We are 2 couples with many cruises behind us going back to 1972 honeymoon on the Michelangelo when we were 21 years old. We flew to Amsterdam from Newark one day early to do the sights and avoid any connection issues. Boarding was a pleasure as we arrived at around 12:30 for Elite check in and were on the ship in less than 20 minutes. Statement 8101 & 8105 was ready but more about that follows. DONOT BOOK 8101 OR 8105 or its equivalent on 9 deck. We did this inside stateroom as we figured too cold to go on the balcony and too light to sleep well. Savings went to the bars and spa. This is a noisy room due to the proximity to the swimming pool machinery on 10 deck and really goes into full action @ night. After 2 nights we requested and received a cabin on 3 deck. Handled perfectly by the hotel staff.
We've done many Celebrity cruises and things have remained at a consistently high level, particularly the ships entire staff experience. They are helpful,communicative and can be very personable if you strike up a relationship. The food was done well with a menu we've experienced many times before. We ate in Ocean Liners twice and Tuscan grill once and the both excellent with exceptional service. The Maitre D crosstalk between the specialty restaurants and the MDR Assistant Maitre D is very important. Our likes and requests followed us around without having to be requested by us. New feature is an on board package for 3 visit to the specialty restaurants. We planned 2 in advance so adding one more gave us a nice meal @ reduced price. Our assistant captain Alex was really on the case with special preps you don't expect on a cruise.
Ship is kept niche and the Solsterizing made it more interesting. We closed the new Ice Martini Bar each evening.