What makes Luminae great is the service. That was really 10/10. The food was good but according to me nothing close to 10/10. But we are all different in what we look for in a meal.
Great place to dine! I still think the food at Murano is better in my opinion and experience, but hey, everyone is different! The price tag that comes with the ability of dining at Luminae is not worth it in my opinion! I think one would be best served going for Regent, Oceania, Silversea or Seabourn instead of paying what Celebrity commands! The aforementioned are true all-inclusive, and don’t nickel and dime you on your experience like Celebrity does; such as removing gratuities from the “all-included” perks of suites. If you can bid and get a great deal on a suite or find a deal on one more power to you! To each their own! Enjoy your cruise regardless!
I love Murano and Le Voyage. I do agree that both of those menus are slightly better on certain days. However, they never change. What makes Luminae edge above them is that the menus change daily. Price tag for entry is very high. I havent been on the ultra luxury lines. I hope I have the funds to go sometime in the future. I would love to make comparison videos.
@@tomsunday Tom I think you might be surprised when comparing cruise fares of Oceania or Silverseas vs booking Celebrity on a Retreat which I have found to become unaffordable after they changed their all included.
@@skeletor9121 that is an interesting point. I will do a price comparisons before my next cruise. I am very interested in doing a series of videos comparing Celebrity to Oceania etc.
I am glad you enjoyed the video! I have a tour of the retreat areas coming out this week if you are interested. I hope you have an amazing cruise on the Edge! Luminae is going to be delicious!
@@tomsunday yes! We were on the apex in September. Sunny was our waiter then too.. this time the summit! Next time be sure to try the duck bolognese, always on the last night. I don’t like duck so I was going to avoid it, but it was the lesser of the evils the last night on board, so I tried it. One of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I guess the richness of the duck, with the tomato sauce. Makes up for the fact it’s your last meal :)
@@chardonay9325 I love Sony! He is my favorite waiter. Small world! Thank you for the tip about the duck bolognese. I had the exact same thoughts as you. Next time, I will definitely try it. I hope you enjoy your cruise. Cheers!
Hi Tom - Would you recommend trying to get a restaurant reservation ON LAND in Santorini & Mykonos (speaking strictly for the pretty views) OR do you think Luminae will have nice views of the cities, while in port? We are in port until 10PM both nights for our MED cruise in September and don’t know which way to go, to enjoy the best views of Mykonos and Santorini. Thanks so much for your advice :-). I always LOVE your videos and commentary!
Hi Angie! I apologize for the delayed response-I must have missed your comment earlier. Your question about docking in Santorini is a great one, but it's a bit tricky to answer. Celebrity typically docks at the Port of Skala. The orientation of the ship-whether port side or starboard faces the dock-depends on the number of factors. For example: how many other cruise ships are present that day. If the ship docks with the port side facing the dock, you’ll enjoy views of the port and the surrounding mountains from Luminae. If it’s the starboard side, you’ll have a stunning view of the Mediterranean. You can search “Port of Skala, Santorini” on Google to see photos others have shared. Personally, I would choose to stay in Luminae because I wouldn’t want to miss dining there-I really love that restaurant, so I might be a bit biased! I hope you have a fantastic time; those Mediterranean Celebrity Cruises are truly incredible!
Hi Tom! Okay, so as you know, you love Blu and we love it... and we have never tried Retreat / Luminae.... We're Aquaclass people. We respect your "foodie" titile, so It really caught our attention that you said that Luminae is "greater than" Blu. ...makes us wonder about "stepping up" tom Retreat / Luminae... ...first world problems for sure...
Hi Steven! I hope this message finds you well. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend trying the Retreat on Celebrity Cruises. I'm currently working on a detailed video that dives deep into what the Retreat offers. It's scheduled to be released on the channel next week. This video will cover everything included when you sail in this class, helping you make an informed decision about whether to upgrade. As for dining, Luminae is definitely a step up from Blu. While I enjoy eating at Blu, Luminae offers a superior experience, not just because it includes lunch, which Blu does not. The menus at Luminae are a delicious mix of adventurous and classic dishes. Being a passionate foodie and quite critical of dining experiences, Luminae has set a new standard for me; it's spoiled other dining options aboard for me. Once you try it, you might find it hard to go back to dining anywhere else on the ship. Consider yourself warned! Can't wait for you to see the video and hear what you think! Cheers!
For me Lunimae is the best food at sea from the big 4 cruise brands. I can’t speak for luxury cruises. On our cruise we did one specialty dining experience and it was not better than Luminae. It’s the one factor that will bring me back again to Celebrity.
Tom, great review, it makes me think we should push the boat out and step up to retreat to experience this service. Blue collar fella here ( with manners ) I'm no way posh and just a little wary it might be out of my comfort zone. Thoughts please.
Hi Steve! Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to comment on my review. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! If you're considering upgrading to the Retreat, I highly recommend it. I'm currently working on a detailed video that covers all the benefits of sailing in the Retreat, including tours of the suite areas, the Retreat Lounge, the sundeck etc. This video should give you a comprehensive view and help you decide if it's the right choice for you. Regarding your concerns about the ambiance, there's no need to worry about the "poshness." The Retreat is all about relaxing and enjoying your vacation in a way that suits you best. There's no requirement to dress up-except perhaps on a chic night-and no need to act any particular way. The atmosphere is very welcoming, with genuinely nice staff who treat you like family. You'll find that most passengers are just regular folks who might save a bit more and sail less frequently so they can afford this level of luxury. During my time, I met many down-to-earth people, including nurses and electricians, all of whom were respectful and friendly. I'm confident you'll feel comfortable and right at home. Next week's video will delve more into this aspect, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts after watching it. I hope this response helps clear up some of your questions.
More Celebrity Food Tours: th-cam.com/play/PLAMELD7KEuK6Bhy5FP9iKAc5AG7s4lGyb.html&si=pVmgq82UybWJ6hn9
Tom, I totally agree in regards to Luminae. We travel exclusively with Celebrity and only in the Retreat. It is worth every penny.
Luminae is my favorite part of the Retreat! I get hungry just thinking about it.
What makes Luminae great is the service. That was really 10/10. The food was good but according to me nothing close to 10/10. But we are all different in what we look for in a meal.
Great place to dine! I still think the food at Murano is better in my opinion and experience, but hey, everyone is different! The price tag that comes with the ability of dining at Luminae is not worth it in my opinion! I think one would be best served going for Regent, Oceania, Silversea or Seabourn instead of paying what Celebrity commands! The aforementioned are true all-inclusive, and don’t nickel and dime you on your experience like Celebrity does; such as removing gratuities from the “all-included” perks of suites. If you can bid and get a great deal on a suite or find a deal on one more power to you! To each their own! Enjoy your cruise regardless!
I love Murano and Le Voyage. I do agree that both of those menus are slightly better on certain days. However, they never change. What makes Luminae edge above them is that the menus change daily.
Price tag for entry is very high. I havent been on the ultra luxury lines. I hope I have the funds to go sometime in the future. I would love to make comparison videos.
@@tomsunday Tom I think you might be surprised when comparing cruise fares of Oceania or Silverseas vs booking Celebrity on a Retreat which I have found to become unaffordable after they changed their all included.
@@skeletor9121 that is an interesting point. I will do a price comparisons before my next cruise. I am very interested in doing a series of videos comparing Celebrity to Oceania etc.
I love Murano.
Another great video! I can't wait to try Luninae on the Edge next month! 🤤🤤🤤
I am glad you enjoyed the video! I have a tour of the retreat areas coming out this week if you are interested. I hope you have an amazing cruise on the Edge! Luminae is going to be delicious!
@@tomsunday awesome...can't wait to see your take on the retreat areas as well! And thanks...we're all very much looking forward to it :)
Congrats Tom on reaching over 6K in subs.
Thank you, my friend!
Heading out this morning on a Panama Canal trip. 14 days of luminae….I’m going on as a passenger, I’ll disembark as cargo
I hope you enjoy it! 14 days at Luminae is heaven, and you will get to try their entire menu! 🤩
@@tomsunday yes! We were on the apex in September. Sunny was our waiter then too.. this time the summit! Next time be sure to try the duck bolognese, always on the last night. I don’t like duck so I was going to avoid it, but it was the lesser of the evils the last night on board, so I tried it. One of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I guess the richness of the duck, with the tomato sauce. Makes up for the fact it’s your last meal :)
@@chardonay9325 I love Sony! He is my favorite waiter. Small world! Thank you for the tip about the duck bolognese. I had the exact same thoughts as you. Next time, I will definitely try it. I hope you enjoy your cruise. Cheers!
Hi Tom - Would you recommend trying to get a restaurant reservation ON LAND in Santorini & Mykonos (speaking strictly for the pretty views) OR do you think Luminae will have nice views of the cities, while in port? We are in port until 10PM both nights for our MED cruise in September and don’t know which way to go, to enjoy the best views of Mykonos and Santorini. Thanks so much for your advice :-). I always LOVE your videos and commentary!
Hi Angie! I apologize for the delayed response-I must have missed your comment earlier. Your question about docking in Santorini is a great one, but it's a bit tricky to answer. Celebrity typically docks at the Port of Skala. The orientation of the ship-whether port side or starboard faces the dock-depends on the number of factors. For example: how many other cruise ships are present that day.
If the ship docks with the port side facing the dock, you’ll enjoy views of the port and the surrounding mountains from Luminae. If it’s the starboard side, you’ll have a stunning view of the Mediterranean. You can search “Port of Skala, Santorini” on Google to see photos others have shared.
Personally, I would choose to stay in Luminae because I wouldn’t want to miss dining there-I really love that restaurant, so I might be a bit biased! I hope you have a fantastic time; those Mediterranean Celebrity Cruises are truly incredible!
Hi Tom! Okay, so as you know, you love Blu and we love it... and we have never tried Retreat / Luminae.... We're Aquaclass people. We respect your "foodie" titile, so It really caught our attention that you said that Luminae is "greater than" Blu. ...makes us wonder about "stepping up" tom Retreat / Luminae... ...first world problems for sure...
Hi Steven! I hope this message finds you well. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend trying the Retreat on Celebrity Cruises. I'm currently working on a detailed video that dives deep into what the Retreat offers. It's scheduled to be released on the channel next week. This video will cover everything included when you sail in this class, helping you make an informed decision about whether to upgrade.
As for dining, Luminae is definitely a step up from Blu. While I enjoy eating at Blu, Luminae offers a superior experience, not just because it includes lunch, which Blu does not. The menus at Luminae are a delicious mix of adventurous and classic dishes. Being a passionate foodie and quite critical of dining experiences, Luminae has set a new standard for me; it's spoiled other dining options aboard for me. Once you try it, you might find it hard to go back to dining anywhere else on the ship. Consider yourself warned! Can't wait for you to see the video and hear what you think! Cheers!
The service at Luminae is exceptional. I especially enjoy the breakfast!
I love breakfast at Luminae!
For me Lunimae is the best food at sea from the big 4 cruise brands. I can’t speak for luxury cruises. On our cruise we did one specialty dining experience and it was not better than Luminae. It’s the one factor that will bring me back again to Celebrity.
I always wondered how the Retreat compares to Haven and others. Which 3 brands are you comparing them to?
Tom, great review, it makes me think we should push the boat out and step up to retreat to experience this service.
Blue collar fella here ( with manners ) I'm no way posh and just a little wary it might be out of my comfort zone.
Thoughts please.
Hi Steve! Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to comment on my review. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! If you're considering upgrading to the Retreat, I highly recommend it. I'm currently working on a detailed video that covers all the benefits of sailing in the Retreat, including tours of the suite areas, the Retreat Lounge, the sundeck etc. This video should give you a comprehensive view and help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
Regarding your concerns about the ambiance, there's no need to worry about the "poshness." The Retreat is all about relaxing and enjoying your vacation in a way that suits you best. There's no requirement to dress up-except perhaps on a chic night-and no need to act any particular way. The atmosphere is very welcoming, with genuinely nice staff who treat you like family. You'll find that most passengers are just regular folks who might save a bit more and sail less frequently so they can afford this level of luxury. During my time, I met many down-to-earth people, including nurses and electricians, all of whom were respectful and friendly. I'm confident you'll feel comfortable and right at home.
Next week's video will delve more into this aspect, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts after watching it. I hope this response helps clear up some of your questions.
@@tomsunday
Thanks for the feedback Tom. Looking forward to your review.
10/10? I am not as impressed by Luminae as you are. But overall we enjoy dining on the Edge-class ships.
Thanks for the comment. How would you rate Luminae? What didn't you like about it? I am very interested in hearing your opinion. Cheers!
The apple pie is always limp and anemic looking.
In my opinion, the hamburgers on Celebrity are mediocre at best. Haven’t yet found a great burger.
Luminae par cooks the burger, so it's important to specify a fresh one that is fully cooked.
One exception is the burger at Le Grand Bistro. It's really good and very unique. Have you tried that one?
I can second that burger recommendation! It's fantastic.