This was our 14th cruise, 3rd on Celebrity. Flew in that AM from DTW, took a taxi to the port. Check in was a breeze. Booked an SV category balcony, Sunset Veranda at very back of the ship. The cabin was just like the mid-ship balcony we had last yr but very comfortable. Had seen some comments about soot from the smoke stacks but it was NOT a problem. There are mechanical washers that clean the panels & railings early every AM & then room attendants clean again when you leave. This cabin is a long way from the elevators. BF says they are about a football filed away. But it's a good way to help walk off those extra calories from the fabulous dinners we had.

The weather was great until the last day. Was mostly cloudy & very windy and arrived back in FL to 40 degree temps. Didn't do any excursions & only got off the ship @ St Kitts for about an hour. Love port days on the ship. So much to do & deals @ the Spa & no one @ the pool. The friendliness of ALL the ships staff amazes me. Especially the Selective Dining hostess. Even when confronted by an unhappy passengers having to wait, she was always apologetic & even if the passenger was wrong or just plain rude, tried to honor the request.

The cruise itself was wonderful BUT...............Disembarking was a nightmare. 4 + hrs to get through Customs/Immigration. Had our own luggage & stayed aboard as long as we could thinking it would be less crowded. Groups were being called regularly but when we got to deck 2 you couldn't get off the elevators. It was absolute gridlock. Spent 2 hrs outside in 45 degrees & another 2 + hrs in the terminal. Only 4 agents to process 3000 people, many in wheelchairs. I don't fault Celebrity at all. This was clearly Customs/Immigration issue and I've heard of other issues like this at different ports. But I think things could have been handled a little better with a little communication. I have never experienced anything like this on any other of my 14 cruises. Hope this isn't going to the "norm".