Retreat suite levels

[Gordoncruickshank]

3 hours ago, chemmo said:

To be perfectly honest when we finally get around to booking E class (next two cruises on S again) we might look at a Sky Suite with a decent veranda and spend the money saved on speciality dining. Edge Villa not suitable for anyone mobility challenged (which we are) and Iconic Suite is beyond what we are willing and able to pay. 
 

As with all room choices you simply have to decide what is important to you individually. From what I have seen and read from CC and feedback from personal friends I know the RS and PH would not suite us as well as the S class equivalents. Much as we usually enjoy the higher suite experience we would forgo the RS/PH perks for a room with a decent balcony!

We have done one cruise on the Edge in February 2020 and we decided that we didn't like the balconies on the CS and RS and booked one of the Sky suites at the rear corner. They have a huge balcony and worked well for us other than not quite having the same storage as the other suites. The only problem if there are mobility issues is that they are at the rear and Luminae is at the front. 

 

We found that while we liked the experience that it was not the same as on the S class ships. Luminae and the lounge are bigger and it was harder to relate to the concierges (who were all very nice but you always got a different one every time you wanted to ask something).

 

The experience moving from there to the Silhouette on the second part of our B2B was night and day.

 

I suspect that we done to us being in the PH but the concierges and the retreat manager were all over us. I am sure our butler had everyone on the ship letting him know where we were and when we came back on the ship or when we were on the retreat sundeck or into the lounge. He probably sussed out that we always, after a trip on shore, went straight to the sun deck for a drink. 

[Gordoncruickshank]

12 hours ago, George C said:

I did celebrity suite once on infinity and wasn’t impressed disliked there balcony, we either book sky or royal suite , royal and above gives you free specialty restaurants, two liter bottles of liquor of your choice and a bottle of champagne. Did move up from sky to penthouse last year on edge and that was amazing.

If we are doing a CS it is on an S class and we have a preference for cabins 1110 or 1233 which have the much larger balconies. We don't really like those on the deck above as they have more overhang. On the other CS cabins on deck 10 have balconies that, if you take into account the amount of space the tub in the RS takes up, are similar to the useable RS balcony.

 

We are in 1110 in 3 weeks time, unless we get a positive result from our MoveUp bids for either a RS or a PH (neither of which are currently available).

[flviking]

We have done Sky Suites and CS. Won a move up to RS on Edge earlier this year. Night and day. We had the best service and care ever. The crew do keep track of you. Every time we went to a specialty restaurant the Luminae maitre' d somehow came by to check on us. Butler took care of anything we requested. We had our own little Super Bowl watch party in our suite with the butler bringing food from two specialty restaurants.  We love Luminae so we have always booked lower level suites as they are much more affordable. After the experience we booked a RS for our November cruise.  Whatever suite you are in will be a great experience. 

[wineoclock]

45 minutes ago, flviking said:

We have done Sky Suites and CS. Won a move up to RS on Edge earlier this year. Night and day. We had the best service and care ever. The crew do keep track of you. Every time we went to a specialty restaurant the Luminae maitre' d somehow came by to check on us. Butler took care of anything we requested. We had our own little Super Bowl watch party in our suite with the butler bringing food from two specialty restaurants.  We love Luminae so we have always booked lower level suites as they are much more affordable. After the experience we booked a RS for our November cruise.  Whatever suite you are in will be a great experience. 

We have been in PH or equivalent our previous cruises so will be interesting to see the difference with our upcoming CS experience. 

[flviking]

1 hour ago, Gordoncruickshank said:

If we are doing a CS it is on an S class and we have a preference for cabins 1110 or 1233 which have the much larger balconies. We don't really like those on the deck above as they have more overhang. On the other CS cabins on deck 10 have balconies that, if you take into account the amount of space the tub in the RS takes up, are similar to the useable RS balcony.

 

We are in 1110 in 3 weeks time, unless we get a positive result from our MoveUp bids for either a RS or a PH (neither of which are currently available).

We were in 1110 on Silhouette. Really liked the deep balcony and especially the ability to see forward sue to the balcony angle.

We were in an RS on Edge. While the balcony is basically halved we liked having the living room go to the edge of the ship with the floor to ceiling windows on the days it was cool for us Floridians to be out in the breeze.

[chemmo]

5 hours ago, Gordoncruickshank said:

If we are doing a CS it is on an S class and we have a preference for cabins 1110 or 1233 which have the much larger balconies. We don't really like those on the deck above as they have more overhang. On the other CS cabins on deck 10 have balconies that, if you take into account the amount of space the tub in the RS takes up, are similar to the useable RS balcony.

 

We are in 1110 in 3 weeks time, unless we get a positive result from our MoveUp bids for either a RS or a PH (neither of which are currently available).

I was so hoping our cancellation had resulted in a ‘bonus’ for you! 

[Mark_K]

22 hours ago, danceswithphones said:

RS and above are considered 'upper suites". We book that level because we like to dine in the room. Embarkation is nice. We've always been escorted directly to Michael's. 

Technically Signature Suites and above, but since they’re only Reflection, they often get overlooked.

[canderson]

Will be curious to see how our 'hybrid' suite experience works on Reflection in a few weeks.  We are in a RS.  Daughter and SIL are in an aft corner SS on a different deck.  The reservations are linked.  They've had no shoreside contact yet, so I've been working reservations for all 4 of us through my shoreside concierge.  

 

It will be interesting to see what their onboard experience is when they're on their own and when they're with us.

 

 

Edited September 15, 2022 by canderson

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

13 minutes ago, canderson said:

Will be curious to see how our 'hybrid' suite experience works on Reflection in a few weeks.  We are in a RS.  Daughter and SIL are in an aft corner SS on a different deck.  The reservations are linked.  They've had no shoreside contact yet, so I've been working reservations for all 4 of us through my shoreside concierge.  

 

It will be interesting to see what their onboard experience is when they're on their own and when they're with us.

 

 

I think the demarcation for amenities is clear from Celebrity's website. I am booked on two forthcoming cruises on Beyond - both the very same Edge Villa - one in the Caribbean, one in Eastern Mediterranean. I hope the value add at this level doesn't leave anything to be desired.

 

My SO and I like now the idea of a larger ship with access to more options, which is why we are trying Celebrity versus the smaller luxury lines (super nice, but smaller subset of options while onboard).

 

Though a bit more in cost than their other rooms, looking forward to seeing if Celebrity lives up to the hype for their Retreat.

 

Anyone have Edge Villa experience?

[Gordoncruickshank]

56 minutes ago, chemmo said:

I was so hoping our cancellation had resulted in a ‘bonus’ for you! 

The cabin stayed available for a couple of weeks after you cancellled and disappeared for a while. It reappeared on sale for a day at the start of last week and disappeared again. You never quite know when these things happen what is going on. I will let you know if we end up there but failing one of the bids 1110 will do us perfectly well. I have made a couple of restaurant bookings which will get credited back to our account if we get a R/S or PH

 

[canderson]

10 minutes ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

I think the demarcation for amenities is clear from Celebrity's website.

It wasn't the amenities to which I referred ... it was the general experience ... more the intangibles like special invitations which are sometimes afforded to RS and above guests, and, to be honest, a certain higher level of attention paid by crew and staff.  Will be an interesting comparison.

[samplecd02]

4 hours ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

I think the demarcation for amenities is clear from Celebrity's website. I am booked on two forthcoming cruises on Beyond - both the very same Edge Villa - one in the Caribbean, one in Eastern Mediterranean. I hope the value add at this level doesn't leave anything to be desired.

 

My SO and I like now the idea of a larger ship with access to more options, which is why we are trying Celebrity versus the smaller luxury lines (super nice, but smaller subset of options while onboard).

 

Though a bit more in cost than their other rooms, looking forward to seeing if Celebrity lives up to the hype for their Retreat.

 

Anyone have Edge Villa experience?

I was just off the Apex in an Edge Villa. You will be spoiled. Our butler took us to dinner every night. One night we had a little get together and he provided wine and snacks. Even with the poor weather we had in the British Isles being able to be in our own little hot tub (plunge pool) was a real treat. Everyone seemed to know our name and welcome us wherever we went. 
Only bad side is now I am spoiled and dont know if I could ever go down from an Edge Villa. 😁

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

52 minutes ago, samplecd02 said:

I was just off the Apex in an Edge Villa. You will be spoiled. Our butler took us to dinner every night. One night we had a little get together and he provided wine and snacks. Even with the poor weather we had in the British Isles being able to be in our own little hot tub (plunge pool) was a real treat. Everyone seemed to know our name and welcome us wherever we went. 
Only bad side is now I am spoiled and dont know if I could ever go down from an Edge Villa. 😁

Very much appreciate your observations.

 

Celebrity appears to have hit a home run with these staterooms. Pricing places them competitive to the smaller luxury lines, but they attracted me because of the broader range of options only found on a larger ship.

 

Giving them a try.

[JFontaine]

7 hours ago, 4-2-N-8 said:I think the demarcation for amenities is clear from Celebrity's website. I

 

Anyone have Edge Villa experience?

Oh yes. They're a great suite. Compares very favorably to the M class Penthouse in terms of comfort. I've also been on small luxury ships (including suites with a washer dryer) and I love this suite. In terms of suite experience,  it really depends on your particular staff. Enjoy!!

[SusieAV8R]

21 hours ago, George C said:

I believe that has a staircase which would stop me from booking that . 

Yes, the Edge Villa does indeed have a staircase from main floor to "bedroom" level..  And rather than two sinks (mine & thine) in the  master bathroom, there is a bathroom with a single sink on the "bedroom level" bathroom and a bathroom with a singe single sink on the main floor.

[bjahil47]

7 hours ago, canderson said:

Will be curious to see how our 'hybrid' suite experience works on Reflection in a few weeks.  We are in a RS.  Daughter and SIL are in an aft corner SS on a different deck.  The reservations are linked.  They've had no shoreside contact yet, so I've been working reservations for all 4 of us through my shoreside concierge.  

 

It will be interesting to see what their onboard experience is when they're on their own and when they're with us.

 

 

We have been in a SS 6 times and never been contacted by shoreside concierge before a cruise

[chemmo]

9 hours ago, canderson said:

It wasn't the amenities to which I referred ... it was the general experience ... more the intangibles like special invitations which are sometimes afforded to RS and above guests, and, to be honest, a certain higher level of attention paid by crew and staff.  Will be an interesting comparison.

I think several of those invitations may still be quite restricted at present. The bridge tours and invites to dine with the Captain or another officer don’t seem to have recently been reported. Helipad sail aways are usually for all suite guests.

 

In our pre covid experience we were always were invited to dine with the Captain when in the PH and sometimes invited to dine with the Captain or another officer when in a RS in Europe and Australia. In the Caribbean (Reflection and Equinox) they had a different pattern of last sea day all higher suite guests being invited to a Bridge Tour and then a lunch with the Captain and several officers in Blu. Jim and Iain recently reported the Zenith lunch had returned (very similar) on Summit so hopefully some of these higher suite treats are being reintroduced.

 

We do feel we get ‘special attention’ at the speciality restaurants but I think that is often because we are ‘regulars’ rather than in a RS or PH! They do listen when we suggest our preferred dining spot and have sometimes offered to make us things off menu.
 

I do suggest that you make sure that the concierge knows you are travelling as a party and if you do receive an invite the rest of your family doesn’t always worth asking if it is possible for them to join you….

 

Sincere best wishes for a fantastic cruise!

Edited September 16, 2022 by chemmo

[morfred]

2 hours ago, bjahil47 said:

We have been in a SS 6 times and never been contacted by shoreside concierge before a cruise

And you won't. This is primarily for RS and PH.

[wineoclock]

We too wouldn’t be able to book an EV as I can’t do stairs very easily. It’s a shame as would have loved to try & one accessible EV would have had me hammering at the door! 

[danceswithphones]

10 hours ago, SusieAV8R said:

Yes, the Edge Villa does indeed have a staircase from main floor to "bedroom" level.

We intend to simply use the elevators to change floors. That door on Deck 16 is a bit heavy but it is intended to be a sea door. There's a little patio just outside the Deck 16 door on the Beyond. Looks comfortable and I don't recall them being there on the other E-class ships. Worst case, we can have the couch made into a downstairs bed. Worth a little inconvenience to have that balcony. Photo shows the Deck 16 door and patio for 15104 on the Beyond. 

 

[bjahil47]

8 hours ago, morfred said:

And you won't. This is primarily for RS and PH.

Correct.  I was just stating that to the poster who stated her daughter was in SS and not contacted yet by shoreside concierge.  Although I did just get an email asking me my preferences for our upcoming cruise in a SS.  

[jagoffee]

1 hour ago, danceswithphones said:

We intend to simply use the elevators to change floors. That door on Deck 16 is a bit heavy but it is intended to be a sea door. There's a little patio just outside the Deck 16 door on the Beyond. Looks comfortable and I don't recall them being there on the other E-class ships. Worst case, we can have the couch made into a downstairs bed. Worth a little inconvenience to have that balcony. Photo shows the Deck 16 door and patio for 15104 on the Beyond. 

 

Technically you are correct, but IMO it would not be very practical to use the elevator as the major method of moving from one level to the other.  There is also a ledge at the bottom of the heavy door.

 

The Edge Villa is an amazing suite and we enjoyed it.  (Move up bid).  The one thing we did not like was there is absolutely no cover in the balcony.  This limited our use of the balcony during the day.  It would depend on whether you were port or starboard and the location of the sun.  

[flviking]

Is there a suites lounge area at Celebrity's second berth at Port Everglades? We are in Royal Suite on Reflection but Beyond is also in port so they likely get Terminal 25.  Any experience on the embarkation process when we are in the tier 2 berth?

[LMHSRN]

10 hours ago, morfred said:

And you won't. This is primarily for RS and PH.

No so.  in SS and received pre-cruse contact for preferences.  

Recently

[LMHSRN]

1 hour ago, bjahil47 said:

Correct.  I was just stating that to the poster who stated her daughter was in SS and not contacted yet by shoreside concierge.  Although I did just get an email asking me my preferences for our upcoming cruise in a SS.  

I believe emails count as a contact....You were asked your preferences.