I hesitate on how I want to write this review- a dilemma erupts in my mind between writing the most helpful review and risking alienating people or writing it in a viewpoint for all.  I have opted on the former.  I believe the value of the reviews I read is in finding like mindsets. Luckily the world is made up of all kinds of people looking for all kinds of experiences.    I have been fortunate enough to travel frequently.  I do have high standards and am very critical.  This may put off many Celebrity homers.  I usually cruise on Crystal, RSSC and Disney (once).  While this was my first Celebrity cruise, it was done in an unusual manor- in the Penthouse suite.  I have never had a penthouse on my other cruises, so the review won't be comparing apples to apples.   Enough background, on to the review:

So we arrive at the port in Vancouver at around noon, after several fun days in the city.  We were informed that all boarding was delayed due to 60 or so cases of Norwalk virus on the previous cruise and the extra cleaning involved.  Boarding should ensue in about 45 minutes.  Check in went quickly- (mostly done on line), after which we were to sit in a warehouse like area with hundreds of people already checked in.  Then, our first nicety, the maitre'd invited us (sans kids) to dine in the Olympic on them the first night.  He said he would sign the kids up for the fun factory dinner.  Soon they started call groups to go to a second waiting area, before going through customs.  We were told to wait, as the butler would escort us personally.  After meeting Gene, decked out in full tux, he took us by the waiting masses, up to the front of the line.  It was funny watch both my wife and myself, almost shrink into our shirts during this maneuver.  It was an embarrassing, but valuable perk. 

The suite was fabulous.  The pictures do not due it justice especially the master bath.   It is huge and gorgeous.  I won't go into more detail about the room, because there are pictures all over the web.  Read more