My husband and I have been cruising for over a decade. Until recently, we stayed closer to home in the Caribbean travelling with both Princess and Royal Caribbean. We decided to chart new waters and head across the ocean to Europe to experience the turquoise waters of the gorgeous Mediterranean.

For our maiden Mediterranean voyage we selected the 11-Night Celebrity Equinox to Turkey and Greece leaving from Rome. When we arrived in Rome two days before sailing, we took a shuttle service from our hotel in Rome, the Cavalieri Hilton, to the cruise ship in Civitavecchia, which is located an hour and a half outside of the city center of Rome. The cruise line arranged for the shuttle service and everything went perfectly. Boarding the ship went very smoothly and in no time, we were settled into our room.

This ship was absolutely stunning. It was love at first sight. The decor was elegant and tasteful and really gave off an aura of luxury without being gaudy or over the top. Plus this ship is fitted with many unique on board destinations such as the glass blowing workshop, and the lawn club- a country club on the top deck. Read more