Jim_Iain Apex Key West, TansAtlantic and British Isle with a Week in Amsterdam

[Purplsmurf]

We sailed on Reflection last May with Captain Nikolas. He got us through 2 fronts in the Med without us having to experience any bad weather. It was wonderful. He is a great captain. I’m sure you probably see him on your walks everyday……when you can go outside, that is.

[TommyD3]

10 hours ago, TrueCruiseaholic said:

Related to the commentary about celebrating double, triple, or more levels of Zenith; Celebrity should have a lunch for Zeniths, another lunch for double Zeniths, another lunch for triple, another lunch for quadruple, etc. If one went back to zero once getting to Zenith, they would deserve another lunch once they got to Zenith again (thus warranting two lunches for double Zenith). We all know Celebrity won't do this, but it would be a benefit requisite to the proportional amount of loyalty.

 

Hope you had a nice time with nice conversation and nice company. 

As a minimum it would be nice if there was a celebration for each crossing of 3000 points. One for single, one for double, one for triple, etc. Right now it is like a company celebrating an employee with 10 years of employment but ignoring that same employee when they hit 20, 30, etc !!! Come on Celebrity 3000 points is a LOT of cruising (1000 days in a balcony cabin) !!!

 

Also would be nice if it did not require 15 Zeniths onboard to have a lunch. Some ships (since the restart) provided a lunch no matter how many Zeniths !!!

[Oville]

Jim, following along the best I can and as always love your upbeat commentary.  Katie

[Jim_Iain]

19 hours ago, TrueCruiseaholic said:

Related to the commentary about celebrating double, triple, or more levels of Zenith; Celebrity should have a lunch for Zeniths, another lunch for double Zeniths, another lunch for triple, another lunch for quadruple, etc. If one went back to zero once getting to Zenith, they would deserve another lunch once they got to Zenith again (thus warranting two lunches for double Zenith). We all know Celebrity won't do this, but it would be a benefit requisite to the proportional amount of loyalty.

 

Hope you had a nice time with nice conversation and nice company. 

Well on this cruise -  we would still have 18 of us for the Zenith Lunch and Eric and Dawn having lunch with the Captain.    Most Zeniths are just Zenith 1  or is that 101.   LOL

 

Officially there is no such thing as Double Zenith or Triple Zenith -  Even though we will hit Double in about April of next year it's a non-event except a Free Cruise that can be upgraded in Aqua -  Zenith 1 you get Veranda.   

[Jim_Iain]

On 4/29/2023 at 12:34 AM, MisterMet said:

I would’ve thought it was one helluva night before!  Lol 😆 

 

I still laugh at that picture -- thank God they didn't have sheets over them.

[Jim_Iain]

On 4/29/2023 at 1:06 AM, MisterMet said:

Love this story.  Graziella (Grazie) is 5 and our second Golden.  We love Goldens so much.  They are wonderful companions.  Would love to figure a way she’d get to cruise with us.

 

 

 

Luke was a certified Service Dog an I was tempted.... I did on occasion put on his official "Jacket" and bring him to the aiport to pick up someone flying in.    I know I was cheating but would never abuse the well deserved status of a Service Animal that serve their owners so well.

[Jim_Iain]

I promise last pix of Luke.   This was the weekend we brought him home.  He only weighed 40 pound and  looks more like a greyhound physique.  We brought him up to 72 (ideal weight for his small size) and kept him there his whole life. 

 

His blond undercoat later grew in. 

 

[Jim_Iain]

On 4/29/2023 at 5:31 AM, PANIN36 said:

Jim and Iain,

 

I came in very late to your live post. I am spending a relaxing Saturday morning here reading through it backwards!

 

Your beautiful story of Luke 🥲. He may have had such a tragic start but he was very lucky to have found you and to be part of your family.

 

Your photos are typical Jim_Iain's, they are just gorgeous and so vibrant in colours with the added cheekiness (literally in some).

 

I recognised many of the areas of the Apex in your photos, and then boom, the familiar face of Sonny!

He and Liam (my butler) are the best of the already great crew members on my Apex cruise last year.

I challenge you or Iain to ask Sonny for some Indonesian sambal to try with any main course in Luminae and it will be even more delish AND 🔥🔥🔥.

 

Hope you both continues to enjoy the calm sea and the ports on the rest of your cruise.

 

Vien

 

 

 

I'll let him know.   Liam is really nice.    I really get a kick out of Sonny and Marcus -  We were late out of the dining room last night.   They are both the ultimate in attentiveness and pick up on the slightest of detail.     I absolutely hate Beets and when any dish has beets on it Marcus Chef make me a different Amuse Bouche or substitute something for the beet.   

 

Back to last night... of course the dining room was totally empty except for us and the staff.   Marcus got Had Sonny’s jacket and name tag on. and Sonny a demotion.     They swapped jackets ---- look at the sleeves..and name tags. 

 

 

What a way to finish off a wonderful evening. 

 

 

 

Edited April 30, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

On 4/28/2023 at 10:05 PM, GeorgesGal said:

Jim_Iian, thoroughly enjoying reading your live from as usual, though I've only gotten as far as page 22.  Since I've not sailed on any of the Edge ships but am due to board Beyond on June 26 out of Civitavecchia to Greece and Turkey, please do let us know what you do and don't like about Apex.  I'm on it with friends, one of which is celebrating a birthday, so couldn't say 'no'.  I'm not a fan of ships any bigger than 2000 pax, so looking for your take on these huge floating cities!  Luckily I was able to secure one of the aft veranda s/r with a true balcony and room for my lounge. 

Also, if you could, let me know where Iain goes for his smokes!

Many Thanks, and now back to reading your travelogue. 

Donna

 

Donna

Number 1 of what we like is the Staff.    I have to say they have the top of the Top aboard.   Many will be leaving over the next 3 cruises and replacements will be aboard.   Sonny, Yuksel and Marcus are like family to us and we could spend the whole day in Luminae.   Of course this cruise is very sea day intensive. 

 

#2   -   the best walking track's at sea are on the best. 

 

#3   - The food and attention to detail especially at Eden -  Book now for the celebration you will not be disappointed.

 

#4 -  The Casino has been very Kind to me

 

#5 - The artwork I absolutely love

 

#6 -   The Retreat Staff including our Butler,

 

#7 - Captain Nickolaos -  he is out and about and engages all the time.   Tomorrow they will be hold renewal Vows and Wedding for all.

 

Least  Liked

 

#1 -  The weather and height Seas but Apex handles it well

 

#2 - The Passenger load -   Got official Count -   2,629     All rooms except a few Inside and Veranda are full

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

On 4/29/2023 at 9:54 AM, Croooser said:

Captain's video explaining the plan to deal with the storm is outstanding. On our previous TAs when facing stormy weather we would hear something like "don't worry, we know what we are doing and the ship can handle it." 

 

He walked past us in OVC yesterday at noon and with a big smile on his face said "So far, so good".

 

I keep missing Captain on the TV but here's today briefing... Really good details -

 

 

Weather Briefing.   50-60 MPH winds 8-10 foot seas, marine layer and 56-58 F

 

 

Edited April 30, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[hcat]

When you try another cruise line (like Gen X recently did),   do u think u will you miss many of the things you like best about X? 

 

 We used to go on Royal C for a change of pace to "party time"    but not since the really big ships came out.  We considered Azamara but never followed through...Guess we are comfy with X.. as it has "evolved".

[Jim_Iain]

18 hours ago, scrapcreator said:

Jim, could you share a bit more about this? Boarding the Apex at the end of July for a B2B.

 

Thanks!

 

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-speaker/

 

While not listed many really small Travel Bluetooth Speakers and better quality by a longshot to a TV.   With Amazon -  buy, try, return  and try again if not of the quality you want... oops don't tell Amazon.  We all know how good they are about returns.

 

For real tiny -

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

15 hours ago, GeorgesGal said:

Jim, thanks for the info on the smoking 'lounges'.  Thank God this isn't a cold weather cruise I'm going on!

Donna

 

Iain has his puffer on and says their's an "old" gal down there always (hours on end) with Blankets on her and hood on her head Bit€hing and moaning.... ohhh... it so cold...   Hmmm.. maybe she should stop smoking.... oops I didnt' say that did I.

 

He just got back to the room after a quick Smoke -   He said it was quite an experience with 60 MPH winds - 

[Jim_Iain]

8 minutes ago, hcat said:

When you try another cruise line (like Gen X recently did),   do u think u will you miss many of the things you like best about X? 

 

 We used to go on Royal C for a change of pace to "party time"    but not since the really big ships came out.  We considered Azamara but never followed through...Guess we are comfy with X.. as it has "evolved".

 

We haven't abandoned Celebrity and have 11 cruises booked through the end of 2024.

 

Ponant is a Explorer small ship cruise which is 100% a total experience.   Many of warn us they don't have the shows, entertainment, activities of Celebrity --- but we don't do any.   I think the thing we will notice is the Cabin Size and not having a Retreat Lounge.   That's why we are doing a teaser cruise -  to see if it's an option.  

 

Many guests we have been chatting with highly recommend Azamara and Seabourn -   possible options.    I'm sure Celebrity will be our number one cruise lines but I have spotted a Silver Seas cruise that has spiked my interest.   Johannesburg up the west coast of Africa and then a TA to Rio.   

 

Africa is on my bucket list and I hear the Lion's calling.

[Jim_Iain]

9 hours ago, TommyD3 said:

As a minimum it would be nice if there was a celebration for each crossing of 3000 points. One for single, one for double, one for triple, etc. Right now it is like a company celebrating an employee with 10 years of employment but ignoring that same employee when they hit 20, 30, etc !!! Come on Celebrity 3000 points is a LOT of cruising (1000 days in a balcony cabin) !!!

 

Also would be nice if it did not require 15 Zeniths onboard to have a lunch. Some ships (since the restart) provided a lunch no matter how many Zeniths !!!

 

What Tom --- They didn't give you a Golden Celebrity Watch with a Diamond for each progressiong... Now that would be nice --- I'll vote for a Cartier instead of a free cruise. 

 

[TommyD3]

5 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

What Tom --- They didn't give you a Golden Celebrity Watch with a Diamond for each progressiong... Now that would be nice --- I'll vote for a Cartier instead of a free cruise. 

 

You missed the Zenith only bridge tour this morning.

All the senior officers were there along with champagne and bites of food.

For the cost of a "Zenith" cake it could have been my son's 3X Zenith celebration !!!

 

Did you hear that Marcia is crossing 4X Zenith currently on the Reflection TA?

[Jim_Iain]

9 hours ago, Oville said:

Jim, following along the best I can and as always love your upbeat commentary.  Katie

 

Thanks Katie -- Thanks for joining in.   it's 1:00 and finally caught up myself.   At least you are all with me in my living room with my A$$ planted on the sofa.   Just got back from grabbing a coffee and bringing back a bag of 6 Macadamia Nut White Chocolate Chip cookie for my hubby..His favorite and they haven't had them for a couple days.... I stock piled them as he only eats one a day.

 

The halls on deck 4 are packed.   Will all the outdoor decks closed and Starboard Windows locked if feels like 2,000 are on deck 4.

 

Edited April 30, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

luckily we are on port.  I just went out on the deck to take a look.   If you listen you probably hear Iain saying close the bloody door. 

This upload is takin awhile and would have failed on the old internet.  When I looked the files are 100meg.  With an iPhone you have to keep the window open by puttin finger on page and wiggle if it goes to screensaver the upload fails. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cluso]

53 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

 

Many guests we have been chatting with highly recommend Azamara and Seabourn -   possible options.    I'm sure Celebrity will be our number one cruise lines but I have spotted a Silver Seas cruise that has spiked my interest.   Johannesburg up the west coast of Africa and then a TA to Rio.   

 

Africa is on my bucket list and I hear the Lion's calling.

Hi Jim,

  Make a note of this.  www.andbeyond.com Great safaris, and a lot of different locations.  The Ngala Safari Lodge is a short flight from Johannesburg. You can do that before your cruises.

Also, Cape Town is a great place to visit. 🦁

[MisterMet]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Luke was a certified Service Dog an I was tempted.... I did on occasion put on his official "Jacket" and bring him to the aiport to pick up someone flying in.    I know I was cheating but would never abuse the well deserved status of a Service Animal that serve their owners so well.

Any Golden could be a service dog if that one and only service is to give love to their owners and all other people.  Enjoy the rest of this adventure.  You've still got a long way to go and your blog has been very informative (thanks for the pic of the info given to you about B2B procedures on turnaround day) and entertaining (where to start, but a great one is the pic "Dancing Cheek to Cheek:).  Will continue to follow along.

 

Sail on Sailors!

 

 

[sea mom]

Jim,

We will be joining you guys for the upcoming British Isle cruise.  Can you please post the beer menu from Craft Social as well as let me know what nights are formal for our cruise.  Thanks and I hope you guys have a wonderful time for the rest of the cruise.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, TommyD3 said:

You missed the Zenith only bridge tour this morning.

All the senior officers were there along with champagne and bites of food.

For the cost of a "Zenith" cake it could have been my son's 3X Zenith celebration !!!

 

Did you hear that Marcia is crossing 4X Zenith currently on the Reflection TA?

 

Obviously you have been talking your you Spy - Eric.   I think all the timezones are catching up with me.   I'm usually up with the Roosters -  This morning Iain kicked me out of bed just before the Bridge Tour and I was so desperate for a 3X Cappuccino  I would not have been able to be civil in public. 

 

Of course the group was lined up for security outside our cabin so no way I could sneek past them and made my humble apology to Pree.    I did get some wonderful reports back about the canapes and the whole executive staff present.   What an honor.   

 

I didin't know that about Marcia.   She is a sweetheart and was the only one we invited to our Zenith Celebration on Silhouette.   
 

Edited April 30, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, cluso said:

Hi Jim,

  Make a note of this.  www.andbeyond.com Great safaris, and a lot of different locations.  The Ngala Safari Lodge is a short flight from Johannesburg. You can do that before your cruises.

Also, Cape Town is a great place to visit. 🦁

 

Thanks I just put it in my Planning Folder.  

 

Their is a Retreat Deck waiter in Retreat from South Africa -  What a kick.   She always uses Y'all - e.g. How Ya'all doing -   It is also as common an expression in South Africa as in the U.S. Deep south.

[Jim_Iain]

41 minutes ago, sea mom said:

Jim,

We will be joining you guys for the upcoming British Isle cruise.  Can you please post the beer menu from Craft Social as well as let me know what nights are formal for our cruise.  Thanks and I hope you guys have a wonderful time for the rest of the cruise.

 

I will go in search of menus.... honest... I just came back from a scavenger hunt to find the locations of all the pictures in the Art Collection Book we were gifted.   

 

I even made it down to Deck 3 and started down a hallway called Eiffel Tower and realized I was in the Crew Hallway.... ooops...

[Maggie North]

Hey…can’t believe it’s been 8 days and we haven’t found you guys yet! Has been a great cruise; mostly because we have discovered that we DON’T get seasick! We have been re-acquainted with a favorite server from two years ago (will not disclose her name so she won’t get too busy). We are in an IV now (PERFECT for a rough NA crossing IMHO) but will move to an S1 on the next three. Having a great time!