LIVE from Celebrity Apex: Best of Scandinavia May 25, 2023

[love2crews.]

Hotel Info:

 

We stayed at The Pulitzer hotel centrally located on the Prinsengracht canal.  It was the perfect location for us.  There was an Albert Heijn around the corner and the Anne Frank hiding place was about a 3 min walk.

 

We booked what they call a "Family Suite" and it was perfect for us.  It had a king bed, bathroom, living area with a dining table and mini kitchenette in the downstairs area, and another bedroom with 2 twin beds and a bathroom upstairs.  We try to book rooms with 2 bathrooms when we can as this is super helpful in the morning when all of us are getting ready.  And being this is our first time in the Netherlands and we are unfamiliar with everything, I did not want to book 2 separate rooms and have one of us in a room alone.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The room had a wonderful view of the canal and we had some windows that we could open and look around outside.  Lots of birds chirping and it was very peaceful.  No balcony, but it was still lovely.

 

 

The stairs to the second bedroom were super steep and the room felt sloped.  We learned many of Amsterdam's buildings are tilted and it was very evident when walking around the room, lol.

 

The hotel workers were very friendly and helpful.  There were eager to help and even brought us a bottle of champagne and the coolest chocolate that looks like Vermeer's Girl With A Pearl Earring. 

 

 

It's quite a unique hotel made up of 25 canal houses.  Quite confusing to figure out, but we really enjoyed it.

 

The only food we had at the hotel was breakfast at Jansz. both mornings.  As previously mentioned, we loved the breakfast there.

 

Would definitely recommend this hotel. 

Edited May 26, 2023 by love2crews.

[theopup]

What’s a beautiful looking hotel. I love the chocolate!

[love2crews.]

Boarding Day:

 

We had a quick breakfast at Jansz. again.  We all ordered the same thing as the day before since we loved it so much.

 

We headed down to the lobby at 9:15am as our ride was scheduled for 9:30.  Our driver was already there waiting, so we headed off to the Rotterdam cruise port.  It took about 1 hour and 20 minutes from our hotel to the port.  We used VIP Travel Services and they were great.  We also used them for our transfer from the airport to our hotel and have them booked for after our cruise as well.  The car was clean, water and phone chargers were provided, and the drivers were very nice and helpful.

 

 

I was worried about finding the ship but we were the only ship in port.

 

 

We made it to the port at about 10:40am and quickly dropped off our luggage.  I had purchased the luggage tag sleeves on Amazon so we already had our tags on our bags.  We proceeded inside to a check-in counter where someone checked our Xpress passes and passports.  Right next to that, was the security scanner area.  After security, we proceeded upstairs to the main check-in area.  There were some people waiting in chairs before the check-in area and some people were beyond that point.  It looked like Retreat guests were able to check-in early, but not positive.  Since we're suite guests, we proceeded to the check-in area to have our Xpress passes scanned and confirm our health questionnaire.  This is where the trouble started...

 

 

 

We went up to an available port agent who tried to scan our passes, but they weren't scanning.  He tried a few more times to no avail.  He had to reboot his system so he sent us over to another agent.  This agent was successfully able to scan us in and confirm our health questionnaire.  

 

We then walked over to the little Retreat area which had some snacks and drinks.  Didn't try anything, but got some pics.  As soon as we sat, we were immediately greeted by Elena from the Retreat lounge.  She explained that someone would be there to escort us on the ship once we started boarding.

 

 

After maybe 5-10 minutes, someone approached us to start boarding.  It was the 3 of us and one other couple.  A man (didn't catch his name) took us to the last port agents to have them scan our Xpress passes.  This last scan basically shows we are no longer ashore and are now onboard the ship.  The first couple scanned in with no problems and it took a few tries for ours to scan.  It seemed like the girl may have been new as someone had to come over and tell her how to scan the passes.  They figured it out after a few minutes.  At that point, the man who was supposed to escort us was gone.  No big deal, but they grabbed Elena (who was already escorting another couple on) to take us onboard.  

 

We were so excited to finally board and be one of the first guests on the ship!!! NOT!!!  We were just about to pass Cafe Al Bacio when a security guard abruptly stopped us and told us we had to get off the ship.  We had no idea why, but he insisted we had to talk to the port agents.  We asked why he stopped only us and no one else.  No answer, only that we had to talk to the port agents.  UGH...  Elena seemed very concerned and just as confused as us.  She had to continue escorting the other guests and we were escorted off the ship by security.  We asked him to show us where to go and what to do because we had no idea what was going on.  Probably looked like we were already being kicked off the ship with the security guy walking us off, lol.  And in the opposite direction as everyone else on the gangway, too.

 

Security guy (who worked for Celebrity) was just going to leave us there and said someone would find us.  We asked him to wait with us and help us sort this out.  Again, no idea what the problem was.  We were bounced around to several port agents just as clueless as the security guard.  This time, our paper Xpress passes didn't work and we had to use our mobile ones.  Easy fix, but still not able to board.

 

At this point, we're told that we were never scanned in at the last scanning point and that we were still showing ashore instead of onboard.  They said there was a wifi issue and that is why.  But WHY were we the only ones who experienced a wifi issue when the entire port is likely running on the same wifi???  Made no sense, but whatever.  Anyways, still not on the ship and security had us standing in the middle of the port while he looked for another port agent.  Suddenly I remembered I had a day of meet and greet contact that was provided in our eDocs.  Folks, ALWAYS read through your eDocs-they have vacation-saving information!!!!  

 

I quickly called Judit's number.  Fortunately, she was at the port and right in front of us (unbeknownst to any of us).  I don't know what happened or how the issue was fixed, but a few minutes later we were on our way and boarded the ship (for the 2nd time).  This was not a great first impression of Celebrity and we weren't able to enjoy the first bit on the ship as we were afraid we would be kicked off again for no reason.

 

I know the issue wasn't Celebrity's fault, but I do feel Celebrity could have handled the situation differently.  We were essentially kicked off the ship like we did something wrong and weren't told anything.  It seemed no one knew what was going on and it caused quite a stir.

 

After stopping by our room, we stopped by our muster station, Cafe Al Bacio, and then headed to Raw on 5 for lunch (we have unlimited specialty dining included with our room, the Iconic Suite).  We were the only ones there for the entire meal.  The staff was amazing and the food looked great, but it didn't taste as good as it looked.  Now this could be because we are huge food snobs and love sushi, but the food fell short of our expectations.  We ordered the Imperial Tower and omakase.  We were not starving, but were eager to eat at Raw on 5.  Much to our surprise, they had fresh wasabi when we asked.  They grated it in front of us (on a metal grater, not shark skin).  It was delicious though.  They also brought us some edamame.

 

 

 

 

 

Our waiters mentioned a special night where they serve Indian food instead of sushi.  They also mentioned a cooking class.  They said to talk to the hostess to book them.  The cooking class was $59 per person and the Taj (Indian dinner) was $45 per person.  Tax and 18% gratuity are additional.  We booked both.

 

Side note about the cooking class, we just learned it is a 3-part cooking class and you show up at 10:15 on 3 different days.  We were not told about the 2 additional days, so we cancelled the class.  It sounds like the first 2 days are lecture style and the third you cook the food yourself and eat it.  

 

We went back to the room and our butler, Elizer (goes by Eli but pronounced Ellie) introduced himself and showed us around the room.  Room pics coming in another post.  Eli asked us about our sizes for the personalized pajamas, told us about our unlimited laundry, the cooking class, Indian dinner, Dinner on the Edge, and more.  He also told us the ship is sailing with 1300 passengers.  WOW!  Our room steward Andika also introduced himself.  We also told them we wanted to Go Green.  Eli was anxious to get us a drink so he brought us some virgin piña coladas (we aren't big drinkers).  He is amazing and we love Eli.  

 

 

We already had Dinner on the Edge planned, but Eli informed us it was taking place in the Solarium and not on the Magic Carpet.  So we cancelled this as the only reason for doing this was the Magic Carpet.  They said it is too cold to do it.

 

We headed back to the room and were getting hungry.  No room service available yet so Eli insisted on bringing us some food from Oceanview.  He did a great job getting a little of everything.

 

 

For dinner, we stopped by Luminae real quick (like REALLY quick) and only ordered a main course as we were starting to feel sea sick.  We went back to the room and relaxed for a bit.  Got hungry a little later and ordered room service which was not easy to do (see earlier post).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long day, but we're excited to finally be onboard after waiting nearly 4 years for the day to come!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 26, 2023 by love2crews.

[love2crews.]

Sorry about the lengthy boarding day post!!!

[mac_tlc]

Enjoying following along. Have a Bourbon & Peaches for me !

 

We will be in Amsterdam next month for a Jewel of the Seas sailing, so your experience is interesting. We were there 5 years ago, but this time our son and DIL will be there, as will the wheelchair my DW needs at times. Should be fun trying to maneuver around the city 😶

 

 

mac_tlc

Edited May 26, 2023 by mac_tlc

[hcat]

Enjoy 

[hcat]

Posting slow...sorry

[Buddysmom10]

Following this. I'll be on this cruise in August.  Just booked yesterday.

[Jim_Iain]

On 5/25/2023 at 2:21 PM, love2crews. said:

 

Thank you!  Yes, it's definitely taking a lot of time.  I'm sure it will be easier as I post more.

 

I found it's easier for me to break into smaller posts.  I type the post on my computer, post it, open cruise critic on my phone, edit the post and insert the photos,  

I do similar.   I go back and forth with my phone and PC.    I find it easiest for me to type what I'm up to and then upload the pictures in mass on phone using edit.   I then go back to PC and stick in the line spacing and sometimes additional comments between pictures.

 

I'm really enjoying your posts and suffering PCD (Post Cruise Depression) after leaving Apex.   She is such a beautiful ship.

[Jim_Iain]

6 hours ago, love2crews. said:

We already had Dinner on the Edge planned, but Eli informed us it was taking place in the Solarium and not on the Magic Carpet.  So we cancelled this as the only reason for doing this was the Magic Carpet.  They said it is too cold to do it.

 

Glad you mentioned.    The same thing happened on the 3 cruises before yours.    I had said to Iain that if we had planned dinner on The Magic Carpet and they moved it to the Solarium I would have cancelled.  

 

Say hi to Eli from us.    We really enjoyed him.    Really one of the best Butlers.

 

 

[Bejay219]

We were also on the Apex, B2B2B, started in Ft. Lauderdale for the crossing, then Norway and finished on the British Isles just before you got on. One of the best cruises we have had in 21 years with Celebrity!  Say hi to Ellie and Andy (room attendant) from Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Beverly, hands down, the best team! From Captain Nikolas, Christophe, Hotel Director, all the Officers to the crew an amazing team who worked so hard to make our experience AMAZING!  The Retreat team are the best! 

[love2crews.]

1 hour ago, Bejay219 said:

We were also on the Apex, B2B2B, started in Ft. Lauderdale for the crossing, then Norway and finished on the British Isles just before you got on. One of the best cruises we have had in 21 years with Celebrity!  Say hi to Ellie and Andy (room attendant) from Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Beverly, hands down, the best team! From Captain Nikolas, Christophe, Hotel Director, all the Officers to the crew an amazing team who worked so hard to make our experience AMAZING!  The Retreat team are the best! 

 

They really are!!!

[Ciaranaman]

20 hours ago, love2crews. said:

Sorry about the lengthy boarding day post!!!

No apology necessary!   So glad you finally made it on the ship!

[love2crews.]

Iconic Suite: 12100

 

Deck 12, starboard side of the ship, all the way forward, right above the bridge

 

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.  We had the bed split in 2 twins in the secondary bedroom.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great living space with a dining table.  Also has a Peloton.

 

 

 

 

 

There's a butler's pantry with a full fridge.  We aren't drinkers, so lots of water for us, lol.

 

 

 

Amazing balcony area with 2 lounge chairs, cabana, table with 4 chairs, and hot tub.  Master bath has a hot tub as well.

 

This room is perfect for us.  As with any room, there are some cons:

-the decor is beautiful, but it's all glued down so it doesn't move in rough seas.  Not practical though and lots of wasted space.  Hard to use the space where there are vases, books, coral, etc. glued in the middle of the tables.

-the light in the living room is way too low.  can easily hit your head on it and we aren't even tall.

-bedrooms let a lot of light in, even with curtains closed.  the light comes in through the sides of the curtain.

-towel racks are too low when trying to dry hands on hand towel.

-bathrooms have no counter space.  

-sinks aren't practical either.  really low and when you spit out your toothpaste, it just stays there so you really have to work to wash it away.

-vanity mirror isn't at the right angle and can only be turned on from the control panel right when you enter the room.  it'd be nice to be able to turn it on/off when sitting at the desk.

-lots of outlets, but too close together.  can only use one plug at each outlet because there is not enough space to use the other when something is already plugged in.

-we got really sea sick the first two nights since we feel the motion more at the front of the ship.

-night stands in second bedroom are not convenient.  the lights are way too low and the bed is way to high.  if you reach for your phone or water next to you, it's not easy and you're likely to hit the lamp shade.

 

Pros:

-LOTS of storage space

-unlimited laundry included

-unlimited specialty dining included

-obviously tons of space to spread out and relax

-great views, can lay in the master bed and see out the front of the ship (same view as the captain)

-we love being able to see the Magic Carpet 

-big fridge stocked with a variety of beverages of your choice, also a mini fridge

-master bath has two separate sinks, one on each side

Edited May 27, 2023 by love2crews.

[love2crews.]

1 hour ago, Ciaranaman said:

No apology necessary!   So glad you finally made it on the ship!

 

We are too!  We're a little uneasy whenever we see the same security guard around the ship. 😅

[love2crews.]

May 26: Sea Day

 

Started the day with the morning announcements as our alarm clock right at 9:30.  The captain said there would be a medical evacuation.  I posted about it earlier right after it happened.  We could see everything unfold from the view in the master bedroom.  Very sad this happened and we hope the passenger is doing well.

 

 

 

We leisurely got dressed for the day and then headed to Eden cafe for lunch.  We also ordered the Veldt cocktail for a photo since they smoke the cocktail and the presentation is very nice.  We got a reuben sandwich, pork belly sliders, salad, potato salad, and tuna pitas.  The only thing we enjoyed was the tuna pita. 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch, we headed to the Club for Deal or No Deal.  We had pre-ordered cards through the cruise planner, so we asked where to get them.  We were told we had to get them in the casino.  So we headed over there and the casino cashier pointed us to a little table on the other end of the casino.  Even though we were there 15 mins before the game started, we just made it in time for them to help us.  It took a good 15 minutes for the 3 of us to get our cards.  Quite a process.

 

We made it back to the Club and had a great time playing.  The host went waaaaaayyyy too fast for us to keep up with opening the briefcases on our cards.  At the end of the first game, we learned we didn't have to do anything as the barcodes on our cards kept track of our winnings.  They played 3 rounds and then a bonus round where they gave away a cruise.  We all won casino free play.  My mom won $50, my sister won $10, and I won $5.  

 

 

 

My sister and I were getting really sea sick, so we went back to the room.  Dramamine and wrist bracelets weren't helping, so we tried Sprite and had Eli bring us some green apples.  A little better, but still not feeling well.

 

 

Eli brought by our laundry that we had given him on embarkation day.  Only one blanket was tagged, nothing else.  And we gave that blanket separately so maybe that is why?

 

Then to Eden for dinner.  This is what I was looking forward to most, and we dragged ourselves there since we didn't want to miss.  We told our waiter, King, we were going to be quick and only order a couple things since we were sea sick.  He was so helpful in his recommendations, brought us ginger ale, and even special rice for my sister to enjoy.  The food was absolutely WONDERFUL and we can't wait to go back and have the full experience.

 

 

 

 

We stopped by the martini bar to see the chandelier show.  It was quick, but glad we did it.

 

Started to feel better, so did some shopping in the boutiques.

 

Then back to the room to relax.  After a bit, we got hungry and ordered room service.  Much better luck this time.  Only 1 phone call to order and food was not dehydrated.

 

To end the night, my sister wanted to take a bath in the master hot tub.  All went well until she tried to turn off the jets.  They wouldn't turn off.  We called maintenance and they sent a guy, who had to call another guy.  After 10-15 minutes, they got it off and went on their way.  

 

We went to bed and about 30 minutes later, the jets went back on on their own.  This was about 1am.  There wasn't even water in the tub.  We called them back and they came back out to fix it.  All good now.  Not sure we'll use it again just to be safe.

 

 

 

Edited May 27, 2023 by love2crews.

[hcat]

3 hours ago, love2crews. said:

Iconic Suite: 12100

 

Deck 12, starboard side of the ship, all the way forward, right above the bridge

 

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.  We had the bed split in 2 twins in the secondary bedroom.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great living space with a dining table.  Also has a Peloton.

 

 

 

 

 

There's a butler's pantry with a full fridge.  We aren't drinkers, so lots of water for us, lol.

 

 

 

Amazing balcony area with 2 lounge chairs, cabana, table with 4 chairs, and hot tub.  Master bath has a hot tub as well.

 

This room is perfect for us.  As with any room, there are some cons:

-the decor is beautiful, but it's all glued down so it doesn't move in rough seas.  Not practical though and lots of wasted space.  Hard to use the space where there are vases, books, coral, etc. glued in the middle of the tables.

-the light in the living room is way too low.  can easily hit your head on it and we aren't even tall.

-bedrooms let a lot of light in, even with curtains closed.  the light comes in through the sides of the curtain.

-towel racks are too low when trying to dry hands on hand towel.

-bathrooms have no counter space.  

-sinks aren't practical either.  really low and when you spit out your toothpaste, it just stays there so you really have to work to wash it away.

-vanity mirror isn't at the right angle and can only be turned on from the control panel right when you enter the room.  it'd be nice to be able to turn it on/off when sitting at the desk.

-lots of outlets, but too close together.  can only use one plug at each outlet because there is not enough space to use the other when something is already plugged in.

-we got really sea sick the first two nights since we feel the motion more at the front of the ship.

-night stands in second bedroom are not convenient.  the lights are way too low and the bed is way to high.  if you reach for your phone or water next to you, it's not easy and you're likely to hit the lamp shade.

 

Pros:

-LOTS of storage space

-unlimited laundry included

-unlimited specialty dining included

-obviously tons of space to spread out and relax

-great views, can lay in the master bed and see out the front of the ship (same view as the captain)

-we love being able to see the Magic Carpet 

-big fridge stocked with a variety of beverages of your choice, also a mini fridge

-master bath has two separate sinks, one on each side

Very nice !  Above our reach... Hope it is light and bright as decor seems very griege.    Can't believe they glued down the Hoppen c..r..a..p.  that's the first stuff we ask to be removed including a vase that said do not fill with water..fake coral.  But I suspect you can work around that in such plush digs!

[love2crews.]

May 27: Sea Day

 

Slept in a bit and took our time in the morning.  We headed to Oceanview Cafe for lunch before our Behind the Scenes ship tour.  We stopped at Café al Bacio and Le Grand Bistro on the way to Tuscan, the tour starting point.  The pastries were all absolutely phenomenal.  Highly recommend them all, especially the nutella croissant.  
 

 

Our tour started at 2:00.  We really enjoyed the tour.  We visited the galley, food/drink storage, engine control room, recycling center, laundry facilities, and bridge.  It lasted about 2 hours and we loved every minute of it.

 

 

 

 

My sister headed directly to the spa from our tour.  We have a good amount of OBC to spend and she's making good use of it at the spa.  She had a blowout and was happy with the results.

 

For dinner, we headed to Le Petit Chef at 6:00.  The show started around 6:15 and the entire meal took about an hour and a half.  The food was better than we expected.  We enjoyed the projections and found ourselves smiling throughout the dinner.  We chose the "normal" menu, though there was an alternative menu you could mix and match with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ended the night with some non-alcoholic lychee martinis Eli brought for us.  They were so good!

 

Edited May 28, 2023 by love2crews.

[love2crews.]

I also think it's important to mention a lot of information has failed to make its way to us.

 

For instance, we had made reservations for Rooftop Garden Grill with the shoreside concierge prior to boarding.  We had reservations for 2 nights.  We asked the Retreat concierge for a copy of our dining reservations and Rooftop wasn't on there.  We inquired and were told Rooftop is closed since it's too cold.  Understandable, but why weren't we notified?  I didn't see anything anywhere about Rooftop closing when it's cold...

 

Same thing with Dinner on the Edge.  The whole concept is to have dinner on the Magic Carpet, but since it's too cold they do it in the Solarium.  They don't communicate that the location is changed or advertise that they don't do it when it's too cold.

 

Again with the cooking class.  We booked it on embarkation day and we were told it was on the 2nd sea day.  The night before the class, we had a paper in our room that listed 3 dates.  We were confused and thought maybe we had the option of choosing one of those dates, but it ended up being that it was a 3 part class.  

 

Now, I'm not complaining, I'm just confused why none of this is communicated.  I would like to know this so that's why I'm posting it here so you can plan for your sailing should you decide to book any of the above experiences.

 

All the staff has been lovely.  They are friendly, helpful and always smiling.

Edited May 28, 2023 by love2crews.

[love2crews.]

May 28: Visby, Gotland Island, Sweden

 

We started the day with room service around 8am.  I think this was our first breakfast on the ship!  Lol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We headed down to Destination Gateway around 8:45 and walked to the Visitor Information Center at the end of the pier.  It was a quick and easy walk.  At 9am, we met with our tour guide, Consu.  

 

 

 

I had asked Consu in advance about where we could see sheep since Gotland is known for sheep.  So she arranged a visit for us to Ansarve ecological farm.  It was the highlight of our day!!!!  We got to walk around the farm, play with the sheep dogs, pet the sheep and even see some little lambs!  It was an incredible experience!  After touring the farm, we walked around the little shop they have there, and Sarah (who gave us the tour) even showed us where they sew everything and the huge machine that makes the wool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From there, we wanted to stop by a grocery store and see what fun Swedish snacks they had.  Consu showed us the section where all the products are locally made.  We saw some wool products from Ansarve and even one of Consu's books!  We got some apple cider Consu said is good and continued around the store where we picked up an assortment of candy.

 

 

A short drive later, we arrived in Visby and had a wonderful walking tour.  We strolled down the beautiful street made famous in the Pippi Longstocking show, explored church ruins, climbed a staircase to a lookout point, and enjoyed the picturesque streets.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also walked by a house covered in tar, which we learned is used to keep the bugs away.  The man who lived there was sitting at the window and excited to tell us about his house.  He did not come out, but he wrote info on a notepad for us to read and he held it up in the window.  The house was built in 1785 and his wife was born in the house.  Such a nice gesture for him to do this for us!

 

 

 

On our way out of the city, we stopped in a little shop called Kranku and picked up some more Swedish snacks produced here on Gotland.

 

 

Consu was a plethora of knowledge and was very patient with us.  She knew how to explain everything in a way that made sense to us.  It was a perfect day and we made it back on the ship just in time to grab some pastries from Le Grand Bistro!

 

Tour Provider Info:

Consuelo (Consu)

Your Gotland Tours

Highly recommend Consu!!!  She is wonderful!!!

 

 

Edited May 28, 2023 by love2crews.

[love2crews.]

Finally caught up with posting now!

 

Wifi has been impeccable, even on sea days.  Haven't had any issues using our phones or accessing the internet on my computer.

[love2crews.]

If anyone has questions, needs a photo of a menu, or any other info, let me know.  Happy to find out for you. 😃

 

[Mark.Jules]

I am loving this, thanks for sharing.

 

Who is the cruise director for your sailing and do you know if they will be on Apex throughout the summer?

 

Was the Le Petit Chef show the Le Petit Chef show or the Le Petit Chef & Family Show?  

[Chocolate martini fan]

Thank you for doing this.  I will be on this cruise in June and really looking forward to it.

[love2crews.]

3 hours ago, Mark.Jules said:

I am loving this, thanks for sharing.

 

Who is the cruise director for your sailing and do you know if they will be on Apex throughout the summer?

 

Was the Le Petit Chef show the Le Petit Chef show or the Le Petit Chef & Family Show?  

 

It was Le Petit Chef, NOT family.  Still need to find out about the cruise director.  Will let you know once I do.