ladylemondrop

13 hours ago, Mark_UK said:

We made it! Despite the change in itinerary it has been a lovely cruise so far! 

Great photo! Have a lovely time am so glad it all came together in the end. 

38 minutes ago, LovetoCruisex2 said:

LadyLemonDrop,

Sincerest thanks for your comprehensive and honest sharing.  As avid cruisers and big fans of Celebrity, it was refreshing to hear such honest and unbiased accounts of your experiences. As we all deal with the realizations surrounding the "new normal" for post-pandemic cruising, your assurances about the continued excellence of specialty dining on Solstice class ships is heartening.

We have felt for many years that Murano is one of the finest overall dining experiences literally in the world (land or sea). I have shared with hotel directors on all ships having Murano that if they would open it up to a sea view it would garner Michelin stars!! Have not had a better Dover Sole anywhere.

And so grateful that your husband was able to make the trip. Memories to be cherished indeed.

Safe travels, and bon voyage!!

Your posts have helped make our upcoming Oct 22 TA from Southampton even more exciting to look forward to.

By chance, were the Barricade Boys onboard?

And how was the string duo and/or acoustic duo?

 

Thanks again,

Thank you for your lovely words. I’m glad I could help! Yes the Barricade boys were onboard, a talented bunch of very friendly guys. The string duo were good too (except when they played poolside it didn’t quite hit the mark) I think you will have a wonderful time, if you look for the sunshine it’s always there somewhere 😊

1 hour ago, marieps said:

We 

We sail Sillie's TA in three weeks and just want to post my own thanks for your meticulous and fun review.   I'm glad you had such a great time.  Best wishes for hubby's continued recovery.

Thank you this made my eyes leak a little bit…

Just back from Silhouette, and they don't even use it now. Such a shame imo, as its a fantastic space, and looks fun, but its dead. They could consider other uses for it surely? OP, I dont think it would impact your booking.  I would be more aware of noise potential from Deck 3/4 midship, where they have a lot of live music, martini bar etc.  

10 hours ago, Mark_UK said:

 

I hope so too! I am actually also on the 16th sailing so would be great to have them sail with us. We wanted to sail together but my partner couldn't get the leave during September so we booked separately. Having them sail with us feels like it would make up for it all, even if they have to downgrade and pay a bit more. 

I like this news! Would be lovely if they could sail with you. I really hope Celebrity help as much as they can, I feel so bad for your parents. I think we all do! Good luck.  

We had a similar issue on Silhouette recently, table for two is impossible really, as you are seated on a long walkway where all the staff go up and down with food, (like a motorway of people) and your table is one inch from the next ‘table of two’ everyone I saw sitting there looked so unhappy and awkward. Better to just ask to share a bigger better located table. 

8 hours ago, Mark_UK said:

Hi everyone, sorry for not updating. It's been a hectic and tiring day. 

 

So they have abandoned the cruise and are collecting an emergency passport in the morning from the British Embassy and then flying home on Wednesday. They will therefore miss Apex when she sails tomorrow and have been advised they can ask for a "no show'" letter once the sailing is over. 

 

We are speaking to Celebrity about getting their booking transferred onto the same cruise in 2 weeks in the same category of cabin (ocean view) and identical itinerary, but Celebrity are trying to charge £4000 (~$5000) for that (the original fare was £2500), along with losing their promotional onboard credit. I've emailed the CEOs office to ask if they can help. 

 

The passports were in a pouch that they had been wearing all day whilst travelling with cash inside also, which is now missing so quite certain that they have been stolen and not misplaced. 

 

The hotel was the well reviewed P&T Athens Manor Houses, which is "outstanding" on Hotels.com but recent reviews on trustpilot mention stolen valuables and passports. The room next door to them had the same thing happen that evening. Seems like an inside job as there was no sign of forced entry.

 

Sigh. 

Ouch. That’s really awful. Am so sorry. I really hope that the executive office can help your parents to go without being financially penalised for this horrible situation. A reminder to us all that there are some desperate and nasty people out there! Such a shame. At least your parents are safe, that’s the main thing. 

Are they 100% sure they were stolen from Hotel and not left somewhere or tucked into a bag safely? (am sure they have checked and checked again, but I just wondered) maybe the hotel will have them handed in?? Long shot..... Seems such an odd thing to steal. I really hope that they can get a resolution that means they can enjoy their cruise, hoping for a happy ending to this tale.  

45 minutes ago, NaplesKnitter said:

Loved your wonderful thread on your fun cruise!  Do you happen to know what that pink drink was called at the WORL class Bar?  Your photos were great!

There were two very nice cocktails from world class bar, the tall pink one is a Celebrity Number 10, and the smaller pretty purplish one is a Violet - it was absolutely delicious. They use fresh zest and all kinds of small touches that really make a difference. 

Thanks for all your kind comments. Last nights dinner was excellent, again, we were offered chefs specials, one appetiser (spinach parcel on cheese sauce) and entree (Chinese duck stir fry with rice) both were superb. 
 

The kitchen and restaurant staff all did a little parade which was great fun, nice to see them all so proud. 
 

We finished the evening with Martinis and music at Deck 3/4 and said our goodbyes to everyone. It’s been a great cruise and we will hopefully be back on board soon. Wishing all those who have got cruises coming up a wonderful time. Thank you for following along! 
 

Now we have to go home and COOK for ourselves booooooo….😁

And a little stop at Al Bacio for more refreshment - naughty but nice! This is called an Iglu (cold coffee with chocolate and cream)

It was delicious. And an opera cupcake. 
 

It’s a tad wet outside and yet we found my husband and son - in the hot tub…in the pouring rain!!! We took refuge at the pool bar. Another drink… oh well! Drink up! 🍹 

Last day! We are still rolling and the sun has well and truly abandoned ship so we just spent the morning packing, and mooching around the ship. They have the bag and jewellery sales in the shop. They also had an ‘Egg drop’ event where people had to drop an egg from deck 5 to deck 3 using various ingenious methods! It was fun. 
 

The oceanview have a special lunch today, lots of beautiful cakes, shrimp, and other amazing foods in abundance! I’m amazed I can still fit any more food in but I seem to be managing somehow…

7 hours ago, kiwichick62 said:

It’s really rocking and rolling now, tonight has been very quiet…. We went to dinner but couldn’t stay up afterwards. 
 

We had mushroom risotto, blue cheese soufflé, lobster, lamb, butter chicken. Followed by baked Alaska and lemon roulade. The star of the show was the butter chicken, really delicious. 

 

Food looks good, did you dine in the MDR or a speciality restaurant?

I have enjoyed reading about your travels thanks.  🙂

 

This was the MDR, it was Chic night so nicer menu. Lloyd is the best waiter, along with Tapas sommelier they are such a great team. 

It’s really rocking and rolling now, tonight has been very quiet…. We went to dinner but couldn’t stay up afterwards. 
 

We had mushroom risotto, blue cheese soufflé, lobster, lamb, butter chicken. Followed by baked Alaska and lemon roulade. The star of the show was the butter chicken, really delicious. 
 

Healthy lunch 😂

We are at sea today and tomorrow, heading back to Southampton. The Captain keeps mentioning ‘swell’ and ‘wind’ and ‘4 metre waves’ so I resorted to my trusty seasickness tablets and I slept like the dead. 
 

I started the dreaded packing this morning, just popping things into my packing cubes, they are so helpful and go into the top cupboard so nicely in the cabin. 
 

I have added a photo of the toiletries in case it’s useful to anyone, they are a brand called ‘Bigelow’ (never heard of it) there is shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion. I brought my own antibacterial hand wash with me, and wipes, and sanitizer. We also brought a shower tidy to hang all our own products in for the shower, it has been very useful. 
 

We are now by the pool, and the sun has come out! Grabbing every moment we can as we know back home is going to be dark and cold. ☹️
 

We went to the lawn club again for dinner tonight, there was a lovely sunset and although it’s a little windy, they provide blankets and it’s quite cosy in there. 
 

Warning!  It’s a food challenge! We ordered far too much (again) but it’s all so good…. 
 

The sommelier brought us excellent wines as well, they are making sure we get the premium

wines which is appreciated. 
 

After dinner we just had a digestive walk around the ship and saw a bit of the band, got a martini (peach and orange tonight, very nice)

Last stop was a nice cup of decaf tea from Al Bacio, I really feel staff here are literally keeping us all going on this cruise, getting our daily coffee fix is so important to us all. They deserve lots of tips. 
 

Today was our last port of call, which is sad.

we are forecast winds and 4 metre waves tomorrow. I still haven’t met Captain George yet this cruise which is a shame as I’m sure he’d love to meet me 😁

Oh this guy at breakfast…. Everyday he sings his heart out, badly! I’m not sure if he thinks he’s good or if he knows he is terrible but anyway, God loves a trier! Bless him. 
 

Today we are in the beautiful city of Cadiz. It is such a lovely place, clean, friendly and full of character. 
 

We disembarked around 10:30 down a very steep ramp today on Deck 4. Staff were very helpful.  Our tour bus was extremely hot and people were a bit tetchy about the lack of air conditioning. After a short journey we got off the bus and had a brief walk to the cathedral, followed by some free time at the incredible fish market, there were 2ft sharks, big red tuna fish and lots of amazing other local foods on offer including pork. 
 

After this we went to a local bar for a flamenco show and tapas. We got a free drink, and paid around 2.5 euros for a small tapas plate. The show was great (loud) but captivating. They are so incredibly intense and put their heart and soul into the dance. We really enjoyed it. I would come back to Cadiz again for sure. 
 

We made our own way back to the ship as it was within sight and took moments to walk to. 
 

Last nights dinner at Murano, to celebrate my birthday with our friends who are also onboard. 
 

I had to get a short video of the walkway through to the ensemble lounge, the room with the weird but soothing noises! I like it. 
 

We had a pre dinner drink at the bar, and there was a couple performing what I call easy listening. 
 

We had a fabulous meal, again, staff were so

attentive and gentile. The food is all divine, I chose a cheese soufflé starter this time, then the Duck, which was good but I did slightly regret not going for the lobster, it smells soooo good when they cook it tableside! I always think the smell is the best part over the eating it though. 
 

Crepe balon rouge for everyone, oh and a birthday cake for me! Nice touch. My cabin was also decorated when I got back to it which was really lovely! (Apart from the banner falling on my head in the night) 🤣

There wasn’t much dancing last night sadly, we gambled a bit in the casino but I have not got the Midas touch, I just lose. My son has had all the luck there so far. All in all, a great day, I especially loved being on our balcony and am so glad we chose to have one. 
 

12 hours ago, peanut head said:

Happy birthday!!

 

Just out of curiosity, what is the name of the pizzeria in Pisa?

Hi it was Pizzeria 89 

11 hours ago, Guera53 said:

Is the cheese for everyone? Like from the Buffett? Or did you get it from a specialty spot?

Yes for everyone from the buffet, they have quite a good selection. 
 

Just enjoying the pool today, reading, bit of cheese and melon, and a sneaky Frozen toasted almond, (I didn’t even ask for one, the pool waiter just brought it!!) it’s a beautiful day. 
 

I’m starting to think more and more about my next cruiser…….and reminding myself that however many days it is, it’s never enough! 

Can’t think of a nicer way to spend the day…

Today is my birthday and we are at sea. I feel a little bit tired after staying up late for the pool party, but am just enjoying a lovely latte at Al Bacio (we are actually seated in Sushi on Five as it’s so busy, which seems a good use of space) 

Here are couple of photos from last night. We had late night pizza too! It was good fun.