FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The best part of the cruise was sailing out of Baltimore. We only live an hour and a half away. The port is easy to get to and parking was a breeze.
When we checked in, the computers were down and it took a while until they got us through. We could go on the ship right away, without any additional wait. However, they let us in by the back door, on the first floor. When we sailed with Celebrity last time, we entered into the main entrance and received a welcome champagne drink. I believe first impressions are important!
Like everyone else we went to the lunch buffet in the Windjammer Cafe. It was almost impossible to get a table. I was not too surprised, since I heard about the lack of space from other reviewers before, but it was still bothersome. The food was nothing to write home about: the usual selection consisted of hamburgers, French Fries, some unusual looking Asian food, a couple of deserts, salad and fruit. Free drinks were water, ice tea and lemonade (apple and orange juice of low quality was only available in the morning).
7523 was a quiet large interior cabin. Nice layout and good cabin steward. Virtually no foot traffic from other guests. Very quiet. I would not recommend the cabin next to us as it was right at the stairs for the employees.