Zenith back in the Retreat

[Sam.Seattle]

 So much talk about the lounge being crowded or not?  IMHO the Retreat Pool area is way too crowded.  The chair hogs are back in full force and my recent experience is that no one enforces not saving chairs. 

 

The Luminae is pretty much at capacity.   The lounge experience is actually a little underwhelming in my opinion.  Eden offers a great lounge experience that I will take over the Retreat hands down.

 

Without knowing how many Zenith folks are on the average cruise, I think the real issue is the large number of suites on the Edge class ships have diluted the small ship within a ship experience.  

 

Maybe the Beyond will feel less crowded with the additional retreat space.  55% larger area. 

 

Someone mentioned a "Zenith Lounge"... That would be a nice perk for them.

 

Cheers!

🍹

[misterkevin]

6 hours ago, Sam.Seattle said:

Maybe the Beyond will feel less crowded with the additional retreat space.  55% larger area. 

With more space, the Beyond Retreat may feel less crowded. It looks as if there will only be 3 more suites on the Beyond including the new Aqua Class Sky Suites which have the option of eating in Blu, despite having an double occupancy capacity of 350 more passengers.

 

 

	INFINITY/M	EQUINOX/S	REFLECTION/S	EDGE	BEYOND
STATEROOMS	1111	1456	1549	1467	1646
SUITES	56	68	111	176	179
AQUA CLASS	107	130	150	106	104
OCCUPANCY	2170	2852	3030	2918	3260
STAFF	999	1290	1293	1320	1400
Pas/Crew	2.17	2.21	2.34	2.21	2.33
% Suites	5%	5%	7%	12%	11%
% Aqua	10%	9%	10%	7%	6%
% Aqua & Suite	15%	14%	17%	19%	17%

[Jim_Iain]

8 hours ago, TeeRick said:

No, more recent.

I think you are referring to Obama

[canderson]

4 hours ago, misterkevin said:

With more space, the Beyond Retreat may feel less crowded. It looks as if there will only be 3 more suites on the Beyond including the new Aqua Class Sky Suites which have the option of eating in Blu, despite having an double occupancy capacity of 350 more passengers.

 

 

	INFINITY/M	EQUINOX/S	REFLECTION/S	EDGE	BEYOND
STATEROOMS	1111	1456	1549	1467	1646
SUITES	56	68	111	176	179
AQUA CLASS	107	130	150	106	104
OCCUPANCY	2170	2852	3030	2918	3260
STAFF	999	1290	1293	1320	1400
Pas/Crew	2.17	2.21	2.34	2.21	2.33
% Suites	5%	5%	7%	12%	11%
% Aqua	10%	9%	10%	7%	6%
% Aqua & Suite	15%	14%	17%	19%	17%

Indeed.  Note the increase in suites from Equinox to Reflection, both S class ships.  63% more suites on Reflection.

 

Granted, none of these deck plans are 100% to scale, and the furniture layout is never real, but in this particular area, the overall available area is pretty close since the lifeboat stations act as markers:

 

On the left, you see Michael's on the Solstice.  On the right, Reflection.  Slightly less square footage on Reflection (look carefully on the right), 63% more suites on Reflection.

 

[Sam.Seattle]

6 hours ago, misterkevin said:

With more space, the Beyond Retreat may feel less crowded. It looks as if there will only be 3 more suites on the Beyond including the new Aqua Class Sky Suites which have the option of eating in Blu, despite having an double occupancy capacity of 350 more passengers.

 

 

	INFINITY/M	EQUINOX/S	REFLECTION/S	EDGE	BEYOND
STATEROOMS	1111	1456	1549	1467	1646
SUITES	56	68	111	176	179
AQUA CLASS	107	130	150	106	104
OCCUPANCY	2170	2852	3030	2918	3260
STAFF	999	1290	1293	1320	1400
Pas/Crew	2.17	2.21	2.34	2.21	2.33
% Suites	5%	5%	7%	12%	11%
% Aqua	10%	9%	10%	7%	6%
% Aqua & Suite	15%	14%	17%	19%	17%

Thanks Misterkevin!  Great stats.  Now I guess I better book a trip on the Beyond to test the numbers vs. reality.

Cheers,

🍸

[canderson]

Looks like the illustration didn't post for #179, above...

[TeeRick]

14 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I think you are referring to Obama

Yes bingo!  You win a prize.  A free premium drink within your drink package limits next cruise.

[tomcruiser1234]

Earthquake news. Hold the presses. 

 

I am not sure if this has been reported yet but officially  Zenith are again allowed in the retreat lounge.  

 

However not in the sun deck area 

 

lol

 

 

 

 

[omeinv]

1 hour ago, tomcruiser1234 said:

Earthquake news. Hold the presses. 

 

I am not sure if this has been reported yet but officially  Zenith are again allowed in the retreat lounge.  

 

However not in the sun deck area 

 

lol

 

 

 

 

That's good news.  Do you perhaps have a source?

 

Thanks,

 

Harris

Denver, CO

[mac_tlc]

I'll share our experience from Edge last week. We went to the Lounge almost every day, usually around 5:15 to 6:00, for a pre-dinner drink and some chips. I didn't do a roll call but I bet the maximum number of folks in the Retreat Lounge while we were there was about 15. I went up for breakfast early one day and there was no one else there. Plenty of room for some Z's.

 

We went to the sundeck one day, late morning and there were hardly any chairs available, certainly none that had any piece of shade. Almost every time we have been to the sundeck over the last 4 E-class cruises, the pool has more people in it than the Solarium (which is in the shade). Granted the sailing was at 50% while suites were probably 90%+. 

 

I counted the number of available seats in the Lounge and its around 125, give or take a few. 

 

For us, we enjoy the lounge, but given the crowds and lack of shade, we will skip the sundeck and head to the Solarium.

 

mac_tlc

[Northern Aurora]

@tomcruiser1234:  I am also curious about the source.  We haven't received an email.

[Covepointcruiser]

Bad timing if this is true.   The transatlantic sailings tend to have the most Zenith passengers so the Retreat lounges will be super crowded.   Social distancing will be impossible.

[Straughn]

1 hour ago, mac_tlc said:

I'll share our experience from Edge last week. We went to the Lounge almost every day, usually around 5:15 to 6:00, for a pre-dinner drink and some chips. I didn't do a roll call but I bet the maximum number of folks in the Retreat Lounge while we were there was about 15. I went up for breakfast early one day and there was no one else there. Plenty of room for some Z's.

 

We went to the sundeck one day, late morning and there were hardly any chairs available, certainly none that had any piece of shade. Almost every time we have been to the sundeck over the last 4 E-class cruises, the pool has more people in it than the Solarium (which is in the shade). Granted the sailing was at 50% while suites were probably 90%+. 

 

I counted the number of available seats in the Lounge and its around 125, give or take a few. 

 

For us, we enjoy the lounge, but given the crowds and lack of shade, we will skip the sundeck and head to the Solarium.

 

mac_tlc

Your Retreat Lounge experience mirrors mine in January.  I was in a SS and, by luck, some friends were on the same cruise, also in a suite. We met several times for drinks, in the Retreat Lounge. The place was about 10% full at, what most would consider, prime pre-dinner cocktail hour. I don’t know if those who were there were suite guests or Zenith. It didn’t matter as there was A LOT of available space. 
 

I don’t utilize the Retreat sundeck on any sort of a regular basis. The one day I went up for lunch and a Margarita, I had no issue getting a table. The seats in the sun were all taken, the pool was empty, and the hot tub looked pretty full to me.

 

Luminae was always full at lunch and dinner, which made it noisy. It felt more like a large restaurant dining room than a nice fine dining experience.

 

 

Edited April 6, 2022 by Straughn

[Oville]

12 minutes ago, Straughn said:

Your Retreat Lounge experience mirrors mine in January.  I was in a SS and, by luck, some friends were on the same cruise, also in a suite. We met several times for drinks, in the Retreat Lounge. The place was about 10% full at, what most would consider, prime pre-dinner cocktail hour. I don’t know if those who were there were suite guests or Zenith. It didn’t matter as there was A LOT of available space. 
 

I don’t utilize the Retreat sundeck on any sort of a regular basis. The one day I went up for lunch and a Margarita, I had no issue getting a table. The seats in the sun were all taken, the pool was empty, and the hot tub looked pretty full to me.

 

Luminae was always full at lunch and dinner, which made it noisy. It felt more like a large restaurant dining room than a nice fine dining experience.

 

 

What’s considered “prime pre-dinner cocktail hour”.  Thanks

[fstuff1]

7 hours ago, tomcruiser1234 said:

Earthquake news. Hold the presses. 

 

I am not sure if this has been reported yet but officially  Zenith are again allowed in the retreat lounge.  

 

However not in the sun deck area 

 

lol

 

does that mean Sapphire casino tier holders (and above)  are also allowed back into the Retreat?

[WestLakeGirl]

I think this is a false rumor…..no Zentih retreat access is in effect or coming in the future

[tomcruiser1234]

17 hours ago, omeinv said:

That's good news.  Do you perhaps have a source?

 

Thanks,

 

Harris

Denver, CO

Yes, just got our Zenith package 😊 and in the package it gives you the list of current perks. 

 

 

[tomcruiser1234]

Zenith Package gives you all the exceptions very specific, indicating Zenith not allowed on sun deck area but the retreat lounge or old Michaels club is included. 

 

Thanks. 

[SailAway78]

Hopefully this improves the body of the message from Andrea Shey this morning. 

When we returned to service last June, we limited access to The Retreat Lounge to only those members staying in The Retreat to manage capacity and keep our guests, crew and the communities we visit safe. As the levels of Covid cases have come down we have been able to ease certain protocols like mask mandates and social distancing and many of you have reached out to ask whether this benefit will be reinstated.

While our intention was to make this temporary, what we are seeing now is that Covid changed our guests’ behavior. Guests are booking The Retreat at much higher rates than they ever have before. Our sailings are not yet back to full capacity, but we continue to be at capacity in The Retreat. And while we no longer need to practice social distancing, we do need to prioritize space in The Retreat for those guests booking The Retreat. Given the current number of Zenith members, projected Zenith member growth rates and the varying level of members on board a given sailing, unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer this benefit going forward unless you have booked in The Retreat. The Retreat is truly an unparalleled vacation experience that rivals any high-end resort and I hope you will consider it for your next cruise.

We also have a few benefits we are pleased to be able to add back at this time. First, Zenith members can now enjoy Flexible Arrival on embarkation day and check in at the terminal up to 1 hour before your 30-minute arrival window, or one hour after, within the embarkation window. And we will be launching new events in the coming months for Elite members and above including a special loyalty luncheon. Zenith members will have reserved seating and special access at these events.

Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see on board very soon.

 

Edited April 7, 2022 by SailAway78

[WestLakeGirl]

20 minutes ago, tomcruiser1234 said:

Zenith Package gives you all the exceptions very specific, indicating Zenith not allowed on sun deck area but the retreat lounge or old Michaels club is included. 

 

Thanks. 

Hate to say it but I think they never updated the paperwork you got with your package

[TrueCruiseaholic]

Zenith access has been removed for good. Too many Zeniths booking suites.

 

Sad for the frequent cruisers I know with 200+ Celebrity cruises who are younger guests. Celebrity prefers Suite guests to loyal guests. The bottom line always wins out.

[Mark_K]

On 3/1/2022 at 5:16 PM, WestLakeGirl said:

What is a Zephyr?

A gentle breeze. 

[Roel94]

On 3/22/2022 at 10:35 AM, Sam.Seattle said:

 So much talk about the lounge being crowded or not?  IMHO the Retreat Pool area is way too crowded.  The chair hogs are back in full force and my recent experience is that no one enforces not saving chairs. 

 

The Luminae is pretty much at capacity.   The lounge experience is actually a little underwhelming in my opinion.  Eden offers a great lounge experience that I will take over the Retreat hands down.

 

Without knowing how many Zenith folks are on the average cruise, I think the real issue is the large number of suites on the Edge class ships have diluted the small ship within a ship experience.  

 

Maybe the Beyond will feel less crowded with the additional retreat space.  55% larger area. 

 

Someone mentioned a "Zenith Lounge"... That would be a nice perk for them.

 

Cheers!

🍹

I got on March 19th and still on. The pool area is over crowded. Finally got to use the hot tub alone.  
watch a couple use six towels to set up two lounge chairs including covering the pillows. Never saw them again but in pool. I see others leave chair and gone for well over an hour. It was very hard to find a sun bed on a port day. Yesterday I went to the spa area and read and used steam rooms.

we have the smell problem at indoor pool too.

 

as far as the lounge goes I never go for a drink before dinner.I stop in on way to cabin in my robe. My cabin to far away to make a special trip.

 

onky had one dinner and one lunch on turn around day. Overcooked fish.

I eat in any resturant plus  the buffet at night.

 

I do know there are like 6 or 8 Zeniths this cruise and I think like 12 for Easter.  Should of stayed longer  as  I thought the crossing was sooner but not for two weeks.

 

n

[Orator]

1 hour ago, SailAway78 said:

Hopefully this improves the body of the message from Andrea Shey this morning. 

When we returned to service last June, we limited access to The Retreat Lounge to only those members staying in The Retreat to manage capacity and keep our guests, crew and the communities we visit safe. As the levels of Covid cases have come down we have been able to ease certain protocols like mask mandates and social distancing and many of you have reached out to ask whether this benefit will be reinstated.

While our intention was to make this temporary, what we are seeing now is that Covid changed our guests’ behavior. Guests are booking The Retreat at much higher rates than they ever have before. Our sailings are not yet back to full capacity, but we continue to be at capacity in The Retreat. And while we no longer need to practice social distancing, we do need to prioritize space in The Retreat for those guests booking The Retreat. Given the current number of Zenith members, projected Zenith member growth rates and the varying level of members on board a given sailing, unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer this benefit going forward unless you have booked in The Retreat. The Retreat is truly an unparalleled vacation experience that rivals any high-end resort and I hope you will consider it for your next cruise.

We also have a few benefits we are pleased to be able to add back at this time. First, Zenith members can now enjoy Flexible Arrival on embarkation day and check in at the terminal up to 1 hour before your 30-minute arrival window, or one hour after, within the embarkation window. And we will be launching new events in the coming months for Elite members and above including a special loyalty luncheon. Zenith members will have reserved seating and special access at these events.

Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see on board very soon.

 

I received the email that The Retreat will no longer be a Zenith benefit. I’ve booked Viking Neptune for the December TA.

[67Miner]

1 hour ago, SailAway78 said:

Hopefully this improves the body of the message from Andrea Shey this morning. 

When we returned to service last June, we limited access to The Retreat Lounge to only those members staying in The Retreat to manage capacity and keep our guests, crew and the communities we visit safe. As the levels of Covid cases have come down we have been able to ease certain protocols like mask mandates and social distancing and many of you have reached out to ask whether this benefit will be reinstated.

While our intention was to make this temporary, what we are seeing now is that Covid changed our guests’ behavior. Guests are booking The Retreat at much higher rates than they ever have before. Our sailings are not yet back to full capacity, but we continue to be at capacity in The Retreat. And while we no longer need to practice social distancing, we do need to prioritize space in The Retreat for those guests booking The Retreat. Given the current number of Zenith members, projected Zenith member growth rates and the varying level of members on board a given sailing, unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer this benefit going forward unless you have booked in The Retreat. The Retreat is truly an unparalleled vacation experience that rivals any high-end resort and I hope you will consider it for your next cruise.

We also have a few benefits we are pleased to be able to add back at this time. First, Zenith members can now enjoy Flexible Arrival on embarkation day and check in at the terminal up to 1 hour before your 30-minute arrival window, or one hour after, within the embarkation window. And we will be launching new events in the coming months for Elite members and above including a special loyalty luncheon. Zenith members will have reserved seating and special access at these events.

Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see on board very soon.