LIVE SIDE-BY-SIDE Celebrity Summit Retreat & Seascape Yacht Club 12/9-21/2023 ~ 1st MSC vs Farewell (?) X Suite Experience

[Dolebludger]

George C. We were introduced to Celebrity Suites back in 2018 or so when the last Moody Blues cruise was on the X Eclipse. We were VIP so we were able to book a CS. Back then we really liked the X suite experience. All the subsequent “on the blue” cruises have been on the NCL Pearl. Been there, done that, never again. But we liked that short cruise on the Eclipse.  We booked another X cruise on the Equinox for 2019 in a RS. It was a great cruise, although the ship then needed a little love. Then the pandemic hit, and it wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that we were comfortable to cruise again. Checked out Retreat prices and said “OMG”! At those prices, might as well go back to Regent — our most cruised lux line. Guess what, it was cheaper! Of course we booked and took it. Great!  The reason we liked the Retreat and YC in the past is that these options offered us close to the small ship lux line experience at a lower price. Now, I just don’t know. I hope the OPs will post that clear it up.

[Stem to Stern]

Day 4 - San Juan 10-5

 

Seascape in upper right.

Divina and 2 NCL.

 

[billc23]

10 hours ago, CardowMD said:

Just an FYI regarding Maryland Crabcake on that menu…they should never have extra ingredients like fennel and other stuff they added. Just jumbo lump crab, maybe a couple crackers to act as binder, mayo to hold all of it together and voila!

When I lived in Maryland the crab shacks used Old Bay Seasoning. What is Maryland crab without locally made Old Bay seasoning?? I'm not sure but the Crab Cake served in Eden is great! Probably the best I ever had.

Edited December 12, 2023 by billc23

[billc23]

10 hours ago, Ellesor826 said:

Sorta like the perversion of the Maine Lobster Roll in Luminae. 
Just lobster meat and a dab of mayo on a griddled New England hot dog bun=Maine lobster roll 
No fillers like celery or lettuce or parsley etc. 
DH is 7th gen Mainer aka Mainiac 😉😂
 

Yes, let's keep the lobster roll simple! I take a 10 minute walk over the bridge into Maine and for less than $20 get a great lobster roll with sides. I often splash a little melted butter on it - aka Connecticut style. Sitting outside with a nice water view...

[Stem to Stern]

Good morning.  ☀️🌞😃 

We enjoyed our day yesterday.  We went to the MSC Voyagers Club Diamond reception at 4:30 in Loft Cafe on Deck 8.  We do not require a butler escort everywhere.  That’s just us.  The interior corridors of the ship are not that unbearably crowded.  Plenty of venues of all varieties for 6,000ish people to spread out.  But they do congregate in masses sometimes in certain places like pool areas or when certain activities or performances are happening like along all the stair banisters and railings in the main atrium. At the Diamond soirée live music inhibited conversation with our friends we first met at the theater show and had dinner with on Day 1.  They are also staying in a YIN Yacht Club Interior.  I won’t shout over live music.  The officers and cruise director Pedro were lined up inside the Loft Cafe to greet incoming Diamond members.  DH noted the they all stood there without any interaction with passengers except for a few passengers who went up to them to chat.  The Captain arrived and took a place in line at the entrance along with the other officers.  Same team from this morning’s soirée.  A duo of dance instructors performed a brief number.  Then all of the officers paraded to the stage area at the opposite end of the bar.  The Captain gave a very brief speech and the end.  Passengers mostly left and crew cleared all of the tables of drink ware and munchie plates.

 

Italian night and we decided to eat early.  Found a large gathering in Top Sail.  Everyone who wants to eat as soon as the YC Restaurant was there having their pre-dinner drinks.  We took a small table with three chairs along the window overlooking the Top Sail outdoor space.  It was still daylight and we ordered espresso martinis.  DH went to munchie bar for a couple items for us.

 

Shortly after our drinks arrived another couple we met on Day 1 at a roll call self-organized Cruise Critic Welcome Cocktail approached us.  We decided to have dinner together.  We made our way upstairs and were seated along the window on the starboard size.  Limited pics when dining with others.

I ordered Beef Carpaccio to start and Osso Bucco.  DH ordered the Eggplant Parm entree to start and Osso Bucco.  

He and I shared a Lasagna Bolonese.

The other couple shared the Asparagus Risotto.  Since she discovered risotto they order it if on menu and enjoy it.  She started with BC and then LB.  He skipped starter and had OB.  He never had it before and was not overly impressed.  He cooks for them and enjoys the theraputic decompression cooking and baking brings after a long day of work.  We discussed his year of recipe collection, replication, and tweaking to get them just perfect.  It was nice conversation, but DH and I discussed the meal privately after we left.  We agree with him.  Not overly impressed.  And it is Italian Night on MSC.

I had grandma’s chocolate cake.  DH tiramisu.  Not much to say there other than same cool presentation of tiramisu as previously posted.

We went to Cocktail Bar on Deck 8 to meet our friends.  They have a large menu of craft cocktails.  The first one I ordered they did not have the coconut syrup.  So second choice was The Rickshaw with Japanese whiskey and six other ingredients.  It was good.

 

Went to bed early.  Coffee time.  Our Butler escorted us up to 20 and gave us the run down of today’s activities.  She is wonderful!!!  YC Tropical deck party at 8:30.

 

Will get more questions answered later….

 

[Ellesor826]

22 minutes ago, billc23 said:

Connecticut style.

That's my favorite!!
Most don't know about this option....buttah makes it bettah

I see  you're at Warren's Lobster House - We enjoy going to Shore Market in York for their Lobster roll and house made chips when we're on our way up Down East....usually stop in at Stonewall too - traditions!

[asnaleah]

Enjoying this thread and interested to read the comparison. @Dolebludger, we are currently on Eclipse in a CS, and our Butler experience is outstanding. No problems with stocking our water/vitamin waters or changing out the champagne for wines. 

[Stem to Stern]

15 hours ago, 81Zoomie said:

Is there a couch and coffee table in the room?

No sofa.  Only firm, upright chair and coffee table on long wall opposite desk.  Chrome is all scratched up already.  We lounge in Top Sail rather than our suite.

 

[DaKahuna]

11 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Yes, you bring up one of the things where the YC beats the X Retreat. All rooms in the YC have a real butler for the purposes you describe — and more. And this is good! Let’s see from the OP’s future posts if the X Retreat in a SS has the same escorting service.

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.

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But if I am in a suite or lux part of a large ship (and paying for it) I would like butler escort service into and from the main ship. Same for disembarking and re entry at ports. If this isn’t provided, I’ll just book cruises on small ship lux lines where having crowds in the main ship isn’t an issue — because there all of 700 of us are fine in the main ship — with no lines or crowds.

 

Only Celebrity Suites and above receive a real butler in addition to a room service attendant. 

 YC also provides free mini-bar and Celebrity does not, except for the higher end suites. 

 

 We have never received escorted service on Celebrity but understand it is available to the upper suites.  We have only sailed in Sky and Celebrity suites.   The closes we came to escorted service was when we followed the suite Concierges on Millennium aboard on embarkation day as they escorted the Penthouse suite guest aboard. 

 

10 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Yes, I think the demise of butler service is a big problem in the Retreat. Now, from this forum, I know that in a SS, one does not really get a butler, and the room attendants don’t really fill the gap. I mean, the mini fridge contents are not included, and you have to empty it yourself and grab beverages yourself to get in suite drinks included? That is far from lux service! And the problem, from the X web site, this may be true in CS and above. This matter is not made clear. So I am eager to read what the OPs have to say about service in a SS. From what I have read here, it may not be great — considering the price. I hope it is, but I hope we will see.

 

 We agree 100% and have refrained from booking another Celebrity cruise thus far.  We booked a Sky Aqua Suite on Millennium for May 2024 back in April of this year.  We are still making that cruise and what we do with regards to Celebrity depends on how that cruise goes and how Celebrity's pricing works out.  Right now, I do not view Celebrity as being cost effective comparted to other cruise lines.  

 

 Our understanding is that Butler service has not changed for Celebrity Suites and above.  It only affected all of the Sky suite classes.  There have been reports of the rebranded room attendants removing items from the mini-fridge in sky suites but it has been hit and miss and seems largely dependent on the room service attended (rebranded retreat host).

 

[Stem to Stern]

This morning I heard the captain on the speaker in the hallway, so I cracked the door and listened.  We are arriving an hour late to San Juan.  I think because of the 35-40 knot gusts and high swell overnight.  We have been granted permission to remain docked an additional hour.  Excursion tickets with updated times are being delivered to staterooms, so no need to go to excursions desk.

Relaxing in Top Sail to Barry White’s Never Gonna Give You Up and a very pleasant mix or smooth jazz and mellow classics.

Directional sign to YCR.

Quirky art on flip side of YR sign in boomerang cutout.

Bridge.

Pilot.

[Stem to Stern]

Docked (finally) and awaiting paramedics to off load someone.  I hope whoever is okay.  

The two NCL ships did not make it in.

Fort

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

12 hours ago, hcat said:

Any info about the gym, spa  or T pool..

all important areas for us?

 

Summit being M Class does not have a great thermal suite compared to S and even E Class.

 

But it has a T pool which S and E class don't have.

[jcpc]

@Stem to SternThanks for posting about the Voyagers Club Diamond Reception.  It sounds to me like I made the right decision to skip it on my sailing.  I'll more than likely skip it on my February sailing too.

 

On Meraviglia we had a love-seat type couch and what appears to be the same coffee table that you guys have (MSC must have bought thousands of these tables for all their ships!)   I will say though, that the big chair you have does look comfortable to sit in,

[Ellesor826]

2 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

Docked (finally) and awaiting paramedics to off load someone.  I hope whoever is okay.  

The two NCL ships did not make it in.

Fort

Our local Tampa weather guy is calling for some rough seas this weekend....El Nino.
Every time we sail out of Miami, we have weather.  Good to see my "luck" is still holding strong.

Prayers for whomever has been evacced.  Scary. 

Enjooy your "blustery day" in San Juan - no doubt, an original Pina Colada will make it alllll better.
xxR

[hcat]

10 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

But it has a T pool which S and E class don't have.

You are correct...closest X  now has to a T pool,... real ones were on Mercury and Century..with the salts and minerals and stations with strong jets..Our  favs were Canyon Ranch on QM 2..great spa!

[Stem to Stern]

Good morning from Puerto Plata.  😃🌤️

Weather looks a bit iffy.  😳

I have already had my panoramic breakfast on the rail in YCR.  Now waiting in TSL for butler escort to pier for MSC excursion.  TSL is our living room.  🥰

Full report on the Yacht Club Interior Suite (YIN) when I am back on dry land.  Spoiler alert.  There is room to walk next to the bed on either side.  Researched with high-tech measuring instrument.  🤣🤣🤣

We had a fabulous meal at Butcher’s Cut last night.  Full food porn report to come.  DH was a bit more critical of his food selections than I was.  Crying and screaming toddler and parents finally left before entree arrived.  Watched two tables seated nearby, then suddenly moved to the next room.  Shocker.

Then it was on to the show.  I can report on this in more detail if anyone is interested.

[Stem to Stern]

Stateroom left - slightly more width?

 

 

Edited December 13, 2023 by Stem to Stern

[Stem to Stern]

Good morning again from Seascape.  Well actually it is almost afternoon now.  

So, I felt I was due for my first cocktail of the day.  The One Pool bartender created something coconutty as I requested.  I did not give him much to go on, but he flew by the seat of his pants without batting an eyelash and started muddling limes and tossing in Captain Morgan, Cointreau, pina colada mix, and ice and gave it a shake.  After giving it a test he added some vanilla syrup to sweeten it up a bit and viola.😋😎😉

We are hugging the coast of Cuba along with two other ships.

We started our day with coffee and conversation with fellow yacht clubbers in TSL.  Then DH headed for the Jungle Pool to take advantage of the tropical warmth and humidity there while the retractable roof is closed and before the little tykes take it over.  Meanwhile I ordered my sausage, onion, and spinach omelette from Jeffrey at the One Pool who knew me by name on day 2.  I took a set of wrapped flatware to my table on the non-smoking port side of the dining areas on the pool deck, took a seat, and waited for him to bring my order.  Meanwhile a bar service crew member took my drink order of a bottle of water, no glass.  The bottle immediately arrived ice cold with ice crystals floating inside.  Perfect.  When Jeffrey brought my omelette he asked what he could get to accompany it.  I told him and he finished off my order and delivered it.  Feeling pampered.🥰

Next I set up our “day room”on the port side of the One Pool Deck and relaxed and  reflected on the cruise so far.  At 8:30 I had my pick of nearly any loungers I wanted.  I have so many pictures to sort through and share.😅

Yesterday’s excursion up the mountain from Puerto Plata was a win.  

We enjoyed the view from TSL as the sky brightened until it was time for Renuka to escort us down the pier and to the entrance to the port area where she directed us to our guide holding our excursion group number sign.

Renuka makes everything easy peasy.  If you are a YC first-timer she will tell you everything you should become accustomed to including priority return embarkation after the tour.🤩

Our guide was great and just wanted to keep on going and going and sharing everything about the DR and showing us the country-side and the city.😅

Mooove over!  🤪. So much more to share, but I just want to enjoy the moment for now.  More later.😴

…when you get a chance.

Ginger

Spicy Ginger

Tibouchina

Cacao

Umbrella Street

Random art seen on street

Art in the park

Artisan and his work

This Is Gratitude!🙏 

Edited December 14, 2023 by Stem to Stern

[PTC DAWG]

I really wish you would quit pimping for the YC so much. 🙂 

[Dolebludger]

Just keep on calling it as you experience it, please!

[jcpc]

@Stem to SternI'm anxiously awaiting your review of YCIN.  I'm debating whether to book one (solo) for a 7-night cruise.  Pricing out at $3200 total - such an excellent price.  For that price I think I can cut down on the amount of clothing I usually bring.....LOL

[Stem to Stern]

4 minutes ago, jcpc said:

@Stem to SternI'm anxiously awaiting your review of YCIN.  I'm debating whether to book one (solo) for a 7-night cruise.  Pricing out at $3200 total - such an excellent price.  For that price I think I can cut down on the amount of clothing I usually bring.....LOL

Quick reply.   (Ready to jump in the One Pool to cool off from all the sun today.)😎

 

GO FOR IT.  I would definitely book YIN again, but would look at particular stateroom location.  DH says he probably would go for it again as well.  An excellent value for what you get.  
 

Sorry, but there I go pimping again.😂🤣😂

 

There are weird noise issues in more than one YIN.  DH sleeps thru it all.  I do not.  Bring a noise machine with you.  My travel one is not loud enough.  Will bring my primary one next time.  Sound of items crashing to floor, but can’t identify if above, below, or on 18.  Faint toilet flush noises.  Closet doors and drawers closing loudly.😬
 

The unidentifiable sound that makes me imagine overflowing pool water that goes into a reservoir and periodically empties sounding somewhat like a toilet flush but without the vacuum.  I think more carpet and wood instead of tile and glass are needed as well as other sound proofing measures.  We are on 18 with a neighbor on either side.  Friends also experiencing noise are in a YIN on 16 presumably under the kitchen.  For the price I won’t let it get to me.  I have plenty of Benadryl.😂😂😂

[doghog]

5 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

There are weird noise issues in more than one YIN.  DH sleeps thru it all.  I do not.  Bring a noise machine with you.  My travel one is not loud enough.  Will bring my primary one next time.  Sound of items crashing to floor, but can’t identify if above, below, or on 18.

Unacceptable for us. We don't own or would bring a machine to mask noise. If we experienced what you posted concerning YIN noise issues, we wouldn't book a YIN again.  

[Dolebludger]

Yes, that would be very bad for us too. S to S, do you know what is directly above your room? We always want to check that, pre-booking, to ensure that the space above is another cabin, and not a pool, kitchen, restaurant, lounge, deck, or service area of some sort. As I’m not familiar with the deck plans on your ship, I don’t know if all cabins and suites in its YC have this problem or not. I hope not, because your report on YC food, service, and facilities make it sound very attractive otherwise.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

For noise get some Loop ear plugs , they work and are comfortable 

I got them as my wife likes to watch tv at bedtime, the light I don’t mind , it the talking bugs me as I am trying to listen to the tv instead of trying to sleep 😁😴