Lovely cruise around the Greek islands

Celebrity Constellation Cruise Review to Europe

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5
Celebrity Constellation

Adriatic & Mediterranean

Sail date: August 28, 2017

Ship: Celebrity Constellation

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8157

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This was our second cruise with celebrity, our cruise last year visited more interesting ports, however we were not disappointed by our experience, despite the obvious age difference in the millennium to solstice class, we had a lovely experience. Staff are extremely helpful, food was again exceptional when catering for such large numbers there was no difference in the quality of food offered.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Very organised slick process. When we arrived at the port, our luggage was taken to our cabin and we could circulate and explore the ship. The sea card needs to be changed, it very quickly lost the details and had to be replaced.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Food is of very high standard, drinks likewise. Staff very accommodating. There is so much variety, hard to choose what to eat. Only negative, we had select dinning, we were allocated 8.45 pm which could have been too late for some people. We were not able to change this as even on day 1, all other times were booked. Other choice would have been Ocean View Cafe which was very good for breakfast and lunch, is not what everyone wants for their evening meal. However selection and variety was excellent.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Variety of activities very versatile, however shows in the theatre were very similar every night. There is an excellent news letter that is delivered the previous evening and gives you all the information you need to maximise the activities. We attended the future cruise presentation, there was no pressure to sign up for another cruise, but could be used more an information gathering experience.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
There was music in variety of locations, however some were aimed at particular age group. Band played around the pool area during early evening. There were two violinists who were in one particular bar every evening, however this is a very specific kind of music that not everyone enjoyed. DJ played every evening, he was excellent and played a wide variety of music.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Staff were very helpful. Dinto and Anthony in San Marco-restaurant were our usual waiters. They were knowledgeable about the menu and happy to go the extra mile to ensure everyone was happy. Alex always greeted us when we arrived and she ensured we had sufficient drinks when first seated. Our cabin attendant Joseph was very helpful and friendly. He kept the cabin clean and tidy, replenished towels etc once used. On the pool deck there were pool staff circulating to provide drinks, however mainly around the main pool area and not often to the quieter sides. Lennon was a very helpful pool waiter.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
All areas were kept to a high standard. Staff are constantly cleaning public areas, polishing glass etc. It was pleasing to see the high standard of cleanliness in the toilets. Lifts were ample, you rarely had to wait for more than a few minutes.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Cabin was kept very clean. However the cabin was smaller than our previous cruise and the wardrobe opened onto the bathroom. This did cause some difficulties, if there had been more than 2 people in our cabin it would have been somewhat claustrophobic in this area. Lots of cupboard and drawer space.

Ship tip

Check which ship you are going on. The millennium class is an older ship to the solstice we previously went on. Whilst well maintained you could see the age difference. Check our accessibility if you have an walking difficulties. Make staff aware as they can often suggest ways they can assist.

Ports of call

Venice, Italy

4 out of 5
We stayed in Venice for 2 nights before flying home at the end of our vacation. It is a very busy port. Finding restaurants of good quality who didn't take advantage of customers was challenging. We had arranged a private water taxi on leaving the ship, this went without problems. However on the way to the airport we picked up 6 other passengers, this left us extremely cramped and was not what we had paid for.

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

5 out of 5
Had not heard of this stop before. Probably our best stop. We did not take any specific excursion but made our own way around. One down side was the distance we had to walk from the ship, however once staff were made aware they suggested what we could do for future stops.

Santorini, Greece

4 out of 5
Very hilly port, anyone with walking difficulties would struggle. We took the cable car to the top. There was a disabled lift but only for those who are wheelchair users. If they had walking sticks or couldn't manage steps easily there was no alternative. Typical Greek island.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

4 out of 5
This was probably the most disappointing port. We stayed in Athens for 2 days. Once you have seen the acropolis they is not much else to see. Again a very challenging area for disabled people or those with limited mobility. There is a lift to the top of the acropolis, however there are 55 steps to reach the lift, there was again a lift up these steps but only for those who are wheelchair users. Port of Piraeus was not the best for facilities.

Mykonos, Greece

4 out of 5
Typical Greek island. There were excursions but if you just wanted to do your own thing not much to see other than the port.

Corfu, Greece

4 out of 5
Didn't have a lot of time at this port. Arrived quite late in the day and left promptly. It would have been nice to spend some more time here.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
This process, like when you arrive, is a very well rehearsed process. Bags are collected the evening before. You are given a time slot to disembark and luggage is waiting for you.
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3 Comments

majmom96    7 years ago

I agree with @oldbob. For any cruise, people should do their research first and select an itinerary that best fits their physical ability. Ancient European cities were built for defense, not easy accessibility. And in situations where mobility is an issue, choose a ship's excursion. They are rated by physical ability and some are specifically set up for those who cannot walk very easily.

GIL155    7 years ago

Just curious, why did you pick this particular cruise?

olldbob    7 years ago

proper research of whats available at each port makes a big differance to your enjoyment.from your reviews i dont think you got the best from any of them having said that having mobility problems the greece is always going to be challanging

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