Celebrity Century 02/01/2007
Sailing from Miami, for four (4) days. Ports of call included Key West & Cozumel.
Embarkation:
My wife and I own a Travel Agency, Travel by Signature, so we went on this trip primarily to check out the refurbishment of the Celebrity Century, as well as relax.
First of all, it being Super bowl weekend and with our last minute reservations, we needed to fly into Palm Beach International airport, about 80 miles north of Miami. Rented from Avis, since I’m a “Preferred Select” member, whatever that means. We returned the car in downtown Miami at Avis’ 2nd ST. location. Warning, I wouldn’t recommend renting from this facility as they don’t have a Shuttle.
We caught a cab to the Port of Miami (about $10) and got in line to check in. We had our Sea Pass cards and were checked in about 10 minutes, and then things went downhill.
We were led into a second area where we had to pass through the metal detectors and board the ship. We were told to sit in rows of chairs and our rows would be called to go through the metal detectors. Fine. Except as soon as one of the security people would turn or get distracted, 50 people would come through, see the line to go through the metal detector and make a bee line to it.
They also had the backdrop set up to take your “Welcome Aboard” photo, but I didn’t see a photographer, and the lines didn’t go past it. I’ve been on so many cruises, I don’t buy these anymore, but many first time cruisers like these photos, so that was a missed opportunity for Celebrity. Grade (D) on the embarkation.
Cabin:
Once, onboard, we were greeted with Champagne and Mimosas. “Don’t mind if I do!” After quenching my thirst, we sauntered to our cabin, 9019. This is a deck nine quad (meant for 4 people) port side, far forward.
I have to say, Celebrity did a good job in refurbishing the room. Egyptian cotton sheets, LCD TV, mini-bar, and lots and lots of storage. The only downside – only one outlet in the room and none in the bathroom. I usually bring a three outlet adaptor, as well as an extension cord. Cabin Grade (A).
Dining:
Buffet: Celebrity is known for its service, and the Century was no exception. All service personnel were friendly and polite, and there was always someone available to take my wife’s tray and guide us to a seat. They always offered to get coffee or drinks or anything we needed. The food prep areas were kept immaculate and
Sailing from Miami, for four (4) days. Ports of call included Key West & Cozumel.
Embarkation:
My wife and I own a Travel Agency, Travel by Signature, so we went on this trip primarily to check out the refurbishment of the Celebrity Century, as well as relax.
First of all, it being Super bowl weekend and with our last minute reservations, we needed to fly into Palm Beach International airport, about 80 miles north of Miami. Rented from Avis, since I’m a “Preferred Select” member, whatever that means. We returned the car in downtown Miami at Avis’ 2nd ST. location. Warning, I wouldn’t recommend renting from this facility as they don’t have a Shuttle.
We caught a cab to the Port of Miami (about $10) and got in line to check in. We had our Sea Pass cards and were checked in about 10 minutes, and then things went downhill.
We were led into a second area where we had to pass through the metal detectors and board the ship. We were told to sit in rows of chairs and our rows would be called to go through the metal detectors. Fine. Except as soon as one of the security people would turn or get distracted, 50 people would come through, see the line to go through the metal detector and make a bee line to it.
They also had the backdrop set up to take your “Welcome Aboard” photo, but I didn’t see a photographer, and the lines didn’t go past it. I’ve been on so many cruises, I don’t buy these anymore, but many first time cruisers like these photos, so that was a missed opportunity for Celebrity. Grade (D) on the embarkation.
Cabin:
Once, onboard, we were greeted with Champagne and Mimosas. “Don’t mind if I do!” After quenching my thirst, we sauntered to our cabin, 9019. This is a deck nine quad (meant for 4 people) port side, far forward.
I have to say, Celebrity did a good job in refurbishing the room. Egyptian cotton sheets, LCD TV, mini-bar, and lots and lots of storage. The only downside – only one outlet in the room and none in the bathroom. I usually bring a three outlet adaptor, as well as an extension cord. Cabin Grade (A).
Dining:
Buffet: Celebrity is known for its service, and the Century was no exception. All service personnel were friendly and polite, and there was always someone available to take my wife’s tray and guide us to a seat. They always offered to get coffee or drinks or anything we needed. The food prep areas were kept immaculate and
the food fresh.
Like most buffets, breakfast included eggs, meats, cereals, fruit, a waffle and pancake station as well as various breads, pastries and such. Lunch included sandwich “fixings” as well as many hot and cold entrees. The best part, the ever changing ice cream bar. You’ve got to try the “After 8” flavor…MMmmm.
Grand Restaurant:
Impeccable service is all I can say. Peter from India was our waiter at table 610. Request him. After the first day, the whole team knew our names as well as our preferences. We sat with the greatest people (Hi Frank, Toni, Marie and Tony!). They were all older than us, but determined to try and sample everything on the menu, or at least all the desserts.
Let me just say that the food overall was great. The chicken Gumbo was “real” gumbo, but tasty just the same. And my wife who hates lamb,
Like most buffets, breakfast included eggs, meats, cereals, fruit, a waffle and pancake station as well as various breads, pastries and such. Lunch included sandwich “fixings” as well as many hot and cold entrees. The best part, the ever changing ice cream bar. You’ve got to try the “After 8” flavor…MMmmm.
Grand Restaurant:
Impeccable service is all I can say. Peter from India was our waiter at table 610. Request him. After the first day, the whole team knew our names as well as our preferences. We sat with the greatest people (Hi Frank, Toni, Marie and Tony!). They were all older than us, but determined to try and sample everything on the menu, or at least all the desserts.
Let me just say that the food overall was great. The chicken Gumbo was “real” gumbo, but tasty just the same. And my wife who hates lamb,
went on and on about the braised lamb shanks. You shouldn’t be disappointed in your meal.
Murano specialty restaurant: OK, we didn’t make it to the specialty restaurant, but it looked great, and the Maitre’ D called us every night to let us know they hadn’t had a cancellation. Honestly, the food in the Main dining room was such that I didn’t feel we needed to pay an extra $30 per person at the specialty restaurant. I silently prayed that there wouldn’t be a cancellation so we didn’t have to go.
Sushi / Pizza bar: didn’t make it there, too stuffed.
Entertainment/Activities:
All cruise ships and cruise lines have an individual personality. So when I feel like non stop activities, I don’t think of Celebrity, I think of Carnival Cruise lines. The Century had a fair amount of activities, but there was some lack of participation as well as several typos in the daily activity list. This had my wife and me looking in the wrong spots for some of the happenings.
I also noticed some inexperience with the Casino and Entertainment staff. For example, there seemed to be only one person onboard who knew how to call bingo. Halsey, the Activities Manager, had to constantly instruct the other members of the activities staff on how to call as well as how to verify cards. They also held a game of Family Feud, but the host wasn’t real clear on the Family Feud rules.
The singers weren’t the best I’ve seen, and the dancers didn’t seem to be giving their all, with a coupe of exceptions. After the first two shows, I didn’t bother with any others. Believe it or not, the best dance troupe I’ve ever seen on a ship was on the Carnival Fantasy in 1998.
*** Note: they did a nice job on the Super bowl party. They decorated the main show room, pulled down the big screen, and had Bears and Colts sections.
Ports:
Key West: To me, Key West is a bit of a throw away port. The cruise lines stop there for about ½ day, in the morning and move on. Of course all the fun starts after dark. It’s like being on Bourbon Street 8am Sunday morning. There isn’t much going on.
We went to Mel Fisher’s Maritime museum. It’s about 1 block from the port, costs $11 for an adult. They have many exhibits of found shipwreck artifacts and treasure, as well as the Mel Fisher Family Store. This isn’t a General Store, they sell real sunken treasure. There are necklaces, rings, gold and silver bars, etc. I saw a gold bar there selling for $110,000.
Cozumel: As I mentioned before, we were there to relax, so we didn’t do much in Cozumel. Of note, the Century docked at the International Port, which is about 3 miles from Do
wntown San Miguel. I noticed the Carnival Fantasy and Ecstasy docked at the closer port. The docks have been demolished by 2005s hurricanes, they are still under re-construction.
We sauntered in and out of a few souvenir shops, picking up this and that, and finally stopped for “Sex on the Beach” (the drink) at the Hard Rock Café.
Disembarkation:
Fairly smooth. The only problem was with the purser’s desk. I along with many other people, had credit card problems. Typically, I put up our company credit card for the onboard deposit, but my wife put up our personal card during the online check-in. when I found out, I went down to the purser’s desk (2 days into the cruise0 to change it. The young lady put the credit card number on some form, had me sign it (didn’t give me a copy) and said it was taken care of. On the last morning, we have a note on our door that we need to settle our account. So I go back to the purser’s desk and give them the card again. A young gentleman takes it, swipes it and says I’m good to go. When I go to disembark the ship, the machine blares that I need to go back and take care of something at the purser’s desk. When I tell security I already did, he asks for my receipt (which of course, they didn’t give me). Now I’m sent to the “Bank” desk. The young man there doesn’t seem to understand that I’ve already taken care of this, only consulting the print out in front of him. He again asks for my card, which I refuse. By this time, I’m believe that I going to get three separate charges on my card. I tell him to check his system or check at Guest Relations. He finally does, and gives me the necessary print out. When I ask why I hadn’t received a receipt on either of the two previous transactions, he doesn’t actually answer, just incoherently mumbles.
This appeared to be happening to about 1 out of every 20 people disembarking the ship.
Overall assessment:
The Celebrity Century is a great looking ship packed to the gills with bars, lounges and public rooms. It’s a great looking ship, and the service staff seems to really care whether you are satisfied. Fantastic for travelers looking to be served, older travelers, and those looking to relax.
Murano specialty restaurant: OK, we didn’t make it to the specialty restaurant, but it looked great, and the Maitre’ D called us every night to let us know they hadn’t had a cancellation. Honestly, the food in the Main dining room was such that I didn’t feel we needed to pay an extra $30 per person at the specialty restaurant. I silently prayed that there wouldn’t be a cancellation so we didn’t have to go.
Sushi / Pizza bar: didn’t make it there, too stuffed.
Entertainment/Activities:
All cruise ships and cruise lines have an individual personality. So when I feel like non stop activities, I don’t think of Celebrity, I think of Carnival Cruise lines. The Century had a fair amount of activities, but there was some lack of participation as well as several typos in the daily activity list. This had my wife and me looking in the wrong spots for some of the happenings.
I also noticed some inexperience with the Casino and Entertainment staff. For example, there seemed to be only one person onboard who knew how to call bingo. Halsey, the Activities Manager, had to constantly instruct the other members of the activities staff on how to call as well as how to verify cards. They also held a game of Family Feud, but the host wasn’t real clear on the Family Feud rules.
The singers weren’t the best I’ve seen, and the dancers didn’t seem to be giving their all, with a coupe of exceptions. After the first two shows, I didn’t bother with any others. Believe it or not, the best dance troupe I’ve ever seen on a ship was on the Carnival Fantasy in 1998.
*** Note: they did a nice job on the Super bowl party. They decorated the main show room, pulled down the big screen, and had Bears and Colts sections.
Ports:
Key West: To me, Key West is a bit of a throw away port. The cruise lines stop there for about ½ day, in the morning and move on. Of course all the fun starts after dark. It’s like being on Bourbon Street 8am Sunday morning. There isn’t much going on.
We went to Mel Fisher’s Maritime museum. It’s about 1 block from the port, costs $11 for an adult. They have many exhibits of found shipwreck artifacts and treasure, as well as the Mel Fisher Family Store. This isn’t a General Store, they sell real sunken treasure. There are necklaces, rings, gold and silver bars, etc. I saw a gold bar there selling for $110,000.
Cozumel: As I mentioned before, we were there to relax, so we didn’t do much in Cozumel. Of note, the Century docked at the International Port, which is about 3 miles from Do
wntown San Miguel. I noticed the Carnival Fantasy and Ecstasy docked at the closer port. The docks have been demolished by 2005s hurricanes, they are still under re-construction.We sauntered in and out of a few souvenir shops, picking up this and that, and finally stopped for “Sex on the Beach” (the drink) at the Hard Rock Café.
Disembarkation:
Fairly smooth. The only problem was with the purser’s desk. I along with many other people, had credit card problems. Typically, I put up our company credit card for the onboard deposit, but my wife put up our personal card during the online check-in. when I found out, I went down to the purser’s desk (2 days into the cruise0 to change it. The young lady put the credit card number on some form, had me sign it (didn’t give me a copy) and said it was taken care of. On the last morning, we have a note on our door that we need to settle our account. So I go back to the purser’s desk and give them the card again. A young gentleman takes it, swipes it and says I’m good to go. When I go to disembark the ship, the machine blares that I need to go back and take care of something at the purser’s desk. When I tell security I already did, he asks for my receipt (which of course, they didn’t give me). Now I’m sent to the “Bank” desk. The young man there doesn’t seem to understand that I’ve already taken care of this, only consulting the print out in front of him. He again asks for my card, which I refuse. By this time, I’m believe that I going to get three separate charges on my card. I tell him to check his system or check at Guest Relations. He finally does, and gives me the necessary print out. When I ask why I hadn’t received a receipt on either of the two previous transactions, he doesn’t actually answer, just incoherently mumbles.
This appeared to be happening to about 1 out of every 20 people disembarking the ship.
Overall assessment:
The Celebrity Century is a great looking ship packed to the gills with bars, lounges and public rooms. It’s a great looking ship, and the service staff seems to really care whether you are satisfied. Fantastic for travelers looking to be served, older travelers, and those looking to relax.
1 comment:
Great indepth review and a few priceless pointers like:
"only one outlet in the room and none in the bathroom. I usually bring a three outlet adaptor, as well as an extension cord"
and
"Fantastic for travelers looking to be served, older travelers, and those looking to relax"
Thanks!
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