M&J’s Sort of Live 10/9 EDGE Eastern + Sky Suite

[Susanb10567]

Following along…

 

Bon Voyage!

 

We had a great time in a sky suite on the Edge in July and are booked again in February and September..

 

 

[M&JfromSDL]

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the ship;  a martini at the Martini Bar, sail away out on the Retreat sun deck, then dinner at Luminae. 

Alright time for some food pics! The staff in the restaurant are all excellent and dinner was well-paced.  

Edited October 10, 2021 by M&JfromSDL

[M&JfromSDL]

 

 

Scallop Crudo

 

Short rib

 

Veal Cannelloni

 

NY Strip Steak

 

Daniel Boulud Signature Dessert

 

The rest of our evening consisted the comedy show and visit to the casino.  We wrapped up with a nightcap in the Retreat Lounge and then to bed. We almost made it to midnight. 

[M&JfromSDL]

Sunday - October 10th - Nassau

Our host rang us up around 9 to let us know breakfast was on the way. 
 

 

 

 

We opted to stay on the ship and enjoy the Retreat.

[M&JfromSDL]

We lounged around on the pool swings and eventually ordered up some lunch. We finished just in time for it to pour. 
 

The rest of the afternoon was crummy weather wise. We sat on the balcony for a bit and between the motion, the rain and ocean sounds, I needed a nap. 
 

 

 

[M&JfromSDL]

The nap was wonderful.  I’m really glad I got some sleep because I was able to enjoy the evening. In fact, we made it past midnight for the first time in a long time.  
 

Tonight was evening chic. I wore a button down dress shirt and slacks.  I did see a gentleman in a tuxedo.  We ran across a couple dressed casually in Luminae for dinner but it sounds like the crew said something to them about the dress code. 
 

Anyway, we had ‘happy hour’ at the Martini Bar. My Elderflower martini was really great and my wife enjoyed her tangerine and thyme.
 

   
 

I’m happy to report dinner in Luminae lived up to what you all said it was. The first night was just okay. 
 

Our server brought over a nice a amuse bouche. It was like a soft, silky caprese salad. 
 

 

I started with the signature carrot veloute. 

 

 

My entree was the Potato Mezzaluna Pasta which I forgot to photograph.  
 

We are celebrating our anniversary on the cruise. So in addition to the wonderful dessert we ordered, the crew presented us with another incredible dessert. 

 

 

 

We couldn’t finish it all so we took the extra dessert back to the cabin. As we walked up to the cabin door we noticed the door was sort of open and it was our assistant host decorating and leaving another dessert for us!  Such a nice surprise!

 

 

We changed into more comfortable clothes then hit the casino for a bit. 

[M&JfromSDL]

Oh and I’m happy to report, the late night pizza is great!  
 

 

Edited October 11, 2021 by M&JfromSDL

[M&JfromSDL]

Monday - October 11th - at Sea

 

I’m all caught up. This should get a little more ‘live’ now. 
 

I had a crazy few days at work ahead of vacation. So unfortunately I didn’t get a pedicure

before we left.  Someone posted the prices for a gentleman’s mani/pedi and it was similar to what I might pay at home. I called yesterday and booked one for 8am. 
 

It was an early wake up but well worth it. I was impressed with the space. Our past spa experiences the room feels like a cave. This was much different. I could look out at the water the entire time. It was really relaxing.
 

 

 

Afterwards we checked out the solarium cafe for smoothies. They have a nice little selection of healthy bites for breakfast and the smoothie was pretty good too.  
 

 

 

 

 

[M&JfromSDL]

After a walk around the ship exploring some of the areas we haven’t visited we settled in the Retreat Lounge.  I am updating this thread and the Mrs. is reviewing dinner menus for the rest of the week. 

The crew in the Retreat couldn’t be nicer and more accommodating. 
 

We initially planned to do lunch at Le Grand Bistro but switched it to Wednesday. Lunch today will be at Luminae. 
 

Current situation…

 

[Oceangoer2]

On 10/10/2021 at 9:42 AM, M&JfromSDL said:

I mentioned earlier that we stayed at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Overall I was impressed with the hotel. The rooms were recently upgraded and the lobby is almost done.
 

 

 

 

The hotel also features a nice pool area with an outdoor restaurant and bar. 
 

 

You can’t beat the location. Our Uber to the port was $12 and took 10minutes. We selected an upgraded high floor, water view room.  I got to dork out and watch all of the ship traffic over the two days we were there.

 

 The standard rooms are in lower wings without much of a view.

 

 

Hilton Marina pool....Lovely and still the same;  Lobby....SO different.  We've stayed many times pre cruise and happy with the hotel even before renovation. Always stayed facing the cruise ships on upper floor as well...view is fantastic from the balcony.  Hopefully you were happy with the room reno?  Had to cancel our Nov. cruise...was looking forward to seeing the complete hotel reno.  Next year for sure.

[M&JfromSDL]

1 minute ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Hilton Marina pool....Lovely and still the same;  Lobby....SO different.  We've stayed many times pre cruise and happy with the hotel even before renovation. Always stayed facing the cruise ships on upper floor as well...view is fantastic from the balcony.  Hopefully you were happy with the room reno?  Had to cancel our Nov. cruise...was looking forward to seeing the complete hotel reno.  Next year for sure.

Yep!  Very happy with the hotel. The room was fresh and clean. The new lobby will be great when it opens. There are a couple of nice gathering areas in the new lobby. 

 

Sorry to hear you had to cancel. We’ve had a few false starts as well. Pick a place, make reservations, a few weeks go by, and we have to cancel for one reason or another. 

[susiesan]

When you were in Nassau, were people able to get off the ship on their own or limited to Celebrity excursions only? Inquiring minds want to know for our future cruise stops there later in the year.

[LGW59]

30 minutes ago, susiesan said:

When you were in Nassau, were people able to get off the ship on their own or limited to Celebrity excursions only? Inquiring minds want to know for our future cruise stops there later in the year.

this question was answered for you yesterday and you acknowledged the response that they were able to get off the ship and explore on their own.  Just sayin...

[susiesan]

12 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

this question was answered for you yesterday and you acknowledged the response that they were able to get off the ship and explore on their own.  Just sayin...

That was someone else who answered my question, not M&J. I wasn't paying much attention to which Celebrity ship the person was on, apparently he/she is also on Edge.

[M&JfromSDL]

51 minutes ago, susiesan said:

When you were in Nassau, were people able to get off the ship on their own or limited to Celebrity excursions only? Inquiring minds want to know for our future cruise stops there later in the year.

You needed to be on a Celebrity Excursion for Nassau; on your own in St. Thomas and St. Maarten.  

[susiesan]

The other person was on the Equinox not Edge. Very odd that Celebrity has different rules for different ships.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

@M&JfromSDL Did you find the pedicure on line to book prior to your cruise?  I've been looking but nothing listed and don't want to take a chance on them being available.

[M&JfromSDL]

7 minutes ago, CHEZMARYLOU said:

@M&JfromSDL Did you find the pedicure on line to book prior to your cruise?  I've been looking but nothing listed and don't want to take a chance on them being available.

I don’t remember it being in the cruise planner. I booked it onboard. I called yesterday afternoon and they could have taken me the same day at 630pm; they had this morning at 8:00 and 12:00 available. 

[LGW59]

1 hour ago, M&JfromSDL said:

I don’t remember it being in the cruise planner. I booked it onboard. I called yesterday afternoon and they could have taken me the same day at 630pm; they had this morning at 8:00 and 12:00 available. 

Really enjoying your blog.  I especially like the perspective from you and your wife’s age demographic!  Enjoy your cruise and I will enjoy following along.

[loge23]

Happy Anniversary M&JfromSDL!

Thank you for posting the great pix of your cruise.

The pictures from (I believe) the first night of dining ( the short ribs, and strip steak) were terrific, yet your comment was "just OK". What am I missing there?

Also, how casual was the couple that may have gotten a "what for" from the staff?

We're sailing on 10/23 and don't do formal anymore on any line, but we will be neat - your description of a button-down shirt and slacks will work for me, albeit a "Tommy Bahama" type of shirt. 

Enjoy the cruise and thanks for sharing!

[CruiserFromSC]

4 hours ago, M&JfromSDL said:

After a walk around the ship exploring some of the areas we haven’t visited we settled in the Retreat Lounge.  I am updating this thread and the Mrs. is reviewing dinner menus for the rest of the week. 

The crew in the Retreat couldn’t be nicer and more accommodating. 
 

We initially planned to do lunch at Le Grand Bistro but switched it to Wednesday. Lunch today will be at Luminae. 
 

Current situation…

 

If you have an opportunity, could you post some pictures of the seating in the Retreat?  The last ship we were on that was revolutionized had “munchkin” chairs.  But if this chair in your pic is from the Retreat, it looks much more comfortable.  Thanks so much.  Our first cruise on the Edge (and an Edge class ship) is in January!

[M&JfromSDL]

52 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Really enjoying your blog.  I especially like the perspective from you and your wife’s age demographic!  Enjoy your cruise and I will enjoy following along.

Thank you for following along and commenting!  
 

36 minutes ago, loge23 said:

Happy Anniversary M&JfromSDL!

Thank you for posting the great pix of your cruise.

The pictures from (I believe) the first night of dining ( the short ribs, and strip steak) were terrific, yet your comment was "just OK". What am I missing there?

Also, how casual was the couple that may have gotten a "what for" from the staff?

We're sailing on 10/23 and don't do formal anymore on any line, but we will be neat - your description of a button-down shirt and slacks will work for me, albeit a "Tommy Bahama" type of shirt. 

Enjoy the cruise and thanks for sharing!

 

Of course!  Thanks for following along and commenting. I’m trying to keep a positive tone. Dinner the first night was not great. The appetizer had an occasional fishy taste and my beef was well past over cooked.  I was disappointed at first but dinner last night and lunch today were excellent!  So I’ll write it off to an off night and keep moving forward. 
 

Tommy Bahama resort wear is the going attire on this cruise.  You’ll be fine. 

 

15 minutes ago, CruiserFromSC said:

If you have an opportunity, could you post some pictures of the seating in the Retreat?  The last ship we were on that was revolutionized had “munchkin” chairs.  But if this chair in your pic is from the Retreat, it looks much more comfortable.  Thanks so much.  Our first cruise on the Edge (and an Edge class ship) is in January!

Sure!  I plan to put a photo tour of the Retreat sun deck and lounge together. Hopefully I can get my 360 degree camera to work and give you a real tour. 

[M&JfromSDL]

Lunch at Luminae was so good today!  We usually eat dinner after sunset so it was nice to enjoy the view.
 

I have to say one of my favorite things about this ship is the connection to the sea. You can see it from almost everywhere. It’s nothing like the Oasis class ships. I love it!  
 

 

‘Fresh from Tokyo’ cocktail

 

Parsnip Soup

 

Vegetable Pancit

 
 

After lunch we parked on the sun deck and caught a few Zzzzz’s. The swings over the pool are my favorite spot so far. 

[hiccups]

We’re onboard, too, in an IV cabin.  Interested to hear about your experience!

 

One thing that’s surprised me is unless I’ve missed seeing more shops, there’s only one that has the typical items I expect, like alcohol, makeup, sundries and branded merchandise.  I guess the space is dedicated to the pricey stores.

 

Have you heard what the occupancy is?

 

The Martini Bar seems to be the popular spot—we’ve had trouble getting a table for a before-dinner drink.  The wait staff is super busy!

 

We also celebrated our anniversary yesterday, and they brought us a huge square of the chocolate cake.  We’d already had dessert, so they brought it to our room via room service and we had some of it for breakfast.

Edited October 11, 2021 by hiccups

[M&JfromSDL]

9 minutes ago, hiccups said:

We’re onboard, too, in an IV cabin.  Interested to hear about your experience!

 

One thing that’s surprised me is unless I’ve missed seeing more shops, there’s only one that has the typical items I expect, like alcohol, makeup, sundries and branded merchandise.  I guess the space is dedicated to the pricey stores.

 

Have you heard what the occupancy is?

 

The Martini Bar seems to be the popular spot—we’ve had trouble getting a table for a before-dinner drink.  The wait staff is super busy!

 

We also celebrated our anniversary yesterday, and they brought us a huge square of the chocolate cake.  We’d already had dessert, so they brought it to our room via room service and we had some of it for breakfast.

Happy Anniversary!  I heard occupancy is 1001 this week. I hear you on the shops. I left my belt at home and was hoping I could grab one onboard but I guess not.