Celebrity Cruise Line

A true departure

Handpicked private art, three-story atriums, roving a cappella groups and Michelin three-star cuisine earn this cruise line the name Celebrity. Now part of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity keeps their name and eye on luxury. Michel Roux, executive chef for 15 years, leaves a legacy of superior food. Fresh, inspired and impeccably prepared, the food remains a highlight, which is saying a lot when you consider Cirque du Soleil might be part of the entertainment.

Why Go?

• Elegant pampering that defines luxury
• Haute gourmet meals and vintage wines not available on most cruise lines
• Top-of-the-line enrichment program for those with a hunger to learn

Passenger Profile

While families hop aboard during vacation and school breaks, most cruises are aimed at adults. After all, passengers are welcomed aboard with a glass of champagne or a mimosa. Unlike the exuberant Carnival Cruise Lines, which caters to outgoing families, this line takes a more refined approach. Their X-Club program [http://www.celebritycruises.com/whyceleb/heroSingleTxtSub.do;jsessionid=00008dKF2quoyBNWBRrk1u0olYf - 1028etqv2?pagename=childrens_programs] offers five youth programs, each aimed at a specific age, but the ship's main focus is on luxury.

Hinting that the demographic skews towards passengers past middle age, Celebrity includes an impressive range of special needs services.

Staterooms

The rooms are spacious and well-equipped. With butler service, full restaurant menu room service and in-cabin massages available, Celebrity surpasses other cruise line amenities for the price range. Your cabin's interactive TV set allows you to book shore excursions, pre-order wine for dinner and even gamble in your room.

Dining

This ship truly caters to all tastes. While gourmet cruisers will love the fresh ingredients and creative menus, you can also have pizza delivered right to your cabin. With the ship's range of world-class formal and casual dining, cafés and special menus provide something for every taste and diet.

Onboard Highlights

• Activities - Although you can enjoy the casino, floor shows and other standard entertainment, Celebrity is the one of the few cruise lines to offer Art Auctions. No starving artist clearance sale, these auctions features original art by renowned artists. What else would you expect from a cruise line that displays Picasso on its walls.
• As part of their Enrichment Program, you can attend lectures by esteemed personalities. Past presenters include Walter Cronkite and Ernest Borgnine. The onboard sommelier can guide you through vintage wine tastings, or you can brush up on your computer skills at one of their many courses.
• Nightlife - Despite the elegant setting and traditional dress code, you can let your hair down. Live stage shows, piano bars, casinos and a range of lounges and night clubs make this the perfect combination of sophistication and fun.
• Theme Cruises - While the cruise line doesn't plan theme cruises in the traditional sense, you can turn your cruise into your own theme cruise. Celebrity will be glad to help with your reunion, wedding, graduation or other milestone event.

Shore Excursions

Celebrity is known for offering unique destinations well beyond the standard walking tour. They offer so many shore excursions that you need to do a search to narrow down your options. Each itinerary includes a detailed description, duration, activity level and price for both adults and children.

Need to know

Dress Code - Celebrity's dress code suggests you bring casual, 'conservative port wear' and evening attire. For informal dinners, men are expected to wear a jacket, shirt and tie, while a suit or dress is suitable for women. For formal dress, women should wear an evening gown, and men can wear a tuxedo or dress suit. Formal-wear rentals are available aboard.

• Tipping - Fifteen percent is automatically added to all beverages. While tips are rolled into the fare for Celebrity Xpedition cruises, you must ask for them to be added to your account otherwise.
• Smoking - Celebrity's smoking policy bans smoking in the dining rooms and Show Lounge. There are no non-smoking staterooms and smoking is permitted in designated areas, including certain decks.
• Internet - On certain ships you can prearrange Internet service in your room for your PC laptop (Windows only). A rental fee for the phone kit and per minute charges apply.