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Don't hesistate - book it now!!

11 of 11 people found this review informative
 
Reviewed By: Harding, Aberdeen on 24th Sep 2011
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Celebrity Silhouette Sailed: August, 2011
Destination: Mediterranean Age: 46-55
Cabin: Balcony Occasion: Annual/regular holiday
Returned on Sept. 3 after a wonderful 12 night Holy Land cruise onboard "Celebrity Silhouette". The embarkation was swift and painless, cabins were ready and luggage delivered shortly afterwards. The ship was stunning and of course pristine, it being brand new. We had a cabin on Deck 11 in Aquaclass - not sure if it was really worth the extra, but anyway we had such a good time, we didn't grudge it. Benefits were - easy access to the spa and its lounge, the Aquaspa cafe, exclusive access to "Blu" restaurant, unlimited, free access to the Persian Garden (hot beds and steam room) and select dining, which meant we could turn up for a table for 2 at any time - no fixed dining. That was attractive. I hate being tied to set times to eat. Apart from "Blu" the other speciality restaurants were "Qsine" - oriental food, ordered from an ipad; "Murano" - posh, French cuisine; Tuscan Grill - Italian, but not your pasta and pizza type (!) and the Lawn Club Grill. These were $30 per head extra. Speciality cafes were The Porch and Bistro on Five. . We ate at Murano. To be honest, I'm not sure if the food was all that much better, but the atmosphere certainly was. The food in the Grand Cuvee was very good, as it was in the self service Oceanview Cafe. I cannot see how anyone could have any complaints about the catering. Room service could be ordered through a system on the TV in the cabin. Service in all places was excellent and we were both sorry to leave the ship - we could easily have done it all over again, as I think some did....Debarkation was again, painless and very well organised.
Little picky unimportant complaint things - breakfast could be a bit of a scrum at certain times; at sea days, sun beds were very hard to come by; muzak is played in the outside bars, it seemed, all the time, which spoiled the atmosphere when, for example while sailing past Etna in the Italian sunset there was some inane pop rubbish playing in the background (grrr!); Its wise to get used to the "American way" as quickly as possible. The dollar is king and they want your money - in the nicest way possible of course, but theres very little going on where the ulterior motive is not, to get cash from you. Examples - talk on the history of ports of call (selling shore excursions); talk on "how to increase your metabolism" (selling some so called health product); tour of the galley and battle of the chef competition - both interesting and good fun respectively. (a cook book you can purchase for only $60) Not forgetting of course the 15% added to everything you purchase on board, from drinks to DVDs, to beauty treatments. However, don't let this put you off. Its still incredible value - my guess would be that theres few people who cruise who could afford hotels with the same standards and level of service. If you're reading this and wondering whether to book it or not - ABSOLUTELY. I can't see how you couldn't enjoy it. We loved it. My favourite thing of all (tongue in cheek) was returning from a very hot, dusty dirty day of sightseeing and being met by crew on the quayside, smiling at you as they offer you white iced cloths and iced drinks and that before entering the clean and ordered air conditioned ship. I've done all the "real" travelling in the past- that was then - this is what I want now. :0))I would highly recomment Celebrity.
Quality of Food5
Entertainment2
The Broadway nights show was fantastic. The entertainments director (Nick) is an absolute professional and very talented - don't know why he dosen't have his own show instead of some of the acts that were on. Its difficult,because they have to try and please all different nationalities.
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff5
All were excellent. I don't know how they can keep up that level.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities2
Cabins4
Overall Rating5
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(last updated
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