Celebrity Silhouette Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was my fourth cruise, but the first one I had taken in 16 years. Previously I had traveled on the Norwegian Seaward (1992), the Carnival Destiny (1997), and Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas (1999). My wife had never cruised before, and was a little skeptical. She was nervous about feeling "trapped," and feared she might become motion sick. We traveled with her parents (in their low 80s) and her sister and brother-in-law. My wife's sister and brother-in-law chose the cruise, booked our rooms, and paid for the trip as a gift to us, so we were just happy to be invited. I had always wanted to try a Celebrity cruise, and certainly was not disappointed.
Port Everglades, while a bit of a cluster at times, is well run. We stayed at a Fairfield Inn not far from there, and took Uber to the port. Embarkation was easy and painless, and we were on the ship by 1 p.m. Another Cruise Critic member had recommended lunch in the Bistro on Five on embarkation day, to avoid the crowds at the Oceanview Cafe, and this was excellent advice. The food was delicious, the service excellent, and we practically had the place to ourselves. We were even able to watch others board through the window next to our table. It was well-worth the $10 per-person cover charge.
We met up with the family shortly after lunch, and before long, our cabin was ready. Our cabin steward, Wilson, was very friendly, and happy to meet us. He was professional and attentive during the entire trip.
Cabin Review
Inside Stateroom 10
The cabin was larger than expected (1032, inside cabin), and I actually preferred it to my sister-in-laws verandah room. It felt easier to navigate, since we didn't have to walk the length of the room to access the balcony. I have always booked an inside cabin, with the exception of the Destiny (outside cabin with large window), but to be honest, I don't see the point. I literally sleep, shower, and change my clothes in the room, and prefer to spend the bulk of my time out and about.
The location of the cabin was a little strange -- it was almost in an alcove by itself, next to a service door, but it was exceptionally quiet and I would book it again in a heartbeat. A cart with some room service items was parked nearby, but it was kept immaculately clean an never contained food items. The room was near the elevators, but again, because it was in an alcove by itself, we didn't experience elevator noise or foot traffic.
Port Reviews
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
We had booked a beach day on Nevis, and boarded a smaller boat shortly after 10 a.m. But the boat had engine trouble, and we had to return to port. Of course this was disappointing, but out of everyone's control, so we re-boarded the ship to see if we could book another short excursion. The only thing available that hadn't already left was the scenic railway, and it was a pleasant tour of the island with drinks included. I certainly don't feel like I need to visit St. Kitts again, but would welcome to chance to go to Nevis one day.