DH and I cruise about 1-2 times per year and Celebrity is our line of choice. We have been planning this trip for about a year and it exceeded our expectations.
We left 10/23 connecting thru JFK and arriving in Istanbul 10 am 10/24.We were able to get to the visa line ahead of most of crowds. After buying a Turkish visa ($20 USD), we went thru passport control and then collected luggage. We exchanged some money at the airport-the exchange rate was pretty good but there was a 4% commission.
Istanbul Airport Express driver (www.IstanbulAirportExpress.com) waiting for us after exiting customs. (we used this transfer company on arrival in Istanbul ,to get to the port and to get to the airport upon disembarking, and found them to be responsive by email and very reliable).
the window washing equipment was parked at the left side of the balcony ( this was not listed as obstructed presolsticization). Good location.