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Norah Casey goes on her first cruise and discovers the delights of island
hopping, ancient ruins and life on board Celebrity Reflection.

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Published by Harmonia Norah, 2018-11-26 06:29:33

Cruise Life

Norah Casey goes on her first cruise and discovers the delights of island
hopping, ancient ruins and life on board Celebrity Reflection.

Keywords: cruise,celebrity cruise,celebrity reflection,greek island,athens,italy,sorento

CRUISE LIFE

Norah Casey goes on her first cruise and discovers the delights of island

hopping, ancient ruins and life on board Celebrity Reflection.

Day 1 of the ship for a glass of wine while the Sicilian side. This was a day for a
ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA) the crazy cruise virgins were scoping shore excursion and we were heading
the ship. "We always take the first few to Don Corleone country to visit the
Departs 5pm hours quietly until things calm down", villages and sights made famous by
When we landed at the airport in they told me. Francis Ford Coppola in the classic
Rome, we were met by Celebrity Cruise Godfather movies watched by millions.
representatives in the baggage hall. And things did calm down (a lot) Although mainly shot in New York
Once we collected our luggage and when the compulsory muster drill some iconic scenes were filmed at
made our way through customs they was announced later that afternoon. two tiny villages near Taormina,
were whisked away by the Celebrity Crew members guided us to our which between them were depicted
crew and the next time we saw them muster station – the drill was a mini, as the town of Corleone. We headed
was in our stateroom on board the James Bond-style feature film, that away from the harbour dominated
Celebrity Reflection that afternoon as managed to get all the safety points by the gilded seven-metre-tall statue
we embarked on our 11-day adventure. across in a funny, engaging way. It got of Stele Madonna della Lettera (Our
Embarkation day truly separates out my attention and it helped to ease the Lady of the Letter) the patron saint
the seasoned cruisers from the novices. Titanic-esque jitters knowing what to of Messina. On the seawall below the
The newbies were crowding around do should the unmentionable happen. golden Madonna is the inscription
the pool, bars, anywhere with food as ‘Vos et ipsam civitatem benedicimus’,
the novelty of the sheer scale of the Day 2 translated as I bless you and your city.
different levels, bars, shops, casino, SICILY (MESSINA) The message is said to have been sent
theatre, games room, library, multiple Docked 10am to 7pm in a letter from the Virgin Mary to
restaurants, sunny skies, smiling bar After the early morning excitement of Messina in 42AD.
staff shaking piña coladas – it was a passing through the Strait of Messina
sensory overload of excitement. Later I (the narrow channel between the As we drove south along the coast
met a couple on their umpteenth cruise northeast of Sicily and the toe of Italy) I had a moment of regret as we passed
who had settled into the quietest corner our first port of call was Messina on spectacular beaches and the beautiful

LIVING

Mediterranean lapping the shoreline. Norah Casey takes to the Modern art in
We drove over 20 kilometres finally seas on her first cruise ancient Valetta
heading up into the hills on narrow
winding roads passing olive groves and docked early in the morning and within Verdict: Valetta is one of the most
trees heavy with oranges and lemons to minutes of disembarking we were on unusual cities we visited. I would love to
the small village of Savoca. Although the Upper Barrakka lift which for one return to see some of the other cultural
this little community is frequented by euro will whisk you up 58 metres in 20 highlights outside the capital.
Godfather fans it still looks much like it seconds from the Grand Harbour to the Day 4
did back in the 1970s. Upper Barrakka Gardens and Valletta AT SEA
city, saving you a 20-minute climb. Day 5
Our guide tells us that the real MYKONOS
town of Corleone (with the real mafia Valletta was nothing like I expected. Tendered 7am to 6pm
heritage) is south of Palermo but was For one thing the current European After a day at sea we arrived at one
too modern for the 1940s era Coppola City of Culture has surreal white art of the most beautiful Greek islands.
was trying to recreate. installations through the old city where Stepping on to the balcony that
Our first stop was the 18th Century a glimpse of a stern Queen Victoria can
Bar Vitelli, where time has stood still be viewed over a gigantic stone head
over the decades. The café and bar with a finger in one ear. I also expected
look just like it did in the movie except it to be more British and even though
for the addition of memorabilia and there are odd legacies like red post
old photographs from the filming boxes, the city is very much Maltese.
haphazardly hung on an inside wall.
And while the table where Michael Founded in 1565, this World
Corleone, Fabrizio and Calo sat is Heritage city offered refuge to pilgrims
different, there is one in exactly the and crusaders en route to the Holy
same place with the doorway adorned Land. It has untold treasures from the
in the same beaded curtains. We glorious baroque church interiors to
stopped for a Granita and to wander the colourful seafront balconies. There
inside and imagine the excitement and are some 320 historic monuments
upheaval to this rural community when crammed into the capital which
the film crew descended. A little further UNESCO describes as ‘one of the
up from the bar is the Church of Santa most concentrated historic areas in the
Lucia where Michael and Apollonia world’. But the city is full of surprises,
were wed. We lit candles and recreated with contemporary design blending
their journey with the wedding party with the prehistoric temples and ancient
back down the small hill to Bar Vitelli. ruins from its 7,000-year history. To
put it in context, Valetta is a small city,
Verdict: At ports like Messina it is not but it is the place we explored all day
that easy to wander from the dockside without stopping for more than a quick
into town, so this shore excursion was coffee and still did not feel we had
unusual and exciting for Godfather fans. enough time to see it all.

Day 3
VALLET TA

Docked 8am to 6pm
The most spectacular arrival in to
any harbour is at the medieval city
of Valetta, Malta. The beautifully
preserved fortifications built by the
Knights of Malta, the early morning
glow over the stone, the distinctive
outlines of the Carmelite Church dome
and St Paul's Cathedral spire: It truly is
the home of Game of Thrones.

I had never been to Malta before, so I
was really looking forward to exploring
the beautifully preserved capital. We

The Parthenon designer brands in little backstreets various theories hotly debated in the PHOTOGRAPHS BY NORAH CASEY USING CANON POWERSHOT
amid the classical Cycladic architecture. classics world put the gigantic statue SX710HS; CANON POWERSHOT SX60HS; CANON EOS 100D
morning was magical, transported Mykonos still feels more bohemian of freedom astride the harbour gates or
overnight into this sun-drenched than glitzy. We were day trippers so more towards the Acropolis higher up
pristine white and blue oasis. Mykonos didn’t get to experience the stunning on the hills above this UNESCO World
looked glorious and I couldn’t wait to sunset at Venice beach or the night Heritage town.
get off the ship to discover its beauty. clubs that stay open until dawn. But we
walked well away from the town until Rhodes, with its sandstone
The ship tenders here, which means it we found a lovely tranquil veranda for architecture, Byzantine churches and
stays in deeper water and smaller boats a late lunch and a glass of chilled rosé, mosques is quite different to the other
ferry us to the harbour at the main one of the best days of the cruise. Greek islands. We set off to wander the
town, Chora. Better still there was no old town passing through the growing
grand plan for ancient ruins for the day Verdict: Mykonos, it was by far my crowds in Jewish Martyrs Square to
ahead. We left the harbour before the favourite destination on the cruise and it explore the cobblestone streets, passing
crowds and delved into the backstreets. is on the list for a return visit. the beautiful Greek Orthodox church
First stop was breakfast as we had and stopping to watch the excavations
opted for a very early start to beat the Day 6 at the Roman Triconch Building. Our
rush. Now we sat in solo splendour in a RHODES stroll took us by the Kahal Kadosh
sunny taverna devouring creamy Greek Docked 7:30am to 6pm Shalom Synagogue in the Jewish
yogurt drenched in honey (nothing like We woke early as the ship docked at quarter and on to the Grand Masters
what we buy in supermarkets here). We the beautiful medieval town of Rhodes, Palace. There are treasures to be
emerged into the whitewashed lanes excited to trace the origins of one the found in the old town amid the tourist
with hues of blues and jade and bright eight wonders of the ancient world. stalls and street cafés, one of the most
pink flowers spilling over balconies and Once conquered by the knights of beautiful being the Street of the Knights
stairwells. It is no wonder Mykonos Saint John of Jerusalem Rhodes, the lined with the ancient inns of different
has become the Ibiza of the Cyclades, largest of the Dodecanese Islands, is languages (tongues) of the Knights
popular among some of the world’s also home to another gem on my son Hospitaller. Our sat nav was set
wealthiest and well-known celebrities. Dara’s hit list – the ruins of the Temple however for the pretty, and thankfully
Back in the sixties it was a magnet for of Aphrodite. We had a lot of walking partially shaded, Symi Square just
the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Jacqueline ahead. In oceanic terms this ancient inside the Eleftherias Gate (Gate of
Kennedy Onassis, and Grace Kelly. Christian stronghold sits northeast of Freedom). After wandering around
Today, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paris Crete, to the south and east of Athens we found an unassuming collection of
Hilton, Ariana Grande, the Kardashians and just off the coast of Turkey. The ancient stones we were finally among
and Mariah Carey are regulars with search was on to find where exactly the remains of the shrine to the goddess
Lindsay Lohan opening her own the Colossus of Rhodes really stood as of love dating back to the 3rd century
resort there last month. We spent BC. We sat for a while imagining this
hours wandering through the maze of glorious Temple of Aphrodite from
alleyways, surprised to find premium the ancient blocks and fallen columns
scattered among the ruins.

After lunch under the shade of a tree
in a small garden restaurant we set off
to walk along Mandraki Harbour to
find the spot where the feet of Colossus
might have stood. Although it only
stood for 56 years the Colossus of
Rhodes, a statue of the Greek sun-god
Helios, was one of the tallest statues
of the ancient world. It was destroyed
by an earthquake in 226 BC and along
with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
and the Great Pyramid of Giza it was
one of the eight wonders of the world.
However, the biggest wonder perhaps
has always been where exactly it stood
with many artists featuring the 33
metre Helios astride the harbour walls.
There is little evidence that this might

LIVING

have been the spot, but we sat alongside the way down and headed off on foot through narrow passageways) being up
a fisherman at one of the two column dodging the donkeys heading back to close to these magnificent columns and
statues symbolically erected where the the harbour-side to await their next ancient ruins was spectacular. Although
Greek Titan might have stood. load. At the bottom we stopped for the tour had a guide who cleverly spoke
the inevitable souvenir but for once we into our earpieces as we, by now, were
Verdict: I would return to Rhodes to visit couldn’t decide what we might want to so dispersed among the throngs I had
some of the smaller and quieter villages. take back to remind us of Santorini. my own personal tutor walking along
side me. And here’s what I learned from
Day 7 Verdict: I know there are many beautiful my budding classics scholar.
SANTORINI places in Santorini and someday I will
Tendered 7am to 6pm go back but since my return I have read The Acropolis incorporates several
The island I was most looking forward many posts from residents and tourists buildings but only three main temples,
to visiting was Santorini and yet it about the mistreatment and abuse of the the largest being the Parthenon which
didn’t turn out the way I imagined. donkeys and I hope the island takes note. was built in honour of the goddess
We had been warned that there was Athena who is the patron god and
only one way up and one way down Day 8 namesake of Athens itself. At the heart
to reach the town of Fira 200 metres ATHENS (PIRAEUS) of the temple was a 42-foot-high
at the top of this volcanic rock island Docked 6am to 6pm statue of the goddess created from
and that was by a cable car gondola Athens was always going to be the chryselephantine (a mixture of gold
system that sometimes had queues highlight of the trip as the Acropolis and ivory). What makes the Parthenon
of an hour or longer. The alternative has long been on Dara’s bucket list, so unique is that it has both metopes
was a long hike by foot, or worse, I can’t do justice to the excitement of (miniature statue-esque sculptures
by donkey. As an animal lover and us finally docking at Piraeus. There is separated by three lines in the marble,
conservationist, I was horrified by the a large map of the world on the wall also known as triglyphs) and a metre-
hordes of donkeys in the blaring sun of his bedroom and for as long as I high continuous frieze encircling the
huddled together waiting for the next can remember there has been a pin in ceiling of the inner building. The
gaggle of tourists to carry to the top. Athens as top of all the places he ever Parthenon has a large series of columns
Our daily news sheet had warned us wanted to visit. and was severely damaged during
about the mistreatment of the donkeys. the 1687 siege by the Venetians. The
One overweight man with his feet We headed out from the port in the second most significant temple is the
dragging along the trail laughed loudly early morning on a shore excursion (A Erechtheion, named after one of the
as the poor donkey hauled him up the Taste of Athens) for the 30-minute drive kings of Athens. It was also a temple
steep paths. I lost quite a bit of time to the base of one of the world’s most to the god Poseidon and in honour
watching this and wondering at the iconic sights. Acropolis were plentiful of Athena. On the north side the
stupidity of people who could use their in ancient Rome (the highest point of distinctive Porch of the Maidens with
own two legs to climb the path (it took every city) but Athens boasts the best- its columns of six women {caryatids}
us only 25 minutes). It took a while preserved temples on this rocky outcrop considered to represent the six
to switch off from the upset I felt to overlooking the city. Setting aside the priestesses of Athena is a beautifully
enjoy the beauty of the town. Fira is hordes of tourists who joined us on the preserved façade. The smallest of the
very lovely but the narrow pathways climb (at times so crowded we shuffled three is the Temple of Athena Nike,
are crowded with cruise traffic in the
early morning and we escaped off to a Aphrodite's Port of Rhodes
beautiful old church for some solitude Temple
and quite time. When we emerged, we
set off on foot in the opposite direction
to the town and walked along the cliffs
with some stunning views over the
sea and the blue and white rooftops
of Santorini. From this vantage point
the island was picture postcard perfect
and at the end of the path was a lovely
restaurant perched on the edge of the
cliff where we relaxed for an hour
or so gazing out over the yachts and
ships drifting in the beautiful azure
blue seas. We skipped the cable car on

Blue skies and white
churches in Mykonos

dedicated to the goddess of victory, so philosophy and democracy. steep hillside tumbling down to the
tiny that it is inaccessible to the public. It was a wonderful day – hard to top. pretty pebble beach and spectacular
It was destroyed under the Ottoman ocean views below. It looked like
rule and has recently been rebuilt. Even Verdict: We want to go back and spend a every picture postcard I had ever seen
with the crowd, the unrelenting sun whole week at least in Athens to view all of Positano. We only had one hour
and the baking heat, the Acropolis is its great beauty and uncover its hidden to venture down the steep steps and
spectacular and while the Parthenon beauty (especially out of the tourist passageways to the shoreline and grab
was the big draw, Dara and I wandered season). a quick espresso while watching the
alone among some of the more deserted constant sea traffic ferrying people to
parts of the sites where restoration Day 9 and from this sophisticated resort. The
work was underway and ancient AT SEA guide had warned us that the boutique
stones and columns lay where they shopping was incredible with some
had fallen. We caught it all on camera Day 10 wonderful locally made designs. The
and video but what I remember most NAPLES teenager and the timing meant I saved
is the quieter moments of staring in Docked 7am to 6:30pm on a splurge. Positano was busy and
wonderment at these world-famous Our last stop was the 2,800-year-old far more touristy than I expected. It
ruins and wondering what it must have port city of Naples, the home of pizza was always on my bucket list, but I am
been like to see them in all their glory but also some amazing archaeological not sure I will be rushing back. Far too
astride the highest hilltop in Athens in and historical wonders, so much so that many tours crammed into a small space
the fifth century when Pericles oversaw the city framed by Mount Vesuvius, is and although the setting is idyllic it
the construction of the temples. a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We was too crowded with ferry and cruise
decided to go further afield for our last traffic to be enjoyable.
Later, when we wandered through tour and opted for a whistle-stop tour
the narrow cobblestone streets of Plaka of Positano, Sorrento and Pompeii. We Next stop was Sorrento and here
in the shadow of the Acropolis we were on the road early to avoid the we were in a for a real treat. After
took some time to savour the beauty rush hour traffic and before long we wandering around the old town, I
of seeing those ancient temples after were driving along the Amalfi coast was already imagining a return visit.
all those years. We lingered over a with beautiful Positano carved out It’s a very lovely town with beautiful
long lunch in a beautiful old square of the cliffs below. This was a small artisan shops and cool little bars and
under the shade of a plane tree. We tour, so our little minibus was able to restaurants. We had lunch at a beautiful
were finally in the city where Western manouvre the steep winding road with historic hotel overlooking the bay and
civilisation was born some 2500 its colourful houses carved out of the as we were just settling into a lovely
years ago – the home of classicism, corner table overlooking the ocean
the waiter told us we were in luck.
Within ten minutes of us sitting down
a spectacular flotilla of boats led by
a large flower strewn fishing vessel
headed out from the harbour for the
annual Madonna De Grazia (Day of
Thanks). All the boats in the bay were
lined up respectfully in welcome and
the towns people of Sorrento were out
in force lining the ocean frontage to
honour this patron saint of the town.
As the lead vessel approached with the
statue of the Madonna and packed
with local dignitaries a firework display
erupted in celebration. And here we
were, on today of all days, at just the
right moment to catch a bird’s eye view
of one of the most important events
in Sorrento sitting at the best table in
town. You couldn’t have planned it. The
experience made our visit to Sorrento
amazing. We loved the ambiance and
the people and most especially our
great fortune of choosing to be there at

that moment in time. We will certainly had tried to rescue people. Pompeii is and silent. The last major eruption was
be back. extraordinarily preserved because of captured by US air force bombers back
the lack of air and moisture due to the in 1944 as they flew past. It was hard
Last stop and by far the most eagerly volcanic ash. It offers the most detailed to imagine the scene 2,000 years ago
anticipated was Pompeii. It was by now and fascinating insights into life in when she was spewing hot ash, pumice
late afternoon and the tourist traffic the 1st century frozen in a moment and molten hot lava on to Pompeii.
had died down. We headed out on to in time. The forum, Roman baths, A tragedy of such epic proportions
the large stone roads of this ancient inscriptions, wells and beautiful tiling which has made such a significant
city preserved forever when Mount all there to see. Further excavations contribution to our understanding of
Vesuvius erupted in AD79 and it was recommenced this year and in April early civilisation. Worthy of a quiet
buried under an estimated 20 feet of archaeologists discovered the skeleton moment in memory of those who lost
volcanic ash. Tragically many of the of an eight-year-old child who had tried their lives within the ancient walls of
11,000 inhabitants died nearly 2,000 to hide in the public paths to escape this incredible place.
years ago with no time to escape such the devastation of the eruption. It was
was the speed and ferocity of the a sobering visit. Fascinating in terms Verdict: I was so glad we did this tour
eruption. Dara had already filled me in of the glimpse it offered into life in because although it was busy and long
on one of the most important sources this important city but also steeped in it was also varied. I won’t return to
of the catastrophe. A surviving letter sadness for all the lives, like that young Positano, I loved Sorrento and can’t wait
by a young man called Pliny who, boy, that were lost. As we went to leave to back and I am so glad I saw Pompeii,
from a vantage point across the bay of the huge site we took one last glance it is well worth a visit.
Naples described the death of his uncle, upwards at Mount Vesuvius, now calm
an admiral of the Roman Fleet, who Day 11
Fishing boats at Sorrento ROME
Mykonos ( C I V I TAV E C C H I A )
Arrival: 5am
Finally, it was time to leave our
beautiful floating home for the past 10
days and our departure was as painless
and seamless as our arrival. Luggage
was collected from outside the room
the night before and left on the portside
for us to take through customs. The
bill is sent on electronically so there is
no checking out procedure. Celebrity
had organised different coaches to take
clients to various places, airports, train
stations and the city. Dara and I were
on our way to Rome for a few days, so
we headed to the train station for our
next adventure (see next month’s Irish
Tatler).

Positano

CRUISE
ESSENTIALS

Norah Casey gives the grand tour of dining Lawn Club Girl
and doing on board.

Our cruise on board Celebrity where the staff were ever attentive and Sushi on Five Restaurant
Reflection was the perfect taste of the knowledgeable about wine. The spa was Dara is a huge sushi fan and got to
Greek Islands, Malta and Italy. Once a lovely interlude (for me) on one of our know the team there who were great
we found our ‘cruise legs’ so did we find days at sea where I enjoyed a massage at offering suggestions. The staff were
our own favourite spaces to hang out. and facial with Viletole, a wonderful also lovely and a testament to the team
The games room was very popular for therapist. One of the nicest parts of at Celebrity, the manager Bogdan, from
an evening game of Monopoly before sitting at the Sunset Bar as the ship Transylvania in Romania has been
dinner (embarrassingly I was always sailed out from every port was listening with the company for 19 years while
fleeced by Dara). Because we were off to Welsh-born solo guitarist Charlotte our waiter Loreta from the Philippines
the ship at every opportunity I enjoyed {who lives in New Zealand} it was her has been with Celebrity for 21 years.
a couple of hours sunbathing when we first stint on board and she divided her Sushi on Five specialises in handmade
got back on board in the late afternoon. time between there and the grand foyer. sushi rolls, fresh nigiri and one of the
By then, the hardy sun worshipers had highlights is the home-made soya sauce
left and I enjoyed some quiet time on R E STAU R A N T S and the wasabi freshly prepared at the
the upper deck. Our favourite bar was We ate twice at the main Opus dining table (a ceremony in itself).
the Mast Bar where barman Bagus room, having also opted to try all the
was always waiting with a smile and various speciality dining restaurants Le Petit Chef at Qsine
the perfect sundowner. We threw on board. We really enjoyed the buzz This unique quirky experience saw
ourselves into some of the activities at Opus and the team that served us digital meet dining for an entertaining
{the silent disco was brilliant}, and were attentive and chatty and the dining and novel meal. A video performance
enjoyed the quiet cool environment of options were superb – fillet mignon and precedes each course on your plate and
the Cellar Master’s bar before dinner lobster. surrounding table area as the lights
are lowered. A little animated chef gets
“The lobster course involved a tug of war between an animated to work preparing your first course,
chef and an unwilling lobster - clever and entertaining!” ours was bouillabaisse, hauling various
ingredients for the Provencal fish stew
The Celebrity Reflection staff into the virtual dish. As the performance
ends and the lights go up, a perfect
replica of the dish is presented to you.
The lobster course involved a tug of war
between our little animated chef and the
unwilling lobser before it too appeared
before us. A very clever and entertaining
dinner.

Lawn Club Grill
This is a carnivore’s delight with some
spectacular views from Deck 15 and a
relaxed atmosphere, you can even get
involved in grilling your own steak. It
has a great salad bar from which you
can help yourself to start with and
steaks cooked to perfection.

Murano

Celebrity Reflection

Oceanview Café Good to know
The main buffet area served
breakfast, lunch and dinner with 1. Embarkation day is very busy, head to Oceanview Café for lunch as early as possible
a chef’s late-night selection served and relax at one of the quieter bars until the muster drill is announced.
until 1am and has fresh salads, a
mind-blowing choices of breads and 2. We had a classic alcohol drinks package which included all soft drinks and a wide
pastries and fresh pasta and pizza; range of wine and spirit brands. It was perfect for our needs. Dara doesn’t drink alcohol
we were off the ship thankfully most except for the odd beer and it allowed me to have the one or two glasses of wine or an
days otherwise I would be carrying a evening cocktail from a wide selection. On one occasion when I wanted a nicer glass of
lot of extra weight on the plane back wine I just paid the difference which was a few euros.
– and I don’t mean in my luggage!
Murano Restaurant 3. Staying in touch: we booked two WIFI packages, one device each (but you could use
Our final night treat was a superb the same log in at the Macs in the iLounge).
meal at Murano where the quality
of the French influenced dishes 4. We did three shore excursions at the ports where the ship was a distance from the
was matched with the theatre of main town and it worked out well (Messina, Athens, Naples).
the serving. We loved this intimate
restaurant with all the attention to 5. The speciality dinners were a real highlight for our nights on board, each very
detail you would expect at a fine different but the food always exceptional. You can book these in advance or wait until
dining establishment. you are on board (but options may be limited by then).

Sushi on Five 6. If you don’t want to pay extra to eat in the specialty restaurants your cruise price
covers dinner every night at Opus {the main dining area) and the extensive buffet at
Oceanview Café (open until 1am).

7. Deck 14 has the main pool area with lots of activities and it gets very busy. For a
quieter sun lounger session choose Deck 15 or the Solstice Deck one deck above.

8. Ask and you shall receive…we enjoyed a great departure from port sipping
champagne on the helipad with some of the crew which was a real highlight. I was also
told that if you request a trip to the bridge sometimes they can accommodate that to.

9. We only had two days at sea and I enjoyed an early morning massage and facial
which was bliss (book early for the spa).

10. There is so much going on it can be hard to keep track of what to do. Go through the
Celebrity Today daily newsletter and maybe choose one thing extra each day. The
shows were great fun, but the silent disco was by far my favourite. Spend some time
exploring the ship on the’ at sea’ days. We were so busy doing daily excursions we had
missed much of the entertainment and still hadn’t wandered through all of the bars
(there are 12 on board including the Casino), gift shops, the art gallery, iLounge, library,
and Reflection Theatre, which hosted nightly shows.

11. As always it is the crew that makes the difference. We had the best of advice on
when and which shore excursions to take from Marco Perez the Senior Destination
Manager on board and Deb Fosett the Event Coordinator kept us abreast of the
unmissable experiences on board. Get to know them on day one and they will be
invaluable in terms of advice and information.

The 10 Night Italy and Greek Isles Cruise on Celebrity Reflection can be booked at celebritycruises.com. From 2018 Celebrity also do cruises direct from Dublin Port,
further details of dates, itineraries and prices on the website.


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