We chose this 7 night New Year's Eve departure because we are familiar with the Celebrity product and we found a very attractive fare too good to turn down. We booked with a TBA rate and were quickly assigned veranda 8114. Sunny balcony and unobstructed view. Bed closer to window than to bathroom, which we preferred to the opposite configuration.

On prior Celebrity cruises, we've been in suite, aqua or concierge class. We had no problem adapting to simple veranda class, and could discern no difference between it and concierge class. Aside from no flowers in the cabin, we did receive fresh fruit and wine glasses on request. Cabin service, provide by the well-informed and charming cabin attendant Teodora Carreon, was the best we have experienced on any ship (including butler class).

We were assigned a table for two late sitting in the MDR, as requested, but we didn't like the location (adjacent to and up against a serving station) and were quickly given a better location by the maitre'd. Table service and food were excellent in the MDR at all times, and we appreciated the attentive assistance and recommendations of Dionisius and Oliver. We had breakfast every morning in the MDR, and tried most of the dishes. Pleasant and efficient service and tasty food, but nothing special. We visited the buffet most afternoons for salads. Nice assortment of ingredients. Read more