Celebrity Cruises

As Celebrity Cruises enters a new era of larger ships and higher capacity, do not mourn just yet for the little cruise line that offers personalized service. After all, no one believed that Celebrity could maintain its standards with the birth of Millennium-class ships, and it managed quite nicely, adding a series of enhancements that pleased even the most stalwart Celebrity smaller-ship fans.

It's true, though, that both Celebrity Solstice's and Celebrity's Equinox will come in at 118,000 tons, bigger than even largest ships in Carnival's fleet. Debuting in 2008 and 2009 respectively, these two ships aim to rock the notion that a cruise line that positions itself in the "premium" market must keep its ships small and cozy -- both are about 30 percent larger than the line's Millennium-class ships. What's even more surprising about this aggressive new-build program is that both ships are post-Panamax, meaning that they will be unable to transit the Panama Canal, and thus also unable to transition between the Caribbean and Alaska, of Celebrity's itinerary staples.

Starting with the launch of Constellation in 2002, the last of its Millennium-class ships, the company turned its attentions inward. The goal was ambitious: Celebrity introduced a series of enhancements that it hopes will position the cruise line as a legitimate Crystal competitor, albeit with a younger passenger demographic.

The program debuted on Millennium in 2002 and includes, among other features, poolside massages, and elegant afternoon tea in RMS Olympic, the ship's sophisticated alternative restaurant. (Afternoon tea is now a staple on the other Millennium-class ships and their alternative restaurants as well.) Elaborate midnight buffets now give way to fabulous lunchtime spreads. Cova Cafe di Milano provides a new continental breakfast alternative. In addition, Michael's Pub, the line's cigar lounge, has been transformed into an intimate piano bar now known as Michael's Club.

Other features and services include enhanced adult enrichment programs, more interesting and tempting shops in the Emporium complex, "welcome aboard" sparkling wine and mimosas on embarkation, a spa cafe dinner option, poolside fashion shows and wine tasting, a revamped sports deck, extensive golf programs, and the innovative Acupuncture at Sea program (taking over the space once occupied by Notes on the Millennium-class ships).

With the launch in 2004 of its wildly successful Celebrity Xpedition, the line has been able to offer its upscale, active passenger base a new option: More unusual cruise experiences.

Focusing on the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity has become the only big-ship cruise line to offer year-round sailings. However, you will not find Millennium or Galaxy (or even Zenith) trawling these small-ship waters. Instead, the company has acquired the former Sun Bay I, a 2,329-ton 98-passenger vessel, and transformed it into Celebrity Xpedition. The aim is to combine the line's big stylishness with more adventure-oriented destinations. Plans to expand with more small ships and forays into Antarctica have been scuttled for the moment, while the line concentrates on its larger-ship programs and on the two new builds.

Celebrity was founded in 1989 by the Greece-based Chandris Group, which established the line's reputation as an upscale big-ship operator. Celebrity was acquired by Royal Caribbean in 1997 and now operates as its sister cruise line.