Celebrity got a jump on the millennium with the 1995 debut of the Celebrity Century, first of a new fleet designed for 21st-century cruising. Celebrity Galaxy followed in 1996 and Celebrity Mercury in 1997. More than ten teams worked with Century’s builders to achieve a comfortable, inviting,
integrated design. With 48% more space than the first ships but only 26% more passengers, this spacious trio has one of cruising’s highest passenger-to-space ratios in their category. Public rooms range in style from an elegant wood-paneled bar to a futuristic disco. Sony Corporation
of America designed a sophisticated, interactive communications and entertainment system, and the company’s music, pictures, and electronic publishing divisions provide products and expertise. Century’s focal point is a three-deck Grand Foyer encircled by a staircase and topped with a painted glass dome lit as if by sunlight during the day and as a starlit sky at night. The piazza has marble floors, burled woods, brass trim, suede furniture, and a waterfall with changing fiberoptic images. Nearby are boutiques and the COVA Café de Milano, a floating version of Pasticceria Confetteria COVA, the Milan-based pastry shop famous for its exquisitely packaged chocolates, pastries,and signature coffees.
The ships have multilevel, multipurpose observation lounges that become discos in the evening. One of the ships’ two atriums, positioned aft and spanning three decks, opens onto the casino, Rendezvous Lounge, the dining room’s foyer, and a Champagne bar. Century-class vessels, like their predecessors, have multimillion-dollar art collections that are virtually contemporary art museums at sea. The focus for Mercury, works by artists who emerged after pop art in the 1960s and 1970s. The collections were assembled by Christina Chandris, the ships’ curator and former fine art adviser, in collaboration with the Marlborough Gallery of New York. The line provides information for a self-guided art tour.
In spring 2007, Mercury was the next ship to get a makeover that included the addition of 14 new verandas to aft cabins and a transformation of the ship’s shopping area. The latter has a new Boutique C, an appointment-only jewellery store; a destinations store featuring merchandise
reflective of the region in which the ship is sailing; and Celebrity’s Blue Collection, a line of upscale, casual apparel. It also has Beauty, Celebrity’s first “cosmeceutical” (pairing science with cosmetics) store, offering brands such as Dr. Brandt, DermaNew, Freeze 24/7,L’Occitane, and others. A skin-care specialist is available by appointment. Other improvements included upgraded gym equipment, each with individual televisions; new bedding similar to that of Century; and refurbished pool deck, bars, and other public areas.
Unofficial Guide © 2009
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