masonpips Posted February 16, 2011 #1 Share Posted February 16, 2011 In no particular/random order! There is quite a bit of pre-cruise stuff to set the stage for how lucky we felt to actually MAKE the cruise! Booking info: I booked on Christmas Eve a Century Suite (1134 Aft) for dh and I to celebrate our 15th Anniversary (2/3/96, our dd's bday is 2/5 so we picked the closest cruise we could find time-wise). We booked our own air, into FLL on Wed 2/9 and out of MIA on Sun 2/13. I agonized over the beverage packages and finally bit the bullet and did the Premium Alcohol one about 2 weeks out as a surprise to DH. Pre-Cruise - Travel in The week before the cruise we had 14" of snow and we laughed several times stating "thank goodness this is THIS week and not next". Curses on us for sure. On Sat/Sun they started estimates for snow and pinned it all on 2/9 - our departure day. We had my mom/aunt flying up from TX that day and us out w/a 2 hour switch time in the middle to make it all work (they were staying w/our 12 and 13 year old kids) At about noon on Monday I was able to switch their flights to Tuesday so I knew IF we could get out we would have our kids covered. At 8 pm. Delta finally realized that YES there was a winter storm warning and YES we could change our flights to the next day as well. We were now leaving 5 minutes before the arrival of our family. But we have a keypad entry car and figured out the logistics. I then FREAKED OUT and packed. I am a planner and had everything in my head but had no real hope that it would all work out and now needed to be ready 24 hours in advance. Tuesday - went to work and checked flights and weather continuously (~waves~ to work company, thanks for access!). Our flight was already delayed 2+ hours. Headed to airport in temps that were already in the teens (it had been 77 degrees 3 days before!). Mom/aunt arrived on time and we swapped car keys in person and gave them LOADS of instructions on dealing w/the snow and they headed to our house before it started falling. Dh and I headed to the bar! Flights/Hotel in FLL Our flight was late but we had plenty of connection time in Atlanta (plenty equaling walking from one gate to the next w/a quick bio break and boarding immediately). I managed to Priceline the Hilton FLL hotel as well on the walk. Boarded and started taxi-ing. Pilot came on and something was not working w/hydraulics. Not an issue in the air but is on the ground. Side note: I am NOT a good flyer. Flight Attendant: can I have another drink? Pilot came back, Maintenance walked them through a *procedure* and all was fine. I kept envisioning them kicking something in the cockpit! We arrived on time and called the hotel shuttle as we left the plane (carried on our luggage, ME - for a now 6 night trip). We were told between 3 and 17 minutes (ODD) and it was closer to 17 but the driver was friendly and we swung back around to pick up our plane's crew and headed to hotel. Check-in was efficient and the bar was open and serving FOOD (starving at this point). I had a grilled grouper sandwich, dh had a steak one I think and we headed straight to bed. The hotel only had 2 double bed rooms so we spent the first night of our 15 year anniversary trip in separate beds. Tee hee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 16, 2011 Author #2 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Moving to Miami I had booked SAS for the following evening when we were supposed to fly in. Had emailed them during the day on Tuesday to update and they easily moved our shuttle time and came to the hotel to pick us up (early!). It was a very quick ride over to MIA and our Marriott Biscayne Bay stay. A+++ to SAS. We were able to check in and given a corner (king) room immediately. This was also a Priceline win and the check-in guy was awesome! I think dh threw out some hints that it was a special trip for us and he has quite a few Marriott points as well. The room was GORGEOUS and looked over the marina and I knew we could see the ship in the am Off to lunch. We used Yelp to find Sushi and walked over to Soi Asian Bistro - EXCELLENT! Great lunch (quite a walk from Marriott) and then we did some shopping at Ross (excellent clothing, awful service), Marshalls (I could have shopped for days) and Walgreens/CVS. Walked back to hotel and got in a nice work-out that day in my eyes! We cleaned up, had some drinks in the room (stop at the liquor store down in the retail shops area underneath hotel) and headed back to downtown via the MetroMover which we found incredibly safe/easy and FREE! We went to dinner at Fratteli Milano (another Yelp find I had planned weeks in advance) and it was outstanding as well. Excellent wine, food and service. Back to hotel on MetroMover and repacking of luggage (including expansion needed for shopping purchases tee hee) I will say that I was slightly cool all day in Miami and found that unusual. We've been there mainly in October and found it extremely hot so I was surprised to feel chilled part of the time. Next up: Boarding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 16, 2011 Author #3 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Boarding 2/10 We got up about 8-ish, had breakfast down in the hotel retail shop area and left the hotel about 10:30. Quick ride to terminal and immediately left our luggage w/porters and went inside. No one was in line yet but sitting in chairs. In about 15 minutes one couple went to stand in the roped off area which started a stampede. People are lemmings! We got towards the end of the line and I would say in another 15 minutes they started putting us through Security. We had a Century Suite and are Elite (via our RCCL Diamond status) so I wasn't sure which line to go to - went to the Suite one I believe (it didn't matter really). Check-in was painless and we headed to the escalators to board the ship. We were handed champagne upon boarding and entered right by the escalator (which was funny to see dh see as he didn't know there was one). I showed him our cards and explained that the PALL meant this trip was "all inclusive" and he could drink whatever he wanted. LOL We did a quick walk through the 5, 6, 7 floor public areas. Since we're used to RCCL it was a bit of a different layout (no Promenade) but we liked it and got used to it quickly. We took some photos and headed upstairs. We looked at the AquaSpa Cafe choices, took a quick walk through the Persian Garden room and the workout area, the locker rooms/sauna/showers and headed back to the buffet area. We *LOVED* the buffet. This totally beats the Wind Jammer on the RCCL ships. The Asian and Pasta station areas are incredible. I ate Asian two days, pasta one day and a hamburger the last day and all were great. Total thumbs up. We had lunch and changed into our swimsuits and grabbed pool chairs and pina coladas. I might mention here that we had received another 14" of snow (28" in 8 days, we normally have a maximum of 10" per YEAR) and the temperature that morning was -27. NEGATIVE 27. I enjoyed taking photos of my toes and drinks and posting them on Facebook for friends at home. Btw, it was steamy hot in Miami this day! We were in-between fronts and it was wonderfully warm and partly sunny. We hung out at the pool most of the afternoon - I did run down to the room once they were ready (right at 1 pm) and again later to check on our luggage (which came by 4 ish?). Muster drill was painless and in Rendevous Lounge for us. Met our Butler Wilifred and Steward Jose. Both were efficient and friendly all cruise. Sailaway was very late (past 5:30, closer to 5:45?) and we missed getting together w/our roll call people as we were at the front of the ship and met 3 couples from Naples and talked to them for a good hour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 16, 2011 Author #4 Share Posted February 16, 2011 We had everything unpacked and several drinks in us prior to dinner. Sent off 2 items for pressing (using Elite coupons) and we headed down about 7:20 - had reserved Select Dining online for Thurs, Sat and Sun nights. We were seated immediately and BOY was that awkward. The tables for 2 were literally 1-2" from each other. Luckily we had nice couples on both sides but my God, if you're going to offer tables for 2, that is NOT how to do it. It was ridiculous. Service and food was good. We both had the Prime Rib and wine (by the glass) with our package. The creme brulee dessert was one of the best ones I've had! After dinner we headed to the Martini Bar. This is by far my favorite bar at sea. EVER (on 12 cruises!). I tried a Skinny (too minty) and a Flirtini. Dh had the Almond Joy and the Banana Split. After that, the night is a little blurry. Hee. Dh spent most late nights in the casino while I slept (he likes to stay out til 2 or 3 am). We saw the comedian (James Stephen III, I think?) and enjoyed his show. We didn't go to any other shows. This trip was really for us to relax so that's what we did! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 16, 2011 Author #5 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Key West - 2/11 We ate a quick breakfast in the Island Grill Cafe (is that the name?). Side note: we LOVED our stateroom location, a quick trip up to eat or grab a drink and then not too far from the "mid ship" area. It was overcast and kind of warm in Key West. We had been before but had not done the Southernmost Point thing so we walked down Duval there, took a photo and walked back. Looked at Souvenirs but I don't think we bought a thing. Had lunch at buffet and took a movie back to our cabin since the weather wasn't cooperating! Watched that and wandered the ship a bit, enjoyed some drinks, etc. Lazy afternoon. Dinner at Murano was this night (8:30) so we got ready and did have one photo taken (didn't buy) before dinner. Dinner was ***OUTSTANDING***. Amazing and one of the best meals I've had at sea (Palo at Disney probably being my ultimate favorite and I do love Portofino too). The service was great, the atmosphere was fantastic (sometimes on RCCL the specialty restaurants feel "odd" - you'll have half the restaurant empty or too many tables busy at once, etc. - this all felt perfectly timed and laid out). I had the goat cheese appetizer, the lobster bisque (drooling thinking about it), the Caparese salad (DE-lish), the surf and turf and the crepe dessert. I should have had the souffle dh had (Grand Marnier) because the crepe was my least favorite thing but the presentation was awesome. Highly, highly recommend Murano. We did not visit the Martini bar that night. Just way too much food (TOO much) and wine. Cozumel 2/12 The sea was VERY rough on the way to Cozumel. Luckily we've never had a sea-sick problem but I heard that many people did and it was rocking a lot that night. It was raining when we arrived and we had breakfast and got ready to go ashore. Breakfast note: while I loved the omelet station and it was well run, I didn't like the running around to get items for breakfast. For example, I wanted one waffle, 2 strips of bacon and hashbrowns. I had to visit at least 2 stations for this and something would be cold by the time I waited. The omelet was the way to go but that wasn't always what I wanted. We took our room umbrella and headed in w/the intention to buy our kids some souvenirs. I will say that this was the absolute worst weather day we have EVER had on a cruise. It was SO windy that we couldn't use the umbrella either direction. It was like we were on a mission and HAD TO go ashore. We probably spent 75-90 minutes off the ship, returning at a dead run for the long stretch back to the ship on open dock in the rain. We went and changed clothes, re-dried ourselves and had lunch, then went to see The Other Guys at the movie theater. I had a couple Aspen Coffees (excellent) from the Cova coffee area (right near the movie theater) and took my in-room shore excursion towel as a blanket. It was cold! We opted out of main dining room for that night and had sushi and some items from the buffet, then hit the Martini Bar and the show. Nice day, even w/the rain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 16, 2011 Author #6 Share Posted February 16, 2011 At sea - 2/13 We woke Sunday to sun! The sun! YAY! Breakfast and hit the pool. We have cruised before and know that on a windy day being up towards the front of the ship near an overhang is the way to go. We were in our chairs by 9:30. I was determined to lay out all day. Our spot was great and several people commented on how less windy it was up there. It was VERY windy all day. And sunny on/off but ended up very sunny by late in the day. Dh went to some tournament at some point but I hung out and read my Kindle. We finally ate lunch about 1:30 or 2 and then had the brainstorm that since we were at the back of the ship and there was sun ON our balcony and it was HUGE we could lay out there. So we did. Perfection! We did our onboard souvenir shopping, started to pack and cleaned up for dinner. Dh asked for a more private table and we were seated at the far end along the railing. MUCH more like a table for 2 (with others around us, but stationed in such a way that you were NOT on top of each other). Dinner was good but not the best ever. We both had the Cajun steak. The meat was tender and cooked correctly but lacked flavor (had some heat but no real flavor). I had the creme brulee again and it wasn't as good to me this time around. The wait staff did bring us an anniversary cake and sang to us. Very cute and nice. We finished w/some martinis (I am telling you, best bar EVER) and then returned to pack. Dh went back to the casino and I went to bed. Overall Thoughts Dh loved the casino and did well there. He mainly played Texas Hold'em and had quite a group of cronies by the end. LOL The ship is beautiful. I loved it. It has a wonderful feel to it and is large enough to have all we wanted/needed but not feel huge or crowded. I worked out in the gym one night (running on the treadmill as we left Key West, it was hilarious trying to stay upright). We visited Persian Garden w/our Elite coupons on the Cozumel afternoon after the movie. That was WONDERFUL and we spent 2 hours on the heated loungers in heaven. I hit the sauna in the regular locker room and used the shower, all very nice facilities. I loved the layout of the buffet table wise, it seemed to have plenty of seating and you weren't on top of each other. The dining room could use more of that layout! Muranos was wonderful! The drink package? I drank a lot more than I usually do (as did dh) but we loved the overall idea, especially on a short cruise. I had no issue getting served anywhere. Dh seemed to have more of an issue and once he ran up from the room to the Sunset Bar and it took FOREVER. I guess one server was mad at another for the situation too. We had 2 charges on our cards from drinks and the first was quickly removed but in calling on the 2nd one he was told she had no record of our drink package and he'd have to come down there. My dh doesn't deal well with these issues so he asked to speak to the bar manager and got that resolved pretty quickly. We didn't understand why they had to take the card and swipe it/keep track (on paper, by hand, seemed SO time-consuming) when we never received a listing of all our drinks - what is the point? It was super easy to get 2 drinks w/both cards which was VERY convenient for either of us to get something for the other. Service overall was great and I felt like the staff was friendly and eager to chat at any time with us. Getting off the ship. We chose express departure and were in the Rendevous Lounge at 6:30 with about 50 others. We were allowed to leave at 6:35 and were through Customs and waiting on a taxi by 6:45. At Miami checking in at 7:05. Outstanding and made that wake-up call worth it. We had a 10:03 flight and hours to kill. Given our Diamond status and ability to transfer that to Elite on Celebrity, I would definitely cruise them again. We typically do the family cruise on the larger (Voyager, Freedom and maybe up next, Oasis Class) ships but dh and I will consider Celebrity for ourselves in the future! Other note: we did not take advantage of Michael's Club for the Elite benefits, primarily because we had the drink package. On RCCL we do visit the Diamond Lounge, but the hours are more open to our later time for dinner (7:30 - 8). The room - we love Aft balconies and being able to sun on this one was awesome. We could see the Sunset bar (edge of it, if we stood at the outer edge of our balcony) and I'm sure they could see us laying out, but that didn't bother us at all. I thought the room felt significantly smaller than a balcony (D1) room on RCCL and the bathroom was microscopic (but with a bigger shower than RCCL) but honestly for the 2 of us, it was totally fine. Bed was comfortable and the A/C rocked. We like it cold to sleep and by God, it was freezing! There was ONE plug on the vanity. We bought an adapter (3 prong w/3 plugs) in Key West because in my packing frenzy I had forgotten to pack mine. That helped but ONE plug? Really? We had cell phones, battery charger (camera), Kindle, hair dryer and curling iron. Everything had to go in shifts. But if that's the worst thing about a cruise and it was remedied w/a $4.99 purchase? I'm good! Let me know if you have any questions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welly world Posted February 16, 2011 #7 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Thank you for your review! We were on her a year ago for Valentine's Day and reading your posting brought back SOOOOO many wonderful memories! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letsgoaway Posted February 16, 2011 #8 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Really enjoyed your review. Sounds like a great time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paton Posted February 16, 2011 #9 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Getting ready to sail first time with Celebrity on 2/28, are Diamond with RCCL. Just wondering is there a charge for the Sushi? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 16, 2011 Author #10 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Getting ready to sail first time with Celebrity on 2/28, are Diamond with RCCL. Just wondering is there a charge for the Sushi? no charge, it is up at the buffet and includes a lot more options than found at Wind Jammer - shrimp, eel, salmon, several roll options. Very yummy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portofrome Posted February 16, 2011 #11 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Thanks for your review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiaryofNDJ Posted February 16, 2011 #12 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Wonderful review - I was on this cruise, as well, and I think you captured everything (especially those rough seas!). It was my first cruise and I think I will be doing many more Celebrity Cruises in the future! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paton Posted February 16, 2011 #13 Share Posted February 16, 2011 no charge, it is up at the buffet and includes a lot more options than found at Wind Jammer - shrimp, eel, salmon, several roll options. Very yummy! Thank you for quick response, had foot surgery few weeks ago, just found this last minute great deal but never cruised x before, seems more laid back which is what need, since will be in cast. Very familiar with rccl, but not much need for the rock wall, ice rink etc. since foot in cast lol! Do they offer lobster on 5 night? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 16, 2011 Author #14 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I don't know on lobster in main dining room as we ate in Murano on Formal Night - they did have both a lobster entree as well as a surf and turf on in Murano Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paton Posted February 16, 2011 #15 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Thanks again, just know they still do lobster on rccl on 5 night, just was reading that they had stopped lobster on x. We eat in mdr every night. I have read food is step up from rccl, I am happy with Rccl, so know we will enjoy. Just happy to be on the cruise!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montgomeryfamily Posted February 16, 2011 #16 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Did you get a complimentary dinner in Muranos for being in a suite or did you have to pay those charges yourself? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panmalv Posted February 17, 2011 #17 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Great review! We were on the cruise with you and missed the sail-away gathering as well. We also splurged for the premium drinks package, and were glad we did. Service was great, although we did run into a couple of short-staffed bars. Love that 20th Anniversary Martini! The weather was miserable, but it sounds like we all had a great time. This was our first cruise on Celebrity, and we loved the Century -- what a nice ship and great people. Happy anniversary! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thmpsn Posted February 17, 2011 #18 Share Posted February 17, 2011 We have this room booked for a Sept. cruise. I am wondering if the balcony had any shade at all or was it completely open to the sun? Most important, did you have any noise issues at all with this room? Thanks for you review. Karon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 17, 2011 Author #19 Share Posted February 17, 2011 We have this room booked for a Sept. cruise. I am wondering if the balcony had any shade at all or was it completely open to the sun? Most important, did you have any noise issues at all with this room? Thanks for you review. Karon There was shade over the more covered portion, especially if the sun was on the side of the ship. Heading back to Key West we were traveling East so we had full sun as it was afternoon. But most of the time it was at least partial shade. There was a little scraping of chairs across the top, but nothing like being under a pool. I think the corner room helps that as well since there are not that many tables at Sunset Bar way over to the edge. We heard talking, music, etc. from above while on the patio, but it was muted and did not bother us at all. We noticed the thrusters when the ship would be turning around for a port, primarily the last morning as we docked in Miami. It wasn't noise as much as some vibration really Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpduquaine Posted February 18, 2011 #20 Share Posted February 18, 2011 How did you transfers work? I thought you booked through SAS, Correct? I have a flight in on the day we sail and out the day of our return. We have an 11:30 flight on our way home. How early did you get to disembark? And was the SAS service really reliable? Much thanks! Michele ps- we sail Feb 28th :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted February 18, 2011 Author #21 Share Posted February 18, 2011 We booked SAS on our own going in as we were landing in FLL and needed a ride to our Miami hotel - it was flawless and quick and fabulous. From what I understand they can pick up in FLL or at Port of Miami and go to the reverse (location, hotels are ok) but can't go from Port of Miami to MIA so if you're using that airport, take a taxi. We chose Self-Departure and carried our own bags. Met at 6:30 in Lounge, let go at 6:35, were waiting for a taxi at 6:45 (it took a few minutes) and then were checking in our bags w/the porters at MIA at 7:05. Taxi was $24 SAS was $30 from FLL to hotel. VERY reliable! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrot_head Posted March 9, 2011 #22 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Great read and very helpful We are booked in Aft 1139, the mirror opposite of yours. We are doing an Alaskan in July and can't wait.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masonpips Posted March 10, 2011 Author #23 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Great read and very helpfulWe are booked in Aft 1139, the mirror opposite of yours. We are doing an Alaskan in July and can't wait.. I just posted a link w/a lot of room photos! Enjoy! https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=198410&id=1488278395&l=36d238ebae Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.