"LIVE" from Celebrity BEYOND. October 26th, 2022. 9-Night Repositioning. 1st Sailing from the USA.

[Sheltielover73]

Excited to follow along! I'm booked on a B2B on Beyond on Dec 4th and 11th and can't wait. I was on the B2B Inaugural EDGE cruises a few years back and really loved it. Beyond looks even better than the EDGE!

 

Id love photos of the plunge pools by the Sunset bar area... and if there are loungers by them. 

 

[PinkSandGirl]

6 minutes ago, Sheltielover73 said:

Excited to follow along! I'm booked on a B2B on Beyond on Dec 4th and 11th and can't wait. I was on the B2B Inaugural EDGE cruises a few years back and really loved it. Beyond looks even better than the EDGE!

 

Id love photos of the plunge pools by the Sunset bar area... and if there are loungers by them. 

 

I will be sure to post pictures of that area.  😃

 

🍹

[NJ Gal]

29 minutes ago, Sheltielover73 said:

Excited to follow along! I'm booked on a B2B on Beyond on Dec 4th and 11th and can't wait. I was on the B2B Inaugural EDGE cruises a few years back and really loved it. Beyond looks even better than the EDGE!

 

Id love photos of the plunge pools by the Sunset bar area... and if there are loungers by them. 

 

We also were on the inaugural B/B Edge cruise in 2013.  Maybe we met. Looking forward to meeting you again.

[PinkSandGirl]

Cell phone Usage during a Cruise

 

I have Verizon.  There are different plans out there.  Some include International and some plans you can add on International on a monthly basis.   They also have TravelPass that allows you to use your domestic plan but Internationally and it only gets charged if you use your phone in that destination and it's a flat $10/per day (24 hour period) per device.  You have to use your data/phone call/text to activate it.  If you don't, you don't get charged.  So, for this trip: I added Bermuda, Curaçao and Aruba and also Cruise Ship.  

 

While on the ship, you have to make sure your phone is in AIRPLANE MODE so you don't use any data.  Make sure you have WiFi on to connect/use the ship internet.  I have the Premium Internet so I'll be able to use WiFi calling.  I'll have full access to my phone.  Phone calls, texting and data.

 

When we're off on the islands, if you don't plan on using your phone (data, calls, texts) then just keep it in airplane mode.  Once you take it off airplane mode, it will charge you.

 

I used to have to call to set it up but now I can just log into my Verizon account and do everything myself.  TravelPass is already active but I still put in my travel dates and destinations.  It takes a few minutes. Very easy. 

 

All set.  ✔️ 

 

📱

 

🍹

Edited October 23, 2022 by PinkSandGirl

[jcpc]

@PinkSandGirlKelly, I'm looking forward to reading your "Live From" review.  I will also be on this sailing so it will be interesting to read if you and I have the same thoughts on Beyond.  See you at the Slot Pull!!

[PinkSandGirl]

2 hours ago, Treacher1 said:

Kelly - looking at Cruise Ship Tracker - it looks like BEYOND is already in Cape Liberty - probably just moving SLOWLY to enter the dock early tomorrow morning - also if signed up for Halloween get together on your spreadsheet - was there a time for that - or was it deleted or not yet posted.

 

Thanks for all your efforts 🙂

Dennis,

Hi!   I just updated the google doc for Halloween.  I have been going back and forth with what to do and when.  I made it easy. 😉🎃

 

🍹

[PinkSandGirl]

36 minutes ago, jcpc said:

@PinkSandGirlKelly, I'm looking forward to reading your "Live From" review.  I will also be on this sailing so it will be interesting to read if you and I have the same thoughts on Beyond.  See you at the Slot Pull!!

 

Janice,

Hi!   Yes. We'll have to compare notes. 😉

 

See you at the Slot Pull!  🎰

 

🍹

[Stem to Stern]

Hi Kelly.

 

Tim and I are back and exhausted from our 20 day sojourn to Italy including ten nights on board Constellation through the Greek Isles.  The good news is we left the day before Ian arrived and suffered only very minimal landscape damage here in Bonita Springs.

 

Thanks for doing this live thread.  And thanks for starting early, so I don’t have to play catch up.  Although something tells me this will be a rather active thread requiring pages and pages of reading.  However, so far I am enjoying every single detail you have provided.   I have pulled up a chair next to Jim, so I can keep up.  
 

Eager to hear your impressions as I have had the same reservations about the E-class ships that you have.  Curious what Eden is all about these days.  You are in The Retreat, so no doubt you will receive the exceptional service this class is noted for.  Don’t worry about the food in Luminae.  It will be truly wonderful if it is anything like our past experiences on Equinox and Silhouette.  
 

Bon voyage to you and your loved ones.  Post lots of pics for us to drool over.

 

Paul

Edited October 23, 2022 by Stem to Stern

[Jim_Iain]

On 10/22/2022 at 1:52 PM, PinkSandGirl said:

 

Thank You!   I want the thread to come across with some of my personality. 😉

 

I'm a little 'worried', maybe that's not the best word to use, about Luminae menus on some nights.  I tend to be more on the pickier/particular side.  There are 4 of us and I think that's more the concern.  We all have things we like/don't like.  I believe between hearing they are accommodating (not that I would be demanding or request anything crazy), the Classics available and kids menu...  I'll be good.  I also have some Specialty Restaurants booked.   I would prefer having the MDR items as an option, if needed, but I know that isn't possible on the Beyond.  Plus, there is always Blu (based on availability).   I don't think I'll go hungry. 😂 

 

If there is anything you would like to know once I'm onboard,  just ask.  You'll be the first sailing from Fort Lauderdale...not counting the Christening cruise.  

 

🍹

 

Wanted to let you know the Luminae menu is really not as intimidating as it might appear.  They have a tendency to overly embellish the descriptions.  

 

Look at each base product and if you don't like the way it's described ask for it with no sauce or no xxxx.   Your waiter will also work with you to find something that you will enjoy.   If all else fails the 4 ounce Petite Filet on the Kids' menu is always a good choice.   If hungry they will bring you as many as you desire.  

 

They also have the Classic Menu - available in MDR, Blu or Luminae.   In Luminae they cook all to order so they will not be bulk cooked and dry.

 

Also they always have Mashed, Baked and Fried potatoes and fresh veg on request.

 

 

Edited October 23, 2022 by Jim_Iain

[Stem to Stern]

14 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

They also have the Classic Menu

I could eat the Onion Soup every night.  Salmon is always a safe bet, but I never ordered it since I always seem to find something appealing on the other side of the menu.🤩

[PinkSandGirl]

3 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

Hi Kelly.

 

Tim and I are back and exhausted from our 20 day sojourn to Italy including ten nights on board Constellation through the Greek Isles.  The good news is we left the day before Ian arrived and suffered only very minimal landscape damage here in Bonita Springs.

 

Thanks for doing this live thread.  And thanks for starting early, so I don’t have to play catch up.  Although something tells me this will be a rather active thread requiring pages and pages of reading.  However, so far I am enjoying every single detail you have provided.   I have pulled up a chair next to Jim, so I can keep up.  
 

Eager to hear your impressions as I have had the same reservations about the E-class ships that you have.  Curious what Eden is all about these days.  You are in The Retreat, so no doubt you will receive the exceptional service this class is noted for.  Don’t worry about the food in Luminae.  It will be truly wonderful if it is anything like our past experiences on Equinox and Silhouette.  
 

Bon voyage to you and your loved ones.  Post lots of pics for us to drool over.

 

Paul

Paul,

Hi!  Great to hear from you.  Welcome back!   Glad your home only had minimal damage.  

 

I'm sure you and Tim had a wonderful time!

 

Hehe.  We'll see how the thread evolves.  😉   I can definitely 'talk' and have a tendency to write more as opposed to less.  😂    I do like when people comment and are interactive on them so I welcome commentary and questions. 😃

 

I knew I wanted to give some pre-crusie information so I thought it was best to get it started early. 

 

We have reservations for Eden. Thankfully they expanded the menu. I wouldn't have booked it if it was the original 5 course that you chose one item from those two columns (Edge and Apex).  

 

I'm excited to experience the Retreat on an E-class ship.  The areas look nice.   I think I'll be fine with Luminae. 😉  I also am looking forward to seeing what the service is like.  I've always felt I've had great service on Celebrity.

 

Glad you are following along.  

 

Thank You for the Bon Voyage wishes.  🥰

 

"Hi!" to Tim.  ~CoCo 😉

 

Kelly 😃

🍹

[UkeT3]

We're living in the am for Cape Liberty!  woohoo.  Anyone know if when we have standard 6 pm seating for dinner, will be always be in the same dining room or rotate?  And if the same one, which one do they use for 6pm dinner?  See you all!

 

[PinkSandGirl]

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

 

Yes.  I always purchase it.  I should look into a yearly plan since I purchase it a few times a year. 😉

 

I always say it's better to have it and not need it then the other way around.  I just consider it a trip cost.  When I look at the overall cost of the trip, the insurance is probably one of the least amounts I spend. 

 

I used to get it through the cruise line but then one time I thought I would look for something myself.  I pay less and have better coverage.  My credit card provides coverage for things but I purchase it for the Medical Coverage and Transportation.  Again, I hope to never need it.  Peace of mind.  

 

✈️🚢🧳

 

🍹

[PinkSandGirl]

1 minute ago, UkeT3 said:

We're living in the am for Cape Liberty!  woohoo.  Anyone know if when we have standard 6 pm seating for dinner, will be always be in the same dining room or rotate?  And if the same one, which one do they use for 6pm dinner?  See you all!

 

 

I believe you will be assigned a dining room (can be any of them) but you can dine in others if you choose, if you ask/let them know.   ~Based on what I've read.

 

Have a safe trip to the Cape Liberty area!  

 

You should sign up for the google doc and come to some of the events. 😃

 

🍹

[UkeT3]

Thanks so much.    Will look into that. Any get togethers planned for Cape Liberty hotels area?

[PinkSandGirl]

17 minutes ago, UkeT3 said:

Thanks so much.    Will look into that. Any get togethers planned for Cape Liberty hotels area?

Not that I know of.  A few people have talked about sharing rides to the port. 

 

🍹

[mfs2k]

7 hours ago, PinkSandGirl said:

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

 

Yes.  I always purchase it.  I should look into a yearly plan since I purchase it a few times a year. 😉

 

I always say it's better to have it and not need it then the other way around.  I just consider it a trip cost.  When I look at the overall cost of the trip, the insurance is probably one of the least amounts I spend. 

 

I used to get it through the cruise line but then one time I thought I would look for something myself.  I pay less and have better coverage.  My credit card provides coverage for things but I purchase it for the Medical Coverage and Transportation.  Again, I hope to never need it.  Peace of mind.  

 

✈️🚢🧳

 

🍹

i have only purchased travel insurance for one cruise out of 13. Thankfully I never needed it.
 I would have purchased it for this cruise but the Celebrity Covid policy, which is still in effect, and the departure port being a short drive from home, swayed me not to spend the extra money. 

But I will say I’ve had some anxiety the past 2 weeks that something non-Covid related would happen to my wife or me and that would really be bad.

So far so good. Knock on wood. 
As we’re getting older, and more things happen unexpectedly, I think we’ll be buying travel insurance from now on. 

[FBrew]

8 hours ago, PinkSandGirl said:

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

 

Yes.  I always purchase it.  I should look into a yearly plan since I purchase it a few times a year. 😉

 

I always say it's better to have it and not need it then the other way around.  I just consider it a trip cost.  When I look at the overall cost of the trip, the insurance is probably one of the least amounts I spend. 

 

I used to get it through the cruise line but then one time I thought I would look for something myself.  I pay less and have better coverage.  My credit card provides coverage for things but I purchase it for the Medical Coverage and Transportation.  Again, I hope to never need it.  Peace of mind. 

 

✈️🚢🧳

I am on this sailing.  I purchase a yearly insurance policy.  I find it cheaper as I get older. In this day and age, I wouldn't leave home without it. It covers everybody in my household.  In April Jet Blue cancelled my flight Fort Lauderdale to Boston. The only flight we could get was from Miami and the flight was $900.00 insurance paid.

 

8 hours ago, PinkSandGirl said:

🍹

 

[hcat]

10 hours ago, PinkSandGirl said:

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

 

Yes.  I always purchase it.  I should look into a yearly plan since I purchase it a few times a year. 😉

 

I always say it's better to have it and not need it then the other way around.  I just consider it a trip cost.  When I look at the overall cost of the trip, the insurance is probably one of the least amounts I spend. 

 

I used to get it through the cruise line but then one time I thought I would look for something myself.  I pay less and have better coverage.  My credit card provides coverage for things but I purchase it for the Medical Coverage and Transportation.  Again, I hope to never need it.  Peace of mind.  

 

✈️🚢🧳

 

🍹

We aways buy it... we used to buy cruiseline and a  pvt  policy but  this tine we just bought pvt.  Essential for medical..medicare does not cover outside US and med evac.

 

Neighbor in Fl fell on a trip to Greece..broke her hip and had hip replacement in Athens.   On her way home now on Med transport..luckily she had the top policy!

 

Peace of mind and there if ever needed!

[lola2013]

Travel insurance story since we're on the subject...

A friend uses a scooter.  While the ship was docked in Bermuda, she somehow got "twisted" trying to get out of the scooter in her cabin and took a tumble.  She broke her hip and had to be transported to a Bermuda hospital.  In addition to covering all of her costs, her insurance paid for her husband to stay in a hotel while she was well enough to fly home.  The total cost was exorbitant; she is lucky she had the insurance.

[NJ Gal]

FBrew--What yearly policy do you buy?  Since this is our 3rd cruise this year, maybe an annual policy would have been better than three separate ones from Celebrity?? As we are getting older, a good medical policy is always something to consider.  

 

Anyone else have an annual policy?  Which ones?

[jzad]

Following along.  We are on Beyond in February and very much looking forward to it!

 

[eas2225]

Hi Kelly,

We too are on this sailing with you!  This will be our 4th time on E Class and I promise you will love it!

 

Take the time to check out all the nooks and crannies and relaxing places that are all over the ship.

We especially like the Eden lounge and bar area.  So many places to just sit and relax with one of the Eden specialty cocktails or the delicious lunch from the Eden cafe.

 

Since our previous Edge and Apex cruises were comped casino ones we've only been in IV, Aqua, or the porthole veranda cabins, but we have enjoyed every one.  I'm sure your suite will be nothing less than fabulous!

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Eileen

 

 

[FBrew]

43 minutes ago, NJ Gal said:

FBrew--What yearly policy do you buy?  Since this is our 3rd cruise this year, maybe an annual policy would have been better than three separate ones from Celebrity?? As we are getting older, a good medical policy is always something to consider.  

Anyone else have an annual policy?  Which ones?urance

Allianz All trips premium plan. You know as you get older your travel insurance premium goes up. The yearly premium doesn't go up because of age. The amount I get is 10,000.  There are different amounts you can purchase. It covers everyone in the house up to the 10,000. I have medicare plus an advantage insurance plan.  The advantage insurance plan covers me when I am out of the country. I still like my travel insurance. 

 

Phyllis

[cocobakerchica]

16 hours ago, UkeT3 said:

We're living in the am for Cape Liberty!  woohoo.  Anyone know if when we have standard 6 pm seating for dinner, will be always be in the same dining room or rotate?  And if the same one, which one do they use for 6pm dinner?  See you all!

 

If you have fixed time for dinner, you've been assigned to one dining room, and you can use the app to reserve a table in any of the other three for different nights if you want to try them out.