Celebrity Constellation Review
Good itinerary on an ideal size ship
Rating by category
Additional details
The itinerary was the biggest factor in choosing this cruise as it visited a number of ports in the Adriatic and Med that we had not been to before. We last cruised on the Constellation in 2006 since when it has been through a major refit including the addition of aqua class staterooms and facilities which we chose this time round.
We joined in Venice having spent the 2 days prior exploring that wonderful city. The great thing about this was that having stayed on the central Piazza Roma it was only a very short walk (over the road) to the public transfer system which took us to the cruise port in just a few minutes. This made embarkation a particularly easy and comfortable exercise.
Constellation carries c. 2,000 guests, so a medium sized ship which we prefer. Because of the refit/expansion that was undertaken, occasionally some of the layout is a bit confusing but after a couple of days we sorted out our bearings. The open air and indoor swimming pools are both salt water ones, the former unheated and the latter more of a spa pool. After getting used to the salt water aspect, I really enjoyed the outdoor pool which is of a decent enough length for swimming.
Cabin Review
Aqua Class Balcony
Port Reviews
Venice
So much to do. Ideal as a pre-cruise stay (min 2 days)
Ravenna (Bologna)
Mainly known for the Mosaics at a number of its churches. A 5 site combined ticket costs €9.50 each and is well worth it. Some way from the port (25 mins by coach) so need to take shuttle bus or excursion
Dubrovnik
Beautiful old town fully restored after the war. Can get extremely busy especially in the afternoon. Circumnavigation of the walls is a must although it does cost 150 Kuna each (around £19). We found it easiste to take a taxi from the port - €13 each way fixed price
Kotor
We considered taking a tour by road to various view spots from one of the dockside taxi services but in the end chose not to and enjoyed a wander around the small town of Kotor which remains a mix of old and new. The Cathedral & museum is a must to visit and well worth €3.50 entrance fee. we were lucky enough to come across some folk dancing by a group of young Montenegrins in national costume which was entertaining and an excellent photo opportunity. Worthwhile getting up for the sail-in which is very picturesque
Catania
Didn't know much about Catania beforehand but a delightful city with some beautiful squares, view of Mt Etna and striking buildings. I would be happy to revisit on another cruise at a future date. Decent beer too!
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)
Have visited previously when we were very pleasantly surprised by the old town and cathedral. This time we were docked at what seemed to be the most distant part of the large cruise terminal so walking in was simply not an option so we took the locally provided shuttle. As before we enjoyed the architecture etc and last of all visited the cathedral (entrance fee €8 approx) but as we came out rain which had been threatening all morning started to come down and we took the shuttle bus back to the ship just in time as it then came down in tropical proportions for the rest of the afternoon. We learnt later that a number of people had got drenched as the roads got waterlogged and shuttle buses were unable to get through o the town, resulting in waits of an hour and a quarter.
Ibiza
Experience was coloured by the fact that it was raining (heavily) when we got there and continued to do so all morning. Nevertheless, kitted out in our wet weather gear, we explored thoroughly making our way up to the Cathedral and heights beyond that. The town was fairly deserted because of the weather but later (a) as the rain stopped and (b) people started to wake up it started to come to life.
Valencia
Quite a revelation. Magnificent city with fantastic architecture and lovely atmosphere. After thoroughly exploring the city centre we walked the green way - an open area being the former route of a diverted river which goes for miles almost to the port and has lots of different aspects including the Oceanic centre. Well worth exploring. We took a taxi in and picked up one off the green way on the way back at cost of c. €14 each way.