4th Aug 2025 | 10 nights | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Equinox
Why do we love this cruise holiday? Experience the ultimate Mediterranean getaway with this incredible cruise holiday. Kick off your journey with a 1-night stay in the heart of Rome, where you can soak up the city’s rich history. Then, embark on a 9-night adventure aboard the luxurious Celebrity Equinox, cruising from Rome to Barcelona. With a fantastic mix of exciting ports and only two days at sea, you’ll enjoy a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, making this an unforgettable escape with something new to discover every day.
What's included?
Rome, the capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and inspiring ancient sites. At the same time, it's alive and vibrant in a 21st-century way. It's an unforgettable city to visit, and we'll warn you right now that once you've experienced it, you'll want to go back for more. Rome has one of the world's most important collections of once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and more.
Set sail on a captivating Western Mediterranean cruise, visiting iconic ports like Naples, where you can explore Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, and enjoy an overnight stay in La Spezia to discover Cinque Terre. Experience the charm of Marseille, along with other stunning destinations, for a perfect blend of history, culture, and breath taking landscapes.
Your ship: As one of the line's Solstice-class ships, Celebrity Equinox is about modern touches aimed at a crowd that enjoys craft beer and top-shelf mixed drinks, restaurant experiences that punch up to gourmet and fantastic entertainment. Evenings on Celebrity Equinox are relaxed. At night, you might have the opportunity to stargaze at the night sky with an enrichment guide, or you can check out the constellation lights twinkling above the bar in the Sky Observation Lounge. You can slow dance with your loved one to a live band before dinner, but you can also get down to your own beat with giant headphones during the silent disco.
Want to go all-inclusive? Why not speak to our friendly sales consultants about adding All Included for drinks & Wi-Fi.
Their cruises elevate your luxury cruising experience to the next level. With the standard rate, you’ll receive
Little details make a world of difference, and now the meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring new services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it’s an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your holiday needs.
Wellness is so fundamental to Celebrity's philosophy, they offer AquaClass® staterooms for a fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Elements are thoughtfully infused throughout your stateroom, from verandas that allow you to walk right out to the water’s edge to a Cashmere™ mattress and pillow menus. Savour clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, daily in-room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board. They’ve thought of everything so that you can focus on nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.
The Retreat® isn’t a place. It isn’t an amenity. It isn’t a service. It’s all of this and more. The Retreat includes stunning accommodations, a private restaurant, and exclusive lounge and sundeck* that rival any high-end resort. Your dedicated team of attendants, concierges, and your Personal Retreat Host will do everything to ensure you never have to lift a finger on holiday.
In June 2019, Celebrity Cruises debuted Celebrity Flora in the Galapagos and introduced an enhanced list of suite services and amenities, so every suite guest can indulge with even more of the premium services and amenities that you have come to expect from them. They’ve thoughtfully included everything you need to help you gear up for your adventures shoreside, including a complimentary rain poncho and backpack (yes, you can take it home with you) and marine binoculars to help get you an even closer look at the locals during your cruise. They have also included new services and amenities to help you unwind on board like upgraded, premium bathrobes, luxurious biodegradable bath amenities from Kuno, a local business, and in-suite full dinner service for those nights you prefer an intimate dinner in your room.
*Charges apply to selected classes and to room service between 11pm and 6am
** The Retreat is currently available on Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Summit and Edge Class ships. It will be rolled out across other ships as part of the Celebrity Revolution upgrade program
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:
All Inclusive Gems Of The Mediterranean With Barcelona Stay
16th Jul 25 | 10 nights
Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Equinox
from £1849.00
View PackageMake the journey into the centre of Rome for your 1-night stay in a hand-picked hotel.
After a relaxed breakfast, make the journey to the cruise terminal to join Celebrity Equinox for your 9-night cruise.
The capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is
today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and
inspiring ancient sites. At the same time, it's alive and vibrant in a
21st-century way. It's an unforgettable city to visit, and we'll warn
you right now that once you've experienced it, you'll want to go back
for more.
One of our favorite things to do there is walk and ogle. On a recent
visit, we took one day to do the route from Vatican City and St. Peter's
Basilica -- with its jaw-dropping art, statuary, and religious
significance -- to Via del Corso, where our quest for the latest Italian
fashions was more than fulfilled amidst the well-dressed crowd of Roman
shoppers. The next day, we went on an ancient history quest past ruins
and columns, traversing the same streets Julius Caesar strode (and rode)
to the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Walking on, we were
awed by the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient symbol of Rome and now a
great hangout spot.
First-time visitors, many envisioning Rome as big and congested, will be
surprised by the scenic layout, with its famous seven hills and the
Tiber River running through the city. (Cleopatra famously made her grand
entrance from the river.) And the senses may be shocked by the general
energy, hustle and bustle. With cars, taxis and scooters roaring here
and there, crossing the street can be a challenge. (Don't worry; there
are quiet piazzas aplenty with lovely cafes where you can get away from
it all and unwind.)
The food is, of course, wonderful -- we can't eat enough pasta -- and
the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. Whenever we do such
a quest in Rome, we do regular gelato stops (try the yummy pine nut
flavor) or coffee breaks. And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci,
Armani and more. (High style can be found in more affordable brands
like Furla, as well.) What could be better than that?
No question, Rome has one of the world's most important collections of
once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter's Basilica and the
Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and on and on
and on. And for those historic monuments alone, the city is worth a
visit.
But if you're on an itinerary where Rome is just a port of call for the
day, you won't see everything. Either resign yourself to that fact, or
book a tour that will at least drive you by the main sights. Be aware
the port for Rome, Civitavecchia, is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city.
(There is decent train service.) If you're beginning or ending your
cruise there, plan to stay at least a couple of nights to explore the
Eternal City; it's likely to steal a piece of your heart. Make sure to
drop a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is said to assure you'll come back
again.
Santa Margherita is similar to many of the other nearby ports of call in the region, including Portofino and Cinque Terre. Expect dramatic sloping hills and ancient olive trees, hardy fishermen hauling their catch from the Ligurian sea and the scent of lemon groves in the air.
Marseille, gateway to Provence, is France's largest port and second largest city, with a vast history stretching back more than 2,000 years to its foundation by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. While much of the city is urban sprawl, it has a spectacular setting between dramatic limestone hills and the Mediterranean, and the once-industrial streets now feature stylish shops and cutting-edge art galleries, thanks to investment from its role as European Capital of Culture 2013. Most cruisers make a beeline for Le Vieux Port, a buzzing, picturesque harbour lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes. This district attracts an eclectic crowd, from local fishermen to millionaires venturing ashore from James Bond-style mega-yachts. All gather to soak up Le Vieux Port's charming atmosphere, browse its bustling markets and tuck into a bowl of Marseille's classic signature dish, bouillabaisse (a rich fish stew).
The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is one of the country's -- maybe even Europe's -- most beautiful and vibrant places. A city of contrasts, it is like no other in Spain; this is most evident in its architecture, a marriage of Gothic spikes and modern curves. (One name to keep an eye out for is Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's most famous architect.) Barcelona is also a city of distinct neighbourhoods. The old city -- Ciutat Vella -- is the heart of everything, with museums, shopping and cafes. Then there's the port area, Port Vell, which features bars, restaurants, shops, an IMAX theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. (Port Vell is different from the working port area where cruise ships dock, but it's not too far away.) Enchanting and ancient, the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is the centre of the old city and brings together the best of Barcelona in a series of narrow streets, shops, cafes and magical corridors. One of Barcelona's best attributes is that while it seems large and spread out, its neighbourhoods are surprisingly walkable and easily accessible by bus, metro or even on foot (in comfortable shoes). Don't miss a stroll along Las Ramblas, replete with produce and flower stands, a historic opera house and maybe even a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe calling to you from the balcony of the Erotica Museum. Just be sure to rest your feet now and then over a few plates of tapas (which are meant to be shared, but we won't tell if you don't) and an ice-cold pitcher of sangria or a bottle of cava, the region's sparkling wine.
Depending on your flight time, why not make the most of your final day in Barcelona with a combined tour & airport drop-off before you fly back to the UK
Celebrity Equinox underwent an extensive refurbishment in May 2019. It received additional suites; Michael's Club was transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and the ship's Oceanview Café buffet restaurant was redesigned in an open, marketplace style.
As Celebrity's dedicated Caribbean ship, Celebrity Equinox takes advantage of the weather with outdoor amenities, such as real grass lawn on top of the ship and a Lawn Club Sunset Bar, complete with deck furniture and faux fire pit.
If that sounds sophisticated for a cruise ship, then you're correct. As one of the line's Solstice-class ships, Celebrity Equinox is about modern touches aimed at a crowd that enjoys craft beer and top-shelf mixed drinks, restaurant experiences that punch up to gourmet (the line has announced a partnership with Michelin-starred restaurateur Daniel Boulud) and entertainment that trends more toward cabaret -- think aerialists and magicians -- than big musicals or raucous parties.
While families do sail on Equinox during school breaks, and there are kids' clubs, children are not the focus on this ship. A collection of edgy and engaging modern art, with a living tree suspended in the atrium, sets an adult vibe. While there's an outdoor main pool, it's relatively small; significant real estate is given to the calm adults-only Solarium with yet another pool. Canyon Ranch provides spa services.
Evenings on Celebrity Equinox are relaxed. At night, you might have the opportunity to stargaze at the night sky with an enrichment guide, or you can check out the constellation lights twinkling above the bar in the Sky Observation Lounge. You can slow dance with your loved one to a live band before dinner, but you can also get down to your own beat with giant headphones during the silent disco.
Celebrity Equinox has a mix of cabin and suite options, with various associated perks. Both Suite Class and AquaClass spa cabins come with dedicated restaurants, leading to more personalised and intimate service; Suite Class has its own VIP lounge and special invite-only events. For groups, this means that you might have to coordinate your cabins carefully, so you are able to dine with your friends or family.
Daytime: Casual, with shorts and T-shirts most common inside the ship and bathing suits and cover-ups on the pool deck.
Evening: Resort casual, with button-down or dressy Tommy Bahama-type sport shirts and slacks for men and dresses or smart casual pants and blouses for women. Formal night on Celebrity has been replaced by "evening chic," meaning men can ditch the full suit and tie in favour of a sport coat and collared shirt, with designer jeans. Women can wear cocktail dresses, sundresses or designer jeans or nice pants. Dinner in Murano is listed as "smart casual and above."
Not permitted: No swimwear, spa robes or bare feet in the buffet. T-shirts, tanks tops and flip-flops are not permitted in the main dining room at any time; shorts are not allowed at dinner (although this might be flexible).
Day & Night
Celebrity Equinox is a relaxed ship, with enough activities and shows to stave off boredom but not so much going on that it feels loud or frenetic. During the day, passengers take part in a range of activities -- games against the crew are common -- that often have a trendy spin, such as adult colouring sponsored by Lonely Planet. More often than not, people are happy to relax by the pool, covered adults-only Solarium area or the gorgeous top-deck lawn.
For some of the best entertainment on the ship, head to the Lawn Club for the Hot Glass Class, given by glass blowing artisans from Hollywood Hot Glass. It's particularly nice to sit out on a mild evening, as the kilns' interior temperatures average around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pavilion can get hot on a sunny day. You can learn to make glass creations such as a heart, star, bowl or ornament.
Bar culture is prevalent on Equinox, and many folks linger with a cocktail in a lounge before or after dinner, around a show or late into the night. Music is performed continually throughout the night at lounges and public spaces across the ship.
An LGBTQ social hour is held nightly at the always popular Martini Bar. Celebrity Rox, a dance party out on the pool deck featuring live performances from the cast of the Equinox Theater, is held once per cruise.
Also once per cruise, the Lawn Club hosts an evening concert; turnout is usually high (and surprisingly energetic). Blankets and pillows are strewn about the grass, but there is plenty of space to dance. Glow sticks, beads and a pop-up bar add to the festive atmosphere. On some nights, there is stargazing on the lawn.
Equinox offers a nice mix of drinking destinations, from relaxed bars with spectacular views to energetic places to dance to excellent cocktail options.
Martini Bar & Crush (Deck 4): You'll find all the fun-loving people crowded around the iced counter at the Martini Bar in the evening. It earns its reputation as one of the most popular bars onboard for its elegant atmosphere and high energy. Order a martini flight; it's worth it for the show alone.
Quasar (Deck 4): The nightclub on Equinox has a '60s-meets-space vibe. Come here for karaoke competitions, late-night dancing and the popular silent disco.
World Class Bar (Deck 5): World Class Bar is where you go to test the ship's mixologists. Try a CÎROC Tropically Yours, made with vodka, rum, Coco Lopez, lemon juice and grilled pineapple juice. Occasionally, the bow-tied bartenders host a themed night, offering curious palates the chance to sip on traditional absinthe or other liqueur.
Michael's Club (Deck 5): Michael's Club gives VIP cruisers in Suite Class access to a quiet sitting area and bar, used for special events as well as complimentary drinks, light appetizers in the evening and a small spread at breakfast.
Slush (Deck 12): For $12 a pop, Slush blends a variety of frozen cocktails from a Sweet Tart to a Mint Cookie (and all the daiquiris and mojitos in between). Any drink can be made non-alcoholic for $8.
Sky Observation Lounge (Deck 14): Lights twinkle like the constellations at night above a large dance floor. Killer views, a stylish ballroom aura and plenty of nooks make this a favourite hideaway for some.
Sunset Bar (Deck 15): Drink in views of the wake from atop the ship at the Sunset Bar, near the Lawn Club. Semicircle seating areas with cheery red-orange cushions surround tables that resemble fire pits at night. The port (left) side of the bar is a smoking area; cigars welcome.
Two pools (one shallow and one plunge), along with four raised hot tubs, make up the outside pool deck, along with an interactive water feature consisting of numerous dancing fountains.
Forward from the main pool area is the adults-only (16+) Solarium that houses within its blissfully quiet enclosure two hot tubs and a lovely pool bookended by a wall of ferns and flowers, as well as a soothing water and light display.
Deck 15's Lawn Club allows passengers to play games such as bocce or croquet, or just wiggle their toes in the grass.
The Canyon Ranch SpaClub is on Deck 12 forward and has a wide variety of treatments, at higher-than-land prices (a standard 50-minute massage runs about $170). Look for port-day deals. A salon is located within Canyon Ranch, with a wall of windows, lots of natural light and chairs for hairstyling, haircutting, manicures and pedicures. A 45-minute spa manicure is about $42; a blowout is about $25.
The Persian Garden Thermal Suite is central to Celebrity's AquaSpa. The area includes a coed sauna and steam room, tropical rain shower and ocean-view relaxation chairs. It's complimentary for AquaClass passengers; other passengers can buy full-cruise passes for a fee. Also available only to AquaClass guests is a Relaxation Lounge with cushioned daybeds, on Deck 11.
The AquaSpa Fitness Center has one of the best views on the ship, with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows and a roomy layout. The equipment is modern, there's a spacious and tucked-away area for classes and there are plenty of free weights and benches, in addition to the host of ellipticals, treadmills, bikes and machines. Classes, including yoga, spinning, Zumba and boot camp, are offered, mostly for a fee.
There's an outdoor jogging track -- eight laps equals a mile -- but the location midship above the pools means that during the day it's typically crowded with sun worshippers and not easy to keep up a good pace. It also passes through the smoker-friendly Mast Bar, oddly positioned right on the track.
Celebrity's heavy focus on dining -- the line tries to hit the trends that you find in restaurants on land -- means that there's an abundance of restaurant options. The problem is, you have to pay for many of them. If you're in a standard cabin, the only restaurants without fees are the main dining room, the Oceanview Café buffet, some items at the AquaSpa Cafe and the Mast Grill.
Blu and Luminae are only for AquaClass and suite passengers, respectively. Speciality restaurant dining is popular on this ship, and packages are available for bundles of three meals minimum. Among these extra-fee options, the Italian steakhouse Tuscan Grille earns raves, as do the à la carte choices of Sushi on Five. You'll want reservations for speciality dining.
Main Dining Room (Decks 3 & 4)
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D):
As the main restaurant -- with lofty ceilings and numerous table configurations -- offers passengers a choice of two set meal times: early (about 6 p.m.) or late (8:30 p.m.). Those who prefer flexibility can opt for Celebrity Select Dining, which lets them dine any time between 5:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Passengers choosing the flex dining option can pre-reserve space online or onboard or walk in during the allotted hours and wait for a space to open up (rarely more than a few minutes).
Breakfast is open seating daily with standard items served. Lunch takes place here on port days only, with soups, salads, hot entrees and grilled items.
Dinner menus are arranged in the traditional manner: appetizers, soups and salads followed by entrees and then desserts and cheese. Quality ingredients cooked and presented well make the main dining room experience consistently enjoyable. Expect a varied menu that changes regularly with the basics -- red meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes -- covered. If nothing on the rotating menu suffices, there are "always available" choices.
Different wines are featured on the menu each day, and a sommelier will make his or her way around to take drink orders or make recommendations.
Luminae (Deck 3)
Meals: B, L, D
Exclusively for suite passengers, Luminae is an open-seating, modern dining room serving dishes made from only the best ingredients onboard -- think dashes of truffle and a dedicated dessert cart. The restaurant is also rolling out a three-course menu by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud that will be offered nightly, in addition to the regular menu.
Blu (Deck 5)
Meals: B, D
Featuring seasonal fare in a soothing venue, Blu is the dedicated open-seating restaurant for AquaClass passengers. It serves dishes that focus on fresh, regional ingredients like local catches and seasonal vegetables.
AquaSpa Café (Deck 12)
Meals: B, L
AquaSpa Cafe, in the adults-only Solarium, serves healthier fare (think small salads) for breakfast and lunch. The café also offers Greek yoghurt parfaits, although those cost extra.
Oceanview Café (Deck 14)
Meals: B, L, D
A casual eatery, Oceanview Café serves food until 1 a.m. It functions as a multistation buffet for breakfast and lunch, and an open-seating, casual buffet alternative to the main dining room for dinner. Oceanview gives passengers the option to plate up hot entrees, pizza and pasta (including gluten-free), sushi, Indian curries, sandwiches, extensive salad offerings, ice cream and late-night snacks, all without additional charge. The choice makes it one of the best in big-ship cruising that we've encountered.
In the morning, you'll find made-to-order omelettes and eggs Benedict, yoghurt, fresh fruit and pastries among the offerings. Lunch is a mix of hot items, a full salad bar, sandwiches, cold cuts and vegetables. Dinner includes themed entrees, along with a carving station and plenty of vegetarian dishes, plus desserts and ice cream. The best feature, by far, is the sunny, open-air deck situated at the aft section of the restaurant.
Mast Grill (Deck 14)
Meals: L
This casual grill has hamburgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, hot dogs and fries, free of charge. The food is mediocre, but it's good for a quick lunch or snack in between meals.
Murano (Deck 5); $50 per person (dinner); $30 per person (lunch)
Meals: L, D
The elegant French-Continental Murano serves luxuries like lobster cooked tableside, chateaubriand for two or a traditional French cheese plate and a custom wine menu; it's a romantic spot for special occasions. Vegetarian options like porcini and morel risotto are available. A lunch is available on a sea day once per cruise with a scaled-down version of the dinner menu.
Tuscan Grille (Deck 5); $45 per person (dinner); $25 per person (lunch)
Meals: L, D
Tuscan Grille offers a range of steaks as well as Italian dishes and pastas, along with a nice wine menu and a selection of Italian cocktails. The antipasti, which serves two to four people, is not to be missed. Ask to be seated by the windows when you make your reservation; the spectacular views of the wake make the meal all the more special. Tuscan Grille hosts lunch at least once per cruise, on a sea day, with a menu that is a scaled-down version of the dinner menu.
Silk Harvest (Deck 5); $35 per person (dinner); $20 per person (lunch)
Meals, L, D
Choose from Thai soups and curries or Chinese char siu pork at pan-Asian Silk Harvest. The menu is much lighter than the other speciality restaurants, and the space is also much smaller. If you're not sure what to try, order family style and split entrees. A drink list includes sakes and beers from across the Asian continent.
A scaled-down lunch might be offered during your cruise on a sea day. A dining event called Silk 'n' Soul ($79 per person) is held once per cruise and offers a tasting of various dishes from across Vietnam, Thailand, China and Japan, and includes a Champagne cocktail and live music; reservations are required.
Sushi on Five (Deck 5); à la carte
Meals: L, D
One of the best-kept secrets onboard, Sushi on Five has an excellent selection of hot pots, noodles and sushi at reasonable prices. A fun bonus is that Sushi on Five provides to-go lunch boxes for, say, a picnic on the lawn, or delivery right to your stateroom. We regularly saw 20 percent off total bill promotions.
Café al Bacio & Gelateria (Deck 5); à la carte
Meals: Snacks
Café al Bacio is the place to see and be seen during the day. Patrons sip for-fee espresso drinks and pots of speciality teas with their complimentary pastries from gorgeous yellow high-back armchairs. The desserts here are seriously good with offerings like berry tarts, German chocolate cake, Nutella croissants and even sugar-free and gluten-free cookies. The Gelateria across the way charges just a few dollars for gelato in a waffle cup. There's also a menu of spiked coffees and for-fee dessert items like a gelato sandwich or sundae.
Gastrobar (Deck 5), à la carte
Meals: L, D
Gastrobar is the ship's home for craft beer and comfort food. À la carte small and large plates dish up elevated pub food like truffle fries or pork buns, plus flatbreads. Gastro opens at 4 p.m. on most days but is open for lunch at noon on sea days. On those days, it's a casual place to grab a burger and a beer and watch the afternoon game.
Chef's Table (Deck 5); $199 per person; $279 per couple
Meals: D
Held in Murano once per cruise, Chef's Table is a multicourse culinary experience, paired with wine, guest-starring the head chef onboard.
Celebrity stands out for having several upper-level accommodations that allow access to exclusive restaurants and lounges. If you're travelling as a group, plan to book into the same category because only suite passengers are allowed to eat in Luminae and Blu is reserved for AquaClass. While passengers in the more expensive cabins can choose to eat in the main dining room, their friends can't join them in the VIP venues.
All cabins have two twins that can be pushed together to form a queen bed. Some staterooms are also equipped with either a sofa bed and/or an upper pull-down bunk bed to accommodate a third or fourth passenger. Cabins also have a safe, a mini-fridge and an interactive TV. Wardrobe space is plentiful, but shelf space is limited. Cabins have hair dryers, and there are both European and American outlets.
Standard bathrooms are well laid out, with a glass shower door, tiled floors and plenty of shelving, as well as a couple of small drawers and cabinets for storage. The free bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner, soap bar and lotion) are Gilchrist and Soames.
Interior: Inside cabins on Equinox are comfortably sized, at 183 to 200 square feet.
Oceanview: Standard ocean-view rooms are 177 square feet, essentially the same as the interiors, but with a window. Ocean-view family suites are 575 square feet. These latter cabins have a second bedroom with a single twin bed, as well as a sofa bed in the living room.
Balcony: Standard balcony cabins run 194 square feet with 54-square-foot balconies. Balcony furniture consists of a round wooden table and two mesh lounge chairs.
Concierge Class: Concierge Class cabins are identical to regular balcony cabins, but they're distinguished by their premier locations -- higher up, facing the back -- and include perks like priority check-in and debarkation, welcome bubbly, Frette bathrobes, a pillow menu, massaging showerhead in the bathroom and access to an expanded room service breakfast menu. There's also an exclusive pre-departure lounge onboard with free coffee and juices for passengers staying in Concierge Class or above cabins.
AquaClass: AquaClass cabins (also the same size as standard balconies, with the same configuration) give passengers access to the AquaSpa relaxation room (with padded daybeds and ocean views), the Persian Garden (pre- and post-treatment grottos with steam, dry heat and aromatherapy) and Blu restaurant.
Special perks include fluffier bathrobes and towels, as well as AquaSpa "amenity kits" that include foot spray, lip balm and relaxation mist. Cruisers in AquaClass cabins also get fresh iced tea and canapes daily, as well as an upgraded (and healthier) room service menu. The bathroom has spa products, and the shower has a five-head Hansgrohe setup.
Suites: All suite passengers have access to the Retreat, a private lounge; Luminae, the stunning suite-only restaurant; a butler; in-room lunch and dinner service; evening hors d'oeuvres; complimentary espresso; and other perks that might include an exclusive sail-away party on the helipad.
Sky Suites: Entry-level Sky Suites are 300 square feet with a 79-square-foot balcony. They feature larger TVs, mini-fridges and shower-tub combos.
Celebrity Suites: These suites (394 square feet with 104-square-foot balconies) add yet more space, a distinct separation between bedroom and living room, plus two TVs.
Royal Suites: At 590 square feet with 158-square-foot balconies, Royal Suites come with added amenities such as a wet bar, dining room table, walk-in closet in the bedroom and a whirlpool on the balcony.
Penthouse Suites: Equinox's top accommodations are its 1,291-square-foot Penthouse Suites, each with floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors leading onto a 389-square-foot balcony, a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a marble master bath (including a 26-inch TV), a separate living room, a full bar and a baby grand piano. The huge balconies feature plenty of lounge seating and a whirlpool each.
*Prices correct at time of publish and maybe subject to change
Modern types who prefer a whimsical approach to onboard dining, drinking, décor and entertainment
Anyone scared off by being trendy; boisterous families; cruisers who want dining variety without paying extra
Celebrity draws a broad range of travellers, most attracted by the cuisine, unusual entertainment and creative itineraries. Passenger ages typically average in the 50s, with family groups more visible in the summer and during school vacations. The longer and more exotic cruises usually host an older demographic, and the passenger mix varies with the port of embarkation but most are from North America, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
Yes and no. The norm on most Celebrity sailings is smart-casual, but in the Galapagos, attire is casual. Despite the daytime casual vibe, you won't find T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps or swimwear in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. Formal nights (held once on cruises six nights or shorter, twice on longer itineraries) have been replaced by Evening Chic, where anything from cocktail attire to formal wear is appropriate. The dress code also extends to the theatre on those evenings.
No. The cruise fare for a Celebrity cruise covers dining in several complimentary venues, including the Main Dining Room, Oceanview Café buffet restaurant, Spa Café, Mast Grill (on most ships) and Seaside Grill. Room service is also complimentary, except for the period between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Passengers staying at certain suite levels have additional complimentary dining privileges, and those staying in AquaClass rooms can dine in the Blu restaurant without charge. Water, basic coffee and tea, and certain juices are provided free of charge, but unless you're booked in certain suite categories, you'll have to pay extra for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The extensive entertainment from Broadway-style theatre to circus shows, comedy, magic, dance and live music is all available without charge. The kids' program is also free, though you'll pay extra for babysitting. Shore excursions are not covered by cruise fares, nor are gratuities, spa and salon services and some fitness classes. There is also a fee for Wi-Fi and laundry services.
On ships with the Lawn Club, hanging out on the grass, whether playing bocce or just relaxing and reading, is one of the most popular activities for Celebrity cruisers. Other popular things to do on these ships is lounge in the adults-only Solarium, hit the Canyon Ranch Spa or participate in wine tasting. Some ships also offer hot glassmaking demonstrations and classes; sign up early for the classes because they fill up fast. On ships without a Lawn Club, relaxing by the pool or in the Solarium is popular, as are the once- or twice-per-cruise Rooftop film and dinner events. At night, Celebrity showcases everything from Vegas-style production shows to comedians and cabaret, drawing a crowd each time. The ships have a robust program for kids, a lot of it centred on edutainment. Many of the activities are offered courtesy of partners like Anturus, Lonely Planet, Xbox, Fat Brain Toys and Budsies.