I'm going to insert Malta here, because I don't want to leave such an exotic, historically fascinating excursion out. Our guide, Anna, was excellent - and even handled very well and very loud, disgruntled cruise passenger, who obviously had not bothered to read the tour description. Valleta, then Mdina ---the buildings looking like a medieval movie set. The people friendly and helpful, and, as our ship left the harbor, cheering us on. A band greeted us as we disembarked, a symbol of Maltese hospitality, which we also observed, with shoes on the steps on a Catholic Church, while Muslim immigrants were worshiping inside. It's hard to put into words the varied and fascinating history of this island nation, but to say SEE THIS PLACE. 


Malta (Valletta)

Considering the long drive to and from the cruise dock, and that it was a warm, late Spring, busy Saturday ----this was a positive experience. "A Taste of Rome," was our excursion's title, and a good taste it was. An excellent young lady guide! The tops ---knowledgeable, polite, sensitive to the needs of older and handicapped persons. We were overwhelmed by the Colosseum, Vatican City, St.Peter's, and other well-known sites. 


Rome (Civitavecchia)

Time in Sorrento, a town of 10,000 south of Naples, at a nearby farm to see the olive oil and cheese-making, then on the Pompeii, and the wonder of what's been uncovered, and still is being discovered. Another top-notch, sensitive and knowledgeable guide. We got a food sense of everyday Italian life in a small town and rural setting. I recommend this to cruisers who want something refreshingly different. 


Naples

Another excellent guide, over an enchanting, fascinating Isle. Beautiful day, perfect weather, one good view of sea after another. A stop at the local winery for tasting and snacks. Our captain was able to dock at a new location, where buses quickly took us up and onto the island. However, the one drawback to this excursion ----more than an hour waiting in line of the cable car to descend downward to the main port. A hot, sun-filled wait, with fellow tourists cheating their way in front of us. 


Santorini

Our guide was again great, as we journeyed into the Turkish countryside, first to the final home of the Blessed Mother Mary and the beloved disciple. Long lines, but a cool shade - a beautiful spot, complete with a fountain of holy water. Then, on to the excavated ruins of the formerly metropolitan city of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached in the theater and barely escaped with his life. Fascinating site, just as good as Pompeii ---with a special show appearance by "Cleopatra, Mark Anthony, a bevy of lovely maidens, tough gladiators, and Roman soldiers." The one minus of this day was the hour of hard sell and pressure at a carpet factory, which was only mentioned on the agenda as a seemingly short presentation. 


Kusadasi

This was the only disappointing excursion, due in part to our tour guide, who spent the majority of time complaining over and over how terrible life was in present day Athens and Greece. 
Of course, we were deeply moved by the Acropolis and Parthenon, but the very quick, not even slowing down by the other important places, was disturbing. Athens and Greece are not presently pleasant places to visit. In Greece, go to the Islands. 


Athens (Piraeus)

We found our cabin and balcony to be excellent ---only distraction is we could here the band way down on the third deck atrium too late into the night.
  More than enough storage space, the bed very comfortable --balcony a good size,
bathroom great, with roomy shower - and folding doors instead of a curtain.
  TV system very helpful and clear.

(I'm thinking Celebrity Solstice has so many different eating choices and specialty restaurants, that they really need to rethink the way they seat people in the traditional dining room)



Entertainment at the nightly Theater Show was overall the best we've experienced, with great variety.Getting off the ship, we experienced the usual crew attitude, "we're through with this group, let's hope they get off soon, so we can get ready for the next bunch coming on later today.

Celebrity Solstice Review

My wife's 70th birthday celebration cruise

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Deluxe Veranda 2A

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