Beyond Edge Villa Embarkation

[Vanman725]

First time Celebrity cruiser. Previously RCL, Princess and HA.

 

I like to be prepared before traveling. I have searched the forums and found conflicting information on embarkation for upper level suites (particularly Edge Villa) from T25 in Fort Lauderdale. I have seen that there is a pole outside the area where you line up to get into the terminal with a Retreat sign on it. Is this where all Retreat guests drop their luggage? I have also heard that there is a special area for uppper level suite guests to drop their luggage and that it gets priority?

 

Do the upper level suite guests get escorted onto the ship? I have seen some comments that Edge Villa guests were able to access their suites right away upon boarding.

[samplecd02]

49 minutes ago, Vanman725 said:

First time Celebrity cruiser. Previously RCL, Princess and HA.

 

I like to be prepared before traveling. I have searched the forums and found conflicting information on embarkation for upper level suites (particularly Edge Villa) from T25 in Fort Lauderdale. I have seen that there is a pole outside the area where you line up to get into the terminal with a Retreat sign on it. Is this where all Retreat guests drop their luggage? I have also heard that there is a special area for uppper level suite guests to drop their luggage and that it gets priority?

 

Do the upper level suite guests get escorted onto the ship? I have seen some comments that Edge Villa guests were able to access their suites right away upon boarding.

Was on the Beyond in an EV on the July 13 sailing. TO answer your questions:
All Retreat luggage dropoff is the same area, no special area for Upper level.

I have been told it gets priority, but since I always get it before 2 or 3, never asked others if that was before theirs.

Yes Upper level suites get escorted on the ship and to their room. Be prepared for some weird looks though. My escort walked in front of a group about to get on the ship, showed the person at the end of the embarkation "tunnel" (the walk to the ship) our reservation on her Ipad and said that she was going to lead us to our room, walked us right past the huge group and took us all the way to our room. The first person in the group was not "thrilled" to have us step in front of her, but didnt say anything as far as I could tell.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

3 hours ago, Vanman725 said:

First time Celebrity cruiser. Previously RCL, Princess and HA.

 

I like to be prepared before traveling. I have searched the forums and found conflicting information on embarkation for upper level suites (particularly Edge Villa) from T25 in Fort Lauderdale. I have seen that there is a pole outside the area where you line up to get into the terminal with a Retreat sign on it. Is this where all Retreat guests drop their luggage? I have also heard that there is a special area for uppper level suite guests to drop their luggage and that it gets priority?

 

Do the upper level suite guests get escorted onto the ship? I have seen some comments that Edge Villa guests were able to access their suites right away upon boarding.

There is a support pole outside of T25 with a retreat sign. Not sure about sky suites but Edge Villa's can leave their luggage with the porter outside of this entrance.  Make sure to tell them that you are in a suite. They have a special scanner alongside the retreat area where they scan your luggage. When you drop it in this area it does get special treatment and delivered sooner than just leaving it with the general porters.

 

Once you drop your luggage you go through a separate entrance door and up the suites elevator to security. From there you will be checked in. Once the ship is cleared for boarding you will be escorted, or directed, to the gangway. If it is early there will not be a line. You can access your suite immediately but might not be able to stay in it depending on how early it is your board. 

[CHEZMARYLOU]

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Edited August 18 by CHEZMARYLOU

[buncosquad]

We only stay in Iconics or EVs.

 

For Iconics, whether in Europe, Fort Lauderdale, or Alaska, the Retreat manager has always met us and taken us aboard.

 

For the EVs, have always been taken aboard by our butler.

 

Fort Lauderdale/T25 is an efficient terminal and welcoming staff, though never thought the baggage handlers were as happy to provide their service. But, once upstairs in the Retreat lounge, the staff is good and will get you situated.

 

Safe travels.

[Vanman725]

4 minutes ago, buncosquad said:

We only stay in Iconics or EVs.

 

For Iconics, whether in Europe, Fort Lauderdale, or Alaska, the Retreat manager has always met us and taken us aboard.

 

For the EVs, have always been taken aboard by our butler.

 

Fort Lauderdale/T25 is an efficient terminal and welcoming staff, though never thought the baggage handlers were as happy to provide their service. But, once upstairs in the Retreat lounge, the staff is good and will get you situated.

 

Safe travels.

Were you given a "Priority" placard for your vehicle in Fort Lauderdale? Also it has been mentioned that there is a building pillar with the "Priority" sign on it for luggage.

[zitsky]

5 hours ago, samplecd02 said:

Was on the Beyond in an EV on the July 13 sailing. TO answer your questions:
All Retreat luggage dropoff is the same area, no special area for Upper level.

I have been told it gets priority, but since I always get it before 2 or 3, never asked others if that was before theirs.

Yes Upper level suites get escorted on the ship and to their room. Be prepared for some weird looks though. My escort walked in front of a group about to get on the ship, showed the person at the end of the embarkation "tunnel" (the walk to the ship) our reservation on her Ipad and said that she was going to lead us to our room, walked us right past the huge group and took us all the way to our room. The first person in the group was not "thrilled" to have us step in front of her, but didnt say anything as far as I could tell.

I don’t think you should worry about how people look at you.   Because it may happen again onboard.  Or people may just ignore you.

[buncosquad]

1 hour ago, Vanman725 said:

Were you given a "Priority" placard for your vehicle in Fort Lauderdale? Also it has been mentioned that there is a building pillar with the "Priority" sign on it for luggage.

Yes, it comes in from shoreside concierge, but never needed. At all terminals, we have seen a priority sign.

 

We use private black car service and have always been waived through and never asked to show a placard at any port.

Edited August 18 by buncosquad