This luxurious 10 days cruise through Italy, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro is perfect for couples, families and anyone looking for a European getaway to remember.
Our European cruise with Celebrity Cruises was the perfect vacation for our multi-generational family. With something for everyone, from the beautiful sights and rich history to the delicious cuisine and endless entertainment, it was the ultimate bonding experience. Plus, the luxurious amenities and excellent service made it feel like a true escape from everyday life. We highly recommend a European cruise for any family looking to make unforgettable memories together.
We loved being able to explore multiple destinations without having to worry about the logistics of transportation and accommodations, and our Celebrity Cruise allowed us to do just that. We stopped at eight different ports, giving us the opportunity to explore each destination in depth.
Additionally, we were traveling with a large group of family members, ranging in age from 2 to 80. Despite the age differences, the ship and all of the destinations provided the perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation, allowing everyone to enjoy their own interests, eat what they wanted, and have plenty of space to spread out.
Selecting a Destination
When it comes to booking a cruise, the options can be overwhelming. With so many itineraries and destinations to choose from, deciding where to go can be the hardest part. For my family, the answer was easy: Italy. Even though we've been there many times before, and when I discovered a cruise that started and ended in Rome, with stops in some of our favorite Italian cities like Naples and Florence, I knew it was the perfect choice for us.
One of the great things about this cruise was that it also allowed us to show our family some of the places they had always dreamed of visiting, like Greece, Montenegro and Croatia. We were able to visit cities we personally love and explore new destinations all without the hassle of having to book a new hotel or completely unpack each time we arrived somewhere new. It was like having a comfy home base that we could return to each night after a day of exploring.
Even though we had visited some of the stops on the cruise before, it was still a convenient and enjoyable way to see our favorites and discover new places. Plus, some of the towns we visited were so small that we could explore them completely in just a few hours, making the cruise a great way to see picturesque places we might have otherwise passed by.
While there were two "sea days" on the cruise where we didn't get off the ship at all, these days were still incredibly scenic and enjoyable. The views from the ship were breathtaking, and cruising into Montenegro surrounded by beautiful old towns and fjords was a highlight of the trip that we will never forget.
“One of the great things about this cruise was that it also allowed us to show our family some of the places they had always dreamed of visiting, like Greece, Montenegro and Croatia. ”
Choosing the Right Cruise
When it comes to choosing a cruise line, it's important to find one that fits your preferences and needs. For my family, we were drawn to Celebrity Cruises because of their reputation for luxury and high-quality amenities. We knew that with Celebrity, we would have comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
In terms of the length of the cruise, we opted for a 10-day itinerary, which was the perfect amount of time for us. We didn't feel rushed from place to place and were able to travel at a more leisurely pace. In fact, we loved the ship so much that we sometimes opted to stay onboard when we stopped at a town we had already visited before, just to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Before booking our cruise, we made sure to check what was included in the package. We were pleasantly surprised to find that our Celebrity Cruise was all-inclusive except for excursions. That meant that even alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and cocktails were included, with a great selection to choose from. As a family, we weren't looking for a party boat; we wanted a space where we could relax, spend time with each other, and enjoy the scenery. And Celebrity delivered on all fronts.
“We knew that with Celebrity Cruises, we would have comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.”
Cruises with Kids
Traveling with multi-generations can be a challenge, but Celebrity Cruises provided something for everyone in our family. The kids had access to a kids club, a pool, and unlimited ice cream. Meanwhile, the older members of our family enjoyed shopping and shows, as well as beautiful bars and restaurants. As parents, my husband and I were happy to have some relaxation time by the pool.
The all-inclusive package was also a big plus for our family, especially for the kids. They loved being able to order their own drinks, including fun options like kids' cappuccinos and virgin pina coladas. However, we did find it challenging that the kids club was separated by age groups, which meant our boys couldn't play together. As a result, we didn't use the kids club much, but it was nice to have babysitting services available for the younger ones when we wanted some alone time.
“The all-inclusive package was also a big plus for our family, especially for the kids. They loved being able to order their own drinks, including fun options like kids’ cappuccinos and virgin pina coladas! ”
Aboard Our Ship
We sailed on the Celebrity Reflection, the largest of Celebrity's five Solstice-class cruise ships that can accommodate up to 3,046 guests. Despite being nearly at full capacity during our cruise, the ship never once felt crowded.
The Celebrity Reflection felt like a floating city, with so much to see and do that we never once got bored. The ship boasts a vast selection of restaurants and bars, and the main dining room is especially stunning, featuring a two-story glass wine tower and spectacular chandeliers.
From basic rooms to ocean-view rooms and luxurious suites with extra perks, there are different accommodation categories available to choose from. We stayed in The Retreat, which offered stunning rooms that were all huge suites, a private restaurant, an exclusive lounge, and a private sundeck. We highly recommend booking in The Retreat, as the staff members were incredible, and having smaller, separate spaces on the ship to eat and relax was so enjoyable.
The Celebrity Reflection offers a wide variety of entertainment options, from theaters and a casino to boutique shopping with clothing, jewelry, makeup, and fragrances. For those seeking relaxation, there's a luxurious spa and a fitness center, while bookworms will love the library. What's truly unique about this ship is that you can even play outdoors on a half-acre of real grass at The Lawn Club. And don't worry about being disconnected from the world while at sea, as the high-speed internet via the Starlink service from SpaceX is available.
One of the highlights of the ship is the Sky Observation Lounge located at the bow of the ship. This spacious lounge boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and provides a breathtaking view. It's a great place to relax with a cup of tea or cocktail and spend quality time with loved ones before heading off to dinner.
While the ship's elegant style with modern touches is impressive, it's important to note that it was launched in 2012 and refurbished in 2017, so it may feel a bit outdated. However, it's still a comfortable and welcoming space that offers a memorable cruising experience.
Our Room
When traveling with two young children, we knew we needed a bit more space. The Royal Suite was the perfect choice for us, and it exceeded our expectations in every way. The suite was flooded with natural light, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, providing breathtaking views of the sea in every direction.
Inside, the suite boasted a large living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, and a balcony with a whirlpool bathtub - the ultimate in relaxation. With its spacious living room and kitchen, the suite became the ideal gathering spot for our extended family. We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and conversations in the comfort of our suite before heading out to dinner or on an excursion.
“Staying in the Royal Suite with our own dedicated room attendant was definitely the way to go. It made our family vacation even more special and memorable.”
Our room attendant on the Celebrity Reflection was an absolute gem. He went above and beyond to ensure our stay was comfortable and stress-free, especially since we were traveling with our two young kids. Our dedicated attendant transformed the couch into a bed for our oldest son and set up a portable crib for our youngest. It felt like our own little apartment on the ship.
Our room attendant quickly became part of our family. He learned our kids' favorite snacks, their nap schedule, and even had their favorite treats waiting for them when they woke up. And, he made sure we were taken care of too, keeping our fridge stocked with our favorite drinks. The highlight of the room, though, was the luxurious Cashmere Mattress on the huge bed. There was even a "pillow menu" to choose from for the perfect night's sleep.
Staying in the Royal Suite with our own dedicated room attendant was definitely the way to go. It made our family vacation even more special and memorable.
Dining
The dining experience on the Celebrity Reflection was truly exceptional. With menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, there were dining options galore, including cocktail bars, cafes, poolside eats, and exclusive restaurants. The food itself was fresh, delicious, and made with locally-sourced ingredients.
There was a great mix of formal and informal dining, depending on your preference, and I especially appreciated that the ship has done away with formal nights in favor of what they call "Evening Chic" nights. This meant that we could dress up if we felt like it or just be casual, and the dress code was a cocktail dress or nice pants with an elegant top for women, and collared shirts and nice jeans for men. On cruises longer than seven days, there are two Evening Chic nights planned.
However, I wasn't a fan of the different categories and rules for dining. For instance, if you wanted to eat in the main dining room, you had to choose between "late seating" and "early seating" and commit to eating at the same time every night. This can be challenging for families, especially those with young children. Fortunately, being a Retreat guest had its advantages. We were able to choose whatever time we wanted to eat, which was a huge help and took the pressure off.
“The dining experience on the Celebrity Reflection was truly exceptional. With menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, there were dining options galore, including cocktail bars, cafes, poolside eats, and exclusive restaurants. ”
When dining with the family, we usually ate in the main dining room for dinner and the Oceanview Café for breakfast and lunch. Although I'm usually not a fan of buffets, the Oceanview Café was exceptional. It had a variety of options for all taste buds and a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
The specialty restaurants onboard the Celebrity Reflection were nothing short of excellent! We especially enjoyed Luminae for breakfast and dinner. The menus at Luminae changed every day, and the dishes there weren't available in any other restaurant on the ship, which was a real treat. Sushi on Five was another favorite with its authentic sushi and impressive selection of sakes and beers.
For cappuccinos, teas, and late-night gelato, we stopped by Café al Bacio & Gelateria. This café is open until 11 pm, making it perfect for an after-dinner treat like a cookie gelato sandwich! Our kids were in heaven, and we appreciated the great coffee, which was very different from what was served in the restaurants. If you're a foodie and value good food and drinks, I highly recommend purchasing the premium package, so you can dine wherever and whenever you want!
Entertainment
The entertainment options onboard the Celebrity Reflection exceeded our expectations! We were pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of shows available. The shows were tasteful and elegant, and we were impressed by the Cirque du Soleil-style performances held in the spacious Reflection Theater. Our kids were equally thrilled and engaged, a testament to how well-produced the shows were. We appreciated that there were two showtimes each night, so we could catch the later one after enjoying a leisurely dinner.
Live music was also a highlight of our evenings onboard. The Grand Foyer featured a live band every night, and we enjoyed listening to them while sipping our drinks. While there wasn't a dance club onboard, there were plenty of other events and activities happening throughout the ship to keep us entertained.
On some nights, we opted for a more low-key experience and simply enjoyed the stunning views with a cocktail in hand. Whether it was a romantic date night or a relaxed evening with the family, the waterfront views from various spots on the ship made it an unforgettable experience.
Excursions
Before our cruise, we were presented with a plethora of exciting excursions to choose from, including wine tastings, cooking classes in vineyards, scenic drives, hikes, and sightseeing in Capri. We highly recommend selecting a few that pique your interest, but it's important not to overload your schedule. In Florence, we arranged for a private tour guide and van to take our family around the city, which was a great way to see the sights together while benefiting from an expert guide's knowledge.
The customizable nature of this cruise is one of its greatest strengths, and our parents were able to book separate excursions that suited their interests. With so many options available, there's truly something for everyone.
“The customizable nature of this cruise is one of its greatest strengths, and our parents were able to book separate excursions that suited their interests. With so many options available, there’s truly something for everyone.”
Final Thoughts
Cruising is an ideal way for us to plan a family vacation. With so many different activities and dining options available onboard, everyone can easily find something they enjoy without any added stress or pressure. Not to mention, it's a fantastic way to explore beautiful parts of Europe while effortlessly combining sightseeing with relaxation.
The Celebrity Reflection exceeded our expectations in every way. From the stunning design and amenities to the exceptional service provided by the staff, we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We're already looking forward to our next adventure with Celebrity Cruises and discovering new destinations with this fantastic cruise line.
“The Celebrity Reflection exceeded our expectations in every way. From the stunning design and amenities to the exceptional service provided by the staff, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. ”
