Just off the Apex b/2/b

[Cruise a holic]

My DH and I did our first b/2/b cruise on the celebrity Apex.  Overall a wonderful cruise.  Boarding was a breeze as we were ushered into the suite boarding lounge- so fast and efficient.  They servered snacks and beverages also.  We were escorted onto the boarding area within minutes.  The ship is just beautiful.  Relatively new and immaculate.  We proceeded to our home- a sky suite for our stay.  The room was clean- but I detected a weird mild smell.  Our luggage wasn't delivered, but we unpacked our carry-on and put our valuables in the safe.  The room is bright with a wonderful bathroom.  It had a tub/shower combo and double farmhouse type sink.  The toilet is enclosed giving privacy and allowing for two people to use the bathroom at the same time.  Storage in the bathroom was fine.  The suite had one large closet and storage shelves and drawers- of course IMO would have liked more.  Two little night stands next to each bed- best to go on youtube to tour the suite.  Liked the fact that we had a true balcony, albeit it small.  We meet our butler Alfred who was very accommodating- Celebritiy now has tea time every afternoon in the suite lounge.  We used to have the butler come to our stateroom daily around 4 with snacks and beverages.  No longer.  However room service is complimentary.  The bed was comfortable.  TV didn't offer much .  Our suite was near the foward elevators- loved the location.  Great access to Retreat deck and lounge and restaurant.  I prefer the S class lounge set up.  More intimate and comfortable.  The retreat sun deck offers little shade- It has a small pool and hot tub.  In addition you can get a limited lunch daily on the deck.  It has a really good bar.  All of the staff was wonderful on the retreat deck.  We enjoyed all of the speciality restaurants- Eden is wonderful.  So improved from our early Edge sailing.  Also loved the rooftop grill.  However it should be better protected from the elements as on the reflection and silhouette- The steak house was also very good-  we do no eat sushi- so didn't go to that restaurant.  We did enjoy Petite Chef- worth a visit- food and show good.    Some of the entertainment was excellent- 3 Divias were terrific.  The main show IMO was a stinker- silly.  Heard the adult  comedians were very good.  And another singer was also very good.  Enjoyed the lounge music and Martini bar-  Missed the ice top however like on the older ships.  Shopping limited- a few designer stores- high pressure in the new Effy jewelry store- not many sundries available- We don't purchase alcohol, but I did buy some makeup.  Port ok= we missed Labadee on both cruises- too bad we enjoy the day- The ship arrived in Puerto Rico a 4PM  Waste- too late to start going off the ship.  Other ports ok- however we did have to take tenders on a few.  Disembarkation was also a breeze- however the ft lauderdale airport is too small a crowded.

 

Overall a great back to back experience.  We will sail again on this ship in the spring for one week.

Edited January 15, 2023 by Cruise a holic

[Crazy planning mom]

Thanks for your report.  I didn't know Celebrity stopped at Labadee.  Did you eat at Rooftop Grill for lunch or dinner?

Edited January 15, 2023 by Crazy planning mom

[Jim_Iain]

Do you happen to remember who the Retreat Concierges and Retreat Manager was?

 

 

[Cruise a holic]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Do you happen to remember who the Retreat Concierges and Retreat Manager was?

 

 

Caroline, another lady forgot her name and a tall young gentleman.  Of  course threw away all of my daily planner and information.  The manager I have seen on other ships

[Cruise a holic]

4 hours ago, Crazy planning mom said:

Thanks for your report.  I didn't know Celebrity stopped at Labadee.  Did you eat at Rooftop Grill for lunch or dinner?

Dinner three times in two weeks.  The second week we purchased the 7 night dinner package.  The first week, new years week, only limited special packages were offered.

[Cruise a holic]

PS I used the hair salon once and a gentleman did a horrible job.  Cancelled other appointments.

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Glad you had a great time! One question. When we cruised earlier on the Edge in a SS, I noticed I couldn’t access the internet on the balcony if the sliding door was fully closed. However, if we left the door open 3-4”, I could get internet service, but the AC would shut off. 
 

Do you by chance know if this was also true in your Apex SS balcony?

[Cruise a holic]

15 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Glad you had a great time! One question. When we cruised earlier on the Edge in a SS, I noticed I couldn’t access the internet on the balcony if the sliding door was fully closed. However, if we left the door open 3-4”, I could get internet service, but the AC would shut off. 
 

Do you by chance know if this was also true in your Apex SS balcony?

Didn’t use internet on the balcony.  But we had starlink, which was supposed to be better service.  Occasionally problems on board, but overall internet good