cshim

Ok, it seems the forum resizes my images so I have created an online image folder that you can view all the images:

http://sdrv.ms/10ZUsma

Instead of a taxi, we got the train into Venice and then you just had to walk over the bridge by platform 19 to the people mover which took us to the port side in a few minutes at a cost of 1 euro each. This was an easy and cheap alternative to expensive Venetian taxis.

We arrived to check in at about 11:30 and waited in line for about 20 minutes to check our baggage in then went to check in and get our cruise cards which took another 20 minutes. In Venice port, there were priority lines for Concierge, suite, Diamond and Aqua Class guests.

Boarding was in groups and we had group 12 so we did not get on board until about 1pm. This was ok though as the cabins were ready 15 minutes later. Whilst we were waiting to get onboard we were approached by one of the staff from Qsine and were offered 20% off if we ate in there on the first night. As we were on select dining we thought this would be a good idea and booked it for 8pm.

Boarding champers is not served when you get on now, it is done at the first sailaway instead.

We went up to the buffet restaurant when we got on board and, despite it being embarkation day, it was easy to find a table. Unlike the Adventure of the Seas that we went on a couple of years ago, this was a pleasant surprise as we did not have to go up to the buffet in turn thereby not eating together. In fact every time we went to the buffet (even on sea days) it was not overly crowded and we never had trouble getting a table.

We had cabin 6210 which is classed as a 2D obstructed balcony near to the iLounge on deck 6. All I can say is wow, it is nowhere near the obstruction that you would have got on Cunard, P&O, etc and the best feature is the shower door instead of the dreaded curtain.

We met our cabin steward Jesse and assistant cabin steward Slavisa who were both excellent and fulfilled any requests promptly and happily.

Look forward to hearing about your experience. Could you post your photos larger too!

Feedback noted and I will do my best.

:)

We arrived in Venice on 9th May 2013 using BA who were very good - on time and we had a good deal on an upgrade to club class.

The hotel we stayed in was the Hotel Plaza in Mestre. It was an ideal hotel if you are not bothered about staying in a hotel in central Venice as it is in an ideal location right opposite the train station and trains run every 10 minutes, the journey taking about 8 minutes. The cost was about 1.20 euros

If you do take the train into Venice, remember to validate your ticket using one of the yellow machines before you get on!

I recommend the Sabrina Restaurant in Venice as they have a good tourist menu which was a reasonable price and very good food and service. For a 2 course meal and wine it cost about 40 euros. Be aware it is very popular.

Before I start my review I thought I would give you some background:

We are a male couple in our 30s and were going on this cruise for my partners 40th birthday (so, no longer in his 30s :D)

We are from the UK and made our flights, etc. independently to Celebrity.

Hi all,

I don't have time to do a full review at the moment but I will say that, apart from one staff member, the service and food was excellent in every way.

In fact, we loved it so much we have already booked to go to the Caribbean on the Equinox next year.

I will leave you with a couple of photos and do the review as soon as I can!

I think it may have been chartered looking at the talk on this thread:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1789821

Until I hear from Atlantis - I always say it's best to wait and see

 

(and even then it is always subject to change)

 

 

 

A few posts are reporting the cruise is Jan 26 to Feb 2nd though

I doubt it would be those dates:

http://jrtrav.com/images/userfiles/fa525f9e-f883-4690-ada6-a7ae45b17027/files/Complete%20New%20Hope%20Founders%20Cruise%20Documents.pdf

I have had Afternoon Tea on the Queen Elizabeth in the Queens Room. Does anyone know how it would compare to that?