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 including, 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, a revamped sports deck, extensive golf programs, and the innovative Acupuncture at Sea program.

Life Onboard
Celebrity has, from the beginning, combined an enthusiasm for blending the innovative with the classic. For example, while still retaining traditional dining scenarios in main dining rooms across the fleet, Celebrity has hired an internationally-renowned celebrity chef—Michel Roux, Michelin-starred owner of Waterside in London—to supervise menus and launch a fleet-wide evening casual dining program.

Millennium-class ships possess all the contemporary extras, such as 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. Some premium oceanview cabins have been transformed via a variety of extras, from service-related additions (like 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.

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 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. 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.