PRE-CRUISE: We started with a super easy and direct morning flight into Ft. Lauderdale. We grabbed a quick and inexpensive Lyft ride over to the port. We boarded at Port 25. We sailed through the counter and paperwork process. However, we were then told to wait in chairs. However, others were boarding. As soon as we said we were Concierge class, we were told to go right aboard. We got the the MDR for our Concierge lunch just before 12 noon. It was a nice lunch but had limited options. It was a relaxing way to start the cruise.
Our room was ready by 1 pm. However, we did not get our luggage until just before the muster drill. So, we walked around the ship and did some people watching. We used the time to purchase a Persian Gardens pass for the cruise at $99 + 18% gratuity for the whole cruise. The other option was $25 per day. We decided to go for the whole package as we had some OBC to spend. We also used the time to upgrade one drink package to premium so my husband could enjoy a greater selection of craft beers. The classic package met all my needs. I never had any problem getting anything my heart desired within the classic package.
DINING: This was our second cruise ever and second on Celebrity. The MDR experience is lost on us. We find the menu very limiting as we are vegetarians. We do much better with all the choices in the Ocean View Cafe. We also don't relish sitting at a big table with strangers in the MDR. The crowds in Ocean View did not bother us. Most often we sat outside on the deck, in the bar area. It was very chill out there. We tried the Aqua Spa Cafe once for lunch and breakfast but didn't find it to our liking. It was loud and even more crowded than the buffet. Ocean View Highlights: make your own omelettes, samosa night, gluten and free desserts.
Quiet Aft location. Foot stools on deck. Daily fruit. Sail-away champagne, daily canapes (can get vegetarian if you ask) Good storage in closet, cupboards above bed and drawers in desk. No line to hang clothes in bathroom. Great attendant - Piedade!