The Retreat

We splashed out because the price difference between the cheapest suite and Aquac Class was small taking in to account we would have added two drinks packages to Aquac cabins cost.

The above was our welcome aboard gift – our ‘Butler’ would have unpacked for us but then we would have spent half a day looking for something, so we did the unpacking.

As I have mentioned earlier being a Retreat passenger entitled s us to use the dedicated restaurant which I have blogged about earlier.

To enter the Retreat area one had to use their key card to scan the security system to gain access.

A small part of the lounge area in the Retreat.

We made our way to the viewing area of The Retreat because King Charles was due to visit the area around the Sydney Opera House and from the ship we had a perfect view. Later His Majesty was to review the fleet in Sydney Harbour.

The crowds were gathering on the Opera steps and surrounds.

The building across from Celebrity Edge is known locally as the ‘toast rack’ and on the roof we spotted an armed guard – I tried to take a photo because he had what looked like a snipers rifle, but it was unclear.
On the left of the picture a helicopter carrying a large Australian flag can just be seen.

Managed to catch a fleet of helicopters that had been patrolling around the area as security – they were on their way back to base.
We never did see the King or the Queen so seeing the helicopters leaving I assumed their Majesties had ‘been & gone’.

It was quiet inside the Retreat Lounge – the long table was used by people when playing cards.

Cocktails- order your drinks and choose your nibbles –

Your choice
or perhaps you would like a beer or a glass of wine.

On our first evening in the Retreat one of the stewards came up to us and greeted us with ‘Welcome back!’
What a surprise he was a steward in Celebrity Eclipse in April 2023 when we cruised to Tonga. What a memory.

Another small area of The Retreat lounge

The main Retreat Lounge had an outside area, which was very pleasant area to sit and enjoy a drink.

The staircase that can be seen will take you to the viewing area, the Retreat swimming pool, another bar and of course sunbathing areas. You can also gain access to this area by using lifts.

It was not large pool compared to the main pools on the ship, but it was popular – once again I didn’t get my swimming costume wet. They also have a hot tub, which I also failed to use.

or just hang around all day . . .

Near the Retreat Pool there was a hot & cold food outlet which was also a bar.

This food outlet opens late morning and stays open until early evening, so if you want a day at the pool sunbathing you had full waiter service all day for food & drink.

Sunbathing or

a quiet spot to read or just chat.
The roof that can be seen on the right is the roof of the solarium below.

A birds eye view – picture from Celebrity web site.