I Put The 5 Leading First Class "Ship-In-Ships" To The Test

[@kays749]

I'll pay for the smaller luxury ship before I go for a ship inside a huge ship.

[@davidl.6509]

We are trying Viking in 2026!

[@wc6975]

I agree. Boutique experience at a premium price, no extras, no kids.

[@InnocentsAbroad]

Yep! @@wc6975

[@breadyegg]

I reckon that's the way to go

[@KatieMattison]

💯 We found the onboard experience of Azamara to be our suite spot.

[@lindsayslivealittle]

Great video! We have done all of them but Cunard. Found your info very accurate and informative! Love watching your videos! They are actually bringing back the butlers on Celebrity for all suites in the retreat! I think they realized they were taking away too much and still keeping those prices pretty high!

[@elainethepain9418]

Also, thank you for the time stamps... so helpful when looking for something specific!

[@CCB249]

I would rather be on a luxury cruise ship where all the clientele are treated the same.

[@bobdylan7968]

If overcrowding and understaffing were not issues, then the “ships within ships” concept would be superfluous

[@Dave_Sisson]

You are also paying extra to be far away from things like screaming children and drunken rednecks (USA), chavs (UK) or bogans (Australia). That has to be worth quite a bit.

[@Bubby869]

Maybe? But there are always snobs that will pay extra for “exclusivity,” however marginal the benefits. I always marvel that the ratty country club in my town manages to stay in business, despite the availability of better restaurants, golf courses and a full aquatic center that are open to the public.

[@TheSlavetoabunny]

Hubby and I stayed in the Haven on the NCL Escape in December and it was a 100% fantastic experience. We loved the restaurant, sundeck, and the overall service. We felt special and pampered!

[@sl4193]

Thank you, Gary. Appreciate your comprehensive review of the features of each of the available "ship within a ship" experiences. Great to have your thoughts on the different cruise lines and the variations to be found even between individual ships of the same line.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found this interesting

[@marylewis79]

The Haven is wonderful. We are going on Celebrity this summer in The Retreat. We will miss the pool and having the room in The Retreat area.

[@amyyates8273]

Agreed.

[@randypoisson8823]

Very helpful comparison. I also like that you can dine in Blu on a space available basis as a Celebrity Retreat guest. I’m most interested in that experience (on Edge class), followed by Yacht Club.

[@martirosenberg5909]

Thank you Gary! Despite cutbacks on most of these lines lately, I’m still a Retreat gal

[@anthonywatts2033]

our experience on Queen Elizabeth Queens Grill was outstanding. the food and service were perfect.

[@mrscuteas]

I have no need nor want for a butler but I think I would enjoy the perks of being in a ship within a ship which sounds like I could get by sailing on smaller ships which appeals to me more as I don’t like crowds

[@CarrieHutton-o6y]

Great video! Thanks for the update. ❤

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching!

[@xr6lad]

I have no issue with the concept as long as it’s done well. I think paying that extra money you need more than just a private lounge or dining area - as a minimum of all drink be included. And a better menu on par with the ‘paid venues’ on a ship.

[@deborahwedickcooper2751]

Oh, very well done!

[@wespotter6985]

How much can 1 person eat?This is ridiculous unless you've stopped yourself for a month.It's unlikely that you're costs are gonna come anywhere near. What you're able to consume.

[@Dave_Sisson]

It appears you have never met Americans, they eat a *LOT*

[@marcd6897]

@@Dave_SissonLOL .. indeed, that’s also why they consider those ridiculously overpriced buffets in Las Vegas at $100+ a good deal 😂

[@baghabit7696]

Quality, not quantity

[@paulgerrard9227]

The problem with this whole concept is the people who then think they are some priveledged person. Its often poor mans luxury. Its premium economy but its definately not business and nothing like first class.

[@kray3883]

The only thing I can think of that makes sense is people who really just want to avoid kids without spending that much... Well, and the people who need peasants around to make them feel important, being on an actual luxury cruise where they might be the least special individual wouldn't do it for them I guess.

[@MrToryhere]

@@kray3883well said. The great thing about the ultra luxury lines I have tried is that they treat every passenger the same. This means that there no plebs. All passengers are toffs as far as the crew is concerned. In my experience, most passengers live up to this.

[@kray3883]

@@MrToryhere I think I finally figured out who this makes sense for--it's like Disney's kids club, but for families where the kids are late teens or adults and the grandparents are aging. The younger people can have a wild party cruise and the grandparents can be the ones spending most of their time in a safe bubble.

[@kst6959]

I find the ship within a ship concept a bit off-putting. Plays off of the "you don't have to mingle with the unwashed masses" mindset - ick. If that was my price point I'd rather just upgrade to a more luxury line.

[@snip3d]

Great video. this is what I DONT like about the 'new' cruising, everything is becoming an add-on. I prefer to see the full price and have everything included. Some new ships advertise all the spas, pools and hot tubs, but then you find out half of them are 'off limits'

[@yuckyool]

It is NCL's stated business model.

[@justinsimmonds5674]

Very interesting video. If I wanted to go on a premium experience, I think I would rather sail with a smaller-ship premium cruise line.

[@timg3504]

I just met Gary on the Eurodam today. He’s just as nice as you’d think. How cool.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks !!! Great to meet you! Have a great trip

[@JilSpangenberg-ys7fz]

I found this very interesting. We are going on our first "top suite" cruise in April- Princess Panama Canal. We do cruise often, usually in a mini suite on Princess because it offers what we need and like to experience. But this time it is a celebration for completing cancer treatment and being in remission. So we opted for the best suite available. It doesn't include half of these amenities- probably cost as much as the Haven on Norwegian! LOL But it's the small old Island Princess ship. I'm sure when this was built this WAS the epitome of "class" on a ship. LOL.

[@calumshaw]

Fabulous class of ship, we've done a full suite (Alaska) and Reserve Collection mini-suites (Baltic and Iceland) on her, although unfortunately they've extended the cabins aft and removed the Vista Lounge and the wrap around promenade deck. One day try her sister ship, Coral which remains our favourite.

[@stephenbeyer4315]

I reckon it's a bit rude to expect passengers to be paying $500-$700 a night, and not include things like wi-fi and gratuities. Drinks ok, but again, they should still include basic drinks like non-alcoholic, and maybe beer and wine. Being asked to pay those extras just feels like taking away the luxury of the experience

[@bobcochran2890]

Sail Viking and Seabourn and you don’t have to deal with this kind of snobbishness. Plus they are small, luxury ships.

[@dcreinken]

I’m sure I would enjoy any of the Ship-within-a-Ship experiences, I have a hard time wanting to spend that much money and not looking for a good deal on a luxury line that is truly set up to offer the luxury experience. While I like to be pampered, I’m also not a fan of “exclusive” so would be more comfortable experiencing a quality version of a particular line’s standard offering rather than an elite segment. The only difference would be Cunard, where I think a Grills experience would be amazing.

[@sarahj.5970]

I used to fell this way...and still do a bit, however now with the prices so high and changing I think I could shop for the best deal at the time when wanting this treat and understand reasons and timing etc. for others with a similar sensitivity. Also there are so many variables as to when and why this offer is a true help and desire.

[@thomashoermann]

Gary, if I'm paying for a premium experience, suite, etc., I refuse to pay extra for a glass of wine, just on principle . There needs to be at least some limited adult beverages included to even warrant consideration. With NCL you can get that with the "free at sea" packages. I think Celebrity includes drinks as well.

[@elainethepain9418]

You always give the exact information that I'm looking for... thank you!

[@Honolulu-Blue]

Thank you for this video about a world that I probably will never be able to explore with my own money.

[@MinotaurUK]

Maybe it's my Britishness, but I'd feel *absolutely awful* about being taken to the front of a queue and being able to jump the line, so to speak. I know it's one of the perks of these premium products, but goodness me, I'd feel uncomfortable as hell doing it with everyone in the queue watching and sneering at me.

[@Bubby869]

I’m American and feel the same way. I think being whisked to the front of the line is supposed to make people feel good, but it just makes me feel like a jerk.

[@angiepatterson6338]

I wouldn’t care what other people think. Going to the head of the line, priority everything…I’d like that kind of ease and efficiency.

[@jec1ny]

Let's skip the word games and call this by its true name, First Class.

[@singbike5832]

I definitely wouldn't be happy about paying the prices of an ultra-luxury line, but then having to pay extra for things or have limited menus and ho-hum food (like Norwegian). I'd rather be on a smaller boat that can fit into smaller ports (and also doesn't bring thousands of people, which will make the port more crowded).

[@cyoda1359]

Great video and I agree, having just been in both the Haven and YC just this year and the Beyond Retreat in 2023. All great - and MSC is the clear value winner (about half the price or less of the others!!), even as a solo traveler of our common age group. There were kids in the YC, but not too many - the Seascape as a whole, however, had hundreds of them so I can’t imagine what it would have been like if I wasn’t in the YC. Service was great on all 3. Hard to justify the expense of the Haven or Retreat as a solo traveler but recently went on Explora Journeys - think of it as a whole ship Yacht Club with really premium food and even fewer kids and you’ll get the vibe. It shared a lot of the suite decor with the YC (same bathroom fixtures, similar wall paneling and carpet) but the food was really superb. And Explora, while more expensive than the YC, is still significantly cheaper than either the Retreat or Haven. I hope you get a chance to try that line soon as they have Explora II coming out in August. I’ve booked two additional cruises on Explora as a result of that experience….

[@arlenekraft]

Yours is the first review I have seen of Explora Journeys. We live in Oregon and they are stopping in Astoria on the Oregon Coast in April. We are planning a day trip just to see it in port. It is on my list to book soon! Thanks for your review. We love MSC and, of course, once we tried Yacht Club, we can't go back!

[@marias902]

We’ve been thinking about the Explora II next winter. Till now, we’ve sailed in the larger cabins on Viking ships. Good to know you liked your experience.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thinking I would prefer a smaller ship, even at a higher price! Thank you for the video. Great information’.

[@arlenekraft]

We have loved the Yacht Club on MSC. The new MSC luxury line, Europa Journeys, is on my list to try in the future. Would love to see your review!

[@rakeshgupte3252]

This is the showdown I was waiting for. Thank You.

[@sarahj.5970]

Myself as well, just terrific Gary, thank you.

[@coolbreeze253]

I considered Celebrity's Retreat after cruising with them once before, but couldn't justify it after three subsequent cruises on Viking in a Penthouse Veranda cabin. After adding the beverage package and including gratuities, it came out to a much better value.

[@happyboater3058]

Ok I haven’t reached the end of the video but the effect of special treatment for “some” results in obvious adverse effects on the rest of the customers. In some cases the benefit provided to the privileged customers may be far offset by annoyances to average customers . One time I remember 100 people waiting 15 minutes on a tender because we had to wait for someone in an upper class. Surely there could be a better way to handle this or perhaps just not do it at all.

[@psychman2000]

Once we did the Retreat, we haven't been able to go back to regular cabins.

[@markw639]

My view of suite life. RCL if you’re on an Oasis class ship. Lounge is very active w beer, wine and snacks 11a - 11p. Daily happy hour. Coastal kitchen was pretty good. Service and perks were excellent Wi-Fi was included. ( crown loft suite ) NCL haven was nice, as you said lounge was mostly empty with very slow bar service.Also no coffee, snacks etc. Restaurant was very good. But fixed menu. Private elevator on Prima !!! Suite was roomy . Everything is extra even putting putt. ( 2 bedroom suite ). Celebrity Edge. Smallest suite ever. Lumina is awesome, staff amazing Ship was awesome as well. Great lounge and outdoor area ( my favorite ) Sky suite. Leaving in 2 weeks for 21 day on NCL Encore. penthouse aft w/ large balcony.

[@handscombmj]

Delighted to hear Retreat comes out well. We are trying it out for first time in September. Have enjoyed Princess Grill on Cunard but as you confirm it is only the restaurant that feels special. The grills seating area outside is not great and cabins are low rent with poor bathrooms, eg shower curtains in this day and age! Cunard are dropping behind in not including other perks, drinks, wi Fi etc.

[@fredfolson5355]

I love the exclusivity and luxury of the MSC Yacht Club. My wife and I used to be Disney Concierge cruisers, but when we found the Yacht Club we never left.

[@markeaston7353]

I always appreciate your carefully considered analysis thanks Gary and this video did not disappoint.

[@guayames]

After your first review of MSC Yacht Club took it and had a great time. I will be going again in late April to the eastern Caribbean for our 174th cruise.Hope it is great again! After seeing this video, we will do balconies in the others linesand pay for some specialty restaurants, but maybe try Celebrity.

[@Andrea-sl3ey]

I love the understated but personal service of the Cunard Grills. Your own table is always ready for you and your serving team very quickly learn and anticipate your particular preferences. The Maitre D will go out of his way to help, for example, arranging for Afternoon Tea to be waiting for you in your suite on your return from a shore excursion, if that occurs between Tea Time and Dinner, as well as the flamboyant table-side Dinner Specials. Future Cruise come to see you at a time to suit yourselves rather than the other way around. It’s not flashy, just quietly refined.

[@DavidBrown-bs7gg]

I think I'd feel awkward with a butler. We had one in Dubai and ended up swerving him 😂

[@Bubby869]

Right? Unless they’re meant to replace the cabin steward and room service waiters, I wouldn’t have a clue what to ask a butler for. The guys on another video said the butler made their show and restaurant reservations, but it sounded like he did it on his phone, right in front of them. I would be so embarrassed to not just do it myself on my own phone. He also showed them how to work the lights and curtains.

[@rosey312]

I would agree with you about Celebrity retreat as being a very lux experience, but all the cut backs and continued pricing increases is exactly why I no longer sail with them. Don't charge me premium and then turn around and nickel and dime me. Haven is certainly catching up but their only shortcoming is the dining menu that doesn't change. They do have an occasional specials, but not nearly enough. Not impressed with RCL at all. Pretty much never used it for anything other than the happy hour.

[@wannabedal-adx458]

It's sad really about Celebrity. My first cruise (outside of the Navy) with my wife and I was on Celebrity Millennium. Loved it, especially the spa facilities. It was a good size meaning not that crowded and had good dining options. NCL was going to be our next option but the Haven still gives me pause.

[@johncole7533]

This is my sentiment exactly on Celebrity. Prior to 2023, when they started cutting back on Sky Suite services, Celebrity was my go-to cruise. Not any longer.

[@pj7342]

Cutbacks on Celebrity are real. They don't offer snacks in the Retreat Lounge on embarkation day and limit access to butlers through requiring use of room phone, and edge class plunge pool has occupancy or less than 14 people for over 400 suite guests. Edge class also lacks dedicated room service and advertisement of retreat Luminae room service breakfast menu is false. There is no such menu for over 80% suite guests. Snacks in lounge during sailings are limited, and no ability to deviate.

[@HydrogenAlpha]

There's something deeply unappealing about getting onto a ship where a quarter of the entertainment and relaxation spots are off limits.

[@adamp2384]

Yes I echo other commenters as wanting to see you try Explora Journeys, being owned by MSC and it being their “Premium” line, I would like to see your thoughts on it as compared to other similar lines

[@tinaanderson5454]

We are a big fan of the yacht club. I don't feel the party atmosphere as much as a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. It's amazing.

[@joleaneking7327]

Great overview of "ships within a ship" all in one video! Very helpful as we consider adding this option on a BIG ship rather than sticking with small ships. Thanks!

[@wannabedal-adx458]

Very good summary of all your experiences. Thanks again Gary for your attention to detail and honesty. I've got to say, I am torn between MSC and NCL. I am leaning back towards NCL the Haven, but also might just want to go upscale "all-in", meaning Regent Seven Seas, Seaborn, etc. Also, I wouldn't mind Cunard as much as some as I would go for the luxury ocean liner. I would weigh heavily choosing between the Queen and Princess Grill's as I wouldn't mind an elevated dinning experience and then pick and choose the rest of the things I would want.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

I think MSC's Yacht Club is head and shoulders over the others, and that includes value.

[@mexican6997]

Luminae restaurant on Beyond and Apex absolutely nothing special when you factor in the average price for a genuine suite (not Sky or Aqua) on Edge Class. Pool area miniscule as is the Retreat bar. Lounge ok but the same boring old afternoon tea every day. Would not recommend in any way whatsoever if you want "bang for your buck"!

[@kathiwolynes3420]

My husband and I just sailed on the MSC Seashore in the Yacht Club. It was so wonderful that I’m booking another YC for the end of summer.

[@calumshaw]

Excellent review Gary! Hidden behind your remarks, I sense is an impression that small lux ships are distinctly superior to any of the ship within a ship offerings!

[@tipsfortravellers]

yes, for me there is but only as I don't need the big ship entertainment, choice of bars etc

[@calumshaw]

Same Gary. We generally find one bar that suits us - and always gravitate to an aft outdoor venue, and are exceedingly particular about what entertainment we'll go to.

[@barryhaley7430]

We have 17 Celebrity cruises and agree with your comments on the feeling of cutting back by Celebrity management and not only in the Retreat. It’s still good but our last 3 cruises in the Apex in the Caribbean and the Constellation in Japan felt less luxurious than Celebrity prior to Covid. So we aren’t impressed with the new CEO. My next cruise is on Norwegian. Might as well save the money.

[@derekscanlon8583]

I totally agree with your comments. . No more Celebrity for me.

[@johncole7533]

The management needs a shake up!

[@marias902]

Uh oh - that means that our upcoming, and first, cruise on Celebrity could feel disappointing. We’ll be in a Sky Suite on the Beyond. We booked a year ago, when gratuities and even $800 OBC was still included. But I’d never book again at the same price point if they weren’t. As for butlers, the main thing we wanted one for was to call for a pot of coffee at whatever time we wake up. We are spoiled by the Nespresso coffee makers in our usual Viking Penthouse Veranda staterooms.

[@enigmatist666]

A fascinating insight into the ship-within-a-ship. Thank you, Gary. While I have no issue with priority embarkation and disembarkation for those paying such a premium, there's one thing I really dislike, and one that would put me off cruising with those lines, and that is reserving the best seats in a theatre that's open to all passengers. On land, I encounter similar issues with theatre patrons getting access to tickets first. When they go on general sale, the best seats are gone. Everyone on the ship should be able to get the best seats - by booking early or turning up early or however the system works.

[@CruiseDude1]

For a real contest, let's pit these ships in battle against each other, like an English Man-of-War vs a Spanish Galleon.

[@brjnskjaard7287]

How would you compare these experiences to Viking which has all the similar features and more But the entire ship has access

[@jensgoldgrabe7052]

Love your videos. I am curious if you have found pricing differences dependant on a persons citizenship. The reason I ask is that a lot of cruises booked out of Canada seem to be $500.00 per person per night and although you are in a premium balcony or deluxe balcony , it is a far cry from premium.

[@murielmorris4954]

Thank you for all the great information you have given me over the years. We have only sailed on smaller ships but this year we got a great deal on a suite on the Celebrity Reflection retreat. First time on a bigger ship. Your information today was great. 🇨🇦

[@tonyadeney1245]

kinda makes sense - if you can pay, not dissimilar to airlines - // some first class and business are exceptional some I feel are a complete and utter rip off // which is why reviews like this are so useful / once got moved into first class wont say airline from uk to france --- when checking thinking who would pay this ?? for a larger seat and a glass of fizzy wine /// other hand travelling to NY business class arrived far more relaxed everything was superior --- but without reviews you often dont know until you have already paid --- well done gary ...

[@dorothygiunta8519]

Love Celebrity the best. Will always book a suite for all the perks, great food in Luminae, beautiful suites, service and luxury!!!

[@jacksons1010]

I'm an NCL Haven regular, and I very much agree on the Haven Restaurant - it's a major disappointment. It's satisfactory for breakfast and the occasional lunch, but we avoid it for dinner. The unvarying menu is not appealing on first view, and returning to find it never changes is by far the one thing that gives me pause in booking Haven again.

[@wannabedal-adx458]

This is what gives me pause as well when thinking about NCL's The Haven. I want an elevated dining experience and i want smaller crowds.

[@TheSlavetoabunny]

We didn't mind the limited menu. On a 7-day cruise, between the Haven restaurant and our two included specialty dining restaurants, there were plenty of choices. Of course, I had the option of lobster every night if I wanted it!!

[@dianej1714]

I will never sail on a ship that has huge areas onboard where I'm not allowed to go. How stressful would that be?

[@dqin0218]

One major con I think should be mentioned about the Celebrity Retreat that was missed is the fact that the vast majority of the entry-level Sky Suite cabins are dotted around the ship rather than in a central location on MSC/Norwegian, including on the new Edge-class ships. This, I think, significantly reduces the feeling of exclusivity of the ship-within-a-ship experience, as you'll be mixing with all the other passengers on your way to and from your cabin from the Retreat facilities. The same con applies Royal and Cunard, but since these two lines are not trying to offer a true "ship-within-a-ship" experience, I feel that this con should have been more explicitly highlighted for Celebrity. Otherwise, great informative video that is quite accurate!

[@reececollison5101]

Me and my partner are maybe looking at a sky suite, and I didn’t think of that point you mentioned, but I actually quite like the idea of it. You can still access the suite areas while not feeling like you’re missing out on the rest of the ship, AND it means the sky suites are in good locations on the ship. This is the major con of the MSC ones, all the cabins are at the top and at the front, not really where I’d want a cabin

[@tipsfortravellers]

yes good point. The

[@josephthornton4206]

Once you cruise yacht club it would be very hard to go back to “general population”. This was a great comparison to the Haven, which I am thinking about trying. I would love to see a review of MSC’s luxury ship Explora Journey and how it not only compares to other small luxury ships, but how it does when put up against the yacht club.

[@jeffreylevin9616]

You probably won't see this because this is being posted on April 5th and this video is from a few weeks ago. But I am disappointed in you a little. Well, maybe. I actually saw you yesterday and tried shouting out to you and got no response. I am a chauffer and was waiting at MIA at Concourse E for that BA 207 which you actually came off of too. That tiny female chauffer with the black hair picked you up. I shouted out love you Gary. Love your channel. I am a subscriber. Hi Gary. It almost seemed like you were ignoring me. Unless you didn't hear me. I think I saw you one other time a while ago, but I had just started watching the channel. I kind of expect to see some of the Cruise Bloggers at some point. And actually drove a little while ago Dan and Jay from whatever their channel is called. Would love to bump into Ben and David. Those two are a hoot. I really don't know what to think of you at this point.

[@ros8986]

HI Gary - the playlist did not appear on the screen at the end of the video. Love you r videos.

[@ricobhi]

The Haven experience can be amazing but it varies widely from ship to ship. Haven on the NCL Encore was phenomenal, but on the Escape, it was dismal and disappointing. I was annoyed to be charged so much on Escape when the offering there was so poor in comparison to the newer ships. Haven should have be heavily discounted on the Escape until the ship's next renovation!

[@DChatburn1]

I've never cruised in a 'ship within a ship' cabin, but I hope to soon. This was very helpful and I will consider it when booking my next cruise adventure. Thanks.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

The Haven doesn't include the drinks, which you still have to purchase the package, and the price is twice that of MSC.

[@ToddSittler]

Royal Caribbean has upped their game in this category with the new Suite Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas which is comparable to Yacht Club and Haven. Actually RC's version is better on these ships because there are not many suites so the venues are not crowded and the crew can give better service

[@taediar]

I'd argue Star Class on Royal is better than anything that NCL or MSC have out there.

[@wespotter6985]

A 1000. Dollars a night for 2 people above the regular costs. Wow

[@sodiumlights]

Insane amount of money. Incredible how some KZbinrs can afford to do it without being sponsored by the companies.

[@Retiredtraveler1961]

Another great video, Gary you do an excellent job of describing in detail what to know about these upgraded categories, thank you. I would never ever ever waste my money for a suite in one of these large ships because of the crowds because of the kids because of the noise because it’s only selected areas of the ship that are exclusive.in addition, as you describe some, don’t even include gratuities or drinks! I would never trade the small ship experience for this foolishness.

[@curfewofthemind]

What about the Rockstar Suites on Virgin Voyages? They don’t have a dedicated restaurant but otherwise have the other perks

[@dominicbone502]

I love the Haven and the ship within a ship. The small luxury lines to me are full of old boring people with little going on. Rather a big ship with heaps of options, than a few hundred people.

[@angiepatterson6338]

One thing that also matters is the Yacht Club will raise your cruise level class to match that of other cruise lines or hotel chains so you don’t start on the bottom on the 1st day of your first MSC cruise.

[@leocatcruises]

Your treatment and what you are given cannot be compared to the average paz. You are given special treatment. No matter what you say.

[@ljacobs357]

Celebrity Retreat was better before they built the Edge-class ships. The Millennium and Solstice-class ships are more intimate and special. The Edge class is nice, but Celebrity keeps adding more cabins to the Retreat, resulting in a loss of intimacy and attention to detail... while reducing perks and significantly increasing the price.

[@sarahj.5970]

In all my study and planning for the cruise years, I truly dislike this trend, seemingly happening on many lines.

[@wc6975]

Love this guys reviews...great information.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Much appreciated!

[@morrispearl9981]

I went on a Royal Caribbean ship a few months ago (Oasis of the Seas) with a bunch of family members, including one who was four years old. We all thought Coastal Kitchen was great -- the staff there was very accomodating for my young granddaughter. We thought it was a good choice because of the entertainment (ice show, aqua show) and activities (flow rider).

[@sarahj.5970]

Thank you...a dream of mine is to do a cruise with extended family. All input in this area at whatever level I appreciate.

[@ronnyb9416]

Very nice. The MSC Yacht Club looks good at at some point in the future. Will get the inside cabin as I am a bit cheap, and I do not spend much time there anyway! LOL :)

[@tipsfortravellers]

It is a big plus that they have that option, as means an interesting combination of inside but then all the exclusive spaces to enjoy

[@JilSpangenberg-ys7fz]

I always did ... before Covid. The thought of being quarantined to that tiny inside cabin for days would trigger my "almost" claustrophobic fears.

[@sarahj.5970]

I truly appreciate knowing of this option when solo cruising.

[@tuffstuff9809]

You haven’t toured El Salvador 🇸🇻

[@cherifurr3935]

Nice to see an overview of these “ships in a ship,” the benefits, inclusions and extra costs. Interesting that you found MSC was very good-not the experience of the Cruise Buoys. Also interesting to hear your review of NCL’s The Haven. Ridiculous that they have the same menu or and don’t include drinks, wi-fi or the extra gratuities. Do you think the prices for these ships within a ship are worth it (especially if not traveling with a family), or better to go on a smaller ship, more luxury inclusive cruise?

[@tipsfortravellers]

Personally, I think the smaller ship is better. Though, only because the big ship entertainment, choices and of course things for family members to do is not what I am looking for...

[@cruisecrazy7066]

What does a Dedicated Butler do all day? He must just sit around and do nothing.

[@baghabit7696]

On Celebrity, one Butler takes care of many suites, even at Royal Suite level.

[@warrenwolf4690]

Do the passengers is the other areas feel less than. Is there an us versus them vibe?

[@mpb3481]

It’s not as if the cruisers in the suite enclaves go around with signs saying where they’re staying. So why should the others feel less than or an us vs them vibe? Unless they always and actively think about and begrudge the difference which is a waste of time better spent enjoying one’s self whatever cabin one is in.

[@DaveOriginallyfromBrooklyn]

Such a nice Man

[@capnmark4]

Celebrity brought back "Butler Service" right after we got off the Ascent (in A Sky Suite) at the beginning of February. Honestly, if done right, the "butler pool" (as you called it), makes a lot of sense. We've done Retreat class on all three classes of X ships and don't find it to be an issue moving around (Luminae and the Retreat Lounge mid-ship, and the Retreat sundeck forward) on S or M class ships. As to your comment about assigned tables on Cunard, even though we have been seated at different tables in Luminae (and Blu for that matter), the host/hostess always tried to seat us in the same area so we wound up with the same wait staff for all three meals. The only difference I've seen between the cruises we've been on with assigned tables and Luminae/Blu is that they won't have my tea/coffee waiting for me when I sit down. On the other hand, they usually have it ready to go and bring it shortly after we are seated...Great service!

[@harrietlang5734]

I am fairly new to cruising and I am thoroughly enjoying all of your videos. I am making notes of the important points and I have to tell you you have been incredibly helpful. I find that I am much preferring smaller ships because I used to work with the public and really cannot stand being around people. My next journey will be next year to the Arctic on Quark. Keep cruising and keep videoing !!😊😊😊

[@CynthiaAntonelli]

Just sailed on Celebrity Beyond and was pleasantly surprised when a Butler came to the door. First cruise back for Sky Suite (entry level) was advised that butlers for Sky suites are back on EDGE ships only.

[@francesm5976]

Very interesting. I've never been tempted to consider such an experience-rather travel more often for less money. But for some special destination I might at least investigate. Thanks

[@tipsfortravellers]

That is a good point in terms of the trade off and if worth doing fewer trips in ship-in-ship. I think, as you say, if that is the trade off then likely the more is more is the way to go

[@sarahj.5970]

@@tipsfortravellers Agreed. As usual very well stated.

[@eld4726]

You truly have the best videos!!! So informative. Thank you!!

[@michaelschweitzer7267]

As usual, great review. I do think you may have included Carnival’s Havana Cabana Suites. Having exclusive daytime access to the rear pools and lounges, steps from your room, is pretty awesome. I also loved the suite design with the private patio. Those suites made a massive difference to me, so much so that I wouldn’t cruise Carnival if it didn’t have Havana Cabana suites. That said, I acknowledge that’s it’s not up to The Retreat, but still offers a premium experience.

[@dyllan661]

Royal Caribbean have lost their minds with their suite prices, some over $60K for a week! They have lost me as a client, I now sail with small luxury lines

[@kelvinpell4571]

These all look better than Oceania has become.....a supposedly "premium" line that seems to have fallen off a cliff.

[@scottharris6660]

Greetings Gary, we met briefly in the Aquamar Terrace grill while on the Vista a few weeks ago. I wanted to clarify that our decision to cruise on the Vista was not based on your videos, but more on the expected high end experience that Oceania promotes. Though we chose the deck 12 port side, bow, Vista suite, which was fantastic, we did not find the overall experience to be anywhere near what we had hoped for. The three in room dinning experiences found us with cold food, thus in room dining was not an option. In general the food was good, but not great. The staff were what one would expect, with a few exceptions. Our Butler was fantastic and he did everything in his power to make our experience a great one. Thank you again for the great videos/reviews, we did find many of your suggestions to be very helpful. Smooth sailing.

[@shamajack1]

My husband and I are booked for an NCL Regent 7 Seas luxury cruise in June for two weeks. This will be our first small cruise experience that we are taking after 35+ cruises these past 20 years!

[@travelwithdebandnick]

P& O Australia has a ship within a ship too, they have the "bryon beach club" that has its own section with a pool, bar, cabanas etc. It's a beautiful area ❤❤

[@bas3q]

7:48 Just to note, the Suite Sun Deck does not have a hot tub only on Oasis and Allure of the Seas; Harmony and Symphony have a hot tub there. Also, on Icon, Wonder (and presumably Utopia) of the Seas, there is a small pool at the Suite Sun Deck. As well, Icon has a hot tub there.