ms Celebration March 2007 Review

	Ship:	Carnival Celebration
	Date:	March 24-29, 2007
	Itinerary:	Jacksonville, Nassau, Key West

About Us

Jim (65) and I (60) have been cruising for about 11 years. This is our 20th cruise; Seawind Crown, HAL (7 on Zuiderdam, 5 on others), Celebrity Century, NCL Norway, RCI (Enchantment, Brilliance, Majesty), Caribbean Princess, and this Carnival Celebration. We have been spoiled by HAL, and have come to expect certain amenities. We were not expecting the same level of service, but were very pleasantly surprised by the gracious service we received at all levels.

We booked this cruise because the departure port is within driving distance, and it's short enough so that we could easily move personnel around to cover for us at work. It was originally booked for last August, but the ship had to have an emergency drydock due to prop damage in Nassau. The great part is that we got this replacement cruise for half-price! Here's how it all went down...

Overview

With very few exceptions, the ship furnishings, artwork, and overall decor are comfortable and very well maintained. The physical layout is easy to navigate, except on Admiral Deck where the galley takes up the entire center and you can't get from bow to stern without changing decks. Service, from all levels and without exception, was excellent. A wide variety of activities and entertainment was offered well into the night.

Embarkation

For us, travel to JaxPort was nearly effortless. We only had a 2+ hour drive, and parking was just a few hundred feet away, $12/day. We dropped off our luggage, parked the car, and proceeded to the VIP check-in. We sat in a comfortable lounge for a few minutes, then were escorted to the gangway and boarded the ship. Our suite was ready, so we left our carry-on bags and headed to the Lido for our first feast. While standing in line at the buffet, we encountered our first shirtless teen, and asked a supervisor to have him removed. As the week progressed, there wasn't enough staff on the whole ship to enforce this simple dress code

Cabin

Veranda Suite V2 This generous sized Cat 12 suite was very much like the image shown here. The seating area is very comfortable, with a couch, love seat, and 2 comfortable occasional chairs, although the 'coffee table' was too tall and too small for meals.

Carnival does not indicate (on this ship) which cabins are handicapped-accessible, so we didn't know about the bathroom configuration until we got there. We would have preferred a jacuzzi and shower. The 3x6 closet only had 4 shelves and 3 feet of short hanging space. Where was I supposed to hang my dresses? The other half of the closet was empty (the other cabins up there had additional shelves and bars). No hair dryer was provided, but our cabin steward was happy to find us a very good one for the week. The desk/vanity had 8 wide, shallow drawers for clothes and one in the middle which we used for gadgets.

V2 is on Deck 11, behind the observation deck over the Bridge. Two chairs, small drink table and one unpadded lounger are provided. Bummer There's a stairway that crosses the balcony, and a simple glance to the left will get you an eyeful of anything that's going on in the cabin. The one time Jim tried to relax on the veranda a lady reached over and tweaked his toes. Her husband warned Jim that a seagull will come and bite him! So much for privacy. That stairway wasn't on any deck plans I saw.

A console dividing the suite contains the TV which pulls out and swivels, a bar area and 'refrigerator' which doesn't even adequately cool its contents. No minibar was provided; only one large bottle of water and six soft drink cans.

Bummer

The only house phone, mounted on the wall near the desk, contained no data line. The only available internet is in the library or pool area.

Ship Facilities

You already know that, on this date, the Celebration is 20 years old. That said, I'm happy to report that the ship is in excellent shape and not as dated looking as previous passengers have reported. The lobby area is nicely decorated with comfortable seating and very nice artwork.

The shopping area is very attractive, looking much like a small mall, but (except for one small corner) without the frequent 'flea market' displays seen on other ships. Especially busy was the $10 Fashion Boutique in the Fun Shops. The shopping, dining and most activity areas are centered on two decks, so you don't have to go far to attend your next event.

The Liquor store offered 30-60% off US retail ("compared to 750 ml, their bottles have 33% more"), and 2 cartons of cigarettes for $37.

The Casino area is very nicely laid out, with more gaming tables than I would expect on this size ship. The Photo Gallery is located alongside the Casino near the popular Trolley Bar, and does not create the typical traffic jam experienced in the past.

The only exception I can personally mention is the Wheelhouse Grill. It doesn't look like it has been upgraded at all. Decorated with old nautical pieces, photographs and other artwork, it has a dark, strange industrial feel. The ceiling bears neon tracks (I never saw them on, but that may be a good thing), and other old navigating devices that flashed, but I have no idea of their original purpose.

Dining

Our traditional dining seating was assigned for the Horizon Dining Room at 8:00. We had requested a table for six or eight, but were assigned one of the only two tables for two. We generally like getting to know new people and exchanging cruising experiences, but this private table afforded us the luxury of being late for dinner. Our service was outstanding, and multiple course requests were honored with a smile. We found the menu to be extensive and varied, and the food to be excellent. On a typical night the menu offers 6 appetizers or soups, 2 salads, 6 entrees, 3 spa cuisine choices, 8 alternative selections, 4 special desserts plus ice creams, sherbets and cheeses. Special liqueurs are available by request. Dining on our own, we didn't hurt anyone's feelings by skipping dessert and leaving early. We ate dinner only in the dining room, so cannot speak to the dinner service in the Lido.

The Wheelhouse Bar & Grill (Lido Restaurant): Open 24 hours for pizza and juice/coffee/tea service, this area of the ship is probably my least favorite. Two buffet lines serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The sandwich bar has tasty hot and cold items (including smoked salmon & cream cheese on bagels). The salad bar offers salad mixings and fruit, and there is a dessert bar and soft-serve ice cream machine. At one end of the Wheelhouse is a bar that serves the restaurant and aft pool. The industrial atmosphere is dark, noisy, and has a faint odor reminiscent of a high school cafeteria.

Room Service: We had Continental Breakfast nearly every day; fresh fruits and smoked salmon, pastries, juice, yogurt, cereal, coffee and tea are offered and delivered as you choose.

Rainbow Club Casino

This casino is huge for a ship this size. There were lots and lots of slots (some new ones paid off big for Jim), 2 roulette tables, many other card tables and My Craps Table. There wasn't a great deal of interest in dice, and often only one side was open. Marina, a consummate croupier, generated a lot of noise and energy, and the nights she was dealing dice were the best.

Recently they traded in their two traditional Texas Hold'Em tables for a PokerPro electronic table seating only 10 players. It won't begin a game until at least three players log on. You need to download money to a Hold'Em gaming card and you can use a minimum of $30 and maximum of $300. You can leave the table for a short time and load more money on your card, but you cannot do this in the middle of a hand. Blinds were 3/6 but I understand it's possible for the Manager or Host to raise the stakes under certain circumstances. Jim has been a Hold'Em player for years, and felt the atmosphere too impersonal. Gone are the stacks of chips, reading tells, table banter and lucky card markers. Players instead stare at the screen in front of them which has all the information (except the community cards) and tap a selection. The bottom line -- if you're a regular online Hold'Em player, you'll love this table. if you only play the traditional way (with people, chips and a deck of cards) it will drive you mad.

If you're unfamiliar with any of the games, demonstrations are offered by their knowledgeable casino staff, and cheat cards are handy to help you recognize your winning hands.

Before you board, visit When you board, visit Ocean Players Club and tell them your booking number to receive a complimentary Bon Voyage gift. Once aboard, visit the Casino Cage and sign up for your free Ocean Players Club membership.

Pools

We didn't use the pool(s) this time, but even though this was a spring break week, there were occasionally loungers available at the aft pool. The little kids seemed to enjoy the Twister Slide in the main pool.

Spa Carnival

There really isn't one... On deck 11 there are 3 or 4 'treatment rooms', his & hers dressing rooms (each with free sauna) and a small gym with various equipment. Jim had a massage there and there was barely enough room for the attendant to move around him. Reservations are made through the beauty shop.

Somewhere, somehow, they manage to provide treatments such as Ionithermie (my personal favorite), Aroma Spa Ocean Massage, Stone Therapy, Aroma-Flex Lime & Ginger-Salt Glow, and Ocean Spa Wraps. I'm assuming the Hand & Neck Massages and Facials are done in the Salon. They also now offer acrylic nails & refills.

GenerationYSPA for teens has its own menu of services, because being a teen is stressful.

Astoria Lounge Showroom

We saw several shows here. The seats are comfortable and we could always find a good one. Thankfully, the temperature was normal, and I didn't have to shiver through the shows.

Photo Gallery

Aside from the embarkation photo, they only took two photos of us, and we couldn't find them. It's a shame, because we were given a coupon for a discounted package, but if you can't find them, you can't buy them. I wanted to take one of those 'fun' photos (sitting down on the floor or some other cheerleading kinda position) but we never got around to it. After dinner, photographers were set up in many places around the ship, and we never saw more than a few groups in line.

Film processing is also available, and several personalized cruise DVDs are offered.

Admiral's Internet Café

There was no dialup access in my suite. I'm accustomed to composing emails and logging on just a few moments to send them, then disconnecting, for a minimal charge. Here you have to pay by the minute for surfing, composing, downloading... everything! I had trouble creating an account, and gave up after two attempts. I could have dragged my laptop to a hotspot, but it's too bulky and so much trouble.

TV and Movies

24 channels are available, including CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN Domestic, TNT, Boomerang and Cartoon Network. News shows were from the Denver area. Movies offered were Pirates of the Caribbean 2, Invincible, Everyone's Hero, All the Kings Men, The Guardian, Alchemy, Marie Antoinette, Fly Boys, Mission Impossible III, and Flicka.

Staff

Steve Weiler from Canada, the OPC Celebration Casino Host, was by far the most personable staff member. From the time we first contacted him (by email before the cruise) to the very last night, he made our shipboard experience so much fun! He went out of his way to introduce us to the new PokerPro table and Hot Hot Slots, and was always around to chit-chat while I was waiting for my table to open. He hosted some very well attended Slots and Blackjack Tournaments, and proved to be a very funny Emcee!

Marina from Romania won BEST CASINO DEALER! Of all the dealers, Marina had the most energy! When I throw dice, I need NOISE and ENERGY. I need at least one side of the table full of players with more than $5 on the Pass Line, and Marina attracted them! Thanks, girl!

Chris the Casino Manager was personable and informative, and looks great in that suit!

Maris, a Casino Supervisor, also helped me with some of the gaming tables.

Damir from Croatia, an outstanding waiter in the Casino/Trolley Bar, checked on us every few minutes to offer refills.

Wayan, our cabin steward was one of the best we've had. He was always available, and went out of his way to meet every request.

Excursions

We didn't go on any excursions, but the trips offered were:

Key West: 22 trips from $12-150
Nassau: 21 trips from $27-210

This is my stock advice. I print it with every review. If you haven't already booked online, when you arrive at your cabin you will find a Shore Excursions brochure listing the various activities available shoreside. You may fill out the order form at your leisure and deposit it in the Express Drop Box at the Shore Excursions Desk. Please keep in mind that the most popular trips sell out very fast. If you are traveling with friends and want to go together, put all the tickets on one room card.

One time we ordered separately and one couple got the tickets and one couple didn't .

Ship Activities

A great many onboard activities were held, such as Liquor Tasting, Shopping Talk with Kevin Taylor, and Excursion Talks with CD Skip Lyons, Passenger Talent Show, Dance Lessons, Bingo, Art Auction, Audience Participation Games and Demonstrations, but the only shows we saw were Dean Gaines and Pete Michael, the comedians, and juggler Howard Mincone.

Going Ashore

While Jim stayed aboard and worked on his tan, I went ashore at both ports. In Key West, I was looking for a ring I had seen (and regretted not buying) at David Brian Jewelers (431 Front Street and 133 Duval Street) two years ago. Ben had a similar design, but the stones were bigger and so was the price. He was nice enough to see if they could design one for me.

Having been to many jewelry stores in many Caribbean ports, I am tired of the same trendy styles at discount prices offered in every store. I'm skeptical about the increasing abundance of Tanzanite, even though the sources are nearly depleted. I'd rather buy one unique piece than something everyone else has. That's why when I came across Abaco Gold (418 Front Street) I knew I had found something special. Carol Tedesco, a Spanish Colonial Numismatist, will be happy to show you gorgeous pieces of jewel-encrusted jewelry in designs featuring Caribbean flora and marine life, as well as coins and other artifacts.

The Rest

Passengers: Average age around 35-40. I was told 400 children were aboard, but those I saw were well-behaved.

Motion: The first night was a little choppy. Our suite was at the bridge, so we would have felt it more than anyone. The rest of the cruise we had relatively calm seas.

Finally

I would sail the Celebration again. I'd pick a different suite and do a B2B, but I know I'd enjoy the cruise. I feel the age of the ship is offset by the wonderful service, and that's more important to me.