"Live" from Celebrity Century August 3-10, 2014

[Richard&JohnSTX]

I have never done a review before but a delightful start to our vacation made me decide to do a “ Live From” Review. So I am a day late but should be able to catch up quickly. I will not try to upload photos on this thread but we will attach them to the full review which will be posted about a week or so after the cruise ends. I will try to answer any questions you may have in a timely manner.

 

ABOUT US: We are a gay couple 57/70 from St Croix in the US Virgin Islands. We have lived on St Croix for 27 years. Boston was our home the previous 11 years. This is our 18th cruise: 1 RCL, 2 Azamara, and the rest Celebrity. This is over the past 7 years, we feel lucky to be able to do this as we both still work and do land travel too! Coming up:

Century March ’15: Singapore-Dubai, Summit October’15: Bayonne-San Juan, Millenium March’16: Singapore-Sydney.

 

WEDNESDAY July 30: We departed St Croix Wednesday afternoon expecting a 3½ hour layover in Miami before connecting to our flight to Seattle. We were planning on catching up on work and e-mails at the Admiral’s Club for 3 hours. Well as they say best laid plans: MIA was closed due to thunderstorms! We circled until we needed fuel, diverted to Ft. Myers, waited for a gate forever and then finally refueled and flew back to MIA and landed with 10 minutes to spare to make our onward flight!

 

Arrived Seattle 12:15 am and took a taxi to the Renaissance Hotel Downtown. Nice room and good sleep.

 

THURSDAY July 31: In the morning it was a quick breakfast in the Club Lounge and then we were off to explore.

 

We had been to Seattle 4 years before but had missed the Pioneer Square area so decided to go there. We first checked out the Amtrak King St Station to see the drill there for our Friday morning train trip to Vancouver. Then we just took in the old restored buildings with the cafés, galleries, shops, and then stopped at the Klondike Gold Rush Museum. It’s a National Park Facility. Nice exhibits and a great way to get up to speed on some of the history that was coming up in Alaska!

 

Lunch was at the Pyramid Brewery. Nice fresh salads and just a bit of Pale Ale!

By now it was 80 and Sunny – is this Seattle?

 

We then walked up 1st Ave all the way to the pier area. Checked out Ivar’s as a possible dinner location and just past them there were two Navy destroyers from San Diego. It was Marine Week in Seattle – lots of ships and sailors and fighter jets overhead.

 

Next pier had one of those ‘dam ships and the Oceania Journey. We were just on the Azamara Journey in April – loved to see that size ship again!

 

We walked up the stairs (prepping for the cruise ship stairs) and strolled through Pike Place to see all the fresh produce and seafood. The line to get into the original Starbucks was half a block long so skipped the coffee!

 

The Nordstom Rack was closed down – darn another chance at good clothes cheap lost, so we strolled through the high end shops without buying a thing and headed back to the hotel for a well deserved nap.

 

At 6pm we strolled down to Ivar’s for dinner. It was a bit of a wait but with all the tourists in town for the festivities it wasn’t too bad. After a nice fresh seafood meal it was time to walk back to the hotel. Note to self – do not try to walk straight uphill 8 blocks after a big dinner and a bottle of wine. (For the two of us not each!) There were a few chain restaurants just a few flat blocks west from the hotel – should have done that and waited until Alaska for the fresh seafood!

 

FRIDAY August 1: Up at 5am, in a cab by 6 and at King St Station by 6:15 for the 7:20 departure. Splurged a bit on Business class tickets so we could use the free wi fi and catch up on work for the 4½ hour trip. Foiled again – technical difficulties with the wi fi and even though the technician was running around like the proverbial you know what it was never fixed!

 

Nice scenery along the way and so much more civilized than the airport to airport routines these days. Grabbed a cab and were at the Renaissance Harbourside in short order. Notice a pattern here? John is gold with Marriott because of his business travels – the free wi fi and Club access is a nice perk and we usually get an upgraded room too. Dropped the bags and set off to check out the Convention Center/ Cruise Ship Pier four blocks away. A nice complex with some great restaurants and nice vistas of the Harbour.

 

Back to the hotel for a nice lunch of salads and a bottle of British Columbia Chardonnay – have to try the local food and wine – eh!

 

Explored the Coal Harbour and West End areas then back to the hotel to clean up and get a recommendation for a Chinese restaurant in walking distance of the hotel for dinner. The concierge recommended Kirin and it was great. Four blocks from the hotel with nice contemporary décor and great food! The Tsing Tao beer hit the spot too!

 

SATURDAY August 2: This morning we circumnavigated Stanley Park on foot. Another beautiful 80 and Sunny day – is this Vancouver? From the hotel through the park to the West End and back to the hotel was probably 8 miles – time for a sandwich and beer! Afternoon was e-mails and some work. Dinner was local steak and British Columbia Merlot in the hotel restaurant – yummm!

 

SUNDAY August 3: Cruise Day! We did some work and e-mails in the morning and packed up while watching the seaplanes taking off and landing in the harbour. Lunch in the room was leftovers from Kirin and a bottle of BC Chardonnay –eh! We checked out of the hotel at 1pm and walked with our bags the four blocks to the Cruise Terminal.

 

EMBARCATION: Smoothest ever! Walking from hotel, to clearing Customs and Immigration to checking in at the Elite line to having SeaPass picture taken to Sparkling Wine in hand: 32 minutes! It was busy but all staff were efficient and friendly, how nice!

 

Went to cabin, unpacked, met our Attendant Luna, a real sweetheart by the way, grabbed the laptops and it was off to sign up for our internet package. As Elite Plus we get 240 minutes free each – for a 7 day cruise I think this will be enough for me. John usually has to purchase more because of work but I think this will even be enough for him. We were in and out of the internet lounge in a flash and then off to the Grand Dining Room. We usually do Aqua Class on Celebrity but as that is not an option on Century we prepaid gratuities and signed up for Select Dining. After reviewing ports of call and entertainment schedule we decided to just reserve for 8pm each evening so did that.

 

Next was the Safety Drill at 3:45 – ours was in the Conference Room. Quick and efficient and only in English, so much nicer than having every word repeated in 7 languages!

 

We were supposed to sail at 4:30pm but by the time we were done with the drill and walked up to the top deck we were underway! I don’t remember ever sailing early!

Nice views back to the skyline and then we were overlooking the seawalls we had walked around on Saturday. Walked around all the upper decks for a while and listened to the party band Headlines – they were quite good – many very recent hits played professionally! It started to cool off so we went down to change for dinner – these Caribbean boys don’t do cold too well – what the h are we going to Alaska for?!!

 

We decided to do our first drink of the cruise up in the Hemisphere lounge (Sparkling wine didn’t count!) Gin for me and a Bourbon for John and we were happy. Scenery was pretty along the coast – rocks and pine trees and wood lodges strewn about – very un-Caribbean like – we’re on vacation!

 

We decided a pit stop in the cabin was in order before going to the 7pm show. I was looking at the Monday Celebrity Today that had been delivered while we were out and John was checking a message. The message goes on and on. He finally gets off and says you’re not going to believe this. That was Jonette the Captain’s Club Hostess: we are the top Captain’s Club sailors onboard! We have been invited to the Captain’s Table tomorrow night and we are to be presented on stage at the Captains’s toast! OMG – didn’t think this would happen to us for many more years! So off we go to the 7pm show shaking our heads!

 

Kyle Dodson the Cruise Director gave a very nice intro – he’s funny and nice! The Celebrity Orchestra seemed solid and the aerialists Alex and Vlada were great. Naturalist Milos Radakovich did a great presentation as usual even though he was suffering from a hoarse voice. Josh Liberio is a vocalist/guitarist and was just starting but we needed to sneak out to see Jonette before our 8pm seating. After a nice meeting with her and all of us remembering we had sailed the Solstice together last year it was off to the MDR.

 

Dinner in the Grand Dining Room in Select was a bit hectic – probably not unexpected on the first evening. They had the usual menu standards on the left but the right side was the new Bravo Top Chef at Sea selections. I had the Tuna Tartare starter – very good! I ordered the Flank Steak entrée rare – Wayne our Waiter warned it might not happen but he pulled it off – perfectly warm but rare! Thanks Wayne. John had the classic Shrimp Cocktail, followed by a Top Chef Veal Chop – a little overcooked but good he said. Upon leaving we did tell the hostess we would not be there tomorrow night for the 8pm reservation we had just made that afternoon! Had to tell her why!

 

We had an after dinner drink at the Martini Bar and listened a bit to Josh the guitarist – looking forward to hearing more of his music in the coming week. After a few conversations with other guests and John practicing his Indonesian with the bartender it was off to bed!

 

FIRST OBSERVATIONS: I am always amazed at the difference in opinion with folks on Cruise Critic! I find the Century to be immaculately maintained. The Hemisphere Lounge upholstery and sunshades have all been redone since our last cruise on her two years ago. The windows that had been fogged up back then have been replaced though two others are now starting to go. The Crystal Room chairs have all been reupholstered.

This does not look like a ship that is being neglected because she is going out of the fleet next spring. I am so relieved because as I mentioned we are sailing her from Singapore to Dubai next March and I was afraid we were going to be sailing on a rust bucket according to some of the reviews on here! The only problem I have noticed so far is that some of the brown floor decking on the upper decks is buckling up – some of those areas are being worked on. Also a section of wood railing on the aft 12th deck came loose and needs repair. Salt air and water will do that!

 

More up soon,

 

Richard

[BunnyLebowski]

Looking forward to the rest of your review!

[Richard&JohnSTX]

Looking forward to the rest of your review!

 

More Coming!

[Richard&JohnSTX]

MONDAY Aug 4: Up at 7am and on deck to see foggy and misty weather but not too cold. Went to the Café for coffee and went out on the aft terrace. The waiter spotted a few small dolphins!

 

The Elite Breakfast is being held from 8am – 10am in the Crystal Room. I forgot to ask Jonette how many Elites onboard but she told us we were the only Elite Plus! The spread was extensive, all the regular favorites on plates to serve yourself from. Francis made us Cappuccinos with foamy hearts. I couldn’t resist a Mimosa. John refrained as his morning work was to be putting together a Power Point presentation for a Conference he is presenting at in Malaysia later in the year.

 

We checked out the shops when they opened at 9am. I wanted a snazzier tie than I brought to wear to the festivities tonight but it wasn’t to be.

 

We grabbed the laptops and headed to Hemisphere to watch for Whales and Dolphins. Oh well we didn’t spot any but John worked away on his presentation and I completed the draft of the thread up to Sunday night.

 

At noon we ran down to the Spa Café- it hasn’t been discovered yet! I had a nice poached shrimp plate with a spicy salsa and a lentil, rice, and veggie salad. John had the babaganoush salad and sliced mango plate. Washed down with iced tea, splash of lemonade. Before you think we are too healthy it was off to the Café next to get a cookie!

 

Milos presented Alaskan Wildlife at 1pm – he was hilarious as usual and we learned some things too!

 

2pm was the Captain’s Club Celebration. We all met Master Captain George latrou and some of his Directors. A nice turnout of Officers for not many of us! The Villanella Strings Trio played and after some drinks and enhanced canapés Cruise Director Kyle introduced the Captain. He welcomed all of us and thanked us for our loyalty. Jonette was next to speak and after thanking everyone and encouraging us to use our coupons she acknowledged John and I to the group as the top cruisers. Donette the Future Cruise Manager then explained the benefits of booking onboard and the existing promotion. A very nice low key affair. I think everyone there felt very appreciated by Celebrity.

 

We spent the afternoon searching for Wildlife – a few Dolphins etc. then off to the Hemisphere again to write this far.

 

It’s 5pm – off to the Captain’s Club Cocktail Hour.

 

More to come,

 

Richard

[claymour]

Can't wait to read more:D

[Phxazzcruisers]

Sounds great so far !! Looking forward to your further adventures

[excitedofharpenden]

Hey Richard! Thanks for your report. Continue to have fun on Century and all the best to you and John.

 

Phil

[aerospace]

On Century in about a month for 23N and very glad to hear she is in good shape overall. I'll be interested in your review :)

[cruiseacecat]

Very much looking forward to more! Please tell Capt. George that his new room mate, Benny the cat, is on his way. Curious to see if he remembers us. On second thought, do this only if you want him to think you are as nuts as we are.

Continue to have a great cruise.

[Tara Jane]

Fantastic reading, can't wait for the next episode.

Could you do me a big favour and check to see what sort of power plugs the century takes. I have been on her but cant remember and I have emailed celebrity with no reply. I cant remember if it is the USA, European or Aussie. I vaguely recall one ship we have been on took 2 different types of plugs.

Thanks heaps

[NLH Arizona]

Thank you, Richard. As I was reading your live report, I felt like I was there.

 

I hope you get to see some whales!

[TeaBag]

Enjoying your review. Congrats on being the top cruisers! I'm so glad we turned up the heat for you Caribbeans here in Vancouver. It looks like it will be quite warm still, when you return next Sunday.

[theopup]

Thoroughly enjoying your review. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

[claymour]

Fantastic reading, can't wait for the next episode.

Could you do me a big favour and check to see what sort of power plugs the century takes. I have been on her but cant remember and I have emailed celebrity with no reply. I cant remember if it is the USA, European or Aussie. I vaguely recall one ship we have been on took 2 different types of plugs.

 

I asked this question on another thread and was told American & European.

 

Debbie

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[Keith1010]

Enjoying your review.

 

Keith

[drychi]

Thanks for taking the time to do this live review. It brings back fond memories of my own voyage on the Celebrity Century several years ago in the Caribbean. I am glad to hear the ship is still going strong. Happy Cruising!

[koolforkatz]

Really enjoying your review. I sailed on the Century twice this year and would loved to have had the opportunity to do so again.

 

So I"m guessing if you saw Milo's talk aboutt wildlife you now know how to tell the difference between rabbits and bears :D

[FOXYROXY]

Thanks for the great job with the review. We will be onboard August 24th. So excited. Have fun. Keep posting. :)

[Richard&JohnSTX]

Monday’s Captain’s Club Cocktail Hour: There were a total of eight of us partaking of cocktails tonight. With two servers for our intimate group we had time to chat with Kadek from Indonesia and a young lady from the Czech Republic who had just started with Celebrity 5 days before. This was held in the bar area of the Crystal room, a nice space with a gold gilt ceiling and a silver backdrop to the bar. It felt like we all were on a gorgeous private yacht with beautiful canapés and frosty drinks impeccably served!

 

Captain’s Table and Captain’s Gala Toast: We met Jonette and four other couples at the Rendezvous Lounge at 8:15 for a drink and quick chat before Jonette escorted John and I to the Theater. We were introduced to all the Officers and then went to the balcony overlooking the stage. After Captain George welcomed his staff on stage and introduced them individually we were escorted on stage and the Captain presented a framed certificate to us and introduced us to the audience as the Top Cruisers onboard.

 

Talk about feeling like a deer in the headlights! Seriously though it was quite an honor. Jonette explained that this is a new way for Celebrity to show their appreciation to their loyal cruisers. Back to the Lounge we went to rejoin the others and when the Captain was finished with his duties we joined him at the Captain’s Table. The wake was especially stirred up tonight and the light quality wonderful! What a nice backdrop for a special dinner accompanied by fine wines and great conversations! As we were being served dessert Jonette came back with a photo for each couple of the table as we were all first seated that evening. And she also had a photo of John and I being presented the certificate by the Captain with his Officers in the background. How cool is that!

 

After dinner we went back to the theatre and watched the Captain do his toast again for the second seating folks and we stayed to see the show that night: Touch of Broadway.

We had seen this show on the Century two years ago and were afraid it would be a case of been there done that but it was well done and still fun! I was afraid some of the young cruisers would find it boring but a young man of about 11 behind me said to his brother: This is so cool – I have all these songs on my iPod! Wrong again!

 

I thought a nightcap at the Martini Bar would be in order after the theatre but we called it a night – enough excitement for one evening already!

 

Tomorrow Icy Straight!

 

Richard

[Richard&JohnSTX]

TUESDAY Aug 5: We turned the clock back an hour before going to bed last night so it was not so hard to get up again at 7am this morning. Up on deck it was only a little breezy, not too cold and pretty clear. No Wildlife sightings so off to The Captain’s Cub Coffee Break. This is held from 8am – 10am in the Crystal Room. Only a few guests again, this service level certainly equates to Modern Luxury for us!

 

Up in the Hemispheres Lounge again as I write this. There are lots of folks playing games, on their devices and/or watching for Wildlife. Only a few dolphin sightings so far but the scenery is pretty with many snow capped peaks in the distance.

 

At 11:45 is Milos again in the Theatre: Fire & Ice Alaska – Born of Fire, Shaped by Ice.

 

So off we go!

 

Richard

[Tara Jane]

I feel like I am there with you fantastic writing style Richard.

Thanks Debbie for the info on power plugs.

Looking forward to more

[Lois R]

Hi Richard, thanks for sharing your experience with us and really enjoying

your review. Century is really a special ship:)...and Capt George is

so awesome.:D Congrats on being top cruisers!

 

Looking forward to reading more!

[BearsAhoy]

Thank you for this! We'll be boarding Century the day you return, I'm happy to read your live blog!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk, please excuse wonky autocorrects.

[bobnjeff]

Thanks Richard and John for sharing. We will be on her Aug. 24th. Love reading anything about her and Alaska. The Century is our favorite Celebrity ship we were on her back in Dec. to Hawaii and she was in superb condition other then the chairs in the Crystal room. We were told by the Captain and the Hotel manager Sheldon Thompson that they were being redone so nice to hear it happened. We too are formerly from the Boston area, Ogunquit to be exact. Have we met? Enjoy your cruise!