We recently returned from a fabulous 10 night cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox leaving Barcelona heading for Rome. Boarding was a breeze as always in Barcelona, we were aboard by 11am with a leisurely wander around the ship, lunch at the Bistro on Five followed by cabin availability by 1pm. We immediately purchased the Ultimate Dining Package still $29pp/day which for us is excellent value, the only disappointment was the added 10% VAT called Spanish Tax which is non-refundable for us Brits.

Weather conditions were generally excellent throughout the holiday, calm seas made for pleasant cruising conditions and deck sun loungers were always full with a few reserving sun and shade chairs, as normal. The drink service was excellent even though many had the free beverage package, we upgraded as the selection of wines on the classic was terribly poor.

The cruise itinerary was port intensive with only one sea day, travelling to mainland France and Italy, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. The Med islands were our first visit and we really enjoyed Sicily so much so we intend a land based holiday there next year. It is a shame that many of the ports were industrial or Naval dockyards that made me wonder if I was really on holiday. The port of Toulon was listed as our destination but we docked at the Naval Dockyard and Celebrity had the cheek to charge $46 to ferry passengers the 10kms. to Toulon. We declined their enticing offer and choose to enjoy the sunshine on board. The following day and overnight we were moored off Cannes, I thought at one time Celebrity were going to charge for their Tender but this time it was free, or should I say complimentary. Celebrity's high cost excursion to the Raddison Blu was a disaster for the film festival leaving many to complain. Read more