massedtuck

Lois, We did the Avalon Paris-Normandy cruise a few years ago. It remains one of our favorite trips. The Creativity, which was our ship, was very nice, although it is one of the older Avalon ships now. The itinerary was great-every port was interesting in its own way.

Hard to describe the emotion of the Normandy beaches and American cemetery. The food was excellent on the ship was well. Would highly recommend based on our experience.

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We've done the Normandy trip, as well as Rhône/Saone and Danube. The Normandy trip was our favorite and remains in fact one of our favorite trips ever. Every port very interesting, and Normandy WWII sites were incredibly stirring. (Avalon)

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We were at the Intercontinental last month. Excellent location near Chain Bridge. Don’t miss the breakfasts!

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If you wish to try a shorter cruise for your first experience, may I suggest the Paris to Normandy trip with Avalon. It’s a week if you don’t do add ons, the ports are very interesting, and it remains one of our all time favorites.

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Just back from our Avalon trip. We stayed at the Intercontinental in both Prague and Budapest. Excellent locations. Less than a 10 minute walk to Old Town main square in Prague, and near Chain Bridge in Budapest

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Just to let folks know what is happening on the Danube. I'm currently on the Avalon Luminary and we are stuck in Vilshoven. We couldn't get from Passau to Regensburg due to low water. It started to rain, and now we can' t proceed due to HIGH water. So the offer today was a bus to Nuremberg-3 hours each way for an hour or so walking tour and some free time. Very few elected to go foward, since tomorrow we have 4 and 1/2 hour bus ride to Prague. For those coming on a Danube trip soon, seems like conditions change rapidly. Hope this info helps.

We were also on this voyage, our first with Vantage, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We felt the passengers on this trip were the friendliest we have encountered on our various land trips and river cruises. So many nice and interesting people! BTW, we had a short chat with Nadia as we were leaving and she confirmed the affability of the group.

I posted a short review for anyone interested.

Dave

We sailed with Avalon on the Creativity a few years ago, and it was one of our best trips ever. Every port had interesting excursions and both the ship in general and our cabin were well cared for. The cabin was laid out nicely. Food was excellent, especially at dinner. Avalon is a first class outfit, and we hope to sail with them again soon.

It's been a couple years since I've been on an M-Class ship. Wondering if you recall there being a singer/guitar player performing at the Oceanview Bar?

 

 

 

It was one of our favourite places to hang out before/after dinner and really loved listening to the live music with the ocean in the background.

Sunset Bar had a solo acoustic guy a few times, but only played about an hour set most times.

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How was the age demographic? I expect Celebrity normally skews older, but on a 4 day perhaps a younger crowd?

 

We're going on a 5 day with our 20-something adult children, so I was wondering what the night life was likely to be like. The kids would like to see it go until dawn. DW would like to hear it dies down and everyone is in bed by 1am so she doesn't lie awake all night wondering what trouble they are getting in.;)

Our cruise had a wide variety of age levels. Very few youngsters, but lots of 20s-30s on up to fairly ancient (me). Reflections goes fairly late-we left at midnight and still going strong. Can't say what time it finally wrapped up.

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We recently booked a Celebrity Suite and one of the listed amenities is a mini bar (* indicates extra charge). Can anyone describe the mini bar? (is it similar to a mini bar in a hotel).

 

If we choose to host a cabin party is it possible to get full bottle service in cabin?

 

Thanks!

Yes, the mini bar is similar to one in a hotel-with similar charges. Don't know about the cabin service for a party

Do the safes use cards with magnetic strips to open and close the safes?

We used a 4 digit pin, but there is a slide on the safe which perhaps can be used. Maybe someone has the answer?

Hi,

 

Welcome back !

 

We are thinking about booking the 4 days cruise on the Constellation. Were you on the 4 days cruise ? If so, when was the formal night ?

 

I think you have to go through custom in Key West. Was it the case for you ? If so, do you have to go through custom again at disembarkation in FLL ?

 

Thank you :D

The formal night was the 2nd. We did have to go through customs on the ship before going into Key West. It was a snap-very well organized and quick. Also need to go through customs at FLL in the customs building with declaration card.

What was the earliest you could get off with luggage?

We opted to hold our bags and take them off ourselves. By doing that you're able to get off around 7:15. Otherwise you're assigned a time and need to wait in a lounge area because you need to vacate your cabin by 8:30.

I don't want to open a can of worms but we haven't sailed Celebrity for a number of years. I am a cigar smoker and I do enjoy a good cigar in the evening preferably with a nice sipping beverage. What are the provisions on board (either inside or outside) on the Constellation for cigar smokers? Also, is cigar smoking allowed on balconies?

 

Again, not trying to make controversy - just want to know the ground rules in advance. Thanks.

I noticed ashtrays at the aft bar-I believe it's called the Sunset Bar. Great place for a drink while enjoying the fresh air

My fav was the Beef Tornedos, also loved the French onion soup

Just returned from a very enjoyable cruise. Quite favorably impressed with our 1st time on Celebrity. I've posted a review which should be up eventually. In the meantime, happy to answer any questions.:)

One option would be to grab a hydrofoil to Hydra. It's a short hop from Piraeus to a lovely small island.