Live from Celebrity Edge (3/27 - 4/3)

[mac_tlc]

16 hours ago, KKB said:

Will miss your TR!

Have you done Nachi Cochum before? It's our fav!

Thanks ! I’ll be chiming in now and again, so follow along!

We have probably done Nachi 8-10 times. It’s our go-to in Coz. We will hopefully grab that corner table on the pool deck! 
 

mac_tlc

[zaxanon6]

1 hour ago, dpemd said:

Could you post on whether there is a specialty dining discount on the first night? If there is, what are the details? Thanks

I called reservations and they said there's a 20% discount for any of the specialty restaurants on the first night.

[zaxanon6]

1 hour ago, dpemd said:

 

 

Edited March 27, 2022 by zaxanon6
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[zaxanon6]

Coming onboard was pretty smooth. We left our hotel around 10:10 on a shared shuttle to the port ($8pp). The shuttle dropped its other 4 passengers at Allure before heading to Terminal 25. A very kind porter chatted with us and told us exactly where we needed to go and what we needed to do while he pulled our bags over to the bag drop near the entrance. We showed our documentation at the door, took the elevator to the security checkpoint, and then headed into the Retreat waiting area where all of our documentation was scanned. We were seated and waiting to board by about 10:35. I'll write more about first impressions of boarding and the waiting area later.

 

Just after 11a, we were cleared to board the ship. We dropped our bags in the room, and met our stateroom attendant and personal retreat host. Both gentlemen seem lovely and very helpful. (Our stateroom attendant later came by to help open our sparkling wine without putting a hole in anything - I busted my finger the last time I tried it by myself, so we got professional assistance today.)

 

We stopped at our muster station before heading to lunch in Luminae, which was more than half full by ~11:45. Seems like almost all of the Retreat wanted to maximize time on the ship today. We then toured the spa and the Retreat areas before heading back to our stateroom to unpack while enjoying our wine and the view. 😊

 

It is very hard not to constantly compare this experience to the Retreat on Summit last November. I hope this doesn't come across as too negative, and it's only Day 1, but I just want to share some impressions for anyone considering either ship class.

- While the Retreat waiting area in Port Everglades is definitely newer and larger than the one in Miami, I don't think it's better. Summit's concierge met new arrivals in the waiting area and walked us onboard, happily answering questions the whole way. We met some new friends while waiting outside the terminal before we could go in (none of us minded the wait, though the crew was extremely apologetic). Today at terminal 25, the lounge was running out of seats by 10:30a, the seating is not set up on a way to encourage conversations between parties, and the crew was so busy with new arrivals that they'd basically just scan and run. Maybe someone who arrived earlier this morning (or after the initial rush) can share their impressions? The waiting area felt cold, and I don't mean the temperature. My mother commented that "the place did nothing for [her]" and she would have preferred the main waiting area instead.

- I agree with those who say Luminae on Edge doesn't have an intimate feel like M-class. It's a gorgeous restaurant and the service at lunch was great, but it's significantly bigger than Luminae on Summit. I'm not complaining, it's just different (and may surprise you, depending on what you're expecting).

- There are several kids onboard (and in the Retreat). Again, this is not a complaint, just an observation. Not as many as Christmas, but more than any other Celebrity cruise I've been on. I assume it's the time of year. The schedule in the app lists several activities for kids every day (also more than any other X cruise I've been on), some of which sound fun even for adults!

 

We're looking forward to sail away in a bit. 😊

Edited March 27, 2022 by zaxanon6

[zaxanon6]

 

 

 

 

[DaKahuna]

Bon Voyage 

 

[terrydtx]

I am following we have 12 nights on the Apex in a Sky Suite next year from Amsterdam to Athens and 39 nights on the Edge in another SS in 2024 cruising New Zealand, Australia and then wherever the Edge goes to reposition after Australia. Have a great cruise.

[mac_tlc]

We boarded today too. Got to the retreat boarding area about 11:30 and it was almost empty, plenty of seats. My wife requested a wheelchair to help her up the gangway and it appeared in about 10 minutes. We were in our room by 12:00 and in Luminae around 12:20. It was very busy. We saw no kids in July or October on Edge or in January on Apex. Definitely more now.

 

In retreat lounge now at 5:40 and still probably only 15 folks in here.

 

mac_tlc

Edited March 27, 2022 by mac_tlc

[as3369]

54 minutes ago, mac_tlc said:

We boarded today too. Got to the retreat boarding area about 11:30 and it was almost empty, plenty of seats. My wife requested a wheelchair to help her up the gangway and it appeared in about 10 minutes. We were in our room by 12:00 and in Luminae around 12:20. It was very busy. We saw no kids in July or October on Edge or in January on Apex. Definitely more now.

 

In retreat lounge now at 5:40 and still probably only 15 folks in here.

 

mac_tlc

Since it's Spring Break Season, I would expect more kids.  We try to avoid summer or holiday sailings for a quieter experience.  Happy Sailing!

[terrydtx]

1 minute ago, as3369 said:

Since it's Spring Break Season, I would expect more kids.  We try to avoid summer or holiday sailings for a quieter experience.  Happy Sailing!

This is probably the last week of Spring Break, ours in Texas was over the last 2 weeks depending on school district.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

6 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

This is probably the last week of Spring Break, ours in Texas was over the last 2 weeks depending on school district.

 

NYC's isn't until 4/15 and the following week.

[zaxanon6]

So... We missed most of the sail out of the port while at the spa raffle 😑 Will not try that again. But we got a gorgeous view just after leaving with a HAL ship coming out behind us.

 

In the pre-departure announcements, the cruise director shared that we are just under half capacity (~1400). The Captain assured us that he'll be fully transparent if there are any COVID developments onboard. I really hope there's nothing to tell. It feels very pre-pandemic with the exception that the crew is still masked and they're still giving out masks and hand sanitizer. We are allowed to go off on our own in all ports, but they have some form of mask requirement, plus Bahamas and Grand Cayman require or recommend having proof of vaccination for locations ashore.

 

Dinner in Luminae was wonderful. We hope we can get the same waiter again. Right off the bat, he explained that the menu mostly changed each day, but they have the Daniel Boulud specials and some classic dishes (such as shrimp cocktail, French onion soup, salmon, filet mignon, creme brulee, cheesecake, etc.) every night. Tonight, for appetizers, the short ribs were incredibly tender and the turkey and escarole soup was so flavorful. For the entree, the Moroccan chicken with za'atar was amazing. All of these gave me ideas for cooking experiments to try when I get home.

 

There's a comedian later tonight and maybe I'll do a little stargazing. Tomorrow is Nassau, but we're staying onboard. G'night all.

[zaxanon6]

 

 

 

Edited March 27, 2022 by zaxanon6

[zaxanon6]

Good morning from Nassau. We were the first ship here, with Carnival and MSC close behind.

 

Our waiter last night valiantly attempted to convince us to come back to Luminae for breakfast, but we can only have their delicious French toast so many times per cruise if we want our clothes to still fit for the trip home. Since we have massage appointments this morning, we went to the Spa Cafe for breakfast. Wheat bagel with peanut butter, banana slices, blueberries, and apple slivers totally hit the spot. Also tried the Purple Rain fresh pressed juice; for those who don't like very sweet juices, I highly recommend it. And there were only a handful of people in the solarium at 8:30, so it was a very peaceful breakfast with a beautiful view.

 

Some pictures from wandering the nearly-empty pool deck last night:

 

 

 

 

 

[terrydtx]

Love you pictures from last night.

[peanut head]

On 3/27/2022 at 1:30 PM, zaxanon6 said:

 

 

 

 

Where does the circular staircase lead to in the 3rd photo?

[zaxanon6]

37 minutes ago, peanut head said:

Where does the circular staircase lead to in the 3rd photo?

That is the staircase in the spa lobby that leads to the gym. I love the design.

[lizinindy]

Don’t forget to ask for the chocolate sphere dessert on fancy night. It’s not on the menu…(at least on the Apex a couple weeks ago) but they’ll bring it to you. A flaming fun delicious dessert!

And definitely find a cinnamon roll or, even better, a sticky bun for breakfast (can be found in the AM in the retreat lounge or at Cafe al Bacio)

[shay1]

Enjoying hearing about your wonderful cruise! We sail on the Edge April 10 for our first time on this class ship. Can't wait. 

[zaxanon6]

After enjoying our spa appointments this morning, we had lunch at Oceanview. As always, the Indian selections were delicious. We then relaxed in our room for a while before enjoying the colorful swinging chairs in Eden, an origami class, and afternoon tea in the Retreat Lounge.

 

The Hallway of No Explanation

 

Eden

 

 

 

Eden Outside Deck

 

After departing Nassau, we started getting ready for dinner. It's evening chic night #1, and I'm sad I didn't see the advice above about dessert before we went to dinner. Hopefully it'll be there for night #2. We decided to check out the show, which was supposed to be 'Colors of Life' but they had some safety-related technical difficulties during afternoon practice, so the entertainment team pivoted and performed 'Kaleidoscope' earlier in the cruise than they were supposed to. They were very good performers, though the show itself could use a little work. Several people got up and walked out mid-show. After the show, we watched the last bit of the sunset and stargazed from the Retreat Sundeck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow is a sea day and we're gaining an hour overnight (yay for extra sleep). G'night.

 

[peyeet]

Great review so far! Might also be doing a Sky Suite on an Edge class later this Spring so this is definitely useful for me

[terrydtx]

35 minutes ago, zaxanon6 said:

After enjoying our spa appointments this morning, we had lunch at Oceanview. As always, the Indian selections were delicious. We then relaxed in our room for a while before enjoying the colorful swinging chairs in Eden, an origami class, and afternoon tea in the Retreat Lounge.

 

The Hallway of No Explanation

 

Eden

 

 

 

Eden Outside Deck

 

After departing Nassau, we started getting ready for dinner. It's evening chic night #1, and I'm sad I didn't see the advice above about dessert before we went to dinner. Hopefully it'll be there for night #2. We decided to check out the show, which was supposed to be 'Colors of Life' but they had some safety-related technical difficulties during afternoon practice, so the entertainment team pivoted and performed 'Kaleidoscope' earlier in the cruise than they were supposed to. They were very good performers, though the show itself could use a little work. Several people got up and walked out mid-show. After the show, we watched the last bit of the sunset and stargazed from the Retreat Sundeck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow is a sea day and we're gaining an hour overnight (yay for extra sleep). G'night.

 

Just curious, what was the meat dish in the picture above?  I do not remember seeing anything like that on the Luminae menu last year.

[zaxanon6]

56 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

Just curious, what was the meat dish in the picture above?  I do not remember seeing anything like that on the Luminae menu last year.

That was a grilled rib eye steak with vegetables and brown butter bearnaise. I mistakenly ordered medium, thinking it was like a filet, but should have said medium rare. The center was pink but the rest was very well done. It tasted good, though.

[terrydtx]

7 hours ago, zaxanon6 said:

That was a grilled rib eye steak with vegetables and brown butter bearnaise. I mistakenly ordered medium, thinking it was like a filet, but should have said medium rare. The center was pink but the rest was very well done. It tasted good, though.

I remember seeing that on the menu now, just had no idea that is what it looked like. The night it was on our menu we had dinner in Murano. I will have to try it on the Reflection in August. I was not too impressed with Murano and that steak looks better than what we had that night. Murano food was good but the service not close to Luminae. We ordered the Herb crusted rack of lamb and a couple of nights later it was on the Luminae menu and much better than the  Murano version.

Edited March 29, 2022 by terrydtx

[zaxanon6]

Good morning!

It's been a great morning at sea. We started the day with a visit to the gym, followed by a 'tour of Edge' for breakfast - we started at the Spa Cafe but the muffins were like sandpaper, so then decided to try Eden Cafe. We found some good items there (bear claw and cinnamon roll), and really enjoyed sitting outside to eat. There are cozy little spots hidden all over this ship that are very nice to hang out in. We also peeked at at the breakfast offerings in the Retreat Lounge, which looked delicious but we didn't need more food. We're planning to have lunch at Le Grand Bistro after an appointment with Future Cruises. ☺️

 

Our personal retreat host (PRH) and stateroom attendant are fantastic. Our PRH seems to always be in the hall when we're returning to the room and opens the door for us. Our attendant just came in with a maintenance man and we were initially very confused why. Then he pointed out the stool in the bathroom was making noise as the ship constantly rocks back and forth. I had noticed that within minutes of leaving Port Everglades and shoved a empty soap box under a leg to make it stop. Problem solved. But he noticed the box today and immediately went to get someone to fix it. We try to be low maintenance, but very much appreciate how the crew takes care of the passengers.

 

Some other notes about the Sky Suite:

- We LOVE having the beds facing out to the water. We leave the curtains open all the time and wake up to the view of the ocean.
- There's plenty of storage space for 2 people between the closet, drawers under the TV, and drawers/shelves around the safe.
- The bathroom is ridiculous. Bigger than either of ours at home. The shower door swings both in and out so you don't get water dripping all over the floor after a shower. I wish the light in the W/C was on a separate switch, but that's a tiny thing.
- This is the first X ship I've been on where the Captain's announcements actually play through a speaker in the cabin. It's very nice not to have to scramble to turn on the TV.
- If we're out on the balcony, there's no wifi signal unless the sliding door is cracked open.
- If you're a light sleeper, bring ear plugs. The bathroom sinks are right behind your head when in bed. Also, because of the constant motion (more than any M or S class ship we've ever been on), there's sometimes cracks and pops in the walls or floor and hangers rattling in the closet.