BACKGROUND: We are a 40-something couple who like cruising and have done about eight cruises, most of Celebrity M-Class but have also done a couple of RCCL cruises. We've discovered that we like Suites and that it changes the way we cruise; it's good to have more space and to have a bath at sea. We decided to do a Western Med itinerary this time as it's only a couple of hours away for us UK-based people.
TRAVEL TO PORT: Out Travel Agent organised flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to Barcelona on Jet2. The flight was fine (better than Easyjet and Ryanair but no frills). We arrived on time around 1pm and waited in a huge crowd at passport control (hey, it's Spain) but were out of the airport at about 2pm. We walked straight to a taxi to the port. Charge was about 36 Euro.
EMBARKATION: Very straightforward. Luggage porters met our taxi and took our luggage, we entered the terminal building and into the non-existent line for suite check-in. After check-in we were directed to a desk where we were offered a complimentary meal at either Ocean Liners or Tuscan Grill - offer was for the first night only. We selected Ocean Liners and organised a 9pm reservation. We also purchased soda cards and went to board the ship. The welcome wasn't very pro-active and whilst we were met no-one actually offered to escort us to our stateroom.
Good location amidships. Website warns stateroom has smaller verandah which is semi-private; if it is smaller than others it's by a small amount. There's still plenty of room. Verandah is semi-private in that occupants of neighbouring Celebrity Suite can see onto the vernadah. However you can see into their stateroom so it's more of a problem for them than the occupants of Sky Suite.