We have just returned from our first Celebrity cruise, 12 nights which sailed from Southampton to Le Havre (for Paris), Le Verdon (for Bordeaux), Bilboa, Vigo, and Porto.

As my wife is expecting, we asked at check-in if we could be rushed through which they said no problem and we were moved to the front and we were on the ship within 10 minutes. Big thumbs up.

Initial impressions of the ship that although it was a mid-sized ship, the same as our last 2 cruises on the P&O Oceana, it seemed larger with more public areas. The main thing that was missing was the atrium, which was disappointing as this is usually the most impressive part of the ship. After doing a quick tour as the ship I didn't like it, I thought there was too many cafe's, bars that all looked the same and didn't think I would find my bearings. Mid way through the cruise I got used to it, and found it it to be an impressive ship with a good layout. Read more