Celebrity Cruises

Since its inception in 1989 by the Greece-based Chandris Group, Celebrity Cruises has established a reputation as leaders in the up-market cruise industry.

What positions Celebrity apart from other cruise lines? Its passionate commitment to providing guests with a cruise experience that exceeds expectations. This finer performance level has become the very definition of Celebrity Cruises, and has set the worldwide standard for the modern appearance of what first made cruising famous high quality, superior design, spacious accommodation, grand style, attentive service and exceptional cuisine.

Celebrity Cruises is one of the industry's highest rated premium cruise brand. It offers itineraries in Alaska, Bermuda, California, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal and South America. In addition, Celebrity Xpedition offers exotic travel experiences in the Galapagos Islands, the Arctic, and Antarctica.

After spending the past decade acquiring and constructing new ships, Celebrity Cruises has begun to examine itself from the inside out. With the introduction of a series of enhancements the line is pushing in to the upscale cruise market, vying against elite lines such as Crystal Cruises.

Activities

The enhancements program debuted on Millennium in 2002 with the addition of poolside massages, frosty towels poolside and elegant afternoon tea in RMS Olympic. These new features have been designed specifically for the refined and well-educated Celebrity passenger. Improved adult enrichment programs offer an intellectual experience to passengers, from the fine art of wine tasting to insight on upcoming ports of call.

In February National Geographic Traveler and Celebrity co-created the Celebrity Discoveries series, an extensive range of lectures covering a wide range of topics. Celebrity caters to the active passenger with revamped sports decks and fully equipped gyms. Take your pick from a competitive match of tennis or a session of sunset yoga on deck. Relax and pamper yourself in the some of the largest spas at sea. The Elemis AquaSpa takes a holistic approach to health offering the latest in skin treatments and massage.

Restaurants and Bars

Tempting the taste buds is never difficult on a Celebrity cruise. The main dining room exudes the sense of elegance with crystal glassware, fine china and sparkling silverware. For nearly 15 years the award winning menus and wine lists on all Celebrity ships has been guided by the acclaimed French chef, Michel Roux. There are also casual dining venues like the healthy AquaSpa Caf and specialty restaurants such as Sushi Caf and Outdoor Grill.

One of the endearing features of Celebritys sister ships Infinity, Constellation, Millennium and Summit is their conservatories, set in a botanical environment of flowers, plants and trees. The Cova Caf Milano provides the creature comforts of your local coffee shop and a new breakfast alternative. If you crave a cosy evening with a nightcap and live piano try Michaels Club. Or make new friends over one of 26 different Martinis at the Martini Bar.

Facilities

There are 11 decks and facilities including a cinema and shopping arcade with almost 15,000 square feet of retail store space. Theres also a two-level library, and even an art auction centre with a chapel-like ambience and the large Fortunes Casino. For children, there is the Fun Factory, while teenagers can escape to The Tower. Both have supervised activities.

There are 20 different price grades of accommodation. Almost half the cabins have private balconies, and expert butler service is on hand for the suites. Two luxurious Penthouse Suites (on the Penthouse Deck) represent the largest accommodation aboard, each occupying one half of the beam (width) of the ships stern with 180-degree views.

Other features include a marble foyer and deep whirlpool bathtub. Perhaps the most stirring amenity though is the 900-seat Celebrity Theatre, the three-deck-high venue established especially for shows and cabaret acts.

Summary

Every Celebrity ship presents careful attention to detail while each ship retains its own distinctive style, with its own uniquely inviting public rooms and social spaces. Innovation is present throughout with examples like observation lounges that transform into discos at night. From the moment you step aboard any of its ships, Celebritys dcor, furnishings and spirit of understated grace create a cheerful, relaxed environment.

Written by Keltie White - Issue 20, Winter 2005

New Ships - Celebrity Equinox