Did the Apex in January. Retreat. Got there at 10:30am just as they opened the terminal doors. Sat in the lounge for 10 minutes and walked on in the first group of about ten people.
Loved this video! Perfect time, shows how the process goes, not too long. I really enjoy your updates, Tom. As a couple of other people said, and you yourself commented at the beginning, it seemed odd you waited in the lounge to board. I'm guessing they space the arrivals to allow room attendants, etc. to be able to greet people, plus most people are heading for lunch right away so maybe getting a snack in the lounge satisfies people in the short run. I don't recall if you have looked at the finances of the trips you take, but as a "budget conscious" traveler, I'd be interested in those details, especially for the suite trip as compared to other options. I haven't gotten through your Apex video (specifically "cheapest suite" and "was it worth it?") but those are next. Thanks again for the content and keep up the good work!!!
Thank you for your kind words, Joe! I am really glad you are enjoying the videos. I love making them. I usually make some sort of a pricing comparison video where I talk about the finances. I will put this on my to do! Thanks for the tip. I hope you enjoy the rest of the videos about this trip. I have a lot of good ones in the oven.
Thank you for this video! I'm cruising Celebrity for the first time (and cruising out of Fort Lauderdale for the first time) in November, and seeing this process answered a lot of the questions that I had about check in for the retreat.
Thank you! I had a great cruise. I have about 12 videos planned from this trip alone. I will be releasing 2 to 3 videos a week for the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy them!
Thank you my Friend! Your comment made my day. It is a big achievement. I am grateful to have some many people subscribe to my channel. It really put's things in perspective. I will continue to work hard and hopefully one day have the opportunity to do this fulltime.
Tom your a great unofficial ambassador for Celebrity ( well done ! I love the brand ) we're embarking on the Celebrity Solstice out here in Singapore today, visiting Bali and then down under to Australia ( It's our Bucket list anniversary cruise ) a long way to come and enjoy Celebrity again but from past experiences worth it. Regards.
Hi Steve! Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them. This bucket list trip sounds absolutely amazing. I always wanted to do something like that. I hope you enjoy it. I can't wait to hear your feedback once you return. Have a great cruise!
We're on the Ascent/Retreat in a few months and I've been watching your videos. Very helpful. At what point do you notify someone that you're booked for a retreat cruise? At 9:00 you went from one person to being escorted to the retreat line by another.
I am glad you find the videos helpful, Tony! I started chatting with a subscriber after the escalator and missed the sign (on the left) for the retreat. I got to the front of the regular line, and that is when they took me over to the retreat area.
The Retreat check in line starts at the far left just outside the terminal. The Retreat has its own check in line and once you are scanned in you take the elevator to the Second floor and the Retreat departure lounge entrance is right next to the elevator. Once you enter the lounge you have your final documents check and then you are welcome to board the ship. In summary, before you enter the terminal you should be to the far left line for “Retreat Only” guests
I hope you have a great time! This was my first Retreat experience as well. I have 3 to 4 videos planned specifically to cover the Retreat. They will be out very soon! I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback. Cheers!
Considering the price and amount of pre-check in the embarkation should be fast. What are other cruise lines with similar sized ships for suites like? Does it take hours?
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I've stayed at a lot of hotels in Ft. Lauderdale. It depends on what you are looking for. Do you need something cheap or do you want a hotel that is right on the beach? I even have video reviews of some of these hotels. As far as transportation, I suggest using Uber. It's always the fastest and cheapest option. Shuttle service is going to either overcharge you or pack you into a bus with other people.
It’s just going to be a place to stay at for two nights before the cruise, so we don’t need a beach view. I was thinking Candlewood Suites, based on the reviews I’ve seen. I want a place between or near the airport and Port Everglades. We will prob Uber from both, but might pic a service from airport. I hear the airport can be hectic! We are staying in the retreat too, I didn’t know if Uber (for cruise port) could get in that area? Thank you very much! @@tomsunday
@@Paula-f2f9i You are most welcome. Uber is allowed to get into that area. I've taken a varierty of shuttles, cabs etc. Uber is usually the quickest. However, they will all get you there. You just want to avoid the shuttles that come with big busses and pick up a lot of people. It really slows down the process. My personal favorite is car service. It does get quite expensive (50 plus dollars). Uber will get you there for around 30 for the same trip. Hotel is a little more complicated. Candelwood suites are fine but very far from the centers in Ft. Lauderdale. You will be far away from the beach, nice restaurants, town centers, shopping etc. None of that is walkable from that location. My suggesting is to stay closer to the beach. The A1A runs parallel to the beach and contains a ton of restaurants, shops, bars and nightlife. It gets lively there. Another fun area that is full of things to do is Las Olas BLVD. It's further from the beaches but has a lot of good food/drink/entertainment. Las Olas Blvd is more like a city while Route A1A is more like a beach town. I highly suggest staying near one of those areas. The hotels on A1A are more expensive but are generally much nicer. Hilton Beach Resort is one of the best over there (A+). B Ocean and AC Hotel are a bit cheaper but still very nice. My favorite hidden gem in the area is Lago Mar Resort. Its away from all of the buzz and has the best view of the cruise ships coming in and leaving Port Everglades. They also have the best beach. I have video reviews for Lago Mar and AC Hotel to give you some ideas. Ultimately it depens on what you want to get out of your 2 days in Ft. Lauderdale. Personally I would pick either Lago Mar or one of the hotels on A1A. Its only 15 mins from the cruise port but is packed with fun. I hope this helps! th-cam.com/video/7v_93EhNlQ4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=AhKjzyKz7M4X0bNi th-cam.com/video/vNOZY7EoPfg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=0jQ8OWfasWoseiyJ
Thanks Tom! We've never done the Retreat (we're Aquaclass peopls so far). Very interesting and we can't wait for your next video! We back on in under 1 month and can't wait! Did you see LHB's Captains Club video? We liked what we heard about the wine program and hope to do a live test on our next cruise. We're now up to 47 future nights booked on Celebrity and Elite Plus will finally be raached at the end! Keep up the great work!
Hi Steven! You are very welcome. Retreat was an experience for sure. I recorded everything needed for a detailed series of videos. Luminae, Sky suite room tour, overall Retreat review are coming very soon. I also have at least 5 videos on the Apex and a few on my excursions. So you'll have a ton of content. I'll try to release 2 to 3 videos a week. I hope you enjoy them. I did see the webinar. I got a personal shout-out from Andrea. They quoted my review of the Ascent. I liked the changes to the wine. I am happy that they are reversing some of the changes. I will be testing it out on the Beyond in a few months! I also noticed personal butlers are back to suite guests. I will have to make an updated video about the recent roll backs. Overall, this is very good news.
Hi Tom - yes and it’s $18 dollars a bottle here in Massachusetts. Next time you talk to Mrs. President tell her to move it back. We just sailed on the Ascent still in that class. So ridiculous
@@tomsunday I just completed 5 consecutive B2B cruises on the Ascent this past month (3/2 - 4/6). I always make sure to include that in my survey as well as how much I really love the new President and all her changes. So I would be surprised if they didn't know it. I just wanted to give you some added ammunition from a 40+ Cruises Celebrity Passenger. It still blows me away as an Elite Captains Club Aqua Class Guest there is no embarkation lunch for you at a main restuarant. Yet Concerige and Suite Guests get it.
This is another very good point. Thank you for making me aware of this. I noticed this about Aqua when I was on the Beyond. Very unfair. I'll bring this forward as well. Thank you!
Unreal that Luminae is not open for lunch unless it is a sea day...its the little things that are really noticeable to people who have sailed with Celebrity for decades...everyone notices the big things. Celebrity wants new customers this way they don't know how good it use to be.
Luminae used to be open even on port days!? I know the retreat sundeck serves food evey day. So most people went there for mid day snacks since Luminae was closed.
You did not get in the correct line at the terminal. The Retreat Line at the main doors is clearly marked with The Retreat Logo prior to the escalators. That is why they showed you the other doors after security. Terminal 25 has a separate line for The Retreat outside the doors all the way to your left. There in an elevatory that takes you up to the lounge that you were able to access. Luckily an agent saw your suite class status and took you to the correct spot. All Suite Guests in The Retreat should take the elevator to the left prior to the escalators. Have a great cruise and I hope you enjoy The Retreat on all Celebrity ships!
Retreat Lounge and Sundeck lack basic hospitality with limited snacks in the lounge, wait times for coffee that exceed reasonable, no food ordering in the lounge, and sundeck menu that is limited one hot item that is precooked burgers. After being on edge, apex, and beyond also evident that sundeck gets C-team waiters.
Non Retreat Boarding Process Here: th-cam.com/video/tEvnG4o2RNk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=jYhZwaHfhK1lpgv_
Did the Apex in January. Retreat. Got there at 10:30am just as they opened the terminal doors. Sat in the lounge for 10 minutes and walked on in the first group of about ten people.
I will try to get there at 10:30 next time. Thank you for the tip!
Loved this video! Perfect time, shows how the process goes, not too long. I really enjoy your updates, Tom.
As a couple of other people said, and you yourself commented at the beginning, it seemed odd you waited in the lounge to board. I'm guessing they space the arrivals to allow room attendants, etc. to be able to greet people, plus most people are heading for lunch right away so maybe getting a snack in the lounge satisfies people in the short run.
I don't recall if you have looked at the finances of the trips you take, but as a "budget conscious" traveler, I'd be interested in those details, especially for the suite trip as compared to other options. I haven't gotten through your Apex video (specifically "cheapest suite" and "was it worth it?") but those are next.
Thanks again for the content and keep up the good work!!!
Thank you for your kind words, Joe! I am really glad you are enjoying the videos. I love making them.
I usually make some sort of a pricing comparison video where I talk about the finances. I will put this on my to do! Thanks for the tip. I hope you enjoy the rest of the videos about this trip. I have a lot of good ones in the oven.
Thank you for this video! I'm cruising Celebrity for the first time (and cruising out of Fort Lauderdale for the first time) in November, and seeing this process answered a lot of the questions that I had about check in for the retreat.
You are very welcome. I hope you enjoy your cruise.
Hey youngman😅Just mowed my yard first time this year and see you posted.Will look for more posts and info. Hope you had a good cruise.
Thank you! I had a great cruise. I have about 12 videos planned from this trip alone. I will be releasing 2 to 3 videos a week for the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy them!
Congrats Tom on hitting over 6K subs. 👍
Thank you my Friend! Your comment made my day. It is a big achievement. I am grateful to have some many people subscribe to my channel. It really put's things in perspective. I will continue to work hard and hopefully one day have the opportunity to do this fulltime.
Tom your a great unofficial ambassador for Celebrity ( well done ! I love the brand ) we're embarking on the Celebrity Solstice out here in Singapore today, visiting Bali and then down under to Australia ( It's our Bucket list anniversary cruise ) a long way to come and enjoy Celebrity again but from past experiences worth it.
Regards.
Hi Steve! Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them. This bucket list trip sounds absolutely amazing. I always wanted to do something like that. I hope you enjoy it. I can't wait to hear your feedback once you return. Have a great cruise!
Great video. Edge Retreat in 5 days. Absolutely loved the lack of editing thru the security scanner, classic 😂.
I'm glad you liked the video! I hope you enjoy your cruise!
That took much longer than I would have imagined. Loved the Retreat on Apex. Look forward to the vlogs!
I'll have 3 videos a week for the next few weeks. There is so much content. I can't wait to share it with you!
We're on the Ascent/Retreat in a few months and I've been watching your videos. Very helpful. At what point do you notify someone that you're booked for a retreat cruise? At 9:00 you went from one person to being escorted to the retreat line by another.
I am glad you find the videos helpful, Tony! I started chatting with a subscriber after the escalator and missed the sign (on the left) for the retreat. I got to the front of the regular line, and that is when they took me over to the retreat area.
The Retreat check in line starts at the far left just outside the terminal. The Retreat has its own check in line and once you are scanned in you take the elevator to the Second floor and the Retreat departure lounge entrance is right next to the elevator. Once you enter the lounge you have your final documents check and then you are welcome to board the ship. In summary, before you enter the terminal you should be to the far left line for “Retreat Only” guests
I am on the retreat for the first time on the Edge to Alaska in May...excited to see what you think of the overall experience!
I hope you have a great time! This was my first Retreat experience as well. I have 3 to 4 videos planned specifically to cover the Retreat. They will be out very soon! I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback. Cheers!
@@tomsunday awesome...can't wait!
Surprised they didn’t direct you to the Retreat elevator to the lounge instead of using the escalator.
I noticed the elevator when I got up there and was wondering about it. Thank you for the information. I'll take it next time.
@@tomsunday Had you gotten in the Retreat Guests line to the far left (outside), they would have directed you to the elevators.
@@rssherms Thank you for the tip! I am a newbie to the Retreat. If I have the opportunity to do this again, I will be sure to take that line.
Considering the price and amount of pre-check in the embarkation should be fast. What are other cruise lines with similar sized ships for suites like? Does it take hours?
Thank you for this, going to this cruise port soon, what hotel and shuttle service did you use and do you recommend? Thank you
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I've stayed at a lot of hotels in Ft. Lauderdale. It depends on what you are looking for. Do you need something cheap or do you want a hotel that is right on the beach? I even have video reviews of some of these hotels. As far as transportation, I suggest using Uber. It's always the fastest and cheapest option. Shuttle service is going to either overcharge you or pack you into a bus with other people.
It’s just going to be a place to stay at for two nights before the cruise, so we don’t need a beach view. I was thinking Candlewood Suites, based on the reviews I’ve seen. I want a place between or near the airport and Port Everglades. We will prob Uber from both, but might pic a service from airport. I hear the airport can be hectic! We are staying in the retreat too, I didn’t know if Uber (for cruise port) could get in that area? Thank you very much! @@tomsunday
@@Paula-f2f9i You are most welcome. Uber is allowed to get into that area. I've taken a varierty of shuttles, cabs etc. Uber is usually the quickest. However, they will all get you there. You just want to avoid the shuttles that come with big busses and pick up a lot of people. It really slows down the process. My personal favorite is car service. It does get quite expensive (50 plus dollars). Uber will get you there for around 30 for the same trip.
Hotel is a little more complicated. Candelwood suites are fine but very far from the centers in Ft. Lauderdale. You will be far away from the beach, nice restaurants, town centers, shopping etc. None of that is walkable from that location. My suggesting is to stay closer to the beach. The A1A runs parallel to the beach and contains a ton of restaurants, shops, bars and nightlife. It gets lively there. Another fun area that is full of things to do is Las Olas BLVD. It's further from the beaches but has a lot of good food/drink/entertainment. Las Olas Blvd is more like a city while Route A1A is more like a beach town. I highly suggest staying near one of those areas. The hotels on A1A are more expensive but are generally much nicer. Hilton Beach Resort is one of the best over there (A+). B Ocean and AC Hotel are a bit cheaper but still very nice. My favorite hidden gem in the area is Lago Mar Resort. Its away from all of the buzz and has the best view of the cruise ships coming in and leaving Port Everglades. They also have the best beach. I have video reviews for Lago Mar and AC Hotel to give you some ideas. Ultimately it depens on what you want to get out of your 2 days in Ft. Lauderdale. Personally I would pick either Lago Mar or one of the hotels on A1A. Its only 15 mins from the cruise port but is packed with fun. I hope this helps!
th-cam.com/video/7v_93EhNlQ4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=AhKjzyKz7M4X0bNi
th-cam.com/video/vNOZY7EoPfg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=0jQ8OWfasWoseiyJ
@@tomsunday Thank you very much!!
Hi Tom. Enjoyed meeting you on the apex and look forward to the rest of the videos from the sailing.
Thanks Tom! We've never done the Retreat (we're Aquaclass peopls so far). Very interesting and we can't wait for your next video! We back on in under 1 month and can't wait! Did you see LHB's Captains Club video? We liked what we heard about the wine program and hope to do a live test on our next cruise. We're now up to 47 future nights booked on Celebrity and Elite Plus will finally be raached at the end! Keep up the great work!
Hi Steven! You are very welcome. Retreat was an experience for sure. I recorded everything needed for a detailed series of videos. Luminae, Sky suite room tour, overall Retreat review are coming very soon. I also have at least 5 videos on the Apex and a few on my excursions. So you'll have a ton of content. I'll try to release 2 to 3 videos a week. I hope you enjoy them.
I did see the webinar. I got a personal shout-out from Andrea. They quoted my review of the Ascent. I liked the changes to the wine. I am happy that they are reversing some of the changes. I will be testing it out on the Beyond in a few months! I also noticed personal butlers are back to suite guests. I will have to make an updated video about the recent roll backs. Overall, this is very good news.
@@tomsunday Great! It was our question that was read / answered on the wine topic! :-)
I’m surprised you had a security check at the port. I always have my id ready but never been asked.
Really? I always have to at least flash it to them.
She needs to move the Conundrum Red Wine back into Premium package. It’s totally ridiculous it’s an up charge.
Conundrum is in the elevated section?! That wine is around 20 dollars a bottle at my local store....
Hi Tom - yes and it’s $18 dollars a bottle here in Massachusetts. Next time you talk to Mrs. President tell her to move it back. We just sailed on the Ascent still in that class. So ridiculous
Hello! Thank you for letting me know. I will make sure Celebrity is aware of this. That is quite ridiculous. I agree.
@@tomsunday I just completed 5 consecutive B2B cruises on the Ascent this past month (3/2 - 4/6). I always make sure to include that in my survey as well as how much I really love the new President and all her changes. So I would be surprised if they didn't know it. I just wanted to give you some added ammunition from a 40+ Cruises Celebrity Passenger. It still blows me away as an Elite Captains Club Aqua Class Guest there is no embarkation lunch for you at a main restuarant. Yet Concerige and Suite Guests get it.
This is another very good point. Thank you for making me aware of this. I noticed this about Aqua when I was on the Beyond. Very unfair. I'll bring this forward as well. Thank you!
Unreal that Luminae is not open for lunch unless it is a sea day...its the little things that are really noticeable to people who have sailed with Celebrity for decades...everyone notices the big things. Celebrity wants new customers this way they don't know how good it use to be.
Luminae used to be open even on port days!? I know the retreat sundeck serves food evey day. So most people went there for mid day snacks since Luminae was closed.
You did not get in the correct line at the terminal. The Retreat Line at the main doors is clearly marked with The Retreat Logo prior to the escalators. That is why they showed you the other doors after security. Terminal 25 has a separate line for The Retreat outside the doors all the way to your left. There in an elevatory that takes you up to the lounge that you were able to access. Luckily an agent saw your suite class status and took you to the correct spot. All Suite Guests in The Retreat should take the elevator to the left prior to the escalators. Have a great cruise and I hope you enjoy The Retreat on all Celebrity ships!
Retreat Lounge and Sundeck lack basic hospitality with limited snacks in the lounge, wait times for coffee that exceed reasonable, no food ordering in the lounge, and sundeck menu that is limited one hot item that is precooked burgers. After being on edge, apex, and beyond also evident that sundeck gets C-team waiters.
I wouldn't have gotten in the van with all that ridiculous plastic.
Most of the cabs in Florida have this plastic divider. You would have to Uber to avoid it.