This cruise was chosen to celebrate our friends Golden Wedding anniversary, which was 2nd July. We have cruised many times but not with Celebrity before. We flew easyjet from Gatwick and our friends flew Monarch from Birmingham. If booking a fly cruise with Celebrity you are not able to access your flight carrier details until 10days before your sail date. We would normally purchase extra legroom seats, as my husband is 6'4" and were concerned that standard seat pitch would be a problem. However,for the relatively short flight to Rome of 2hours, it was manageable. Celebrity are very organised at Rome airport and from collecting our luggage there were representatives at various areas directing cruise passengers to the luggage drop off area and then onto the transfer coach. About a 1hour transfer to Civitavecchia port. Usual registration process was swift. This is to register debit/credit cards, photo ID and issuing of Seapass cards. We were on board and able to go up to the Oceanview Cafe for something to drink.

Cabin 6219 deluxe balcony grade 2B. Well appointed cabin above the outside seating area for Sushi on 5. This was also a designated smoking area, which we hadn't realised,but we didn't find this to be a problem in any way and the smell of smoke didn't drift to our cabin. Very comfortable queen size bed, situated by the sliding doors to the balcony. (Our friends were next door in 6217 and their bed was in the centre of the cabin with the drawers/dressing table next to the balcony doors.) Two large cupboards above the bed, a small, shelved unit either side of the bed. 3 deep drawer unit with 32" interactive tv above. The hairdryer and interactive keypad is in the dressing table drawer. Ample power outlets. The bathroom was a good size with lots of storage. A sliding door shower with soap but this grade a cabin does not get shower gel as standard only shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, however we asked for some and our lovely steward Mohamed gave us some and continued to keep us supplied. No cotton buds or cotton wool balls but we had taken some anyway. There is a night light in the bathroom, what a great idea, wish other cruise lines would take note.

Food. We had breakfast and dinner in the Opus dining room and we were select dining. Lots of passengers reserved a table each day but we turned up around 7pm and were always given a table for 4 without ever waiting. The food was good and there were several choices always available (steak,salmon) if the a la crate menu didn't tempt you. We were pleasantly surprised that portions were not too large but for anyone who wanted more you only had to ask. For our friends anniversary we booked Murano and we were not disappointed. Very attentive waiters, lovely area and excellent food, we had a memorable evening. The waiter served a cake at the end of our meal, very thoughtful. Read more