We had a very relaxing cruise after we settled in to the activity level. The active excursions were sold out months before the cruise, so we were disappointed in the excursion we took at 3 ports. NEED MORE SCUBA!!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Easy
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We ate at the Ocean's Cafe many times. Although I have an issue with the allergen information cards on the Buffet line not having a nut indicator, the food was very good and had plenty of options. Staff are friendly and helpful to the guests and to each other. The Marco Dining Room on Deck 4 (Anytime Dining) was fantastic. Mahdi is wonderfully helpful and Gama and Thiyani are the best waiters we have had in many many cruises. They were not only aware of my airborne nut allergy, but went over and above to be sure I was safe without making me feel like a problem. The menu, however, did put me in harms way with Waldorf salads served on the second to last night and walnuts on top of the squash soup the following night. I had to leave and medicate on Waldorf night and did not return the next night with the soup. This made me sad because we like to dress for dinner and have a nice sit down meal each night. This ship has a lot of peanut butter in open air and nuts in dishes that are a problem for me. If you are vegan, this ship has a vegan section in the buffet line for you.
The San Marco Restaurant
4 out of 5
The Deck 4 experience with Gama was wonderful. He went over and above to make sure we were taken care of and he did it in a way that he was able to get to know us while waiting on us quickly and efficiently. He really does know how to make that job look easy. What a gem Celebrity has in that man!!! One morning we were having breakfast in the dining room and we were not seated at our normal table so we did not get Gama. We were seated in the next section and then another couple was seated next to us. The other couple ordered peanut butter. Gama immediately went to our waiter and explained the problem that would be for me. Accommodations were made and all was good. Thank you Gama for being so careful with my airborne allergy. I know you couldn't control the Waldorf salad issue, but you sure tried. We appreciate you and will seek you out if we sail on the Constellation again!! Thiyani is learning from the best.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Spa pool was nice. Open decks are empty most night as the older clientele retire early. We played cornhole on deck 10 on our own many times and walked the track daily. No waterslide or shuffleboard. We did find ourselves playing HORSE on the basketball court a few times because there were no kids to be found anywhere on this cruise. The underwater shows by Rusty were interesting because we are scuba divers, but we were disappointed that only one port had a two tank dive for us through the ship. If you are going to have a fellow like Rusty speaking, perhaps you have more divers than you think. Never enough dive excursions. There were some general game shows for the mass group. They were pretty dumbed down for ease of playing. We went to one the first day, didn't go back. We would like to have seen a bean bag tournament or two. People did seem to play the game on the deck. I think it would be successful.
Jogging Track
1 out of 5
We used everyday, but it is on a very busy deck of loungers. The track is very narrow (two people side by side sometimes fit) We dodged in and out of people as we walked around it to get our mile in each day. It works but is not ideal for traffic as often people are just standing on it visiting.
Basketball Court
2 out of 5
It was empty most of the time but we used it. Needs updates or to be turned into something that would be better utilized perhaps.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The quality of singers that this ship had were very good. We are used to the "Broadway" style aboard Carnival so it was different to experience the concert style that this ship had. We enjoyed the shows. We did miss the multiple live music opportunities that we find on Carnival. There are some, but they clearly cater to an older clientele. The live orchestra is awesome! Movie theater on the back of the ship was nice, comfortable and private.
Library
5 out of 5
Nice quiet space that we used to do our ipad jigsaw puzzles. This room was full to capacity almost every time we walked by. Lots of readers. Many didn't know the protocol for using the books in the library. They would look for directions on the desk but never found any. Most just concluded that it was an honor system to use and bring back. Some didn't take because they weren't sure.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
We were extremely impressed by the staff on this ship. We have cruised many many times and have never experienced the quality of care that this ship offers in personnel. Our room steward was stealth. We hardly ever saw him, but the room was always clean and stocked. It seemed like magic sometimes. From the room to the food establishments to the casino floor, everyone was attentive! Guest services was over the top to check on me after a jelly fish sting and when I reacted to the nuts in the dining room. Nice that they care, crazy how often they checked.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship is dated but was clean. The maintenance staff did a good job of keeping up with things.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This room was very comfortable. Good space for 4 large bags and all of our clothes. We didn't have any problem staying clean and organized.
Ship tip
Be prepared for an older generation, relaxing trip. Find Mahdi and ask him how the dining room works on your first day. The dining arrangement is confusing and if you don't figure it out quickly you will be frustrated.
A lot of back up in immigration but we got off okay. If you don't use the baggage guys in the terminal, be prepared to stand in line for a while. If you use the baggage guys, you will get through faster, but you will have to tip.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
