Celebrity Cruise Lines may not be as popular as Carnival Cruise Lines or Disney Cruise Lines, but Celebrity definitely has a style all its own. Celebrity Cruise Lines may very well be the first and one of the only cruise lines in the industry to make food the main focus. This doesn’t mean Celebrity doesn’t make other important aspects of its cruise ships such as accommodations, activities and entertainment, top priority as well. But most would agree that high-quality, affordability, and exquisite cuisine is what keeps most passengers coming back.
Celebrity Cruise Lines History
Founded in 1989, Celebrity Cruise Lines’ main objective was to offer high quality cruises at affordable prices. Another main objective was to make the dining experience the highlight of the cruise experience by offering the finest gourmet cuisine at sea. This means elaborate dining areas and cuisine made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients around. The dining focus is believed to be a first in the cruise industry.
In 1995, Celebrity launched the Century-class fleet and another industry first—a luxury spa experience within the environment of a cruise ship with the introduction of the AquaSpa® by Elemis. Roughly two successful years later, in 1997, Celebrity Cruises merged with Royal Caribbean International, a heavy-hitter in the industry. Together, the company has a total of 29 ships in service.
In 2000, Celebrity was responsible for yet another industry first, the launch of Millennium, featuring the “industry’s first application of gas turbine engines, which reduce exhaust emissions by up to 95 percent over traditional propulsion systems.â€?
Several industry first’s followed such as “Acupuncture at Sea� and “Celebrity Xpeditions.� According to the company website, Celebrity Xpeditions, introduced in 2004, is a series of unique events and excursions designed to offer savvy travelers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to be treated famously in new environments, such as the Galapagos Islands, and a series of premium excursion options on select itineraries.
Celebrity Cruise Lines Fleet
Celebrity Cruise Lines has the youngest fleet sailing today, yet its ships are ranked among the best in the world. Each ship has its’ own style and most travel to the some of the same destinations including: Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos, Hawaii, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America and Transatlantic.
Celebrity’s fleet is divided into four classes including: Century Class, Millennium Class, Xpedition Class, and Journey Class. Century Class features Century, Galaxy and Mercury. Century Class vessels entered service between 1995 and 1997 and are popular for their contemporary design, signature Celebrity amenities and use of modern technology.
Millennium Class features four vessels that were all introduced in the year 2000. Constellation, Infinity, Millennium and Summit are considered the most technologically advanced vessels out of the entire fleet. They are also among the most spacious and luxurious of the Celebrity cruise ships.
Xpedition class features Celebrity Xpedition. Celebrity Xpedition was designed with the adventurous traveler in mind, meaning travelers interested in wandering off the beaten path. Smaller than the rest of the Celebrity cruise ships, Xpedition offers the passenger a more intimate environment and more personalize service. Xpedition, Celebrity’s newest ship, accommodates 98 comfortably.
Finally, Celebrity Cruise Line’s Journey Class features Celebrity Journey and Celebrity Quest. Celebrity Journey accommodates 700 comfortably and features a full-service spa and martini bar, while Celebrity Quest features a Martini Bar, Cova Café, a Casino, Michael’s Club, Boutique C, the AquaSpa by Elemis and butler service in every stateroom. Celebrity Quest accommodates 710 comfortably.
Celebrity Cruise Lines Information
Interested in booking a Celebrity cruise? Contact your local travel agent or visit the Celebrity Cruise Lines website at: www.celebritycruises.com. You can also call 1-800-647-2251 for information or to book a cruise.