Recent Constellation TransAtlantic

[Dick in Falls Church]

Just a few comments on the cruise:

 

1. Yes, we had coupons. Because there were so many Elites, Pluses and Zeniths (2), they had two Senior Officers Parties, on different dates. So, we got coupons for every day except embarkation and debarkation.

 

2. The Reflections lounge was reserved for Elites up each evening, from 4:30 to 7 pm (early dinner was 5:45). There were enough servers that it sometimes seemed overdone, as opposed to some previous trips where one almost had to walk out and tackle someone. And, snacks were passed around constantly. It really worked out very well.

 

3. Once saw as many as 4 folks in Michaels Club, all at the same time. Usually it was totally empty.

 

4. Cabin stewards were great. Had steward on a previous trip, and she remembered not only us, but what cabin we were in. May have helped that we had no baggage on that trip---

 

4. Food in MDR was generally excellent. Oh sure, once someone got the French onion soup and thought it wasn't hot enough--but it was the next three times. The waiter team was outstanding, helpful, professional, and a delight to chat with.

 

5. The ship was clean and neat everyplace we saw.

 

6. The captain was evident and extremely personable. The crew had great respect and admiration for him. The ship had a positive feeling.

 

7. Again because of the numbers (something like 500 elites and 150 elite plus, the elite breakfasts were separated into the Ocean Liners (Elites) and

Italian restaurant (Elite Plus). We were very sorry a couple of our good cruise friends weren't on board, because we certainly would have lorded it over them--

 

8. Reduction of the activity staff didn't affect us, though there might have been a bit less trivia.

 

9. Most of the seaday afternoons, there was a matinee performance.

We've had this on occasion before, like when Brook Aehron (pianist) would perform a classical program. This time, there were both classical shows and other shows using the entertainment talent. The theater was filled to capacity, with folks standing and sitting in the aisles. Not sure whether this was especially arranged by the Cruise Director or if it has become a policy, but it certainly was a winner.

[rkacruiser]

I certainly enjoyed reading your comments. For someone trying to decide whether to book another Celebrity cruise, what you experienced is good to know. There has been so much negativity of late.

[May B]

Mr. B. and I hope to do a TA some day.

 

That captain came on board on Feb. 27th when we took a little four-day and I was truly impressed by him. He knew his entire crew by the second night when we had our Senior Officers party.

 

Do you think the stewards might get a print-out with their repeat guests and their past cabin numbers? Whether they door not, it's still really nice when they are so gracious about welcoming you back.

[Caribbean Chris]

Very nice to read. We're sailing her in December in the Caribbean, our first time on Millennium class ship.

 

Love transatlantics, the longer the better.

[akowilm]

We sailed on her in April and found all of the above. It was a great crew, fun and friendly, and we all had a great time! The ship was in great shape!

[lara68]

We were also on the Transatlantic and have to echo everything the original poster said! We've been on quite a few celebrity cruises, our points put us at elite plus,, and have done several TA's. It was the nicest TA to date! We were abit concerned about the condition of the Constellation as we had been on the Milennium recently and was disappointed in the condition of the ship, seemed tired and worn despite it's refurbishment. The Connie was lovely and well taken care of with a terrific captain and crew. Nothing but accolades for another celebrity cruise. I know there have been some negative reviews lately, but we have not experienced anything negative.

[Northern Aurora]

We were also on the Constellation TA (we are still in Europe) were pleased with the cruise and the ship. We hadn't been on the Connie since the April 2010 TA when she was taken to Hamburg for drydock. The Connie really is one of my favorite Celebrity ships, and I just don't know why we haven't been on her more recently.

 

We were in Blu, and as usual, were very pleased with the service and meals in that venue. The Blu maitre d' Alex was wonderful, as were his staff.

 

We've sailed with Captain Nikolas before, and enjoy him very much. A passenger had an apparent major medical emergency on board, and so the Connie had to divert north toward Bermuda so that the person could be evacuated -- I thought that Captain Nikolas did such a nice job recognizing the work of the medical staff.

 

Since the changes in the Captain's Club loyalty program were implemented after our last set of B2B cruises, this was the first cruise for us with the changes. We are elite plus, and were pleased with the changes.

[richsea]

Thanks for sharing your experience on Constellation. It pretty much mirrors our experience on the Silhouette TA.

Perhaps the reports of Celebrity's demise are premature.