We arrived in Amsterdam 2 days prior to the cruise to do some sightseeing. Stayed for free at the Hilton. Took the Connexion Shuttle for 15 euros each to the hotel from the airport. Schiphol airport I found to to be very chaotic and disorganized with people following no path or pattern and everyone going every which way. Signage was not good. We were not greeted at the gate (Delta) with the wheelchair assistance we had requested and finally were taken on one of those carts up to immigration but then had to get our own baggage and walk quite a far distance to the exit. We enjoyed Amsterdam and the hilton very much.

Arrived at the pier around 12:30 and were on the ship by 12:50. When we checked in to the priority area because we were in a Concierge cabin we were taken right away and then given a number to board the ship and asked to wait in a separate area where Celebrity had put out refreshments. We waited maybe 5 minutes before our number was called and onto the ship we went. We weren't hungry because we had a late breakfast at the Hilton so we ventured to go to the stateroom and joyfully found it ready for us. Our luggage was delivered within an hour. We were in C2 concierge cabin 8115 which is midship just a few in from the mid-ship elevator on the port side and was a perfect location. Postings on Cruise Critic had warned of partially obstructed views and a door opposite where the crew would go in and out. The partial obstruction turned out to be the window washing machine which was located all the way to the right of the balcony-- it did not obstruct views or picture taking unless you were trying to take a picture to your far right and then if you just wait a minute, the ship will move and you can your photo. The door saying "crew only" was never opened and the crew never went in/out. The cabin is perfect-do not worry about it. The cabin steward and his assistant kept the cabin immaculate and well stocked with fruit. He honored our request for cheese and crackers instead of the canapes and he remembered to bring us 2 copies of the daily activity sheet. The only mishap we had with him was he did not deliver an invitation to view the bridge in a timely manner and we had to go to Guest Relations and ask to get us a separate viewing which they did. We were pleased with their service.

We ate in the buffet for most breakfasts and a few lunches. It was the older cafeteria style buffet with long lines. I found it so crowded and chaotic that I didn't learn until the 10th day of the cruise that at the far back there was a waffle and blintzes station!!!! The food was acceptable and typical buffet food. The service was good-there were circulation servers to clear the tables quickly. Only once did anyone offer to carry my tray. I have some mobility issues and perhaps that is why I felt overwhelmed but We ate several times in the dining room for bkfst and lunch to avoid the crowds. We ate all our dinners in the MDR- early seating-table for 6. Our tablemates were 2 couples from Cruise Critic. Our waiter Loreto and asst waiter Oscar were excellent. They made excellent suggestions, remembered our preferences and were accomodating to special requests. The food was good and portion size was just right BUT in my opinion the food was toooooooooooooo fancy with sauces and frills- sort of french in style. We enjoy gourmet food and have eaten in top restaurants but this food was just too fancy for our tastes. Our tablemates agreed as did many passengers we spoke with. We boycotted the specialty restaurants so I can't comment on them. Read more