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The Pound's value for money cruise
Reviewed By: POUND, BARNSLEY on 6th Oct 2008
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises	Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: Century	Sailed: September, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 65+

We cruised on the Century into the Western Med after having done the Eastern Med on Galaxy in 2007. Flights out and return to Manchester were good but flying with Monarch meant only 20 kilos of hold luggage each which was tight and whilst we could carefully balance weight on the outward journey with no scales couldn't do the same on the return and for the party of four we were a total of 10 kilos overweight (i.e on average 2.5k each) which meant a payment of 90 Euros. Feel that if Celebrity choose to use a 'low cost' airline with such restrictions they should negotiate a baggage limit more compatable with regular airlines. We found checking in at Port tedious and not too well organised. The line was split arbitrarily meaning that some from behind were ushered into shorter lines. There was no prioirity given to any class other than suites- which was little used. Extending priority down to Concierge class would have made better use of the facilities. The Cabin was excellent and in Concierge class the little touches with a small balcony/veranda was well worth it. The food in the Mani Restaurant was first class, and the provision for vegetarian dishes, applicable to two in our party of six, was superb as was their ability to accommodate our friends allergy to wheat and onions - the attention was outstanding. So much so that we all thought the extra $30 per head surcharge for using the Murano restaurant was difficult to justify although we had initially intended to use it. ON the Galaxy we had enjoyed having our breakfasts and lunches out in the open on the Stern of the boat but since Celebrity has been refurbed the space was reduced with the remodelling and the Bar and the canvas awning stretched over the area meant that often there were no spaces available and in any event under cover - that was very disappointing for us. Generally the excursions were very good and first class guides, very knowledgable, but in Tunis the guide we had was more preoccupied with visiting stalls operated by his friends than seeing the sights and we did make comment on our review on board that we thought this one was unbalanced -although that may have been just our bad luck with the guide in question. Celebrity declare their intention to treat each traveller as 'famous' and our two cruises with them have left us with the impression that this aim is much more than a publicity gimmic
Quality of Food
Main restaurant for dinner and self service for the rest of our meals
Entertainment
The quality of live music provided around the boat was exceptional - only went to a few theatre performances but all were very professional
Shore Excursions
Best was Florence 'on your own' but with a guide for two hours. least favourite Tunis - too much bias to shopping
Staff
All of the staff were excellent - no exception
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities	n/a

Cabins

Overall Rating

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Comment by Dansey, Rochford (14 Oct 08 14:51) about this REVIEW.

I always book cruise only and arrange my own flights. I find that Celebrity often pick obscure flights. One couple on our table had been routed from Edinburgh via Amsterdam with KLM. This time I flew with British Airways at the time that suited me - it also meant I cout stay in BCN before and after the cruise and not be restricted to their packges. It would be wort noting that you would still have been over on your baggage with BA who would also have charged you. I have bought a baggage scale for cruises. It's worth the investment; we were exactly on 46kg when we flew back! These are the scales I have: http://www.amazon.co.uk/NO-MORE-EXCESS-LUGGAGE-SCALE-AUTOMATIC-FUNCTION/dp/B001DI43SS

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