They claimed on board that Celebrity cruises were voted the best premium cruise line of the year. It's hard to see why based on this recent cruise. But it was good, a good ship and a good cruise. The itinery for a Christmas and new year cruise was interesting enough starting in hong kong and finishing in Singapore via three ports in Vietnam.and supposedly Bangkok. Checkin was very easy and efficient and everybody received a glass of champagne on boarding. Nice touch.The ship is ten years old but still presents as a modern style cruise ship. External condition was very good and well maintained. Inside was also in good condition if somewhat plain decor.

We had an Aqua class cabin on deck 11 which was at the aft end on the upper most deck. Cabin was well prepared and pretty standard layout and size for a balcony stateroom. Only thing to criticize was the small balcony all these cabin balconies are about half a meter narrower than your usual balcony. This meant it was a squeeze to move around with a table and two chairs. Cabin was well fitted out including a pair of binoculars and all equipment worked except the thermostatic ac which despite being reported was never able to comfortably control the cabin temp. Too cold or too hot.

Dining was good and we had excellent and friendly service at our table. The menu was always good but never great. They skimped on the seafood especially shellfish which were minuscule and rare. Steak dishes were ok but nothing to write home about. We were entitled to dine in the Blue restaurant due to our Aqua class booking although it was more fancy the food was the same. There was five speciality restaurants which cost up to US $30 per person but we did not use. There was excellent wine selection and knowledgable wine waiters. There was no hustling from the drinks waiters any where on the ship to buy more drinks which is refreshing in fact there was little pressure to make purchases apart from acceptable promotion. Drinks were expensive over us$7 for a beer $10 for a glass of wine. Read more