CRUISE SEARCH
Celebrity Constellation
From stem to stern and on every one of her 11 decks, she radiates the elegance and ambience one would find in a grand hotel. Celebrity Constellation, the newest of the Millennium-class ships, boasts outstanding amenities, accommodations and services, all presented with the utmost taste and the inimitable Celebrity style. When you cruise on Celebrity's Constellation you are sure to desire everything and want for nothing.
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Celebrity Constellation Overview
Celebrity Constellation® has been retrofitted with many of the Solstice-class favorites. She boasts spectacular style and ambiance. From the minute you enter the magnificent Grand Foyer, or savor a flavorful steak in the Tuscan Grille, or sip your favorite vodka at the ice-topped Martini Bar, you'll feel pampered and transformed. Sumptuous suites and staterooms offer stunning new décor and flat-screen TVs, and a level of personal service that's intuitive with a keen eye for detail. What a wonderful way to travel through the Caribbean and Europe. It's sure to be more than you imagined.
Images are representative of facilities onboard. Actual configurations and interiors may vary.
Dining
Tuscan Grille
An outgoing waitstaff ensures tableside service that's personal as well as professional. And the food? Take the traditional style and artisanal flair of Italy, add contemporary influences, and serve the cuisine in abundance. It's all part of the expansive character of Tuscan Grille.
Café al Bacio
Café al Bacio is a great place to relax, any time of day. Many guests like to stop by in the evening for one of the specialty dessert cocktails, and chat about the great meal they had or a wonderful show they just enjoyed. There's always something to talk about at Café al Bacio.
Bistro on Five
Stop by Bistro on Five whenever you wish. It's open from six in the morning until late at night, and reservations are not required. The friendly, open nature of Bistro on Five is reflected by the chefs. Whether you need a fast breakfast before a shore excursion or a relaxing lunch after you've returned, the service is as quick as you need it to be. The attentive waitstaff will introduce you to the globally inspired crêpes on the menu and the panini, soups, salads and desserts that are featured as well.
Ocean Liners Restaurant
Ocean Liners Restaurant is a celebration of that luxurious era of transatlantic crossings. The walls are lined with paintings of the SS Ile de France and other notable ships, and glass showcases of marine memorabilia capture the mystique of a bygone era. Relive the age of post-World War I jubilance and glamorous innovation as you enjoy Rack of Lamb Encroute with a vintage glass of Burgundy in these magnificent surroundings.
San Marco Restaurant
The San Marco Restaurant is the centerpiece of Celebrity's immersive and enriching range of culinary experiences. Enjoy an unparalleled wealth of choices, proudly prepared by chefs who delight in sending out artfully presented dishes, every delicate micro-green garnish perfectly in place.
Oceanview Café and Bar
This café's décor and offerings reflect that of an international marketplace. With a menu influenced by multiple cultures, the cuisine takes diners on a voyage around the world. Stations available in the marketplace include made-to-order pasta, stir-fry, pizza, sushi, a full salad bar, and a variety of appetizer entrées and desserts. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night.
AquaSpa Café
Celebrity was one of the first cruise lines to offer a spa restaurant. They saw an opportunity to create an extension of the industry's leading spa experience by introducing the AquaSpa Café. Serving breakfast, lunch and snacks, the AquaSpa Café takes spa food to another level. The result is a creative take on healthy cuisine, featuring an eclectic blend of offerings that are both flavorful and good for you.
Entertainment
Cellar Masters
Immerse yourself in the culture of wine within the inviting atmosphere of the onboard wine cellar. Cellar Masters offers you the opportunity to try a bold collection of both familiar and unknown wines from around the world. To help you explore these wines, Celebrity features a state-of-the-art Enomatic® wine-by-the-glass dispensing system. The sommeliers will guide you in the use of the Enomatic® system and offer further insight into the fine art of wine selection, an integral part of an epicurean lifestyle.
Casino
Light up the night with Lady Luck by your side in this world-class casino. With a sophisticated ambiance and captivating sights and sounds, the casino offers exhilaration for experienced high rollers and those trying their luck for the first time.
Michael's Club
The intimate atmosphere of Michael's Club features inviting leather chairs, perfect for sharing conversation, listening to live music, or savoring one of up to 64 international craft beer selections including ales, lagers, lambics, ciders, wheat beers, seasonal and beer cocktails. They're a complement to an extensive collection of fine whiskeys, scotches, cognacs and bourbons.
Rendezvous Lounge
The Rendezvous Lounge is the perfect place to gather before dinner for a cocktail and dancing. After dinner enjoy live music, dancing and a signature cocktail.
The Martini Bar
Talented bartenders put on a high-energy show preparing an intriguing menu of classic and contemporary martinis on the totally cool, ice-topped bar, including the 20-Year Martini in celebration of Celebrity's 20th Anniversary.
Crush
An intriguing alcove off the Martini Bar, Crush is a cool, classy setting featuring an ice-filled table center. Chat the night away with an intimate group or a small party while experiencing exquisite caviar and vodka pairings.
Celebrity Theater
When Celebrity promises to entertain you from sunup to sundown, they are not kidding. They'll entertain you in the main theater with high energy, custom productions, along with classic tribute shows rivaling Broadway, West End, and Vegas Productions. Also appearing on the main stage are comedians, singers and magicians.
Other Areas of the Ship
Online@Celebrity
Keep in touch 24 hours a day at the internet café, Online@Celebrity. E-mail your friends and family to recount tales of your trip in real time or surf the net for headlines and news. Online@Celebrity also offers various classes to enrich your knowledge and technical skills while you cruise with us, so you may arrive home more computer savvy than you left.
AquaSpa®
Massage has been used as a healing tool for thousands of years to improve circulation and relieve tension. Facials pamper your skin and create a more youthful and radiant appearance. Even aromatherapy and soothing music can help release endorphins into the bloodstream, leaving you feeling relaxed and with a sense of well-being. Whatever treatment you choose at the AquaSpa® can help you achieve what you're looking for.
Pool
Spend the day by the pool. Relax with a book, or have a bite at the grill. Enjoy the serenade of the music from the bandstand and dance your heart away on the dance floor. For a refresher, take a dip in the pool or rejuvenate in the whirlpool.
Persian Garden
To make the most of your spa experience, visit the Persian Garden before or after your treatment. Surrounded by beauty, you will instantly drift away as different grottos release a variety of dry heat, steam and mists into the air with aromatherapy-filled vapors.Relax on a heated ceramic lounger while your body is purified and the pressures of life escape you.
Fitness Center
Regardless of your fitness level, Celebrity's fitness center empowers you with tools for health of body and peace of mind. From boot camps to indoor cycling, be good to your whole self in the state-of-the-art fitness facility with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows. Build strength, flexibility and body awareness with comprehensive yoga, Pilates, and body-sculpting classes. Led by certified instructors, these classes rival those of the most elite health and fitness facilities.
Youth Facilities
Celebrity's award-winning cruise experience is designed for kids, too. There's so much for children and teens to do onboard a Celebrity Cruise. All programs are geared to specific age groups and supervised by experienced youth staff members. Celebrity kids are happy, engaged, and entertained. Programs for our young travelers are available year round from 9AM each morning (or half an hour before arriving in port for children with parents on Shore Excursions departing prior to 9AM).
The program is tailored to five different age groups:
- Toddler Time - under 3 years old
- ShipmatesSM - ages 3-5
- CadetsSM - ages 6-8
- EnsignsSM - ages 9-11
- Teens - ages 12-17
Note: Children fully toilet trained and pull-up/diaper-free are able to utilize pools onboard. Children must be 3 years old, toilet-trained and pull-up/diaper-free to enter youth program facilities and activities, unless accompanied by a parent. However, families are welcome to borrow toys for their children's entertainment.
Toddler Time (Children under 3)
Toddler time allows parents and toddlers to interact with other children their age. Fun Factory Staff members provide suitable toys for this age group, including LeapFrog® interactive toys. In accordance with USPH policies and standards, Celebrity has provided each ship with lavatory-based changing tables and baby wipes. Children participating in organized events must be fully potty trained. However, you can accompany your child to any organized activity if they're not.
Fun Factory (Ages 3-11)
Fun Factory is designed exclusively for junior cruisers. Activities and programs are available daily, from 9AM-10PM. The Fun Factory is the entertainment center filled with the latest gaming technology and the hottest titles. Junior cruisers have the opportunity to participate in exciting games, sports, crafts, music, karaoke, treasure hunts, theme parties, movies and lots more. An assortment of LeapFrog® interactive toys are available for use in the Fun Factory and can also be checked out for private use.
- Ship Mates(ages 3-5):
Shipmates must be a minimum of three years old, completely independently toilet-trained and diaper/pull-up free to sign in for Fun Factory programs. Exceptions to this rule cannot be made. Shipmates must be signed in and out of the program by an adult age 18 or over who knows the child's password.Activities Include:
- Theme Parties
- Treasure Hunt
- T-shirt Decorating
- Arts & Crafts
- Dancing and Musical Games
- Play Stations
- Movies
- Ice Cream & Pizza Parties
- CadetsSM (Ages 6-8):
Activities for Cadets are based in the Fun Factory. Check your program for times and locations. Cadets must be signed in and out of the program by an adult age 18 or over who knows the child's password.Activities Include:
- Relay Races
- Team Trivia
- Arts & Crafts
- Movies
- Fitness Activities
- Talent Show
- Outdoor Games
- Ice Cream & Pizza Parties
- EnsignsSM (Ages 9-11):
Activities for Ensigns are based in the Fun Factory, but frequently use other venues and go on scavenger hunts throughout the ship. Check your program for times and locations. Ensigns sign themselves in/out of complimentary programs until 10PM, unless otherwise indicated on their Parental Consent Form. After 10PM, Ensigns require an adult to sign them out of activities. Due to the liberty afforded to Ensigns, please tell your children never to enter someone else's stateroom and to always let someone know where they will be.Activities Include:
- Pool Olympics
- Scavenger Hunts
- Karaoke
- Talent Show
- Theme Parties
- Sports Activities
- Team Challenges
- Initiative Games
- Movies
- Late Night Pizza Parties
X-Club Teen Entertainment (Ages 12-17)
For young adults, Celebrity offers the ultimate hangout place for teens, featuring social activities, the newest gaming consoles and titles, sports activities, even teens-only late night dances. All supervised, all very cool.
Activities Include:
- Theme Parties
- Scavenger Hunts
- Teen Late Night Dancing
- Pool Olympics
- Sports Tournaments
- Team Trivia
- Karaoke
- Talent Show
- Play Stations
- Fitness Activities
Party Time
The Fun Factory Youth Program offers additional services to accommodate families while the ship is in port and during the evenings. All the services* below are offered on a sign-up basis:
- Lunch Party: Port days only from 12PM-2PM. Children will dine with their Youth Staff on the Lido Deck, then carry on into afternoon activities. Pre-registration required before 11:45AM.
- Dinner Party: Every evening from 5PM-7PM. Children start out in the Fun Factory from 5PM-6PM, then dine with their Youth Staff at 6PM on the Lido Deck, then carry on into evening activities. Pre-registration required before 5:45PM.
- Slumber Party: Every evening from 10PM-1AM. Children ages 3-11 can Slumber or Party depending on needs and choices. Slumber Party ends promptly at 1AM. At 1AM, an immediate $20 late fee will be charged. After 2AM, a $25/hr. late fee will apply.
V.I.P. Passes
Celebrity's V.I.P Pass is a unique opportunity for your child to have unlimited access to all program activities. The one time V.I.P Pass fee offers families over a 40% savings off the cost of individual Lunch, Dinner, and Slumber parties. In addition, V.I.P Pass holders are the only children who will be given an exclusive Fun Factory goodies bag and have access to exclusive Fun Factory experiences like a behind-the-scenes ship tour. An additional charge applies to purchasing a V.I.P. Party Pass. Children's products and services are not available on Celebrity Xpedition®.
NerdelTM Healthy Food & Fitness Program for Kids
Celebrity has partnered with The NerdelTM Company to help educate kids about healthy nutrition and physical activity in a fun way. This company was developed by a team of doctors, nutritionists, chefs, and fitness experts to address the issues of childhood obesity, hunger, fitness, and health. Nerdel, the alien from the planet Zendel, is a life-size character that entertains little ones with live performances, musical activities, book readings and other fun things in a mission to empower children with the knowledge to make better nutritional choices and to take charge of their own physical well being. ShipmatesSM (ages 3-5) and CadetsSM (ages 6-8) will learn about the art of puppeteering, performance, and production. Cute, funny and entertaining? Yes, but "Fighting Junk and Bad Nutrition Is His Mission!TM"
Celebrity Luxury
Celebrity Service
Celebrity Entertainment
| Ship Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 2002 |
| Year Refurbished | 2010 |
| Year Entered Present Fleet | 2002 |
| Previous Name | |
| Country of Registry | Malta |
| Tonnage (GRT) | 91,000 |
| Passengers | 2034 |
| Max Passengers | 2306 |
| Passenger Decks | 11 |
| Number of Crew | 999 |
| Officers Nationality | Greek |
| Cruise Staff Nationality | International |
| Staterooms | |
|---|---|
| Total Staterooms | 1019 |
| Suites with balcony | 0 |
| Suites without a balcony | 0 |
| Oceanview without a balcony | 0 |
| Oceanview with balcony | 0 |
| Accommodations inside | 26 |
Select a deck to view the deckplan.
Deck 12
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 11
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 10
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 9
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 8
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 7
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 6
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 5
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 4
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 3
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Deck 2
Stateroom Key
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
- Royal Suite - RS
Activities & Services
Every hour of your vacation should be lived to the fullest. From morning until night Celebrity will introduce you to an exhilarating and exciting series of activites that redefine traditional onboard programming. Every day can be different as you try out countless culinary, enrichment and wellness programs, from learning Pilates to discovering how to create the perfect Mojito. Spend the day lounging by the pool with a great read, while the pool butlers bring you a cool towel and an icy tropical drink. Pampering yourself with a relaxing massage in the super luxurious AquaSpa. The crowd-pleasing entertainment program keeps you captivated day and night. Be mesmerized by Broadway inspired shows. Let the DJs keep you dancing all night long. Or join in the fun at one of the interactive theme parties. There are 24 hours in the day and not a dull moment to any of them when you sail with Celebrity.
Celebrity Activities
| Tipping Policy | Additional for all guests. |
| Onboard Ambiance |
RS - Royal Suite
When you stay in a Royal Suite, you'll enjoy the luxury of European-style butler service to help you pack and unpack, make your spa appointments, dinner reservations, book shore excursions and so much more. Separate living room and dining area, veranda with whirlpool and luxurious lounge seating.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Plush Frette® bathrobe
- Slippers
- Complimentary tote bag
- Bulgari luxury bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Additional custom bath products: nail kit, shower gel, mending kit
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhaleTM bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
- Priority check-in
- Priority debarkation
- Reserved theatre seating
- Priority tender service
- Shoeshine service
- One complimentary dinner for two (cruise of 6 or 7 nights) and two complimentary dinners for two (cruise of 8 nights or more) in a specialty restaurant
- Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service
- Afternoon canapés and tea service
- Complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino from Café al Bacio
- Main & specialty restaurant seating preferences
- Oversized 100% cotton bath towels
- Pillow menu
- Fresh flowers
- Welcome Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine with a commemorative label featuring exclusive art work from the ArtCenter/South Florida artists
- Daily fresh fruit platter
- Veranda
- Hansgrohe® showerhead
- Separate whirlpool bathtub
- Whirlpool on private veranda
- Stateroom setup of one bottle of vodka and one bottle of scotch with accompanying mixers
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Separate living room with dining and sitting area
- Two entertainment centers with televisions
- Walk-in closet
*Additional charges apply.
PS - Penthouse Suite
When you stay in a Penthouse Suites, you'll enjoy the luxury of European-style butler service to help you pack and unpack, make your spa appointments, dinner reservations, book shore excursions and so much more. You will be more than happy with the grandeur and scale of the space, along with all the amenities, like the butler's pantry and two interactive audio/visual entertainment systems.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Plush Frette® bathrobe
- Slippers
- Complimentary tote bag
- Bulgari luxury bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Additional custom bath products: nail kit, shower gel, mending kit
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhaleTM bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
- Priority check-in
- Priority debarkation
- Reserved theatre seating
- Priority tender service
- Shoeshine service
- One complimentary dinner for two (cruise of 6 or 7 nights) and two complimentary dinners for two (cruise of 8 nights or more) in a specialty restaurant
- Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service
- Afternoon canapés and tea service
- Complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino from Café al Bacio
- Main & specialty restaurant seating preferences
- Oversized 100% cotton bath towels
- Pillow menu
- Fresh flowers
- Welcome Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine with a commemorative label featuring exclusive art work from the ArtCenter/South Florida artists
- Daily fresh fruit platter
- Hansgrohe® showerhead
- Foyer
- Separate living and dining rooms
- Baby grand piano
- Butler's pantry
- Motorized draperies, lights and security system
- Two interactive audio/visual entertainment systems with televisions
- Music center
- Private veranda with whirlpool and lounge seating
- Stateroom setup of one bottle of vodka and one bottle of scotch with accompanying mixers
- Two lower beds convertible to queen-size bed
- Extra dressing room with vanity
- Powder room with shower
- Master marble master bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower
- Separate whirlpool bathtub
*Additional charges apply.
CS - Celebrity Suite
When you stay in a Celebrity Suite, you'll enjoy the luxury of European-style butler service to help you pack/unpack, make your spa appointments, dinner reservations, shore excursions and so much more.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Plush Frette® bathrobe
- Slippers
- Complimentary tote bag
- Bulgari luxury bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Additional custom bath products: nail kit, shower gel, mending kit
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhaleTM bedding featuring 100% cotton linens and plush duvet, pillows and custom premium mattresses
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
- Priority check-in
- Priority debarkation
- Reserved theatre seating
- Priority tender service
- Shoeshine service
- One complimentary dinner for two (cruise of 6 or 7 nights) and two complimentary dinners for two (cruise of 8 nights or more) in a specialty restaurant
- Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service
- Afternoon canapés and tea service
- Complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino from Café al Bacio
- Main & specialty restaurant seating preferences
- Oversized 100% cotton bath towels
- Pillow menu
- Fresh flowers
- Welcome Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine with a commemorative label featuring exclusive art work from the ArtCenter/South Florida artists
- Daily fresh fruit platter
- Veranda
- Hansgrohe® showerhead
*Additional charges apply.
S1 - Sky Suite
When you stay in a Sky Suite, you'll enjoy the luxury of European-style butler service to help you pack/unpack, make your spa appointments, dinner reservations, shore excursions and so much more.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Plush Frette® bathrobe
- Slippers
- Complimentary tote bag
- Bulgari luxury bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Additional custom bath products: nail kit, shower gel, mending kit
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhaleTM bedding featuring 100% cotton linens and plush duvet, pillows and custom premium mattresses
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
- Priority check-in
- Priority debarkation
- Reserved theatre seating
- Priority tender service
- Shoeshine service
- One complimentary dinner for two (cruise of 6 or 7 nights) and two complimentary dinners for two (cruise of 8 nights or more) in a specialty restaurant
- Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service
- Afternoon canapés and tea service
- Complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino from Café al Bacio
- Main & specialty restaurant seating preferences
- Oversized 100% cotton bath towels
- Pillow menu
- Fresh flowers
- Welcome Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine with a commemorative label featuring exclusive art work from the ArtCenter/South Florida artists
- Daily fresh fruit platter
- Veranda
- Hansgrohe® showerhead
*Additional charges apply.
S2 - Sky Suite
When you stay in a Sky Suite, you'll enjoy the luxury of European-style butler service to help you pack/unpack, make your spa appointments, dinner reservations, shore excursions and so much more.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Plush Frette® bathrobe
- Slippers
- Complimentary tote bag
- Bulgari luxury bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Additional custom bath products: nail kit, shower gel, mending kit
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhaleTM bedding featuring 100% cotton linens and plush duvet, pillows and custom premium mattresses
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
- Priority check-in
- Priority debarkation
- Reserved theatre seating
- Priority tender service
- Shoeshine service
- One complimentary dinner for two (cruise of 6 or 7 nights) and two complimentary dinners for two (cruise of 8 nights or more) in a specialty restaurant
- Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service
- Afternoon canapés and tea service
- Complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino from Café al Bacio
- Main & specialty restaurant seating preferences
- Oversized 100% cotton bath towels
- Pillow menu
- Fresh flowers
- Welcome Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine with a commemorative label featuring exclusive art work from the ArtCenter/South Florida artists
- Daily fresh fruit platter
- Veranda
- Hansgrohe® showerhead
*Additional charges apply.
W - Suite/Deluxe Stateroom Guarantee
Guarantee applies to all Suite/Deluxe categories from S2-RS. By selecting this category, you acknowledge that you will be assigned a Suite/Deluxe stateroom in any of the Suite/Deluxe categories from S2-RS. Actual category/stateroom assignment is to be determined and may be made as close in as day of sailing.
Guests requiring anything specific (i.e. a shower cabin, a specific side of the ship, mid-ship or forward staterooms or to be berthed near friends) should NOT book a guaranteed category as these requests may not be possible to accommodate.
C2 - Concierge Class Stateroom
Spacious accommodations complete with special privileges like priority check-in, preferred seating in the main dining room and specialty restaurants, evening hors d'oeurves, plush Frette® bathrobes, and veranda with lounge seating.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhaleTM bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
C3 - Concierge Class Stateroom
Spacious accommodations complete with special privileges like priority check-in, preferred seating in the main dining room and specialty restaurants, evening hors d'oeurves, plush Frette® bathrobes, and veranda with lounge seating.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhaleTM bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
FV - Family Veranda Stateroom
By far the largest stateroom with a veranda - plenty of room for you and the family.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
2A - Veranda Stateroom
Spacious staterooms located throughout the ship—each with its own private veranda.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
Note: Staterooms with an upper bed and sofa bed that sleeps two accommodate a maximum of four guests.
2B - Veranda Stateroom
Spacious staterooms located throughout the ship—each with its own private veranda.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
Note: Staterooms with an upper bed and sofa bed that sleeps two accommodate a maximum of four guests.
2C - Veranda Stateroom
Spacious staterooms located throughout the ship—each with its own private veranda.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
Note: Staterooms with an upper bed and sofa bed that sleeps two accommodate a maximum of four guests.
C1 - Concierge Class Stateroom
Spacious accommodations complete with special privileges like priority check-in, preferred seating in the main dining room and specialty restaurants, evening hors d'oeurves, plush Frette® bathrobes, and veranda with lounge seating.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhaleTM bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
XC - Concierge Class Stateroom Guarantee
Guarantee applies to all Concierge Class categories from C3-C1. By selecting this category, you acknowledge that you will be assigned a Concierge Class stateroom in any of the Concierge Class categories from C3-C1. Actual category/stateroom assignment is to be determined and may be made as close in as day of sailing.
Guests requiring anything specific (i.e. a shower cabin, a specific side of the ship, mid-ship or forward staterooms or to be berthed near friends) should NOT book a guaranteed category as these requests may not be possible to accommodate.
X - Veranda Stateroom Guarantee
Guarantee applies to all Veranda categories from 2D-1A. By selecting this category, you acknowledge that you will be assigned a Veranda stateroom in any of the Veranda categories from 2D-1A. Actual category/stateroom assignment is to be determined and may be made as close in as day of sailing.
Guests requiring anything specific (i.e. a shower cabin, a specific side of the ship, mid-ship or forward staterooms or to be berthed near friends) should NOT book a guaranteed category as these requests may not be possible to accommodate.
04 - Oceanview Stateroom
Window staterooms with a sitting area where you can kick back and relax after a day that has been as busy or easy as you want.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
05 - Oceanview Stateroom
Window staterooms with a sitting area where you can kick back and relax after a day that has been as busy or easy as you want.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
06 - Oceanview Stateroom
Window staterooms with a sitting area where you can kick back and relax after a day that has been as busy or easy as you want.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
07 - Oceanview Stateroom
Window staterooms with a sitting area where you can kick back and relax after a day that has been as busy or easy as you want.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
08 - Oceanview Stateroom
Window staterooms with a sitting area where you can kick back and relax after a day that has been as busy or easy as you want.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
Y - Oceanview Stateroom Guarantee
Guarantee applies to all Ocean View categories from 04-08. By selecting this category, you acknowledge that you will be assigned an Ocean View stateroom in any of the Ocean View categories from 04-08. Actual category/stateroom assignment is to be determined and may be made as close in as day of sailing.
Guests requiring anything specific (i.e. a shower cabin, a specific side of the ship, mid-ship or forward staterooms or to be berthed near friends) should NOT book a guaranteed category as these requests may not be possible to accommodate.
09 - Inside Stateroom
Staterooms with ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
10 - Inside Stateroom
Staterooms with ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
11 - Inside Stateroom
Staterooms with ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
12 - Inside Stateroom
Staterooms with ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Robe
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
*Additional charges apply.
Z - Inside Stateroom Guarantee
Guarantee applies to all Inside categories from 09-12. By selecting this category, you acknowledge that you will be assigned an Inside stateroom in any of the Inside categories from 09-12. Actual category/stateroom assignment is to be determined and may be made as close in as day of sailing.
Guests requiring anything specific (i.e. a shower cabin, a specific side of the ship, mid-ship or forward staterooms or to be berthed near friends) should NOT book a guaranteed category as these requests may not be possible to accommodate.
A1 - AquaClass Stateroom
The AquaClass® staterooms offer a tranquil retreat and provide unlimited access to many of the AquaSpa® amenities.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Plush Frette® bathrobes
- Slippers
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Additional bathroom amenities, including shower gel, facial spray and lip balm
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
- A Personal Spa Concierge to arrange AquaSpa® treatments
- Daily delivery of bottled water and tea
- Exclusive access to Blu, a specialty restaurant featuring "clean cuisine" that also serves complimentary breakfast every day
- Upgraded room service menu
- Complimentary access to the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room
- Aromatherapy diffuser
- Pillow menu
- Oversized 100% cotton bath towels
- On-demand wellness programming including meditation and yoga
- Hansgrohe® shower panel
- Fog-free mirror
*Additional charges apply.
A2 - AquaClass Stateroom
The AquaClass® staterooms offer a tranquil retreat and provide unlimited access to many of the AquaSpa® amenities.
Features and Amenities
- Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)
- Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets
- 24 hour complimentary room service
- Plush Frette® bathrobes
- Slippers
- Complimentary tote bag
- Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Additional bathroom amenities, including shower gel, facial spray and lip balm
- Water/wine glasses
- Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens
- Hair dryer
- Private mini-bar*
- Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*
- Private safe
- Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets
- A Personal Spa Concierge to arrange AquaSpa® treatments
- Daily delivery of bottled water and tea
- Exclusive access to Blu, a specialty restaurant featuring "clean cuisine" that also serves complimentary breakfast every day
- Upgraded room service menu
- Complimentary access to the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room
- Aromatherapy diffuser
- Pillow menu
- Oversized 100% cotton bath towels
- On-demand wellness programming including meditation and yoga
- Hansgrohe® shower panel
- Fog-free mirror
*Additional charges apply.
Ratings
5/5Reviewer Scorecard
Staff
Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value Why I Sail Celebrity
Southern Caribbean - 1/2011
I have been cruising annually for the past decade and ever so often in the years before that, so it's a subject I know something about. About myself, I'm a trial lawyer in Philadelphia, in my early 60s, and my wife and I are very athletic, trim and fit. Our three kids are all lawyers, and one twice made us proud grandparents.
I know that people sail for as many reasons as there are ships and cruise lines. They have been reviewed extensively on excellent websites like this one, so there's no need for me to repeat them. Your budget, the time of year, the size of ship, the length of cruise, the location of your cabin, your destination and the reputation of the cruise line all factor in to how and where you will choose to spend your vacation dollars.
So with that preface I am pleased to sing the praises of Celebrity's Constellation, a ship I have sailed on five times. A sixth two-week cruise is planned for January 2012.
The Constellation is the newest of Celebrity's Millennium class, and with about 2,000 passengers is considered a "small large" ship in today's market. The four Millennium-class ships, including the Constellation, are smaller than Celebrity's newer Solstice-class ships, which carry close to 3,000 passengers. Even the Solstice-class ships are dwarfed by some of the leviathans being
launched by the competition at Royal Caribbean, NCL and Princess. But as we hear throughout life, size does matter and bigger does not always mean better. It really depends what you're looking for in your vacation.
The larger ships offer more activities and are more crowded and noisy. For example, if you're going away for a week with your kids and are looking to take the kind of busy vacation where you'll need another vacation to relax as soon as you return home, the larger ships are for you. I remember taking those vacations to Disney World with my kids when they were younger. We were constantly on the go and returned home exhausted, but we all had a great time and the delight we gave our kids is a memory we cherish. We hope to create new and similar memories on vacations with our grandkids.
But our cruises on board the Constellation have just been my wife and I, joined by good friends our age from Florida we had met on that very ship. Another lovely couple from as far away as Scotland we had also met on board have joined us for our last two cruises. One of the great pleasures of cruising is to meet people from all walks of life. While many acquaintances on board,
though pleasant and friendly are passing and fleeting, others are lasting. One friend I still stay in touch with from a 1983 Holland America cruise my wife and I took to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary; several others from more recent cruises over the years are on my e-mail list and we "speak" constantly.
Last year the Constellation, which first set sail in 2002, underwent extensive renovations; the three remaining Millennium-class
ships are likewise scheduled for similar facelifts. The cabins were re-done and new shipboard venues have been added. You can find them featured on Celebrity's website. A few new "specialty" restaurants were added, and our beloved Martini Bar was relocated from Deck 5 aft to Deck 4 mid-ship around the majestic atrium, trading its former intimacy for a vibrant activity. All in all, it's a beautiful ship, but so are most of the ships in the mass cruise market, so let me share with you why I think Celebrity is
extraordinary.
This first reason may seem odd to some, but for those of you who find smoking both noxious and obnoxious, Celebrity's non-smoking policy is the most aggressive and progressive in the industry. Most cruise lines ban smoking in the restaurants and cabins, but I believe that Celebrity is the only cruise line in the mass market to ban smoking on the cabin balconies and in the
casinos. Years ago, before the ban, I was bothered on my balcony by smoking on an adjacent balcony. So after the cruise, I (and I imagine, other like-minded passengers) wrote a blistering letter to Celebrity complaining that I paid extra for a balcony cabin I couldn't enjoy. Guess what: Celebrity listened. In addition, my wife likes to gamble in the casino and I like to watch her, but the
smoke in the casino was too thick to tolerate, so guess what again? The casinos on board Celebrity's ships, like the cabin balconies, are now also smoke-free. For passengers like me, a smoke-free atmosphere can make or break a vacation,
because, even excluding the all-important health concerns, I can't enjoy myself if I can't breathe in comfort. So Celebrity has earned my business for that reason alone.
But there are other reasons to consider. In the highly subjective area of cruise entertainment, on our most recent Constellation sailing my wife never missed a show in the theater (although I did), and while Perry Grant, the flamboyant cabaret singer, is not my cup of tea, he is a popular institution on board the Constellation and I have known passengers to choose this ship just because he performs nightly in Michael's Club.
Furthermore, in my experience in the mass cruise market, Celebrity offers the finest cuisine and service for the money. I have found the food in the magnificent dining room so good (a few years ago Celebrity changed chefs and menus) that eating in the for-fee specialty restaurants seemed superfluous (although I admit that the "show" of superlative service and individual attention surpassing even the dining room in those specialty restaurants makes for a memorable evening). As for the staff, from the customer service folks at the front desk to the waiters and cabin stewards you meet and greet each day, it's hard to imagine more personable or solicitous people, who all work hard and long hours, week after week, cruise after cruise, for the sole purpose to make our vacations special. Unlike most of us in our jobs, they are never entitled to have a "bad" day, be in a bad mood or have the proverbial headache, which should make us appreciate their exceptional service all the more.
So in closing, consider this brief anecdote from our January 2011 cruise which best sums up why I sail Celebrity: Sunday was our first full day at sea after our sailaway late Saturday afternoon. I'm an early riser and was up on a very quiet and peaceful pool deck at about 7:30 a.m. with a nice cup of coffee and my book. My wife usually joins me for breakfast later. Anyway, a pool deck hand, who since our Constellation cruise the year before had seen literally tens of thousands of passengers come and go, walks by me and without stopping or missing a beat, shoots me a big smile and says: "Welcome back."
I know that people sail for as many reasons as there are ships and cruise lines. They have been reviewed extensively on excellent websites like this one, so there's no need for me to repeat them. Your budget, the time of year, the size of ship, the length of cruise, the location of your cabin, your destination and the reputation of the cruise line all factor in to how and where you will choose to spend your vacation dollars.
So with that preface I am pleased to sing the praises of Celebrity's Constellation, a ship I have sailed on five times. A sixth two-week cruise is planned for January 2012.
The Constellation is the newest of Celebrity's Millennium class, and with about 2,000 passengers is considered a "small large" ship in today's market. The four Millennium-class ships, including the Constellation, are smaller than Celebrity's newer Solstice-class ships, which carry close to 3,000 passengers. Even the Solstice-class ships are dwarfed by some of the leviathans being
launched by the competition at Royal Caribbean, NCL and Princess. But as we hear throughout life, size does matter and bigger does not always mean better. It really depends what you're looking for in your vacation.
The larger ships offer more activities and are more crowded and noisy. For example, if you're going away for a week with your kids and are looking to take the kind of busy vacation where you'll need another vacation to relax as soon as you return home, the larger ships are for you. I remember taking those vacations to Disney World with my kids when they were younger. We were constantly on the go and returned home exhausted, but we all had a great time and the delight we gave our kids is a memory we cherish. We hope to create new and similar memories on vacations with our grandkids.
But our cruises on board the Constellation have just been my wife and I, joined by good friends our age from Florida we had met on that very ship. Another lovely couple from as far away as Scotland we had also met on board have joined us for our last two cruises. One of the great pleasures of cruising is to meet people from all walks of life. While many acquaintances on board,
though pleasant and friendly are passing and fleeting, others are lasting. One friend I still stay in touch with from a 1983 Holland America cruise my wife and I took to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary; several others from more recent cruises over the years are on my e-mail list and we "speak" constantly.
Last year the Constellation, which first set sail in 2002, underwent extensive renovations; the three remaining Millennium-class
ships are likewise scheduled for similar facelifts. The cabins were re-done and new shipboard venues have been added. You can find them featured on Celebrity's website. A few new "specialty" restaurants were added, and our beloved Martini Bar was relocated from Deck 5 aft to Deck 4 mid-ship around the majestic atrium, trading its former intimacy for a vibrant activity. All in all, it's a beautiful ship, but so are most of the ships in the mass cruise market, so let me share with you why I think Celebrity is
extraordinary.
This first reason may seem odd to some, but for those of you who find smoking both noxious and obnoxious, Celebrity's non-smoking policy is the most aggressive and progressive in the industry. Most cruise lines ban smoking in the restaurants and cabins, but I believe that Celebrity is the only cruise line in the mass market to ban smoking on the cabin balconies and in the
casinos. Years ago, before the ban, I was bothered on my balcony by smoking on an adjacent balcony. So after the cruise, I (and I imagine, other like-minded passengers) wrote a blistering letter to Celebrity complaining that I paid extra for a balcony cabin I couldn't enjoy. Guess what: Celebrity listened. In addition, my wife likes to gamble in the casino and I like to watch her, but the
smoke in the casino was too thick to tolerate, so guess what again? The casinos on board Celebrity's ships, like the cabin balconies, are now also smoke-free. For passengers like me, a smoke-free atmosphere can make or break a vacation,
because, even excluding the all-important health concerns, I can't enjoy myself if I can't breathe in comfort. So Celebrity has earned my business for that reason alone.
But there are other reasons to consider. In the highly subjective area of cruise entertainment, on our most recent Constellation sailing my wife never missed a show in the theater (although I did), and while Perry Grant, the flamboyant cabaret singer, is not my cup of tea, he is a popular institution on board the Constellation and I have known passengers to choose this ship just because he performs nightly in Michael's Club.
Furthermore, in my experience in the mass cruise market, Celebrity offers the finest cuisine and service for the money. I have found the food in the magnificent dining room so good (a few years ago Celebrity changed chefs and menus) that eating in the for-fee specialty restaurants seemed superfluous (although I admit that the "show" of superlative service and individual attention surpassing even the dining room in those specialty restaurants makes for a memorable evening). As for the staff, from the customer service folks at the front desk to the waiters and cabin stewards you meet and greet each day, it's hard to imagine more personable or solicitous people, who all work hard and long hours, week after week, cruise after cruise, for the sole purpose to make our vacations special. Unlike most of us in our jobs, they are never entitled to have a "bad" day, be in a bad mood or have the proverbial headache, which should make us appreciate their exceptional service all the more.
So in closing, consider this brief anecdote from our January 2011 cruise which best sums up why I sail Celebrity: Sunday was our first full day at sea after our sailaway late Saturday afternoon. I'm an early riser and was up on a very quiet and peaceful pool deck at about 7:30 a.m. with a nice cup of coffee and my book. My wife usually joins me for breakfast later. Anyway, a pool deck hand, who since our Constellation cruise the year before had seen literally tens of thousands of passengers come and go, walks by me and without stopping or missing a beat, shoots me a big smile and says: "Welcome back."
Pros:
Cons:
Reviewer Recommended? N
