This was my first cruise spending 10 (total) days at sea. I discovered that I LOVE sea days which gives time to really explore and enjoy the ship. There are many activities and things to do to keep you entertained. Plus, the biggest benefit to me, was the relaxed pace that permeates the ship. I found this to be very calming. The weather was so perfect that you could hardly feel the ship moving.
This trip included Halloween night and, oh my, but did people dress up in costumes. There was a costume parade with the Captain serving as a judge. He was also in costume...and a very cool captain. And there were winners. I wish I had taken pictures, but I was having too much fun.
I would take this trip again, but Celebrity isn't offering it. Perhaps in the future it will be a possibility and I highly recommend that you try it if they do.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The staff at the Port of Los Angeles is quite experienced, so the embarkation is highly organized and quick.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
All of the food venues on the ship were really good. The buffets are my personal favorite because the they are themed, always fresh, and offer a great variety to choose from. I like the idea of sitting where I want and lingering if I''m not in a hurry. Plus, it allows me to try ethnic foods I normally wouldn''t dare try at home. The main dining room makes me WANT to dress up and be seated in a group. There''s a 2 hr window for dining if on the early seating. Food is served in courses, so dining takes a little longer. Food quality is very good as is the choice of meals. This was my first time dining in a Specialty Restaurant. OMG....FABULOUS. You really need to be hungry as the meals are served over several courses. The day you decide to go to a specialty dinner, have a very lite lunch and pass on high tea. You''ll be glad you did, so that you can enjoy the excellent meals.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I''m not a ''hang out by the pool'' person, but I understand that there are pool sports, trivia, live music, available. I''m more interested in being intellectually stimulated. Hence afternoon ''talks'' by specialists, afternoon & evening live performances. I love the Art auctions and jewelry presentations. And, the casino is always fun. This trip over, I heard the machines were really paying off! And, who doesn''t enjoy Bingo. Easy fun with the purchase of Bingo cards, and nice prizes to win.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The ship''s stage shows have changed since my previous sailing. Staging is different for the Broadway-type shows....good, but not as good as in the old days. Some of the specialty acts were outstanding and other''s were ok. Some of the Comedians.... better than others. The small high-wire act is always outstanding.
Children's Programs
I may have seen 2 or 3 younger children. This was a week they should have been in school and not sailing the high seas. There are programs for kids. But, I''m happier to travel without them.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
On this ship, I noticed that the ship''s personnel were all ''Happy'' campers. Yes, everyone had a great attitude and very helpful. Smiling was genuine and not obsequious. This was the first time I had a female steward. She was wonderful. The staff engage conversationally with you in an excited and pleasant way.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Celebrity is my favorite cruise line because I''ve taken several Celebrity cruises on different ships, but I always feel as if I''m coming home. The layout is similar and easy to navigate. Always clean and well maintained. Hand sanitizer throughout the ship long before it became mandatory.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Brochure Description: Deluxe Ocean View Strm Veranda. King size bed and sofa with a pull-down bed in ceiling. Not obtrusive at all. I didn''t even know it was there. Also, a drawer beneath the sofa where I stored all my shoes...very handy! Bathroom is standard size with a clear door that is rounded. Very nice and makes the bathroom feel larger.
The downside of the cabin is the lack of closet/storage space. In the older ships, i.e. ''Infinity'' et at, there was abundant closet storage. Not so with the newer ships. I travel solo and there was just enough hangers, and drawers for my stuff alone. Two people would need to use their luggage, stored under the bed(s) as drawers. Which I did when traveling with a 2nd person. Not to my comfort at all. Hence the 4 stars.
Ship tip
Check out the Captain of the vessel. It is the Captain who sets the tone and the reason, I believe, that the crew was so welcoming and in a good spirits. I will follow this captain throughout his career. He was exceptionally special. Might I add....usually, I don't pay much attention to the daily captain's briefings. But, THIS Captain, made it fun to listen to, such that I looked forward to his ship-position, funnies, sayings, knowledge of history, etc.
I live in Long Beach just across the bridge from San Pedro. Here's my take on the area: The Port of Los Angeles is in the city of San Pedro not Los Angeles which is about 30 miles away. At one time the port area was bustling with shops and restaurants, called 'Ports of Call Village'. It's still there but, badly in need of updating. And while the downtown area of San Pedro is close, there's really not much to do or see. You will want to take a tour or Uber or taxi to sight-see. Given the traffic constraints of renting a car and driving in the L.A. area, I highly recommend a tour or hiring a personal car to get around. The Battleship, next door, is available to tour. And, the Ports of Call Village is just beyond that. It's about a mile walk. Nice if you need the exercise.
Took a tour to a Waterfall, a zoo, two cookie factories and other outlets that sells things. Fell in love with the cookies. Brought several packages home to friends. But, on the 6 days cruising back home, they magically disappeared. Take a tour.....but, not this one.
Easy walk from the ship to town. My main goal was to get some good Kona Coffee. More expensive than I remembered. But, worth it! Walked the town...can't be more than 3 blocks and just relaxed.
I've been to Hawaii many times, but hadn't visited Maui in quite a long time and was sorry that I didn't get off the ship earlier. Many, many shops and restaurants on the main strip to explore.
So many things to see and do in Honolulu. Take any number of tours or hang out a Waikiki Beach. I feel that a rewarding tour is a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the opposite side of the island. If you love to shop.....go the the main Mall in Honolulu. It doesn't disappoint. It's so large, it would take a couple of days to get around to all of the stores. Catch a shuttle from the ship directly to the mall and back.
Shuttle from the ship to the town center if you want to walk the town. Long walk if you just want some exercise. Not much to do here, so I recommend taking a tour of the area. There is an in-town winery that's very nice. Ask the crew where they go for fish tacos....they always know the best and safe places. And remember, this is Mexico, so get your drinks in cans or bottles and without ice....just to be safe.
Disembarkation was organized and fast. Unless you are carrying your own luggage off (which I don''t recommend if larger than a small carry on) because the elevators are so crowded. I have found it useful to take advantage of the luggage delivery offer. You''ll get paperwork to sign up for it the night before and meet your luggage in the luggage area before departing the terminal.
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