Spotlight: Celebrity Cruises

Founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group, Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line with 12 ships that sail to more than 300 destinations. Wherever you want to go to in the world, you are sure to find a cruise with the destination or itinerary (there’s more than 160) that fits your needs.

The ships

Celebrity cruises boasts 12 ships, which are divided in four classes:

The Solstice Class

The five Solstice class ships – Celebrity Reflection Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Silhouette – all boast The Lawn Club, an outdoor venue with real, lush grass. It’s the perfect place to putt around, play a game of croquet, or even do some grilling at The Lawn Club Grill. At the Alcoves, sit back and relax in one of eight cabanas overlooking The Lawn Club with ocean views. The Solstice class ships also are the first to utilize solar technology and hold anywhere from 2,800-3,000 guests.

The Millennium Class

Launched in 2000, the Celebrity Millennium and her sister ships, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Constellation, feature the industry’s first gas turbine engines, which reduce exhaust emissions by up to 95 percent over traditional propulsion systems.

The Edge Class

The Celebrity Edge definitely takes design to a whole new level. It’s not surprising since Celebrity assembled a world-class team of designers for the ship.

The ship’s outward facing design connects passengers with the sea, while the ship’s staterooms feature Infinite Verandas and some even have private plunge pools.

Finally, the Magic Carpet is the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level. Enjoy dinner, a drink, live music or just simply sit back and enjoy the ocean views.

The Xpedition Class

The Xpedition are Celebrity cruise’s luxury mega-yachts that explore the Galapagos Islands. The Xperience and Xploration, 48- and 16-person vessels, offer year-round itineraries, as well as luxurious amenities. There is even an expert naturalist onboard to educate and inspire exploration, while local fishermen supply fresh seafood to enjoy throughout the trip.

All Celebrity cruise ships are designed to give guests a comfortable and luxurious trip. Nearly 90 percent of the staterooms have outside views and 85 percent offer verandas.

Destinations

Celebrity cruise ships visit more than 300 locations all around the world, including Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal, South America and the Mediterranean.

Dining

One of the best parts of cruising is the (seemingly) non-stop eating. Celebrity cruises celebrate each ship’s destination with locally-sourced foods and a menu created by acclaimed Chef Cornelius Gallagher. There is everything from Italian, French and Asian cuisine to fresh sushi and seafood.

Adults, of course, can enjoy a cocktail, glass of wine or cold beer in one of the many bars and lounges featured on board the Celebrity cruise ships. The Martini Bar & Crush, for example, serves up a variety of martinis.

Since beverages aren’t included in the trip price, guests pay as they drink, or they can take out a beverage package that allows them pay one set price for a variety of beverages. Passengers can choose from wine packages and modern luxury extras that include mixology classes to soda packages and non-alcoholic beverage packages that include premium bottled waters, specialty coffees and teas and non-alcoholic smoothies and drinks. The standard package starts at $45 per night.

And for true foodies, there is a dining package that allows you to experience several unique specialty restaurants without breaking the bank. Plans start at $109 per person for three meals, up to $336 per person for 14 meals.

Entertainment

Guests can enjoy 18 original shows created exclusively for Celebrity, such as iBroadway, which features Broadway hits through the years, and Simply Ballroom, where you can watch professional dancers perform everything from tango to rhumba. There is also Boogie Wonderland, showcasing music from the 70s; iMagic, exploring the history of master illusionists; and Rock City, a stadium-style concert. There is also live music throughout all of the ships.

For gamblers, the ships have casinos for passengers 18 and older.

Things to do

Whatever your age or passion, there is an activity to partake in on a Celebrity cruise. Take a swim in one of the beautiful pools, play a game of basketball or ping-pong, practice putting skills or even take a tour through the onboard art gallery. Each ship has a fitness center and spa services.

Excursions

When you’re off the ship, there is no shortage of excursions that allow you to really explore your chosen destination. Lounge on a Mediterranean beach, visit a tulip festival in Holland, taste wine in Seattle, tour the inside of Buckingham Palace, take a historic walking tour in Croatia, go for a gondola ride in Venice and so much more.

Kids’ activities

Kids of all ages will find something to do while on board a Celebrity cruise, including a camp experience for kids at sea that features STEM, art and culinary activities.

For older kids, the X-Club Teen Entertainment provides a hangout place for teens with fun social activities, the newest gaming consoles and titles, sports and teens-only late night dances. Parents can rest assured that everything is supervised by Youth Counselors.

Speaking of parents, there are also babysitting and supervised events for kids of all ages so that mom and dad can have some alone time. It is available for families while the ship is in port and during the evenings, and includes two babysitters for up to three kids, for $19 per hour.

Celebrity cruises has also achieved the Autism Friendly Cruise Line status, offering autism-friendly interactive initiatives for families, including sensory-friendly films and toys, dietary menu options, and overall autism-friendly training for Fun Factory staff and more.

Celebrity Cruise prices

Like all cruises, the cost of your trip will depend on the length of the cruise and where you’re going. For example, a quick five-day cruise to the Bahamas leaving from Florida starts at $329 per person; a seven-night Italian Renaissance cruise leaving from Barcelona starts at $1,149 per person; a 10-night Greek Isle cruise leaving from Venice starts at $2,499 per person; and a 15-night best of India and Sri Lanka leaving from Singapore starts at $1,599 per person. There are also land and sea packages available so you get to spend more time in your chosen destinations.

Captain’s Club

If you’re a frequent Celebrity cruise guest, it’s worth it to join the Captain’s Club. Depending on how much you travel with them, you’ll be offered exclusive deals, services, and cruises.

Celebrity Cruise deals

Check AAA’s special offers on cruises.

If you’ve been on a Celebrity cruise, do you have any tips to share with our readers? Leave a comment below.