'Live' on Constellation 9 night French Riviera and Dalmatian Coast

[mirnsd]

While in Monte Carlo (May 2020 cruise), we will probably just walk around and explore. Do you have recommendations on "must sees"? This will be our first time there. Thanks again for your live blog and looking forward to reading more.

The Casino is a must see. Featured in loads of movies over the years. We just wandered around. I think there was an open top bus to see the wider sights but we didn't use it. They were setting up for the Grand Prix whilst we were there which was quite cool

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[mirnsd]

A couple of interesting stats from the cruise so far. We are allegedly sailing with every stateroom in use according to the Cruise Director Paul Baya. Around 2100 people on board, of which around half are from the USA. Around 350 people from the UK and a similar number of Canadians.

I would say that this cruise has the most diverse age range I've seen on Celebrity before. A number of retired guests as you would expect but also a few families with kids and a number of younger (20-35) cruisers as well. It has a nice vibe and I am enjoying the broad range of people on board.

Our plans for the rest of the day are to make use of the Persian Garden, to dine early and to catch the early show. Tonight we have Boys of the Barricade, singers from Londons West End. They were apparently well recieved on the last cruise and sing a mix of Broadway numbers and some songs from The Jersey Boys. We plan to round the evening off at Rendezvous with Bandaoke, essentially karaoke but with a live band. I may even manage a song with them !

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[wishuponasea]

Glad to see the more diverse age range! Our last Celeb. cruise this past winter was mostly 70+ (at least). Hope to get more "energy" on our cruises in May 2020.

Edited May 14, 2019 by wishuponasea
added content

[mirnsd]

Today's daily

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[mirnsd]

Well what a difference a day makes. Today is Civitavecchia (Rome) and it's around 10°c and raining! No plans for trips today as we have both been to Rome before and have decided to stay on board due to the inclement weather.

We have gone from scorching heat and sitting up on top deck yesterday, to freezing today! Currently sitting inside with a book looking out at the rain hitting the deck.

Last nights meal in Blu was my least favourite so far but still passable. I had Heritage Tomatoes to start, which were really tasty and mum had nut encrusted scallop, which she thought was very tasty. For main I had pheasant which I didn't think was great. Meat was quite dry and the flavours just a bit off. Mums lamb looked good though. Sadly I only remembered to snap the starters and missed the mains. You can tell this is my first live report.

The show last night was great. The Boys of the Barricade had brilliant voices and put on a truly charming and entertaining show. At various points the voices were so moving that I felt like you could have heard a pin drop. Definitely go and see them if they are on a ship you are on.

We got to the Rendezvous Lounge for Motown Trivia and Bandaoke. Sadly Bandaoke wasn't exactly brimming with singers and I ended up taking to the floor 4 times. It was a great experience to sing with a live band and fellow passengers were kind enough to get up and dance and give encouragement.

A few late night drinks and it was off to bed. Thinking this morning about this ship versus the 3 S class ships we have been on and I can't yet make up my mind what I prefer. I like the size of this ship and I really love the lounges but I do miss areas like the Passport Bar and World Class Bar. Time will tell. We still have a good number of days on board. Tomorrow is a sea day so expect a bit of silence as I don't have a WiFi package on the ship and I am just using mobile data to keep you all updated. I will be interested to see how she fares on a sea day, as they tend to be my favourite days on board. A little sad we only have one on this particular sailing.

Stay tuned folks ......

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[MrFunInTheSun]

Thanks for bringing us along! 

[Jetstreamer]

Thanks for the updates - very enjoyable.

 

You probably don't want to hear that it is hot and sunny in Scotland today!  Hopefully the weather will pick up for the rest of the trip - I'm sure it will.

[mike x ftc]

Enjoying this very much, thank you for posting!

[katie64]

Enjoying this as we are on Connie in a few weeks too and not been on her for 10 years so intrigued to see how she is faring ( we did a M class ship last year though and liked the size). Still sunny in Edinburgh I am afraid... thanks again

[Jim_Iain]

Just pulled up a chair and enjoying your wonderful blog.   I am chuckling about your remarks about forgetting to get some pictures of your meals.    I do that all the time.     I plan on taking a photo and then realize I already started eating it..  

 

Hope you enjoy journey and look forward to following along.

[mimbecky]

We board the Constellation soon after you out of Venice on May 31st so I enjoy reading any info about ship, staff, shows and/or food etc.

Thanks

M

[mirnsd]

Hi folks. Thanks for all the encouraging comments and sorry for the 24hr radio silence. We had a sea day yesterday and as a Scotsman, I wasn't prepared to take the WiFi package for one day where I couldn't have my phone !

Connie fared fabulously on a sea day. We didn't really venture in to the Oceanview but all other public areas coped well with everyone being on board. Coffee shop did have its busy times but that is understandable. Wasn't ever impossible to get a seat.

The morning started cold and windy but as the day progressed, the captain found us some better weather. By the end of the day everyone was sunning it up on top deck.

We started the day with a captain's club wine tasting (hic!) which was included with our Select status. It was pretty basic with 4 wines to taste but was a good chance to try some wines we haven't had before. Plus it's a great thing to soak up the time on a sea day.

We read for a while and headed to our 1pm Captains Club party. We got to meet the captain and officers and see the presentation for the most loyalty points. The couple who were presented with it had over 7,500 points.

We spent most of the rest of the day in the sunshine and just generally relaxing. Captain informed us that at midnight we would pass Stromboli volcano where they had seen sparks on the last trip. Sadly it was not active as we sailed past, but I could make it out in the darkness. Anyway it gave me a good excuse to stay up late drinking wine on the outside deck! As if I need an excuse!

Dinner was once again eaten before the evidence could be fully photographed - I'll never make a food critic. It was however delicious. Mum had crab to start and a ribeye next, finishing with peach clafoutis. I had kale caesar and Fettuccine with clams. I discovered I only like cooked kale but that was my choice rather than a fault with the dish. I broke my usual no dessert rule by having Tiramisu, which was delicious.

We dined next to a wonderful group from Miami, who were an absolute hoot and flattered my mother by asking how my wife was! I think it made her trip. Mum is in her late 60s and I am nearly 30, so I think she was suitably flattered.

We did the late show, which was close up magic with Matthew Mcgurk and his wife Katia. We are not usually one for magic but this was amazing. He will wow you if you ever get the chance to see him. Katia was great too and the whole show was charming.

Before volcano watch we went to silent disco, which was a blast as always. We love the silent disco and always make sure to attend.

Today is Messina, Sicily and finally we are back to good weather. It's around 20°c with a light wind. A quick trek around the city was followed by watching the mechanical clock tower at noon - a must see if you are in port. A rather morbid but amusing sight today- when we were visiting the main cathedral, a coffin was brought in to lay before a later funeral service. Everyone visiting was very respectful and it was quite upsetting for some. However one chap had not noticed the coffin coming and had to be tapped on the shoulder by one of those carrying the coffin. He looked like he wanted to ground to open up and swallow him! I felt so sorry for the poor guy who hadn't seen the procession coming.

The rest of the day is relaxation for us. More reading and a trip to the Persian Garden. I will hopefully remember to take pictures of all my food tonight!

Thanks for following.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[di T]

1 hour ago, mirnsd said:

Hi folks. Thanks for all the encouraging comments and sorry for the 24hr radio silence. We had a sea day yesterday and as a Scotsman, I wasn't prepared to take the WiFi package for one day where I couldn't have my phone !

Connie fared fabulously on a sea day. We didn't really venture in to the Oceanview but all other public areas coped well with everyone being on board. Coffee shop did have its busy times but that is understandable. Wasn't ever impossible to get a seat.

The morning started cold and windy but as the day progressed, the captain found us some better weather. By the end of the day everyone was sunning it up on top deck.

We started the day with a captain's club wine tasting (hic!) which was included with our Select status. It was pretty basic with 4 wines to taste but was a good chance to try some wines we haven't had before. Plus it's a great thing to soak up the time on a sea day.

We read for a while and headed to our 1pm Captains Club party. We got to meet the captain and officers and see the presentation for the most loyalty points. The couple who were presented with it had over 7,500 points.

We spent most of the rest of the day in the sunshine and just generally relaxing. Captain informed us that at midnight we would pass Stromboli volcano where they had seen sparks on the last trip. Sadly it was not active as we sailed past, but I could make it out in the darkness. Anyway it gave me a good excuse to stay up late drinking wine on the outside deck! As if I need an excuse!

Dinner was once again eaten before the evidence could be fully photographed - I'll never make a food critic. It was however delicious. Mum had crab to start and a ribeye next, finishing with peach clafoutis. I had kale caesar and Fettuccine with clams. I discovered I only like cooked kale but that was my choice rather than a fault with the dish. I broke my usual no dessert rule by having Tiramisu, which was delicious.

We dined next to a wonderful group from Miami, who were an absolute hoot and flattered my mother by asking how my wife was! I think it made her trip. Mum is in her late 60s and I am nearly 30, so I think she was suitably flattered.

We did the late show, which was close up magic with Matthew Mcgurk and his wife Katia. We are not usually one for magic but this was amazing. He will wow you if you ever get the chance to see him. Katia was great too and the whole show was charming.

Before volcano watch we went to silent disco, which was a blast as always. We love the silent disco and always make sure to attend.

Today is Messina, Sicily and finally we are back to good weather. It's around 20°c with a light wind. A quick trek around the city was followed by watching the mechanical clock tower at noon - a must see if you are in port. A rather morbid but amusing sight today- when we were visiting the main cathedral, a coffin was brought in to lay before a later funeral service. Everyone visiting was very respectful and it was quite upsetting for some. However one chap had not noticed the coffin coming and had to be tapped on the shoulder by one of those carrying the coffin. He looked like he wanted to ground to open up and swallow him! I felt so sorry for the poor guy who hadn't seen the procession coming.

The rest of the day is relaxation for us. More reading and a trip to the Persian Garden. I will hopefully remember to take pictures of all my food tonight!

Thanks for following.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
 

Enjoying the blog! Two weeks yesterday when we will be back on one of our favourite ships, really getting in the mood following your trip, do you know who is the captains club host is? Thanks, Dianne

[Trixsea]

Thanks for the blog!!  Really enjoying it!

[Water babies]

Enjoying the blog—we board July 18 with similar itinerary but some different ports. Hoping the same entertainers are on board in 2 months (likely? or not 😔). We have sailed on Summit twice, but not the Constellation— it’s looking very familiar though!

[MamaFej]

Thank you so much for this live blog! We will be aboard in just over a month with a very similar itinerary. Our CCRC is the quietest one I have ever seen, so I'm guessing there is one or more very large group booked. This blog is letting me get a nice picture of the Constellation.

Enjoy!

[mirnsd]

Enjoying the blog! Two weeks yesterday when we will be back on one of our favourite ships, really getting in the mood following your trip, do you know who is the captains club host is? Thanks, Dianne

We have a letter from her in our stateroom. I will check for you when we get back. We will look after the ship for you

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[mirnsd]

Just pulled up a chair and enjoying your wonderful blog.   I am chuckling about your remarks about forgetting to get some pictures of your meals.    I do that all the time.     I plan on taking a photo and then realize I already started eating it..  
 
Hope you enjoy journey and look forward to following along.

That is really kind of you. Was actually your live blogs that inspired this one!

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[mirnsd]

Hello from warm but not overly sunny Corfu, Greece. The weather has been pretty consistent all day. Very pleasant, just not sunbathing weather.

Constellation is still managing to bring a smile to my face but the fear of the trip being over is starting to creep in now. I'm still managing to forget to photograph my food!

Last night at Blu we both had seafood ceviche to start. I found the flavours a little bit bland to be perfectly honest, but it was adequate. I had pumpkin gnocchi which was super tasty and mum had salmon which looked lovely. So lovely I didn't get to taste it before it was gone.

We went straight from dinner to the Senior Officers party, which was great fun and another chance to see the captain and his team. They did some staff recognition and you got the impression that the senior management run a really tight operation. The usual nibbles and drinks flowing.

We then went to Martini bar to watch the flare for a while and had a couple more drinks. I've gotten a real taste for a golden margarita on this trip!

We topped the night off at Karaoke with Florian. He is our favourite crew member on the ship. I think I said before that we sailed with him before and he remembered everything we'd talked about on the previous trip. He is as mad as a box of frogs but he clearly loves life.

Today we had a stroll around Corfu Old Town and took in the Venetian fortress, which was free entry because it is International Musuem Day. Who knew!?!

We didn't stay long enough to have a really good look around the shops and the rest of town as I didn't have a great nights sleep last night. No movement on the ship, just one of those restless nights.

Tonight it is Rock City, which we have seen before but may do again as we like the music. I think they might change the songs up a bit as well from ship to ship.

A quick word on our amazing Cruise Director, Paul Baya - I was unsure at first but we have really warmed to him. He is a great entertainer and has a good voice too. He joined in with the band last night and he had the room in his hand.

Tomorrow we will be in Montenegro. A first for me. As Montenegro is not yet in the EU, calls and data are not included in my mobile plan, so there will be radio silence tomorrow, but I'll give you a full update from our penultimate port in Croatia.

Thanks once again for following along. I hope I have brought a small taste of the Mediterranean to your week!

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[ArizonaCruzer]

On 5/13/2019 at 5:42 PM, insley said:

Thanks for sharing your cruise. We will be on the Connie Oct 20 for a 10 night cruise beginning in Cittavechia and ending in Barcelona. First time on the Connie. Also sailed the Infinity around the horn in South America. Looking forward to your posts. Enjoy!

 

We are on this sailing as well. Are you on the roll call? Would be interested in what you are doing in the ports. Laura

[di T]

Thanks again, counting the days now! We have been to Kotor Montenegro many times and really enjoy walking around and there’s a wee beach as well! Hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise. Dianne

[OhioDogLover]

Thank you for posting.  Enjoying your review.

 

Ohiodoglover

[Gordoncruickshank]

Can I ask you about the hotel you stayed in pre cruise. Was the tax i able to get right to the hotel? I seem to remember that the streets off Ramblas were all very narrow.

[mirnsd]

Enjoying the blog! Two weeks yesterday when we will be back on one of our favourite ships, really getting in the mood following your trip, do you know who is the captains club host is? Thanks, Dianne

Vlada Filippova is her name. I understand she should be here when you sail

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[mirnsd]

Can I ask you about the hotel you stayed in pre cruise. Was the tax i able to get right to the hotel? I seem to remember that the streets off Ramblas were all very narrow.

Taxis only are permitted along the street. We made the mistake of not realising this on the way to the hotel and had booked a small minibus transfer. We had to get dropped off near Ramblas (not ideal as we looked like typical tourists with all our cases). We made sure to get a taxi pick up, which came straight to the door. When we do our September Reflection sailing, we will stay here again but will make sure to arrive by taxi.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk