The Constellation is a very classy ship -- in a word magnificent. I particularly liked the widespread use of mirrored walls -- even ceiling panels in the corridors. This gave a feeling of spaciousness and light. The stateroom was surprisingly well fitted out with shelves, drawers and cupboards as was the washroom. The public rooms were immaculate. Food was superb. Service staff left nothing to be desired. Efren, our butler, attended to our every need with efficiency and friendliness. Our wait staff, Olman and Luis, were a joy in their approach to service and their constant professionalism. Gorman? our asst. maitre d' was the most personable of any I have met so far on cruise ships. Some tend to be a bit snooty. Our Sommelier remembered our taste in wine and kept us well supplied. Is it any wonder that we have already booked to return to this ship same time next year on its alternate routing?

Our first port of call was Casa de Campo -- Dominican Republic. We were pleasantly surprised by our choice of tour at the port of Casa de Campo after the mainly negative comments I had read. We chose to go to Catalina Island, a nature reserve, rather than the other options offered. The ferry ride left right from the Constellation's dock giving great views of our ship. There were no pop bottles or other garbage floating in the harbour as described by others -- and we were seeing it close up. The ferry ride itself was about 40 mins. of relaxation with not-too-loud music and drinks for purchase. The craft was a flat topped, twin hulled catamaran with internal diesel engines (according to my shipbuilding husband). Seating was plentiful and a washroom was provided. The ride was smooth. As we approached the island we were greeted by colourfully dressed dancers and an island band who separated as they greeted us on our way to a welcoming rum punch or pina colada. The beach was about one mile long of soft white sand with lots of shade available. Lounge chairs were complimentary the whole length of the beach. Beach bar service was plentiful and I'd say was persistent rather than pushy. Prices were $3.50 for Presidente beer and $4.50 for rum punch. All along the beach ran a wide concrete path for easy progress. At each end there were washrooms. Snorkeling was good all the way to the left, past the ferry dock, by the rocky promontory. On the land side of the path (still sandy) there were at least a dozen vendors set up with colourful wares, paintings, clothing, food, rum, souvenirs, etc., but at no time did they come onto the beach area. They accepted credit cards. (I had understood that the Celebrity crew would have set up a barbecue and drinks stand on the beach, but I was wrong. I had therefore taken only my ship ID and credit card. But on the beach cash was king. Our daughter advised us to use cash only at all times for safety's sake. Since she was the only one with real money we readily agreed!) Also available were free dance lessons at a dance area beyond the path and many took in this opportunity to learn a few new moves. We relaxed, read, swam, snorkeled and soaked up the Caribbean sun as our winter weary Canadian bodies slowly thawed out of the deep freeze. All in all this was a perfect beginning to our Constellation cruise.

I have posted photos of Catalina Island at this website Read more