Due to this cruise we moved on to try other cruise lines (mostly because of our expectations and disappointments with this Celebrity cruise). We had planned to return to America on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 as the transatlantic return leg. Cunard is much more formal but we are Ok with that occasionally. The only negative for us is that it does mean travelling with additional suitcases to accommodate formal wear on longer cruises
Going to see Japan on Cunard's Queen Victoria in the spring of 2023. Additionally a fall Alaska cruise on Princess that same year. In 2024 you will find us trying Viking Ocean cruises.
We've really given up on Celebrity for the time being!
Embarkation
3 out of 5
No issues. Only comment from security staff was on electrical extension cord for CPAP machine.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
We were travelling with another family (mother & daughter). While we had asked for the reservations and dining time to be linked this didn't happen but we were allowed to move them to Tuscan from their Normandie dining room. Our 7:30 PM service tended to be slow most evenings and portions varied widely. A half chicken pasta serving one night for one guest and a hors d'oeuvres sized vegetable terrine another. Admittedly, we ate too much bread while waiting up to 45 minutes between various courses. Service was slow and staff stretched as they often mentioned. Near the end of the cruise one of the waiters suggested we cut back on the bread consumption (as she was able to loose a lot of weight doing so). None of us are small people but when you have to wait long periods between meal courses, we all felt insulted by the advise. If I was to choose again, I'd go for an earlier sitting. It was also our observation that the waiting lines for those that were not regular clients of the Tuscan dining room seemed a bit lengthy. Celebrity may have already addressed these issues now that the ship has been at sea for a while and we were on its maiden Transatlantic cruise to EU.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
While the central atrium area is interesting in that it packs a punch of activities, it can get very noisy if you are looking for a quiet time for a coffee or speciality dining. We were unable to talk or hear each other at our steak dinner during a couple of the Martini Bar and other atrium shows. It did take from the experience and ship enjoyment. We liked the walking track although my wife injured her foot trying to be competitive and power walk the steeper uphill section.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Ok, we are long time Celebrity cruisers and would rate the shows on par with previous experiences.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Staff we very good with exception of a single bar "newbie". He tried hard but had to send my drink back for another. After the second Rye and Coke was only a bit improved (not quite as diluted with ice and coke), I selected a fellow staff member for a redo. From then on I choose the other bar man and it worked out great.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was new and clean. We retreated to our cabin or the area outside of the Eden area. We didn't like the low "Ikea" type seats in Eden and my wife is from heath care background so the greens in Eden were very reminiscing of Hospital / OR colours. She wasn't impressed by them.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
We liked the new cabins and we had no issues with the AC off while the balcony window was down.
Ship tip
Speciality dining near atrium requires earplugs for 20 minute periods.
The transport and fees required by bus from loading dock to Hamilton are a bit of a scam. Long lines to purchase tickets. We took the boat and it was considerably cheaper and only a bit longer. Dropped us off right in port downtown.
Guggenheim museum was a disappointment given it's human skull and bones "death" exhibition at the time we visited. Only able to handle so much and spent most of time in other exhibits. Museum design and outside vendor & crowd iterations were enjoyable!
Paris was the best part. Enjoyed our city and river tours. Bus trip a bit long to and from the port. Unfortunately some sets of cruise passengers were rude taking seats for handicap (when they really were not) and or cutting line to get on the bus (like a cattle stampede going though a gate) or on&off the river cruise boat. That is not really Celebrity's fault but it did ruin it somewhat for us.
I was on this same cruise and my experience was vastly different. Granted I booked my time dining at 6:30, but staff was attentive and service was rapid. The one time there was going to be a long wait, the staff member checked with the other dining rooms and found a space with no wait. Edge has 4 main dining rooms for those who have not sailed on her. Yes, Eden is done in greens but it is definitely not hospital tones. Loved every minute of my 15 day TA. Great ship and would sail on her again.
*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.
