0ldog

It will be sad to see this ship retire from Celebrity's fleet. It was the first and almost the last cruise ship I was on. We had booked her for our honeymoon and it was the end of August 2002. We were at early seating in the dining room when the ship started to list. I felt this funny sensation like I was starting to tip, I looked down at my glass and the water was starting to pour out of it. The ship strated to correct itself, came level and then listed even further. Now things were starting to slide off the tables, our waiter was hugging a large stand holding a serving bowl of some description. Things were crashing to the floor all over the ship. Perfumes and booze tumbled off the shelves in the street of shops. Broken souvenir glassware covered the floor like it was ice. Then as quickly as it started, the ship righted itself.

Everywhere the ship was a mess. In the holds where cargo was no longer strapped down everything imaginable was piled on the floor. To the crews credit next morning the ship was once more immaculate. It was as if last night never happened. Something wrong with the rudder, we were told.... RIGHT.

henepup, That warmed my heart. This January we took my mom on the Serenade out of San Juan for her 90th birthday present. Last time she cruised was in 1925 when she immigrated to the US. She too loved the cruise, especially the visits to the islands RUM SHACKS.

In '91 my fiancée was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (survival rate 4%). In August of '02 we honeymooned aboard the Mercury to Alaska and we have cruised every year since. For 5 years cancer free and our anniversary August 24th we are doing our first B2B on Grandeur. Like others have stated, when you come that close you savor every moment above ground.

bones

I'm not a food critic, but I've eaten a lot of it in my 64 years. So as far as cruise food goes I'd give it to celebrity with RCL a close second. Now I'm sure food staff differ even within lines so I can only speak for the ships that I've been on.

Also......... "One tip -- go to breakfast and lunch in the dining room at least once -- meet the nicest people at those meals!" Is great advice.