On board Apex now. Bullet point synopsis and observations!

[Lastdance]

I was so sad today to read about Rhodes and the awful fire; I hope everyone stays safe.  Fires for us our every single summer now!

[Miaminice]

11 hours ago, luv2ndhalf said:

Love following this thread…… 

trying not to get anxious with the constant changes to itineraries and restrictions- So thankful to be able to sail again! Can anyone share what the protocol is now if you have a positive antigen test upon debarkation in Greece? Thank you!!

Quarantine hotel provided by the Greek authorities.

[ian441672]

In Rhodes today and fires haven’t stopped the tours, as sad as it is. It is exceptionally hot, 105+. 
 

It is noticeably busier this week, perhaps a more rowdy crowd! L has been very busy for first two days, certainly from 7.45 to 9, with people still coming in at 9, and the third row of tables are being used now for first time, rather than just the window and adjacent tables. Had a good chat with the Maitre D’ (a friendly, efficient Turkish gentleman) and he thinks it will quieten down today. We are off at the Rooftop Garden Grill tonight. Last night we wondered by at 7, no one was in there. Overall ship numbers have increased by an extra 60 odd to high 600s I think. It is Captains drinks tonight, so no doubt he will confirm numbers. 
 

Last nights sail away, the superb captain said he would do a 360 pirouette so the whole ship could see the magnificent island of Santorini, which was lovely and we happened to be in the sunset bar at that time which made it even more special. 
 

He then did his standup routine pre (a moving and uplifting)Tree of Life show at 9.30, and had the larger theatre audience rolling in the aisles. He could have his own show with his dry deadpan humour. True Story!

 

We were offered the higher class antigen test pre entry to the UK, (I thought the UK insisted on it) so we are going to take it, and can book it today for the last sea day. I know the Uk govt has a press conference on Thursday announcing where Greece and other countries sit, and if we have to quarantine when we get home, if it moves to Red. Waiting with nerves for that!

 

Casino far busier too, my wife won on ladies night playing the slots with a bottle of TresOr perfume worth about £80. Amazingly I won on Gents night last week a bottle of equally expensive Eau De something from Armani. I’m told it is a very nice and not at all cheap bottle, so that was lucky. Just need to up the ante on the actual cash winnings!

 

Thanks again for all the comments, I appreciate them. 
 

Cheers!

[SireDoime]

Hmm? 😶 I know it's only me, but the Edge class looks like it was designed by a millennial art design student in their first year.

 

That aside, I know the artwork (paintings 🖼 and scultures 🗽) will be awesome 😆. Celebrity ships do have amazing artwork throughout the ships. Sad, that the suites in some cabin categories got smaller. All in all, I may sail this class at some point, maybe when they have lower price deals in about 5 years. 🌚♻️💲

[SireDoime]

On 7/25/2021 at 11:18 AM, ian441672 said:

 

 

 

 

Which cabin is this one? Or is this a public space or private?

[Miaminice]

1 hour ago, SireDoime said:

 

Which cabin is this one? Or is this a public space or private?

 

Retreat Lounge for Suite guests

[CanuckCruizer]

11 hours ago, ian441672 said:

In Rhodes today and fires haven’t stopped the tours, as sad as it is. It is exceptionally hot, 105+. 
 

It is noticeably busier this week, perhaps a more rowdy crowd! L has been very busy for first two days, certainly from 7.45 to 9, with people still coming in at 9, and the third row of tables are being used now for first time, rather than just the window and adjacent tables. Had a good chat with the Maitre D’ (a friendly, efficient Turkish gentleman) and he thinks it will quieten down today. We are off at the Rooftop Garden Grill tonight. Last night we wondered by at 7, no one was in there. Overall ship numbers have increased by an extra 60 odd to high 600s I think. It is Captains drinks tonight, so no doubt he will confirm numbers. 
 

Last nights sail away, the superb captain said he would do a 360 pirouette so the whole ship could see the magnificent island of Santorini, which was lovely and we happened to be in the sunset bar at that time which made it even more special. 
 

He then did his standup routine pre (a moving and uplifting)Tree of Life show at 9.30, and had the larger theatre audience rolling in the aisles. He could have his own show with his dry deadpan humour. True Story!

 

We were offered the higher class antigen test pre entry to the UK, (I thought the UK insisted on it) so we are going to take it, and can book it today for the last sea day. I know the Uk govt has a press conference on Thursday announcing where Greece and other countries sit, and if we have to quarantine when we get home, if it moves to Red. Waiting with nerves for that!

 

Casino far busier too, my wife won on ladies night playing the slots with a bottle of TresOr perfume worth about £80. Amazingly I won on Gents night last week a bottle of equally expensive Eau De something from Armani. I’m told it is a very nice and not at all cheap bottle, so that was lucky. Just need to up the ante on the actual cash winnings!

 

Thanks again for all the comments, I appreciate them. 
 

Cheers!

Hi Ian,

Nice to get a report from you on your 2nd week!  Congrats on the perfume/cologne wins!  

Surprised you were able to get into Rhodes but glad you did & Santorini too.

Do you remember what you had for lunch at Le Bistro - just curious?

Enjoy drinks with the Captain and your Rooftop Garden Grill dinner.

 

Cheers,

Canuck

[nepats1284]

2 hours ago, CanuckCruizer said:

Hi Ian,

Nice to get a report from you on your 2nd week!  Congrats on the perfume/cologne wins!  

Surprised you were able to get into Rhodes but glad you did & Santorini too.

Do you remember what you had for lunch at Le Bistro - just curious?

Enjoy drinks with the Captain and your Rooftop Garden Grill dinner.

 

Cheers,

Canuck

Do you know who the host in the casino is? Thanks!

[ian441672]

10 hours ago, CanuckCruizer said:

Hi Ian,

Nice to get a report from you on your 2nd week!  Congrats on the perfume/cologne wins!  

Surprised you were able to get into Rhodes but glad you did & Santorini too.

Do you remember what you had for lunch at Le Bistro - just curious?

Enjoy drinks with the Captain and your Rooftop Garden Grill dinner.

 

Cheers,

Canuck

Hi

 

Still here! Santorini was lovely with seemingly even better views this time round than 2 years ago when here last. Quiet-ish and mid morning so the perfect time to go. 
 

For lunch I had the terrine to start with. Thick and chunky and tasty. Onion soup was ok, I think I preferred L’s, a bit too much cheese but I wanted to try and compare. I had the tuna baguette after and that was nice. My wife had the steak, not the best of cuts, like a chop and very fatty. She left half of it and even the waitress said that it looked fatty. The Creme brûlée, yes we were greedy, was delish though. Glad we tried it and a nice outlook and ambience but we wouldn’t go again I think. Unless of course it was part of the B2B!

 

Rooftop Grill last night was extremely windy. An amazing sunset, but quite gusty. Dirty fries were lovely to start and some fab pulled pork sliders. I had the fillet and wife had the ribs. Again quite fatty and not what we were used to in the UK. Side dishes were superb, creamed corn and Mac ‘n’ Cheese and dirty rice. Worth going for those alone! Pleasant evening and nice to eat outside but there were a few broken glasses and split drinks along the way from fellow diners, around 8 couples all in all. 
 

Early start in Mykonos and it’s going to be 110 today, with a full tour so will be fun!

[pattibacon]

I’ll be on Apex b2b beginning October 3, then the TA on the 10th - hopefully.  Are the shows spaced out at 7 and 9-ish like on the other X ships?  We usually do the 7:00 show then dinner at 8. We’re not in a suite so will do MDRs.   Planning on doing Eden for my birthday.   So wondering if we are ok with 8:00 or need to do earlier.  Def want to see the Eden show, but may not be able to get there by 9:30.  We’re on Apex again B2B in January/Feb, in a regular balcony the first week, suite the second.  Can’t wait! 

[Poconolady]

 Have really enjoyed following along on this thread. We are on the transatlantic (hopefully) in Oct.  We are thinking about cancelling our week in Madrid and Barcelona precruise and picking up the last last weeks sailing  from Athens on Oct 3. Still have a little  time to decide as there are plenty of cabins available. 

[Steelydad2021]

8 hours ago, ian441672 said:

Hi

 

Still here! Santorini was lovely with seemingly even better views this time round than 2 years ago when here last. Quiet-ish and mid morning so the perfect time to go. 
 

For lunch I had the terrine to start with. Thick and chunky and tasty. Onion soup was ok, I think I preferred L’s, a bit too much cheese but I wanted to try and compare. I had the tuna baguette after and that was nice. My wife had the steak, not the best of cuts, like a chop and very fatty. She left half of it and even the waitress said that it looked fatty. The Creme brûlée, yes we were greedy, was delish though. Glad we tried it and a nice outlook and ambience but we wouldn’t go again I think. Unless of course it was part of the B2B!

 

Rooftop Grill last night was extremely windy. An amazing sunset, but quite gusty. Dirty fries were lovely to start and some fab pulled pork sliders. I had the fillet and wife had the ribs. Again quite fatty and not what we were used to in the UK. Side dishes were superb, creamed corn and Mac ‘n’ Cheese and dirty rice. Worth going for those alone! Pleasant evening and nice to eat outside but there were a few broken glasses and split drinks along the way from fellow diners, around 8 couples all in all. 
 

Early start in Mykonos and it’s going to be 110 today, with a full tour so will be fun!

Hey hey

 

More great insights & pics from Lord Ian (promoted from sir based on these pics) now on B2B back 9 

 

and we are trading 4's musing & cruising the med ... Two against Nature in this brutal heat 😎

 

In awe you ate outside, it was sweet up at the top till that ill wind started blowing.

 

Your photos of Oia (eeeaaah), oh yeah 

 

More please

 

[little britain]

Have they started the €15 boat trip from Fira to Oia yet as the cruise pax numbers are rising ? 

[ian441672]

11 hours ago, pattibacon said:

I’ll be on Apex b2b beginning October 3, then the TA on the 10th - hopefully.  Are the shows spaced out at 7 and 9-ish like on the other X ships?  We usually do the 7:00 show then dinner at 8. We’re not in a suite so will do MDRs.   Planning on doing Eden for my birthday.   So wondering if we are ok with 8:00 or need to do earlier.  Def want to see the Eden show, but may not be able to get there by 9:30.  We’re on Apex again B2B in January/Feb, in a regular balcony the first week, suite the second.  Can’t wait! 

They are only doing one main show in the theatre every night at 9.30 due to current numbers on board. The theatre is around 1/3 full, if that. There are other shows at 10.45, and different times, in Eden and the Club, such as Caravan and that Alice /Wonderland show, plus ‘vignette’ type displays throughout some evenings at Eden from 8.30. Live bands play at various venues throughout the ship. 
 

These times may change as numbers rise on the ship tho I think that is a while off. 

[ian441672]

2 hours ago, Steelydad2021 said:

Hey hey

 

More great insights & pics from Lord Ian (promoted from sir based on these pics) now on B2B back 9 

 

and we are trading 4's musing & cruising the med ... Two against Nature in this brutal heat 😎

 

In awe you ate outside, it was sweet up at the top till that ill wind started blowing.

 

Your photos of Oia (eeeaaah), oh yeah 

 

More please

 

Thanks steelydad!! Yes, quite windy last night, not great fun but still a pleasant evening. So hot today in Mykonos, intense heat and people getting grumpy. Over to Lindos, then walking tour of the main town and then lunch. Rhodes lunch was a far better setting and nicer. 
 

It was bliss and heaven to walk into the cooling and welcoming Retreat lounge upon boarding at 3, just in time for tea. Actually it was champagne. Two glasses. I know. 
 

Thanks for the promotion, trust you are having fun and keeping cool. 
 

Just a couple of abstract photos from the town today. Bit boring but I liked them. 
 

Lord Ian 😉. 
 

 

 

[CanuckCruizer]

Lord Ian! ha  Liked that one, Steelydad.

 

Thanks for the great pics Ian - brings back great memories.  Glad that you were able to enjoy Santorini.

 

Sorry to hear that Le Bistro was not as wonderful as I had heard - that is too bad, but at least the dessert was good.  If we go, I will be sure to avoid the steak on the menu, so thanks for the tip.

 

Hmmm...I was hoping that the wind would not be a problem at Rooftop Garden Grill as supposedly X had taken measures to improve that situation, based on complaints from the Edge - more wind guards put up I think.  Maybe when we are in port somewhere late would be a better time to try it to avoid the wind.  Strange about the broken glass & spilled drinks laying around.

 

Hope you are having a great day today.  With the time difference, I missed your post last night & slept in this morning, so must get caught up on all the news - ha.

 

Cheers,

Canuck

[ian441672]

Well, that’s us almost done. 
 

Lovely day doing the Riviera Coastal tour in Dubrovnik yesterday, nice little scenic stop off for wine and cheese followed by a riviera type town on the coast, very picturesque, finishing in the Old Town again for a 45 minute walk. Back about 3 for some chillin time in the Retreat, bit of tea and fizz and lazing on a super comfy lounge bed till approaching 6. That went quick. Bit of cloud after an early morning 10 minute shower, breaking the heat slightly which was a welcome respite, and made the Dubrovnik tour more manageable!

 

Dinner in Fine Cut, far more that fine. Excellent steak and service and almost 2/3 full. Won $800 on the casino slots so that paid for all our specialty meals and some. Breaking even I guess now, so even better!

 

Lovely sunset last night, seen 3 or 4 scorchers and this is always my favourite. The deck party the night before was a quiet affair with about 20-30 people out and about, we hung around for 20 minutes. 
 

Had the antigen test and they offered us the PCI one as UK travellers and really pushed the thingy up our nose, making my eyes water. 
 

Guiseppe did an interesting hour presentation, Life behind the scenes working on a cruise ship. It was a bit more punchier than that, but was very interesting learning about life in general as a crew member from captain downwards, a bit of his history and behind the scenes information, crew bar, canteen, captains cabin, working for X, where the crew are allowed to dine themselves on board, and so on with Q&A’s.  Interesting, fun and informative. 
 

Lunch in L, before dinner in L, after a last tea in the delightful Retreat lounge, fitting in the packing somewhere in between. 
 

An amazing two weeks, on board a state of the art ship, quirky, adventurous, fascinating, luxurious, enticing and hugely enjoyable. We will miss it and the lovely crew that attended and anticipated our every need. 
 

Early start tomorrow for a 1pm flight, fingers crossed for the lines in Athens and UK that are not too stressful. Whatever happens, it will not diminish a fortnight of memories, sights, sounds and adventures of being on board the Apex. 
 

I will drink to that. Cheers!!

[tompeter]

Thanks for sharing your journey. Wonderful photos....

[bama4cruisin]

Thank you for taking us along!  Fingers crossed that in a couple of months we’ll be in Barcelona preparing to board Apex for the TA.  Your comments and photos have only heightened our anticipation.

[Steelydad2021]

4 hours ago, ian441672 said:

Well, that’s us almost done. 
 

Lovely day doing the Riviera Coastal tour in Dubrovnik yesterday, nice little scenic stop off for wine and cheese followed by a riviera type town on the coast, very picturesque, finishing in the Old Town again for a 45 minute walk. Back about 3 for some chillin time in the Retreat, bit of tea and fizz and lazing on a super comfy lounge bed till approaching 6. That went quick. Bit of cloud after an early morning 10 minute shower, breaking the heat slightly which was a welcome respite, and made the Dubrovnik tour more manageable!

 

Dinner in Fine Cut, far more that fine. Excellent steak and service and almost 2/3 full. Won $800 on the casino slots so that paid for all our specialty meals and some. Breaking even I guess now, so even better!

 

Lovely sunset last night, seen 3 or 4 scorchers and this is always my favourite. The deck party the night before was a quiet affair with about 20-30 people out and about, we hung around for 20 minutes. 
 

Had the antigen test and they offered us the PCI one as UK travellers and really pushed the thingy up our nose, making my eyes water. 
 

Guiseppe did an interesting hour presentation, Life behind the scenes working on a cruise ship. It was a bit more punchier than that, but was very interesting learning about life in general as a crew member from captain downwards, a bit of his history and behind the scenes information, crew bar, canteen, captains cabin, working for X, where the crew are allowed to dine themselves on board, and so on with Q&A’s.  Interesting, fun and informative. 
 

Lunch in L, before dinner in L, after a last tea in the delightful Retreat lounge, fitting in the packing somewhere in between. 
 

An amazing two weeks, on board a state of the art ship, quirky, adventurous, fascinating, luxurious, enticing and hugely enjoyable. We will miss it and the lovely crew that attended and anticipated our every need. 
 

Early start tomorrow for a 1pm flight, fingers crossed for the lines in Athens and UK that are not too stressful. Whatever happens, it will not diminish a fortnight of memories, sights, sounds and adventures of being on board the Apex. 
 

I will drink to that. Cheers!!

Outrageous photos Lord Ian

So outrageous

Captain just announced all but 3-4 passengers tested negative and the others traced with no other positives so ...

 

Safe travels home 

 

Cheers

[CalTexCruiser]

15 minutes ago, Steelydad2021 said:

Outrageous photos Lord Ian

So outrageous

Captain just announced all but 3-4 passengers tested negative and the others traced with no other positives so ...

 

Safe travels home 

 

Cheers

 

Do you know what Celebrity does with those COVID positive passengers--do they send them back home on a private jet like Celebrity does with the Caribbean cruises?

 

Or more worrisome to me, do these passengers get quarantined in an Athens hotel for 2 weeks?

[ian441672]

15 minutes ago, Steelydad2021 said:

Outrageous photos Lord Ian

So outrageous

Captain just announced all but 3-4 passengers tested negative and the others traced with no other positives so ...

 

Safe travels home 

 

Cheers

Oooh, missed that announcement. It’s always a worry the wait…. Shame for those positive but glad it wasn’t us. 
 

Enjoy your special lunch tomorrow at Le Bistro and your second week. I look forward to reading about it from the slightly less comfort of my own home next week, and where the champagne is far less free flowing!

 

Enjoy and thanks all for coming along with me!

 

Take care and safe travels for everyone. 

[Miaminice]

1 hour ago, CalTexCruiser said:

 

Do you know what Celebrity does with those COVID positive passengers--do they send them back home on a private jet like Celebrity does with the Caribbean cruises?

 

Or more worrisome to me, do these passengers get quarantined in an Athens hotel for 2 weeks?

Good question. Greece provided quarantine in hotels and pays for it.

Celebrity does the fly home thing. I guess if people can choose, they’d rather fly home.

[CanuckCruizer]

6 hours ago, ian441672 said:

Well, that’s us almost done. 
 

Lovely day doing the Riviera Coastal tour in Dubrovnik yesterday, nice little scenic stop off for wine and cheese followed by a riviera type town on the coast, very picturesque, finishing in the Old Town again for a 45 minute walk. Back about 3 for some chillin time in the Retreat, bit of tea and fizz and lazing on a super comfy lounge bed till approaching 6. That went quick. Bit of cloud after an early morning 10 minute shower, breaking the heat slightly which was a welcome respite, and made the Dubrovnik tour more manageable!

 

Dinner in Fine Cut, far more that fine. Excellent steak and service and almost 2/3 full. Won $800 on the casino slots so that paid for all our specialty meals and some. Breaking even I guess now, so even better!

 

Lovely sunset last night, seen 3 or 4 scorchers and this is always my favourite. The deck party the night before was a quiet affair with about 20-30 people out and about, we hung around for 20 minutes. 
 

Had the antigen test and they offered us the PCI one as UK travellers and really pushed the thingy up our nose, making my eyes water. 
 

Guiseppe did an interesting hour presentation, Life behind the scenes working on a cruise ship. It was a bit more punchier than that, but was very interesting learning about life in general as a crew member from captain downwards, a bit of his history and behind the scenes information, crew bar, canteen, captains cabin, working for X, where the crew are allowed to dine themselves on board, and so on with Q&A’s.  Interesting, fun and informative. 
 

Lunch in L, before dinner in L, after a last tea in the delightful Retreat lounge, fitting in the packing somewhere in between. 
 

An amazing two weeks, on board a state of the art ship, quirky, adventurous, fascinating, luxurious, enticing and hugely enjoyable. We will miss it and the lovely crew that attended and anticipated our every need. 
 

Early start tomorrow for a 1pm flight, fingers crossed for the lines in Athens and UK that are not too stressful. Whatever happens, it will not diminish a fortnight of memories, sights, sounds and adventures of being on board the Apex. 
 

I will drink to that. Cheers!!

Ian - can't believe it's over already - enjoyed your reports so much!  Glad that you had another lovely dinner in Fine Cut & congrats on the $800 casino win!!  Wishing you safe travels & hope to see you on a ship one day.

Cheers,

Canuck

[CanuckCruizer]

2 hours ago, Steelydad2021 said:

Outrageous photos Lord Ian

So outrageous

Captain just announced all but 3-4 passengers tested negative and the others traced with no other positives so ...

 

Safe travels home 

 

Cheers

Steelydad - didn't realize that you are on for another week - excellent for you & "maybe" good for us too, if you continue to post...lol

 

Sorry to hear that there are some positive cases onboard.  Hope everyone gets home safely.

 

Hope you continue to enjoy the Apex!

 

Cheers,

Canuck