We are active 60-yr-olds wanting warm weather and relaxation in January, and we got that. Loved the easy days at sea w/ lots of reading and sun. We splurged on an high-end all-inclusive cruise last time and I wanted to compare the value proposition with Celebrity. The ship was lovely, except the art work on the walls was very, very strange. But the ship is clean and well maintained. The staff was fabulous, always friendly and anxious to help. The entertainment was outstanding. Loved the comedians....laughed to tears both nights and so refreshing to be funny but not obscene. The ship's troupe was also very good, with lavish costumes, impressive staging and marvelous acrobats. Don't miss the shows each night!
The food at the buffet was plentiful and varied....anyone will be pleased with the range of choices. But we enjoy the formal dining, and this was a disappointment for us compared with our recent all-inclusive experience. The wine steward was over-worked; we often had food before he had time to get our wine. The menu offerings were fine, but never once did I say "Oh, I want that again!" The presentation is nice but this is not five-star dining. But out charming dinner companions made the evenings wonderful, so thanks to Celebrity for that match-up!
Final verdict: By the time you buy the wine package and internet (outrageous on Celebrity!) and maybe a specialty restaurant, the high-end lines get competitive. And you get to skip the tacky art auctions and tanzanite jewelry hucksters!
Nice veranda view, but near the life boats. View was fine, but there was some noise late at night from whatever was below us. Loud banging.