Just off the silouette 3/24/13

[vvnh16a]

Quick review......

 

PARKING: We drove to Ft LAuderdale form Central Florida and parked at park-N-Go about 5 minutes form the port at $7.99 per day...great location and great service with very frequesnt van service toand from the port.

 

BOARDING: Process was flawless. Arrived at the port about 11:20 and after checking in for CC class...we were escorted on board immediately. NO more champagne or orange juice upon boarding...waiter now serve this at 4:30 when the ship starts to pull away from port....without asking for $5.95..... Bad thing is they ran out of champagne.

 

DINER/FOOD: Honestly for all the years we have been sailing Celebrity,this had to be the best cruise regarding our meals. Steaks were very tender, quantities more than generous, Great meal at the last formal night or lobster tail and Beef Wellington. Lunch served in the Oceans Grill always had something for everyone...always pleased. CAnnot speak about the speciality resturants for we did not go. At $40 a person it is getting expensive but we saw no discounting of certain nights as we have in the past.

 

ELITE BENEFITS: Of course the big one for us was the 2 hour happy hour in the sky lounge for 5 days (not on first day or when Senior Officer party was held) Certainly hope they keep this bene around for awhile. Also used the laundry service, internet time and casino coupons. There were about 200 Elite members on board...so not a huge crowd compared to some of the longer sailings. Morning Breakfeast was in the Tuscan Grill..great palce to have it.

 

DRINKS: 123 program - Although we did not use this program it was very popular and well used. A BIG highlight for most people especially at the end of the cruise whe they do NOT get the big debts against the credit card. I think Celebrity will find a way to keep this program around even if it means bumping up the cruise fares. Martini Bar always had a nice crowd........but mostly with LOUD, drum beat music to the point you could not hear yourself talk.

 

POOL area; was very popular with water volleyball a big event between the officers adn the passengers. Seemed like there were plenty of chairs. DID not see the alcove areas used much by people and at $99 port days and $149 sea days i can see why.

 

ENTERTAINMENT: the 2 major shows were well presented..much better than in the past with the first being a broadway dance singing show and the second a circus-ole-le presentation. Both very well done. The activity staff is very engeriged..great Zumba instructor. They put on a FACES show which has alot of big time costumes.....nice sow but the locale in the main foyer way is not the right spot. The S class ships simply have no place to enjoy dancing and that was poor planning. Night club dance area on deck 4 was popular but with a different crowd.

 

Private spots: great rooms to play cars or other board games or simply places to get a way and read a book.

 

CASINO: was very popular every night. Table stakes were high especially the first few nights $10 minimum for Black Jack, 3 card poker , let it ride, and craps. They finally lowered 3 card poker and let-it-ride to $5 minimum the last couple of days. They also had most days tournaments for Texas Holdem ($60 buy in...$500 payout) slots adn Black Jack. Also had every nnight a cash Texas Game...but be prepared to play this game only if you think you know what you are doing. Slots were paying for I personally saw 3-4 machines pay out $1000 plus.

 

Captain and Crew: Very young captain (39) and he was good. He had a presentation on what do you want to ask the captain..it was great...almost a motivational talk on why the Silhouette was #1 in the fleet.

 

Issue of concern: Park West Art Gallery was again on-board. I was very surprised especially since they had such a bad rap against them in the past 4-5 years about selling art as an investment, Overly high appraisals etc. I went to one auction and I did not see any changes........but people were buying art costing $1000's of dollars. WHY on a cruise ship?

 

PICTURES: be prepared to pay $22 to $26 or more for pictures taken by the crew...just seems way over the top in reagrds to price! Formal 8x10s even more.

 

DISEMBARKATION: Could have been better. We were off at 8:20 and cleared customs at about 9;15. This terminal needs some money put into it.

 

Overall: One of the best Celebrity cruises we have taken.

[Lastdance]

Thank you for your review. We are doing the Adriatic on her very soon and can't wait! Glad you had such a good time!!!:)

[dln929]

Thank you for your concise and helpful review. I"m glad you enjoyed your cruise so much!

[Lois R]

Hi Rich, glad you had such a good cruise:) I go in 2 weeks:D

[Texed]

Thanks for posting. :)

[flames9]

Thanks--We sail Sail Sillhouette May 22 out of Venice

[ScarletWelsh]

Thanks, Rich! We're sailing her out of Civitavecchia in just over a month.

 

Can't wait!

 

Sara

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.