Celebrity Infinity Review
Incredible Staff Made Up for a Ship That's a Little Worn
Rating by category
Additional details
The Panama Canal has always been a bucket list item for my wife and I. When two couples, we often cruise with called to say they had booked it we were in. The itinerary included Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama (of course) and Colombia, all places we'd never seen so we couldn't wait.
The ship sailed from San Diego, a town I've always enjoyed so we decided to go out 3 nights ahead of our sail date to get a start on relaxing. There is so much to do out there I'd definitely recommend going out early. We stayed at the Hilton in the Gaslamp District. Its close to entertainment but still only a short walk or ride to the waterfront. Something I'd never seen before are rental bikes and scooters. An app put on your phone allows you to "unlock" electric scooters or bicycles that are scattered all over the place. You're only charged for the time you use them. When you're done you just park them and end your ride. It's a lot cheaper than cabs or Uber. One little note, watch out for curbs or you'll end up with road rash and seven stitches in your head like I did...but that another story.
Embarkation:
Cabin Review
Concierge Class 2
What can I really say about the cabin? We usually cruise with Carnival so maybe I was expecting a Concierge class cabin on Celebrity to be a little "nicer" but it was about the same. That aside, it was all we needed. My wife felt the bed was a little hard so we asked our steward for a foam topper which solved the issue. Beds are really subjective.
Storage was more than adequate for two people who tend to way over pack.
Port Reviews
Cabo San Lucas
Since the ship's excursion we booked was canceled prior to the cruise I just tendered to shore and took a water taxi to a beach bar. My wife stayed aboard. The hustling was intense even by Mexican cruise port standards. Within 10 minutes I was offered drugs and female companionship multiple times.
Puerto Vallarta
Another day another canceled ships excursion. We went ashore with friends and wandered the Malecon area. Good lunch and a few local beers.
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
Hour and a half bus ride to Antigua. Advertised "rum tour" turned out to be one stop at the Zacapa visitor center. Good rums, with an interesting tasting seminar. Nice lunch at a local hotel with beautiful grounds. The visible poverty and trash along the roads was disheartening but a reality in a Central American country.