Marella Celebration Review
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Additional details
We choose this cruise as it was value for money (i.e. affordable!) - particularly for single cabins, and we were not disappointed overall. For those people looking for the cruise experience and luxury, this isn't the cruise for them. We treated this as a hotel that that parked in a different place every day, and were happy with the experience.
First, the good bits - definitely the friendly staff, who were always so willing to help. The food was fine overall (particularly afternoon tea and those mini sausage rolls), the all-inclusive package offered us more than enough choice (particularly if you like cocktails, which I do), and the ship itself is clean and comfy. Our fellow passengers were friendly and helpful, and we hardly noticed the children on-board because they were so well behaved. Embarkation was smooth and fast, and the excursions were generally well organised with none of the waiting around to be called that we have previously experienced.
On the downside, our cabins on deck 2 at the back were a bit noisy - but other noise was minimal and we were not disturbed overall. One of our 3 cabins had a smell at the beginning, but this was sorted - the annoying creaking noise was never identified!. The food was a bit variable - we always found something nice to eat in the Lido as there was a good choice but the food in the Meridian wasn't always what we expected although we enjoyed dining in the Meridian - the overall experience was nice. Potatoes were almost always a disappointment (roasties are meant to be crisp!). I didn't attend the evening entertainment - those that did were disappointed in the first week, but really enjoyed the second week.
Cabin Review
Our single cabin was clean and comfy, with plenty of space and storage. The bathroom was compact but functional. The main glitch was that suitcases didn't fit under the bed. These rooms don't have a mini-fridge or an easy chair.
Port Reviews
Martinique
The port area is pleasant enough, with a few stalls for interest - and a short walk to the ferries around the bay. Walk to the other end of the promenade, and there is a small beach just under the fort which has the required sand and palm trees and is pleasant for swimming.
Grenada
Those that visited the interior of the island seemed to enjoy themselves, but we stuck to the port and town. The small local market is just a short stroll from the port, and the next bay is easily reachable through the tunnel, although navigating the traffic wasn't fun . The bay is attractive as working ports go, but the nicest bit was the restaurant over the water (and the cocktails!). I also enjoyed the little land train ($15, only ran in the morning when we visited)
Bequia
This is a very small port, visited by smaller ships and requiring a tender. Once there, you can walk to the beach or take a water taxi (neither suited to the less able-bodied), or take a short trip around the island. And that's it - that covers Bequia. The best thing to do - find a bar overlooking the bay, and sit with a drink in your hand watching the yachts bobbing up and down - absolute bliss.