When I travel I choose itineraries that include ports I've not been to, but I do favor (exclusively really) the Celebrity Cruise line. I choose an Aqua class cabin mainly because of Blu restaurant and the Persian Garden. I like the fact that Blu is a small venue which affords me opportunity to interact with the same diners ... meaning that we get to know each other and conversations blossom and continue. The menu at Blu is excellent and, most importantly, the service is outstanding. As for the Persian Garden on the solstice class ships ... it is a wonderful place to relax and let go of concerns and simply succumb to a peaceful, comfortable and cozy environment.

Ship & cabin were excellent. Entertainment in the theatre not the best (special performances were excellent but the house troupe performances were juvenile; very talented performers unfortunately presenting acts more suitable to high school age audience). The house band on this cruise was actually very very good! The lead singer could belt out songs like the best .. from blues to contemporary. The dance parties in the grand foyer were riotous good fun.

The only speciality restaurant I dined at was the lawn club grill ... outstanding food there. Ports & excursions were well run and the variety excellent. Embarkation was a breeze (note that I'm Captain's Club elite, which makes a difference) and debarkation was quite speedy. The 2 theatrical performances aside, I absolutely rate the cruise and Celebrity as excellent.