Celebrity Cruises
I inspected the Celebrity Constellation in October 2008 and am finally posting the review (click here for slideshow). The truth is that I liked this ship but didn’t love her. The staterooms were attractive with decent design, the public areas were very nice and the space was well utilized. So why am I lukewarm? It looks like a lot of other cruise ships, and there were no distinctive elements to impress me.
In fairness, Celebrity is one my favorite Premium Cruise lines and I loved sailing on the Celebrity Century (before the big stretch and refurbishment in 2006). That ship had a very boutique hotel design with delicious color, space-age furniture, great tile work (especially in the spa) and fabulous carpets. Aesthetically she had a very distinctive personality, which I loved.
The Celebrity Constellation was the last of the four “Millennium Class” sisters (Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity); she began cruising in 2002. Nine hundred and seventy five staterooms accommodate a little over 2,000 passengers. Perhaps the ship designers were trying to appeal to a broader demographic without sacrificing Celebrity’s reputation for sophisticated cruising.
As I said, the staterooms are attractive with lots of wood, and blue/grey/beige colors. The minimum room categories are much larger than any Royal Caribbean stateroom (and for a similar price) and the suites are quite nice (and come with extra concierge class amenities). The Royal Suite is very spacious, with a great layout (538 sq. ft. room with 195 sq. ft. balcony) and two whirlpool tubs (in bath and on veranda). The Penthouse Suite is ideal for entertaining (1,432 sq. ft. room, 1,098 sq. ft. veranda) with a butler’s pantry, wet bar on veranda and baby grand piano, plus there’s a connecting Sky Suite for your entourage (or your kids).
Tha AquaSpa facilities were extensive with Solarium, Thalassotherapy pool and Persian Gardens (fee to use the spa facilities). The Conservatory was special with lovely greenery. The San Marco Restaurant (traditional two seatings for dinner) is grand, and Michael’s Club is always sumptuously comfy. The other public areas were nice, but not unique or sensational.
Which is why I’m so excited by the Solstice Class ships. The Celebrity Solstice debuted in November 2008 with much fanfare after months of hype, and by all accounts she deserves the accolades. Click here for more details on the Celebrity Solstice.
In fairness, Celebrity is one my favorite Premium Cruise lines and I loved sailing on the Celebrity Century (before the big stretch and refurbishment in 2006). That ship had a very boutique hotel design with delicious color, space-age furniture, great tile work (especially in the spa) and fabulous carpets. Aesthetically she had a very distinctive personality, which I loved.
The Celebrity Constellation was the last of the four “Millennium Class” sisters (Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity); she began cruising in 2002. Nine hundred and seventy five staterooms accommodate a little over 2,000 passengers. Perhaps the ship designers were trying to appeal to a broader demographic without sacrificing Celebrity’s reputation for sophisticated cruising.
As I said, the staterooms are attractive with lots of wood, and blue/grey/beige colors. The minimum room categories are much larger than any Royal Caribbean stateroom (and for a similar price) and the suites are quite nice (and come with extra concierge class amenities). The Royal Suite is very spacious, with a great layout (538 sq. ft. room with 195 sq. ft. balcony) and two whirlpool tubs (in bath and on veranda). The Penthouse Suite is ideal for entertaining (1,432 sq. ft. room, 1,098 sq. ft. veranda) with a butler’s pantry, wet bar on veranda and baby grand piano, plus there’s a connecting Sky Suite for your entourage (or your kids).
Tha AquaSpa facilities were extensive with Solarium, Thalassotherapy pool and Persian Gardens (fee to use the spa facilities). The Conservatory was special with lovely greenery. The San Marco Restaurant (traditional two seatings for dinner) is grand, and Michael’s Club is always sumptuously comfy. The other public areas were nice, but not unique or sensational.
Which is why I’m so excited by the Solstice Class ships. The Celebrity Solstice debuted in November 2008 with much fanfare after months of hype, and by all accounts she deserves the accolades. Click here for more details on the Celebrity Solstice.
