We had a good and interesting time even though the Corona virus threatened the trip. We were fortunate to stay just ahead of major itinerary changes and got to see what we wanted to see. There was also needed time for relaxation and on board lectures.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation was changed three days before the cruise from Singapore (where we already were) to Dubai. After holding for 1.5 hours with Celebrity travel we were able to get a flight to Dubai and gradually with Jennifer’s help (from ) were sent a hotel reservation and I for that we would have transfers.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Our service in the main dining room was excellent. We were eating vegetarian and additionally I have a severe fish allergy. It was so nice to have a complete separate vegetarian menu from which to choose each night for the next day so our waiter could verify no fish. The buffet was much harder, food was kept in warmers too long and vegetarian selections were really spread around the opulent buffet. We did not eat in specialty restaurants
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
As the itinerary was changed, the activities staff had to keep people happy for 5 sea days up front. He trivia and games were good. The entertainment was loud but good. The spa was quite expensive (Canyon Ranch) so our use was limited. The spa salt pool and jacuzzis kept getting cooler as the days progressed. We mentioned it but nothing was done. The Beyond the Podium lecture series and destination lectures were good.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The Stonewall Duo was excellent and we followed them to the different lounges as they were better than other entertainers in he lounges. On the main stage we found the entertainment too loud to appreciate the artistry, and we went to every show. The saxophone soloist show and the acrobatic dancers were highlights.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Friendly and helpful. As there were 600 cancellations on this trip, as per Jennifer, we asked for a room upgrade and received this first evening, gratis. That was very nice.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
They asked to paint our balcony during second week of trip. It needed it but we did not want to deal with the smell so we declined. In general the ship, though going in for refurbishing in a few weeks , was in great shape. I know these are very small items but I really appreciated the night light and wash clothes in the bathroom- really convenient and not found on all ships.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We were upgraded to Concierge floor room 8052. The additional space was quite appreciated. The personal service of a snack each afternoon was also quite nice.
Ship tip
The breakfast in the main dining room is much better than the buffet. Fixed seating worked out well.Take advantage of embarkation spa deals as it does not get cheaper. We arranged 50% private tours and 50%. Ship excursions. The walking tours offered by the ship were really not so good. The other ship excursions were fine.
We took a tea plantation tour with a very informative guide. I’d have enjoyed a brief drive through Colombo on the bus just to see it. We did enjoy 5e countryside
First day we hired a private guide for a Jewish Heritage tour. She was outstanding and showed us all the city attractions as well.
So second day we took the ship excursion of the walking tour of “the other Mumbai” the largest slum in the world. This was good but took a lot of logistic communication on the part of the guide which limited her attention to the tour group commentary.
Really not much to see and do on the ship tour excursion walking tour that went 6 blocks. It was not described in detail and started with an hour in the fish market, I could not enter the market because of severe allergy to, raw fish and would not have booked This tour had I known about this stop. We did see a small museum that was pleasant and then taken to, the Souk that is really all for tourists.
We stayed four days in Dubai. One day was a tour to AbuDhabi Grand Mosque and Louvre that was good. A young friend of us showed us places in and near Dubai that other tourists do not get on tours. Our stay was really good.
The ship was always organized when it came to getting off. The final disembarkation was quick and easy. My only complaint was that the young man who helped us with our luggage could not find the taxi stand (I think because there were so many coaches in the parking lot are as 4 cruise ships were in port si ultra eously. I finally found the taxi line and all was good from there.
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