Constelation Review from a new Celebrity guest

[kalypso333]

Thanks but I would prefer a review, rather than a blow by blow autobiography, and it'll be easier for you to write.:p

 

Oh cares.

 

 

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[Sunshine pug]

Well thanks, if you can tell me how to change my title I will write blow by blow instead of review. :)

 

You can skip the rest of this thread, because unlike you I enjoyed reading guests blow by blow before my cruise. Hopefully some others will too.

 

Haha! Exactly! Don't read what you don't want to read. My goodness.

 

Great review so far. Thanks for all the details. Looking forward to more! :)

 

 

-Toni

[rbsmithpaige]

I demand that the rest of this review be written in Iambic pentameter, except the last day, which should be in Haiku form.

[gecko12]

Heading out on the Connie on Monday with DH and two sons 9 & 11. My kids had a blast in the Fun Factory on our last Celebrity cruise but Princess's was awful. Keep your review coming. The more details the better.

[jakenashleysmom]

Sigh.....Marko. ;)

[Sunshine pug]

I demand that the rest of this review be written in Iambic pentameter, except the last day, which should be in Haiku form.

 

Love it!

 

 

-Toni

[jakenashleysmom]

I demand that the rest of this review be written in Iambic pentameter, except the last day, which should be in Haiku form.

 

 

"like"

[JimHam4]

Scubamommy, liking the "autobiography" review, especially since I write that way myself (paints a better picture of life at sea). Keep it up.

 

I demand that the rest of this review be written in Iambic pentameter, except the last day, which should be in Haiku form.

 

Blue and white Connie

Sailing home across the sea

Depression sets in.

[scubamommy!]

DAY FOUR: AT SEA

 

We ALL slept in on this day. Went to the buffet for breakfast but not before claiming some chairs on deck 11 looking down on the pool. They were disappearing fast again on this second and last Sea day. Had a omelets made to order but couldn’t find those crunchy hasbrowns anywhere. There were several people searching for them with no luck, I heard a lot of people asking about them. The only ones that were to be found that breakfast were soft round potatoes that the kids and I didn’t care for but my DH said did the job. To each his own. After breakfast some went to sun and some went to check out the shops on board, the kids went to FF. They were having a picture scavenger hunt that day that the kids were looking forward to. I actually HAD to drag them out of there later in the afternoon just to get them to come out to the pool.

 

I went down to gather some of the pictures our group had accumulated. They hold them at the desk for you ( even if you don’t want them to) till the last day, not sure why they insist on this? We had decided to book a future cruise at this point, actually our entire group of 10 did. They were offering an nice OBC plus a pick your perk for future bookings. We decided to do a parents only cruise next time for our 15yr anniversary next year. We would take the kids again in a heartbeat, they are easy and the FF make it REALLY that much MORE easier, but sometimes you just have to do the adult thing. We were convinced to try the Reflection next time. I would have been happy to sail Connie again but we wanted some different ports. We will try our first 7 night that I will continue to enjoy these boards for information on that one. Back to the pool to play some of the games like the football toss, bean bag throw, trivia true and false and watch the volley ball games. My DH went back to the balcony to recline in the chair and take a nap.

 

On this day at Sea I told everyone we had to try The Aqua Spa Café so we got some smoothies that the kids enjoyed but never made it back for lunch. I had also told the group that we had to go back to try Bistro on 5. After several drinks poolside, the kids at the FF we decided to go check it out. We all ordered two different things (soup, salads, pannini’s and of coarse the crepes) and split them all, I loved the Mexican one and the veggie Panini, the salads were good and some of group raved about the cream of broccoli soup. There were so many ohhs and ahhs and mmmm’s that we would certainly go back there if on a longer cruise. And for only $5 WELL WORTH it! We ordered all 3 dessert crepes and then a couple more of the Dolce Leche one. Ohh how I wish I had one of those RIGHT NOW! I really wanted to try out a specialty restaurant that night for dinner but by the time I FINALLY convinced everyone, there were no reservations left for a group this big. Ah well, something to look forward to next time. But just to note , the reason I was having such a hard time convincing them was because they couldn’t really justify the added cost since we were all enjoying our dinning experience in San Marco so much. Reminder, the menu had some good dishes but really it was the service that made it all even better! The kids decided to do the buffet early tonight and go to the FF and the adults enjoyed a kid free dinner. We were actually wanting some nice wine and a quieter night so we went to the wine bar before dinner on this night, had one glass and decided that the wine bar was just not for us and that we missed our two fav bartenders at the Martini Bar. The wine was just fine, but again service makes ALL the difference. The gentleman behind the bar seemed very bothered by us so it did not give us the “warm fuzzies” we had come to enjoy here on the Constellation. And yes, we did tip him too because that is just what we do. Of coarse he ended up shorting himself because we had no plans to go back there.

 

After dinner we decided to blow some money in the casino, that didn’t last long, My brother was up $300 at one point when he should have walked away, but of coarse didn’t and ended up $100 in the hole. They had a dance party on the deck that night so we went up there but we were all so wiped out at this point My DH and I called it an early night. The kids were not happy when we showed up early to pick them up from FF. I heard the rest of our group didn’t last long that night either. All the partying was catching up with us old folks! LOL . Plus I knew we had to be up early for customs in Key West. We went back to the room and I read on the balcony while everyone else fell fast asleep.

[travelingirl70]

Heading out on the Connie on Monday with DH and two sons 9 & 11. My kids had a blast in the Fun Factory on our last Celebrity cruise but Princess's was awful. Keep your review coming. The more details the better.

 

 

Us too!!! Love reading a detailed review just days before we leave. Can't wait!!!!!!

 

 

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[scubamommy!]

Day Five : Key West

 

We woke much to early even though we didn’t want to. We HAD to go to customs which only took about 5 minutes tops. It was easy breezy but I would have to say this was the thing that bothered me most. We would have loved to sleep in, maybe have a late breakfast on the balcony, but those plans were not to be had. Ah well, I guess it got us motivated for our day earlier, so I guess that is the glass is half full scenario. We grabbed DH his coffee at Café Bacino and some treats for the kids. I had a most delicious caramel macchiato and knew I would have another one of those later today! Then we headed down to explore Key West. We got tickets to the Hop On Hop Off bus ( kids 12 and under ride free) and enjoyed the tour. We took our picture at the Southern Most point, we explored the outside of the museums and the little city streets. We stopped and grabbed a chocolate key lime pie on a stick at Kermits and did some shopping. Some of the adults wanted to go bar hopping so my friend and I took our kids back to the ship and let the others go have some adult fun. Her and I enjoyed buffet lunch on the sunset bar and took the kids to the pool. We had a drink or two but certainly nothing like the first part of the cruise. The group in KW, on the other hand, were back in full party mode but still made it back to the ship with some time to spare.

 

We went back to the rooms to pack things up and get ready for dinner and the final show tonight before dinner. The kids and I enjoyed the costumes and dancing on stage. The kids joined us for our last dinner at San Marco mainly because they wanted the escargot and French onion soup one last time. The KW group still were ready to party at dinner so we all had one last fun night at the dinner table with them keeping us in hysterics. We agreed it was great to sail with everyone and would try and arrange our dates to match for the next one. I was tired and really wanted to go back to the room but the kids had begged to go to the FF one last time too. I actually MADE myself go out JUST so they could go say their goodbyes, I only lasted a little more than 1/2 hour at Reflections ( who had the same Comedian that night) before I caved and picked them right back up. The rest of the group were fading fast after partying hard in KW. The kids absolutely loved the FF, earlier that night had the auction to spend their funny money they had won and they all came back with MORE little toys.

 

Day Six: Debarkation

 

On the last day we had decided to go the San Marco for our last breakfast together. It was very good and we all had wished we had done this sooner. Not every day but at least more than once. They had our fav crispy hashbrowns and it was nice to be served breakfast while everyone was seated together instead of shifts. We passed out all the pictures and said our goodbyes. We scanned over our statements and found a few discrepancies where we had been charged for drinks when we shouldn’t have. By the last two days it was hard to read the cards and some of the bartenders who we didn’t know us, must have charged us thinking we didn’t have the package. Here is a tip: if your card is starting to wear get the sticker put on it so they all know or just keep getting a new card. We went down to customer service desk and straightened it out . When we got back to the room to finish up packing there was another statement with some of the discrepancies removed and some remained there. I called the desk ( since the line was quite long) and they assured me they would be removed. When we got home my card had been overcharged so I actually just got off the phone with a very pleasant lady who claims they will refund it within 3 days. It wasn’t a whole lot but hey it wasn’t mine to pay! The charge didn’t show up till just today on my card so there is no way to know it will be correct unless you actually get a statement in black and white.

 

 

We went through customs which was SUPER LONG that day, even the porters said it was crazier than normal. We rode the park and go bus to our car (which by the way, was 1/2 the price if you book online prior to the cruise, than the cruise port terminal parking price) when I noticed one bag was missing. Oh No I must have left it in customs. No biggie right? Better now than later when we were on the road for our 12 hour drive back. We loaded up and drove back to the port where I was informed that I could not go back in to get my bag till the ENTIRE SHIP was cleared and EVERYONE was through customs. WHAT? Oh my, it certainly was no ones fault but my own, but what a mistake! Sadly it delayed our departure by almost two hours. We sat and waited with two very exhausted kids till we saw the new guests arriving for the next cruise. Than a gentleman went in and retrieved my bag for me. We were on the road for about 2 minutes before we heard snoring coming from the backseat! DH took the first leg and I looked through all the pictures again and then was fast asleep beside him in no time.

 

In Short Summary

 

We LOVED every minute of that cruise and it almost brings tears to my eyes when I think its over. Nice to have a future cruise booked indeed! I learned that in no way whatsoever that what is said on these boards hold true for everyone. I learned a great many things from these boards prior to this cruise and am sooooo grateful to all of you who helped me. There are many happy people wanting nothing to do but help, and I can’t thank you enough for that. But there are a few complaining and wanting to bring you down to their miserable level. Don’t fall for it and don’t believe it! Go and enjoy every minute of your cruise. Make it what you want it to be. The crew and staff on board the Connie were just fabulous and willing to do just about anything they can to make your trip wonderful. If you come across one you don’t care for, then move on to the next place, because they will be better at the next place! If you try something you don’t care for then order something else because it will be better than the last. If you meet someone who is complaining, kindly excuse yourself because why listen to it anyway! Go out and ENJOY! We certainly DID!

[JimHam4]

Just a question since our Connie cruise went the other direction. What is the difference in going through customs in Key West and FLL? If you did it in Key West why did you have to do it again?

 

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[scubamommy!]

If we do this cruise again I will make sure it is the other direction.

 

In KW we just had to show our seapass and passport card as we walked through The Rendezvous Lounge on the ship and that was it, they asked our kids if we were their parents and we were DONE. The papers we received the night before said that anyone not through customs by 9AM would be fined $3000.00. Everyone received a time to report, ours was 7:30. But in retrospect we probably could have waited till later as long as it was before 9:00.

 

In FLL we had all our bags and went through the regular procedure on land.

[summer slope]

You said you had to show your passport card in KW. Does that mean we have to take our Passport to show? Don't want to carry it in KW and would need to allot time to go back to the room.

[Cruiser Susie]

So glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise so much. We did a back to back on the Constellation 5 years ago... three weeks onboard. Once you do a longer cruise, I am sure you'll be back for more of those. Your review brings back some wonderful memories. I think you'll have lots of those memories to enjoy until your next cruise. Thank you for sharing your fun in the sun with us!

[scubamommy!]

You said you had to show your passport card in KW. Does that mean we have to take our Passport to show? Don't want to carry it in KW and would need to allot time to go back to the room.

 

YES! We had to show it at our meeting place/check in point ON THE SHIP. You can then go back and put it back in the safe like we did. No need to carry it ashore. Once on land and To get back on the ship we only had to show our seapass card AND ONE OTHER form of id with picture, drivers license is fine.

[summer slope]

Thank you so much for your reporting. We leave next week on the Connie to KW and Cozumel. I now feel like I know the ship. I've not sailed on Celebrity before.

[Purplsmurf]

Great review! Have never been on this ship but was on Summit last year and leaving on Silhouette Sunday. Anxious to see the cabin difference between M and S class ships.......do have a question tho. You said in your original post that the kids couldn't go on the balcony without you. Was that your rule or the ship rules?

[cruzers j&n]

Hi Scubamommy - enjoyed reading your trip report....and looking forward to your next one. :) Did you notice any sports equipment or sports oriented games at the FF? I thought I read in a previous post that there was basketball - although I can't imagine a ship having space for a court. Just curious as to what types of sports activities they offer as I rather have my son being active rather than sitting playing videos or watching tv...plus he loves playing sports. Thanks in advance!

[curiouscat]

Day Five : Key West

 

In Short Summary

 

We LOVED every minute of that cruise and it almost brings tears to my eyes when I think its over. Nice to have a future cruise booked indeed! I learned that in no way whatsoever that what is said on these boards hold true for everyone. I learned a great many things from these boards prior to this cruise and am sooooo grateful to all of you who helped me. There are many happy people wanting nothing to do but help, and I can’t thank you enough for that. But there are a few complaining and wanting to bring you down to their miserable level. Don’t fall for it and don’t believe it! Go and enjoy every minute of your cruise. Make it what you want it to be. The crew and staff on board the Connie were just fabulous and willing to do just about anything they can to make your trip wonderful. If you come across one you don’t care for, then move on to the next place, because they will be better at the next place! If you try something you don’t care for then order something else because it will be better than the last. If you meet someone who is complaining, kindly excuse yourself because why listen to it anyway! Go out and ENJOY! We certainly DID!

 

That was a wonderful and refreshing review. I really appreciated your insights and positive notes. So glad that u and your family had a nice time and enjoy cruising.

 

It's been so long since my first cruise it's great to get a fresh perspective.

 

CC

[travelingirl70]

Like the end of a cruise, I find myself wishing this review was longer! Not that anything is missing, but I loved reading it so much I don't want it to be over. Counting down until we sail on the Connie on Monday!!! 6 more days!!!!!!

 

 

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[Danish]

Sigh.....Marko. ;)

 

Yeah - I know that you mean:p

[scubamommy!]

Great review! Have never been on this ship but was on Summit last year and leaving on Silhouette Sunday. Anxious to see the cabin difference between M and S class ships.......do have a question tho. You said in your original post that the kids couldn't go on the balcony without you. Was that your rule or the ship rules?

 

Oh, that was just our own safety rule. They do not have any rules about kids on balconies that I know of. Have a great CRUISE!!!

[scubamommy!]

Hi Scubamommy - enjoyed reading your trip report....and looking forward to your next one. :) Did you notice any sports equipment or sports oriented games at the FF? I thought I read in a previous post that there was basketball - although I can't imagine a ship having space for a court. Just curious as to what types of sports activities they offer as I rather have my son being active rather than sitting playing videos or watching tv...plus he loves playing sports. Thanks in advance!

 

They often took the kids out as a group for sports oriented events and you will be surprised to learn that the Constellation has just added the largest basketball court on any ship. At least that is what I was told. It did look pretty big and held a lot of kids! :)

 

I was worried too about the whole video game thing but the activities were VERY well rounded! Enjoy!

[scubamommy!]

Like the end of a cruise, I find myself wishing this review was longer! Not that anything is missing, but I loved reading it so much I don't want it to be over. Counting down until we sail on the Connie on Monday!!! 6 more days!!!!!!

 

 

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Thank you so much for that. You will have soooo much fun! Enjoy!