Our Trip started from O'Hare airport in Chicago, on the 15th of Jan., when the Temperature was a "bracing" -16oF. We were SOO happy to be heading to warmer climes We flew Cruise Air, as we got a very good deal on airfare, $1,200.pp. We were afraid at that price, Celebrity would have us on poor flights. Nothing could be further than the truth, 1 stop in San Francisco , and then direct to Auckland on Air New Zealand (13hrs). A very nice airline. Arriving in the "City of Sails"at 5:30am. Very shortly transported to our hotel..again Cruise line arranged , (To keep our great airfare we needed to use their pre-cruise hotel)The Langham. A beautiful classy older style hotel, but in the middle of the city, not too near the tourist area. They do provide a free shuttle into the more "active" areas. We were allowed to check in immediately , we were afraid we'd be in "Limbo" as their normal check in was 2pm. In fact we were offered their breakfast buffet free, which we were to get free the next morning also(Considered to be the best in Auckland.. $37.Nz pp) Slept most of the day..we're old folks ! Packet handed to us upon arrival informed us that we would be given a 2 ½ hr bus tour of the city as our transfer to the ship so we didn't do anything else about sightseeing, as I said we were very tired Were pleased with Celebrity thus far with our treatment.

The next couple days...were..well not as nice, the Embarkation was very smooth, our bags had preceded us on a truck that morning, and we were CC and Capt. Club, so went to the short line, virtually no line. I was to have a wheelchair if needed as we had an accessible cabin..though I use a cane and did not have a chair. Felt walking wasn't too bad...until we had to go up the gangway which was very steep. Was exhausted as I stepped aboard, said to my DH..."sorry I didn't take that chair " (Promptly they got me into one and to our cabin..and left the chair for my use for the duration of the cruise ). Bags arrived a little late, we didn't eat ,as we'd had a light lunch at a stop on the bus tour. Then early seating in the Dining Room. We'd gotten a note saying they'd moved us to a different "better" table, which was right at the head of the stairs next to the piano...if that was better ??? Traffic going by to every table all night, and looking into the kitchen, literally no ocean view.. Could have complained as CC and Capt Club was to have priority seating, but let it go, wasn't a big deal. Meal was fairly good, but not memorable to keep in mind what we ate. Our table mates were pleasant and from enough of a variety of backgrounds and places to make the talk interesting Then after the opening show as we returned to our cabin, my DH stated he wasn't feeling up to par. So we hurried back to cabin....the beginning of 2 long days The whole evening he was distressed with the "tourists revenge", and it became obvious the next morning he wouldn't be able to do our first tour...to Rotorua..from Tauranga, said I should go anyway...but was showing some symptoms also. I called the Desk to report his illness, (as that is impressed upon you strongly in a paper you must fill out)They said he must go to the Medical at 9am when they opened and I decided to call someone who was on our private tour with us, to have them cancel both of us (at no cost thank heavens). After a long while I received a call from the Dr. Suggesting I too should report to medical. My Dh was dehydrated enough that they gave him a "Drip". Was running a fever. HE was to be sent back to cabin after the drip was empty, and quarantined for 48hrs, It was decided I was to be also, but probably not really a case like his, so only 24hrs. She also stated that "You aren't the only one..." to him. Wherever this came from, whatever caused it...We never received a DR. Bill from the Celebrity. I've had to use a medical dept before on a ship, and the bill was very high for very small services (Pills etc) Was expecting a large bill. Strange isn't it?? So Our first 2 days were spent sleeping mostly, for my DH and, when feeling better laying on our HUGE deck, or reading.

Our cabin (7212) was an Aft accessible cabin and the balcony was 13'x21', cabin about the same size. It was really great to have that room during those 48hrs. Can't Imagine an inside room for 48hrs I spent most of my day after my quarantine, with him, except to go to the Cruise Critic meeting. It was nice to meet the folks on our Roll Call, but NO members of the staff of the ship attended except the Cruise Director, and another of the Activities Staff Surely different from the Azamara one when ALL the staff came including the Capt. At one time or another, and answered questions I also got to get our lunch at the Ocean Breezes Cafe, and a very nice waiter carried the tray all the way to our cabin, and out to the table on the balcony. Before this we'd done room service, and I ordered from the dining room menu...lamb shank was excellent.(.DH had broth ) 2nd day was an At Sea Day so we missed no more ports or tours. Read more