Celebrity Silhouette Review

Shambolic

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on Celebrity Silhouette
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cruzerbooser
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Aug 2016
Cabin: Deluxe Veranda 2B

I chose the cruise due to the itinerary, what I didn't factor in was the disasterous on and off loading of passengers at port. I've never been on a cruise, that had so few crew involved in the going ashore process. On good days, we were able to leave the ship in 30 minutes, on tender days, it could take 2 hours, or more to get into town and hours to return, and on the last port day, those who chose to get out early were treated to a near riot to get on the cruise port shuttle. I was elbowed in the ribs and continuously pushed out of the way until a man could get his fellow tour group on to to the port shuttle bus. Confusion was the norm, told to go to one area to board, then another,

In Edinburgh, we were told that tender tickets would be disbursed at 0930, I figured I'd go early to get them at 0915, I was surprised not to see a queue...but, the staff had already started giving them out..the usual laissez faire attitude we encountered over and over. Priority in all ports was given to those who booked Celebrity shore excursions, only. Anyone wishing to go ashore independently, was made to wait until those on Celebrity tours had departed, I have never experienced this phenomenon on any cruise, including prior Celebrity cruises...It all boils down to understaffing on shore days. But, they were sure to have someone trying to sell something at the end of every queue...

It wasn't all bad. The cabin attendants were courteous, and the cabin was cleaned immaculately. And some of the staff were lovely. But, lack of sleep, and hours wasted every shore day, waiting, waiting, waiting put a pall over the trip. I've sailed on the Silhouette before and had an exceptional cruise, Celebrity needs to retrain their staff and return to their previous standards of quality, courtesy, and competency.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Veranda 2B

Cabin 2B

Horrible! The worst cabin I've ever had, due to noise. Unless you are comfortable sleeping with earplugs or plan never to be in your cabin, do not choose 6126. We were a bit put off at being in a cabin over the theater, but were assured by Celebrity, that aside from practice in the late afternoon and performances, it would be quiet.

We had planned to sleep in on the sea day after departure, but no, someone decided to practice at full volume with the speakers on at 0830. The same partially finished guitar riff, over and over at floor shaking volume. A few days later, at least without speakers 0330 in the morning. Then a teeth rattling late show lasting until 1130, we had spent a long day hiking around in the rain and were exhausted, and once again woken up.

We spoke to the cruise director who explained that the musicians and sound people practice when they can, but he agreed that early morning and the middle of the night were uncalled for, and the off hour practicing ceased.

But...it never should have occurred in the first place. I have sleep issues, once woken, I rarely can resume sleeping....and I'm like a bear disturbed in hibernation.....not pretty, at all

Port Reviews

St. Peter Port (Guernsey)

Great day, sunny and beautiful. Took the Petit train for a small tour around the town, did a bit of shopping, and had a fab lunch of local crab and cider. The locals were very charming. Beautiful scenery.

Cobh (Cork)

The train to Cork is adjacent to the port, hopped right on, a short and scenic ride to the city center. A short walk to the bus station to board the local and inexpensive bus to Blarney Castle. I thought the Castle was going to be a cheesy tourist trap, but turned out to be a lovely place, beautiful gardens, lots to see. Returned to Cork, and had time for a beer and sandwich at the Long Valley Bar, allegedly the best sandwich in Ireland. Walked back to the train and back to the boat. Easy, Peasy.

Dublin

Rain,rain,rain...took the on off bus. Went to Trinity College to see their library (amazing) and the book of Kells. Unfortunately, the dining hall was closed. It was the inspiration for the dining hall in the Harry Potter movies. Then went to the Temple Bar for lunch, but too crowded. We did discover the Whiskey shop next door, which was great. The proprietress, Erin, was an expert on Irish whiskey. Samples were given, purchases were made, very nice experience

Edinburgh (South Queensferry)

I love Edinburgh, but not in August and not with a 2 hour wait to leave the ship. Disregarding the craptastic job the ship did on ferrying people to and from the port, going during the Tattoo and during the Fringe festival was a mistake. The on off bus over sold tickets so it took forever to got on a bus, there was no room. We were told there were some altercations, due to people waiting for a bus only to see bus after bus come and go with no seats available. We purchased the 48 hour tickets with entry to the Castle, Holyrood, and the Royal Yacht Britainia. We had seen the castle and the palace before, and they were still very interesting. The Yacht tour was great, tea in the tea room was delicious, definitely worth a visit. The bus from the yacht ends at 1730, so we had to hike a mile or so, back to the harbor then stand in line 45 minutes to get on a tender and 25 minutes waiting for it to take off...

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is always great, something for everyone, museums, canal rides, friendly people.

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