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CELEBRITY CRUISES
Summit, Infinity and Mercury
Celebrity is the upscale division of Royal Caribbean. The ships offer a very sophisticated cruise experience. They are noted for their exceptional cuisine under the direction of master chef, Michel Roux who prepared the wedding reception for Princess Diana and Prince Charles.
An arrangement between Celebrity and Sony Corporation has resulted in excellent high tech facilities on board. Everything can be ordered from your cabin including wine for dinner and shore excursions, wake-up calls and breakfast in your stateroom. In-cabin internet connections are available and there is an Internet cafe for a charge. The interior design is one of understated elegance. The magrodome over the pool area allows for indoor or outdoor swimming, ideal for Alaska sailing.
INFINITY & SUMMIT
More on board pics of Infinity and the floral conservatory
Infinity Inside Passage Review & Photos
Celebrity's Summit, debuted October 1, 2001. She is a sister to the Infinity and Millennium.
Infinity sails round-trip from Vancouver on Inside Passage cruises while Summit sails the one-way Gulf of Alaska sailings between Vancouver and Seward.
The 91,000-grt ships carry only 1,950 passengers giving them a space ratio of 47. They have glass elevators on the exterior, allowing passengers panoramic ocean views as they ride from deck to deck. I found this to be an enjoyable experience throughout my Infinity cruise. The expansive observation lounge is perfect for scenic sailing in the Inside Passage. The diverse public areas on board include a music library, golf simulator and one of the largest spa and fitness centers at sea.
These vessels have the first full service conservatory at sea, a unique botanical environment of flowers, plants, trees, minigardens and fountains designed by award-winning floral designer, Emilio Robba of Paris. For more on the conservatory and Infinity's decor, see my article Celebrity Flirts with Flowers at http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/feature/celebrity-flowers.cfm
I sailed to Alaska on Infinity in 2001 and was very impressed with the stylish elegance of this beautiful ship. Dining areas are well laid out. Classical music was playing in the main dining room every evening. The alternative ss United States Restaurant has the original etched glass panels from the liner United States to divide the foyer from the dining area. Cutlery and china are reproductions from the original ship. Memorabilia from the famous liner is found in glass cases as you approach the restaurant. The meal was wonderful with flambé and table-side preparation. The synchronized serving of dishes is something from another age - so good to see it revived. Well worth the $20. service charge. On board Summit, the alternative restaurant honors the famous French liner Normandie.
Summit and Infinity are propelled by an environmentally-sensitive gas turbine propulsion system which reduces emissions dramatically.
MERCURY Mercury sails from Seattle again in 2006. In the fall she will sail a series of short cruises to ports in British Columbia. The 77,713-grt Mercury carries 1,870 passengers. I prefer this ship to sister-ship Galaxy. It has a more open atrium and I felt less closed in throughout the ship. The expansive observation lounge and lido dining area are two outstanding features. The indoor pool is quite small but beautiful, surrounded by palms.
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©Susan Milne, 2006
