My wife and I are cruise "samplers", picking destinations and ships with care, and price is always a concern. For our twentieth anniversary we decided to spend some cash on a cruise through the Mediterranean departing from Rome, and heading as far east as Istanbul. A year previous, we had encountered some passengers freshly returning from a Celebrity cruise in the Ft. Lauderdale airport when we were returning home after a dismal experience on Holland America's Statendam (first time we ever couldn't wait to disembark). The Celebrity passengers were raving about their cruise, the food, the service and most importantly the atmosphere of the ship in general. We had sailed past the Silhouette at anchor on our way in to port, and at that time I thought the ship was stunning. So after chatting with the passengers, my wife and I agreed that Celebrity would be our next cruise.

As it happened, the Equinox was operating in the Mediterranean this season, and we booked it for June. Best cruse dollars I have ever spent! Cabin was a little smaller than those we had been in on other ships, comfortable and well maintained; but snug. Storage above the bed was nice but the closet was tight. The Aqua Class therapy shower was a nice touch, as was the daily replenishment of fruit, bottled water and iced tea. Food was superb throughout the vessel, especially in the boutique restaurants. We frequented Blu for breakfast and occasionally for dinner. We ate once in the upscale steakhouse and were treated like royalty - particularly when we mentioned that we were celebrating our anniversary.

For the duration of our cruise, I can not recall a singe person on board that did not greet us with a smile or ask us if they could be of service. This prevailing attitude seemed to infect the passengers as well, giving rise to pleasant chats at dinner or on shore when you encounter other folks from the cruise. Defiantly a boost in the overall experience and kudos to Celebrity management for cultivating this attitude among the staff. Read more