We just returned from a great cruise on Century. I had booked us at the last minute. Originally, I had hoped to be able to take a longer cruise at Christmas. My in-laws' health problems, however, made my DH decide he wanted to be home to visit them for the holiday. So this 4-day itinerary, returning Christmas Eve, worked out with our schedule.

We sailed on Century for Christmas and New Year's four years ago, before the refurbishment. I was eager to see the changes. That was also our last Celebrity cruise—having sailed on cruise Christmas cruises twice on Princess and once on Holland America since then.

Precruise: We flew down to Miami from Raleigh two nights before our cruise. I booked our room at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami through Priceline. It's a 4-star hotel (according to Priceline). I felt we had a 4-star bed in a 2-star room. It's obvious that the room had been remodeled to try for a suite feeling. There was a 5-foot wall that separated the bed from sink area. The bathroom had not been remodeled very well. The handles, faucets and shower head looked like something from a cheap motel. The hotel does offer the amenities of a 4-star hotel, such as room service, concierge, and valet parking. Read more