Just the Facts:
Ship: Celebrity Constellation- 2002 - Weight: 90,940 tons - Capacity: 2,170 passengers
Captain: Christos Trifyllis (Greece), Hotel Director: Cameron Robertson (Scotland), Cruise Director: Ernest Marchain (USA)
Ports: Ravenna Italy - Trieste, Italy - Dubrovnik, Croatia - Zadar, Crotia - Split, Croatia - Kotor, Montenegro - Salerno, Italy - Civitaveccia, Italy
The DW and I are cruising on this 10-day cruise sailing from Ravenna Italy. This is my 2nd cruise on the Celebrity Constellation (Connie), My 4th cruise on Celebrity, and my 214th cruise overall. They do honor my D+ status from Royal Caribbean as an Elite+ on this sailing. We just completed 12 days in Europe which is reviewed in the previous blog submission (back one).
Day One - Friday, July 26th, 2024 -- Embarkation - Ravenna Italy 
We woke at about 7:00 am in the City of Ravenna and enjoyed a nice breakfast in our hotel restaurant. It was then just a short wait for our 9:45 Shuttle (€15pp). We were at the Cruise Terminal at about 10:15 am and dropped luggage, went through Security, and checked in by 10:30 am. Then just a half hour wait before boarding the ship at about 11:00 am. It was a very easy process all morning. We dropped our carry-on bags in the cabin on Deck 9, picked up our Cabin Cards, and then went up to Deck 10 and the Sunset Bar. We had some Diet Coca-Cola and complementary Procescco when a bartender remembered me from my previous cruise on the Connie. We sat facing aft enjoying the Sea Breeze ... we then both ate Salad & Pizza from the Oceanview Cafe (Lido Buffet). They had Bread Pudding in the desert area, it was good. We did our Muster Station at about 1:00 pm then went to the cabin when they officially opened. We have a nice extended Balcony Cabin near the aft elevators that makes it easy to access both the Sunset Bar and the Oceanview Cafe. The cabin was nice and cool with adequate storage for two people. We began set up and were pleased to see our luggage delivered between 2:00-3:00 pm. All is well for our vacation from our vacation. We relaxed all afternoon and watched the 5:00 pm sail away from our balcony. At about 6:30 we went up to the Oceanview Cafe for dinner. DW got an assortment of Hummus and some fresh Vegetables. I had a nice mixed vegetable Stir-fry plate with Beef & Chicken. I also sampled the Lamb with Mint Jelly and the Tilapia. The Dessert Station was decorated with a Cake (photo) and the Flan was good as was a bowl of Ice Creme. Everything was quite good. We did a short walkabout and retired early for Cabin Time. This has been the easiest day of our trip to date.
Saturday, July 24, 2024 / Trieste, Italy 
Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well in our cool room. We were docked when I woke and we have no specific plans for this port as we were here recently on MSC. I went up to the Lido for a freshly made omelet at about 9:00 am. We went off the ship at about 10:30 am and walked to Piazza Unità d’Italia a huge square overlooking the sea, surrounded by grand buildings & cafes, with a landmark fountain (photo taken from balcony). We walked to other Piazzas did some shopping and stopped for a refreshing Coca-Cola. We returned to the ship just after noon to avoid the day's heat. We had a nice buffet lunch upon return…it was Italian food day and we enjoyed cabin time the rest of the afternoon. At 5:00 pm the Elite Guest “happy hour” began and we went to the Sunset Bar for complimentary drinks. My favorite Celebrity bartender Made was there, it was good to see him again. Of course, I enjoyed the special drink he made for me on my February cruise in my personal silicone beverage glass. DW enjoyed Summer Sangrias. We stayed the two hours plus enjoying: Cocktails, the sail away from Trieste, and the Jazz entertainment that started @ 7:30. We had Pizza as snacks and then had dinner later while listening to music. I had Kung Pao Chicken, Veges, and a small Salad. For dessert a selection of items including a nice Panna Cotta. It was a great evening at the Sunset Bar as was seeing old & new friends.
Day 3 - Sunday, February 28, 2024 - at Sea 
Smooth seas overnight as we sailed south in the Adriatic Sea. I slept well and late, going to the buffet at about 9:15 for breakfast. It was busy I guess everyone slept in this morning. We did our initial walkabout this morning, the DWs first time aboard…she loves the size of the ship. I do too. At about 12:45 we went for lunch in the San Marco Dining Room (MDR). I had a Cobb Salad, NY Strip Steak, and Apple Strudel. This is our first time in the MDR and I doubt we visit much as DW prefers the Oceanview Cafe for better vegetarian choices. The sea has become a beautiful blue and is very calm. This afternoon we watched two great movies: Six Minutes To Midnight and Fishermen’s Friends. Since our cabin is so close to the Sunset Bar I would go up and get drinks and return for movie time. Then at about 7:00 pm, we went up for final cocktails and then dinner in the Oceanview Cafe. It wasn’t busy, there were almost more crew than guests tonight. The feature singers sure looked sharp tonight sitting nearby. DW loved the Vegetarian choices and I had Nachos, concocted by myself with Chips, Beans, Melted Cheese, and Guacamole. Then later I had a nice Beef Bourguignon and Salad. For dessert, DW had Ice Creme and I had a selection of various goodies. After dinner, we watched another movie: The Sapphires before retiring. It was a restful movie day on the Celebrity Constellation.
Day 4 - Monday, February 29, 2024 - Dubrovnik, Croatia 
There were smooth seas overnight and I slept very well, I woke early and watched us sail into Dubrovnik at about 7:30 a.m. I then went up to the Lido Deck for a nice breakfast consisting of an Omelet, Hash Browns, and Bacon. At about 8:00 am we got off the ship and met our driver Josh for a Private Tour to the neighboring country of Bosnia-Hertzigovena. Our first stop after crossing the border was Kravice Waterfalls, it’s certainly a popular place in the area, but I was not that impressed. Too many people made it hard to enjoy. It was very impressive in its way, it did remind me of Turner Falls in Oklahoma. Our primary stop was at Mostar and the famous Stari Most or Mostar Bridge. We had three hours scheduled to visit. Our first stop was at Restaurant Šadrvan rated the top restaurant in town, it doesn’t have a Bridge view, but the food was amazing. I ordered the Bosnian National Plate. It was amazing, it had: Japrack, Dolma, Bosnian Cookies (all meat), Small Sausages, Cevap, Duvec, Boiled Potatoes, Rice, and Sour Creme. It was a lot to eat and very good. I did my best we were there for an hour. The DW found a nice embroidered traditional-style top and a nice knickknack for the Granddaughter while shopping in the old town area. We then went down to the riverbank for some photos of the historic old Bridge (photo). The original Stari Most Bridge was commissioned by the Ottoman emperor Süleyman the Magnificent in 1557 and completed in 1566. It was destroyed in the Bosnian War in November 1993. A project, overseen by UNESCO, was undertaken to rebuild the Stari Most using the same materials and techniques used in the original bridge. Reconstruction began in 2001 and was completed in 2004. The Stari Most and the historic center of Mostar were inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2005. We returned to the ship at about 6:00 pm and made it in time for the Elite Happy Hour. DW had Pizza and a Salad for dinner, I just had a snack after my big meal earlier. We then retired to the cabin early. It was a very unique excursion to Bosnia.
Day 5 - Tuesday, February 30, 2024 - Dubrovnik, Croatia 
We were docked overnight in Dubrovnik and slept well. I went to the Lido Deck for a nice breakfast and then at about 8:50 am we left the ship and took a Taxi to the walled Old Town. It is our third time to visit and we have walked the famous Walls so our goal was to tour the interiors of several Palaces today. We entered through the Pile Gate and were soon on the beautiful Placa marble main street. Not too crowded initially so we started ASAP at the smaller 16th-century Sponza Palace and visited the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik State Archive with documents from as early as the 11th century. Also, there is the Memorial to the Fallen of the recent 1991 war. The next stop was the Baroque St. Blaise Church located across the street. The primary museum of Dubrovnik: the Rectors Palace was next. Built in the 15th century the large palace has served as many venues including Government, Resident, and Public. Great period history exhibits and displays can be seen here. The final stop was the impressive Cathedral. We also did a walkabout seeing the old Port area and several side streets with shops and restaurants. It was by this time very crowded and getting hot so we returned to the Pile Gate area and took a taxi back to the ship. We had a light lunch in the Ocean View on Lido Our cool cabin was welcoming so we watched some TV during the afternoon. In the late afternoon, the weather cooled off so it was balcony time for sail away and sailing by the Adriatic islands of Croatia. I enjoyed my Elite Guest happy hour drinks as usual and had a dinner of Pork Tenderloin and Roasted Potatoes before retiring to the cabin. It was a good visit to Old Town Dubrovnik today.
Day 6 - Wednesday, February 31, 2024 - Zadar, Croatia 
Smooth seas overnight and I slept well. We both went up to Lido Buffet for breakfast, they had Canadian bacon this morning…one of my favorites. We have a ship excursion today: Panoramas of Historic Dalmatia and we met in the Theater at 8:20 am. We began the tour with about an hour's drive to Šibenik and did an hour's walk through the old town area. The Church of St. Francis was most impressive. It is a Gothic building from the second half of the 14th century, inside is an organ from 1762. The church has interesting faces of people on the marble facade around the building. Šibenik is one of the oldest towns in Dalmatia and is worth a visit. We had a rest stop on our drive back to Zadar with complementary toilets, drinks, and pie. Once back in Zadar, we toured the modern waterfront along the Aegean Sea. One of the features is the Water Organ that allows the waves to play the organ pipes…very different. Most of the Old Town here did not survive WWII and the 1992 War. Two places did: the ruins of the Old Roman Forum and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. One full Roman column did survive and has stood for over 2000 years…in later times it was the column of shame where people would be chained and mocked. The Cathedral dates to the early 12th Century before the Venetians conquered Zadar in 1202. It is difficult for me to comprehend a place with so much history. Zadar is the jump-off point for many of the many islands in the Agenian Sea and has many businesses and bars with a yachting theme. It was a nice tour overall and they returned us to the Zadar port and the ship at about 2:30 pm. Upon return, we went straight up to Deck 10 and the Lido Buffet for a light lunch. We then retired to our cool cabin for rest. I enjoyed the Elite happy hours this evening as it was cooler with a sea breeze and we did our sail away from Zadar. Thanks to my bartender Made too for preparing my special drink in my silicone drink holder. It keeps the drink colder for longer. I had Pizza before returning to the cabin where the DW had been watching movies. It was a good day learning about and seeing sights in Dalmatia today.
Day 7 - Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Split, Croatia 
Smooth seas and I slept well as we arrived at Croatia’s second-largest city. Our goal for the day is to visit Diocletian's Palace on our own. at about 8:00 am I went to the San Marco restaurant for breakfast, only my second visit to the MDR. I ordered: Eggs Benedict, English Bacon, American Bacon, Hash Browns, Fruit Plate, Danish, and Hot Milk. It was delicious. At about 8:45 am we went ashore and did the 15-minute walk to Diocletian's Palace. It was built in the late third and early fourth century as Roman Emperor Diocletian’s retirement residence and is now a UNESCO heritage site, it represents one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture yet doesn’t feel like a museum. The city of Split has grown up around this ancient palace. It is somewhat similar to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. We took in the architecture and sat in a Cafe enjoying a soft drink. We visited an Outdoor Market and a few shops. It became busy with tourists and rising temperatures so we decided to walk back to the port. The port area is a busy place with ferries arriving and departing as well as the location of the train station and the Bus Station. We were back in our cool cabin by noon. At about 1:00 pm we went to the Oceanview Cafe. They had Rib-Eye steaks at the grill so I had one cooked to order plus Potatoes, and a large Salad. Excellent. At about 5:00 pm I got my special Cocktail in my silicone glass and then the two of us went to the Martini Bar on deck 4 to get a Hugo Spritzer. I had never been there and quite a surprise…the Bar surface is ice. Perfect for my glass to keep the drink cool, but cocktails in Martini glasses not so much. Very different though. They were busy too, a popular spot during Elite happy hour. We returned to the Sunset Bar to enjoy the sail away from Split. The number of ferries sailing is amazing to see too. We ate dinner out on deck. DW had Pizza and I had an excellent Stir-fry of both Chicken & Beef with mixed Vegetables. We then retired after this busy day in port and on the Constellation.
Day 8 - Friday, August 2, 2024 - Kotor, Montenegro 
Smooth seas overnight and I slept well. I was awake by 5:00 am and we had already entered the beautiful Bay of Kotor…it was soon light enough to see some views early and will be better at sailing away this evening. We went down to Qzine on Deck 3, the exclusive Elite Breakfast location, at about 8:00 am for a light breakfast…we had Fruit Plates and Danish. This morning Qzine is also the meeting location for Elite priority tenders. We were soon off on our 18-minute tender boat ride to the dock in Kotor. By 9:00 am we were entering the main Sea Gate into Old Town Kotor. We wanted to visit some specific buildings, the first was the Maritime Museum in the Grgurina Palace (1732) and then St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (1166) (photo). Both were very well done, the Palace was in the 18th-century style with the maritime exhibits displayed within…The Cathedral had great displays in the upper galleries. The entire Old Town is very nicely restored and a very clean area. Numerous shops and restaurants in every Plaza within the walls. We took a Coca-Cola break then at about 11:30 am we walked the short distance to the pier and tendered back to the ship. Just after the noon hour, we went up to the Seaview Cafe, DW had a nice prepared herself Guacamole Salad+. I also arranged my lunch, I had two NY Strip steaks grilled to order, and placed Cheese between the steaks on a large fresh Croissant with Mayo & Tomato. It was FANTASTIC. Best cruise sandwich ever. We had a relaxing Balcony Day for the rest of the afternoon. At 5:00 pm I went to the Sunset Bar for my cocktail…it was busy as everyone wanted to watch our sail away. It was a beautiful sail away that I watched from our balcony or at the Sunset Bar. Sailing in Kotor Bay is an amazing cruise experience. Tonight was the popular White Party on Deck 10. It was a great early day in Kotor and a relaxing afternoon on the Connie.
Day 9 - Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 - Sea Day 
Smooth seas overnight and I slept well. I went to the San Marco Dining Room for a very good breakfast: Danish, Fruit Plate, Eggs Benedict, English & American Bacon, Hash Browns, and Hot Milk. We had a lazy morning planning our final port and debarkation day. I did a walkabout and visited the large Reflection Lounge on Deck 11 forward. They watched the Parade of Nations on Deck 10 Pool Deck, the Captain even spoke a bit. At about 1:00 pm I went to the Grill on Lido Deck, the Steaks were too large for a sandwich so I had two as a Steak Dinner with Potatoes and a Salad. They were excellent. The food has been very good on the cruise. I have gained back the weight I lost on the land adventure last week. We watched the movie Amsterdam and had a relaxing afternoon. At 5:00 pm I went to the Sunset Bar for my usual. Italy has been on our starboard side all day and at about 6:00 pm we reached the bottom of the boot of Italy. DW joined me on deck as we turned north to sail through the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the mainland (photo of Messina). That was the highlight of the day. At about 7:30 pm we took Pizza back to our cabin and ate on the balcony. It was a relaxing day on the Celebrity Constellation.
Day 10 - Sunday, August 4th, 2024 - Salerno, Italy 
Smooth seas in the Mediterranean Sea overnight and I slept well. I went to the Lido Deck for a nice Omelette, Bacon, & Hash Browns and brought some Pastry and Walnuts back for the DW. At about 9:00 am we debarked the ship and walked into Salerno. Most Shops were not open yet, but we strolled admiring the beach and boulevard. We arrived at the Cathedral of Santa Maria degli Angeli, San Matteo and San Gregorio VII just as they opened at 9:30 am. It is a long name but an important Cathedral as it is the burial location of the Pope and Saint Matthew, the Apostle. In addition, the ornate circa 1084 church has a large bell tower, pipe organ & many mosaics, statues & relics. The below-ground Crypt is very ornate and different in that it is lighter in colors and decor with a positive vibe. Not dark and creepy at all as are many old Medieval Crypts. The Tomb of Saint Matthew was located in the center and was dominant and the Statuary above the Tomb was done by Michaelangelo (photo). This is the third Apostle Tomb I have visited the others being Peter & John. We then had a Coca-Cola break at the outdoor Cafe next door. Many shops were now opening for our casual return to the Cruise Pier. We were back on board the ship by noon. For lunch, we went up to the Ocean View Cafe on Lido and I had another custom Steak Sandwich. We watched Table 19 an interesting comedy movie about a wedding this afternoon. Sail away began before I got to the Sunset Bar but I really enjoyed the views of Salerno and later the Isle of Capri as we sailed around it at about 6:30 pm. I had a very good Stir-Fry plate for dinner tonight. Then it was time to pack and put out our luggage for pickup outside the cabin. A busy evening. Salerno and the Cathedral were great to visit on this our final Day on the Celebrity Constellation.
Debarkation Day 11 - Monday, August 5th, 2024 - Civitavecchia, Italy
We placed our luggage out in the passageway before bed last night. We have Tag 2 is a very early meet time for our Airport Shuttle. We arrived early and were sent straight away to pick up our luggage even before self-debarkation began. We were on the first bus out @ 6:48 am. Very smooth and very easy. We arrived at the airport and were checked in quickly so time to eat and wait for our 11:20 am boarding on American Airlines. The 10-hour flight landed in Charlotte and soon we were on the way to Tampa arriving at about 8:40 pm local time. A 24-hour trip with Ship Debarkation, Airport wait time, and Flight times. Home at about 10:30 pm local time.
Cabin
We had Cabin 9138 and loved the location…I picked it as it had easy access to Deck 10 with Lido Buffet and the Sunset Bar. It was also a bump-out balcony with great views on the starboard side. Natalya our Stateroom Attendant was excellent. Small couch and chair at the vanity/desk, The BR has a nightlight…always useful.
Dining / Food
We never ate dinner in the MDR although we had one lunch and I had a few breakfasts in the San Marco Dining Room all with Tablecloth service. The Oceanview Cafe (Lido buffet) food was very good to excellent. Favorites: The Grill, the Carving Station, the Pasta Station, the Deli Section, the Stir-Fry area, and the Salad Bars. We did not do a specialty restaurant. They even serve fresh Croatian Oysters one night, not available in the MDR.
Highlights of the Cruise
Day Trip to Moster, Bosnia
We had Cabin 9138 and loved the location…I picked it as it had easy access to Deck 10 with Lido Buffet and the Sunset Bar. It was also a bump-out balcony with great views on the starboard side. Natalya our Stateroom Attendant was excellent. Small couch and chair at the vanity/desk, The BR has a nightlight…always useful.
Dining / Food
We never ate dinner in the MDR although we had one lunch and I had a few breakfasts in the San Marco Dining Room all with Tablecloth service. The Oceanview Cafe (Lido buffet) food was very good to excellent. Favorites: The Grill, the Carving Station, the Pasta Station, the Deli Section, the Stir-Fry area, and the Salad Bars. We did not do a specialty restaurant. They even serve fresh Croatian Oysters one night, not available in the MDR.
Highlights of the Cruise
Day Trip to Moster, Bosnia
Montenegro and the beautiful Bay of Kotor
All the Croatian Ports
Sunset Bar with Made and Bar Team.
Service and food in the Oceanview Cafe
Sunset Bar with Made and Bar Team.
Service and food in the Oceanview Cafe
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