Back from the 1/7 Sailing on the Connie

[31cruiser]

We thoroughly enjoyed this 11 day cruise. I have read all the negatives about Celebrity "going down in quality" or "looking worn and old" and made up my mind to sail with an open mind. We had been on the Mercury and the Millie (twice) so this was our fourth Celebrity cruise and our 38th overall.

 

We booked a Sky Suite with a butler and while this was nice for this cruise as we were celebrating our 44th wedding anniversary I would not spend the extra $ again. Breakfast in the suite was wonderful and our butler, Prast, was very accommadating, the seating was uncomfortable. The balcony was no larger than many we have had. We asked for lounge chairs and were told that management has prohibited them from balconies. Huh? I am sure that the royal and penthouse balconies have them. The suite was not worn looking except for the sofa/bed couch. Oh, and the table was able to be raised and lowered by simply turning the top.

 

I read a few questions as to sushi bar and yes they have one every night at 5 p.m. in the buffet.

 

The dress code was mostly followed except for one table we noticed at 2nd seating. They all arrived on the first formal night in jeans. Another night they arrived at 9:20 for the 8:30 seating. It was a large table and seemed to be a family with young adult children. By the last formal night they were dressed to code. We don't let that spoil our cruise experience as we normally request a table for two.

 

We agree that the slots are very tight on the ship. We played them and lost accordingly. We did have fun and made a little money at the Crystal Casino in Aruba.

 

I read also that someone complained that they were only served saltine crackers when they ordered a cheese plate from their butler. We had two cheese platters and not ONE saltine but a very nice variety of crackers.

 

The ship was clean and 99% of the staff was very pleasant and friendly. There was one woman who served the breakfast buffet who was either very despondent or something because she was almost rude when she served the eggs etc. Just gloomy.

 

As far as expedited check-in for those with suites, we waited in a long line just like everyone else. Also, our luggage arrived to the cabin after 4 p.m.(we were on the ship around 1) and that is the latest we have ever received our luggage. (only three bags so not excessive) They did provide a nice area for us to wait for disembarkation in the Ocean Liner resturant but we did not get off the ship until 10:20. That is also the longest we have had to wait.

 

If anyone has any specific questions, just reply.:)

[kitty9]

We were on the same sailing and I agree with what you said. We were in a SS and PH and we did have lounge chairs on the balcony, but I did notice that the chairs in the SS were in very poor shape. We never had saltines from the butler, but like you, really great crackers. Agree with the service as we didn't encounter anyone with an attitude with the exception of the man behind the desk at the purser's office. He was really nasty at times, not letting anyone finish their question before interrupting them with a very curt answer. And, we didn't find the ship in disrepair at all---she looked great, better than Summit, a ship that's really in need of sprucing up.

[Blondie007]

Thanks!!

 

 

Can you tell us was there a pool band? If so, what were they like?

[kitty9]

Top Secret usually played at the pool. They've been our favorite X band for a long time. They are great musicians and vocalists.

[Blondie007]

Thanks Darcie!

 

Wonderful, like a good pool band!:)

[k9151]

Thanks for the review