nycglitter

we actually went back to what we know... Rome in Limo.

Florence - All Antico Vinaio https://www.allanticovinaio.com/il-menu-firenze_en/ 

Best sandwich I have ever had and you can walk with it so you can keep it moving.  Line is very long but moves fast.  Takes cards.

Rome : https://www.erfaciolaro.it/en/restaurant-er-faciolaro/   Its a minute from the Pantheon and the food is very good and reasonable.  And one of the owners Daniel is a character and will make your lunch memorable.  Mama Mia!

Florence is possible from La Spezia but not if you want to see Pisa.  I would avoid ship tours as they will most times stop at a leather store and eat into your time.  We use Rome in Limo.  It is expensive compared to ship tours.  $750 euro gets you a private Mercedes and English speaking driver/ tour guide.  They can navigate the city for you and take you exactly where you need to and want to go and no frivolous stop at a sponsored store.

By car it is about an hour and half to an hour and 45 each way.  Should get you about 5 hours in the city.  Get the lay of the land, see the highlights and then go back and stay longer if you fall in love with the city. (and you will)

In Santa Margherita you can either to Portofino or Cinque Terra.  I prefer Portofino and you can do both if you get a private tour.

Language is not a problem but I would learn a few greetings like Buon Giorno (good day) or buona note (good evening).  Avoid Ciao as it is used more for if you are familiar with the individual (casual greeting)  Ig you at least try the language they will know you are not Italian and speak English with you.  Same goes for France.  It is more important in France to at least try a greeting from my experience.

Amalfi Coast when in Naples is our preference.  Either ship tour or private.  Rome in Limo was our choice last trip.  Ship tour stops at a broach factory.  Not our thing.

Good luck and have a fabulous time.

1 hour ago, mahdnc said:

This is a great question to ask on the Italy forum.

I did there as well.  I just trust my Celebrity Cruise Critic Members opinions.

My wife and I normally use Rome in Limo but they are booked up for our day.  

Has anyone ever used Italyprivatexcusion.com and were they good, reliable?

My wife and I normally use Rome in Limo but they are full.  This company was recommended.

Has anyone used and are they good?

On 11/12/2022 at 1:16 AM, CruiserMickey said:

Enjoy the Martini Bar! The Bali Boys (Dewa and Gede) are great fun.

These guys are great.  We had them on our Italy cruise Oct 13th.  They loved my Grandson Harrison.  If you see them tell them Harrison said hi! (he is 10 months old btw)  They always took time to say hello as we passed by or stopped for a drink and played with him.  Even had him behind the bar for a bit.  (In training  lol)

15 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

It’s just location.  There are only 4 ultra cabins, on deck 6, tucked between suites.  Two connect to suites.  The other tw categories are just location.  EM

My wife and I just got off The Constellation in Rome prior to the TA and were in 6144.  Part of the Ultra.  Benefit to this is you get eh steward for the suits / PH rooms so service in MHO is slightly better.  My daughter was in a inside cabin on deck 7 and would comment as to how much better our person was.  You also get the benefit of the deeper balcony.  Plenty of room to dine on and my wife and I would have breakfast out there in the morning.

An oddly room service was better too.  Again my daughter would complain about colder food and missing items and we had the best room service experience we have ever had when we have booked these rooms in the back.  Each delivery was followed up by a phone call asking if everything was OK and if we would like something else.  If the balcony and service is worth it then go for it.  I don't see any other benefits, but it is worth it to us.  We had booked the same room on Summit a few years ago and our experience was the same.

mini bar is not included.  You pay the difference if you chose a drink not included in your package.  Unless things have changed.

There is a Marriott on Water Street that is walkable to the cruise port

My family and I were on the Anthem of the Seas when the little boy drown in the pool just after leaving the port. We went back to Bayonne and they took him and his family off. We then sped to Bermuda.

Unfortunately just after leaving Labadee, a man fell down a flight of stairs, and we were supposed to be diverted to Miami to offload him and his family. He passed away on board, so the family asked if the ship could go back to NJ. We were headed there anyway. We sped back to NJ and arrived in the evening before disembarkation.

We had a normal disembarkation time.

From MDR standard menus marked with the leaf that indicates that it is vegetarian

Day 1

Starters

Belgian Endive-Arugula Salad

Green Apples, White Balsamic,

Candied Pecans

 

Roasted Carrot Cumin Salad

with Avocado, Sunflower Seeds, Arugula

and Lemon Yogurt Vinaigrette

 

Organic Roasted Red Beets

Topped with Feta Cheese and Sherry

Vinaigrette; Served with Teardrop

Tomatoes and Arugula

 

Chilled Thai Coconut Soup

Lemongrass, ginger and cilantro

 

Cream of Wild Forest

Mushroom Soup

Mushroom Truffle Fricassée

 

ENTREES

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

Marinara and Parmesan Cream Sauce

 

Day 2

Starters

Tomato Watermelon Salad

Basil, Feta, Sourdough Croutons,

Sherry Vinaigrette

 

Yellow Corn Soup

Chopped Chives

 

Chilled Pear and Honey Soup

Mascarpone Cream

 

ENTREES

Stuffed Portobello Mushroom

Spinach-Goat Cheese, Roasted Red Pepper

Coulis, Basil Pesto and Fried Onion

 

Day 3

Starters

Garden Fresh Salad

Mixed Lettuce, Seasonal Vegetables,

Cucumber, Tomatoes

 

Chickpea-Tomato Soup

Spinach and Lemon Pepper

 

ENTREES

Fried Masala Potatoes

Spices, Yogurt, Cilantro, Chili Pepper

Served with Raita

 

Day 4

Starters

Caprese

Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella,

Basil, Arugula, Extra Virgin Olive Oil,

Balsamic Vinaigrette

 

Grilled Asparagus Salad

Toasted Almonds, Pistachios, Goat Cheese,

Lemon Basil Emulsion

 

Creamy Butternut Squash

Soup

Caramelized Apple and Walnuts

 

ENTREES

Toasted Israeli Couscous Cake

Asparagus Spears, Cherry Tomatoes,

Zucchini Ribbons, Balsamic Vinaigrette

 

Day 5

Starters

Chicory Apple Pear Salad

Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese,

Cider Vinaigrette

 

Boston Lettuce and

Gorgonzola Salad

Gorgonzola Cheese, Red Grapes, Toasted

Herb Croutons, Walnut Dressing

 

Tomato Watermelon Gazpacho

Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Basil, Crouton,

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 

Cream of Broccoli

Cheddar Cheese Crostini

 

ENTREES

Vegetable Korma

Spiced Seasonal Vegetables, Ground

Almonds, Coconut Milk; Roti

 

Penne Primavera

Seasonal Vegetables, Basil Pesto, Olive

Oil, Roasted Garlic, Parmesan Cheese

 

Day 6

Starters

Kale Salad

Roasted Squash, Dried Cherries,

Caramelized Pecans, Lemon Vinaigrette

 

Creamy Smoked Tomato Bisque

Basil Pesto and Herbed Croutons

 

Double Baked Blue

Cheese Soufflé

Parmesan Coulis and Red Onion

Marmalade

 

ENTREES

Creamy Wild Mushroom

Risotto

Black Truffle and Parmesan

 

Day 7

Starters

Eggplant Caviar

Roasted Red Pepper, Za'atar, Olive, Garlic,

Crostini

 

Chop Chop Composed Salad

Celery, Carrots, Romaine Lettuce,

Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

 

Spinach Turnover

Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry

Creamy Emmental Cheese Sauce, Black

Olives, Italian Parsley

 

Tuscan Vegetable Minestrone

Fresh Basil Chiffonade

 

ENTREES

Homemade Gnocchi ai

Quattro Formaggi

Creamy Four Cheese Sauce, Italian Parsley

 

Day 8

Starters

Mesclun Greens

Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries

Parmesan Crouton

 

Poached Anjou Pear &

Gorgonzola Cheese

Baked in Phyllo Pastry and Port Wine

Reduction

 

ENTREES

Pappardelle con Funghi

Wide Ribbon Noodles, Wild Mushroom

Ragoût; Basil, Goat Cheese

 

Day 9

Starters

Squash Soup

Sautéed Apples, Anise, Cloves,

Candied Pumpkin Seeds

 

Creamy Celery Root Soup

Caramelized Apples and Chives

 

Warm Goat Cheese

Croustillant

Red & Yellow Sweet Bell Pepper Salad

 

ENTREES

Creamy Corn Farrotto

Succotash, Basil, Parmesan

 

Day 10

Starters

Mâche Salad

Sliced Strawberries and Blue Cheese

 

Panzanella Salad

Teardrop Tomatoes, Foccacia Croutons,

Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, Olives,

Cucumbers

 

ENTREES

Vegetable Wellington

Stuffed with Spinach, Feta Cheese,

Roasted Peppers and Mushrooms; Served

with Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce

 

Day 11

Starters

Greek Salad

Cucumber, Tomatoes, Feta Cheese

 

Mixed Greens and

Red Pepper Salad

Red Radishes

 

Whole Wheat Orecchiette

Arugula Walnut Pesto, Artichokes,

Asparagus, Tomato Confit, Parmesan

 

Silky Smooth Strawberry Soup

Lemon Zest Cream

Sun-Dried Tomato Aïoli

 

ENTREES

Vegetable Biryani –

Basmati Rice

Potatoes, Peas, Carrots, Turmeric;

Served with Naan Bread & Yogurt Sauce

 

Day 12

Starters

Chicory Apple Pear Salad

Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese,

Cider Vinaigrette

 

Wild Mushroom-Barley Soup

Mixed Vegetables

 

Creamy Spinach and

Artichoke Dip

Parmesan Pita Chips

 

ENTREES

Tikka Masala Tofu

Spinach, Green Lentils, Okra, Red Pepper;

Served with Paratha

 

Day 13

Starters

Seasonal Mixed Lettuce

With Cucumbers, Chopped Hard Boiled

Eggs and Scallions

 

Tomato Watermelon Salad

Basil, Feta, Sourdough Croutons, Sherry

Vinaigrette

 

Wild Mushroom Vol-au-Vent

Ragoût of Wild Mushrooms & Thyme

Truffle Cream Sauce

 

ENTREES

Pappardelle Primavera

Roasted Red Peppers, Tomatoes, Broccoli

Florets, Zucchini, Basil Pesto

 

Mediterranean Phyllo Tart

Artichokes, Vegetable “à la Grecque”,

Red Pepper Coulis

 

And Day 14

Starters

Baby Mizuna

Shaved Apples and Julienne Fennel

 

Traditional Leek and

Potato Vichyssoise

Savory Cream

 

ENTREES

Whole Wheat Spaghetti

Pomodoro

Yellow & Green Squash, Garlic,

Parmesan, Basil

 

Golden Baked French Pot Pie

Grilled Tomatoes, Champignons de Paris,

Creamy Tarragon Velouté"

 

Bon Voyage

This is awesome... except... as in most places many people dont understand that not all cheese is vegitarian. Parmesean is almost never especially if imported. Niether is Blue Cheese. Others are hit and miss. Goat is almost always not unless from a small cheese farm that chooses microbial rennent vs animal rennent.

Looks like we will have to modify the Vegetarian Menu to make it vegetarian...lol But at least it is a start.

It does! We just got off the Reflection and they had it for the two vegetarians at our table.

Great news. Thanks for the information!

As some replies have stated that there is no separate menu, I guess it must be per ship.

 

I can report that there was a separate menu on the Eclipse on our cruise in Jan. 2017. Most nights

I had to remind our waiter that I needed it, but he always was able to find it. My husband and I are also plant based

eaters, and it worked out fantastic for us.

 

Often the other 4 people in our group wanted to order off of it as well.

 

I am hoping our cruise in October on the Reflection will be a ship that DOES have the menu:D

I'll report back in June... :D

My wife is vegetarian.

Celebrity ALWAYS has a separate vegetarian menu each night.

If you ask your waiter for one, they will immediately bring it to you, along with the regular menu which will also have vegetarian items.

I'm not sure if you can expect to arrange for special items by requesting them the night before, since there is a separate vegetarian menu.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Awesome. Thanks :)

The main menu always has vegetarian options at all meals....if you're a strict vegan speak to your waiter or the maitre D....they will accommodate you. I eat plant based (there is a difference) and I've never had a problem except on rare occasions when I get bored with Indian cuisine, which I love but not every night. I mentioned it to the Maitre D, and the next night there were other choices. Obviously they cannot anticipate everyone's preference but I find them more than willing to offer what you want if you ask.

I appreciate the feedback. Real issue for us is cheese. Most people naturally assume all cheese is vegetarian and it is not based on the rennent. It is always a challenge asking if they know the "brand" or if the enzyme is animal or microbial.

We will make due.. just wish it was easier.

Mark

I have searched and this topic has not been brought up in a while.

My family and I will be on the Reflection in June 2018. Since our last Celebrity Cruise, I now have 2 Vegetarians in my family.

We were able to get RCL on our last cruise to accommodate by emailing them ahead of time and speaking with the

head waiter each night before dinner.

I was wondering if any of you have cruised recently on Celebrity and had seen or requested a published Vegetarian Menu or is there still just one option each night in the MDR?

Thanks for your help. Concerned father/husband...

Mark

They do. Buy 5 get one. Like a bucket deal.

Yes on Mic and light on our cruise.

Hope this helps

Get Joseph in 270 to make you an Espresso Martini with real espresso. Killer. my family also liked the coconut Mojito rimed with coconut from Bolero's it is the only place on the ship that makes it with the coconut.

Just booked on the Anthem for the first time - Cabin 13562. It appears to be below "The Bistro" and appears to have quite an overhang on the balcony. Any advice from someone who has been in this, or similar cabin? Was it noisy from above? Did the overhang detract from your enjoyment of the cabin? The balcony seems quite a bit larger than others, which is a plus - but the potential for noise overhead and the overhang give me pause. Thanks.

we were in 13598. Loved the overhang. It does block you looking up, but last time I checked the water is down. Also provided nice shade in the afternoon as well as protection from rain.

As far as noise, we were under the pool. Other than hearing the band a little when we were out on our balcony and the occasional thump if something heavy was dropped it was as quiet as any other cabin we have had.

We've been trying to decide between this ship and the NCL Breakaway for an October cruise. I think you may have convinced me to try the Anthem! Thank you so much for your detailed review!

 

Couple of questions -

The only late night food is the pizza or sandwiches at Cafe Promenade? My husband loves late night snacks and was disappointed on our last RC cruise with the sandwiches...

 

Was the Windjammer always mobbed? I hate circling around for table!

 

Do you have to make reservations for everything before you sail?

 

Thanks again!

We have done both Breakaway and Anthem. Anthem wins in my book.

Yes, make reservations

Windjammer is mostly mobbed. Early morning not too bad. 8am its packed. There are always tables all the way to the back - little secret.

Joe,

I can see in your photo that the row of large padded Sun Beds still exist on the lower landing over the pool area. Do you know if they're still renting those? When we sailed on Anthem last year they rented them by the day for $150. Just trying to understand if that's still the case. Thanks in advance for the help and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

they were available for rent on our cruise June 30.

I had booked on the 13th, but have since moved down to 11244.

Realized it was the pool above me.

Paid a could extra $$ to be out on the hump and a bit larger balcony.

 

After looking at the 12 & 13th, almost seemed like obstructed view with the posts.

We were on Deck 13 and the posts did not interfere with our view. The overhand did obstruct looking up a little, but if you are looking up and not at the water on a cruise ship balcony, you are looking the wrong way...lol

We only heard a little of the music from the pool deck above. Never anything at night or early morning.

Actually loved the overhang for 2 reasons. Shade during the day, and protection from some rain we had - we were still able to be outside.

I would not hesitate to do deck 13 again. We wee in 13598 and had 4 cabins through 13604. They are mid ship right between forward and aft elevators.

I would always opt is being close to an elevator is important the ones forward on this ship. While there are more aft, they also are the ones used to get to Windjammer and the other restaurants as well as Seaplex. Our longest elevator waits were aft unless there was a show.

 

PS: Did your 10 and 8 years olds enjoy the kids club?

They didn't go to the kids club. They wanted to experience the cruise with our group. They had a blast in 270 watching the rehearsals while we all enjoyed an adult beverage, spend lots of time with us in Seaplex and loved the kids pool.

Did you happen to take a picture of the bar menus - especially beer prices ?

Beer prices were generally $5-$7 ish

At the pool they do the bucket deals on some. Buy 6 for the price of 5 and not as my daughter though buy 6 for $5 ... sheesh, kids...lol