Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
443 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
180 |
| Food |
400 |
326 |
| Service |
400 |
322 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
76 |
| Cruise |
400 |
316 |
| |
Celebrity Infinity is a sister ship to Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Summit. Jon Bannenberg (famous for his mega-yacht designs) designed the exterior that features a royal blue and white hull, and racy lines in red, blue and gold. This is the second Celebrity Cruises ship to be fitted with a “pod” propulsion system (see page 29) coupled with a quiet, smokeless, energy-efficient gas turbine powerplant (two GE gas turbines provide engine power while a single GE steam turbine drives the electricity generators).
One neat feature is a conservatory with seating, set in a botanical environment of flowers, plants, trees, mini-gardens and fountains, designed by the award-winning floral designer Emilio Robba of Paris. It is located directly in front of the main funnel. It has fresh flowers for any occasion, and a selection of Emilio Robba glass and flower creations, as well as pot pourri and other flora and fauna items.
Inside, the ship features the same high-class decor and materials, and public rooms that have made the existing ships in the fleet so popular and user-friendly. The atrium (with separately enclosed room for shore excursions) is three decks high and houses the reception desk, tour operator’s desk, and bank. Four dramatic glass-walled elevators travel through the ship’s exterior (port) side, connecting the atrium with another seven decks, thus traveling through 10 passenger decks, including the tender stations – a nice ride.
Facilities include a combination Cinema and Conference Center, an expansive shopping arcade with a 14,447 sq.-ft (1,300 sq.-meter) retail store space (including H. Stern, Donna Karan, Fossil), a four-decks-high showlounge , a two-level library (one level for English-language books; a second level for other languages); card room; compact disc listening room; art auction center (with seating that look rather more like a small chapel); Cosmos, a combination observation lounge/discotheque; an Internet Center with 18 computer stations. Michael’s Club (originally a cigar smoker’s haven), is now a piano lounge/bar.
Gaming sports include the ship’s overly large Fortunes Casino, with blackjack, roulette, and slot machines, and lots of bright lights and action. Families with children will like the Fun Factory (for young children) and The Tower (for teenagers). Children’s counselors and youth activities staff provide a wide range of supervised activities.
Hospitality prevails. For example, on days at sea in warm weather areas, if you are sunbathing on deck, someone will bring you a cold towel, and a sorbet, ice water and iced tea. Little touches like this differentiate Celebrity Cruises from other major cruise lines.
A cruise aboard a large ship such as this provides a wide range of choices and possibilities. If you travel in one of the suites, the benefits provide you with the highest level of personal service, while cruising in non-suite accommodation is almost like in any large ship – you’ll be one of a number, with little access to the niceties and benefits of “upper class” cruising. It all depends how much you are willing to pay. The onboard currency is the US dollar. A 15% gratuity is added to bar and wine accounts. The ship’s two-seating dining and two shows sadly detract from an otherwise excellent product.
There is, sadly, no walk-around wooden promenade deck outdoors. There are cushioned pads for poolside sunloungers only, but not for chairs on other outside decks. Trying to reach Cabin Service or the Guest Relations Desk to answer the phone (to order breakfast, for example, if you don’t want to do so via the interactive television) is a matter of luck, timing and patience.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
