This being our first cruise was a very good experience. I think we were fortunate to pick the right ship and the right itinerary for first-time cruisers. This gave us an idea on whether we would enjoy going on a cruise as well as being able to experience the great amenities of the ship not only in the retreat area but also the rest of the area of the ship. We were fortunate enough to meet the captain and his crew. We were also fortunate enough to have a conversation with a number of the crew. Many of them have been there for years with celebrity and they seem very happy and excited to have us on the ship. The crew and that ship are exceptional and we're excited to go back on it in the future.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were fortunate enough to be in an aqua sky suite. We were able to go straight to our room and drop off our luggage. The whole process took less than 30 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Although the food was good by far the best restaurant was the Lumia restaurant. This is exclusive to people in suites however if you do get the opportunity to be in a suite on celebrity it's certainly is a great experience. Food on the rest of the ship go good there was just that next level of flavor in the sweet restaurant. We did go to the Blu restaurant as well. It was very nice but if we had to choose between Blu and Lumia. We would go to Lumia.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
There was no shortage of things to do and places to relax. Although we spent quite a bit of time in the retreat area. We did enjoy the back of the ship ( AFT). As well as the spa.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The entertainment we did see was very good. There is always something going on and you'll certainly not be disappointed. We participated in things like deal or no deal. We also went on the slot tournament as well as the blackjack tournament in the casino. We even went to the karaoke night as well as one of the main shows Rockamenty!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
From the captain all the way down this was a great experience and a great staff. We were fortunate enough to do the behind the scenes tour which I would certainly recommend if you've never had an opportunity to do it. It's amazing the coordination and the organization that the ships have and the literally 1500 employees that need to make this all work. A room steward and Butler was fantastic. We literally had no issues whatsoever and always had access to all the staff whenever we needed it.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Although this is a relatively new ship it still has been on the water for over 4 years and is absolutely immaculate. I did not see anything that needed to be repaired or updated. Also everything was always kept clean and tidy not just in our room but in the whole ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We were in an aqua sky suite that was very close to the entry area to the elevators and stairs. It was not loud at all at any time of the day. It also was enormously convenient. The room was immaculate and very welcoming. It had a fantastic view on the 10th deck. The bathroom was great with his own separate area for the toilet and a shower with a very large tub that felt more like a walk-in shower tub combination. It had one big vanity with two separate faucets. You could also open the mirror to look out into the cabin and look out to the sea. I realize everybody has different budgets but if you ever get the opportunity to go into a sky suite you will absolutely not be disappointed. We're very fortunate and certainly would prefer to travel in those accommodations.
Ship tip
Certainly do not be afraid to go on a celebrity cruise. We felt welcome with just the right amount of energy and sophistication. If you can go into a suite I would recommend it. But even if you do not go into a suite consider the concierge service so you can get a little extra attention when and if you need it. If you are happy without roller coasters and water slides this is the perfect cruise line for you.
Key West is wonderful and full of energy and things to do. We enjoyed ourselves in key West. We decided to rent our own golf cart which I believe was a great idea. This service had a parking lot literally across the street from the port. We picked it up and dropped it off in the same location. We able to go see things like the butterfly museum Hemingways home The Little White House. As well as get a couple of pieces of as well as get a couple of pieces of key lime pie. It was certainly the best port on this trip.
Port Everglades was very easy to get into and out of. We had a park by the port service That was very good. The gentleman getting us back and forth both embarking and disembarking did a great job and we're even kind enough to bring us back to my car when I forgot my passport.
We went to the Atlantis submarine for an excursion. This excursion is very close to the port that celebrity dock the ship. We were able to walk to it very easily. However there's not a whole lot to do other than snorkel sit on the beaches drink at the bars and go to the tourist shops and shop. We're not big drinkers and we're not big snorkelers or divers. So this location only has so much to offer us. However the Atlantis submarine was excellent and certainly worth going to.
Although I do not have any experience with any other cruise line because this was our first cruise. Not only were we able to have breakfast first thing in the morning but we also were able to go to the retreat lounge where we could leave anytime between 8:00 and 9:30. This was not only not rushed but also very very comfortable and quick. Of course they wanted us out of the room by 8:00 so they can get the rooms ready for the next passengers coming in. Whoever that was working out very well for us so we could get breakfast and also be able to leave very quickly and easily. Also getting our bags we were very fortunate to have a great bagman waiting downstairs at the fort Lauderdale port. He had to take five bags which were not exactly the lightest bags on planet Earth. Not only did he get them to our shuttle but he made it very smooth and easy and the whole process. Overall this whole trip was a great experience.
Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising. Appreciate your detailed and informative review. Glad you enjoyed your first cruise. Wishing you many more.
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