Having burned through waayyy too much of my girlfriend's vacation time on the LAST two Celebrity trans-Atlantic cruises, (Constellation and Silhouette) I had resigned myself to sitting out this fall's crossing season, so she could be ready for spring of 2014. But when the price dropped to $449pp for a 15 night cruise on Celebrity's Flagship, I just couldn't resist!

I booked only 10 days before departure, and was STILL able to take advantage of a RIDICULOUSLY low one way fare (to FCO on Delta Airlines) of $508 through Choice Air. The $250 OBC from my RCCL shareholder benefit made this THE BEST deal I have EVER experienced for a cruise. The added benefit of attaining "Elite" status before changes were made to Celebrity's Captain Club program, was icing on my cruise cake.

I flew into FCO a day early and took the train (11 Euro) to Civitavecchia. I had booked a VERY reasonably priced Bed and Breakfast (47 Euro) through Hotwire, but had absolutely NO idea that the CAB FARE from the train station to the town only 15 kilometers north, would be MORE than the overnight stay! (I won't be making THAT mistake again!) The "Tarchon B&B" in Tarquinia was exceptionally clean, well equipped, and VERY quiet. Exactly what I needed to recover from the all night flight. Service was OUTSTANDING, very friendly and helpful. Conveniently located close to a couple of restaurants and a market, I would stay there again, but ONLY if I had use of a rental car. Read more