wife’s worries which was good. 
• Lumiere was lovely too (a theme here but I am running out of adjectives lol), long, well lit, nice decor and incredibly attentive staff who couldn’t do enough for you.  Burger for lunch and a beer…. And a wee glass of something white and fruity just because I could! Settling in well by now haha. We met our check in host lady from our previous cruise 18 months ago, she remembered us and our name just as we thought she was vaguely familiar. “Ahh, my friends are back!”  That said it all. 
• Choice was ok. I was worried I would not like the limited menus not having the option of the MDR options. Luckily I was ok last night, but the waiter explained fillet mignon would also be available every night plus the Everyday options. I had the french onion soup, I do like that, then the pate, and a duck bolognese type thing. Sorry! All tasty though a party of fellow brits near us vocally expressed their displeasure to the waiter, chef and maitre d’ about the lack of taste and variety available to them, stating this was one of the poorest meals they had on a ship for a long time. That was a shame, we enjoyed ours and we will see that lies ahead, but each to their own I guess. 
• Masks are worn indoors I think by all. Outside a bit more liberal but nothing to alarm. In the retreat lounge I was told to take it off, we are relaxed here, it is fine. I was comfortable with that and I think it was only habit I had it on. Staff always wore theirs and I feel safe and not exposed. 
• We are not buffet people especially with what we have available to us, but we had a wonder at lunch time and did pop into the lunch buffet. It was delicious! Amazing lasagne, chilli, curry’s, sandwich station, car very, salad bar. They served you but that was easier that I thought, they were very patient and very happy. It was fairly empty and all that food to waste, such a shame,  it we had a thoroughly enjoyable lunch! A beer or two featuring somewhere I think. 
• We have a captains drink thingy at Eden soon, so that will be nice. 
• Casino relatively empty, some machines not working but that didn’t matter. They didn’t pay out much so I think even more must have been broken!
• Main pool area all very nicely laid out. Some chairs fixed in the pool, half the normal sun beds laid out, not too many people around, but staff happy and friendly and always offered service and assistance. Magic carpet is not moving just for now. 
• Dubrovnik tomorrow, looking forward to that. Captain very witty and funny, saying it is his first visit, and he hoped he could find the way. He said it far more funnier than I have just iterated, and he is full of quips and jokes and is one of the better ones, as is Guiseppe the cruise director. Watching a show in the theatre tonight, just one at 9.30 but it sounds good and it looks an immersed theatre with the stage coming into the centre of the audience, and a full electronic LCD / video screen type thing wrapped around it. All looks exciting!
• B2B but having to do an antigen test the day before the end of leg 1. We have to book that tomorrow but do not have to disembark. It will be explained to us later but I think I we all met in the Lounge and go downstairs together, get new cards, some paperwork then can get on with our day. 
• Just back from the Captains thingy, he’s a comedian all right! The most travelled person was an Elite Plus, so that shows how few people are sailing, I guess. 
• We have the Accelerate WiFi package, and for us it seems ok. That’s all I can say on that!
• We might be able to get off in Mykonos and do our own thing, that’s what the retreat lounge concierge seemed to think, so fingers crossed there, but to be confirmed. 
• No duty free on board due to Greek/EU regulations. Shame. 

 

Think that’s the main things to mention. Hope it helps anyone about to board or considering Edge class. We’re easy going 50’s people, and have liked all the cruises we have done so far, but this is at the moment a cut above the rest. Thanks for reading. 

Thank you for the wonderful trip report.

 

It's wonderful that the ship is no where close to full capacity.   Was the cruise pricier because it was so fewer people?

[ian441672]

20 minutes ago, taylortime05 said:

Thank you for the wonderful trip report.

 

It's wonderful that the ship is no where close to full capacity.   Was the cruise pricier because it was so fewer people?

Thanks. 
 

No, not for us anyway, we got a small price reduction as they honoured the price we originally paid around 9 months ago when it was a full Med cruise rather than just Greece. That was also when it included Israel and Cyprus too. So nothing extra, and the original price was broadly what we expected to pay for the room we had booked.  Not sure what later bookers think though. 

[ian441672]

That’s me done! Escorted down at 9.15, beeped out then new card beeped in. 15 seconds, all good. Ship to ourselves for next couple of hours, dining planned and activity the same too, so we are all sorted!

 

Welcome new guests, 8 more in Retreat than this week just gone, so a bit more activity. 
 

They might be able to give a different spin to mine if they do post in here.  

Thanks for tuning in. I may pop up at some point. Happy cruising and good luck to everyone. Cheers!!

[Waterluv]

Thank you so much for taking us along with you. We have to wait until my birthday in April 22 and we’ll be on her. Safe travels 

[LXA350]

Sounds like a lovely trip, enjoy the 2nd week. Wow only 690 passengers on Apex must feel like a exclusive large yacht experience 🙂 Unless I missed it, were you able to explore Mykonos by your own eventually? How is the passenger load on your 2nd cruise?

[Miaminice]

1 hour ago, LXA350 said:

Unless I missed it, were you able to explore Mykonos by your own eventually? How is the passenger load on your 2nd cruise?

Mykonos is still cruise line tours only… on Celebrity.

No change yet.

 

Royal and NCL don’t require curated tours.

[wendyam76]

On 7/29/2021 at 5:57 PM, CanuckCruizer said:

Ian - thanks for reporting and the great pics!

 

Wow - surprised that the Magic Carpet's two top tables are not spaced out more - that is a bit "too close for comfort" in normal circumstances, never mind during Covid...

 

Haven't seen a current Magic Carpet dinner menu - so are you saying that it is all mainly seafood?  I am allergic to all fish/seafood, so that may not be good & hubby doesn't care for it too much either.  Maybe we will just have cocktails there instead.

 

Are you planning on eating at the Rooftop Garden Grill - just wondering how that is?  Also have heard that Le Bistro is excellent for lunch so anxious to hear about that.

 

Hope your Afternoon Tea worked out ok on your balcony.

 

Cheers,

Canuck

Just to show different the menu is - this from the Apex 9th July sailing - I think it was $139 each but I had so much OBC to use. 

[wendyam76]

@Couple-Somerset I was on the 9th July sailing and yes I’d say the Retreat area was the busiest BUT still quiet and exceptional service. I would go to the main deck pool and be able to do laps and have it to myself! 
I’d think Dubrovnik will be your only time change - we had none with the Greek Islands. The app actually shows the time changes - you can look at any cruises on it. 
Wendy 

[ian441672]

Yes, Dubrovnik only time change by one hour. We gained as we approached and lost as we left. 
 

Interesting different menu on Carpet. Didn’t realise they changed it, would have preferred that one!

[CalTexCruiser]

A common complaint from many reviews on the Edge is that the Magic Carpet was very windy during dinner.

 

I have not heard that at all on the Apex...could you comment on how windy (or not) it is on the Carpet at dinner?

[wendyam76]

It wasn’t too windy - my mum is permanently cold hence the jacket! Yes, I was surprised re the menu change - I meant to post these photos a couple of days ago. I would have loved the foie gras! 

[wendyam76]

3 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said:

Another Q if poss please

 

Do we need a full PCR test or an Antigen test to re-enter the UK at present (if fully vaccinated) ??

 

Appreciate X offer them free but would rather just have the nose swab (Antigen) than the full blown (PCR) gagging one lol

 

Looks like there's a danger of it all changing but good to know the position as it stands right now.

 

We were given a PCR one for UK reentry and honestly it was painless. Euro fin rep recommended it and I wasn’t going to argue! 

[CanuckCruizer]

44 minutes ago, wendyam76 said:

Just to show different the menu is - this from the Apex 9th July sailing - I think it was $139 each but I had so much OBC to use. 

wendyam76 - Wow - great pictures - thanks so much for posting the menus - very kind of you & much appreciated.  I think we can still eat there maybe one night as they do have beef, which is good for us.

 

Cheers,

Canuck

[wendyam76]

2 minutes ago, CanuckCruizer said:

wendyam76 - Wow - great pictures - thanks so much for posting the menus - very kind of you & much appreciated.  I think we can still eat there maybe one night as they do have beef, which is good for us.

 

Cheers,

Canuck

Just be careful - Ian seemed to have a different menu last week so it seems to be changing!  

[CanuckCruizer]

4 minutes ago, wendyam76 said:

Just be careful - Ian seemed to have a different menu last week so it seems to be changing!  

Yes - I am very "forensic" in dealing with restaurants, due to my food allergies.  We usually try to get menus ahead of time through either the Concierge or the Butler and it has worked out well.  The setting looks lovely so we will look forward to eating out there.

Thanks again,

Canuck

[hcat]

54 minutes ago, wendyam76 said:

Just to show different the menu is - this from the Apex 9th July sailing - I think it was $139 each but I had so much OBC to use. 

Wow.... food is amazing visually.  Your mom looks great.. we had no luck booking the dinner..maybe another time!  Thanks for all your posts

[CanuckCruizer]

9 hours ago, ian441672 said:

That’s me done! Escorted down at 9.15, beeped out then new card beeped in. 15 seconds, all good. Ship to ourselves for next couple of hours, dining planned and activity the same too, so we are all sorted!

 

Welcome new guests, 8 more in Retreat than this week just gone, so a bit more activity. 
 

They might be able to give a different spin to mine if they do post in here.  

Thanks for tuning in. I may pop up at some point. Happy cruising and good luck to everyone. Cheers!!

Ian - glad that your Turnaround was seamless - that is always nice.  Hope you enjoy your lunch in Le Bistro and the next week's cruise.  Thank you again for doing your great report - really enjoyed it.  Hope you & your wife have safe travels.

Cheers,

Canuck

[wendyam76]

Just now, hcat said:

Wow.... food is amazing visually.  Your mom looks great.. we had no luck booking the dinner..maybe another time!  Thanks for all your posts

She looks amazing for 87 - she has missed travelling so much. I was taking advantage of being in a suite (probably one of the few times I’ll be able to!) and booked it as soon as I boarded (about 12) with the concierge in The Retreat. 
 

[CanuckCruizer]

3 minutes ago, wendyam76 said:

She looks amazing for 87 - she has missed travelling so much. I was taking advantage of being in a suite (probably one of the few times I’ll be able to!) and booked it as soon as I boarded (about 12) with the concierge in The Retreat. 
 

Your Mum does not look 87!  Wow - that is wonderful that you were able to travel in a suite and live it up with your Mum.😀

Thanks for the tip - I forgot that you can't book the Magic Carpet online so will be sure to do it the first day too.

 

Canuck