Name: Kevin L. Bains
Email: klbains@vartec.net
Age: 42
Occupation: Customer Svc. VP
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Century
SailingDate: 5/30/98
Itinerary: Western Carrib.
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 98
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Jun 1998
Time: 18:51:17
Remote Name: 208.205.47.146
Remote User:

Comments

As this was our first cruise, I did exhaustive research on the Internet about our cruise line and ship prior to our cruise. Therefore, I will attempt to address many
of the things that I agreed with or disagreed with on the Internet. I will also attempt to cover some details that are frequently overlooked.

Embarkation went very smoothly. Our flight was an early one, so we had to wait in the embarkation terminal several hours. However, the wait was very pleasant
and there was a snack bar in the facility. As we entered, we were given an embarkation number of '3'. Thus we were one of the first ones to be called to board
the boat. Our travel agent had advised us not to eat lunch because of the welcome aboard buffet on the ship. However, because of the early flight and the
meager bistro breakfast, we ate a hot dog from the snack bar, and were glad we did.

Check-in prior to boarding was a breeze. We presented our credit card, got our room keys/cards and within minutes were walking across the gangway. You
enter the ship on level five in what they call the Grand Foyer. A string quartet plays beside the waterfall as the hotel staff greets you. A white-gloved
steward/stewardess escorts you to your room. This provides for a nice first impression.

Once we had settled a little in the room, we went to the AquaSpa. We were required to take a five-minute tour of the facility. The spa has sales down to an art. All
of the various massage and therapy rooms had a live person getting the specific treatment being offered. We later learned that these were crewmembers. My
wife and I booked a 90-minute massage and facial each. The cost was significant. The treatments were good, but I wouldn't do it again. The same treatment
could be had back home for half the price. We were also asked to tip the spa staff 15%. Once the treatments were over, we were given a hard sell to buy some
of their products. This was kind-of a turnoff after a relaxing experience.

After we booked our massages, we then went to Guest Relations to book our excursions. This can also be done over the interactive television in the room. I'll
cover more about the excursions later.

I was disappointed with the ship somewhat. I had read many times on the Internet that the ship was like a five star hotel. I can only say that the people that
stated that have never stayed in a five star hotel or eaten in a five star restaurant. The ship is very, very nice, but not five star. I was expecting the Normandie
with lots of rich, dark woods and tapestries. Instead, there is lots of brass, glass, and chrome. The furnishings, although I'm sure are very high quality, are very
modern.

The Ship: The ship was immaculate in every way. I could elaborate, but I can't think of a more descriptive word than immaculate. If you are allergic to or dislike
cigarette smoke, get over it. We hate smoke, however, it's everywhere. The staff does a very poor job of enforcing the no smoking policy on the starboard side
of the ship. For that matter, there are not even any signs. We found this to be one of the most unpleasant things on board. We simply could not escape a
smoker.

The Cabin: We were a family of four. Our two teenage sons stayed in the same cabin with us. We were on deck 9. We paid a little more to be on deck 9,
although, in retrospect, I don't see any real reason to pay more as the cabins are all essentially the same. Of course, the quad cabin was very crowded. On the
next cruise, if I can possibly afford it, we'll opt for a larger cabin. We'll do this whether the kids are with us or not. You do spend more time in the room than you
think. There was plenty of storage for luggage and clothes in the cabin. The beds are not very comfortable. The cabin has a dormitory feel to it. The bathroom
was nice enough and the shower was great. The cabin stewardess did a very nice job of keeping the room clean. Nothing fancy in the way of swans made out of
our nightclothes, but very nice, just the same. I was never happy with the cabin temperature. We had the thermostat set on 60, but they were playing tricks on
our mind. It was never cooler than 75 or so. When dressing for dinner, with all the lights on, and the shades open, it was very uncomfortable. The comedian on
the ship joked that there were three water temperature in the shower and the sink: almost hot, very hot, and molten hot. If you wanted to take a cool shower on
a hot day, you were out of luck. This is not necessarily a complaint, just a notification.

The Food: I rate the food in the Grand Dining Room as very good. Again, not five star. The waiter and busboy gave very good service and we became closer as
the cruise progressed. I did feel rushed most of the time. We had the early seating and although we ate at our own pace, there is still a rushed feeling. I also did
not get the distinct feeling that I could have as many of anything as I wanted. I always detected a very slight grimace on the face of the servers if we asked for
anything out of the ordinary. Actually, the waiter told us that they were not allowed to put two appetizers, two entrees, etc. down on the table at the same time.
So, you can't order a steak and lobster at the same time. You have to clean your first plate first, and then you can order something else.

The food for breakfast and lunch was just standard hotel fare. Nothing more, nothing less. The burgers and hot dogs around the pool rate the same.

Entertainment: I found the shows to be outstanding. We looked forward to each show each evening. The reviews on the Internet were generally not very
complimentary of the shows. However, I disagree. I did not expect Broadway quality productions. The singers and dancers were young, energetic and very
talented. The comedian was very funny and the jugglers were hysterical. Don't waste your money in the casino. The slot machines are very tight!

The Excursions: We only booked one excursion through the ship. We booked the others ourselves once we arrived in port. Don't feel like that you will not be
able to participate in an excursion if you don't book it through the ship. There are plenty of opportunities for excursions of every variety. There are actually some
that are better than the ship offers.

Ocho Rios: My only advice here is, don't get off the boat. Jamaica was our first port and we were very disappointed. Jamaica is an impoverished country and the
inhabitants we came in contact with were extremely aggressive in wanting us to use their service or buy their goods. They don't take no for an answer and are
almost combative.

Grand Cayman: Very nice, very European in feel. Don't miss Stingray City snorkeling. We booked this excursion through the ship and were extremely pleased
with it. Even if you don't snorkel, don't miss the opportunity to stand on a sand bar in chest high, crystal clear water as stingray swim around you. It was an
awesome experience.

Cozumel: Very nice also. Good shopping. Also good beaches, especially Playa del Sol. We enjoyed eating lunch at Las Palmeras.

Key West: We loved this port. There is a lot of good shopping plus some fun excursions. We parasailed and had a blast. This excursion was not available
through the ship. Of course, you are on U. S. soil, so it's a good time to make phone calls, use an ATM, etc. We did not do the traditional Conch Train tour,
although, it appeared to be a pleasant way to spend an hour or two.

The Days at Sea: The days at sea were also the formal nights for dinner. Sunday and Thursday for our cruise. Naturally, the swimming pool and decks are
extremely crowded on those days, but we were always able to find lounge chairs. We watched several pay-for-view in-room movies and enjoyed those.

Hints: We had read to take some large insulated beverage containers to use around the pool. This was excellent advice. The cups provided poolside are very
small and the large mugs came in very handy. We also bought two 12-packs of softdrinks and carried them as part of our carry-on luggage on the plane. Yes,
they were heavy and a little inconvenient, but we saved $50 on beverage purchases. Take an extension cord and an alarm clock. I felt the ship moving all the
time. It was never rough or unpleasant, but you absolutely can feel the ship moving and rocking some. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I tried to read in bed
one night and became slightly sea sick, but that was our only experience like that. We way over-packed. You don't need as many clothes as you think. We
struggled with whether to rent tuxedos or not. We thought it would be fun, but decided against it. I'm glad we didn't. It appeared to me that about 40% of the
men wore tuxedos on the formal nights, but our dark suits were just as appropriate as well as more comfortable.

I hope that I've painted a realistic picture of the cruise experience. We'll definitely go again and most likely on the same or a sister ship.

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