Celebrity
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Celebrity Ships
Celebrity Information
About
Now that Celebrity Cruises has launched Constellation -- its last new build for a long, long time -- the company is turning its attentions inward. The goal is ambitious: The company is introducing a series of enhancements that it hopes will position Celebrity as a legitimate Crystal competitor, albeit with a younger passenger demographic.
The program debuted on Millennium in 2002 and includes, among other features, poolside massages, frosty towels poolside, and elegant afternoon tea in RMS Olympic, the ship's elegant alternative restaurant. Elaborate midnight buffets now give way to fabulous lunchtime spreads. Cova Café Milano will provide a new breakfast alternative. And Michael's Pub, the line's cigar lounge, has been transformed into an intimate piano bar.
Other new features and services include enhanced adult-enrichment programs, more interesting and tempting shops in its Emporium complex, welcome champagne on embarkation, a spa café dinner option, poolside fashion shows and wine tasting, and a revamped sports deck.
Beyond these onboard enhancements, Celebrity, with the launch in 2004 of its Xpedition sub-brand, is also moving into an intriguing new direction. Aiming to offer its upmarket, active passenger base a new option, the cruise line is featuring more unusual cruise experiences.
At this point, the major thrust focuses on the Galapagos, where Celebrity has become the only big ship cruise line to offer year-round sailings. But wait: You won't find Millennium or Galaxy (or even Horizon or Zenith) trawling these small ship waters. Instead, the company has acquired the former Sun Bay I, a 2,329-ton, 98-passenger vessel, and transformed her into Celebrity Xpedition. The aim? To combine the line's big stylishness with more adventure-oriented destinations.
The company is planning to expand the concept to include cruises to Antarctica, the Arctic, and Alaska via a former Soviet icebreaker it will charter from Quark Expeditions, an adventure cruise specialist.
Celebrity's standard fleet of nine ships falls into three unique categories. There's the "vintage" category, which includes Horizon and Zenith, ships that joined the company in its earliest incarnation. The later addition of Century, Galaxy, and Mercury reflected the first real evolution: Vessels that were sleeker and larger and possessing intriguing design elements and stop-the-crowd collections of contemporary art. And the last, of course, is the Millennium class: Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation, all weighing in at 91,000 tons and carrying up to 2,500 passengers -- a quartet of ships that carry through the company's art and culinary visions but also achieve firsts in their own right, from all-glass elevator banks to spa cafés to alternative restaurants that pay homage to great ocean liners.
Celebrity was founded in 1989 by the Greece-based Chandris Group, which established the line's reputation as an up-market, big-ship operator. Celebrity was acquired by Royal Caribbean in 1997 and operates now as its sister cruise line.
Onboard Atmosphere
The company has, from the beginning, combined an enthusiasm for blending the innovative with the classic -- for instance, contemporary art collections instead of traditional ones, and the cache of an internationally renowned celebrity chef (and quite intriguing alternative restaurants on its Millennium-class ships) while still retaining ye-olde traditional dining scenarios in main dining rooms across the fleet.
Beyond its general across-the-board increase in enhancements, Celebrity also has introduced Concierge Class. Available only on ships in its Millennium class, the gist of the program is that 100 premium oceanview cabins have been transformed via a variety of extras, from service-related additions (priority luggage service) to actually-plusher-furnishings (luxury bed coverings and balconies with dining tables).
Key new features on Millennium-class vessels include the largest spas at sea, the industry's first outside glass elevators, and an innovative gas turbine propulsion system that is more environmentally efficient. Alas, one of the Millennium-class innovations has been less than a rousing success: Those four vessels have had recurring problems with their "mermaid pod propulsion systems" --- resulting in breakdowns that have caused cruise cancellations and/or disruptions. Celebrity Cruises has taken the relatively unusual step of filing a $300 million lawsuit against the mermaid pod creators. In the meantime, the company has assured travelers that the breakdowns represent no safety hazards and will continue to offer generous compensation to Celebrity passengers whose cruises are canceled or interrupted as a result of the balky system.
All Celebrity ships have cabins/suites that are standard in size and amenities (a minimum category cabin at 172 square feet is a plus for bargain seekers). Celebrity has upgraded amenities in all cabin categories to include terry cloth bathrobes and in-room service from the dining room menu. Celebrity's Millennium-class ships possess all the contemporary accoutrements, such as a cyber café at sea; double-deck libraries; CD listening rooms; martini bars; themed spas; and on Infinity, Constellation, and Summit, Connect@Sea -- 24-hour Internet access in all cabins for passengers who bring their laptops.
All standard cabins have color TVs with CNN/ESPN, closed circuit movies, and Sony's interactive features; direct-dial telephones; minibars; safes; hair dryers; and convertible twin/queen beds. A large number of cabins have private balconies (56 percent of all accommodations on Millennium-class ships). Suites have balconies and private butler service, which is outstanding. Additional in-suite amenities include VCRs, personalized stationery, whirlpool baths, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner canapés. In addition to alternative restaurants on Millennium-class ships (all levy a $25 per person service fee), Celebrity has, on a fleetwide basis, launched an evening casual dining program. These are in addition to the traditional main dining room.
Itineraries
While not quite a "worldwide" cruise line -- Celebrity offers no "world cruise" nor any itineraries that would be considered "exotic" (such as the Far East, Antarctica, and the Middle East) -- the line does hit all the high points. Ships throughout the year sail voyages in Europe, New England/Canada, Bermuda, Alaska, transatlantic crossings, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and, of course, the Caribbean.
Fellow passengers
Celebrity attracts an extremely diverse passenger base, targeting in particular baby boomers and their families, but also attracting seniors and honeymooners. The cruise line also draws travelers from a pleasant geographic range, particularly Canada, the U.S., and the UK. Longer voyages in more distant locales, from Europe to South America, tend to draw an older crowd, while week-long treks to places like the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Alaska are magnets for families.
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Special Programs
The information below is from Celebrity Cruises and is subject to change by Celebrity Cruises at any time and without notice. The details shown are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors and/or omissions resulting in pricing, inventory, or content discrepancies.
PAYMENT/CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: A deposit must be made in order to reserve a cabin and receive a written confirmation. For 6-7 night cruises, a deposit of US$250 per person is required to confirm your reservation; for 8-night and longer cruises, a deposit of US$450 per person is required.
Final payment of the balance must be received at Celebritys offices at least 60 days prior to the sailing date for the cruise. Holiday sailings require final payment 90 days prior to the sailing date for the cruise. The payment schedule for groups is different from that of individuals. Please consult your travel agent for details. A full refund for cancellation will be granted if written notification is received 60 days prior to the sailing date for the cruise. For holiday sailings, 90 days prior notification is required. See chart for applicable late cancellation charges. Consult your travel agent for applicable late cancellation charges for single, third and fourth passengers, and holiday sailings. Cancellation charges for groups vary from those of individuals.
Booking your cruise
The information below is from Celebrity Cruises and is subject to change by Celebrity Cruises at any time and without notice. The details shown are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors and/or omissions resulting in pricing, inventory, or content discrepancies.
Celebrity Cruises cancellation charges (per person)
3- to 5-night cruises
Days Before Departure Charges per person
More than 59 days...............................................No penalty (full refund)
30-59 days..........................................................Deposit amount
8-29 days............................................................50% of total fare
Fewer than 7 days...............................................100% of total fare (no refund)
6- & 7-night cruises
Days Before Departure Charges per person
More than 69 days...............................................No penalty (full refund)
30-69 days..........................................................Deposit amount
8-29 days............................................................50% of total fare
Fewer than 7 days...............................................100% of total fare (no refund)
8-night & longer cruises
Days Before Departure Charges per person
More than 69 days...............................................No penalty (full refund)
30-59 days..........................................................Deposit amount
15-29 days..........................................................50% of total fare
Fewer than 15 days.............................................100% of total fare (no refund)
Holiday cruises
Days Before Departure Charges per person
More than 89 days...............................................No penalty (full refund)
30-89 days..........................................................Deposit amount
8-29 days............................................................50% of total fare
Fewer than 8 days...............................................100% of total fare (no refund)
Canceling your cruise
INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Your travel itinerary may take you to destinations that require certain immunizations or inoculations or impose other health-related requirements. For example, if your cruise takes you to Brazil you may not need any immunization documents if you boarded the cruise in, for example, the United States. However, if you joined the cruise in, for example, Venezuela, the Brazilian government may require proof of Yellow Fever inoculation before you would be allowed to disembark in Brazil. These requirements may apply if you intend to disembark at the various ports of call but may also apply for any air travel you have planned or for entry into various countries or re-entry into your country of origin.
Pregnancy: Celebrity will not accept passengers who will have entered their third trimester (27th week) of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during, their cruise vacation.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND IDENTIFICATION: You are responsible for bringing all travel documents, such as passports, visas and proof of citizenship etc., required for boarding the vessel in the country in which you embark on the ship; and for entry or reentry into the country in which you disembark.
When evaluating what travel documents you need, bear in mind that if you travel through other countries before either embarking on the ship or disembarking, additional travel documentation requirements may apply. For example, if you are returning to the United States from certain Caribbean countries, you may need a passport to either enter that Caribbean nation or the United States or both. If you are a citizen of the United States or Canada, and you embark on the vessel and permanently disembark from the vessel in the United States or Canada, you must bring original photo identification (i.e. a state driver's license; see your travel agent for information on other forms of acceptable identification) along with either: (i) a valid passport or (ii) an official birth certificate. We strongly recommend that you bring your passport. If you are a legal resident of the United States but are not a citizen, you must show either your Temporary Residency card or your Alien Registration (green) card (Form 1-5551) prior to boarding.
All non-United States citizens must bring a valid passport and may be required to show a valid visa to disembark or re-embark at ports of calls covered by your cruise. All passengers are required to provide Celebrity Cruises with a photocopy of the registration page of his or her passport as well as emergency contact information in order to provide an accurate manifest for port authorities, immigration and/or vessels.
NOTE TO ALL GUESTS: The expiration date of your passport must not occur within six months of the scheduled termination date of your voyage.
WHY HAVING THE RIGHT DOCUMENTATION IS IMPORTANT: It is the sole responsibility of the passengerto identify all travel, inoculation and health requirements and obtain and have available when necessary the appropriate valid travel documents such as passports and visas, inoculation documents such as Yellow Fever certificates and other health requirements. Passengers who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding the flight or ship or from disembarking or entering a country and may be subject to fines. If as a result of your lack of proper documentation, a fine or other cost is incurred by Celebrity Cruises, you agree to indemnify Celebrity Cruises for such expenses.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN TO INDIVIDUALS WHO FAIL TO BRING PROPER DOCUMENTATION. Please check with a travel agent, government agencies, embassies, consulates, your physician, local health departments, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) or the Department of State General Visa Information at (202) 663-1225 to determine travel and health documentary requirements.
Before you sail
MEDICAL CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS/SPECIAL NEEDS: Celebrity welcomes passengers with special needs and works hard to assist them throughout their vacation.
Passengers with special needs should be self-sufficient, and Celebrity recommends that they travel with a companion to provide any required assistance. Tendering may preclude passengers from going ashore at certain ports of call. All passengers must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel and that such traveling will not endanger themselves or others. Any condition requiring medical treatment or attention must be reported to Celebrity in writing when the booking is requested or, if such condition arises after the booking is requested, prior to the boarding date for that passenger's cruise. Passengers with medical concerns are advised to check with their physician before sailing.
Passengers dependent on oxygen or requiring oxygen therapy must meet certain requirements prior to boarding the vessel. Consult your travel agent for details. Professional medical services are available for a reasonable fee. At least one licensed physician and two nurses are normally in attendance on all Celebrity cruises.
Celebrity can also accommodate the following special diets onboard: vegetarian, diabetic, low-fat, low-sodium and low-cholesterol diets. (Other special diets such as kosher meals and gluten-free may be available upon advanced request.) Please submit your dietary request in writing to our Special Services Department (fax requests to 1-800-882-8292 or e-mail: celebrityspecialservices@celebritycruises.com) no later than 21 days before sailing for U. S. sailings and 30 days prior for non-U.S. sailings. Please confirm the arrangements with the Restaurant Manager on the day of boarding.
Shipboard life
AIR ARRANGEMENTS PROGRAM: When you purchase air arrangements through Celebrity Cruises, you can expect the following:
- Booking scheduled air service or charter flights for same-day arrival to meet your cruise vacation*
- Delivery of tickets to your travel agency
- Transportation from your arrival airport to the pier**
- Baggage delivery directly to your cabin
- Common flight arrangements for passengers staying in the same cabin, so long as all the passengers are booked at the same time, for travel from the same gateway city (based on availability).
- In most cases, no more than one connection from your gateway city.
Notes:: *Passengers from some cities may be required to travel on red eye flights or arrive the day before sailing. **Alternate airports may be used for various departure ports, e.g. Fort Lauderdale or Miami; Newark, La Guardia or JFK; Seattle or Vancouver. Passengers may be required to make connections with different airlines.
Celebritys Custom Air program can arrange for you to customize arrangements for all passengers wishing to travel together or choose specific airlines and flights (based on airline availability). Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for seating arrangements.
Changes to any air arrangements bookings will be subject to a penalty within 60 days prior to sailing.
See a your agent to purchase air arrangements and for full terms and conditions. Any changes or cancellations of your air arrangements may be subject to additional fees. Our combination air/cruise rates do not include any applicable airport departure or facilities fees or other taxes/fees/surcharges assessed by domestic or foreign government or quasi-governmental agencies (Air Taxes) for your flight(s) nor do those rates include any applicable fuel surcharges that may be assessed by the airline and/or the airport (Fuel surcharges). Celebrity Cruises will assess either the exact amount of any applicable Air Taxes and/or Fuel Surcharges or an estimated amount as described below. In either case, the amounts assessed will be added to your cruise fare and air travel rates to calculate the amount of the deposit(s) you owe or your final payment. The amounts assessed are subject to change at any time whether you have a confirmed booking under deposit or have made final payment. In lieu of assessing the exact amount of the Air Taxes or Fuel surcharges applicable to your flights, we reserve the right to charge an estimated amount as follows. Air Taxes and Fuel surcharges may vary by gateway city and routing. We may estimate each one or either of them for each gateway and/or charge an averaged amount because the actual Air Taxes and Fuel Surcharges may vary by routing. Accordingly, your actual charge, Air Taxes or Fuel Surcharges may be higher or lower; refunds will not be made if the actual Air Taxes or Fuel Surcharges are lower than estimated.
CUSTOM AIR: Celebrity Cruises Custom Air Department can handle your special requests, including:
- Booking passengers wishing to travel together
- Booking premium-class air seats on your preferred carrier
- Booking your preferred schedule and/or airline
- Extended stays or early/late flight schedules before or after your cruise vacation
- Booking air out of a gateway not offered in the brochure.
Ask a travel agent for custom air. Request must be received no less than seven days prior to sailing date. For Custom Air requests fulfilled and accepted there will be a US$50 per person nonrefundable service charge. Additional airfare costs may be applied. Any changes to Custom Air request must be made through the Custom Air department. These changes may be subject to additional fees.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: If you choose to make independent travel arrangements, Celebrity Cruises will not be responsible for a hotel arrangement nor will the ship be able to welcome you earlier than the scheduled boarding time.
Back-to-back cruises:
Should you decide to book more than one cruise consecutively, there may be a different air transportation cost. Consult your travel agent or Custom Air department for complete details.
Flight and hotel information
CELEBRITY'S LIABILITY: Passengers release Celebrity from any and all claims for loss or damage to baggage or property, or for personal injuries or death, or for loss from delay, arising out of the acts, omissions or negligence of any independent contractors, such as air carriers, hotels, shore excursion providers, restauranteurs, transportation providers, medical personnel or other providers of services or facilities. Under no circumstances does Celebrity's responsibility extend beyond the vessel. All arrangements made for the passengers with independent contractors are made solely for the convenience of the passenger and are at the passenger's risk. Celebrity disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind, under any circumstances, except to the extent such disclaimer is prohibited by 46U.S.C.§183c.(b).
PASSENGER LIABILITY Each passenger agrees to indemnify Celebrity for all penalties, fines, charges, losses or expenses incurred or imposed upon Celebrity by virtue of any act, omission or violation of law by the passenger. Each passenger, or if a minor, his or her parent or guardian, shall be liable to and shall reimburse Celebrity for all damage to the ship and its furnishings and equipment, or any property of the ship, caused by any willful or negligent act or omission on the part of the passenger.
PERSONAL PROPERTY/VALUABLES: Under no circumstances may dangerous articles such as controlled substances, firearms, explosives, cylinders containing compressed air or combustible substances, etc., be contained in any baggage or brought by any person on board. Celebrity reserves the right to refuse to permit any passenger to take on board any items Celebrity deems inappropriate. No animals are permitted on board (with the exception of service animals for passengers with special needs). Property lost or damaged should be reported to either the Guest Relations Desk or to a designated Celebrity employee prior to leaving the U.S. Customs area. In any event, property lost or damaged must be reported within the time limitations and in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Cruise Ticket Contract. In the absence of negligence on its part, Celebrity is not responsible for any loss, theft, pilferage and/or damage to a passenger's property, which includes items such as money, travel currency, jewelry of any kind, photographic/electronic equipment or other personal property. Celebrity's liability for loss or damage to property shall be limited to US$300 per passenger and otherwise in accordance with the provisions in the Cruise Ticket Contract. Safes are available in every cabin. Please refer to the Cruise Ticket Contract for further information. The CruiseCare Vacation Protection Plan offers personal property protection. Consult your travel agent for details.
REFUSAL OF PASSAGE: Passage may be refused to any passenger, and any passenger's cruise may be terminated at any time, at the risk and expense of the departing passenger, where, in the opinion of the ship's captain or physician, a passenger is unfit for travel or a risk or danger to himself or herself or a disturbance or danger to others. Such passenger may be left at any port or place at which the ship calls without any liability to Celebrity. Celebrity shall not be required to refund any amount paid by any passenger who must leave the cruise prematurely for any of the reasons set forth above or otherwise, nor shall Celebrity be responsible for lodging, meals, return transportation or other expenses incurred by the passenger.
Any dispute between a passenger and Celebrity in connection with a passenger's cruise booking or cruise shall be litigated, if at all, in and before a court located in Miami, Florida, USA, to the exclusion of the courts of any other state, territory or country.
Cruise line reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community, giving you objective, unbiased information to help you choose the right cruise.
Cruise Critic ©2004, The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved.