I know that this was Celebrities first trip to Istanbul in 7 years, but it also felt like a shake-down cruise with many little things and the food not up to Celebrity norms. We know they can do better (they have in the past).
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Despite, or maybe because, of RCL's software, all entries had to be done by hand by folk who did know English. This could have been avoided if we were permitted to use our US Gov't provided test kits.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Selections were fewer in buffets, never had a working soft serve ice cream machine. Hot food tended to not be served hot. Breakfast entree's were more limited (Ex: no Eggs Benedict). Lunch Pasta bar only had one sauce selection.
Cafe al Bacio and Gelateria
5 out of 5
The shining star of service, hospitality and selection of coffee and tea, with or without their wonderful cakes and COOKIES!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Pools and spas were well maintained and in excellent condition. Did not use fitness center or spa.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Shipboard entertainers were certainly not up to Celebrity norms. Despite the average age of 55+, most entertainment aimed at younger set. Speaker volume in theater set at deafening levels. Most shows very poorly attended. Room TV channels are very poor (5 channels of news, 5 channels of sports, 2 of kid cartoons and 2 poor movie channels; without guide. Ship navigation channel no longer includes weather report.
Sky Observation Lounge
4 out of 5
When not being used for "art" sales or God Forbid - rock band and dance floor, it is great way to get away from the world, with a good bar and bar service.
Children's Programs
Thankfully, very few children on board.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Throughout the ship "hotel" staff seemed to be under trained. Greetings and request to assist, were not second nature. Room steward, did good job maintaining room, but I never knew his name nor his phone extension. "Ship" staff were very present, and smiling, but they cannot take
care of food issues. Cafe el Bacio is still a highlight with very good service and coffee and tea selections.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ships layout is very good (mostly the same as Solstice). Hopefully they will not mess it up when ship goes for dry dock soon.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Suite was clean and bright, very similar to what we are used to on Celebrity. Everything seemed to be in good repair.
Ship tip
She is good size ship with much to explore, if you look for them, there are hideaways to avoid most of the crowds
Never expected the be as interested as we were. Traffic is terrible, but people are friendly. We had a great guide and visited the Blue Mosque and the Sophia Museum, Grand Bazaar, spice market, etc. Lots of Roman and Arab ruins.
OMG - If you have been to Pompeii, you really need to visit Ephesus. The excavated portion has to be 6x the size of Pompeii, and there is still so much more to uncover. Wonderfully preserved (mostly) and lovingly protected, this is the Roman world revisited.
Having been here before, we were a little disappointed with the level of scaffolding on the Acropolis and at the Temple of Zeus. But at least on the Acropolis, they seem to be making progress in restoration. Not so at the Temple of Zeus.
Really not much to see and roads are terrible. Drivers seem to use their horns as much as their brakes. And their "world renowned" pizza was disappointingly flaccid.
Thanks for a good review of the ship and that fantastic itinerary, I’m really looking forward to visiting Messina for the first time on my next cruise, will look out for excursions to the places you mentioned
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