Celebrity Cruises Review – Travel

Celebrity Cruises receives excellent accolades from both passengers and experts for their upmarket décor and inventive food. Celebrity’s fleet travels from cities like Honolulu, Miami, and Seattle in the United States. While you can sail on a smaller ship like the Celebrity Xpedition, which can only transport 48 passengers, you can also cruise on a larger ship like the Celebrity Edge, which can carry 2,918 passengers.

You can expect a high level of customer service regardless of the ship you choose, with each ship typically carrying one crew member for every two passengers. Celebrity’s ships cruise all over the world, with stops in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, among other famous places. Voyages range from two to 18 nights, and excursions vary depending on the length of the voyage and the itinerary.

On Board

Celebrity Cruises attracts a varied range of passengers. While the majority of onboard activities cater to couples in their mid-30s to mid-50s. The line also caters to families with a variety of programs for children and teens. During school vacations, you’ll see more families, while longer journeys draw retirees.

Cabins

Celebrity’s stateroom options vary by class, however most ships provide four options: Inside, Ocean View, Veranda, and Suite. For passengers with special requirements, every stateroom category has handicapped-accessible cabins. All staterooms have flat-screen TVs, complimentary 24-hour room service, minibars, and two twin-sized beds that can be converted to a queen-sized bed with Celebrity eXhale bedding. Other in-room amenities differ depending on the ship and cabin grade. Edge series staterooms and suites provide more space, king-sized beds in most cabins, and some extra benefits and technology.

Amenities

Celebrity engages tourists young and old with a plethora of onboard services that appeal to all types of cruisers.

Activities

Celebrity cruise ship activities range from educational opportunities to gastronomic events to more active pursuits. Glassblowing sessions, self-guided art tours, mixology lessons, pool games, and workshops on food and wine pairings are all possibilities.

Kids Clubs

Younger cruisers can also participate in a variety of enjoyable activities. The cruise line’s youth activities, known as Camp at Sea, are divided into five age groups: Toddler Time (children under the age of three), Shipmates (ages three to five), Cadets (ages six to nine), Captains (years ten to twelve), and Teens (ages 13 to 17). Activities vary depending on the cruise ship and itinerary, but young cruisers can expect a plethora of entertainment on board that falls into four broad categories: art, recreation, gastronomy, and S.T.E.M. Gaming contests, pizza-making lessons, and art programs are some examples of activities. Passengers aged 13 to 17 can also visit the Teen Spa, which provides manicure services, massages, and other amenities.

Dinner

Celebrity provides a broad menu selection as well as flexible dining times. The cruise company offers three dining options: Celebrity Select Dining Early, Late, or Anytime. You’ll have a set dinner hour (either 6 or 8:30 p.m.) and will be seated with the same group and served by the same staff each evening with Early and Late dining. You can dine at any time between 6 and 9:30 p.m. with Anytime dining. Meals at the Main Restaurant are included in the cost of your voyage and feature a global menu with dozens of different dishes, the majority of which vary almost nightly.

Head to one of the ship’s informal dining areas for breakfast and lunch options that are included in your cruise price. The Oceanview Cafe serves a buffet that includes made-to-order spaghetti, stir-fry, pizza, and sushi, as well as a full salad bar and a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Small bites are also available poolside at the Mast Grill.

Specialty Options

If you want to try something new, you can dine at one of Celebrity’s specialized restaurants. Celebrity’s speciality restaurants include everything from modern French cuisine to Italian steakhouse fare. Just keep in mind that dining at the cruise line’s speciality restaurants is not free, and the possibilities change every ship. Here you may learn about all of the dining options available on your cruise.

Celebrity also features a number of casual speciality cafes for fast nibbles and casual dinners. Raw on 5’s specialties include handmade sushi rolls, nigiri, and Japanese-style desserts, while Eden Restaurant has an open-air kitchen where visitors can watch cooks produce their fresh food. The Fine Cut Steakhouse, The Porch Seafood Restaurant, and the French-focused Le Grand Bistro are among the other specialized restaurants. (Please keep in mind that certain specialized eateries are only available on particular ships.)

Food and Drink Packages

If you intend to eat at your ship’s speciality restaurants on a frequent basis, you can purchase a Specialty Dining Package. Though these packages can save you money, they are not available on every ship and must be purchased at least two days before you take sail. You can also purchase one of Celebrity’s beverage packages. Which vary from nonalcoholic (soda, tea, coffee, and juice) to alcoholic (beer, wine, and spirits) to wine-by-the-bottle. Alternatively, stay in The Retreat Penthouse, Signature, Iconic, or Royal suite, which all include the Premium Beverage package for each guest. Each of the food and beverage package selections includes gratuity.

Dress Code

Dress according to the daytime, “Smart Casual,” and “Evening Chic” dress codes. Bring daywear such as knit tops, blouses, polo shirts, slacks, pants, and shorts. Skirts, slacks, or jeans paired with a casual top or a short-sleeved sport shirt are appropriate for “Smart Casual” nights, whereas cocktail dresses, exquisite tops, button-down shirts, and blazers are appropriate for dressier evenings.

On Shore

You may explore Celebrity’s diverse port stops on your own or by taking one of the line’s shore excursions. Excursions vary in length and cost, which depends on the route and port of call. On Celebrity’s website, you may search for excursions according on the destination, activity level, group size and duration, as well as your age and hobbies. Adventures available include whale watching tours in Alaska and sailing and swimming with Stingrays in the Cayman Islands. Celebrity suggests that visitors reserve the excursions they want before to their cruise, as many popular tours and activities sell out quickly. These excursions can also be booked on board at the Shore Excursions Desk. If you prefer to explore on your own. Check with guest services to determine when you must return to the ship.

Passengers who want to visit off-the-beaten-path sites that Celebrity’s ships cannot reach should book a Celebrity Cruisetour. These cruises, which sail to places like Alaska and Canada, include pre- or post-cruise land activities that aren’t available on standard trips (depends on the region). Your Cruisetour package includes accommodations in addition to transportation and daily activities. (Please keep in mind that cruisetours are not included in the cost of your cruise.) Furthermore, finding cheap Alaska cruises is simple. Some ports and excursions may be restricted to travelers who have been fully immunized against COVID-19. Visit the website of the US Department of State and cruise lines for more information.

Before Booking

  • Visit Celebrity Cruises’ website to view the amended deposit, cancellation, and rebooking rules as a result of COVID-19.
  • Most voyages require full payment 75 days before departure. Special sailings demand full payment 90 to 105 days before the scheduled sail date.
  • The cancellation policy of Celebrity Cruises varies depending on the itinerary, duration, and if you purchase a CruiseCare coverage package. Cancellation procedures for your cruise are available on the cruise line’s FAQ page.
  • Children under the age of one are not permitted on Celebrity Cruises’ transatlantic, trans-Pacific, or select South American sailings, or on voyages that require three or more consecutive days at sea. Celebrity requires passengers to be at least 6 months old for any other cruise itineraries.
  • To sail unaccompanied on North American excursions, you must be 21 years old. Or 18 years old for cruises departing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Passengers who require special medical equipment or other help should contact Celebrity’s Access Department at 954-628-9708 or special_needs@celebrity.com prior to their scheduled departure date.

Before Boarding

  • Passengers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after their voyage ends. If your journey begins and finishes in the United States, you will simply need a government-issued photo ID or a birth certificate. Consult Celebrity’s FAQ page to see if you require a visa before sailing (depending on your country and trip plans).
  • Remember to carry any essential health papers, such as an immunization certificate, along with your passport. Vaccination needs differ depending on the destination. Celebrity recommends that travellers consult the webpage.
  • You can check-in online up to three days before your flight to streamline the procedure. At least two hours before your scheduled sail time, you must check in in person. You must board the ship at least one hour before the departure time of your voyage.
  • Celebrity recommends making port excursions and meal bookings through your Celebrity account prior to the start of your voyage. Once on board, passengers can also make meal reservations and schedule shore excursions. Call or visit the restaurant’s maitre d’ to make dinner reservations during your trip. Specialty Dining Packages must also be ordered at least two days prior to your departure date.