Celebrity Century Review

3.5 / 5.0
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Century April 21, 2011

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Century
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6-10 Cruises • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Apr 2011
Cabin: Concierge Class

Pre-cruise info-This was an extremely last minute (within 2 weeks) cruise that we ended up booking directly through Celebrity. It was only a 5 night cruise--something we had never done before. Embarkation-We arrived at the pier via car around 2:00. We pulled right up and a porter was available to help us right away. We had no luggage tags because we had booked so late, but they had it all under control and made some up for us. He also gave us some hints on what to do in Roatan because that is where he is from. My husband parked the car and I waited on a bench for him to return. Parking is $20 per day. It seemed to take around 15 minutes, but it easily could have been shorter (I was just anxious).As soon as he returned we entered the building and walked right up to check in--at the Concierge Cabin desk. We noticed some very short lines further down--but really did not study it as we were happy with no line. After signing what we had needed to sign--we did have our Xpress Pass with us--we left and immediately headed to the ship. There were no lines and the only thing impeding our boarding were the ship's photographers. We just said no thanks and immediately got on the ship. We were greeted with the welcoming glass of champagne. We immediately went to our cabin. Celebrity does great at this! The cabin-The cabin (9068 CC1) was smaller than we had expected. Our last cruise was an inside on Independence of the Seas--so I am not sure why it felt smaller--but it did. The carpet was pretty worn, and the seams were coming apart. There was sand visible in the carpet. I know this sounds nutty, but my routine is to wipe down all the door handles, drawers and everything that might spread germs as soon as we get there. This includes the Remote Control, which had a this layer of dust and grime on it. The flowers that are supposed to be in a CC room were in some sort of bud vase--with like 6 spots for buds (similar looking to a menorah). 2 of the spots were empty and several of the flowers were clearly limp and hanging. We never saw a pillow menu. The binoculars were broken--and they were replaced. I suggest that people bring their own binoculars if you really want binoculars. The bathroom had a vessel type sink--it looked nice, but EVERY time I turned on the water it would come out too strong and splash me...I know you would think that I would have learned...but not me! The veranda had 2 chairs and a small table. We had sailed on Century a long time ago--I thought it had been redone since then, but the carpet throughout the ship clearly needed replacing. Our luggage arrived when we were out exploring and before the Muster. Our cabin attendant stopped by to introduce herself, as well as the assistant. She asked if everything in the room was okay--and this would have been my opportunity to say something, but I did not. I did not want to start out on the wrong foot. I only saw her one other time--there were no beach towels in our room and I went out looking for her to find out how to get them.We did ask if we could have cheese and crackers daily--instead of the other thing they usually deliver for CC perk. They brought the cheese and crackers every day but one--when we got the other thing by mistake. We asked if she could empty out the refrigerator and she suggested we just take the stuff out and put it on the top shelf, which we did.Celebrity knows how to do the Muster well. Just go, without the life jacket, to the assigned rooms and listen to what they say. The most painless muster of any cruise line that we have sailed on. Another big plus for Celebrity Food, Beverage and Service-On the first day we went to the buffet. By the time we got there it was probably close to 3. Buffets are not my 'thing", but everything looked fresh and well stocked. It was very difficult to figure out what the choices were--because there were so many. They had beef in several places--I noticed that seemed to be more well done than I would like it. That is the only negative I have to say about the buffet. Oops--one other negative thing...I really wanted to try a crepe, but they had some pre-cooked and they looked hard to me. I asked if they could make a fresh one and they said no--maybe it was a communication problem? I did notice that they had eggs Benedict available for breakfast--it took me until our second to last day to notice that! We enjoyed the Grill and had missed it on our last two cruises. It seems like they have added more choices out there. We chose not do do any specialty dining on this little cruise.We ate at the second seating in the MDR and had selected a table for 8. We had a great table with great table-mates. We were right next to the Captain's Table--which was only used one night. It was on the lower level of the DR--way toward the front. On our first night we noticed a lot of noise and vibration coming from the engines. It was so strong that several of our table-mates asked if our whole table could be moved for the future. They explained it was not possible--but that the first night they are really pushing the engines--so we would not be experiencing anything like that again.The food in the MDR was good--not great (which is what I think Celebrity used to have), but it was what I have come to expect on a large cruise ship. I really enjoyed the veal ossobucco (probably killed that spelling) and the rack of lamb. Many of the soups were very good. I am not a fish eater--but many at the table enjoyed the fish. I always ordered extra vegetables with my main meal. I really enjoyed their vegetables.Our food servers were fine--they did not have the outgoing personality that many of our servers have had in the past--but we got our food in a timely manner.We did experience difficulty with beverage orders. It took me asking 3 times at the first dinner for a bar server to come take our orders. The people drinking wine only had to ask once. When it came time for a second drink--it again became a problem. Finally our assistant waiter went and got me a drink--unfortunately it was the wrong drink. This went on throughout the cruise and sort of became a joke for our table.I did purchase the premium beverage package on the second day--but this problem started before I had done that. I enjoyed the freedom of the having everything taken care of. It was also great to be able to get unlimited bottles of water and specialty coffees. I love the idea, but we probably will not be doing it on our next cruise--it is 28 days. The service in the bars was great. We love the Martini bar. There did not seem to be many pool servers.We only went to the MDR once for breakfast. It was a little odd because they sat us at a large table with people who were pretty much done with their meal. I ordered eggs benedict and the whites were runny--yucky. We went to the MDR once for a brunch--somehow I didn't realize that is was a buffet. It was good--I tried the crepes. We had problems getting beverage service there too.I think that the buffet on Celebrity is head and shoulders above what we have experienced on other cruise lines. The MDR food was much better than some. Entertainment, Excursions and Activities-Century is a small ship by today's standards. There were not a ton of activities on board. I did participate in Trivia a couple times and played Wheel of Fortune. My husband participated in a behind the scenes tour of the galley as well as a backstage (entertainment) tour. He enjoyed them both. He also went to some talk about Propulsion. He just got all excited when I asked him about that. They had live music for a short time daily up by the pool. I would personally prefer to have music playing all the time at the pool--even if was just something piped in. I am not sure this is what the majority of Celebrity guests would prefer though.There were pretty current movies shown in the theater. Social Network was one of them. The next day it was available to watch in the cabin.We typically do not do ship's excursions. We had set up a private snorkeling tour in Roatan with Upachaya. The snorkeling in Roatan was the best snorkeling I have ever experienced. It made me want to go back and finish my diving certification. The people at Upachaya were great. There were 6 of us on the tour. 4 from our Ship and 2 who were vacationing on the island.In Cozumel we took at taxi to Mr Sanchos--which is a beach club. You can go and sit in their chairs and order food and drinks or you can do an all inclusive that includes all you can eat or drink and play. We did the first. The chairs were all lined up in rows. There were tables with umbrellas. My husband needs shade--there were no shade trees, so we had to pay an extra $10 for an umbrella. The drinks were good, the nachos were a little greasy and the guacamole was excellent. I am not sure we would go back there again--we might try someplace else another time. DisembarkationWe woke up around 7 or so, finished packing up our stuff. We went up to get breakfast and then went to the theater (which was our meeting place) all the numbers had been called by the time we got to the theater. We just strolled on out, went to the belt and got our luggage. There was a short line (maybe 5 minutes) for Customs. We were in the car before 8:30--maybe before! Another big thumbs up for Celebrity Warning—they do not put the folio under the door any more. We forgot about it—until after we got home. ConclusionI think there is probably a built-in difference between short cruises and the more typical 7 day.There was definitely a problem with the stateroom and the beverage servers. Maybe they are being stretched too far? Maybe having the tips automatically included to the attendant makes a difference? Maybe the all inclusive drink package has caused an increase in orders and they underestimated that. At our table--6 of the 8 people had some sort of drink package. Would we do this again? Probably if the price was right.

Cabin Review

Concierge Class

Cabin C1

fine cabin, close to elevator, could hear dinging of elevator if I really listened.

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