Our family group of 13 booked this cruise through AAA MidAtlantic. Our agent, Susan Teza has assisted us in the past and we are very happy with her knowledge, experience, and prompt service. We arrived at Bayonne Cruise Terminal @ 11 AM. Our luggage was picked up right from the car and the embarkation process was quick and easy. With the pre printed boarding sea pass (from the Celebrity website), we were a short shuttle ride from the dock area right to the ship. There was no wait at the Captain's Club check in area so my wife and I were on the ship by 11:15 AM. The rest of our group was on board by 11:45 AM on the regular passanger line. The entire check in process was smooth and painless for everyone. The check in area had ship representatives from the specialty dining area, (where you can make dining reservations) purchase drink packages, sign up for the kids club, and schedule spa treatments. A refreshment table with cold water, fruit punch and lemonade in the waiting area was a nice touch. The buffet was open by the time we got on and there was sufficient space for everyone to feel comfortable. We just hung out until they made an announcement at 1 pm that the cabins are ready. Our luggage arrived before the muster drill. The sail away had a live band and coming out of NY harbor under the Verrazano Bridge was a very cool send off.

The two days at sea was filled with activities but most of us explored the ship and just chilled by the adults only, Thalassotherepy pool.

From reading prior postings, there were a lot of debate and confusion about this ship so I will try to address them here. Read more