Infinity Cruise review to Hawaii, October 22, 2006, Los Angeles R/T
Me:
Mid 40's (EEK, how'd that happen?) guy from the San Francisco Bay Area. Former chef into food, good wines, ocean liner history, and cruises. 25 or so cruises under my belt, fifth cruise on Celebrity, have sailed on Cunard, Crystal, Princess, and assorted other lines now out of business (not my fault, I promise!) starting when I was four.
Itinerary:
Fourteen days- Los Angeles; four sea days; Lahaina, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; Honolulu, Oahu; four sea days (brief one hour call in Ensenada to satisfy Jones Act- passengers do not disembark); Los Angeles.
Summary:
The cruise was wonderful, one of the most relaxing cruises I've ever been on, and I highly recommend this itinerary as the perfect combination of relaxing time at sea, and interesting ports in the middle. By having four sea days at either end, we weren't overly tired from a port intensive trip when we returned to Los Angeles.
We came to be on this cruise after MANY switches. We were originally booked on a Caribbean Cruise next Spring, and switched that to the same cruise this December, but then switched that to matched crossings on the QM2 this October. But we cruised with friends this past Spring on the Constellation, and they convinced us to switch again. Great decision!
We were cruising with folks we'd met on-line through Cruise Critics - one couple we'd met in 2004, and this was our fourth cruise together. The other two couples are from California, and have become great friends, too. We all cruised together on the Constellation Transatlantic in April/May, so this was a reunion cruise of sorts for us.
Pre-cruise:
We flew down to Long Beach on Jet Blue, and our friends met us at the airport and drove us to our hotel. Easy flight, and easy ride. Long Beach airport is only a few miles closer to the ports than LAX, but is infinitely easier to get in and out of. Sort of stuck in the 50's, it's a small and easily maneuverable airport. If you're coming from the East Coast, Jet Blue has some non-stop flights.
I'm an ocean liner buff, and, as part of my birthday present, my partner, Ed, treated us to a night on the original Queen Mary, docked in Long Beach. If you love new cruise ships, and the sparkle of fresh paint, the perfect dEcor of nice lobbies, and impeccable cleanliness DON'T stay on the Queen Mary! It's definitely seen better days, and the cabins, even the deluxe ones, lack some of the basic amenities we're all used to on modern day cruise ships. So I had a bad experience, right? Nope, had more fun in the 16 or so hours we were there! We were greeted by a long line to check in, as we arrived at 3:00 or so, but there was a waiter with chilled sparkling wine (so-so wine, but it did lift one's spirits!). We went to our room, which faced the pier (hint: pay more to face the harbor, with Long Beach across the water.) It was hardly large, not too well kept up, but the bed was comfortable, and, from a historic standpoint, wonderful. We explored the ship, saw the first class dining room, had drinks up at the bar, and ate at the casual Promenade Grill. As guests on the ship, we also had access to the curated show on the ship and its heyday, which, for me, was a big thrill. The ship has definitely seen better days, and I'd love to see a complete renovation, but baring that, I hope it stays, as it would be a tragedy to loose such a piece of maritime history. Certainly worth a visit, if you don't want to stay on board. For those that sailed in the old days, it brought back many wonderful memories of my crossings as a child. If you don't want to stay there, some of our friends had a wonderful experience at the Renaissance in Long Beach, and our other friends stayed at the Hyatt. I'd much rather stay in Long Beach the night before, as there much more to do than in San Pedro (Port of L.A.) and the cab ride over isn't that expensive ($16.00 + tip).
Embarkation:
About as smooth as one could hope. We arrived at 11:30 and we were on the ship within 20 minutes of stepping out of the cab, including registration. We did use the on-line pre-board option, but no one seemed to be waiting. With sparkling wine in hand- more of the so-so variety, but it did feel festive to have a little wine, we went to deck 10 aft for lunch, and to work out our Specialty Restaurant reservations. One thing about Infinity is that the wine cellar in the United States restaurant can't seat 8, only 6. As we were traveling with three other couples, we had to dine in the main room of restaurant (Oh, how I have to suffer.) but if you have a chance on any of the M class ships, the wine room makes for a very fun night! With reservations set, we went off to the spa for spa appointments, and then some lunch o.k. I had pizza I'm a trained chef, with very esoteric tastes, but sometimes the ultimate indulgence is a little junk food! The pizza station is aft deck 10, on the Starboard side, and if you remember to allow 15 extra minutes, they'll make up a pizza to your liking! So with Pizza in hand, we went off to the outdoor deck behind the casual dining area ahhh, the cruise has started. All our friends joined us, and it was old home week, with lots of laughter, and fun stories. We also went to check on our dining room table in the main dining room- we'd hoped to be near the aft window. There was a mistake in our seating assignments, so only four of us were at the same table, with two other couples. The other four were scattered about the room the Asst maitre d was very nice and accommodating (especially since our friends had already made inquiries, and gotten us at the same table, so we were, in essence, pestering her with a problem she was already trying to solve) We stressed what we hoped for and they promised to try and the best news: our waiter from the last Infinity cruise, who was promoted to Asst Maitre d in the middle of that cruise, was just rejoining the ship that day. Johannes is the type of host that really does live up to the hype about being treated famously, and we were happy that he'd be on-board again.
Again, we were with our friends Ted & Diana, Susan & Ed, and Karyn & Bill. The advantage of cruising with this gang is that everyone knows the ships, knows what to do, where to go, etc., so we all share an easy rhythm on board no stepping on toes, etc. But, one of the advantages of this cruise for all cruisers is that you have the time to learn that rhythm, even if it's your first cruise.
We met again for sail-out on the aft deck, right after the muster drill, and Ed donned an outfit our friends Marjorie and Joel sent as a Bon Voyage gift: a lei, a grass skirt, and a double coconut bra! Since it was a Halloween, folks seemed to get the fun vibe, and enjoy our silliness. There was a cruise critic meet and greet, organized by folks on the website, and I stopped by to say hello. One note about traveling with friends: we've cruised all ways alone, with a few friends, with a larger group, and with a large cruise critic roll call group. We've always just chosen a large table in the dining room, and hoped for the best, and it's always worked out. Now that we've gathered so many cruising friends, we already have our table set, which is wonderful- we jump right in where we left off the last time. But it does mean that we interact with the others on the ship less. So, while on past trips, we've spent a lot of time with the Cruise Critic folks, we didn't see as much of them this time. Both ways are fine ways to travel, but each provides a slightly different experience. If you're traveling with a group or your family, it takes a little more effort to meet others, whereas when we've traveled without knowing anyone, we meet hundreds of folks right away!
We went down to unpack, and then prepare for dinner. We were on deck 6 aft, in a Concierge Class cabin- the price was wonderful, and only a few dollars more than a regular balcony cabin, so definitely worth it. Fresh flowers, more (so-so, but we drank it!) sparkling wine, nice Egyptian cotton linens and towels, and a few other little niceties. Not worth an extra $1,000., but if it's close, go for Concierge Class. You also get priority tendering ashore, which can help, and invitations to a special tea. We had a larger than normal verandah, which was a treat, with two chairs, a table, and two chaises on it. The cabin did have a door to the Royal Suite next door, so, instead of a sofa, it had two desk chairs. We met with Edgar, our attendant, and asked if we could get something else- a little more comfort for reading the Assistant housekeeper arranged for nice upholstered chairs to be delivered that night, and we now realize that we prefer that to the sofa. We also needed extra hangars, but were amazed at how, with two clotheshorses with so much luggage, everything fit for 14 days it would be nice if the closet was a little larger Sky Suites and Family Views have more closet space, but again, it all fit. Again, as far as smooth embarkation, our luggage arrived in plenty of time to unpack and settle in.
One last note about Embarkation day was that they handed us all of the invitations, Select member Captain's Club benefits, and on-board gift notices at the embarkation check-in usually, they are in the cabin waiting for us. Thinking about this, it might help speed the cabins being ready, so I think this is a good change!
The Sea days:
O.k., so it took us all about two minutes to get in our cruise groove! We met every night before dinner in the Martini Bar, and then walked down to our table (yes, Johannes and the other Asst maitre d worked magic, and we had the table right at the back window) Our waiter, Francisco, was friendly, without being intrusive although some might argue that we were having such a good time, it was hard for him to get a word in edgewise. A very nice assistant waiter, who's name three weeks later escapes me, but who kept us constantly in bottled water. Some folks complain that the waiters push the Evian water to make more money. If you don't want it, just tell them the first night that you'll be drinking regular water for the trip, and they won't bother you. But our gang has found that, even with very good desalinization, the water contains a lot of sodium (not so that you can taste it). That combined with the higher salt content in the food makes some peoples' feet and hands swell. Others, it doesn't affect for me, $3.75 extra for a large bottle of Evian, and having my ring and watch fit was worth it! We did also bring on water from the ports for drinking in the cabin. Back to dinners- we had, in addition to Johannes checking up on us, our assigned Asst Maitre d, Cassandra, who couldn't have been more pleasant! She and Johannes made for a great team. Service was rounded out by Larry, the sommelier, who gave us perfect service (well, we DID drink a lot of wine) He served the expensive wines and moderately priced wines with equal enthusiasm, and knew a lot about wines from our area. Each meal was many hours long, with lots of laughter, wine, good food, and camaraderie. I've honestly never been a huge fan of the food on Celebrity it is good in my book, not great, but this trip, they really seemed to improve- the seafood was much better than in the past. Those that ate red meat loved their steaks, and we all found many good appetizers and soups. Salads and pastas are the weak point of the main dining room, but we always were steered to the best dishes by Francisco, and given second appetizers if no soups or salads appealed. (for pasta lovers, try the pasta bar in the casual dining area- much better!)
So now you know our evening routine every day the days were spent relaxing I usually did four or five miles on the jogging path or on the treadmill. We used the thallasotherapy pool, and did a few massages. Ed spent a lot of time at the pool, getting darker than I've ever seen him! We'd meet for lunch, and alternated between the pizza, the sandwich bar, the hamburger/taco bar (Ed's favorite) and the spa cafe (mine) We avoided the actual buffet, one, because we didn't want too much food, and, two, because it seemed crowded with the complaining crowd, the same group we saw most often going to early seating (vast stereotype, but it's been borne out cruise after cruise, so unless you need to eat early for medical reasons, try late seating. I managed to read three books, to see two movies in the movie theatre, and to nap every afternoon. I even played Bingo once. We're not show/lecture/activity people, but always managed to find enough to keep us relaxingly busy or busily relaxed, your choice.
In the evenings, we've usually gambled some, but not on this trip&we did have sushi in the late afternoon, again on the aft deck, one of my favorite places. The weather was, for the most part, quite smooth, and we enjoyed many hours staring out to sea, watching sunsets, etc. There were even dolphin sightings. I think we had about two minutes of rain on the way over, and about three hours on the way back unfortunately raining out the Captain's basketball challenge of the passengers, but we think it was because he was threatened by the passenger's skill! (HAH!) Really nice captain, by the way- very personable, and good looking if you notice those things many women, and a few men, did! We did go to one show, and wish we'd kept away, but I think we made a poor choice: billed as Jamaica's # one women comedienne, it was actually an un-funny male ventriloquist with a puppet doing a poor Jamaican accent. Our friends who saw some of the musical offerings said they were very good. We mostly enjoyed the pianist in the Martini bar, Zoltan, and, occasionally, with Sushi, the guitarist and vocalist on the aft deck.
The Ship:
In general, I think the ship was in top condition - our bed was perfect, but I believe it was the old bedding, and that the ship is due for updated bedding soon. The stateroom was in great shape, as well, with a longer shower curtain than on previous trips, so that the entire bathroom didn't get a soaking with every shower. Edgar did a great job of cleaning, and kept the flowers in both the bathroom and bedroom fresh.
We noticed lots of areas of the ship where extensive reupholstery had been done, including the lounges, the staterooms, and suites. The few areas still showing wear (the jogging track) had crew members working on them the whole trip (talented guy- as I walked so much, I got to see his progress by now the track should be looking great!) I think people forget or don't know that maintenance on ships has to be done year round, and during voyages, as well as during dry dock spots of rust on a ship is part of being a ship, although I didn't see any on Infinity this time. The best improvement I noticed was the filling in of the hole between the Martini Bar and the Rendezvous lounge. By putting in a floor, there was room for the pianist in the Martini Bar, and the noise from Karaoke in the Rendezvous lounge didn't interfere with a pleasant nightcap above.
The staff:
You only have to re-read my review to know that I was very happy with the service on board. We had such positive experiences with staff on this trip, even dealing with the few problems, that we can't say enough good things about them. We did feel the level of service was higher in all but two areas. But remember, these two things probably constituted about 1% of our service experience.
People have different personalities, so I don't want to put too fine a point on this, but we were under-whelmed with the Maitre d in the specialty restaurant. I think when he couldn't accommodate our request for the wine room, he thought we'd be unhappy customers, and treated us brusquely. But when he saw that we were really very happy with the meal and service, he warmed up. It was unfortunate that the first impression wasn't one of friendly service. Very minor, but might have kept us from going back a second night. (of course, the main dining room was SO good in terms of service, we really didn't mind)
The only other less than stellar experience was in the evening casual dining venue. We ate there the night passing the Volcano flow, and, while the food was very good, the service was very poor. Unfortunately, when we pointed out that we weren't getting the attention we wanted meaning that our food wasn't coming, no one was offering water or pouring our wine (and the dining room was mostly empty), rather than get the wait staff to do their job, the Maitre d decided to tell us how experienced he was in the art of service, and schmooze us, not giving us the attention we wanted, but the kind we didn't want. We all understand that this area is the training ground for waiters, but felt an opportunity was missed here. The waiters were talking with each other, and could have quietly been asked to fulfill our requests.
Halloween:
If you look at the dates, you'll see that this was a Halloween cruise. I've read about them before, and thought that's not for me! But, having gone to many costume parties and had fun, I thought what the heck. As we planned this cruise with friends, we decided to plan a group costume for the 8 of us. Ed hit on a great idea, roles were assigned, and we quickly became giddy chatting back and forth about our costumes. I was somewhat concerned that not many people would participate, and wondered if we'd stand out (my New England background rearing its conservative head) Fortunately, from the Cruise Critic roll call, I had some sense that people would participate- I don't want to stereotype here, but those from other countries seemed like the most willing to don elaborate costumes! Would have thought those of us from the US would be more in the Halloween spirit. Anywho...So, on the night of Halloween, just leaving Honolulu, we all met at Susan and Ed's cabin for cocktails, and pre-pictures and then proceeded to the Martini Bar. We went as the cast of Gilligan's Island- the seven characters, plus me as the wreck of the S.S. Minnow. We found many others in costume, and while certainly silly, it was fun to suspend a little formality and play. There were a fair number of people at dinner in costume, maybe 20 or 30% , enough to make it festive. We came down the main staircase, and folks recognized our theme, so we had some fun with that. After dinner, there was a Halloween Party in the forward lounge on deck 11, and a parade of contestants. We were welcomed with the cruise director and audience singing the theme song, and then a panel of crew judges picked out the top five costumes/groups. From there we made it to the final cut, but the blues brothers really revved up the audience with the music, and took first place, and we came in second. O.k., so, yes, I feel we were robbed! But it was really o.k. We all had such a fun time planning the costumes, and a good time that night days later, I was walking around the ship, and some passenger I'd not met started singing as he passed and the Minnow would be lost, the Minnow would be lost. Cracked me up! O.k., you're now asking yourself. I wanted a review of the Hawaii cruise, why is he yammering on about his costume? To make a few points: one, let loose a little bit, and have some fun. Celebrity may be more formal than some lines, but it doesn't have to be stiff! Two: participate in some silly activity, and you're likely to meet lots of fun people attracted to your willingness to have fun! And, three: it actually doesn't take that much effort, or money, to bring a costume along, whether for Halloween or the White party on some of the Celebrity ships. But each time we have, we've been rewarded with a really fun evening!
Hawaii (FINALLY, you say!)
Lahaina, Maui
We decided early on that we didn't want to do a lot of excursions through the ship, and the Hawaiian cruise was perfect for that, even with a worrywart like me. Worst case, you hop to the next island, except for Honolulu, and, since we had an overnight there, we were fairly safe. In Lahaina, we tendered to shore, got a rental car shuttle to Hertz, and then drove to the Iao Valley State Park, with the needle rock formation very pretty drive, and wonderful scenery, followed by a lunch in Kanapali at Hula Grill. It's a chain, but very good, and right on the beach We then went to Honolua Bay, and had the nicest swim. it's a nice, scenic drive, and far enough North to be away from the crowds. The water was beautiful, the surf just right for amateur body surfing, with a few people doing some snorkeling. The only downside to this location was that it requires a hike down (and back up) a long set of stairs, followed by a rough trail not a good choice if you have mobility issues. We returned to Lahaina, and ran smack into every other passenger trying to get back to the ship&the customs/security folks were doing a very official, if not thorough job, and the line to get on the shuttles was over an hour we went to a local bar for a few beers (cute, on the second floor, open air, with sports for those desperate for scores, and then gave in&the sand in my swim trunks telling me that a shower sooner rather than later was preferable. I did get some nice shots of the ship, as well as the island, and a small shipwreck in the harbor must have been my costume that made the shipwreck so fascinating!
Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo isn't what I'd call an attractive town, but, boy, did we do a lot! Our first order of business was the farmer's market downtown- lots of fun local produce, food items, crafts and gifts. It's not open every day, so check in the guidebooks and compare that to your itinerary. A GREAT place to find things like island coffee (the admin staff in my office is forever grateful!) beautiful, unique and inexpensive leis, fresh flowers for your cabin- much cheaper than at the docks but I ended up buying mine at the docks- lasted all the way back to Los Angeles and these GREAT donut/pastry things on a skewer doughy, coconutty, wonderful!
From there, we went up to the Volcano National Park, and toured the major craters. Easy to do on your own, and there's a nice visitor's center. We saw the steam vents and the various craters, but the best part was the walk through the lava tubes a bit of a hike, but doable for most folks in just about 20 minutes. After breathing the volcanic steam- there are warnings about young children and those with breathing issues- we decided wine was in order, and went to the Volcano Winery, just a mile or two beyond the entrance to the park. Interesting wines, made with French grapes, but infused with things like guava or macadamia nut we picked up a half case for gifts and such. Back down the mountain, we had to stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut factory there's a self guided tour, and a large gift shop, perfect for those obligation type souvenirs, but the groves themselves are interesting, as are the fruit trees on the way in. The samples aren't bad either. If you're driving, it's a quick stop¬ worth a whole lot more, but fun nonetheless. We rounded out our day by having wonderful teriyaki chicken burgers in a local bar back in Hilo, a trip to a few waterfalls near town, and a stop at Big Island Candy factory right near the airport, which is where you pickup/return cars, and well worth the stop my favorite is the island crunch chocolate with Maui potato chips crumbled up inside! Ed liked the brownies topped with coconut, and then dipped entirely in chocolate. Easy port to drive back to, close to downtown (by cab) and easy to get to the airport for the rental cars they provide shuttles from the piers if you have reservations.
Kona, Hawaii
This is the one place we gave in and did a tour with the ship we really wanted to go snorkeling, but were worried about the timing, as this was another tender port. So we chose the Kayak/snorkel tour, and, while other tours might have been great, this one was PERFECT for us! A quick drive from the tender pier, 13 of us went to a cute little harbor, where kayaks were waiting, and guides got us ready. We had 6 two person kayaks and one single- the person on their own was an experienced kayaker from Oregon. But most of us, while game for anything, ranged from mildly out of shape river kayakers to total neophytes, ages 30 to 65 or so. We had a lovely 2.5 mile paddle out along the coast, and then an anchor off one of the reefs. We snorkeled right from the kayaks (getting back in was a challenge, but everyone made it!) and saw really beautiful fish the one I remember I would have called a Sun Fish, but was told it was Moorish Idol, native to, and exclusive to Hawaii (Maybe they were blowing smoke up the skirt of a mainlander!) We had a long paddle back (hey, I get THREE slices of pizza for lunch!) and had a little picnic on the lawn of the kayak place. There was a small sea turtle on the beach to watch, and a cute Labrador puppy who liked to play fetch with a real coconut with anyone who was willing. A quick ride back to the tender pier, and back to the ship without incident! And no blisters from the kayak paddle- a first more me, which speaks volumes for the teaching abilities of the guides, two nice young women. $81.00 per person, and certainly worth it! Oh, buy a pair of Crocs for these types of activities- well worth it, even if that's all you ever use them for.
Honolulu, Hawaii
The real treat to this port was that I'd been there before, so wasn't running around to see everything and that we had an overnight, so the pressure was off. But we ended up seeing a lot. We had breakfast in Waikiki, again at Hula's, because Ed heard about coconut, macadamia nut, banana pancakes. Not being a big pancake fan, I had a Bloody Mary and a prawn omelet. Boy, did I rue my decision! While my breakfast was really good, those pancakes were AMAZING!
We drove around the island to the West Coast, seeing the beach in From Here to Eternity and then continuing up to Kailua Bay. We cut back across the island on H3 through a tunnel, and then headed to the center of the Island, where we stumbled on the Dole plantation fun quick stop, gifties, and I got to see how pineapples grow in the ground don't know what I pictured, but really interesting. We then drove North to see a beach that is known for its sea turtle sightings, but were not successful the waves were big, and folks were surfing, and that's where I had my surfing accident. My whole left elbow was scraped raw when a wave caught my board, sending me down on a small coral reef o.k., so that didn't happen really, but the truth is sort of embarrassing. I was trying to get out of the back seat of the Mustang convertible we'd rented, and caught my flip flop on the seatbelt strap for the front passenger seat somehow, in slow motion, I spun around, and fell on the gravel parking lot on my back and elbow. Mostly a bruised ego, but Ed said it was funny to watch. He tried to be solicitous, but I was grumpy until I found a band aid that and a shrimp truck!
O.k., so you remember the roach coaches, those catering trucks that pull up at construction sites? Well take that concept, except the truck is a converted rusted Winnebago that's seen MUCH better days, and the interior looks like a fryolator that hasn't been cleaned out since the summer of 42. But these are mentioned as a must-do, so we found one along the road on the North Shore, parked in a field with picnic tables. O.k., no lie the BEST coconut shrimp I've EVER had in my life! And some amazing spicy shrimp as well¬ cheap, but so worth the money Now, a happy camper with a belly full of shrimp, we continued back towards the major North/South road, but stopped at Waimea Falls and the Audubon gardens there. Another surprise, and a wonderful stop.The falls are pretty, but the peacocks and other birds, as well as the plant life, were amazing look for the Traveler Tree. O.k., getting late, so we hurried back to drop off the car at the airport, because the location downtown was closed, and the nice Hertz guy drove us for free back to the ship in a nice town car!
Cleaned up, wound and all, Ed and I went into town for dinner. We'd looked around, and wanted to have a really nice meal, so we ended up at Aarons atop the Ala Moana. On the 36th floor, it has a beautiful view of Honolulu and Waikiki, wonderful food, and nice wine it might not be the top restaurant in Honolulu, and it was a little pricey, but it was very romantic, and well worth it. Back to the ship, which had the security gates open all night for those wanting late night life (not us) and to bed.
The next morning, we got slowly organized, and I made us do at least three miles on the jogging trail (those darned pancakes!) and we had a wonderful view of the harbor, and the tourist submarines being towed to sea we ended up going to the Old Chinatown in Honolulu for lunch, and it was wonderful! We were the only non-Asian Pacific Islanders in the place, and, with a little language barrier, still managed to eat wonderful Dim Sum and assorted other dishes, washed down with Asahi beer. We then strolled through Chinatown (another WONDERFUL place to get cheap leis) and back to the tourist mall near the ship piers for last minute souvenirs.
And we were off that evening, back to Los Angeles
Disembarkation:
Well, I'd like to say it was smooth, but it wasn't. Passengers were yelling and screaming, pushing, practically fighting. The customs agents were late, and not working a full staff. We were to line up at specific times, and Ed and I were in one of the first groups. I thought, well we're up, and our times about to start, let's go down and get in line. Well, everyone for the five slots after ours decided to do the same thing, and then kvetch that the lines were horrible. Of course they are- you're all in them, and you're not supposed to be! O.k., so let's regroup and not have this mar a really great cruise. The young couple behind us seemed nice, so we started chatting with them a few minutes of complaints, and we were ready to give up on them, but the wife (on their honeymoon) left the line, and came back with pastries, juice, cereal and water for the four of us. The four of our moods now improved, we waited resignedly for the line to move, made fun of the incredibly rude people who tried to cut in line, screaming they'd never sail Celebrity again (oh, goody, now I WILL book another cruise if you'll just give me that in writing!) One man, at 8:15 a.m., started screaming that he had a flight in 20 minutes, and he was going to sue! Ed and I and our honeymooners laughed and chatted, and then Ed got up to the first i.d. check. He started shouting towards the line what, I need my seapass card? But it's in my luggage that I put out last night! or My passport? It's at home with my driver's license, why do you ask? The Celebrity employee was trying not to crack up with laughter, and folks back in line a few people were starting to grumble, when the real delay became apparent: some one had suffered a last minute attack of mal de mer and spewed their mal right at the top of the entrance to the theatre. The employee asked if we minded waiting, and Ed said No!, I want to stand up near that smell! Suffice it to say, that, while the process wasn't smooth, humor got us through - that, and the smug satisfaction as the first group to be called, we got to waltz past Mr 20-minutes-until-flighttime-Lawsuit guy, who still wasn't off the ship at 9:45 when our shuttle picked us up! (I know, I'm petty sue ME!)
Summary:
A fantastic cruise, with a few of the usual hiccups, a few minor problems, better food and improved service than in the past, on a ship that seemed in fine shape, along with a great itinerary. It's one of the best itineraries if you like to combine time at sea to relax with easy paced touring. We almost felt that we had three separate cruises- one over, one in the islands, and one back! Ahhh, to turn back the clock a few weeks.
Cheers,
Andrew
Read Less
