Celebrity Cruises® is taking the suite life to new heights with new premium and personalized enhancements for The Retreat. “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.” All suites at The Retreat come with a dedicated butler, who is now just a message away with the new Butler Chat feature, allowing for faster and easier one-on-one communication from anywhere on board or onshore. A dedicated shore excursions expert, The Retreat Destination Experience Specialist, is now available for guests of The Retreat to make the most of their time on shore, from planning destination-related activities, to ensuring smooth transfers when discovering Celebrity’s most sought-after ports of call. Additionally, guests can relax prior to excursions from the comfort of The Retreat Lounge and will enjoy suite-to-car butler escorts for Private Journeys excursions. Culinary enhancements have been added to the offerings at Luminae, the exclusive suites-only restaurant, including new Daniel Boulud Signature dishes and a new rotating dinner and dessert menu. In-suite, guests can enjoy personalized daily delights, selected from the in-suite dining menu, as well as a complimentary stocked minibar. Guests of The Retreat will enjoy reserved seating in The Theatre. Plus, guests staying in Royal Suites and above will always look their best thanks to complimentary laundry service including unlimited pressing. In addition to the new offerings, guests of The Retreat benefit from … Breakfast, lunch and dinner from the comfort of their suite, selected from the in-suite dining menu, available daily Wine portfolio of red, white, and bubbly wines representing vineyards from around the world served complimentary in The Retreat Lounge, Luminae and in-suite Express priority luggage drop off and delivery on embarkation Guests staying in Royal Suites and above will also have access to … Complimentary Extend Your Stay providing the flexibility of staying onboard longer on disembarkation day in selected ports (Extend Your Stay is available in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Venice (Ravenna), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and; Southampton, England). Guests can store their luggage, access public areas, use WiFi and drink packages, enjoy lunch, and relax before their departure Complimentary SEA Thermal Suite access on Edge Series ships and the Persian Garden on Millennium and Solstice Series ships. Complimentary unlimited specialty dining, including lunch and dinner Ability to customize their in-suite minibar experience before sailing. Two complimentary bottles of wine or spirits throughout their sailing Exclusive complimentary sleepwear Boasting expansive views and stunning designs, The Retreat offers guests the chance to unwind in their individual suite, on an exclusive sundeck or in a private lounge, all designed to make them feel like they have the ship to themselves. This exclusive experience begins even prior to guests stepping foot on board with the pre-cruise concierge, priority check-in and departure, and priority port tendering at available ports of call. This video includes the expanded room service breakfast for suites and the items your butler can bring you every day. Remember…room service is free all day for suites. Final Thoughts: Enjoy your amazing vacation onboard Celebrity Cruises. And be sure let us know what you think of the new additions to The Retreat! You can find more information about the Retreat at here *The Retreat Sundeck available on Edge Series and Revolutionized ships. Currently not available on Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Constellation, or, Celebrity Infinity. **Extend Your Stay is available in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Venice (Ravenna), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and; Southampton, England. 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. 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. 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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 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”
Premium Access: Enhance Your Cruise with Exclusive Benefits
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? (2026 Guide) 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 to the cruise terminal beginning around 11:30 a.m., regardless of your assigned arrival time Priority luggage delivery to your stateroom Priority tender service at ports requiring tender boats Express luggage service during debarkation Starting price: From $36 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 $125 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.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 $255 per guest, per day. 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. Important Things to Know Before booking Premium Access, keep these details in mind: Premium Access must be purchased before your cruise and isn’t currently available onboard. All guests age six and older in the same stateroom must purchase the package together. For the dining package, all guests age 21 and older assigned to the stateroom must purchase it. Priority services aren’t available at every embarkation port. Specialty dining reservations are still subject to availability. Premium Access benefits can’t be transferred or shared with another guest. Frequently Asked Questions Can I purchase Premium Access onboard? No. Premium Access must be purchased before your cruise through My Celebrity Cruises. Does every package include Premium Wi-Fi? Yes. All three Premium Access packages include Premium Wi-Fi for two devices. Does my Captain’s Club discount apply? No. Premium Access isn’t currently eligible for Captain’s Club discounts. Do I still need to choose an arrival time? Yes. You’ll still selectContinueContinue reading “Premium Access: Enhance Your Cruise with Exclusive Benefits”
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…..Dress to Impress Your Way
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. Say goodbye to formal night and hello to Evening Chic. It’s your time to shine….the way you want to. Be glamorous….Be chic….Be sophisticated. It’s time to dress to impress! My husband wore his kilt on our recent cruise and I wore a blue dress with a sparkly skirt. It was fun to dress up! And the crew really appreciated that we made an effort! What is Evening Chic? Evening Chic is dressier than smart casual but less dressy than formal attire. Each itinerary features one to two Evening Chic nights. Evening Chic means you dress to impress….be glamorous and sophisticated in your own way,. Wear a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jeans with an elegant dress top or blazer. I’ve seen many women wear nice slacks and a sparkly top or a nice dress that could be worn to a fancy restaurant or wedding….they looked lovely! Women should feel comfortable wearing:A cocktail dress, nice skirt, dressy pants or designer jeans with an elegant top.Men should feel comfortable wearing:Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweaterSport coat/blazer and tie are optional Of course, if you want to go all out and wear a formal dress or tux, that is totally up to you. This is your night to dress up as much as you want to! What are designer jeans? Designer jeans are nicer jeans (in the UK, they’d be referred to as “smart jeans”) with no holes, rips or tears. These are not your “let’s go hiking” jeans. You want to wear jeans that you can dress up a bit…..wear a nice top and shoes/heels for women and a dress shirt, button-down shirt, or sweater for men, with or without a jacket. Yes, there are “designers jeans” that have rips and tears, but these will not be allowed in any dining room. The daily program, which is delivered to your stateroom each evening for the next day and is also available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. The menu posted outside the main dining room will note what the attire is for the evening. If you do not wish to participate in Evening Chic, Smart Casual attire is acceptable for dining in the buffet and theater. Don’t stress over it too much though. Just make an effort to look nice on those evenings. It is easy to dress up an outfit with a sparkly scarf, dressy top or even a pair of shoes. Happy Cruising! 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. Thanks so much! 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. 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.
Celebrity Cruises Move-Up Program
If you want to change your cabin but not pay the current selling price or the cabin level is sold out, Celebrity has a bidding process called MoveUp. This new program allows you to bid on a cruise stateroom upgrade after you purchase your cruise.* *Eligible reservations are on all Celebrity Cruise ships within 90 days of departure date. Cruise must be paid in full and you must be 21 years or older. When entering your information in the link below, make sure to use the primary guest last name and valid booking number to avoid errors. If you have any questions or trouble finding your reservation, either call Celebrity at 1-888-751-7804 or use the online chat feature. If using a travel agent, the travel agency must be a participating agency in the CELEBRITY MOVEUP program in order to qualify. Use this link: https://www.celebritycruises.com/bid-on-cruise-room-upgrade Look through the stateroom options to see which cabin type you want to bid on. Submit an offer based on the amount you’re willing to pay for an upgrade for each stateroom option. There will be minimum and maximum amounts allowed. Making offers on multiple rooms will increase your chances of getting upgraded, but you’ll only ever pay for one upgrade. You will be notified via email if your request for an upgrade has been approved. If your offer is accepted, you will automatically be charged for the upgrade. If not, you pay nothing and enjoy the stateroom you’ve already booked. Offers are priced per person, based on double occupancy, for the length of your cruise. The amount is not per night. Only the first and second guest in your stateroom will be charged. Additional guests beyond the second guest are upgraded with no additional cost. Frequently Asked Questions Is the offer amount per person per day or for the entire duration of the cruise? The offer amount is per person for the entire duration of the cruise. Offers are based on two occupants per stateroom – only the first and second guest will be charged. Does the upgrade include any additional promotions? The upgrade does not include any additional promotions. You get to keep whichever promotions you already have. Example, if you are in an inside/veranda/oceanview etc cabin and booked all inclusive, you will keep those benefits. Suites and Aqua class bids do not receive the additional beverage packages, OBC or wifi. Successful Suite bids do receive access to the Retreat and Luminae. Aqua class receives access to the Persian Garden and Blu. What happens if I am part of a group or traveling with another reservation? Each offer is considered individually, Celebrity Cruises does guarantee that all reservations traveling together will be upgraded. If you are lucky and all reservations are upgraded, Celebrity Cruises cannot guarantee that all the upgraded cabins will be close together. Can I reject the upgrade after it is accepted? No, once your bid is accepted, your card will be charged immediately and the upgrade amount paid is final and non-refundable. There are no refunds or downgrades. What happens with the promotions I already have? You get to keep the promotions you already have. However, no additional promotions will be added to your reservation. Can I choose the location or specific features of the upgrade cabin? No, your cabin location and attributes will depend on availability. Celebrity cannot guarantee a specific cabin number assignment within the upgraded category. If other cabins are available in the exact same category, you can ask to be moved. They cannot guarantee the ability to do that. How much do I pay if my reservation includes more than 2 guests? If your reservation includes multiple guests (between 2 and 5 passengers), the offer amount submitted will be for the first and second guest on the reservation only. Other passengers are upgraded free of charge. Can I modify or cancel my offer after I submit it? You may modify or cancel your offer up until 2 days prior to departure, provided that your offer has not already been accepted by Celebrity Cruises and your credit card has not been charged. When will I know if my offer got accepted? Your offer can be accepted anytime from the moment it is submitted up until 2 days prior to voyage departure. If I have two reservations can I bid only once and if accepted, cancel the second reservation and move the guests into the upgraded cabin? No, if you have two cabins you will need to submit two separate bids and they will be considered independently. Celebrity Cruises cannot guarantee that both reservations will be upgraded. In the case that one of the reservations gets upgraded, you cannot move the other guests into the upgraded cabin. All reservations cancelled within the penalty period will be subject to cancellation fees. What happens if I am a single guest? You will be charged based on double occupancy. Why did I or someone I’m traveling with not receive an invite to bid on a stateroom upgrade? To receive an email invitation to bid on a stateroom upgrade, you must have opted-in to Celebrity Marketing e-mails. To opt-in, you can sign up for emails on the website, opt-in through the online check in process or within My Reservations section of website. There is also a link in the pull-down menu at the top of the Celebrity website under “Manage My Reservation”. If I upgrade to a higher category stateroom, will I have to pay a gratuity amount based on the new upgraded category? Yes, by upgrading to a higher stateroom category, each guest in the booking may be subject to a higher gratuity amount. The Offer Amount does not include the higher gratuity. If the Offer is accepted, the difference between the originl and upgraded stateroom gratuities (if applicable) will be automatically applied to all guests. $18.00 USD per person, per day for Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms $18.50 USD per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms ContinueContinue reading “Celebrity Cruises Move-Up Program”
Discovering Southampton: Must-See Attractions and Activities Before Your Cruise
How do I get from London to Southampton cruise port? The Southampton cruise port is 80 miles southwest of London. Traveling by car, taxi or direct coach will take about 2 hours, depending on traffic. Heavy traffic at rush hour around London can increase your travel time.Most cruise lines offer direct transfers which you can book through your cruise line. These can be by van, mini bus or coach busses. Check with your cruise line to see what they offer. The available options will be included in the excursion section of your cruise planner. We recently used a transfer with Celebrity Cruises which took us to Stonehenge and then dropped us off at Heathrow. Easy and enjoyable end to our cruise. If you wish to hire a private car or taxi, GetTransfer is reliable and has good prices. Another option is Welcome Pickups. You can arrange for airport or port pickups and sightseeing tours. South Western Railway trains regularly run to Southampton direct from Waterloo and Victoria stations. You can also depart from Paddington Station with a change of trains in Reading. Most trains take about 1.5-2.5 hours depending on stops to reach Southampton Central. Once you arrive, you will need a taxi to transfer you the last 2 miles from the railway station to the cruise port. There will be taxis waiting outside the station. You can purchase one-way or roundtrip train tickets or Britrail passes from Rail Europe The cheapest way to get to Southampton is with National Express bus services. They run scheduled coach services to Southampton from London (Waterloo Station), Heathrow, Gatwick and most major cities. Again, you will need to make your own way to the cruise port from the bus station (about 1.6 miles) where the coach journey terminates. I NEED A HOTEL….WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Enjoy an stress-free start to your cruise holiday by staying in one of the excellent hotels near the port. If you are traveling with your own car to Southampton, try to select a hotel that offers cruise parking…some will also offer a shuttle service to the port. Look for options to book a Cruise & Park package when looking for hotels. There are many excellent hotels available. The closest to the port are Holiday Inn and Leonardo Royal Hotel. Another excellent choice is you are looking for a luxury hotel is Harbour Hotel Southampton. We have stayed at the Doubletree by Hilton in Chilworth in the past and taken a taxi to the ship, but in the future, we are going to stay closer to the terminal and the city itself. WHAT IS THERE TO DO? Southampton is a bustling coastal city with history going back all the way to the Stone Age. There are over 90 listed buildings and 30 ancient monuments in the Old Town, which includes medieval watch towers and dungeons, an array of churches, fine timber-framed Tudor houses, inns and hole-in-the-wall pubs. The city sustained extensive damage in the Second World War but it has managed to retain some of its medieval architecture. Exploring this charming corner of the city is one of the best things to do in Southampton. A great place to start this journey is the Bargate….formerly the main gate of the city. This is possibly Southampton’s most iconic structure and was built around 1180. Walking some of England’s best-preserved medieval Town Wall, nearly half of which still stands since the 15th century, is a must for any guest of Southampton. The Old Town Walls are recognized as some of the country’s most intact and impressive. These walls first enclosed the town following a raid by the French in 1380. Today, about half of the original walls still remain. The city has developed a self-guided walk for those who want to work their way through the history of the listed buildings and ancient monuments. How it works: Download the app “GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed if you are traveling abroad. Just be sure to download the app while you have wifi. Visit the Tudor House and Gardens. This is Southampton’s most important historic building, reveling over 800 years of history in one fascinating location at the heart of the Old Town. The timber-framed building facing St Michael’s Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from Tudor House Garden, dating back a further 300 years. Tudor House gives a unique insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself. This is perfect for all ages and interests and is a family-friendly activity. https://tudorhouseandgarden.com Visit the Medieval Merchant’s House Around the corner at 58 French Street, is the Medieval Merchant’s House, another of Southampton’s cultural treasures tucked beneath the old walls. Complete with replica period furnishings, this is another fascinating view into Southampton’s medieval world. This building is part of the English Heritage group, so if you are a member, admission is free. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk Explore Southampton’s aviation history. Southampton also has many ties to aviation, particularly during the era of the seaplane. If you enjoy airplanes and aviation, a visit to the Solent Air Museum this is an excellent choice. Here you will the opportunity to get up close to over 20 beautifully preserved planes, including a de Havilland Vampire fighter jet and the famous Spitfire. The latter was produced by the Southampton-based aviation manufacturer, Supermarine, which was also renowned for its success in the high-risk 20th-century seaplane race, the Schneider Trophy. Much of the museum is dedicated to this extraordinary race that helped generate engineering advancements that bore fruit for fighter jet design during the Second World War. Many of the Spitfire planes were made underground nearby in theContinueContinue reading “Discovering Southampton: Must-See Attractions and Activities Before Your Cruise”
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”