This was a great trip made even better by splurging on Aqua Class. We took the onboard spending and drink package perks and enjoyed coffee every day in cafe al bacio and prosecco with dinner every night. Make sure to take advantage of the excursions which will save you some $$ and are great options. We always come back from these trips looking forward to the next one.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Really, embarkation is NEVER as easy as it is in San Juan. Maybe it's the delayed departure time (7 p.m.) or just that everyone is already on vacation, but it is super smooth and efficient.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
As always, Celebrity brings consistency to their menu. We dined in Blu as part of our Aqua Class package, and the service and menu items were great. We had a couple of soups that were amazing, the angus beef stuffed shells were quite memorable as was the Veal loin. Service is on point.
Tuscan Grill was a great last night treat, although the portions are so large. The meatball appetizer was 2 softball sized meatballs -- too much. But the filet was probably one of the best I've had.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We love the dance classes and the movies at night on deck 12. Karaoke had some talented people this trip.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
In anticipation of this cruise, based on our past experiences with Celebrity, we took dance lessons so we would be able to look decent on the floor. However, the on board music entertainment was mediocre to disappointing on this trip. I'm sure the celloist and the singer with the guitar were entertaining, you just couldn't dance to them.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Here's where Celebrity excels every cruise -- the staff and the service. Everyone works very hard to make sure you're well pampered. We got the best service from Alister in Blu and from Dwight in our stateroom.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
This ship is very easy to navigate once you remember that the 11th floor stateroom that we were in was accessible by ONLY the AFT stairwell. Per passenger, the space is adequate. Few lines anywhere including the bars. The ship is clean. Of course, there will be those pointing out the rusty joints on the railings, etc., but I think this ship is truly classy elegant beautiful.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
I love these 11th floor aqua class cabins. Very quiet and out of the hustle and bustle. No noise from the movies above nor the basketball court and it's one flight down to the Oceanview Cafe. The door on the shower is a huge plus over the traditional shower curtain. The balcony door did stick a little but we figured out the trick by the end of the trip.
Ship tip
It's not a ship to go to be entertained every moment of the day. This is a ship for good food, conversation with other passengers, or finding your quiet spot as there are plenty all over the ship. Be prepared to feel well looked after.
Once you've seen Old San Juan then what? Go in a day early and spend some time in Dorado. It's a $38 uber ride from the airport and is a great beach town and truly beautiful. And don't forget to drink coffee here. It's really really good.
Our cruise critic group took a day trip on the Too Rhum Punch catamaran. This was truly the best excursion of the cruise for us. Get your group together and check it out. You will not be disappointed. 9 hours of sailing and snorkeling with a rum punch bar and sandwiches.
My favorite of the islands we visited. This is a lush tropical paradise. The champagne reef is amazing - like snorkeling in a glass of prosecco -- and the Emerald pool is beautifully refreshing and easy to access. Titon Gorge is not for the faint of heart - especially if you decide to jump into the gorge instead of walking in -- but the people are friendly and you will be amazed at all of the things that grow here.
The water at Carlisle Beach was the clearest most beautiful water I've ever experienced. The sand is silky white and it hurts your eyes when the sun is shining. Try Copacabana for a good beach experience.
Close to Dominica in it's lushness, Grenada was a great last day of excursions. We visited the Spice factories and then went to Concorde Falls. The island is a beautiful more populated version of Dominica.
We were group 4 but got off with group 10. No line for taxi to airport (about $24) and luggage and customs was a breeze. Pay a porter to help you with your bags and you'll by pass any line.
@kennedy708 Blu is open seating, no reservations needed. You can request a table for 2, a window table, a specific waiter, etc. If they can not accommodate you immediately, you will be given a little pager that will let you know when to come back. Rendezvous Lounge is very nearby and is a perfect place to enjoy music and a cocktail while waiting (5-10 minutes max). If, for whatever reason, you do not care for Blu’s dinner menu on a particular night, you can ask for the MDR menu and order off of that instead. Also, Blu is open for breakfast as well, but not for lunch. We prefer AQ deck 9 forward, as those staterooms are directly below the Spa, Persian Gardens, Solarium, and Thalassotherapy Pool. We can walk up one indoor flight of steps in our robe and slippers and immediately go into the steam rooms and heated salt water pool!
Never ate at the blu first time Aqua class.How is the menu and how is the food vs main dinning??Do you have to make reservations at the blu or is it first come first serve.I also know we are on the 11th floor in the back of ship how are those views??Anything else that would help us understand Aqua class.Thanks
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