Now that Celebrity Cruises has launched Constellation, its last new build for a long, long time, the company is turning its attention inward. The goal is ambitious, and hopes are high that a new passenger service-related program will genuinely position Celebrity as a legitimate Crystal competitor, albeit with a younger passenger demographic.
The program, in test form, debuted on Millennium in September 2002 and includes, among other features, a topless sunbathing area (way, way up top where few of the non-intrepid care to venture); poolside massages; frosty towels poolside; and afternoon tea in RMS Olympic, the ship’s elegant alternative restaurant. Elaborate midnight buffets will give way to fabulous lunchtime spreads. Cova Café Milano will provide a new breakfast alternative. And Michael’s Pub, the line’s cigar lounge, will be transformed into an intimate piano bar.
Other new features and services that were rolled out on Millennium throughout 2002 include enhanced adult enrichment programs, more interesting and tempting shops in its Emporium complexes, welcome champagne upon embarkation, a spa café dinner option, poolside fashion shows and wine tasting, and revamped sports decks.
Another innovation is the introduction of “Celebrity Escapes,” representing a foray into child-free cruising. Eight different voyages have been scheduled over the next year on a range of ships and itineraries. One even occurs during the July 4 holiday period. Another program is bells-n-whistles, which includes complimentary wine served with dinner each night, extended hours at the AquaSpa, and sea-day brunches with Bloody Marys and mimosas on the house (or on the ship). These sailings are limited to passengers age 21 and over.
Ships
Horizon, Zenith, Century, Galaxy, Mercury, Millennium, Infinity, Summit, Constellation
Find a cruise
- Search for Celebrity Cruises on Expedia
Resources
Pictures of Celebrity Cruise ships
Cruise ship Constellation of Celebrity Cruises leaving New York on 1 October 2004.
Cruise ship Zenith of Celebrity Cruises passes skyscrapers of downtown Manhattan on its way to Bermuda. September 2002.
The Celebrity Cruises ship leaving New York City Harbor, with QE2 docked at Pier 90.
Cruise ship Zenith of Celebrity Cruises on the way to 7-night Bermuda sailing. The building under construction is Goldman Sachs Tower, on the New Jersey side of Hudson river.
Cruise ship Zenith leaves New York for Bermuda, with New York Water Taxi leaving Pier 63.