Ruth King

Age: 47
Occupation: Educator
Number of Cruises: 3
Cruise Line: Celebrity
Ship: Century
Sailing Date: August 3rd, 2001
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

I sailed on Celebrity’s Century to the Western Caribbean in August of 2001. It was a fabulous trip. I have previously sailed the Mediterranean on First European’s Azur and the Bahamas on the now defunct Premier’s Big Red Boat.

I arrived in Fort Lauderdale via AirTran on Friday, August 3, 2001 direct from Philadelphia with absolutely no mishaps. I called the AmeriSuites Hotel on where I’d booked a room on the recommendations of other reports. They sent the van and it was absolutely pouring rain. The driver was very helpful and very cautious in his driving. AmeriSuites allowed me to check in as soon as I arrived at around 12:30! Never has a hotel been so accommodating! The entire staff was outstanding and their continental breakfast was wonderful. My friend was flying in from San Diego and had been delayed in Dallas. She never arrived until nearly midnight. And that is why we had decided to arrive in Fort Lauderdale a day early!

We left the hotel at 10:50 am on Saturday and arrived at the port by 11:00am. We were onboard in 15 minutes! We wandered around the ship, had some lunch at the buffet, booked some excursions and went to our room about 1:30pm. Our luggage arrived by 3:00pm. Once our cabin steward separated the beds, the room seemed much more spacious. Weiner was our outstanding cabin steward. We could not have asked for any better service than he provided. We didn’t even use all the storage space in the cabin. The bathroom was roomier than I’ve experienced on other ships.

I’m not going to report day by day, but the Century is outstanding for it’s
service and staff. Not once did I hear anything but great attitudes from the staff. When we ordered coffee and rolls to our room in the morning, it was always on time. Days that we ate at the breakfast buffet, it was a wide selection of foods and well presented. Lunches were split between the buffet and the dining room. I enjoyed the dining room for lunch because they did offer some ethnic alternatives to the buffet. I only indulged in tea one afternoon and that was a delightful experience as well. 

Our dinner table could not have been better matched. We were two single women, a father and daughter and a married couple. We had a great time together. The food continued to please and astound me when I think of how many dinners were being prepared at the same time! I enjoyed the variety of foods on the menus. Our waiter, Miquel, knew we were an adventuresome lot and always brought some additional dishes if we even showed a hint of interest in them. Saby, out assistant waiter, was most charming and gracious. The assistant Maitre d’ Nicola was outstanding. He was very accommodating and visited each table every night. I made use of the thalassotherapy pool several times after my workouts. I can’t encourage you enough to experience this pool on your next cruise. It was equal to several massages. It is simply wonderful to just lean back against the bars and let the jets take you to nirvana. 

The entertainment of Michael James, in particular, was outstanding. The man is a genius. The ship’s crew of dancers and vocalists presented several very enjoyable shows. I didn’t wander into the casinos and very few of the bars, so I can’t comment on other entertainment. The ship’s house band was very good.  Stingray City was the only Century excursion I took on this cruise. The ocean was very rough and I was not prepared for all the people screaming in the water as the sting rays brushed up against them. I would like to experience that trip again with calm waters and limited (none-screaming) participants. 

I enjoyed the shopping in Montego Bay, Cozumel and Key West. I’d like to return to Key West and stay a few days. Our disembarkation took a little longer than expected, but we were still off the ship within the hour. My flight back to Philadelphia was delayed five hours due to horrible weather in the Northeast, but I made it home safely. I would not hesitate to fly AirTran again. Of my three cruises, the Century gave me the greatest sense of luxury, comfort and service. The staff proves their competence and dedication on every single turn. I can’t wait to sail with them again.

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