Monday, August 15, 2011

Cruise of Baltic Sea on Celebrity Constellation



Our cruise officially began on August 2, 2011 after a flight from Sacramento to Minneapolis to Amsterdam. Looking back, it was a very pleasant trip. Upon our arrival, a transfer bus took us to the ship from the airport. It was a little interesting to see how that transpired. Cruise representatives simply rounded up the latest group of arrivals and herded them out to awaiting buses and then began negotiations. When we got to the cruise terminal, the bus took a wrong turn and then had to turn around. The turning radius capabilities are amazing.

We got ourselves checked in and then made our way to the buffet. We learned that trick on the last cruise. It's usually quite awhile before the luggage is delivered to the rooms, so what better activity than eating?

Our room had a great location - 9th deck aft, just below the aforementioned buffet! It seemed a shame to waste all that balcony space on just the two of us, but we did certainly enjoy it.

The ship's activities were similar to those of our previous cruises (all two of them). On our first cruise last September, we were the recipients of a special program where we were selected by our travel agents to experience elite status for the duration of that cruise. We were probably guinea pigs to see if we thought the program worth striving for. Was it ever! At the end of the cruise we were kicked back to beginners' level and are now slowly clawing our way back up to elite! Lots of freebies and perks for elite that we want to enjoy again!

This was our first cruise alone. A few days ago one woman made a comment about all the quality time with her husband. I can certainly relate. And, we would love for others to join us on our next cruise to Panama. Celebrity Infinity leaving Fort Lauderdale on March 26. So far, only our waiter, Jose, will be joining us that we know of.

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