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Our cruise departed Bayonne, NJ on April 22, 2012. I have read so many complaints about this port, but considering we live 15 minutes from Bayonne, we cannot complain. We were in the port for such a brief time, that it's not even worth writing about. Incidentally, the staff are so efficient and we were processed very quickly.
Rather than go into a lengthy description about Celebrity/Silhouette, here are my major comments:
- There is still a language barrier - the staff who work on ships are, of course, from all over the world. However, we were misinformed several times and because we have traveled a considerable amount, we knew to ask more than once. I always keep asking, until I find someone who speaks fluent English.
- The Silhouette is beautiful; new, clean, lovely. The specialty restaurants are great (we tried 3). Of course, this is optional/extra, but since it was our anniversary, we treated ourselves.
- There is also much talk about 'nickel & diming" customers. Sorry to say that we agree about this. To pay $3.50 for a small bottle of water PLUS a gratuity fee, is ridiculous! On Royal Caribbean at least we received 'one' free bottle.
- The tours sponsored by the cruise line were pretty good (not cheap). However, it is a coin toss as to whether or not you will get a good guide (it ended up 50/50 for us).
- As far as transatlantic cruising - I don't think this is for us. The first 2-3 days at sea were not very pleasant - for us, really rough. We actually stayed in our room the second evening at sea. It was so rough that they postponed the first big show! It's just too "iffy" for us and was a kind of waste of time just getting to our destination. I realize many people don't feel this way, but I would prefer to just fly to where we can get the ship and sail from that port.
Oh, one more thing - as we departed from Rome (to come home), this is the busiest, most disorganized airport we have ever been to. We were there also last year, but this year, it was just horrible! We flew on Delta/AlItalia; total chaos, very very long lines, and just not a pleasant way to end a trip.
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