We just returned from the June 2, 2009 cruise through Scandinavia and Russia aboard the Celebrity Century. My one main comment is WOW. I was travelling with my cousin and we shared a Sky suite on deck 12.On first entering the room I was a bit dismayed at how small the cabin was. It is a stark difference from the suites that I have occupied on other cruise lines, but in the end the size was not a significant deterrent to having an excellent experience all in all. The cabins had plenty of storage space for all of our essentials. The beds were actually quite narrow. I do not believe that together they made up a queen bed (and we wondered how persons who we saw on the ship with more ample body spans made out sleeping), but they were really quite comfortable despite my nearly rolling out of it on one occasion. J The balcony on the other hand was glorious and we both vowed to take this ship again on a trip to the Caribbean so that we would be able to enjoy it fully.

Transport to the ship was easy by taxi.. The taxi ride cost about 30 euro plus tip and we were at the port in no time at all arriving at about 12.30 p.m. It took us about 20 minutes to get on the ship after of course shopping at the gift shop downstairs of the terminal. Once we got on the ship we were led to our stateroom by a crew member and was greeting by a chilled bottle of champagne. Our butler, John Fernandes came to greet us and we loved that he would bring us a plate of cheese and crackers, sandwiches and cookies every day instead of the nasty canapEs that they offered on the first day. I do not understand why Celebrity continues to make these things when everyone complains about them.

The ship itself is in pretty good condition for its age. I did not notice anything that looked completely worn and I have to say that I scoured the entire ship. I like the idea of the smaller vessel and really do not need the rock climbing wall, ice skating rink etc., compared to the level of service that we received on this voyage. The staff is fabulous and I make note that on several occasions I saw staff scurrying to assist persons at the Island Cafe who had their hands full of food or drink.  Some staff that I would like to make special note of was Hector, our stateroom attendant who ensured that our cabin was spotless every time. William was our waiter in the MDR and he really worked hard to make sure that we had everything that we needed. Andrew, our Assistant Maitre'd was personable and keen to look after our special culinary wishes. Jelena made me feel as though she was my own personal Sommelier and Boom Boom in the Martini bar, made sure that my drink was exactly the way that I liked it each and every time. Last, but not least I need to commend, Aurelian, Asan, IMade, Dani and the rest of the staff in Murano where the food is devine and the service beyond reproach. We dined there three times during the voyage and I even went down one evening to have a glass of champagne that I could not get in the MDR. It was worth the extra $30.00 every time. Try the Goat cheese soufflE and the frois grois. Now the ports:We did no shore excursions with Celebrity so I cannot comment on those directly. Amsterdam: This was my first time to Amsterdam and I loved it as soon as I got off the plane. We stayed at the Park Hotel overnight which is situated right across from a Park (duh) where they often hold concerts in the summer. Unfortunately, we arrived on a Monday morning and nothing was happening. It is also directly across from lots of shopping and restaurants and it was only a short walk to the museums and the red light district. Read more