Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises: What to Expect From the Luxury Suite Experience This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Celebrity Cruises® is taking the luxury suite experience to a new level with a collection of premium and personalized enhancements to The Retreat.For guests staying in The Retreat, the experience goes well beyond having a beautiful suite. Celebrity Cruises is focusing on the details that make a luxury cruise feel more personal—from elevated amenities and attentive service to experiences designed around what guests value most.“At The Retreat, the world really does revolve around our guests,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. “We collected extensive feedback from past guests, loyalty members and our trade partners to inform how The Retreat experiences are being reimagined to continue exceeding vacation expectations by delivering on the amenities and experiences Celebrity Cruises guests value most.” What’s Included? Every suite in The Retreat comes with a dedicated butler, and now getting in touch with your butler is easier than ever. With the new Butler Chat feature, guests can send a message directly to their butler for quick, one-on-one assistance—whether they’re relaxing in their suite, exploring the ship, or even enjoying time ashore. Planning your time ashore just got a little easier for guests of The Retreat. A dedicated Retreat Destination Experience Specialist is now available to help guests make the most of each port of call—from planning destination experiences and shore excursions to arranging smooth transfers when exploring Celebrity’s most sought-after destinations.It’s another personalized touch designed to take some of the guesswork out of exploring each destination, so Retreat guests can spend more time enjoying their time ashore. The Retreat experience continues beyond the suite, with added touches designed to make every part of the cruise feel a little more effortless.Before heading out on an excursion, guests can relax in the comfort of The Retreat Lounge. Those booked on Private Journeys excursions will also enjoy a suite-to-car butler escort, adding another layer of personalized service to the experience.The luxury continues at Luminae, Celebrity’s exclusive restaurant for suite guests. Culinary enhancements include new Daniel Boulud Signature dishes, along with a rotating dinner and dessert menu that brings something different to the table throughout the cruise.Back in the suite, guests can enjoy personalized daily delights, selected from the in-suite dining menu, as well as a complimentary stocked minibar.And when it’s time for entertainment, Retreat guests have reserved seating in The Theatre, making it easier to enjoy the ship’s shows without worrying about finding a seat.For guests staying in Royal Suites and above, there’s another welcome perk: complimentary laundry service, including unlimited pressing. Because when you’re enjoying the suite life, worrying about laundry shouldn’t be part of the vacation. In addition to these new enhancements, guests staying in The Retreat continue to enjoy a collection of perks designed to make their cruise experience more convenient and relaxing.Suite dining throughout the day: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the comfort of your suite, with selections available daily from the in-suite dining menu.Complimentary wines: A selection of red, white, and sparkling wines from vineyards around the world is available complimentary in The Retreat Lounge, Luminae, and your suite.Priority luggage service: Express priority luggage drop-off and delivery helps make embarkation day a little easier, getting your bags where they need to be with less waiting. Guests staying in Royal Suites and above will also have access to additional benefits designed to make the experience even more comfortable, flexible, and indulgent.Extend Your Stay: Guests can enjoy more time onboard after disembarkation in select ports with Celebrity’s complimentary Extend Your Stay option. Guests can store their luggage, access public areas, use their Wi-Fi and beverage packages, enjoy lunch, and relax onboard before heading to the airport or their next destination. This option is currently available in Rome (Civitavecchia), Venice (Ravenna), Barcelona, Athens (Piraeus), and Southampton.Complimentary thermal suite access: Relax and unwind with complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite on Edge Series ships or the Persian Garden on Millennium and Solstice Series ships.Unlimited specialty dining: Enjoy complimentary, unlimited specialty dining for lunch and dinner throughout the sailing. This is a particularly nice perk for guests who want to experience more of Celebrity’s specialty restaurants without worrying about additional dining charges.Personalized minibar: Before sailing, guests can customize their in-suite minibar experience to have their preferred selections waiting when they arrive.Two complimentary bottles: Guests receive two complimentary bottles of wine or spirits during their sailing.Exclusive sleepwear: Because luxury isn’t just about what you do while you’re awake—Royal Suite guests also receive exclusive complimentary sleepwear. With expansive views and beautifully designed spaces, The Retreat gives guests plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy a more private side of the ship. From the comfort of their own suite to the exclusive sundeck and private lounge, the experience is designed to create the feeling of having a little corner of the ship all to yourself.And the elevated experience begins before you even step onboard. Guests of The Retreat have access to a pre-cruise concierge, priority check-in and departure, and priority port tendering at available ports of call—making the journey from home to vacation feel just a little more seamless. This video gives you a look at the expanded suite breakfast room service options, along with some of the items your butler can bring you each day.And remember—room service is complimentary all day for suite guests. That means you can enjoy breakfast in bed, a snack in the afternoon, or a late-night bite without having to leaveContinueContinue reading “The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises: What to Expect From the Luxury Suite Experience”
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You Booked a Cruise – Now What?
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) You Booked a Cruise—Now What? 15 Things to Do After Booking Your Cruise This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! You booked the cruise! 🎉 The countdown is officially on, and now comes the fun part—planning everything that will make your cruise vacation even better.But if this is your first cruise, you may be wondering, “What am I supposed to do now?”Booking your cruise is just the beginning. From checking your travel documents and completing online check-in to researching your ports, making dining and excursion reservations, and figuring out what to pack, there are several things you’ll want to take care of before embarkation day.And trust me, you don’t want to wait until the last minute. Some of the most popular shore excursions, specialty restaurants, spa appointments, and onboard activities can fill up quickly.Whether this is your first cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser, having a plan after you book can make the entire experience smoother—and a lot less stressful.So grab your calendar, start that cruise countdown, and let’s go through 15 things you should do after booking your cruise so you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time looking forward to setting sail! 🚢 Double-Check Your Cruise Booking Information One of the first things you should do after booking your cruise is carefully review all of your reservation details. Make sure your name, date of birth, cruise dates, ship, itinerary, cabin category, and stateroom number are correct.Pay close attention to your name and date of birth, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Your cruise reservation should match your passport or other required travel documents exactly. It’s much easier to correct an error now than when you arrive at the cruise terminal.Also check your departure port, number of guests, dining preferences, and any special requests included with your reservation.If you notice a mistake, contact your cruise line or travel advisor as soon as possible. Don’t assume that an incorrect detail can simply be fixed when you arrive.A few minutes spent reviewing your cruise booking now can save you a lot of stress later! Check Your Passport and Cruise Travel Documents Make sure your passport and other required cruise boarding documents are current and valid for your upcoming cruise. Passport requirements can vary depending on your itinerary and cruise line, so don’t wait until the last minute to check.Pay particular attention to your passport’s expiration date. Some international destinations require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your travel dates, and some cruises may have additional documentation requirements.It’s also a good idea to review your cruise line’s specific documentation requirements and make copies or secure digital backups of important travel documents.For a complete guide to the documents you may need, check out What Cruise Documents Do You Need to Board?before you set sail. Mark Your Calendar With Important Cruise Planning Reminders Once your cruise is booked, add important cruise planning deadlines and reminders to your calendar. This is one of the easiest ways to stay organized and make sure you don’t miss anything important before embarkation day.”Mark your calendar with your online check-in date, final payment deadline, shore excursion booking window, specialty dining reservations, spa appointments, and any cruise line-specific deadlines.It’s also helpful to set reminders for things like booking flights and hotels, arranging transportation to the cruise port, checking passport expiration dates, and completing any required travel forms.Don’t rely on trying to remember everything as your cruise gets closer. A few calendar reminders now can save you from scrambling at the last minute—and help make your cruise vacation much more stress-free! Download the Cruise Line’s App and Join the Loyalty Program One of the first things you should do after booking a cruise is download your cruise line’s mobile app. The app will often become your go-to resource before and during your cruise, giving you access to important booking information, online check-in, daily schedules, dining options, shore excursions, onboard activities, and more.Once you’ve downloaded the app, take a few minutes to explore it and make sure your cruise reservation is linked correctly. Some cruise lines also allow you to make dining, excursion, entertainment, and other reservations directly through the app.While you’re at it, join the cruise line’s loyalty program if you haven’t already. Most cruise lines offer free loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or cruise credits and receive benefits as you sail more often. Even if this is your first cruise, joining before you sail can ensure your account is set up and ready to track your cruise.It’s never too early to start earning those cruise loyalty perks! Read more: Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Consider Purchasing Cruise Travel Insurance Once your cruise is booked, it’s a good idea to consider purchasing travel insurance for your cruise. While no one wants to think about something going wrong before or during their vacation, unexpected situations can happen—and a cruise is often a significant investment.Depending on the policy you choose, cruise travel insurance may provide coverage for things such as trip cancellation or interruption, travel delays, lost or delayed luggage, medical emergencies, and other unexpected expenses.If you’re considering travel insurance, don’t wait until the week before your cruise to look into it. Some policies have time-sensitive benefits or coverage requirements, so purchasing a policy soon after making your initial trip payment may give you more options.Be sure to read the policy carefully and understand what is—and isn’t—covered before you purchase. Your cruise line may offer travel insurance, but it’s also worth comparing it withContinueContinue reading “You Booked a Cruise – Now What?”
Celebrity Cruises Specialty Restaurants: Unique Dining Experiences
Specialty Restaurants Le Petit Chef™ The world-renown artists of Skullmapping have reached a true pinnacle of their custom 3D table animation art form. This dining experience is beautifully choreographed with an elegant menu created by their Michelin Star Chef. Le Petit Chef, only offered on Celebrity Cruises, is simply one of the most unique dining events in the world. Cost: $60.00/guest Dress code: Smart casual Available on Eclispe, Equinox, Silhouette, Reflection and Solstice, Millennium, Summit, Infinity, Constellation, Edge, Beyond, Apex and Ascent Sample menu Murano – Dinner Murano has both the refined flavors and the enticing ambiance of a classic French Continental restaurant, only at sea! With its dark wood, private booths, and smaller tables, it offers an intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation as you wait for your meal, which is prepared with great care by world-class chefs. The menu features many items found in French restaurants ashore. It includes pork belly with parsnip purée, caramelized apples, calvados jus, chateaubriand steak for two, and an herb-crusted lamb rack. For a more flamboyant presentation, order the lobster tail and watch your waiter flambee it in cognac, right at your table. Make sure you sample their expansive selection of artisanal cheeses, choose a fine wine from the extensive list of French and American favorites and of course, the fabulous dessert souffle. A few of my favorite menu items are the Five-Spice Crusted Cervena Venison Loin, the Porcini & Morel Risotto and Creamy Maine Lobster Bisque. Cost: $60.00/adult, $10/child Dress code: Smart casual Available on Eclispe, Equinox, Silhouette, Reflection and Solstice Murano Tasting The á la carte tasting menu takes diners on a culinary journey that is nothing short of exquisite. Guests can expect a gourmet adventure that unfolds in four courses, with each course offering a choice between two dishes. Murano’s á la carte tasting menu promises an unforgettable dining experience, with each plate being a testament to the chef’s skillful techniques and dedication to culinary innovation. Cost: $99/guest Dress code: Smart casual Available on Eclispe, Equinox, Silhouette, Reflection and Solstice Tuscan Grille Dinner Here you will find rustic elegance with a contemporary, minimalistic edge. Guests dining in Tuscan Grille will enjoy a lively, sophisticated atmosphere, featuring iconic Italian dishes with a modern twist. The fresh, original menu features handmade pasta, artisanal salumi, fish, butcher cut meats, and USDA Prime dry aged steaks. You will also have a regional Italian wine menu featuring authentic Italian cocktails and beers. Cost: $55/adult, $10/child Dress code: Smart casual Available on Eclispe, Equinox, Silhouette, Reflection and Solstice, Millennium, Summit, Infinity and Constellation Lawn Club Grill – Dinner On the top deck, next to a half-acre of real grass, the Lawn Club Grill offers a classic backyard barbecue experience while you are at sea. Here you can enjoy panoramic views, along with some tremendously appealing food. You can create a memorable dining experience from the diverse menu that includes a gourmet salad bar, filet mignon, lamb chops, Tandoori chicken, shrimp, scallops, and Atlantic salmon, one of the Celebrity chefs will grill everything for you. Be sure to add delicious sides like lobster mac and cheese, gourmet baked beans and dirty rice. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the stellar blueberry cobbler or apple crumble. Cost: Lunch: $30/adult onboard, enquire about child prices. Dinner:$60/adult and $10/child Dress code: Smart casual Available on Silhouette and Reflection Sushi on Five The Asian-influenced decor that echoes the elegant simplicity of the dishes on the menu, Sushi on Five is a must-try for all fans of Pacific Rim cuisine. Whether you’re an experienced sushi-eater or a first-timer, there are plenty of outstanding choices. Some of the most popular options include Udon Noodles and Seared Shrimp, Kobe Beef Ramen Sliders and a diverse mix of delicious sushi rolls, including Spicy Ahi Tuna, Seared Scallops, and Alaskan Snow Crab. To complement your meal, order one of the outstanding specialty cocktails, like the Asian Pear Smash, Japanese beer, or some premium or ultra-premium sake. For dessert, enjoy Green Tea Tiramisu or Caramelized Ginger Bread! Cost: A la Carte Dress code: Smart casual Sample Menu Available on Eclispe, Equinox, Silhouette, Reflection and Solstice, Millennium, Summit, Infinity and Constellation Eden Where dining is taken to new and exciting places The cuisine and wine list at Eden Restaurant are rooted in nature and draw inspiration from the regions Celebrity visits throughout the world. Descend into Eden Restaurant and enjoy a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, while watching our chefs put their finishing touches on each culinary creation in the beautiful open kitchen. The featured dishes include roasted Carabineros shrimp from Spain, sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi with smoked pecorino cheese, as well as duet of filet mignon and mini short ribs wellington. These expertly executed dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious. There are three different menus in Eden….a dinner menu, a tasting menu and a plant-based menu. You can view all of them on the website linked above. Onboard dining price: $85/guest a la carte dinner, $120/guest tasting menu Dress code: Smart casual Available on Edge, Apex, Beyond and Ascent Eden Cafe Eden’s the three stories of windows bring in the shimmering morning light to create a bright and airy atmosphere. At breakfast, try the signature, freshly baked to order Cinnamon Roll served with Royal Icing with your favorite specialty coffee. Want something a little heartier to start your day? Try the Steak and Egg Bagel. Want a healthier start? Go for the Steel Cut Oatmeal with Almonds, Quinoa and Honey or sink your teeth into the Turkey with Egg White and Spinach Panini. Lunch brings a new mood to Eden as the light through the windows changes as well as bringing a new menu to Eden Café. Choose from a variety of items, including salads that range from Build Your Own (featuring all your favorite gourmet salad ingredients) to the Lentil Quinoa Bowl with antibiotic-free chicken, quinoa, brown rice, tomato, sofrito, kale, and spinach. After your salad, choose from an incredible assortment of sandwiches and paninis, includingContinueContinue reading “Celebrity Cruises Specialty Restaurants: Unique Dining Experiences”
Celebrity Cruises Premium Access: Is It Worth It?
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Celebrity Cruises Premium Access: Is It Worth It? This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Updated July 2026: Celebrity Cruises has expanded its Premium Access program, giving guests more ways to customize their cruise vacation. With three package options now available and some benefits changing after August 1, 2026, it’s worth understanding exactly what’s included before you book.Whether you’re hoping to breeze through embarkation, stay connected with Premium Wi-Fi, or enjoy specialty dining throughout your sailing, this guide covers everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises Premium Access, including what’s included, current pricing, and whether it’s worth the extra cost. What Is Celebrity Cruises Premium Access? Premium Access is an optional pre-cruise package that adds a collection of premium perks and time-saving benefits to your vacation. Depending on which package you choose, benefits may include Premium Wi-Fi, complimentary room service, priority embarkation, faster luggage delivery, premium beverages, and unlimited specialty dining.The program is designed to help you spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying your vacation from the moment you arrive at the cruise terminal.Unlike drink or dining packages, Premium Access focuses on convenience, upgraded services, and making your overall cruise experience even smoother. What’s New for 2026? Celebrity Cruises has expanded Premium Access from a single package into three different options, allowing guests to choose the level of amenities that best fits their vacation style.There are also two important changes to note. For sailings departing after August 1, 2026, these benefits are no longer included: Welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room on embarkation day Reserved seating in the main theater While those perks have been removed, the core Premium Access benefits remain the same. Premium Access Package Options Premium Access: Wi-Fi & More Perks The entry-level package focuses on convenience and connectivity.It includes: Premium Wi-Fi for two devices Unlimited complimentary room service (delivery fees and gratuities are waived) Early access at the terminal. Regardless of your assigned check-in time, arrive from 11am and head to the Premium Access lane (not the Retreat line) to board. Priority luggage delivery to your stateroom. Leave your luggage at the convenient designated Premium Access drop point on arrival. Priority departure from ship to shore in ports that require tender service. Instructions will be provided once you begin your cruise. Express luggage service during debarkation 40% off a Digital Photo Packages (on packages of 50 digital photos and up). (Valid one time only) 20% off an Exclusive Photo Session Photo Package $90 off Spa services with a minimum spend of $300. One complimentary Bingo card with the purchase of a 3-card Bingo pack, redeemable once onboard Starting price: From $40 per guest, per day, although pricing varies by sailing and promotions. Premium Access: Drinks + Wi-Fi & More Perks This package includes everything above, plus the Premium Drink Package, making it a great option for guests who already planned to purchase upgraded beverages.The Premium Drink Package includes unlimited: Premium cocktails Wines by the glass Craft and premium beers Soda Specialty coffees Fresh juices Bottled water Starting price: From $130 per guest, per day. Premium Access: Dining + Drinks + Wi-Fi & More Perks This is Celebrity’s most comprehensive Premium Access package. It includes everything in the previous tier, plus unlimited specialty dining throughout your cruise, including lunch on sea days where available. Specialty dining included every night of your sailing and lunch on sea days. All specialty dining experiences and restaurants are fully included—Enjoy premium dining venues such as Chef’s Table, Dinner on the Edge, Le Voyage, and Omakase Dinner Experiences with no extra fees or upcharges. Depending on your ship, participating venues may include: Le Voyage Fine Cut Steakhouse Rooftop Garden Grill Raw on 5 Eden Restaurant Chef’s Table Dinner on the Edge Omakase Dinner Experience Restaurant availability varies by ship and itinerary, and reservations remain subject to availability.Starting price: From $205 per guest, per day. Luminae is exclusive to Retreat guests, and Blu is for Aqua and Retreat guests only; both are excluded from the package. Premium Access Comparison Feature Wi-Fi & More Drinks + Wi-Fi Dining + Drinks + Wi-Fi Premium Wi-Fi (2 devices) ✓ ✓ ✓ Complimentary room service ✓ ✓ ✓ Early terminal access ✓ ✓ ✓ Priority luggage delivery ✓ ✓ ✓ Priority tender service ✓ ✓ ✓ Express debarkation ✓ ✓ ✓ Premium Drink Package ✗ ✓ ✓ Unlimited specialty dining ✗ ✗ ✓ Who Is Premium Access Best For? Premium Access is ideal for travelers who value convenience and want to maximize their time onboard. It may be worth considering if you: Want to board the ship as early as possible. Plan to stream, work remotely, or stay connected with Premium Wi-Fi. Prefer having your luggage delivered to your stateroom as quickly as possible. Have several tender ports on your itinerary. Already planned to purchase a Premium Drink Package or specialty dining package. For many guests, bundling these benefits together can offer better value than purchasing them separately. Who Might Want to Skip It? Before purchasing Premium Access, take a moment to review what’s already included with your cruise. You may not get the best value if you: Are staying in The Retreat, where many Premium Access benefits are already included. Booked an All Included fare that already includes Premium Wi-Fi. Receive overlapping benefits through your Captain’s Club status. Are sailing from a port where priority embarkation isn’t available. Celebrity recommends checking your stateroom benefits and loyalty perks before purchasing so you don’t pay for amenities you already have. ImportantContinueContinue reading “Celebrity Cruises Premium Access: Is It Worth It?”
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”
Evening Chic on Celebrity Cruises: What to Wear for a Stylish Night Out
Discover what to wear for Evening Chic on Celebrity Cruises! From dress code guidelines to outfit ideas for women and men, this guide will help you dress with confidence and enjoy a stylish evening at sea without overpacking or stressing over what to wear.
Celebrity Move-Up Bids: How to Upgrade Your Cabin for Less
Want a better cabin without paying full price? Learn how the Celebrity Cruises Move-Up Program works, how to bid, and tips to win your upgrade.
Discovering Southampton: Must-See Attractions and Activities Before Your Cruise
Planning a cruise from Southampton, England? Discover the best things to do before your cruise, from exploring medieval landmarks and historic pubs to visiting fascinating museums, enjoying authentic Italian food, and discovering beautiful English vineyards. Plus, find helpful tips on hotels, transportation, and planning your Southampton adventure!
Essential Packing Tips for Cruising with Young Children
Taking a cruise with your baby or toddler? Are you wondering what to pack? Packing for a cruise with a baby is a challenge for sure! You will want to pack light, but not too light! If you are lucky enough to get to your cruise ship without flying, you will not have any restrictions on the number of bags you can bring. But do you really want to deal with a lot of extra luggage? Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring the items you need! Remember though, cruise cabins are typically smaller than hotel rooms. If you bring too much, your stateroom will feel very cramped and crowded. Be selective and only bring what you will absolutely use. Below are our recommendations for the top essential travel baby supplies for your next family vacation at sea. 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. Protect littles one’s ears while traveling. Some venues onboard can be load. There are sizes for children, babies and toddlers. Heading to a beach destination? A good beach blanket is essential. This one comes with sand anchors and storage pockets too! A good carry on bag is essential. We love to use this one, it has spinner wheels and is easy to maneuver. When boarding the ship, be sure to pack swimsuits, sunscreen, all medicines, valuables and your boarding document including passports in it! If your are flying to the port, it also fits under the seat! Water shoes are an absolute must have item for the entire! Protect everyones feet from rocks, shells, coral, hot sand, etc. Many cruise lines do not have self-service laundry. Kids are messy! Be prepared to do some laundry in your cabin. You can hang a shower curtain from the ceiling using these hooks to create a privacy curtain or use them to hang hats, jackets, blankets extra. Walls and ceilings in ship cabins are magnetic! They are available in lots of fun colors too. This is genius! A refillable roll-on container for sun screen…..why didn’t I think of that? When it comes to strollers, the smaller and lighter the better. If your usual stroller is bulky, you might want to invest in a smaller, more maneuverable umbrella stroller. These take up much less room in your cabin and can also fit under the bed when not in use. Cabin corridors are also narrow and some areas can be crowded. This lightweight stroller weighs just 13 pounds, has four reclining positions, a large seat area and a large storage basket plus anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels Air tags are a must these days. Luggage gets delayed or lost…know where your belongs are! They are also a very good way to find your stroller if it gets moved while traveling….very useful in places like Disney, other amusement parks, malls, etc.! We use a detachable air tag case on the inside of all our luggage. That way we know it won’t get removed or lost. Set your kids up for success on your travel to the ship with this awesome travel tray. It pops up and sits right across their lap, giving them plenty of storage space, a place to draw that won’t damage anything and a handy place to store their tablet for easy viewing. Believe me…you want to use a luggage tag holder on your luggage. After many sailings with torn off or destroyed tags and bags going missing, we finally invested on these and use them every cruise. These are for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean: These are for Carnival: And these work with Princess luggage tags: Excursions are easier when you don’t have to worry about a stroller. This wrap keeps baby close and comfy. Cruise lines have a limited number of pack & plays onboard for passenger use. Ships do not provide padding or sheets. We recommend adding a travel one to your packing list. This way, you know your child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. A portable white noise sound machine creates a soothing environment for your little one. Your little one is going to need changing at some point! Be prepared with this portable changing pad. It comes with handy storage pockets and is waterproof. Diaper bags have come a long way! Dad won’t mind carrying this leather baby diaper bag backpack and it comes with stroller straps too! Diaper bags can be smelly. These odor eliminators work great….smell really good too. There are several different scents to choose from. Most cruise cabins do not have a bath tub and the sinks are very small. An inflatable tub can be very useful! Can be used pool side for some splash time too! A first aid kit is a 100% necessity! Visits to the ships doctor can be expensive and time consuming. Best to be prepared for the bumps and scrapes that are bound to happen. Of course you will want to buy things in port for your friends, family, little one. Many stores are not providing free bags with purchase in an effort to reduce waste. We take reusable grocery bags. Feeding time can be an adventure. Sippy cups, travel bottles, snack cups and baby spoons are very helpful! Lightweight bottles Portable bottle warmer Insulated water bottles for babies and toddlers. Baby spoons Of course, you will need diapers and clothes! Bring at least two clothing changes per day plus sleeping wear. Baby swimsuits and hats to protect those eyes are also important! For the dress up nights onboard, bring something fun for your little one to wear! Diapers onboard are expensive. If not driving to the port, stop at a store and stock up prior to boarding! Get some swim diapers too but be sure to check with your cruise line to see if they are allowed in the pool. If not, ask if they haveContinueContinue reading “Essential Packing Tips for Cruising with Young Children”
Cruise Disembarkation Tips: Smooth Sailings for Your Farewell
No one likes to think about it, but it’s going to happen….you have to leave the ship. Disembarkation (or debark) is something cruisers don’t want to think about. It’s a lot more fun to think about things like planning excursions and booking future cruises and NOT think about getting off the ship. But all good things must come to an end and it’s best to be prepared! What to expect Cruise lines are fairly similar in their disembarkation procedures. The last morning of your cruise, you will have to disembark and leave what has become your very comfortable home away from home and all your new friends, passengers and crew alike. Traditional Disembarkation vs Self-Disembarkation There are two types of disembarkation….regular and self, commonly called self-assist or walk-off. The process is basically the same, with the main difference being that with self-disembarkation, you are responsible for taking your luggage off the ship. You must be able to walk your own bags off the ship and through the terminal. If you choose to walk off your bags, make sure they are easy to maneuver and don’t over pack. It’s best to not have a lot of luggage to carry off. What are the Benefits of Self-Disembarkation You can be in the first group to get off the ship. If you need to leave the cruise port to catch an early flight, or have a long drive ahead, this can be a great option. You do not need to put luggage out on the last night of your cruise. The only wait will be for the ship to be cleared by port authorities. What are the Disadvantages of Self-Disembarkation You will not receive any help with your luggage. You may need to carry it down several flights of stairs as elevators may be full. You need to be up very early. Debark will begin as soon as the ship is cleared. This could be as early as 7am. This is only a good option if everyone is able to handle their own luggage. If you need help or have a lot of luggage, this isn’t the best option. Remember, it’s called self-assist for a reason. We have done both and there is no right or wrong way. The choice is yours and you can decide what works best for you once onboard. When time can you expect to leave the ship? There’s no set time when debark will begin and this will vary by cruise port and by things that are beyond the control of the ship and crew. The scheduled docking time listed on your cruise itinerary will NOT be the time that you can leave the ship. This is the time the ship is expected to arrive in port. The ship will still need to be cleared by customs of the country you have arrived in and given permission for passengers to debark. Usually this is a fairly quick process, but sometimes it can take longer…maybe several hours. As a general rule, most cruise ships will start the disembarkation process around 7:30-8 am. An announcement will be made once the ship is cleared and passengers can disembark. Wait for your luggage tag number to be called though. Otherwise, you will be waiting in the terminal for your luggage to arrive. Avoid booking an early flight home You will need time to leave the ship, get your luggage, clear customs and then time to reach the airport. Some ports, like Fort Lauderdale, as close. …a quick 15 taxi ride. Most are not! There will be taxis waiting outside the terminal but there may be a line for them. Most cruise lines recommend not booking flights before noon. And if you are taking an International flight, you may need more time at the airport. Be sure to factor in wait times at the airport to drop off luggage and clear security. TSA pre-check can be very helpful! Remember, even if you CAN make it, it’s possible for your ship to arrive late in port due to weather or other reasons. I was on a ship that was late into port due to mechanical issues and many people missed their flights. Ships have also been late arriving due to weather, such as storms or fog. Galveston and Tampa are well known for fog problems. If a morning flight is best for you, consider spending the night at a hotel and fly out the following morning. Why add stress to the end of your wonderful vacation? Disembarkation instructions Your cabin steward will leave printed instructions, along with luggage tags. This will include instructions on what to do with your luggage, as well as some basic customs information. Also included will be a timetable for when luggage numbers will be called the following morning. Luggage tags and debarkation times You will receive luggage tags that are numbered according to when you wish to disembark. If this time does not work for you, you can ask your steward for new luggage tags or go to guest relations. They will be happy to change them and is probably faster and easier than asking your cabin steward. Debarking thousands of passengers within a few hours is quite a process. Cruise lines keep things organized by assigning color coded luggage tags which correspond to certain disembarkation times. As noted above, this timetable will be left in your cabin along with your luggage tags. What do I do with my luggage? (Of course, this only applies to regular disembarkation. If you are doing self-assist/walk off, keep you luggage in your cabin.) On the last night of your cruise, place your luggage outside your cabin door. Generally, bags must be outside by 10pm. The actual time for your sailing will be noted on the instructions. The ship’s crew will be working hard that night placing the luggage in a holding area, so that it can be moved off the ship quickly the next morning. DO NOT miss the deadline! RememberContinueContinue reading “Cruise Disembarkation Tips: Smooth Sailings for Your Farewell”