Celestyal Crystal Review
SS Nickel & Dime - shabby ship, mediocre food & bev
Rating by category
Additional details
Selected this cruise for the ports around Greece and Turkey because line offered two overnights, one in Mykonos (magical) and Santorini (overrated, way too many steep stairs).
The staff was friendly but also up-selling at every occasion, and reminding you "that's extra - not included", hence calling it the "SS Nickel & Dime."
Embarkation was a disaster - the computers went down and we were kept waiting in line outside for an hour in 37 C heat . 45 minutes in the staff passed around paper cups with some sticky sweet green beverage - we passed. No apology offered, and no explanation. Only found out real reason because we overheard staff talking about computer access issues. My traveling companion was never able to get his credit card registered - some issue with computer.
Cabin Review
Beds were ok but topped with thick duvet that are not needed in 35 C heat. Mattresses are hard - not the pillow top type you find on Princess, Celebrity etc. Since it was so hot I slept on top of the duvet and asked for an extra sheet.
We had a Junior Suite that was OK for ship cabin - slightly smaller than what we are used to on Celebrity, Princess, Holland America. No bedside tables available so we used upturned suitcases for bedside tables instead, wedged in between beds. The hangers are the annoying kind that you need to slide into a ring that is permanently attached to the rod. I brought two plastic hangers and clips to use to dry hand-wash items-very handy!
Were told by other passengers that we were lucky to get bar soap and also individual bottles of shampoo and lotion. In standard cabins you access these via a dispenser on the wall.
Hair dryer was adequate if you have short or thin hair. It is tethered to the desk area and cord is not very long so tiring to dry long hair - took 2X longer than usual to get the job done.
Port Reviews
Athens (Piraeus)
Stayed in AirBnB apartment prior to and after cruise. A dusty city in need of graffiti removal but fascinating and worth the time to explore around. Everywhere you turn you'll see amazing ruins that are thousands of years old! Greek food is tasty and filling, and affordable. City is very walkable if you stay within 15 - 20 minutes of the Acropolis. Go to Acropolis at 8am, and buy tickets the night before if possible. Busloads of tourists arrive around 9:30 and it gets very crowded. We used Rick Steve's audio guide/free to walk around the Acropolis and it was great.