Supplement to Travel Trade
August 2001

Celebrity's Infinity:

Size and Style

Patricia J. Collins

Using Celebrity Cruises' newest liner Infinity as a guide, more is definitely better. This is a big ship, with a passenger capacity of just under 2,000. Its tonnage is very near the top of the cruise ship chart at 91,000 tons. That means Infinity has plenty of space for exceptional amenities. And, that space is well used.

Notes, the Infinity's music libary, offers thousands of selections on digital recordings and individual listening stations.There's a luxury spa and health club, sprawling casino, conference rooms, large suites with outdoor Jacuzzis, an outward-facing glass elevator, a two-story library and a two-story main dining room with a grand staircase fit for Scarlett O'Hara. With all that, there are plenty of comfortable nooks in which to find solitude or enjoy an intimate conversation.

While only halfway through its series of four millenium-class ships, 11-year-old Celebrity Cruises has further upped the bar on what constitutes a premium cruise vacation. This ship masterfully incorporates new design and technology concepts that seem to say, "The new millennium is all we thought it would be... and more."

The first of the line's Millennium-class ships, aptly named Millennium, debuted in 2000. Infinity joined the line's fleet of eight ships in spring; the Summit is due out this fall and the final ship in the series, Constellation, is scheduled to sail in spring 2002.

While quadruplets, a small army of designers is making certain that each vessel has its own personality. Despite its size, Infinity's hull is sleek with its bow set smartly to cut through the sea. Celebrity's blue-and-white exterior cosmetics, with the bold white X on the smokestack, make their ships easy to recognize.

Embarkation is midship on Deck 3 into the Grand Foyer. Rising three floors, this is a modest atrium in terms of what has been introduced into the North American fleet and appropriately sets the stage for the understated elegance that awaits at every turn.

Cream-colored silk drapes, which are boxed and lighted at the top, cascade three stories and are gently tied back at the main floor. According to John Lodge, design director for this area, it has the feel of a Venetian courtyard and harks back to a time when Venice was the gateway to the Silk Road.

Located on the port side is the ship's glass elevator, which offers exceptional views. Adjacent to that is the shore excursion desk. This area also houses guest relations, the bank and cruise sales office. At the center of the buff-colored limestone and marble floor is the large staircase, which is backlit, giving a glow to the rich tan marble.

Aft of the Grand Foyer on Deck 3 is the SS United States Restaurant. When booking clients on the Infinity urge them to be certain to dine at this extraordinary venue. Celebrity introduced its nautical-themed specialty restaurants on the Millennium. Each offers a unique dining experience that rivals the finest on land or sea.

On the Infinity, the glass panels in the foyer of the SS United States Restaurant are from the 1950's luxury liner United States. These exquisitely hand-etched works of art are accented with gold leaf and depict graceful coral reef life. A series of panels within the restaurant echo this design.

The overall look is uncomplicated, but posh. The red, white and gray in the carpeting accent a broad monochromatic wash of gray, white and beige. Dining chairs in red and beige are upholstered in buttery leather. Extra-large portholes are simple, adorned with blinds that have the look of plantation shutters.

If there is a single area in which Celebrity is best known and widely praised it is the 5-star dining offered under the expert guidance of internationally acclaimed Master Chef Michel Roux, who designs menus, creates signature dishes, overseas dining venues and service.

In the SS United States Restaurant, carefully prepared and lavishly presented. Roux's classic French training shows in the number of dishes that are prepared and carved tableside. The service is outstanding - courteous, but never intrusive. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. This, however, is not restricted to the dining rooms. The staff on the Infinity is exceptional.

One innovation to be found in the SS United States Restaurant is the open demonstration kitchen. It allows guests the opportunity to observe how cuisine is meticulously prepared and plated. There is also a dine-in wine cellar, which contains 200-300 bottles of fine wines, including an impressive selection of rare, vintage offerings.

The design feature that distinguishes the dining room is the sweeping grand staircase between the two levels and a massive two-story aft window. Live music, performed from atop the staircase, fills the air during dinner hours.

Dinner consists of five courses, plus a selection of cheeses. Meals are prepared to perfection. Selections include fresh seafood and pork and beef served with imaginative sauces. Light-and-lean and vegetarian dishes are available. Special diets are accommodated, but it would be wise to alert dining room personnel special dietary needs prior to sailing. Tables are set with crisp linens, silver and fresh flowers. Casual dining is also available in the Oceanview Cafe and Grille on select evenings.

Widely acclaimed for its approach to fine dining, the line has also won praise for its AquaSpa and Sensory Heaven program, which offers a series of therapies designed to restore the mind, body and spirit. Called rituals, they range from massages, facials, exotic baths and aromatherapies. Some programs may be prebooked and are commissionable to agents.

Located forward on Deck 10, the centerpiece of the AquaSpa is the Persian Garden, which has steam, sauna and restorative herbal showers, as well as an area for relaxation. It is a co-ed area and a fee is charged for its use. Separate men's and women's changing rooms are free of charge and offer showers, sauna and lockers. Two Jacuzzis and the salt-water Thalassotherapy Pool, which is warmed and emits massage bubbles intermittently, are located in this area.

Nearby cabanas may be rented for individual treatments or for a private lunch or breakfast at the spa. The AquaSpa Café serves snacks and meals that are both healthful and delicious.

A full program of aerobic classes, as well as health and fitness seminars, are available throughout the cruise. Nautilus weight and cardiovascular equipment and hand weights are available. A vacation on the Infinity is actually the perfect opportunity for guests to begin a health and fitness program, if they haven't done so already.

The evening's main entertainment is in the 900-seat Celebrity Theater. Excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art rigging and sound-and-video capability help make this an exceptional space. Deep jewel tones continue the Silk Road motif. Red silk niches showcase fabric torchéres. Productions are smartly executed and performed with energy and style.

Michael's Club, a signature room on all Celebrity ships, has the look and feel of a British men's club. Its traditional decor makes this an inviting place to enjoy a fine cigar and cognac or port wine. Who is it named after? Michael Chandris, the brother of Celebrity's first chairman John Chandris, one of the founders of the company.

For a taste of Italy, guests drop by Cova Café di Milano for a specialty coffee and pastry. Created by Cova Patisserie of Milan, Italy it sprawls from starboard to port side on Deck 5. There is a marble sit-up cafe and liquor bar, pastry kiosk with glass cases and a separate tearoom. Cova chocolates may be purchased on board.

For one of the best views on the ship, guests head up to the Constellation Lounge forward on Deck 11. Floor-to-ceiling sloping windows offer a panoramic view over the bow. Windows on both port and starboard further help bring the outdoors in. In the evening this becomes a show lounge featuring cabaret-style entertainment. Into the wee hours, it changes gears and becomes a disco.

The Emporium is the name for the shopping arcade located on Deck 5 forward. Specialty shops offer DKNY, Coach leather, Versace and H. Stern Jewelers, to name a few.

Fortunes - the casino located on Deck 5 - has an Egyptian motif and a wide array of gaming, from blackjack to slots and almost everything in between.

The Rendez-Vouz Lounge is the place for port lectures, to meet friends for a drink or dance before or after dinner. The red, blue and toffee furnishings make this lounge warm and welcoming. The circular dance floor opens to the floor above The Martini Bar and Champagne Bar are located midship on Deck 5. Only the imagination limits the offerings. Fine caviar and pate are among the delicacies served.

Of the smaller public rooms, several are worth pointing out. Notes is a musical library, while Words offers reading material in a variety of languages. Floral designer Emilo Robba of Paris created the Conservatory, which was first introduced on the Millennium. It is situated midship on Deck 11 in space ordinarily used for sunbathing. Guests may purchase floral arrangements to enjoy while at sea and silk flowerpieces that can be shipped home.

No matter which category your client selects, be assured that cabins are well appointed and roomy. Families traveling together will appreciate the many choices in larger suites, which include two 2,530-square-feet, highly-sought-after Penthouses, which are like apartments at sea; 8 Royal Suites (538-square feet, 195-square feet veranda); 32 Sky Suites (251 square feet, 57-square feet veranda); and 8 Celebrity Suites (467-square feet).

The majority, 538, are staterooms. Most have a veranda and range in size from 170- to 271-square feet. They have showers, rather than tub with showers. All categories have hairdryer, TV and radio, telephone, mini-bar and safe.

One of the major innovations on Celebrity Infinity is its gas turbine engines and Mermaid pod propulsion units. The engines are clean-burning and quiet. They also reduce vibration. The motors that power the propellers are so small they are located outside the hull in watertight enclosures called pods. Both pods and propellers can swivel and produce thrust in any direction, thus making in unnecessary to have conventional rudders.

Infinity sails 7-night Alaska cruises from Vancouver during spring and summer and 7-night deep Caribbean cruises during the fall and winter from San Juan.