Luggage was taken straight from car (in ABP car park) to cabin, an easy embarkation and a glass of fizz as soon as you step aboard made for a welcoming stress free opening to our cruise.
First impressions of ship and crew were excellent. We had chosen Sunset Veranda cabin 7317 on Sunrise deck and were more than happy with the cabin and designated steward. First tip, if you choose cabin 7364 you get an extra-large balcony. This is due to the stateroom attendant’s cupboard next to that cabin which of course does not extend onto the balcony, hence you gain the space outside the cupboard. This is true of cabins on all floors directly above and one below 7364.
Our first port of call was Zeebrugge. Disembarkation was easy and we wanted to be off as early as possible as we had booked a Viator bus from Zeebrugge to Bruges, then after a short walk into the centre, a free walking tour with the ‘Legends of Bruges’. We were lucky enough to have ‘Louis’ as our guide. Extremely knowledgeable with some great tips. I.e. certain shops display a particular plaque outside which determines genuine locally made chocolate as against the many outlets selling an imported product. After the tour he gave us some discount vouchers and pointed us towards the two best waffle outlets. He was not wrong, absolutely delicious. Also pointed out a general museum pass was 20 euro’s as against 9 euro’s per museum. Viator also included a lot of shop discount vouchers and were less expensive than the Celebrity’s transport, providing a half hourly service back to port.
Excellent but note showers are fixed. Having a stoma I had requested pre-cruise a hand held flexible hose shower head. This had been over-looked on arrival (apparently due to a member of house-keeping leaving) but was soon rectified by on board plumber.
Please see my notes in main review regarding the cabins with larger size balconies in this cabin category.
These sunset veranda cabins at the aft of the ship are 100% worth the extra expense.You could not beat the view of a setting sunset over the wake of Silhouette, wine in hand.