After a gruelling but uneventful 13 hour flight to Singapore with BA we walked from Arrivals (not far at all) to the Crowne Plaza, which was obviously WAY out of Singapore centre, Why oh why Celebrity? It was a lovely hotel but we were a 'captive audience' with no choice of eateries etc. and no chance to see the beauty of the city at night. Bad choice Celebrity! The following morning we were transported to the dock as normal. Embarkation was no trouble. It was lovely to be back on the 'Connie' once again! She was just how we remembered her but now a little tired and in need of a facelift perhaps. We love the layout of this class of Celebrity ship. Not too large to get around and sensible sized lounges etc. (Unlike some of the newer ships we've encountered). Due to the early arrival, the cabin was not ready, no biggie. Spent a while in the buffet with friends who had travelled in from another part of the World. The food was up to the standard we have come to expect from Celebrity and there was plenty of choice. Our cabin was on deck eight and the balcony protruded further than many on the ship. This gave us an uninterrupted view along the length of the vessel. Although a decent size with adequate storage, the cabin appeared somewhat smaller than on the likes of Silhouette, Reflection etc. and again showed some signs of age. Brilliant cabin steward!

Our first encounter with the main dining room was quite disappointing it has to be said! The food was quite poorly cooked and tasted as if it been stood under a heat lamp for a while. Not a great start. Sadly it never really improved. Although were persevered with the dining room most evenings, and there were a few very good dishes during the cruise, it was certainly below the standard we have become used to with Celebrity and far short of our experience on Independence of the Seas, last June. The dining room staff and waiters were brilliant, no request was 'too much trouble'.

As a musician myself I'm naturally quite critical of the standard of entertainers, musicians etc. on a cruise ship. The bands were of a good standard overall and the 'House Band' that backed most of the guest acts were brilliant. BUT as on most ships, the sound in the theatre was quite poor to my ears. It lacked punch and the bass player might as well have not been there as there was SO little bass content in the mix. Come on cruise lines, stop employing sound engineers with a 'theatre' background and get some rock 'n' roll guys in, your audience is changing! We didn't really see much of the other music acts on board so can't really comment. The guest artistes were all really good apart from a so called Elton John tribute who was dreadful! I've seen much better in the local clubs in the UK. Being of a certain age we didn't get involved in any physical activities on board but really enjoyed the daily quizzes on sea days and the port lectures were very informative, if a little over cautious about going-it-alone in ports. Which brings me on to shore excursions. Read more