LIVE Suite Review 1/30-2/6: A (Solo) Woman on the Edge

[helen haywood]

I would actually think of another way to let Celebrity know about this incident.  I’m not totally certain negative experiences on the post cruise survey ever go anywhere.  I could go further and say I’m not sure Celebrity ever actually sees them…that maybe another company compiles the information…just my opinion.  I’d send a message via FB or ask Cruise Critic the name and address of an executive with Celebrity you could contact.  This very definitely needs to be acted upon.

[CocoCronut]

I’d agree, better to report something like this, you seem like a very savvy solo traveller, and it made you uncomfortable.
Someone less savvy might have gotten on the bus and ended up in a more confrontational situation…

 

[sirclean]

GenerationX!

I hope that you had a great trip home, and I hope that the change in temperature is not to jarring!  I hope that you didnt get too adjusted to the temperatures in the south!  The news has been showing reports of iguanas falling from the trees in Miami because of the low temperatures, and I bet those are higher than what you find when you get home!  

(Some report the falling iguanas as "Chicken of the Trees!")

 

Thank you for the many reports!  I really enjoyed it and it even prompted me to log into Cruise Critic twice a day to follow your exploits!  I will miss your reports!  

IF you have another trip planned already, please remind me when it is so that I can try to remember to catch your next set of reports!

 

Thanks!

[bunnyette]

I say report the driver.  You sound like someone who can take care of herself and knows how to stay safe.  The next woman he encounters may not be as smart or be very upset.  Those in the tourist and hospitality business usually have impeccable manners.  I’m certain that the tour company does not want someone who hits on their female clients.   

[Barwick Cruiser]

Absolutely agree with previous posters that this man (doesn’t deserve the term gentleman) doesn’t deserve to keep his job with that attitude. There is no place in our society today where this is acceptable behaviour no matter the age. No excuse for what he said to you and how he made you feel. Lots of people would love his job and not abuse that position like he’s doing. Don’t think you’re the first and if nothing is done then you certainly won’t be the last. 

[Jim_Iain]

On 2/5/2022 at 1:18 PM, chamima said:

I have a question that is being asked on another thread.

Do you know how much a bottle of Pelegrino or Perrier (large and small) is if you don't have a drink package?

Thanks!

 

Small Bottle of (8 oz) of San Pellegrino is $3.50 and the Large bottle is $5.50 plus 20% Gratuity

[raudacruise]

As a solo traveler (widow) I say do all the solo ladies a favor and report the man. With no consequences he would never stop being a jerk. Think I would have become extremely upset and refused to board the bus.

[MamaFej]

2 hours ago, GenerationX said:

I’m going back and forth about whether to mention the incident and/or the name of the driver in my post cruise survey.  I know these days some places have a zero tolerance policy for that kind of thing and I would feel badly if an older man lost his job because of me, especially in these tough financial times.  After all, most likely he’s just a harmless older fellow from a different time and perhaps different culture (he spoke with a bit of an accent) where maybe that kind of propositioning while on the job isn’t as frowned upon (if frowned upon at all).

 

Let's be perfectly clear: if the man lost his job, it would absolutely, positively not be because of you. It would be because of the way he chose to behave.

 

If future participants on the tour have a safer experience, it would be because of you, and that is something to be proud of. 

 

I think informing Celebrity is important, and that it is even more important to make sure the tour operator and bus company are informed. 

[PTC DAWG]

Bus driver sounds like a jerk, I would let Celebrity know…as others have said, do it for all the solo Ladies traveling in the future.  

[sjayo]

Five quick observations from later this afternoon.

1. When the crew isn't catering to your needs, they're cleaning -- everything. I don't recall that on any other ship, no doubt due to present circumstance -- I expect this will be the new normal.

2.  The walking/running track was a stroke of genius by the ship's designers!!!   4.5 times around is 1 mile (normally it's 12 times around); and when have you been on an outdoor walking track that goes both uphill and downhill? We're really going to enjoy our long walks without masks on the track in the early morning.

3. The rooftop grill and area where the outdoor big screen TV is located is one of the most pleasant uncrowded areas I've seen outdoors on a ship. We look forward to watching a bit of the olympics out there, and later at night we hope to see the Milky Way and some shooting stars.

4. The Retreat is well worth it -- if for nothing else than the privacy. There were maybe a half dozen people out there this afternoon.

5. As we walk around the ship -- it literally feels empty -- as if we have the ship to ourselves. And, we're discovering gluten free options just about every where we turn.

 

Impressed.

[lori-annk]

GenerationX hope you’re home safe and sound. The bus driver sounds like a letch. He made you uncomfortable, not once. Twice. I agree with everyone else, say something. 

[GenerationX]

Writing to you from first class at 32,000 feet as I sip my last complimentary cocktail and enjoy my last few minutes of being treated like a VIP before I land in my cold, snowy, real life.  

 

As we made our turn over Fort Lauderdale, I was lucky to enough to spend a few seconds watching Edge sail away again in the distance with her next group of lucky passengers.

 

While we’re preparing to land, I wanted to share more about the afternoon of my last sea day.  I think when we last left off I was just sitting down to my second lunch at Le Grand Bistro.  I’d heard people onboard raving about the lobster bisque there so I ordered it followed by the roasted chicken.  The bisque was excellent! I finally found a puff pastry done right onboard in its topping and it had nice big chunks of lobster in it.  The chicken was tender and juicy and a perfect lunch portion. If you get it, I recommend asking your server for a little more of the focaccia bread they serve in the restaurant to sop up the nice garlicky white wine sauce.

 

I had to skip dessert so that I could be on time to my premium wine tasting even (ah, vacation life problems).  Each of the wines we tasted sell on the ship for over $150 a bottle. I always enjoy doing these types of tastings because they let me try several different high end wines and find out which ones I’d invest in to put in our cellar for special occasions and which ones I don’t like enough to spend the big money on.  The wines were paired with a plate of interesting cheeses. My favorites were the super Tuscan and a 1994 port!

 

During the tasting, I met two other younger women solo travelers and when it ended we all went to the shops for a bit together.  This sailing on Edge had more solo travelers than any cruise I’ve been on before. I’d say there must have been at least 2 dozen of us and quite a few of us still in our working professional years (I’ve found on previous cruises my fellow solos tend to trend more towards retirement, lucky, lucky retired people).  

 

Anyway, after a bit of window shopping my new solo friends and I grabbed glasses of champagnes from the martini bar and went to the matinee production show, Kaleidoscope.  The 9pm production show the night before had to be canceled due to technical issues and I’m so glad Celebrity did the matinee so we could see if.  Captain Tasos and his officers even came to support the production crew. The acrobats, music, signing and dancing were all high energy and very entertaining. My new friends and I were dancing in our seats and clapping along the whole time.  I don’t think my back ever touched my seatback the whole time.  If you were in the show with us, my apologies if the particularly spirited group of whippersnappers in center audience was a bit much for a 2:30 show, but the champagne hits us different when there’s a Miley Cyrus cover act going down.  

 

If the show is offered while you’re on Edge,  I definitely recommend going, it’s a great party thrown by some great performers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mchell810]

Looks like they really did give you some great wines at the tasting. The Tignanello is lovely but I can only have it at tastings since my wallet won’t stretch to it (usually 😉🍷). 

[CHEZMARYLOU]

@GenerationX See  Something, Say Something. Age is no excuse and he may run into someone who is not as self aware as you are.  If you were uncomfortable there was a reason.

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise despite this bump in the road.

[KKB]

OMG THANK YOU for sharing your trip! I’m reliving my glorious 2 weeks on the Edge last summer. DH & I week 1, DM & I week 2 (such a blessing…diagnosed with cancer a year ago & her time on earth is very limited now)

Apex scheduled March 12…we shall see…

 

I can SO relate to your uncomfortable tour situation. Vegas is our 1st love & I have gone solo several times. I DELIBERATELY discuss DH to try to avoid such situations, but as u saw, doesn’t always work. PLEASE note that in your review of the cruise. I haven’t cruised solo but HAPPILY would—I just don’t think DH can stand it—especially now that he is retired🤣
 

Well, my cruise sister, take a look at the list & LETS CRUISE! (Baltics May be traded for incredible Infinity deal this summer…)

[ChrisNY2]

6 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Writing to you from first class at 32,000 feet as I sip my last complimentary cocktail and enjoy my last few minutes of being treated like a VIP before I land in my cold, snowy, real life.  

* * *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've had more of those American Airlines first class sandwiches recently that I care to admit - what a letdown after an amazing week of food on the ship! 

 

I've really been enjoying reading your posts - great writing style! 

[whoshwhosh]

As an experienced solo women traveler I agree the bus driver's bad behavior should be reported .  This is certainly not the first time he has tried this behavior. Just a tip for future solo women. Whenever I am not with others, eg. taxi, sightseeing, shopping, dining etc. and someone asks if I am alone. I always say no that my husband or friends are waiting for me or meeting me shortly.  This seems to work well because now it would appear I am not alone and my whereabouts and schedule are known to others. 

One of the things I like most about traveling solo is that fellow travelers are more open to including you in conversation and meeting new friends,  we just have to be more cautious.

[sjayo]

Day in the Bahamas. Sunny and warm -- we're completely thawed out from Chicago.

Anastasiia brought us breakfast this morning, which we had on the balcony. If Celebrity is reading, she is a gem.

 

Dinner last night at Blu. The restaurant was less than half full, and everyone was seated at least one table apart from anyone else. They've clearly thought to enact simple distance protocols. Food was fantastic, and they accommodated a gluten allergy by bringing in an outstanding dish from another restaurant. The raspberry fizzy was great -- it's too bad we don't drink alcohol because we apparently have the premium alcohol package with our suite.

 

It's amazing that some people don't adhere to the mask mandate onboard, and I saw staff at the casino deal calmly with an unruly unmasked passenger yesterday. I don't see what the big deal is -- this is a normal cruise with just fewer people and we wear masks. There are 1,000 onboard -- no reports of any cases yet.

[clochette]

As a woman and mother of 2 daughters, you need to report the driver, he needs to be fired.  I know that you handled it really well, but there could be someone else who does not know how to handle it or get in the bus alone with him and be in an horrible situation.

I am sorry that was part of your experience of such a wonderful cruise.

[GenerationX]

12 hours ago, KKB said:

OMG THANK YOU for sharing your trip! I’m reliving my glorious 2 weeks on the Edge last summer. DH & I week 1, DM & I week 2 (such a blessing…diagnosed with cancer a year ago & her time on earth is very limited now)

Apex scheduled March 12…we shall see…

 

I can SO relate to your uncomfortable tour situation. Vegas is our 1st love & I have gone solo several times. I DELIBERATELY discuss DH to try to avoid such situations, but as u saw, doesn’t always work. PLEASE note that in your review of the cruise. I haven’t cruised solo but HAPPILY would—I just don’t think DH can stand it—especially now that he is retired🤣
 

Well, my cruise sister, take a look at the list & LETS CRUISE! (Baltics May be traded for incredible Infinity deal this summer…)

I’m so sorry to hear about your mother! I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through. You’re so right that the time you had with her onboard and in general being able to make memories with loved ones is such a blessing.  
 

After my March cruise I think my cruise financial and vacation time budgets will require me to take a break till late summer/early fall.  But I plan to start shopping sailing options for then as soon as I’m back from Millennium!  

[peanut head]

20 hours ago, carolyn22 said:

You are spot on!  This wasn’t some guy calling her sweetie or honey or saying “Aren’t you cute.”  His persistent behavior made her uncomfortable and that alone needs to be reported so that he doesn’t do it to other women. If he loses his job, it’s his own fault. 

This isn't even a question.  Do not excuse this behavior.

[39august]

GenX, what was the charge for the Premium Wine tasting, please? I've never done it, but it looks like most of the wines are truly premium. 

[vms]

@GenerationX

Thank you for another fantastic review!!

 

Add me to the list of people who would love a GenX sponsored cruise. I might not be able to swing for the suite life, but your enjoyment of life makes you someone I would enjoy spending time with.

 

Good luck reintegrating into real life.

[sjayo]

Bahamas update.

Safety first: masks are required whether you're inside a building or walking outside. We felt very safe here. We walked to the shops off the ship and picked up a bauble for Sara -- something Bichico. About the only people not wearing masks were people from the various cruise ships that chose not to follow the mask mandate. Not very many people, but enough to get my attention. 

There are still a handful of passengers that are walking around the ship without masks -- not sure exactly what they're thinking.

Had lunch at Le Grande Cafe -- it was superb. They're very accommodating to a gluten allergy and made Sara a fabulous sandwich using gluten free bread obtained elsewhere on the ship. Only two other couples were there for lunch. For me the charcuterie board combined with their fresh french bread was as good as anything I've had in Europe. There's a $20 pp upcharge.

Both of us find the food on this ship significantly better than the food on Oceania ships, which is supposed to be upscale. Hands down, Edge has a significant edge.

 

I hope it's okay I post these here. I've never started a post before so I don't know how to do that -- I was inspired by GenX hoping to help out future passengers.

Jay

 

[kwokpot]

22 hours ago, sjayo said:

Incidentally, the lunch we had at Luminae was fabulous -- and GenX is right, the fries are amazing.

Thank you for your assessments and experiences on the Edge. Since you're in Retreat Class I would like to ask if you can make note of something regarding Luminae. There's another thread on the Celebrity board that discusses the dinner offerings at Luminae. It seems that fleetwide in addition to the normal Luminae dinner menu there's also a Everyday Menu of alternative starters and entrees for someone dining in Luminae and choose from. Some ships there's a separate physical menu presented along with the standard menu, some ships have a separate page within the standard Luminae menu, and some ships the waiter verbally informs you of other starters and entrees are available. It would be great if you can recount what your experiences on your cruise is regarding these alternative dinner choices in Luminae are. Thanks in advance