Loved the cruise few minor adjustments would have made it perfect.
Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 43
14 Night Scandinavia & Russia (Southampton Roundtrip)
Sail date: July 14, 2019
Ship: Celebrity Silhouette
Cabin type: Balcony
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
There were plenty of stops and I loved the port itinerary. Got to experience a lot of different cultures. While the activities on board were somewhat limited and lacking I did have a wonderful cruise. I just read more (4 books) than I may have had there been more interesting activities and events. I enjoyed the restaurants although wish there was more choices without having to pay extra fees.Embarkation
Very easy no issues, however we were one of the first to arrive.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The food was very good, nice selection and good quality throughout the ship. Service was attentive and dining rooms were clean. The only issue I had was when one day at port we were running late. We went upstairs to get breakfast at the buffet (11:17) they were just closing the buffet lines and we were unable to get anything. I figured no big deal we should be able to get something on the other side but the WHOLE buffet shuts down, not one side at a time, as on most ships. I asked if there was another restaurant on board that would be open. The only thing they said that we could do was go to the patisserie and get a croissant, or muffin. My husband and I don’t really like to eat muffins and cake as a meal. They said the line should be opening back up soon (about 15 minutes) so we waited a little I looked it up and the brochure for the ship said 12pm (45 minutes away.) after waiting 10 minutes we really couldn’t wait much longer they said another 15 minutes we gave up and had to eat off ship. I know we weren’t starving but I have never been on a cruise where the whole entire buffet shuts down making it impossible to get anything, especially on a port day when people have excursions planned. Usually there is somewhere on the ship. That is at least open to get a healthier option than a muffin.
Onboard Activities
Not a whole lot. Gym was very well equipped but lacked other activities. Pools were warm and maintained. Although, hot tubs had a lot of debris floating in them. Also, in solarium, which is supposed to be adults only, there were often children and at times crying babies.
Entertainment
Not much in the way of entertainment. Use to having more of a variety. Kind of the same thing each night. Shows were typical cruise ship shows. Not like you could go to different bars for different genres as I have on other ships. Basically one band playing in the center of the ship and something else sometimes in the Sky Lounge. I usually find something during the day in way of activities but felt most of the ones on the ship were to sell me something or trivia. Nothing really active.
Children's Programs
No children with us
Service and Staff
Everyone was very attentive and courteous.
Ship Quality
Everything was clean and well maintained. A little closed off in center but I guess cause it is an older ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
We had a family veranda which was awesome size. My only complaint is that the front is a little noisy during docking at ports, be prepared to wake up early with all the noise on days you dock early. Also, sofa could be a little more comfortable.
Ports of call
On the way back we did the Windsor Castle to Heathrow airport. It was easy and a nice last excursion before going home. We were dropped off at our gate in plenty of time.
Thumbs Up
2
Not much to do which probably accounts for the short dock time. Also, it was our first day so we were quite jet lagged. (Day before we went from airport to ship) figured we would have a day at sea before we docked (my fault for not looking at itinerary better.) even with getting off to a late start I felt there wouldn’t have been much more to see or do then what we did.
We took a 2 hour Segway tour which was wonderful and a great way to see the city. It was beautiful and clean.
We did the hop on hop off boat. Very easy to get around and see the main attractions and as it was a nice day it was a pleasant way to travel
We negotiated with a private taxi tour guide when we got off the ship and he pointed out the main attractions and stopped at various locations. Not a whole lot to see. We did stop off at a market area and learned a lot from our driver.
St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
Loved Russia another day may have been nice so we would have time to see Moscow as well but St Petersburg was amazing and plenty to see, do and experience.
I am sorry I didn’t go into Berlin. Truth is none of the ships excursions thrilled me. Ended up taking the Rostock walking tour and river cruise. They first took us to a microbrewery for beer and pretzel. The microwbrewery’s brew master was off that day so our tour guide had to sub in, which he was not expecting. Also, wished they had done this part last as after walking we needed it more than we did in the beginning of the tour. We the. Went to Rostock and walked around on our own and then met up to view the church together. We then took a 2 minute bus ride to the river cruise. Not all that exciting. Everyone on my bus was saying this was their least favorite excursion of the cruise thus far. Again, I wished I had gone into Berlin as I may have felt differently. But the Berlin excursions were long and at the end of the cruise I was feeling tired from all the days at sea, had I known I would have rallied the energy.
Disembarkation
Didn’t like getting up as early as I had to but disembarkation went as well as could be expected.