Time of a Century

My wife and I were part of a large group (60) for a Marriage Enrichment Seminar featuring Dr. Alan Zimmerman. As we arrived at Port Everglades by private charter bus as we were coming from Bonita Springs Florida, we were processed by customs in what I thought to be the most efficient and polite bunch of people. The total time from bus to cabin to lunch buffet was a mere 30 minutes. Free Champaign was given to us as we entered the vessel Upon entering our stateroom which was on the 8th floor cabin 8135 with ocean view out a large but somewhat fogged window we discovered that the water was running in the bathroom sink which was virtually black with filth. We were with our cabin Stewart and he immediately notified the plumber who advised us that it was common while at port all water is turned on and flushed with a Chlorine solution to purify all onboard lines. The cabin was small but adequate with plenty of storage. It is important that you try to bring luggage aboard that will fit inside each other we did this by accident but even accidents can be good. Oh! I forgot midship cabins are great. They are usually smoother more on that later, also very convenient to all onboard facilities. After moving nearly everything out of the mini bar and replacing the items with water we brought with us (1) case plus some sodas which probably saved us nearly $100.00 and freed up a suitcase for future shopping. Now off to the lunch buffet. This was our first cruise but boy were we impressed, presentation service and good quality awaited us. Did I mention the Free Champaign? well, from now on forget the word free did you hear me? Bahamas Mamas were flying off the trays everywhere in the dinning room and after the waiter asked for your onboard charge card smiles quickly were replaced by puzzlement. The Century is now 11 years old and it shows, the sinks are stained, the showers show mildew and the toilets are defiantly worn however, the rest of the ship although used was always immaculate I don't think I ever saw a napkin blowing on the deck nor trash in the common areas and nearly no fingerprints anywhere. The staff is friendly and professional. At no time did I ever have to wait on any service it was always offered before you could request it. Bruce the Cruise director was amazing and very personable Celebrity was everything we had heard it would be. The onboard activities were relevant and plentiful and the onboard entertainment out of this world. We visited Ocho Rios on our first stop the weather was lawful and the seas were very rough. The people of Jamaica were very aggressive and annoying, everyone is trying to get your money and they care how they get it. This is a place where bartering is a must. Shore excursions are cheaper on land and you can see the island quite cheap. Make sure you negotiate a price before entering a RED TAG TAXI. We were late leaving port by two hours because the waves were so strong the ships engines weren't strong enough to push us away from the dock. We did arrive at our second port Grand Caymans on time however we were 3 hours getting ashore because apparently the weather also like the CENTURY and followed us there we used onboard tenders (boat taxi's) as the port tenders refused to operate because the seas were to rough. I must say that we had a great Captain he ran several empty vessels back and forth to the pier before allowing the guest to leave the vessel, had it been deemed unsafe we would only be able to say we saw the coastline because he was sincerely concerned of our safety and I'm sure his job. Shopping was great no pesky sales people no cabbies trying to shanghais you. Next was Cozumel beautiful weather wonderful shops, bartering encouraged. We used tenders here also very efficient and timely. Last stop Key West, wonderful America is Great. Beautiful shops, great excursions and very affordable. The return trip to Ft Lauderdale was even smoother than the embarkation. In April the CENTURY goes in for Dry Docking and I can't wait to sail on her again and see how she looks. I give this Ship, Crew, and food 5*****'s. I went to www.SmartCruiser.com and got Free Trip Insurance and Onboard credits.

a travel blog by GoGoTraveler

East We Go!

Georgetown, The Bahamas