Penelope on Celebrity Cruises
The intimate setting onboard Celebrity Cruises’ ships make this line a big hit with couples. And with each ship's array of bars and restaurants, a boutique-hotel feel and modern setting, it’s easy to see why couples looking for a romantic getaway opt to sail with Celebrity Cruises. The line's motto is ‘Modern Luxury’ and its ship's certainly are modern and quirky – in fact Celebrity Silhouette is one of my favourite ships! If you want good food and a nice setting to relax – you wouldn't go wrong with Celebrity. The line’s partnership with famous US spa brand Canyon Ranch means its spa facilities onboard are second to none.
Dining
Food is king for Celebrity and it won’t take long for all of the restaurants will get your taste buds tingling. For first-timers, recommend Qsine, where everything is ordered on an iPad. It’s a quirky restaurant and nothing is served as you’d expect – making it perfect for those sailing with children. Think sushi lollipops, popcorn fish and chips and a dessert menu which is a bit like a Rubik’s cube. The likes of French venue Murano, Italian steakhouse Tuscan Grille and alfresco dining area Lawn Club Grill are favourites on board this fleet.
My favourite is healthy dining restaurant Blu, which works well alongside Celebrity’s spa facilities. Guests staying in an AquaClass cabin can dine here for free, and it will cost just $5 for everyone else. I loved it because I never felt guilty about what I ate. Many believe you pile on the pounds when sailing on cruise ships, but its restaurants like Blu which help prove this isn’t necessarily the case!
Families
Celebrity Cruises is a definite hit with couples and that’s who is best suited too. However there’s nothing to stop Celebrity from being well suited to families too because its ships have great kids clubs and facilities, and in the summer holidays there’s often many families onboard. Dedicated children’s areas, the X-Club and the Fun Factory, keep tots busy with craft activities and slumber parties and discos. Celebrity is particularly popular with teenagers, mainly because of the cruise line’s partnership with Microsoft, which means every ship is kitted out with Xbox consoles. One-one games and tournaments for big groups provide hours of fun for teens keen to show off their gaming skills.
Entertainment and on-board facilities
Like all cruise ships, Celebrity offers numerous entertainment options. Whether you fancy laughing alongside a comedian, or marvelling at a Broadway-style show, Celebrity will be able to meet your needs.
With the line’s main client base being couples, Celebrity recently introduced a new late-night adult-only comedy show called Sin City which combines comedy with burlesque to create something a little more risqué. Circus shows are also popular onboard, but if that’s not your scene then a DJ in the night club or a jazz band on the lawn might be more up your street.
On the Solstice class (the line’s newer ships), there is no better to spend the day than the lawn on the top deck. It’s a unique and there’s nothing else quite like it at sea, it’s a fun place where you can play croquet and other games, or share a romantic picnic.
Cabins
Celebrity’s cabins tend to be spacious and modern, particularly on the newer Solstice class ships. The line also offers a large number of interconnecting cabins and family suites across the fleet.
I’m a big fan of the AquaClass staterooms because you get priority for healthy dining restaurant Blu, without the need to book. Plus, on the Solstice Class, you get unlimited access to the relaxation room and Persian garden, and in your cabin you get an aromatherapy set, a pillow menu and access to a spa concierge who can arrange spa treatments for you. The cabins themselves aren’t actually that different to a normal balcony stateroom, the only difference is the added extras you get. This year the line is also unveiling its new suite class which will give guests access to an exclusive restaurant purely for suite guests and a VIP lounge where complimentary drinks are served. Suite class guests will also get the opportunity to dine in all speciality restaurants, unlimited complimentary internet and reserved seating in the theatre. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it?!
Best Suited to...
- Couples who like modern surroundings
- Foodies – this line is one of the best when it comes to cuisine
- Families with teenagers
Penelope x