Celebrity Constellation Review
Ok Cruise, But Not Up To Celebrity Standards
Rating by category
Additional details
My 20th cruise and 5th with Celebrity - this was not nearly as good as the other Celebrity cruises. Some ways that Celebrity fell down:
Embarkation was awful. We were dropped off by taxi and after going through initial security had to roll our luggage across a large parking lot in pouring rain while luggage handlers stood under shelter. Check in was quick. We did walk off disembarkation and there were no issues.
Celebrity changed the itinerary to Israel two days before departure. We were in CDG airport when the text message was delivered. Less desirable ports were substituted - Greece cruises are generally less expensive than Holy Land cruises - no compensation was given except $15+ refund of Israel port charges. UK guests were given the opportunity to cancel with a refund which Guest Services adamantly denied. Israel booked excursions which are very expensive were not refunded - shipboard credit was given which meant a lot of spending on board or forgoing the refund.
Cabin Review
Concierge Class 1
Nice room and standard celebrity size. A bit of an obstacle due to window washer, but not awful.
Port Reviews
Naples
Good driver took us to Herculaneum (1 hour) and Pompeii (2 hours). We used headsets in Herculaneum but it was impossible to get very far in one hour so we hired a local guide at Pompeii. She was barely adequate and spoke so softly the six of us had a hard time hearing her. Taxi charged $120 for six of us.
Taormina (Messina)
Guide was good and we had about how an hour of free time to shop and explore. Taormina is very clean and nice. We had an overly long stop at a jewelry factory, but they did offer a nice snack buffet.
Taormina (Messina)
Walked to theater upon arrival in Taormina. It was interesting, but fairly crude compared to other ancient theaters we visited.
Taormina (Messina)
Very crowded and chaotic. We had no idea what we were tasting because of the pushing around the table. The speaker had no microphone and could not be heard.
Malta (Valletta)
Fabulous site!
Malta (Valletta)
Gorgeous cathedral, but it was Sunday so we did not see the Caravaggio!
Rhodes
Hop on Hop off - runs frequently, but most things can be walked to from cruise ship. It was not worth the cost!
Kusadasi
Very pushy in trying to sell carpets and the jewelry. Ugh!
Kusadasi
Outstanding guide - very knowledgeable, gracious, and accommodating.
Kusadasi
Lovely and peaceful site but be prepared to wait in line and be affronted by sales people upon exiting.
Istanbul
Beautiful and very large. Be prepared to remove shoes and ladies MUST wear head covering. Scarfs are provided. (A jacket hood is not adequate.)
Istanbul
Part of a day long excursion. Only complaint is that we were left far from our meeting point with no map and little direction from guide making for a harrowing return to our hotel.
Istanbul
Crazy busy!
Istanbul
Stunning church/mosque/museum. Be sure to notice the beautiful booked marble walls. The best I have ever seen.
Istanbul
Crowded but interesting.
Istanbul
Unbelievable compound in pristine condition. Expansive and stunning tiles.
Istanbul
Amazing - be sure to walk to the end and see the medusa heads.