Category — Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

The world’s top-rated restaurants are often showplaces for art and design, and beginning April 26, in-the-know food followers can experience a new venue whose cuisine is an engaging combination of both. But they won’t find it through MapQuest, and their GPS will find it tough to track, too…since it’s moving. That’s because the new restaurant, “Qsine,” can be found only on Celebrity Eclipse, the third of five ships in Celebrity Cruises’ stylish, $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet.

The brainchild of Celebrity’s Vice President of Culinary Operations, Chef Jacques Van Staden, Qsine presents guests with an unexpected, modern approach to familiar dishes from around the world.

“Our guests love new and different dining experiences, and we’ve designed Qsine to deliver that in a big way,” said Van Staden. “Qsine is designed to offer a globally-influenced blend of nostalgic and contemporary favorites, artfully presented with elements of surprise.” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Cruises has once again won top honors in one of the most trusted surveys of consumer travel preferences in the world. The prestigious Conde’ Nast Traveler magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards ranked Celebrity number one in the new Mega-Ship Cruise Lines category, recognizing the widely heralded Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox.

More than 25,000 experienced travelers made their voices heard in the prestigious annual poll ranking more than 10,000 cruise lines, hotels, resorts, cities, islands, airlines and car rental agencies. Celebrity Cruises was among the honorees featured in a segment airing Monday on NBC’s Today Show to highlight what led to the number-one ranking. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Cruises introduces Celebrity Select Dining^SM, a new flexible dining option that allows guests to choose when they dine in the main dining room onboard, on a day-by-day basis, which includes the industry’s first pre-cruise day-by-day flexible dining reservation system.

“Celebrity Select Dining gives our guests the flexibility to spend their days any way they like,” said Jacques Van Staden, Vice President of Culinary Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “Whether they wish to enjoy more time in a specific port of call one day and dine later that evening than another, or whether they wish to keep a traditional set dining time, they will receive the same amazing service and enjoy the same menu. It’s all about our guests, and it’s all about choice.” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Cruises announced “Celebrity Life,” a new series of palate-pleasing, intellectually-enriching and life-enhancing programs designed to deliver the most unique and sophisticated onboard experience in premium cruising.

Built on long-established pillars of the Celebrity brand – dining, enrichment, and wellness – Celebrity Life encompasses three distinct program categories: “Savor,” “Discover,” and “Renew.” “Celebrity Cruises has always been committed to offering the best vacation experience for discerning travelers,” said Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Celebrity Life will provide our guests with an array of experiences they will remember long after they sail with us, thanks to the delivery and dedication of our spectacular crew across the fleet.” [Read more →]

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club – the top-rated premium brand’s three-tiered recognition and benefits program designed exclusively for its most loyal guests – has been redesigned and relaunched based on a series of member-inspired enhancements. Several of these new features are rolling out across the fleet on sailings beginning this month, while others will be introduced in intervals over the course of the year.

“Our most loyal guests deserve our loyalty in return, so we’re thrilled to offer them a vastly improved program,” said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Our new Captain’s Club gives them greater recognition, exclusive benefits, and a number of new features designed to make them feel like the center of our attention every time they sail with us.”

New features launching this month include the Captain’s Club Celebration, a one-of-a-kind social and entertainment event available to all members; significantly improved Internet and laundry benefits for Select and Elite tier members; and a new onboard lounge exclusively for Elite members. The brand has even introduced a new theme for Captain’s Club, which doubles as its ongoing commitment to members: “The center of our attention.”

But these improvements are only the beginning. During the second half of this year, Celebrity will expand the Captain’s Club with a variety of other new features, all of which will be announced prior to taking effect.

“Our new Captain’s Club was designed based on a tremendous amount of research, feedback from our members, and advice from our travel partners,” said Hanrahan. “We want to ensure that we deliver every aspect to our guests’ utmost satisfaction, so we’re choosing to roll out the enhancements in intervals, beginning with improvements to the member experience onboard.”

A highlight of the onboard experience is likely to be the Captain’s Club Celebration. Soon available across the fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, all members will be invited to this exclusive event once per sailing. Redesigned to be a highlight of every cruise, the spirited affair will provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow members, chat with the Captain and senior shipboard officers, experience interactive cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the unique “CC Jams” performance by a variety of shipboard musicians.

For members interested in a quiet haven of their own, Celebrity is pleased to introduce the Captain’s Club Lounge at Michael’s Club, exclusively for Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions each morning and early evening. The new Lounge will offer a casual coffeehouse-style experience from 8AM to 10AM, with complimentary espressos, teas and other menu items, a variety of reading materials, and, on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, wi-fi access.

Every evening from 4PM to 6PM, Captain’s Club Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions can return to the Lounge to enjoy socializing with fellow members, participate in a wine tasting event, or simply relax and enjoy a quiet, complimentary drink before dinner.

In recognition of their desire to stay in touch with family and friends while vacationing, Elite members will now receive complimentary Internet packages, while Select members will receive a significantly discounted rate on any Internet package. Also within the new program, Captain’s Club Select- and Elite-level members can now enjoy new laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing benefits, based on the length of their cruise. (laundry and Internet benefits upgrade from tier to tier, and are not cumulative).

Celebrity also is extending its pledge to make members the center of attention by engaging many in the entirely new Captain’s Club Advisory Board, to ensure its most loyal guests always have a voice in shaping the program. Participation on the Advisory Board will offered online on a rotating basis to a selection of members across all tiers.

In addition to focusing on effectively delivering the new features of the new Captain’s Club, Celebrity will continue to ensure that members enjoy all the program benefits currently available as well, and that they continue to have more opportunities to achieve higher-tier status.

“We will continue to provide members in every tier of the Captain’s Club with the recognition and rewards they’ve come to expect, while adding several new enhancements over the course of this year,” said Hanrahan. “We also want to ensure that our members have the opportunity to quickly advance to the next tier. That’s why we count tier credits versus purely counting cruises. Tier credits are earned simply by sailing with us, but we also award additional credits for cruises of 12 or more nights, and for booking certain stateroom and suite categories. As a result, members can more quickly advance to the next tier.”

“What we’re rolling out today, combined with everything we’ll be adding to the program over the course of this year, will add up to what I’m confident will be the best loyalty program at sea,” Hanrahan added.

Prior Captain’s Club benefits and new enhancements available at launch include:

For Classic members (1-4 tier credits): Access to the loyalty desk and loyalty host; a premium onboard discount booklet; access to the new Captain’s Club Celebration event; a complimentary custom air request; pre-cruise specialty restaurant reservations; member reunion cruises; one-category upgrades (when available); and an online newsletter

For Select members (5-9 tier credits): All of the benefits of Classic membership, plus priority embarkation, a complimentary wine seminar, priority status to shore excursion waitlist, an invitation to the senior officers’ cocktail party, 25% off any Internet package, complimentary pressing of two clothing items, and discounted laundry on cruises of 12 nights or more.

For Elite members (10 or more tier credits): All of the benefits of Select membership, plus a private shipboard departure lounge with continental breakfast, priority tender service, priority waitlist for dining room seating, elegant tea service, complimentary use of Thalassotherapy pool use on Celebrity Mercury, complimentary access to the Persian Garden (port days only), access to the new Captain’s Club Lounge at Michael’s Club, 90 free Internet minutes, one free item of dry cleaning, a complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold) and additional discounted laundry on cruises of 12 nights or more.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises today announced that Nina Barough, CBE (Commander of the British Empire), founder of the UK-based charity, “Walk the Walk,” will serve as Godmother of Celebrity Equinox, the second in Celebrity’s lauded Solstice Class fleet.

Barough will officially name the ship in Southampton, England, during the formal naming ceremony July 29, culminating in a large bottle of champagne custom-made by The Corning Museum of Glass crashing against the hull of the 2,850-guest ship.

Celebrity selected Barough in recognition of her fervent devotion to raising awareness of breast cancer and her tremendous success in raising funds for the cause – $85-million to-date – through Walk the Walk’s “SunWalks” and “MoonWalks.” The four annual marathon walks in London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Newcastle attract thousands of women typically clad in decorated bras – the signature apparel for most participants. A fair number of men also participate in the walks.

“Nina is an outstanding leader, business person, and fundraiser, but what is perhaps most impressive, and certainly most inspiring, is her tireless devotion to breast cancer causes,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman of Celebrity Cruises and Chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We are honored to have as Godmother of Celebrity Equinox someone whose work has benefited so many battling breast cancer, and whose personal triumph over the disease has inspired and encouraged thousands of women, men and families in the UK and beyond,” said Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Barough’s numerous other life achievements include receiving a CBE for her contributions to health care through the British “New Year Honours” in December 2006. More recently, she was recognized at the “Pride of Britain Awards” (September 2008), where she was named “Fundraiser of the Year.” And in October 2008, Barough was honored once again; this time, with the “Woman of the Year – Outstanding Achievement Award” in recognition of her willpower, spirit and courage.

“I am extremely excited to serve as this fantastic ship’s Godmother, and look forward to presiding over such a meaningful and celebratory ceremony,” said Barough. “I feel blessed to be given this opportunity to raise the profile of our charity through my association with Celebrity Cruises, and very honored to name a vessel as gorgeous as Celebrity Equinox.”

Celebrity Equinox enters service July 31 from Southampton on an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, then returns to Southampton to embark on the ship’s official maiden voyage departing August 8 for the Mediterranean. The ship will present a series of Mediterranean sailings from Rome (Civitavecchia) through the fall and will offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning this winter.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale vacation experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 “Top Cruise Ships in the World” in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s fleet – including the new Celebrity Solstice – will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012.

Courtesty of Celebrity Cruises

When Celebrity Cruises’ newest Solstice-class ship, the 2,850-guest Celebrity Equinox, sets sail for the first time this summer, her sleek exterior and critically acclaimed interior design won’t be the only features raising eyebrows among cruise and travel enthusiasts. Playing off the success of the launch of her sister ship, Celebrity Solstice, the newest vessel in Celebrity’s fleet will also offer AquaClass staterooms designed to offer a soothing, spa-focused ambiance, as well as several indulgent new offerings in the onboard spa.

Celebrity’s AquaClass veranda staterooms, introduced as a Solstice-class exclusive feature last year, are located in close proximity to the ships’ two-story spa, known as “AquaSpa by Elemis.” AquaClass is the only stateroom category in Celebrity’s fleet that offers no third and fourth guest berthing, making the area quieter and more exclusive for guests wishing to relax in an utterly serene environment.

Guests in Celebrity’s AquaClass enjoy a host of spa-inspired amenities and perks. These include unlimited access to the AquaSpa’s Persian Garden aromatherapy steam room, featuring heated ceramic loungers, and the Relaxation Room, which offers stunning vistas from comfortable loungers and a peaceful ambiance. AquaClass guests also enjoy unlimited, complimentary access to the ship’s exclusive, “clean-cuisine” and Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, Blu. The dinner menu features savory appetizers along the lines of roasted beet salad with goat cheese; Mediterranean chopped salad with pita chips and pomegranate vinaigrette; and entrees including blackened ahi tuna, pan-seared filet mignon, and herb-crusted rack of lamb; Blu is also open for breakfast, exclusively for AquaClass and suite guests.

AquaClass guests enjoy in-stateroom amenities that include a pillow menu featuring Swedish Isotonic, body and hypo-allergenic pillows; carafes of unsweetened iced tea; soothing, calming lavender oil in a reed diffuser; and a five-jet shower by Hansgrohe, designed to invigorate and relax. AquaClass guests on Celebrity Solstice have been enjoying the convenience of accessing free, exclusive, on-demand video programming that introduces them to wellness-themed activities such as meditation, yoga, etc., in the comfort of their stateroom. AquaClass will comprise 130 of the ship’s 1,426 staterooms. A full 85 percent of all staterooms on Celebrity Equinox will have verandas, and all staterooms will be equipped with flat-screen TVs, smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding. The ship will offer wireless Internet access throughout.

All guests on Celebrity Equinox are welcome to treat themselves to indulge in the ship’s AquaSpa by Elemis, which will offer its standard line-up of revitalizing, restorative experiences for individuals and couples. Renowned for its exotic therapies focused on beauty and wellness, Celebrity’s AquaSpa – offering full service on all ships except the 92-guest mega-yacht, Celebrity Xpedition, which offers limited options – will offer new treatments on Celebrity Equinox, including an opulent, restorative new treatment: “24-Karat Gold Facial.” The treatment, which uses an alchemy of expert touch, medicinal plants, Rose Quartz and a pure 24-karat gold leaf mask, speeds up cell renewal and results in a rebalanced, nourished, brighter and more clarified skin texture and complexion. The new ship will offer “red carpet make-up” application after every facial in its line-up, featuring a natural touch of Colorscience mineral powder and lip gloss to keep skin and lips glowing. Guests who experience the 24-Karat Gold Facial on Celebrity Equinox will also be able to enjoy a special cocktail inspired by the treatment itself. The “Golden Kiss Martini” will feature Golden Supreme vodka, cucumber juice, agave syrup and lemon juice, muddled with fresh mint.

Celebrity Equinox will also offer a “lash and brow bar,” where guests can add glamour to their look by selecting from a variety of eyelash enhancements, offered in three styles: Natural Lashes, Evening Eyes or Ultra Glam, which features a sparkling touch of glitter. Brow sculpting will be offered by expert aestheticians who carefully shape and define the eyebrows to give the face an instant lift and a polished appearance. Brow tinting, which can cover gray hairs or enhance one’s natural look, will be available in various shades. Lash tinting, ideal for guests whose eyelashes are light in color, will also be available. Celebrity Equinox’s AquaSpa will offer a full slate of massages, wraps, couples treatments, rituals and facials. The ship also offers men’s barber services, including traditional barber shaves.

Celebrity also presents a comprehensive slate of “medi-spa” offerings onboard. As the first cruise line to offer onboard acupuncture, Celebrity will continue to offer this popular treatment on Celebrity Equinox, in a space located within the AquaSpa. Celebrity Equinox will also offer BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, which soften fine lines and wrinkles to result in a more youthful appearance; Restylane and Perlane treatments, Elemis Oxydermy facials and teeth whitening.

A full-service fitness center, located in the AquaSpa area of the ship, will offer guests the option to exercise on state-of-the-art equipment at their own pace or participate in group fitness classes. An outdoor walking/jogging track gives guests the opportunity to take in the sea air while staying healthy. Celebrity also offers guests the option to purchase personal training services onboard. The 122,000-gross-registered-tons Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter service July 31 from Southampton, England, on an eight-night cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, followed by a series of romantic Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, beginning August 8.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Equinox left Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on June 6, 2009. The 2,850-passenger ship is the second in Celebrity’s widely heralded Solstice Class fleet.

Celebrity Equinox will sail a series of Ancient Empires and other European itineraries from Southampton and Rome this summer, followed by 10- and 11-night Ultimate Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning in November.

Ship Facts
Occupancy: 2,850
Tonnage:  122,000
Length: 1,033 ft
Inaugural Date: Aug 08, 2009

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

From meditative relaxation to sensory heaven treatments, the AquaSpa® delivers a one-of-a-kind spa experience. In addition to deluxe manicures, facials and aromatherapy massage, pamper yourself with the following spa treatments:

Meditative Relaxation
Relax on an airbed under the soft sunlight of our glass dome and enjoy light, fresh cuisine. Or recline on a teak lounge chair and watch the water cascade over glass-sculpted rocks.

Hydrotherapy Spa Bath
Experience hundreds of tiny water jets massaging your body with fresh water blended with seaweed, minerals or oils.

The Etruscan Chamber
After a cleansing seaweed-soap shower, relax as medicinal muds are gently applied to your body. Complete your experience with an herbal steam bath.

Elemis Synergistic Therapy
Experience the ultimate combination of reflexology, Shiatsu and pressure-point massage

Rasul
Soothe your body and soul with this Oriental ceremony featuring a cleansing seaweed-soap shower, medicinal muds and an herbal steam bath.

Ionothermie
Through the use of kelp, ivy and seaweed body treatments enjoy a firmer, smoother-looking appearance.

Sensory Heaven

AquaSpa is the only place you can experience sensory heaven treatments: a state of bliss conceived to help melt away stress and tension. These include:

Egyptian Ceremony of Milk & Ginger
» Exotic Enriching Milk Bath
» Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow
» Exotic Coconut Rub & Milk Ritual Wrap or Float
» Chakra Balancing Massage
» Japanese Silk Booster Facial
» Time: Approx. 5 hours

Asian Ceremony of Stone
» Etruscan Chamber
» Aroma Stone Therapy
» Exotic Hand Ritual
» Sole Delight Foot Treatment
» Frangipani Conditioning Hair & Scalp Ritual (Hair & Scalp Treatment includes Style Dry)
» Time: Approx. 5 hours

Tahitian Ceremony of Flowers
» Exotic Jasmine Flower Bath
» Exotic Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap or Float
» Japanese Silk Booster Facial
» Hawaiian 4 Hands Therapy*
» Time: Approx. 4 hours

Daily Fitness Ritual
» Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap or Float
» Well-Being Massage
» Ionithermie-Algae Detox
» Personal Training
» Body Compositions Analysis
» Time: Approx. 5 hours

Algae-Detox Cruise Ritual
» Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap or Float (course of 3)
» Ionithermie-Algae Detox (course of 3)
» Personal Training (course of 3)
» Body Composition Analysis
» To be enjoyed throughout the cruise
» Time: Approx. 12 hours

Daily Well-Being Ritual
» Chakra Balancing Massage
» Stress-A-Way
» Muscle Melt
» Spirit Reviver
» Hawaiian 4 Hands Massage*
» Time: Approx. 5 hours

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

“Dazzling,” “stunning,” and “in a word, wow,” are among the praises Celebrity Solstice has received from members of the press since the ship launched in November 2008, and its hip style and design is receiving similar recognition from the architecture and design community.

The prestigious International Interior Design Association (IIDA) put Celebrity Solstice front and center in an installment of its “Pioneering Design Lecture Series” in New York focusing on influential professionals in the hospitality, fashion, and theater arts design arena. Among the designers invited to participate were noted hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany, who created Celebrity Solstice’s Grand Epernay main restaurant with gleaming crystal wine tower, the inviting, casual Oceanview Café and Bar, and the Napa Valley-inspired Tuscan Grille steakhouse; Francesca Bucci and Hans Galutera of BG Studio International, who led the design of Celebrity Solstice’s elegant “Murano” specialty restaurant and four of the ship’s chic bars and lounges; and Celebrity Cruises’ AVP of Newbuilding & Design Kelly Gonzalez, whose team headed up the design of the ship’s Mediterranean-influenced “Blu” specialty restaurant. Each participated in a panel discussion about the history of ocean liner design, which evolved to how “Celebrity’s Solstice Class has become the new benchmark in the industry,” according to the IIDA New York Chapter.

That new benchmark – Celebrity Solstice – will have an equally stunning sister ship when Celebrity Equinox enters service July 31, 2009, and three additional ships in the class will join the fleet annually through 2012. Guests on every Solstice Class ship will experience the series of brand-defining, industry-first attributes that guests, travel agents and press have praised about Celebrity Solstice, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass, unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals. The 2,850-guest vessels also have spacious staterooms and bathrooms, and several categories of accommodations, including Celebrity’s new, spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms.