RETREAT Frustrations

[Gracie115]

1 hour ago, WNcruiser said:

Using that logic an RS in no way compares to a CS. The huge bathroom with separate tub/shower, the separate guest bath, large dining table and unlimited speciality restaurants and bar setup.

 

Isn’t it great we can all make our own choices for what is best for each of us?

 

Well I think that's true...a CS doesn't compare to an RS... but neither does the price..

Edited October 11, 2022 by Gracie115

[canderson]

22 minutes ago, Gracie115 said:

 

Well I think that's true...a CS doesn't compare to an RS... but neither does the price..

Does when you compare what you get.  Here's a Med cruise I was looking at yesterday before booking with Silversea:  18% higher for the RS vs CS.  A good chunk of the difference can be quickly covered by a lot of specialty dining over a 10 night cruise.

 

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

11 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

I truly hope the OP can recover from the lack of bread at a breakfast. 😂

Not necessary….and rude !

I guess you totally missed the point. I will not take my time to explain. 

Edited October 12, 2022 by Bellaggio Cruisers

[canderson]

16 minutes ago, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

I guess you totally missed the point. I will not take my time to explain. 

FWIW, it made sense to me.

[Gracie115]

10 hours ago, canderson said:

Does when you compare what you get.  Here's a Med cruise I was looking at yesterday before booking with Silversea:  18% higher for the RS vs CS.  A good chunk of the difference can be quickly covered by a lot of specialty dining over a 10 night cruise.

 

 

That's true if you enjoy specialty dining, which we haven't since the inception of Luminae.  Having said that usually the price difference is larger on the cruises I have looked at for an RS vs. a CS.  For instance, the CS we have booked for a TA in April 2023 is $3,000 less than the RS. 

 

Enjoy your cruise on Silversea.

[Cap_D]

We did have some service issues with aspects of the Retreat experience, but they were corrected.  Looking back, it's relative convenience by and large what Retreat gets you, as well as maybe more square feet with room. 

 

Most everything can be accomplished, eaten, or seen without being in the Retreat, but one has to be crafty or work at it relatively a bit more. 

 

Complaints generally are when something that should be easy, or would be an issue regardless, occurs. Cold toast or no toast is a valid issue with or without a host, and with any dining experience.   Presumably that will happen at times in Retreat just as it happens on land.   The frustration is valid, and too many issues and annoyances can cause someone to question the benefit of the extra costs.  (Like asking Retreat, premium all you can drink cruisers, to pay for a scoop of gelato that tastes just like the included ice cream product.).

 

For us traveling with a child, the Celebrity Suite configuration is a rare room among many lines and ships due to the ability to enclose the bedroom and still have lights on, tv, etc.  We don't need a full second room, or equivalent to a family room, for our child as they are not at the age where it would matter, but we do need some ability to do anything before retiring for the evening (we can switch them out to the pull out).  A curtain like most cruise lines use doesn't do it.  We did like the see through bathroom in the sky suite, but the separate space at night is more important to us than the daylight while brushing teeth. So glad the CS config exists.  The more ship tour videos one watches the more one realizes it is a unique thing to have a separate bed area with walls.

 

We found the retreat host to be helpful so we could continue on with whatever we wanted to do while they did whatever it was requested, including following up on requests of other departments, etc. 

 

They also were in many ways a human version of the services one could request by phone or app, without having to navigate that process or listen to VMs.  

 

The Luminae maitre'd is critical to the entire dining experience too, and they also troubleshoot. 

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

43 minutes ago, Cap_D said:

We did have some service issues with aspects of the Retreat experience, but they were corrected.  Looking back, it's relative convenience by and large what Retreat gets you, as well as maybe more square feet with room. 

 

Most everything can be accomplished, eaten, or seen without being in the Retreat, but one has to be crafty or work at it relatively a bit more. 

 

Complaints generally are when something that should be easy, or would be an issue regardless, occurs. Cold toast or no toast is a valid issue with or without a host, and with any dining experience.   Presumably that will happen at times in Retreat just as it happens on land.   The frustration is valid, and too many issues and annoyances can cause someone to question the benefit of the extra costs.  (Like asking Retreat, premium all you can drink cruisers, to pay for a scoop of gelato that tastes just like the included ice cream product.).

 

For us traveling with a child, the Celebrity Suite configuration is a rare room among many lines and ships due to the ability to enclose the bedroom and still have lights on, tv, etc.  We don't need a full second room, or equivalent to a family room, for our child as they are not at the age where it would matter, but we do need some ability to do anything before retiring for the evening (we can switch them out to the pull out).  A curtain like most cruise lines use doesn't do it.  We did like the see through bathroom in the sky suite, but the separate space at night is more important to us than the daylight while brushing teeth. So glad the CS config exists.  The more ship tour videos one watches the more one realizes it is a unique thing to have a separate bed area with walls.

 

We found the retreat host to be helpful so we could continue on with whatever we wanted to do while they did whatever it was requested, including following up on requests of other departments, etc. 

 

They also were in many ways a human version of the services one could request by phone or app, without having to navigate that process or listen to VMs.  

 

The Luminae maitre'd is critical to the entire dining experience too, and they also troubleshoot. 

Excellent…well written.

sheila

[Oceangoer2]

On 10/11/2022 at 9:53 PM, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

Not necessary….and rude !

I guess you totally missed the point. I will not take my time to explain. 

You just gave an example which was harmless and not necessary to comment on. ...but most likely poster was joking.  BTW...we enjoyed an SS1 in 2019....didn't use the butler once as we're happy to fend for ourselves and considered he was busy with other suites...BUT....there's no doubt they like to attend to their guests and I'm reading they are a little disappointed when not asked to assist.  We're back in an SS this November and would like to oblige.    I bring a tablecloth each cruise for breakfast set up (flamers can comment here....😉).  Any suggestions for some things the butler might help us with?

[PTC DAWG]

On 10/11/2022 at 9:53 PM, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

Not necessary….and rude !

I guess you totally missed the point. I will not take my time to explain. 

I see the sarcasm was lost on you…sail on. 

[SusieAV8R]

On 10/11/2022 at 7:10 PM, Gracie115 said:

 

Well I think that's true...a CS doesn't compare to an RS... but neither does the price..

 

10 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

I see the sarcasm was lost on you…sail on. 

 We are all adults, which means we can each decide what is important. For  one person, a separate shower, without slipping/falling out of a tub/shower may be important. Maybe being on a certain deck is important..  Maybe having a larger suite & veranda is important. Maybe having a bar setup and unlimited speciality dining is important.  Maybe having more "unofficial" perks arising from the RS is important.  For M-class, there are 8 celebrity suites ( decks 6, 8, & 9) and 8 royal suites (only only on dec k 6) On S-class , 12 Celebrity & 8 RS. (Law of supply & demand).

[chisoxfan]

On 10/11/2022 at 9:54 AM, PTC DAWG said:

I truly hope the OP can recover from the lack of bread at a breakfast. 😂

Kudos on your response. Thanks for bringing things down to earth. The few times we have had a butler on board we were somewhat uncomfortable and really felt it was unnecessary.  I am sure the posters butler at home will not dare to make the same mistake😁

[Oceangoer2]

On 10/11/2022 at 10:54 AM, PTC DAWG said:

I truly hope the OP can recover from the lack of bread at a breakfast. 😂

If you re-read the comment, it wasn't the 'lack of bread' but the defensive response  "you forgot to order it"? Some can't pass on the opportunity to inject their particular attempt at humour which may come off as rude.  I'm surprised the comment wasn't "let them eat cake".

Edited October 20, 2022 by Oceangoer2

[Jim_Iain]

On 10/10/2022 at 8:19 PM, 4-2-N-8 said:

Booked an Edge Villa on Beyond for a 7-night Caribbean cruise in a few months and same Edge Villa for an 11-night Mediterranean cruise over the summer.

 

Don't need or want attention of a "butler" or Retreat Host for anything pretentious. No need to parade me anywhere. I am pretty good with directions and communicating on my own.

 

Having said this, please, fetching drinks will do fine. And at regular intervals.

 

Can I count on a "butler" (or someone  else) to deliver drinks?

 

It's sometimes the simple things that matter most. 🙂

 

While a butler will  deliver a drink. I don't believe it is covered under the drink package and you might be charged regular rate for it. 

 

On the other hand the butlers do have a degree of discretion and may well do it for you if he is able to. 

[chisoxfan]

23 hours ago, Oceangoer2 said:

If you re-read the comment, it wasn't the 'lack of bread' but the defensive response  "you forgot to order it"? Some can't pass on the opportunity to inject their particular attempt at humour which may come off as rude.  I'm surprised the comment wasn't "let them eat cake".

Irrespective of the nuances regarding the 'improper' response due to missing an order of toast I personally would be most reluctant to bring this to the attention of management. I have been pretty upset with many things over 40 years of travel but at the end of the day, unless some egregious act was committed, I do not see the virtue in causing a working stiff direct job grief (which I am sure will be the outcome from a complaint to management). If I did feel it warranted (because I am not proud of it but have been known to get upset over some minor things) I would address the individual directly, express my concerns, and tell him this will not be carried up the line. Maybe the butler just broke up with his girlfriend or has a sick child at home (thousands of miles away), and his performance has drifted or maybe he is ill suited for the job in which case he will be replaced (or promoted to CEO)but I can only imagine reporting dissatisfaction late in the cruise probably helps no one. Ultimately one can elect to leave no tip.

Don't mean to come off as a working class hero (which I am not) but I do get frustrated that so much of the substandard service in the world is a direct result of management who control things and not the workers who are thrust into the system. JMHO

[danceswithphones]

On 10/10/2022 at 9:03 AM, DaKahuna said:

Hilario out "personal retreat host", was amazing.

Just got off the Beyond (Edge Villa). We considered ourselves fortunate to have Hilario as our butler. He anticipated our every need and walked us to specialty dining every evening. Even sang for us one night. He made sure we had cookies every afternoon. A real class act. 

[NJ Gal]

20 minutes ago, danceswithphones said:

Just got off the Beyond (Edge Villa). We considered ourselves fortunate to have Hilario as our butler. He anticipated our every need and walked us to specialty dining every evening. Even sang for us one night. He made sure we had cookies every afternoon. A real class act. 

Yes, Hilario is wonderful.  We also had him as our butler on the Beyond.

 

[morpheusofthesea]

On 10/10/2022 at 11:19 PM, 4-2-N-8 said:

 

It's sometimes the simple things that matter most.

We felt the same way the first time we had a suite with a butler, until..... I wanted the furniture changed on the balcony to accommodate a lounger instead of chair and foot stool.  The wifi service in the cabin was terrible, posters replied they had same problem in same cabin, had to go across hall to library to get on-line. Told butler of problem, he boosted the signal to the cabin. Booked a cruise 48 hrs before departure at full tariff only to get on board with no perks (no wifi, no beverage package, no gratuities, no OBC), went to concierge and all they could do was add everything just mentioned to our shipboard account at full prices. (DW thought I booked cruise only, called me a cheapskate in front of pretty concierge). Asked butler what deck, Guest Services ? Asked me why ? Said there will be a very long line at Guest Services, it was embarkation day,  please allow me to escort you around the long line to a purser directly. It is just the little details that your butler becomes a 'genie' granting your every desire.

[danceswithphones]

3 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

It is just the little details that your butler becomes a 'genie' granting your every desire.

The door to our verandah (Edge Villa) was stuck. Butler got maintenance right on it. It took three guys but they had it working by sail-away. Verandah was awesome. Darn near lived in the plunge pool. The butler can make or break a cruise. By the way, Starlink wifi was outstanding on the Beyond. 

[morpheusofthesea]

31 minutes ago, danceswithphones said:

40 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

 

The door to our verandah (Edge Villa) was stuck

Yes. I made the mistake of locking the veranda door when we left the cabin. When we returned I forgot to unlock the door before pushing the button to open the door and the electric motor shut down from overload. Told butler and it was fixed when we returned from dinner. Also although a super cabin we would not book any villa again. I enjoy an overhang and shade on any veranda. Luggage access is ONLY  delivered to the lower floor not the bedroom where MOST of all the the drawers and closets are located. This butler saw my DW's 12 suitcases and disappeared for the remainder of the cruise. Lucky I had no problems other than having to carry all DW's suitcases up the stairs myself. (And then down again at the end).

Edited November 16, 2022 by morpheusofthesea

[wineoclock]

Butlers are human at the end of the day. They work long hours. Small mistakes are bound to happen at times. 

[jmdlv1]

On 10/10/2022 at 10:03 AM, DaKahuna said:

On our last cruise, Hilario out "personal retreat host", was amazing.  Just as an example, he saw us as we were talking toward our room after coming back from being ashore and stopped to talk with us.  He asked about our day and what our plans were.  We mentioned getting a quick bite to eat, it was lunch time, and he ask if we would like a turkey club sandiwch.  We both said yes.  He told us to go wait in our rooms and he would bring them to us right away. 

Not 15 minutes later he was back with sandwiches, fries (still hot), and the drinks we ordered.  He set them up on our balcony and we had a wonder lunch.  

 

Hilario was our butler on the Beyond repo cruise out of Port Liberty.

I agree that he was fantastic.

Second night in the theater , I sat back too fast and caught the pocket of my dress slacks on the drink holder resulting in a six in tear on the seam.

Next morning ,I asked him what the chances were to get them repaired by the end of the trip.

 

 

He said he would take care of it.

The pants were repaired and hanging in the suite by 2pm that afternoon.

Very happy with his service.

BTW we loved the way he answered the phone with his sing song "Hilario the Butler".

We were in a CS 11105.

[padgman1]

On 11/15/2022 at 7:26 PM, morpheusofthesea said:

Yes. I made the mistake of locking the veranda door when we left the cabin. When we returned I forgot to unlock the door before pushing the button to open the door and the electric motor shut down from overload. Told butler and it was fixed when we returned from dinner. Also although a super cabin we would not book any villa again. I enjoy an overhang and shade on any veranda. Luggage access is ONLY  delivered to the lower floor not the bedroom where MOST of all the the drawers and closets are located. This butler saw my DW's 12 suitcases and disappeared for the remainder of the cruise. Lucky I had no problems other than having to carry all DW's suitcases up the stairs myself. (And then down again at the end).

Sorry, but I have to ask….

 

How long was your cruise?

How many suitcases did YOU bring?

[SusieAV8R]

On 10/11/2022 at 7:10 PM, Gracie115 said:

 

Well I think that's true...a CS doesn't compare to an RS... but neither does the price..

Precisely!

[George C]

On 10/11/2022 at 6:10 PM, Gracie115 said:

 

Well I think that's true...a CS doesn't compare to an RS... but neither does the price..

We only did one CS on a M class and I didn’t care for that at all hated the balcony which we didn’t use, i would rather just book a sky suite , have not tried CS on the other Celebrity classes. 

[SusieAV8R]

6 minutes ago, George C said:

We only did one CS on a M class and I didn’t care for that at all hated the balcony which we didn’t use, i would rather just book a sky suite , have not tried CS on the other Celebrity classes. 

 

6 minutes ago, George C said:

We only did one CS on a M class and I didn’t care for that at all hated the balcony which we didn’t use, i would rather just book a sky suite , have not tried CS on the other Celebrity classes. 

So X, on M class, has found a way to please lots of folk.  If Paz want a separate bedroom, it's preferable to cruise in a CS; if that's not important, SS probably works. DH and I love the separated bedroom/living area because he is an early riser so he can go into another room and not disturb me. 🙂