As Celebrity Cruises enters a new era of larger ships and higher capacity, don't mourn just yet for the little cruise line offering personalized service. After all, no one believed that Celebrity could maintain its standards with the birth of its Millennium-class ships, and it managed quite nicely, adding a series of enhancements that pleased even the most stalwart Celebrity smaller-ship fans.
It's true, though, that both of Celebrity's new ships—Solstice and Equinox—will come in at 118,000 tons, bigger than even the largest ships in Carnival's fleet. Debuting in 2008 and 2009 respectively, these two ships aim to rock the notion that a cruise line positioning itself in the "premium" market must keep its ships small and cozy. (Both are about 30 percent larger than the line's Millennium-class ships.) What's even more surprising about this aggressive new-build program is that both ships are post-Panamax, meaning they will be unable to transit the Panama Canal—and thus also unable to transition between the Caribbean and Alaska, two of Celebrity's itinerary staples.
Starting with the launch of Constellation—the last of Celebrity's Millennium-class ships—in 2002, the company began turning its attentions inward. Its ambitious goal? To position itself as a legitimate competitor with Crystal (albeit with a younger passenger demographic), via a series of enhancements that included, among other features, massages and frosty towels poolside and elegant afternoon tea in RMS Olympic, the ship's sophisticated alternative restaurant. Elaborate midnight buffets are now fabulous lunchtime spreads, while Cova Café Milano provides a new Continental 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 the Emporium complex, "welcome aboard" sparkling wine and mimosas on embarkation, a spa café dinner option, poolside fashion shows with wine tasting, revamped sports deck, extensive golf programs, and the innovative Accupuncture at Sea program.
And, with the launch in 2004 of the wildly successful Celebrity Xpedition, the line has been able to offer its upscale, active passenger base a new option: 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. You won't find Millennium or Galaxy (or even 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. Unfortunately, plans to expand with more small ships and forays into Antarctica have been scuttled for the moment while the line concentrates on its larger-ship programs and on the two new builds.
Celebrity was acquired by Royal Caribbean in 1997 and operates now as its sister cruise line.
Life Onboard
Celebrity has, from the beginning, combined an enthusiasm for blending the innovative with the classic; their art collections, for instance, are contemporary rather than traditional. And, while still retaining traditional dining scenarios in main dining rooms across the fleet, Celebrity has hired an internationally-renowned celebrity chef to supervise menus and launched a fleet-wide evening casual dining program.
Its Millennium-class ships possess all the contemporary extras, such as the cybercafés-at-sea, double-decker libraries, martini bars, and extra-large, themed spas. Celebrity also has added alternative restaurants on Millennium-class ships (all levy a $30 per-person service fee or a la carte charges) in addition to the main dining rooms. And, on Infinity, Constellation, and Summit, passengers bringing their laptops will find Connect@Sea (24-hour Internet access) in all cabins.
Beyond its general across-the-board increase in enhancements, Celebrity also has introduced Concierge Class. The gist of the program is that some premium oceanview cabins have been transformed via a variety of extras, from service-related additions (such as priority luggage service) to plusher furnishings (such as luxurious bed coverings and some balconies with dining tables).
Originally available only on its Millennium-class ships, the innovation has proved so popular that it is now available on most of the ships in the fleet and is being extended to more and more staterooms.
All standard cabins (a minimum category cabin at 172 square feet is a plus for bargain seekers) have TVs with CNN/ESPN, closed circuit movies, and Sony's interactive features; terry cloth bathrobes; minibars; safes; hair dryers; convertible twin/queen beds; and in-room service from the dining room menu. A large number of cabins and all suites have private balconies. Suites also have private butler service, which is outstanding. Additional in-suite amenities include VCRs, personalized stationery, whirlpool bathtubs, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner canapés.
As of 2006, the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Celebrity ships is 21. However, on cruises departing from European and South American countries, a parent sailing with a child between the ages of 18 to 20 may sign a waiver allowing them to consume alcoholic beverages.
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, including the U.S., Canada, and 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. In an effort to attract more multi-generational groups, Celebrity's family programs have expanded to include teen centers and more enrichment and educational programs for children.
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Celebrity has, from the beginning, combined an enthusiasm for blending the innovative with the classic; their art collections, for instance, are contemporary rather than traditional. And, while still retaining traditional dining scenarios in main dining rooms across the fleet, Celebrity has hired an internationally-renowned celebrity chef to supervise menus and launched a fleet-wide evening casual dining program. 
