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14 nights Fly/Cruise to Scandinavia & Russia |
| Reviewed By: Norris, Heath Charnock, Chorley on 4th Aug 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Constellation |
Sailed:
July,
2008 |
| Destination: Baltic |
Age: 56-65 |
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Just returned from 2 weeks aboard the Constellation. Third time we've been on this ship and and although didn't appear to be as many staff as previously still received first class service. The balcony cabin we were in was spotless - well tended - with cheerful helpful staff. Thought the bathroom towels were showing a little age - pilling - but perhaps I was being a bit picky from when we were last aboard 3 years ago. Brand new bedlinen though!
We dined in the speciality restaurant (for the first time ever) "Ocean Liners" and we were bowled over by the exquisite fine dining experience. Choice of food for six courses (with optional wine) and the most attentive service we've ever known. Cost was an extra $30 service but well worth it! In the main dining room food was of a high standard and although I wasn't particularly thrilled with our table placement the Maitre'D did offer to move us. I declined as we had wonderful dinner companions and didn't want to leave them! If I was disappointed with anything it would be the Seaside Grill - sometimes the food could have been hotter but they did offer a wide variety of styles from Asian to Italian, salad bar to fish and meat dishes in American/European style - even soup and a sandwich if that was all you wanted.
The entertainment on board was varied, from string quartet, one-man band, four young men singing harmony to dancing around the ship to suit all tastes and of course the main shows in the theatre. Acts consisted of comedy, singing, Antonio Salci who was a brilliant pianist, a violinist, as well as lead singers from Les Mis and Phantom! It was disappointing to note that the ship was very quiet - although the dining rooms were full!
The Martini bar was a must - interesting choice as well as perfect service - for a pre-dinner tipple or even the Champagne bar.
Shops on board carried a wide variety of stock to suit all pockets - right up to the very expensive jewellery, watches, leather jackets etc!
We only went on a couple of tours (St Petersburgh) but they were well organised and we were issued with ear-pieces and receivers so that we didn't have to crowd around the guide in order to hear what she was saying. She could be 50yards ahead and we didn't miss anything. Catherine's Palace and Alexander's Palace are a must but we also took in the underground system. Russia is a fascinating country and you have to be there to experience the vast spaces in the cities as well as the monuments. Helskini, Oslo, Tallin, Riga and Copenhagen- all worth a visit as was our starting point of Stockholm. Don't be frightened of just getting off and walking around by yourself! Plenty to see and in many ports all the sights are on your ship's doorstep.
All in all a wonderful cruise - glorious weather - good company - and for anyone without a balcony cabin to escape the masses - there was no need on this one - plenty of deck space with stack upon stack of sun loungers to use.
PS: One thing I don't agree with is the charge for a shuttle bus - this has only come in over the last few years and is adopted now by most cruise lines. If they say they will take you to say Riga - then it should be their responisiblity to get you from the dockside to the town some 15 mins + away. They wouldn't expect you to pay for a tender from the sea to shore! Or would they! Perhaps that's the next step - we'll take you to just ouside the harbour and you can swim the rest of the way if you want it for free. Sorry - just a niggle that needs putting out their to the cruise companies!
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Mainly steak, turkey, beef accompanied by either vegetables or salads. Also ate pizza, pasta and tried the hamburgers. | | Entertainment |  |
| Saw Jordon Bennett (from Les Miserables), "Christine" (Phantom of Opera)- sorry can't remember her name and Joe Mulligan a comedian/performer. Also Antonio Salci - pianist extraordinaire! | | Shore Excursions | |
| St Petersburgh - Catherine and Alexander's palaces. | | Staff | n/a |
| | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities |  |
| Wasn't over excited at the onboard activities. | | Cabins | |
| Excellent facilities - went Concierge Class which meant canapes every afternoon, fresh fruit etc. Very clean - efficient service | | Overall Rating | |
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