Wonderful Aqua Class & Silhouette

As promised, I am “reporting” back to you on the Celebrity Silhouette ship.  I do like Celebrity cruises very much however, I am picky and will criticise if I think something could be better.

The title really does say it all though, the cruise was pretty wonderful from start to finish!  I will next week, tell you all about the destinations we visited and what i thought of them but for now, I really want to concentrate on the Silhouette.  For a lover of the smaller ships I really loved this ship!.  She takes nearly 3000 passengers, and I think our cruise was full although I never felt it was busy, nor was i stuck in really bad queues. This maybe due to the fact that we were in Aqua class and perhaps a little bit tucked away from it all!

I really can’t say enough words about the standard and service of Aqua class though. The cabin was really good, in a very good position on deck 11 which was one deck down from the spa but on the same deck as all the massage rooms. We were more forward in the ship then I would probably have booked but to be honest with you it was fine. Being in Aqua class we had canapes everyday along with fresh juice which tended to be cold tea.  The canapes were small and there was only 4 – gosh i am sounding like a food snob now!  The bathroom did not have a shower curtain thankfully, (you know it is a pet hate of mine) and had a really good shower.  The only thing I would say was there was some paint flaking off the deck above us which was falling on our balcony – i would not have been happy about it if it was hot, but as it was too cold to sit out I didn’t really mind.

The Blu restaurant which is the restaurant only for Aqua class guests was 100% excellent. The food was so good and although the portions are smaller than you normally get I was never hungry! The menu is varied, if you want something which is not on the menu they will normally give it to you.  On the last night we went to the Tuscan Grill the Italian speciality restaurant.  This was excellent too BUT I do have to say I preferred Aqua.  We had the most fab steak which we had in Aqua at the beginning of the week, and I thought the steak was better in Aqua. Maybe it was because the portions are smaller.  The Maitre De in Aqua was so good.. He was charming but knew exactly what was going on and who needed to be served.  This I think, is what service is all about.

Lunchtimes we went to the Buffet. Once again very good, great choice of food and unlike many ships we did not have to look for a table.

All of the bars and lounges on the ship are smashing, again with really good service. There is quite a well stocked library which was always busy along with the Hideaway which was a nice quiet area to relax in.  On the last day of sailing there was however a lot going on around the guest services area, keep fit and the like. The noise of course did carry, – not sure if people who wanted it to be quiet were a bit miffed. I would have thought that kind of activity could have been somewhere else.

Entertainment on board was not bad at all.  A very good cruise director called Sue who always came on the stage at the end of a performance, who was witty and very personable. We saw 3 shows. The first one was called Pearl and that was okish. I thought the lead singers were a bit weak (told you I was critical!).  We also saw a great show called Cosmopolitan which was a lot better, and then we saw a Phil Collins tribute which was excellent, probably the best I have seen.

The pool area was lovely with plenty of sun beds. I did think they looked a bit worn though but they were very comfortable!  I did go to the Persian Garden which is situated at the front of the ship. The beds on there are so hot, warning – make sure you have towels on before you sit down! There are not a huge amount of beds in there, potluck if you can get one. I did not go to the gym, how naughty of me, however Keith went every day and said it was really good.  I did have my massage though! Full body one which lasted 80 minutes and was fantastic – so was the price!!!

I would most definitely sail with Celebrity again, and in Aqua class. Celebrity prices are not cheap, and if you can get a drinks package or even some onboard credit that would help. What I would say though if you are looking for great service, great food, and a really good looking ship, book Aqua class, yes you pay more but it is so worth it!

Till next time x