IMMERSIVE WINE TOUR BUT NO CHOCOLATES

Before the positives lets go through the negatives. No chocolates on the pillow in the evening, no bendy straws with drinks, a minor hiccup when the sun beds ran out and ƒ??ƒ??ƒ??. that is about it. Now for all the positives.

The cruise was 11 nights and stopped at Le Havre (in port overnight), La Rochelle (in port overnight), Bilbao (in port overnight) and final Vigo with two days at sea to come home. The concept of being in port overnight is something I believe other cruise lines should consider, it makes travelling so much easier as no mad rush to get back.

Arrived at Harwich for check in starting at 11.30 and apart from car park not being signposted not an issue. Car parked, luggage taken away and then transported to terminal to check in. As we were in Concierge Class we had priority booking with no queues so all went very smoothly. Once on board (about 30 minutes) found buffet on 10th deck and settled down to enjoy cruise. Cabin ready by 1.30.

We had decided that owing to the cost of excursions that we would do all day trips ourselves, very adventurous you may think but not at all, if you have the technology and the impetus then this is not difficult and you save a lot of money. Celebrity laid on shuttle buses at all ports and these were free, nice touch.

First stop Le Havre we hired a car (4 people) and travelled to the Normandy beaches, this is a must see and the car cost the equivalent of one person going on an organised tour.

Next stop La Rochelle and this time got train to Bordeaux which took about 2 hours, very comfortable train so no issues, back on ship by 10pm.

Bilbao was next stop and shuttle bus dropped us off near Gugenheim Museum. After lunch had visit to Museum which is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world, contents not really to my liking but building fantastic.

Last stop Vigo and this time ship docks right in town so no need for shuttle buses, quick walk round, little shopping and then back on board.

Food ƒ?? well what can I say, we have been on several cruises ships / lines and this has to be the best food we have ever had. We chose to have Select Dining which means we chose what time we wanted to eat every night and if we wanted we could book this either before we sailed or on board. We chose to book times before we sailed and generally we had no issue getting a table for 4 (we went with friends) at the time we wanted. Lots of choice every single evening in the Trellis Restaurant and equally in the buffet for breakfast and lunch.

All the time we were faced with the most incredible service all done with a smile and nothing was too much effort, they just wanted you to have the very best time whilst never being too over pretentious. We even got to the point where the soda waitress knew us by name every night and knew what we wanted, what a very nice touch. Wine in main restaurant was silly prices with no bottle being cheaper than $36 and many more being over $100. I know this was supposed to be an ƒ??Immersive Wine Cruiseƒ? but these prices really need to be looked at. Before sailing we purchased a Soda package which gave you unlimited supplies of Diet Coke etc, very good value for money.

We chose a Concierge cabin and when we booked we were not bothered where this was located. However within one week of booking we were assigned cabin on Deck 8. We booked late so were of the opinion that we had secured a good deal but cannot confirm what we may have saved. The cabin was more than adequate with lots of cupboard space and a bathroom / shower that could accommodate even the largest individual. Cabin staff very attentive and room kept spotlessly clean all the time. Concierge class is supposed to offer you little extras and whilst these may be ƒ??nice to havesƒ? such as binoculars (not very strong), umbrellaƒ??s, fruit every day and choice of pillows. Whilst all this may seem very nice is it really worth paying that little extra that is for individuals to decide. Canapeƒ??s are also served every day (up to 5.30) but only if you are in your cabin, we had these once and really not worth waiting in for.

On board entertainment in the Celebrity Theatre was excellent. The shows put on by the ƒ??Stars of the Infinityƒ? would not have been out of place in any West End Theatre. These boys and girls were the most talented we have ever seen and this is the first time I have ever seen standing ovations for such a group. Entertainment also included Toni Warne (a finalist on BBC 1 The Voice), Craig Halliday (Violinist) and Justino Zoppe (Magician) and each one of these received standing ovations. All of the acts were presented by an excellent Cruise Director Alejandro who himself created the most amazing atmosphere and just had to walk on stage to get the audience warmed up.

Lots of bars on board and there was never a problem finding a table and in each bar the entertainment was excellent. If you wanted to sit quietly during the day then again no issue with finding a secluded spot away from the main hubbub.

The price of drinks on board is something that Celebrity may wish to look at as these are rather excessive and all either come with or have 15% added. Last year we sailed with P&O and the prices were approaching normal pub prices, come on Celebrity this should be addressed.

Shops sold all the normal stuff and whilst these may appeal to some travellers in most cases prices excluded VAT and when queried we were told this was because the ship was American and in the US items are priced without tax. No duty free on board as apparently we did not sail out of International Water. This was not explained before we boarded. Did this detract from cruise, not really, you just have to be a little savvy with the price of goods and donƒ??t just buy because it appears cheap.

Spa facilities on board were excellent with the normal large gym and a good Steam Room, reasonably priced and never busy.

We have travelled with Royal Caribbean, P&O, Cunard & Princess and Celebrity are certainly ahead of most and on a par with Cunard. The attention to detail was immense and we would have no hesitation in sailing with them again.