Celebration
Cruise Review--Key West & Nassau
October 17, 2005
by Lisa Racz
I sailed on the Celebration on 10/17/2005. This was my very first cruise. And what a wonderful experience! The Celebration is one of Carnival's older ships, but you would never know. It was a beautiful ship, easy to get around, and fun stuff going on at all times.
We embarked in Jacksonville. Extremely easy embarkation. I would suggest getting there an hour after they tell you to be there, thus avoiding the crowds. It was extremely quick and painless getting on the ship.
Ports of Call:
Key West, Florida - I didn't get to see much of Key West, other than Duvall Street. We got off the ship and decided to walk to the Southernmost point. I would say it is a few miles from the ship dock to the marker. We got there very early in the morning, so nothing was open as we walked down. It was raining lightly as well, which puts a damper on enjoying where you're at. When we made it to the Southernmost point marker, it had been repainted from the lashing it took from Hurricane Rita. There was a gate around it, so the picture opportunity we hoped for wasn't to be. But that was ok. The view from the point was beautiful. On the way back to the ship, we stopped at Margaritaville and had a Corona and conch fritters. Evidently the fritters are a delicacy there, and they were delicious. It was also a pleasant stop to rest and relax after all the walking we did. The staff there were very friendly and the service was great. And what's better than having Jimmy Buffet singing in the background? We also did a little shopping as they were open by the time we were making our way back towards port.
Nassau, Bahamas - I loved Nassau! I loved the culture, the colorful buildings, and the people. We did a LOT of shopping in Nassau. We also stopped for a leisurely lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. The straw market was very interesting. It is very crowded and hard to navigate, and some of the vendors can be a little pushy, but remembering that this is the way they make a living makes it easier to bear. I love to haggle prices and it was very fun dealing with the sweet people who were selling their wares. After walking all over Nassau, and enjoying the beautiful town, we went back to the ship and enjoyed the rest of our time there by the pool, which wasn't crowded at all since everyone else was off the ship. The one thing I wished I had done in Nassau was taken the ferry to Paradise Island and the Atlantis Hotel. This gives me a reason to go back in the future! More to look forward to.
THE SHIP
I loved everything about the Celebration. It was extremely clean, the staff was wonderful, the food was awesome, and the entertainment was good. Our room steward, Henry, was awesome. He kept our room clean and we were never in need of anything. The waiters in the Horizon Dining Room were great and kept us entertained every evening. I really enjoyed formal night and the many picture opportunities they offer. The photographers were great. I think I spent more on pictures they took of us than anything else! I loved the shopping on the ship. Great deals for $10.00! The only complaint I have about my experience was the beauty salon. I made an appointment to have a pedicure that was supposed to last 55 minutes. It cost me $55.00 and the girl who did my pedicure took a very rushed 30 minutes. I felt a little let down in this area, as all my other experiences on the ship were great. If you go to the salon or spa for anything, make sure you get what you pay for.
Debarkation back in Jacksonville was as painless as the embarkation. They call you by the deck you are staying on. Pretty quick and easy getting to your luggage and some very helpful people in port to help you with your bags back to your car.
Needless to say, my first cruise experience was great and I am planning on sailing with Carnival again next year, taking my mom on HER first cruise!
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