We chose this cruise specifically to spend 3 full days exploring Israel and the disembarking in Istanbul where we intended to stay for a few extra nights. Booking with Choice Air was ideal since when they cancelled Istanbul, they rebooked our flights from Athens without any fuss or extra charge.
The food was fine, and plentiful, and our cabin was immaculate. The fruit was deliciously fresh! All employees were anxious to help besides friendly. The one complaint about this ship compared to other Celebrity cruises may sound silly. The tv only played the same episode of Top Chef,the same 3 movies or CNN or Fox! There was no on board theater and I missed that since after touring for so long, I needed a movie to relax before touring the next day. Other than that, this cruise was perfect and stress free.
We only took one ship's shore excursion in Chania, Crete. What bothers me is that you are stuck on a bus with 45 other adults who take more time going to the restroom and shopping for souvenirs that actually listening to the tour guide.
I also applaud www.tourguidenaples.com, who sent us a fabulous guide named Hugo who led us at our own pace through Pompei and Herculeneum and a 3 day Christian tour of Israel which was very fast paced but well protected by our driver and guide www.guidedtoursisrael.com
To end the trip, we booked the Sofitel Hotel which is right in the middle of the airport. Not only was that a first class place to stay, it was ideal for an early flight.
Unfortunately, we did not book another Celebrity cruise on board but we are waiting for the new deployment of ships to be listed on 11/29. We are in need of itineraries that are not repeating many ports that we have done already. Rome and Barcelona are two places that will always keep us busy.