Moored off the cost of Koh Samui, Thailand Solstice – the very first Solstice class ship built by Celebrity – entered dry dock on January 16, 2026. The newly refurbished ship is now getting ready to sail its first scheduled cruise on March 2, 2206, from Singapore. Celebrity has invested $250 million to modernize its Solstice Series ships, starting with Celebrity Solstice. The 2008 vessel has quite a few noticeable changes that enquiring passengers are already catching. New Cabins, No Basketball Court While the ship’s hull was already the signature Celebrity blue, the ship’s silhouette has a slightly different look. Ship-spotters in Singapore have noticed that the two forward round satellite dish housings have been removed. The biggest change is the expansion of the forward upper decks. What used to be an open-air walking track and a netted basketball court on Deck 15 has been entirely replaced by a new block of cabins. This addition includes the debut of Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suites. These suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass, which raises the profile of the ship from the front view. Old deck 15: New deck 15; Camp At Sea (the kid’s club) has been moved to deck 14 next to the Sky Lounge, replacing rarely used conference rooms. New Solstice Deck The Solstice Deck has been transformed into a The Retreat Sundeck. Now, only suite guests have access to this expanded area, which features an oversized hot tub, new cabanas, and a private bar. Old Solstice deck: New Retreat Sundeck: New Venues Inside the ship, the “Celebrity Revolution” has replaced several original venues with brand new concepts. The Parlor (replacing Quasar): This is a high-end sports bar and “barcade,” featuring billiards, darts, and retro board games. Boulevard Lounge (replacing Celebrity Central): A new cabaret-style space for game shows, trivia, and “candlelight concerts.” Trattoria Rossa (replacing Qsine): An upscale Italian specialty restaurant with tableside service and fresh daily pasta. Sunset Park (formerly the Lawn Club): The iconic real-grass lawn is still there but has been altered with a more “park-like” feel, hosting open-air movies and live folk music. Fine Cut Steakhouse (replacing Tuscan Grille) Discover an upscale steak and seafood experience where service is elevated to an art form Staterooms All the cabins are getting an upgrade! Each one will feel brand new for everyone. Plus, with four new stateroom categories, passengers will have more options to call home during their voyage. Final Thoughts Celebrity Solstice is the first of its class to undergo this new transformation. Silhouette, Eclipse and Equinox have received partial refreshes, but they have not gone through this massive renovation with new cabin blocks and structural changes yet. Stay tuned for updates on the other vessels in this class. Celebrity Solstice begins its 12-night voyage to Hong Kong on March 2nd and repositions to Alaska in May. Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
How to Travel from Schiphol to Amsterdam Easily by Train
Flying to Schiphol and want to get into the city quickly? Whether you have gotten off the plane or the train, you can be in the centre of Amsterdam in under 20 minutes. Trains leaves from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central from platform 3 every 7 minutes! The train ticket doesn’t cost much and it’s faster than traveling by taxi. Super convenient! This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Traveling by public transport to/from the airport is a smart choice: it saves costs, is environmentally friendly, and offers convenience and comfort. In addition, from a safety perspective, it is wise to choose public transport, especially if you are tired after a long flight. Where can I find the train to Amsterdam? Schiphol Airport station is just below the airport. From the arrivals hall, follow the ‘Trains’ signs to Schiphol Plaza, where you take the escalator or elevator down to the platforms. Go to platform 3 for the sprinter train to Amsterdam. You never have to wait long….the train leaves for Amsterdam Central eight times an hour, seven days a week! There are slightly fewer trains after 11:00pm. Get from Schiphol to Amsterdam under 20 minutes The train is your smartest and fastest choice. You can get from the airport to the center of Amsterdam in under 20 minutes. Amsterdam Central station is located at the heart of the city, close to the famous Dam Square and Kalverstraat. The airport sprinter runs between Amsterdam CS, Sloterdijk, Lelylaan, Schiphol Airport and Hoofddorp, and is usually faster (and cheaper) than taxis or cars. If you want to visit Amsterdam, buy an Amsterdam Travel Ticket. It allows you to make unlimited use of the train and bus to and from Schiphol, and all trams, metros and buses in the city centre for up to 24 hours. Where can you buy a train ticket? There are ticket machines close to platform 1 and Starbucks. You can also pay with your bank card, credit card or mobile phone by checking in at the public transport check-in points. At Schiphol these can be found at the top of the stairs/escalators to the platform and near the lift at Schiphol Plaza. A train ticket to Amsterdam Central is not expensive, approximately 5.20€ one way at the time of writing. If you use your bank card or mobile phone, don’t forget to check out once you are in Amsterdam. Are you boarding a ship at the Passenger Terminal? You are an easy 20 minute walk away or 4 minute taxi ride away. You can buy a ticket for public transport at the airport from the blue/gray Public Transport Tickets machines. These are located at the baggage belts of Arrivals 1, 2 and 3 and at Schiphol Plaza. You can buy a ticket for a single trip or various 1, 2 or 3-day travel tickets. Is the train accessible? The airport sprinter between Schiphol and Amsterdam has a level entrance. You can easily get on and off the train, even if you are less mobile or have a lot of baggage with you. No big steps to get onto the train! You also don’t have to worry about waiting long – the train leaves every eight minutes. Final Thoughts Public transportation in Amsterdam is quick and easy to use. Enjoy your visit! Wondering how to best pack your carry-on bag? You might find these packing tips helpful. Essential Travel Items for Your Carry-On Bag Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
About Me
Hi! I’m Mickey! I live near Orlando, Florida with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams! Please note that I do not sell cruises on Zest4Travel. This and all other posts are for informational and entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and insights with other travelers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your travel. FTC LEGAL DISCLOSURE – Some links found on the site are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally like and trust. *Business inquiries & media: please contact me at zest4travel@yahoo.com or travelswithmickey@yahoo.com. Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment, I try my best to answer.
Xcel Dream Makers – Celebrity Cruises
Have you always wanted to be involved in the designing of a new ship….what the interior looks like, food and beverage menus, entertainment options? Well….here is your chance! Launching in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel is the newest addition to the Celebrity’s award-winning Edge® Series. Through Xcel ‘Dream Makers’, travelers will have the opportunity to test, vote on, and refine new experiences, ensuring the ship delivers a next-level holiday experience tailored to guests’ preferences. Celebrity Cruises is inviting vacationers worldwide to create their dream vacation experience on Celebrity Xcel® with Xcel ‘Dream MakersSM.’ Open to all who wish to join, this global community will test, try and vote on new experiences. Their selections will launch on Celebrity Xcel in November 2025 for vacationers to enjoy, further elevating the fifth ship in the cruise line’s award-winning Edge® Series into a class of its own. “We want to ensure our guests love our products and experiences, so involving them in the process to perfect Celebrity Xcel was a great way to achieve this,” shares Michael Scheiner, chief marketing and product officer of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Cruises is known for ground-breaking innovation in ship design and experiences unlike any other at sea, when Xcel launches guests won’t have just found their happy place, they’ll have helped us build it.” In an industry first, Dream Makers will have the final say across key elements of the vacation experience to be offered on Celebrity Xcel when she sets sail. Through online polls and one-of-a-kind experiential in-person events, the public will perfect the ship’s design, culinary and entertainment offerings. Dream Makers will put their design, experiential and foodie skills to the test on Celebrity’s newest ship, making decisions across key spaces, including the ship’s seven, new, yet-to-be-revealed experiences. Dream Makers will make their mark on the Celebrity Xcel by: Choosing textiles, managing interior design elements and curating service offerings; Picking their favorite dishes and beverages, choosing table settings and shaping dining concepts; and Providing input on headline shows, curate props and costumes, select playlists and partake in selections to appoint pivotal entertainment positions onboard. With the help of Dream Makers, Celebrity Xcel will push the boundaries of leisure travel. The ship reached a major milestone on January 18, floating out of dry dock at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The float out ceremony celebrated the completion of the ship’s exterior, bringing Celebrity Xcel one step closer to welcoming guests. The innovative ship will also advance Royal Caribbean Group’s decades-long commitment to sustaining the planet with the first tri-fuel capable engine, representing an important steppingstone on the company’s journey to Destination Net Zero, its vision for net-zero emissions by 2050. Celebrity Xcel is sailing her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on her inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. Join Here! There will also be daily prizes and larger prizes awarded prior to the launch of Excel. The more you interact, the better your chances are to win something wonderful! Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much!
Avoid Trouble: Items Banned on Cruise Ships
Preparing for your cruise is exciting and a little overwhelming. You don’t want to forget anything….but you also don’t want to bring something that is not allowed onboard! Cruising is a different kind of vacation from hotel and land tours. Ships have very set rules on what you can and cannot bring onboard. You might be surprised to find out some of the items that are actually prohibited on cruise ships! While some things are obvious, others may seem a bit weird or strange….you can even get you in trouble if you bring them. There are also some practical travel items that you might normally bring on a vacation, but aren’t allowed onboard cruise ships. This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Items that Are Prohibited on a Cruise The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Weapons, illegal drugs & other Substances (including marijuana, cannabis, extracts of THC and/or CBD), These items could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew and are strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will NOT be returned. Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas. Sharp Objects, including knives and scissors. (Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.) In Alaska, ulu knives bought in port may be brought onboard but must remain stored in cabins. Aerial Drones: Some cruise lines allow guests to bring drones on their cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. Drones are not to be operated onboard the ship at any time. Different countries may have different rules. Guests assume full responsibility for understanding all local authority rules related to drone usage and for obtaining ay required permissions for drone operations. Any liability, including environmental damage from drone usage is the guest’s responsibility. The cruise line assumes no liability for guests drones that may be confiscated by local authorities for violating local laws or for any accident or injury resulting from a guest drone flight. While onboard, drones must be stored safely in the stateroom. Drones used on the ship will be confiscated till the end of the cruise. A Guest Conduct Policy warning will be issued and guests may be subject to disembarkation at their own expense for onboard drone usage. Candles, Incense, Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, Steamers & Hot Plates: Items that generate heat, steam or produce an open flame are strictly prohibited. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense and any other item that may create a fire hazard. NOTE: The only exception to this policy are curling irons, hair straighteners and personal fans that are “”certified”” low wattage. Matches and normal lighteners are allowed onboard. However “”torch lighters”” and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard. Torch lighters emit a powerful concentrated flame, and therefore are prohibited. If you are someone who loves a specific type of coffee, you can request a hot water kettle from your cabin steward and make pour-over coffee in your cabin. Or your favorite tea. Clothing Irons and Steamers These are a potential fire hazard, they’re prohibited to be brought on a cruise ship. Fire is one of the worst things that could happen on a cruise ship; therefore, this is strictly enforced. f you are a first time cruiser, you might be surprised that unlike a hotel room, you won’t have an iron in your cabin. If you do need to get wrinkles out of your clothes, some cruise ships have public laundry rooms that cruise passengers can use. You can also use the ship’s laundry and pressing service at an additional fee. Which cruise lines offer self-service laundry? It is easy to remove wrinkles in your cabin and to wash out smaller items. Click on picture for link to products. Smart Glasses They may be brought onboard but are restricted in areas including casinos, spa service areas, restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities, security screening locations, youth facilities, back-of-house tours, crew areas or any place with a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violations result in confiscation. Vapes While allowed onboard in specified areas, vapes and e-cigarettes are banned ashore in Mexico, with public smoking of regular cigarettes prohibited in many areas, risking fines or jail. Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows Skateboards & Surfboards Martial Arts Gear If sailing in the Caribbean, do not pack any clothing with camouflage material. There are a few islands, such as Barbados, that prohibit this type of clothing, as it is worn by the military only. Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks. Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks. HAM Radios Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes. Surge protected Electrical Extension Cords Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Check with your cruise line to see if wine is allowed to be brought onboard at embarkation and how much…many do. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Perishable food that requires refrigeration…this includes fruit, vegetables, dairy products or take away containers. If you need refrigeration for medical reasons, contact the cruise line at least 30 days prior to sailing to make arrangements. Food that is prepackaged such as snacks, chips, candy, powdered coffee creamer, etc are allowed onboard. Special Needs Form for Celebrity Cruises Holland America Special Requirements Form Princess Cruises Form Final thoughts…. Follow the rules of your cruise line and you will have a quick and easy embarkation and an enjoyable vacation. Be sure to check out the link below for items youContinueContinue reading “Avoid Trouble: Items Banned on Cruise Ships”
You Booked a Cruise – Now What?
This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Make sure booking information is correct Check everything from the spelling of the names on the booking to the cruise dates. It is easy in the excitement of booking to click on the wrong year or month. This is a good time to make sure it’s all correct to save you some frustration later on. This is especially important if you use a Travel Agent, as they will have to make the changes for you and mistakes do happen. Make sure your passport or other boarding documents are current. This should actually be done before you book…you don’t want to be waiting for a passport to come in the mail when your cruise date is rapidly approaching. But this is still a good time to at least double-check and make sure you’re documentation is current. Your passport cannot expire within 6 months of the end of your cruise. Applying for a new passport or requesting a renewal can take up to 6-8 weeks…that does not include mailing time both directions. Don’t put it off….apply or renew now! Names must match exactly with the booking information, so if you have recently had a name change, be sure that your booking is in the name on your current passport or other boarding documents. I have seen so many newlyweds arrive and not be allowed to board because the passport name and reservation name do not match…not the way to begin a honeymoon. If traveling internationally to certain countries, you will want to check on visa requirements and apply for those as well. Visas are the responsibility of the cruiser, not the cruise line. Read more: What cruise documents do you need to board? Mark your calendar with important reminders Whether you want to use your phone’s reminder application or write down the dates on a calendar, take note of important dates like when final payment is due and when you can begin check-in for your cruise. Some cruise lines, like Disney, have specific dates when you can begin booking additional add ons. If your cruise is on one of those, be sure to not that on your calendar. You don’t want to miss your window of opportunity. Download the ship’s mobile app and join their loyalty club If you don’t already have an account with the cruise line, you should get one as soon as possible. You want to make sure you earn points for each cruise you take and receive the benefits on subsequent sailings. For an example, check out this link to see what Celebrity Cruises offers. The cruise line’s app serves many functions. You will be able to see the ship’s daily schedule, make reservations, check your onboard spending, view menus, see a deck plan and chat with other passengers. Port arrival and departure times will also be noted here. Save yourself time by doing this now and not having to hurry and to download the app while in the terminal. With most cruise line apps, when checkin opens, you can do this right on your phone, making the whole process a breeze as well. Read more: Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Consider purchasing travel insurance This is extremely important. We did not purchase travel insurance for many years. Let me just say…..we are VERY lucky we never needed it. Medical assistance onboard is very expensive and fairly limited. If you need a hospital or specialized doctor while at sea, you would need to be airlifted. If onshore while in port, you would have to depart the ship and go to a hospital in that country. Your medical insurance from home will not cover that or any other expense you would incur….hotels, food, transportation home, etc. You can purchase travel insurance through the cruise line or through private carriers. We have decided to purchase an annual policy, which we have found to be cheaper than buying one for each trip. A 3rd party travel insurance plan might offer more peace of mind if you’re looking for extra medical evac coverage or even cancel for any reason coverage. Also, check with the credit card you used to purchase the cruise…they may offer some built-in protections already, such as trip delay, lost luggage, some medical coverage, etc. Make travel and hotel arrangement Air travel If you don’t live within driving distance of the cruise port, you will want to start checking flights right away. The longer you wait to book a flight, the higher the chance that the costs will go up. However, this is not always the case. I recommend starting to research airfare costs and then track prices over the next few days. Be sure to book these well in advance of your cruise. Also, check and see if the airline is offering the ability to change the flights without penalty. Some have started doing this post-Covid, giving you flexibility in timing and price. You can use a price tracker through Kayak or Google flight price alerts to stay on top of any fluctuations. I like to look at flight costs and times before booking a cruise. Transportation can be a huge part of your travel budget. Of course, if you find a good cruise deal first, you can always look for an affordable flight later. Hotel arrangements If flying to a cruise port (and sometimes even driving), we always get a hotel for at least one night before the cruise. It would be horrible to miss your cruise due to a cancelled or delayed flight or traffic issues if driving. Staying in a hotel ahead of time helps alleviate some of the stress of travel and allows you to arrive at the port rested and excited to begin your cruise. You can often find hotels with free shuttle services to the cruise port. Many hotels close to a cruise port provide extra servicesContinueContinue reading “You Booked a Cruise – Now What?”
Celebrity Cruises – The Retreat
What is the Retreat and what does it include? The Retreat is an exclusive, all-inclusive suite experience. It includes a dedicated Retreat team, a private restaurant Luminae, an exclusive loungenand so much more. All guests of The Retreat are treated to a cruise vacation that begins at a reserved pre-boarding area for expedited, escorted service onto your ship. If the ship is not ready for embarkation, there will be drinks and snacks available for all suite guests. Suite accommodations: The Retreat includes all suites Private restaurant: Luminae at The Retreat Exclusive lounge: The Retreat Lounge (or Michael’s Club, on non-revolutionized ships) Exclusive sundeck: The Retreat Sundeck (on Edge Series and revolutionized ships) Retreat Butler and team All Included: Premium drinks and Premium Wi-Fi (all guests in suite) Room Service: Full in-suite breakfast, lunch, dinner service, and daily delights. Early embarkation and priority disembarkation: Priority departure and embarkation at most destinations, including those that require tendering In room Minibar: Complimentary stocked minibar What is Luminae at The Retreat? At Luminae, you will find cuisine not offered anywhere else onboard. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch (sea days) and dinner. Opening times very based on itinerary. Please check your Celebrity Today for service hours once onboard. All menus have been expertly crafted by Michelin-starred chefs using globally sourced ingredients. You’ll also enjoy complimentary signature dishes created by the Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Can children dine at Luminae? Yes, all guests of The Retreat may dine at Luminae. Can guests of The Retreat invite friends and family to dine in Luminae? Yes, only guests of The Retreat may invite friends and family to dine at Luminae for an additional fee. Reservations are based on availability only. Speak with the Maitre’d for availability and cost. Is Specialty Dining included for guests of The Retreat? Specialty Dining is included for guests of the following Suites: Iconic Suite, Edge Villa, Reflection Suite, Penthouse Suite and Royal Suite. What is The Retreat Lounge*? The Retreat Lounge is an exclusive lounge for guests of The Retreat. Enjoy complimentary beverages, afternoon tea, evening hors-d’œuvre and desserts. This is a nice place to relax and meet other guests. The lounge is available to you 24/7. You will also have the services of a dedicated concierge who can assist with dinner reservations, spa treatments and more. * Michael’s Club on non-revolutionized ships. Can guests of The Retreat invite friends and/or family members to The Retreat Lounge? Only guests of The Retreat may access The Retreat Lounge, guests are not allowed. The Retreat Sundeck* The Retreat Sundeck is a luxurious outdoor space featuring a spacious lounge area and plush, stylish furniture. This outdoor area rivals any high-end resort. *It is only Available on Edge Series and Revolutionized ships When is The Retreat Sundeck open? The Retreat Sundeck is available 24/7. Service (food and beverage) times vary based on itinerary. The area is open and available to all guests of the Retreat, including children What services are available in The Retreat Sundeck? Retreat Attendants will help with towels, beverages, snacks—whatever you need to completely enjoy your time in the Retreat Sundeck.’ Can guests of The Retreat invite friends to The Retreat Sundeck? Only guests of The Retreat may access The Retreat Sundeck. Passengers staying in an adjoining stateroom are not allowed access. What is The Retreat Concierge? The Retreat experience begins the moment you book your cruise. Simply call 1-877-RETREAT and The Retreat Concierge will assist you with your booking and help plan and arrange every moment of your vacation before you even set sail. Once onboard, The Retreat Concierge will help maximize your time on board with dinner reservations, spa treatments and more. They are happy to assist with anything you need or desire. Is the Retreat Accessible? Accessible suites are available. The Retreat Lounge, Luminae and The Retreat Sundeck*† are accessible on most ships. See below for details. *The Retreat Sundeck is only available on Edge Series and Revolutionized ships. †The Retreat Sundeck on Equinox currently is not Accessible. An alternative accessible space will be provided on the Pool Deck. Is smoking allowed at The Retreat? Smoking is not allowed at The Retreat. There are dedicated smoking areas available onboard. The Retreat Concierge and/or Retreat attendants can assist you once onboard. Guest conduct and smoking policy How many Captain’s Club points will I receive when purchasing a Suite on Celebrity Cruises? Captain’s Club members receive points based on type of Suite and length of stay onboard. For Suites, the points are as follows: Sky Suites, Aqua Sky Suites, Magic Carpet Sky and Sunset Sky 8 points per night. Edge Villas, Horizon, Signature, Royal, Sunset Suites and Celebrity Suites 12 points per night Reflection, Penthouse & Edge Villa 18 points per night Iconic Suite 24 points per night What are the Suite staterooms? Click on each link to learn more about each suite. Not all suites are available on all ships. Sky Suite (includes Magic Carpet Sky Suite and Sunset Sky Suites) Aqua Sky Suite Horizon Suite Celebrity Suite Signature Suite Royal Suite Reflection Suite Penthouse Suite Edge Villa Iconic Suite Whichever suite you choose, you will have an experience above and beyond. Enjoy dining in Luminae, relaxing on the private pool deck and meeting new friends in The Retreat. More information on what is included can be found here: The Suite Life on Celebrity Cruises If you are new to cruising, or even a veteran cruiser, you might find this list helpful. 19+ Useful Items for Your Cruise Cabin Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even moreContinueContinue reading “Celebrity Cruises – The Retreat”
20+ Best Stocking Stuffers for Cruisers
If it can fit in a stocking, it can fit in a suitcase or carry on! These stocking stuffers are the ideal gifts for anyone who loves to travel and cruise. If your loved one is a travel lover like me, big expensive gifts are not needed….unless it’s a cruise or plane ticket of course , lol! Check out these stocking stuffers for travelers this holiday season. Let’s start shopping! This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Digital Alarm Clock I have yet to have a cabin with a clock of any kind. We have started bringing along a small, no frills digital alarm clock. Having a dedicated clock in your cabin can be very useful, especially when cruise ships ask you to move the time forward or backward by an hour. At home I check my phone during the night, but on many ships, there is not a plug by the bed. This battery operated clock is very helpful! Electronics Organizer Case Stay organized by keeping your chargers, cables and plugs, and phone accessories together. To keep my chargers organized, I use this organizer case. It’s big enough to hold all my cords and chargers but small enough to fit in my carryon. Motion Sensor Night Light Cruise cabins can be very dark at night. We find a motion sensor night light to be very useful. No more bumping into furniture or walls….no one needs injured toes. Cruise Approved Power Bar Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful. VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). I recommend using one that plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. Many ports are confiscating those with cords, as they consider them extension cords. This is the one we travel with. If you need plugs, this is a good option too. Many cruise lines are really cracking down on any outlet extender that provides multiple plugs. This is a great option for charging multiple devices at once. Available in others colors. Adapters I love these adapters by Hero. They have them for several different countries and are made in the US with a 100% money back guarantee and lifetime warranty. Portable Phone Charger A good portable phone charger is a must have item. Nothing is worse than having your phone die while traveling. I use this portable charger with a built in foldable USB-C connector for everyday use. This is another great option if you need or want to charge two phones. Smartphone Stand Holder I love this phone holder….makes it so much easier to watch movies or video chat. And it just makes me laugh. RFID Blocking Card Thieves are everywhere. Simply place your credit/debit cards or any other RFID-enabled contactless Smart Cards near a RFID Blocking Card and you’re safe and ready to go. Luggage Locks Lock your luggage! We always lock ours when flying or boarding a ship. These luggage locks are designed to keep thieves out but still allow TSA to check bags when they’re going through security. And because the TSA can’t take their key out without relocking, you can be assured your luggage will stay locked . Luggage Tags Make your luggage stand out! This bold and durable PVC bag tag makes your suitcase easy to spot, while also including 40 conversation starter cards designed to spark laughter, creativity, and connection. Lanyard and Keycard Holder Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port. Travel Pill Case This is another of those things that you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without. The perfect travel companion for your medications, supplements and vitamins, the Travel Pill Case offers seven labeled compartments (for the days of the week), plus a bonus compartment. Reusable shopping bags Many stores are eliminating free bags with purchases. I travel with reusable grocery bags…saves money and keeps me from using plastic bags. Liquid IV Hydration and immune support is super important while traveling. Ocean travel has higher humidity which requires you to drink more. Liquid I.V. packets taste great and provide 2x faster hydration than water alone. It comes in lots of delicious flavors…just mix in your water bottle! Refillable (and collapsible) Water Bottles I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient on the cruise ship, even more than that, I love how they don’t take room in my luggage or beach bag when not being used. Hand Sanitizer If you are like me and have sensitive skin, the product used onboard may be too harsh for you. I found Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer to be gentle and yet effective. I always carry some with me in every bag. They have lots of great scents too. Magnetic Clips I find these very useful to organize papers in the cabin…nothing worse than losing something! Why bring magnet clips? Fun fact about cruise ships….most cabin walls are magnetic! On a cruise, you’ll have paper cruise planners, shore excursion tickets, and invitations to events on your cruise that tend to clutter up your desk and counter space. Use these magnetic clips to hang these items on the wall. Aloe Vera After-Sun Gel Always be prepared in case you get too much sun. This cooling after sun spray can actually be able to be worn under your clothes, as it won’t be sticky like some gels with fillers. INSTANT COOLING EFFECT – thanks to skin cooling ingredients like Cucumber and Organic Aloe Vera this blend is perfectly formulated to soothe and calm your sun exposed skin. Lip Balm with SPF Don’t forget to bring lip balm with SPF on a cruise. If your lips get dry and chapped or sunburned, you willContinueContinue reading “20+ Best Stocking Stuffers for Cruisers”
Essential Best Gifts for Women: Travel Edition
Looking for a special gift for your favorite cruiser? Here is a quick list of great travel gifts for women! These are some of my favorite things that make traveling more comfortable, cozy and fun. And best of all, most of these are available on Amazon Prime if you are running short on shopping time! These are all tested and approved and are things I actually use and recommend. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Sign up for Amazon Prime As mentioned, Amazon Prime is great for last minutes shopping! If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, now is a great time. Amazon Prime gives you access to free 1, 2 or even same day delivery, streaming movies and shows, and unlimited storage of photos (I need this!!). Here a link to sign up for an Amazon Prime Free 30 Day Trial. Suitcase with spinner wheels I have a weakness for new luggage, lol. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels. This makes it so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark….especially if you do self-disembarkation. Plus….who wants to drag a heavy bag around ship terminals or airports! My favorite brands currently are London Fog and TravelPro. This set from Amazon Basics is a great option also. There are other colors and sizes available too. Pro tip – If you have a neutral or common color suitcase, like black, blue or grey, make sure to add something colorful and unique so that it stands out and you can find it easily at the airport or cruise terminal. Luggage Tags I love these luggage tags by Lily Pulitzer. They are colorful and really stand out, making it easy to identify my bags! There are several designs to choose from too. Apple Airtags No one wants to lose their luggage while traveling. Air tags can help you locate your bags if they go missing while flying or traveling. We use one in each bag, including carry ons. The piece of mind is worth the cost. I also use a colored holder that can attach to the inside of the bag. There are lots of colors available. Carry on luggage I have been using an airline approved size carry on bag for several year now. There is plenty of room for extra shoes, a change of clothes, medicine, jewelry, electronics….all the things I don’t want to check with baggage handlers. I also use it the final night of the cruise to keep the items and clothing I will need the next morning. Along with this, I like to use another bag that fits over the trolley handle. I use this for all the things I want easy access to while traveling. It has lots of great storage and a padded computer sleeve. Have you always wanted to just use carry-on luggage but didn’t know how to pack? These convertible garment duffel bags are the perfect solution. Packing cubes I’m a packing cube convert. I’ve found even more ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. My suitcase stays organized and when I unpack onboard, I just move them into the drawers or shelves. I recommend getting at least 2 packs in various sizes and in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family. I’ve recently started using compression packing cubes. Our last trip, my bag only weighed 38 pounds but was packed full because the clothing was bulky. These cubes decrease the bulk and give you more room. RFID Protected Wallet Protect your credit cards while traveling! Equipped with advanced RFID blocking technology, this wallet protects your personal information from electronic pickpockets, giving you peace of mind wherever you go. The wallet blocking all signals from your credit/debit/ID cards when it is closed. Pop Socket Card Wallet No need to carry a bag onboard! This pop socket wallet is a sleek and secure way to carry your seapass card along with your phone. Magnetically attaches to your phone. It has an attached phone grip, so you can avoid phone drops and kickstand your phone. Holds up to 3 cards and is RFID protected. Hanging Toiletry Bag I have used a bathroom organizer for years. I keep it packed all the time except for a few items which I need everyday. This way, it is grab and go! This hanging bag comes in lots of colors and patterns too! Waterproof beach bag or tote for pool This waterproof and sand proof beach bag has tons of pockets and space for your towels, swim suits, flip flops, water bottles, glasses, sunblock, toys and any other things you’d like to take with you to the beach or pool, and an interior pocket to place keys, your wallet or phone and other valuables. There are many other patterns to available to choose from too. Bag to use onboard or onshore A small crossbody bag is very helpful onboard to keep your phone, sea card and any other items you might want while onboard. Fanny packs are becoming very popular again…many people are wearing them as crossbody bags. This one is made by the same company that makes my favorite leggings and is waterproof also! There are several colors available. A smaller and yet roomy backpack is also a nice option for excursions. This bag has become one of my favorites. It is lightweight and made of durable, waterproof fabric, which is perfect for outdoor travel. There are multiple pockets which are perfect for snacks, phones, ID, a water bottle or an umbrella. Refillable Water Bottles and Carrier I love having a reusable water bottle and carrier . It can be hot onshore and purchasing bottled water can be expensive! Lip protection Sun and salt air can be very drying…keep your lips soft, smooth and protected from harsh elements with a lip mask. I love the products from this company….they are long lasting, have a great texture and yummy scents. Good sun protection hat Protect your head and face from the sun.ContinueContinue reading “Essential Best Gifts for Women: Travel Edition”
22 Travel and Cruise Gifts for Men
The holiday gift giving season is here! We’ve gathered 21 cruise and travel gifts for men that are the perfect blend of cool and useful. Is your guy a techie, a sports fan, an adventurer? The list below has something that will make his travels even more fun and exciting. From fun and useful gadgets to stylish gear, these gifts are perfect for his on-the-go lifestyle. Happy scrolling and shopping! This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Passport Holder with Air Tag Holder Mindfully crafted from genuine leather, this passport holder sports a minimalist bifold design for travelers who want functionality while traveling with peace of mind of never losing their passport. The Holder combines all the benefits of a regular wallet and includes a large slot for travel documents and your passport. Air Tags Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app. Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad . Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help. Air Tag Holder Spoil your loved one with this premium silicone AirTag case holder keychain. The case comes with a fashionable metal carabiner, so that you can easily hang the air tags everywhere….the enclosure fits tightly around your AirTag to ensure that it stays inside the case. I place mine inside our luggage instead of on the exterior. Pop Socket Card Wallet No need to carry a bag onboard! This pop socket wallet is a sleek and secure way to carry your seapass card along with your phone. Magnetically attaches to your phone. It has an attached phone grip, so you can avoid phone drops and kickstand your phone. Available in lots of other colors and designs. Holds up to 3 cards and is RFID protected. Carry on Bag This carry one bag fits under most airline seats for easy access to belongings en route. There are four spinner wheels which allow rolling in multiple directions for easy mobility. The USB Port lets you charge electronics on the go, along with quick stash exterior pockets for increased packing organization of smaller items. One bag to solve all your guys travel troubles. This large capacity laptop bag has multiple divider pockets, easy for holding laptop, mouse, keyboard, ipads, phone, binder, water bottle, umbrella, pens, wallet and so on. This bag also has a sleeve on the back to fit over the luggage trolley handle. Ipad and Ipad Case it goes without saying that an iPad is great to have while traveling. Watch movies, read or write, the guy in your life will be very happy to receive this! Wireless AirFly Connector Wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment while traveling. Use your AirPods, earbuds or wireless headphones anywhere with no more cords in the way. AirFly Travel blanket/pillow I like to bring a compact, lightweight, pocket sized blanket when we travel. Airplanes and even cars can get cold. This can also be used as a pillow and is one of my essential trip items. Collapsible Water Bottle Staying hydrated while traveling is SUPER important. I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient, even more than that, I love how they don’t take room in my luggage when not being used. Portable Phone Charger Make sure that your guys phone does not die while traveling. This portable charger with a build in foldable USB-C connector makes a great gift! Tech cord organizer Help the man in your life keep his cords organized and easy to find. Nothing worse than having your phone or tablet die and no charger! This organizer is two sided and holders a LOT of cords and plugs. Travel wallet (with travel documents and credit cards) A good travel wallet is essential. It is an easy way to make sure you have credit cards, identification and any travel documents close to you at all times. If you’re planning to keep your bag under the seat in front of you, a zip closure RFID wallet is essential in keeping cards and documents organized and safe. If you prefer to put your bag in one of the overhead bins, a travel neck wallet is a great way to keep your cards and documents on your body. Whichever option you choose, you want a wallet that is easy to find during check-in, security screenings, boarding and customs, along with RFID security to avoid having your personal information stolen while traveling. neck wallet Digital Alarm Clock This is such a useful item! Even though hotels provide alarms clocks, I don’t want to mess with trying to set it and hope that it doesn’t go off at the wrong time. This battery operated digital alarm clock is very helpful! Packing cubes Help your guy stay organized while traveling with these packing cubes. My husband has become a quick convert! Adapters I love these adapters by Hero. They have them for several different countries and are made in the US with a 100% money back guarantee and lifetime warranty. Cruise Approved Power Bar Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful. It’s very important to have a non-surge protected power bar that is “cruise line approved”. Travel Journal I love having a detailed journal of my cruise. Keep track of every detail: your route, location, weather, plans at sea, plans on the shore, evening shows to see, memories, friends made, and more. Lanyard and Keycard Holder Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port. Waterproof case for phone and ID Does your guy take his phone and ID to the beach?ContinueContinue reading “22 Travel and Cruise Gifts for Men”