Celebrity Constellation Review
Rating by category
Additional details
After a brief visit to Turkey a few years back we wanted to go to Istanbul. The October Constellation trip was a good price performer in the off season. We even got the free tips package, which was also popular with the crew as these cannot be removed :)
The embarkation was smooth and trouble free. We took the Havatas Airport Bus (13TL) and stayed at The Point Hotel in Taksim Square which was right at the bus drop off. We had the hotel call the cab in the morning to get to the ship. Note- negotiate cab fares up front- meters are ignored.
This is a nice, well run ship. We marveled at the view of Istanbul before we left and wished to stay longer. We could find a decent beer (Leffe and an American Microbrew IPA) and the Captain was Greek and very entertaining and interesting. I was super cranky at the posted sign when I went to try to change to Anytime Dining (full don't bother) and the MDR food was OK - they have no idea how to make soup. The water for making tea was lukewarm as per legal requirements is a guess. We heard a lot of grumbling it was hard to find free food later in the afternoon or very late at night. We love the MDR vs. the buffet experience and the service was flawless.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean View with Balcony 2B
We rolled the dice with a guarantee. We were by the elevators but the cabin door was sturdy and it was quiet. The cabin staff were excellent.
Port Reviews
Istanbul
Safe clean and pretty. This is a great place. We will be back. The American hotels are not in the best locations and the Turks know a lot of English.
Katakolon (Olympia)
There is a cute 3-steet wide town. We took the regular train up to the ruins- 10 Euros or so. We were not impressed by the ruins but were torn on the best place for lunch- back by the water or up at the pretty main street in Olympia.
Corfu
Great forts. We had a fabulous Greek lunch. The ship had a well run and cheap bus service to town.
Split
A pretty walled city. Very nice to walk around.
Dubrovnik
Another nice walled city. You need Kuna to buy stuff. Big decision- best lunch place :) Well organized bus service from the port.
Athens (Piraeus)
Corinth itself was very interesting - the canal was average.
Kusadasi
We love this city. You must go the ruins once. This time again we walked over to the marina to dine at Café Marin. Turkish food and a view of the ships/yachts are very relaxing.