Celebrity Cruise! Opulence Perfectly Staged

Each generation of Celebrity ships has emerged to assume a leadership role in the cruise industry. From the contemporary elegance of Horizon to the stylish and high-tech Century, to the latest epoch, Constellation, Infinity, Millennium and Summit, all are five-star vessels of incomparable allure. In true Celebrity style every conceivable luxury awaits you. Every stateroom is a sanctuary; culinary standards are impeccable, entertainment a masterpiece! There's poetry to be found in the perfect symmetry of grace and strength, which is the hallmark of Celebrity's trim, powerful ships. The ships are designed for your complete fulfillment and beauty is in every detail. In every painting and sculpture, in foyers so grand they resemble Venetian courtyards, in the exotic fabrics tinted to rich jewel tone colors, in the handsome accommodation, and in the sophisticated restaurants and stylish lounges and bars. Polished mahogany, etched glass, soft leather and crisp linen harmonize with immaculately maintained public areas and perfectly prepared staterooms.

Celebrity's Fleet

No matter which ship you choose, on every Celebrity cruise you will visit enchanting destinations- starting with your ship itself. Ranging in size from approximately 47,000 tons (Horizon, Zenith) right up to 91,000 tons (Millennium, Constellation, Infinity, and Summit) Celebrity offers greater facilities and more accommodation with verandas than ever before. In fact, we'd say the facilities are nothing short of dazzling. For example, the ethereal Olympic Restaurant on Millennium has the intricate, original walnut paneling from White Star Line's ship, the RMS Olympic, covering the walls.

The Atmosphere

La dolce vita. Park Avenue elegance. Softly glowing chandeliers. Soothing music. The art of flambé, Aromatic stones, and exotic jasmine flower baths in the spa. A world where all that you wish for is anticipated and all that you expect is exceeded. Imagine one of the most romantic nights of your life, and then multiply it by the length of your Celebrity cruise.

The Service

Grace and civility are not entirely of the past. Expect seamless, professional, sensitive care from ultra-accommodating staff whose adept handling of the minuscule details are the very definition of unobtrusive blue ribbon service. European-trained dining room personnel are to be particularly admired and you can count on the sommelier to provide the perfect cabernet to accompany your chateaubriand.

Accommodations

Suites, Celebrity Suites, Sky Suites with veranda, Premium and Deluxe Ocean-view staterooms with veranda, Ocean-view staterooms, Family Ocean-view staterooms, (last year Ocean-view Celebrity Concierge Class was introduced), and Inside Staterooms. Penthouse suites have both a rotunda and vestibule entrances and is among the largest suites at sea (with a baby grand piano if you can imagine)!

Naturally bedding varies dependent upon category, although all staterooms have two lower twin beds or a queen-size bed, TV, direct-dial phone and voice mail; individual safe, hair dryer, thermostat-controlled air conditioning, 100% cotton towels, complimentary use of bathrobes, complimentary 24-hour room service, a mini-bar (contents not included). The suites, of course, are unsurpassed 5-star quality, some arriving with the luxury of 24-hour butler service to anticipate your needs from afternoon tea to evening hors d'oeuvres to full in-suite breakfast, lunch and dinner service in some categories.

Dependent upon which suite you select, additional amenities can include priority check-in and departure, express luggage delivery on boarding, welcome champagne, dining room seating preference, opportunity to book massages in-suite, a personal computer, printer and internet access, personalized stationery, Celebrity tote bag, oversized bath towels, complimentary use of robes. The Celebrity Network offers an advanced in-room entertainment and information centre where a two-way, user-friendly communications link allows you to view and select shore excursions, order room service and indulge in casino gambling from the comfort of your stateroom.

The Dining

In an environment of consummate charm graced with the very best in china, silver, newly pressed white linens and crystal, delicious repasts from world-renowned chef, Michel Roux are exquisitely presented in fetching main dining rooms. Celebrity's pre-eminent cuisine reflects their dedication to providing all guests, including those with particularly educated and discriminating palates, with the finest food that land and sea has to offer.

Cuisine is as wholesome as it is imaginative. Every dish is prepared using only the freshest herbs and ingredients, and even breads and sorbets are made from scratch. In addition there's a wonderful variety of lean and light, vegetarian and special children's selections. On occasion, perhaps you'd enjoy a more casual dining experience, in which case you would have the choice of a specialty restaurant, grill or café where the selection is every bit as tempting as that served in the posh restaurants.

The artistry and culinary talents of Celebrity's chefs are also shown to great advantage at theme buffets. On special nights, you can look forward to "Gourmet Bites" a roving late night tour-de-force of succulent treats such as empanadas, mini-Beef Wellington and crispy fish tempura which is hand carried throughout the ship by tuxedoed, white-gloved wait staff. Just-baked scones and tea sandwiches are offered during an elegant afternoon tea service and you simply must have an espresso and warm, buttery croissant in the Cova Café Milano after your brisk morning walk on deck. The simple joy of a fresh gourmet pizza served in the privacy of your stateroom is another tasty option.

It is a source of pride to Celebrity that Michel Roux not only serves as culinary consultant to the line, he also selects the award-winning vintages that transform each meal into a not-to-be-forgotten event.

The Entertainment

As the sun melts into the sea, and the ship is in the spotlight of the moon, the night ignites with fun and frolic of all expressions to be had! Why not start with pre-dinner cocktails, caviar and pate at the Champagne Bar or Martini Bar. Over 20 variations on the martini theme include divine concoctions such as James Bond's "shaken not stirred", Caipirinha and chocolate kiss versions. Then on to dinner, followed by a plush seat in the theatre to enjoy a lavish Broadway-style production.

The rustle of cards at the blackjack tables and the ringing of slot machines paying off in Fortunes Casino will be hard to ignore, so pop in for a while (you never know). Then whisk off to one of the nightclubs for some all-night dancing, ending the evening with a nightcap at Michael's Club, or a moonlight serenade for two on the upper deck! Entertainment can also take the form of art auctions, wine tasting and shopping in the smart boutiques for designer labels to mention just a few possibilities.

Programs for Kids and youth

Activities for children aged 3 to 17 are tiered into four age groups. ShipMates for ages 3-6; Celebrity Cadets for ages 7 to 10; Ensigns for ages 11-13; Admiral T's for teens 14 to 17. This program is available during summer and seasonal sailing periods. On other sailing's, a limited program is offered if 12 or more children are on board.

Elemis™ Spa

An oasis for the mind and body with the most luxurious spa imaginable! We have long recognized the power of water to revive the spirit, and so it is to the Elemis Spa™ guests' head to visit the state of relaxation and enjoy the latest restorative therapies. Re-nourish with a soothing massage where heated aromatic stones are used to banish tension, or be transported to another time and place through the Egyptian ceremony of milk and ginger, the Tahitian ceremony of flowers, the legendary Hawaiian four hands massage. Spa services can be booked prior to departure.

Celebrity Escapes

Celebrity Escape cruises is adult only. All guests must be over the age of 21. It is for parents who need a vacation from parenting and for guests who do not like to travel with children on board. There are special events and benefits found only on a Celebrity Escape cruise such as extended hours for the pool and AquaSpa - 11 PM every night, late-night comedy acts including an adult-theme show, dance instruction featuring salsa, merengue, and ballroom dancing, special theme nights in the disco, poolside deck parties, enhanced Golf program using state of the art video and computers and much more.

Captains Club

Captain's Club is Celebrity's past guest program whereby members receive exclusive savings and benefits. The more you cruise, the more you receive. The three levels are Classic Level (1 to 5 cruises), Select Level (6 to 10cruises) and Elite Level (11 or more cruises). You'll automatically receive a new membership card to reflect your status, and you can enjoy your new membership benefits on your next Celebrity cruise. (Please note: Your membership number will remain the same.)

Benefits include: category upgrades, pre-sailing reservations at specialty restaurants on Millennium-class ships (priority embarkation (where available). Exclusive Captain's Club party, welcome amenity, gift with purchase at the Aqua Spa(SM) by Elemis, certificates for the casino, golf clinics (where available) and Classic member rates for golf simulator, complimentary wine tasting, reunion cruises, newsletter with exclusive offers, e-newsletters and much more.

Celebrity Network

The Celebrity Network is the most advanced, in-room entertainment and information center at sea. It is a two-way, user-friendly communications link between the ship and its guests. In addition, guests can view and select shore excursions, order room service and indulge in casino gambling, from the comfort of their stateroom.

In the lovely Cova Café Milano, an evocation of the renowned original near Milan's La Scala Opera House, you can enjoy the signature coffees, teas and chocolates of the historic Pasticceria Confetteria Cova. On Constellation and Millennium you can visit The Conservatory, a lovely garden environment inspired by the Emilio Robba flower boutiques in Paris. Always in the avant garde, Celebrity introduced the first cigar bar at sea, and in the warm, intimate milieu of Michael's Club you can sink into a leather chair and contemplate life while enjoying a fine hand-rolled cigar and a warm cognac. On Galaxy and Mercury, the Navigator Club offers a blend of celebration and elegance with opportunities for late night dancing and gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Inclusions, Savings and Promotions

It is not uncommon for Celebrity to have a selection of money saving promotional offers available to their clientele. Please check for the latest information on the savings offers currently available. Shipboard accommodation, On Board Entertainment, On Board Activities, On Board dining, Port Charges, Local presentation/Transfers, Personnel assist in port except when independent pre/post land packages, air & land deviations or any other deviation is involved. Transfers are not included for cruise only guests (they may be purchased by cruise only guests or those requiring air deviations).

About the author:
William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor, and Certified Travel Counsellor) - http://discount-caribbean-vacations.com/product%20pages/caribbean-cruises.htm.

William is a professional in the Travel Industry and the author of “Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site� available at: http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com/index.htm