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ancient wonders and seaside serenity: athens stay & celebrity infinity cruise

2nd Feb 2025 | 12 nights | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Infinity

All our packages can be tailor-made
ATOL protected
Pre-cruise hotel stay
Return flights inc. checked bags
Thessaloniki
Kuşadası (Ephesus)
Limassol
Rhodes
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Nafplion
Piraeus (Athens)
All our packages can be tailor-made
ATOL protected
Pre-cruise hotel stay
Return flights inc. checked bags

Greek island hopping with Athens stay (save up to £210pp)

Why do we love this cruise holiday? This Celebrity Greek Islands cruise holiday is a fantastic option, offering great value for money. The price is incredibly competitive, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious experience without breaking the bank. With a cruise length longer than a week, you have plenty of time to relax and explore multiple destinations without feeling rushed. The inclusion of a night in Athens at a hotel adds the perfect opportunity to discover the city’s iconic sights, like the Acropolis, before boarding the ship. Plus, the added bonus of an extra night onboard your cruise in Athens enhances the experience even further, providing extra flexibility and enjoyment. With ATOL protection, it’s an ideal way to experience the Greek Islands in comfort and style.

What's included?

  • 1-night 4* stay at a handpicked hotel in Athens, Greece
  • 11-night cruise onboard Celebrity Infinity
  • Return flights with generous checked baggage
  • ATOL protected

Athens, named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands.

Cruising the Greek Islands is a wonderful combination of sun-drenched islands, sparkling blue waters, and charming villages to explore. Sail from one stunning destination to the next, where whitewashed buildings contrast with the deep blue sea. Relax on serene beaches, dive into crystal-clear waters, and discover ancient ruins and vibrant local culture. With each island offering its own unique beauty, it's the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, all set against a backdrop of endless sunshine and breath taking views.

Your ship: Sun worshippers also will be very happy on Celebrity Infinity. Two pools are outdoors: One is tiered -- so you can get your feet wet and cool off without getting all the way in -- while the other is deeper. Then there's the enclosed Solarium, which has a jetted thalassotherapy pool and a roof so you can enjoy it even when it rains. Finally, the Outdoor Retreat has covered cabanas and a big screen for movie nights. And an upper outdoor sun deck toward the front of the ship has plenty of loungers. The 90,940-ton, 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity is one of Celebrity Cruises' four vessels known as Millennium-class. That means they have some of the line's signature features -- lots of speciality restaurants, a Canyon Ranch spa, a gorgeous indoor Solarium and a variety of cabin classes.

Want to go all-inclusive? Speak to our friendly sales consultants about adding All Included for drinks and wi-fi!


What's included with the Cruise

  • A stay in one of the spacious staterooms,
  • Delicious gourmet meals at the restaurants
  • A slate of activities and entertainment shows

Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:

  • Up-front, honest pricing
  • No hidden fees
  • No booking fees. Ever.
  • A personal service
  • Educational trips and ship visits
  • Good quality accommodation
  • No unreasonable flight times
Learn more about our charter

Similar Packages:

Ancient Wonders and Seaside Serenity: Athens Stay & Celebrity Infinity Cruise

23rd Feb 25 | 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Infinity

from £949.00

View Package
Day
Date
 
Arrival
Departure
 
1
2nd Feb 2025 Sunday
Fy to Athens
Athens, Greece
 
 
 
 
Fy to Athens
Flights
Athens, Greece
Hotel
2
3rd Feb 2025 Monday
Piraeus (Athens)
00:00
17:00
Piraeus (Athens)
Cruise
Piraeus (Athens)
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world -- built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands. The city's recently overhauled Metro system also provides a cheap, safe and easy way to get around for sightseeing if you have extra time before or after your cruise. Aside from major landmarks, even once-dingy neighbourhoods like Plaka and Thissio have been restored, boasting fresh pastel-coloured painted facades and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Syntagma Square -- Athens' central square -- also has been reborn as a tree-filled haven from which to take in the city's gorgeous neoclassical Parliament building and catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Yes, that means you get to watch those men in frilly skirts, elaborate waistcoats and bobbled shoes do their high-kicking thing.) Athens, once (in some parts, still) one of the most frenetic and traffic-polluted cities in the world, now owns a real buzz and is well worth spending a few days in if your cruise starts or ends there.
3
4th Feb 2025 Tuesday
Thessaloniki
10:30
00:00
Thessaloniki
Cruise
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki might be the most important Greek city that you've never heard of. The capital of the Central Macedonia region, close to the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki (also referred to Salonika by locals) is the second-largest city in Greece. Like most of Greece, Thessaloniki can trace its roots to ancient times; St. Paul preached there in 50 AD. A bus trip takes you to the foot of Mount Olympus, where you'll explore ruins of crumbling temples to Zeus and Athena. Examples of the Byzantine era are everywhere -- including recently discovered royal tombs in Vergina. Aristotle grew up not far away. Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the holiest modern religious sites in the entire country, and while it is only open to men with written permissions, some cruise line excursions and ferries will circle its scenic and sacred shores for everyone to view its monasteries. The site is about 95 miles from Thessaloniki. But steps from where your ship will dock is a modern metropolis, with hip bars and cafes crowding the waterfront. An iconic piece of history is just a brisk 30-minute walk away, down the promenade, as you close in on the 500-year-old White Tower -- former Byzantine fort and now a monument and museum -- which is visible from the cruise terminal. Language Greek is the primary language, but Thessaloniki is a large city, so most people also speak English. Efcharisto (eff-car-ee-stow) means "thank you." Currency & Best Way to Get Money Greece is on the euro. ATMs are located all around the city.

4
5th Feb 2025 Wednesday
Thessaloniki
00:00
14:00
Thessaloniki
Cruise
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki might be the most important Greek city that you've never heard of. The capital of the Central Macedonia region, close to the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki (also referred to Salonika by locals) is the second-largest city in Greece. Like most of Greece, Thessaloniki can trace its roots to ancient times; St. Paul preached there in 50 AD. A bus trip takes you to the foot of Mount Olympus, where you'll explore ruins of crumbling temples to Zeus and Athena. Examples of the Byzantine era are everywhere -- including recently discovered royal tombs in Vergina. Aristotle grew up not far away. Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the holiest modern religious sites in the entire country, and while it is only open to men with written permissions, some cruise line excursions and ferries will circle its scenic and sacred shores for everyone to view its monasteries. The site is about 95 miles from Thessaloniki. But steps from where your ship will dock is a modern metropolis, with hip bars and cafes crowding the waterfront. An iconic piece of history is just a brisk 30-minute walk away, down the promenade, as you close in on the 500-year-old White Tower -- former Byzantine fort and now a monument and museum -- which is visible from the cruise terminal. Language Greek is the primary language, but Thessaloniki is a large city, so most people also speak English. Efcharisto (eff-car-ee-stow) means "thank you." Currency & Best Way to Get Money Greece is on the euro. ATMs are located all around the city.

5
6th Feb 2025 Thursday
Kuşadası (Ephesus)
09:00
22:00
Kuşadası (Ephesus)
Cruise
Kuşadası (Ephesus)

Nearly 20 years ago when we first sailed to Kuşadası, our gulet, a traditional Turkish sailing vessel, docked in a modest marina across from a row of open-air shops. We came to explore nearby Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean's most impressive ancient sites whose ruins detail life in the once-powerful Greek and later Roman city. Upon returning to Kuşadası, our guide herded us into what he swore was "the best carpet shop in Turkey." In between sips of thick Turkish coffee, we haggled with the owner, eventually settling on a blue Hereke, which we stowed in the yacht before dining at the simple dockside eatery.

Remarkably, our rug's much the same, but everything else has changed. Now the former seaside village's population hovers around 50,000, streets bustle with tourists, rug shops bloom in high-rise buildings, and an air-conditioned shopping mall with sleek jewellery stores and European fashion boutiques anchors the modern port.

What Kuşadası lacks in charm it makes up for in locale. At Ephesus, about nine miles from town, you'll travel back thousands of years. The Terrace Houses, now open to the public, make the centuries-old city even more enthralling.

Despite Kuşadası's crowds, you can still find an outdoor cafe to sip Turkish wine, savour just-caught fish and enjoy the sea breezes.

6
7th Feb 2025 Friday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
7
8th Feb 2025 Saturday
Limassol
08:00
17:00
Limassol
Cruise
Limassol
Limassol, the largest coastal town in Cyprus, sprawls around Akrotiri Bay, midway between Larnaca and Paphos and close to the southern foothills of the Troodos Mountains. It's the island's principal cruise port.

Cyprus is the kind of destination where you have to venture off the beaten track to uncover the true nature of the place. At first glance, Limassol is a low-rise, sun-baked, urban sprawl, slightly chaotic and architecturally uninspiring. Scratch the surface, particularly around the castle area, and you'll find a tangle of shady, pedestrianized streets in the medieval centre; ancient mosques alongside Greek Orthodox churches; and broad shopping boulevards, lined with boutiques that showcase up-and-coming designers. Its waterfront, still in the process of being developed, offers a sculpture park and lovely vistas of the bay. All in all, Limassol has, for years, been a pleasant -- if not exactly cutting-edge -- destination, in terms of style and cuisine.

Immediately outside the town are rolling hills, olive and citrus groves and tiny villages, where locals still use donkeys for transport. Limassol is at the heart of the island's wine-growing industry, and visitors will see dusty vineyards, clinging to the sun-bleached, sloping hills.

It might not otherwise feel old, but Limassol, which dates to at least 2000 B.C., is the gateway to sites of antiquity, such as Kourion, with its Greco-Roman Theatre, and, nearby, the Temple of Apollo. Also worth a look is Nicosia, the only capital city in the world to be divided by force (by Turkish and Greek Cypriots).

If you feel like a low-key day, you'll appreciate Limassol itself. Despite the city's busy urban setting, Limassol's 200,000 residents demonstrate a healthy respect for the work-life balance, spending time in coffee shops, strolling along the beach in the evenings and dining in large family groups in the many tavernas and restaurants. This attitude gives the town a holiday atmosphere, even in the spring and late autumn. The tourist season is long, with cruise ships calling from April or May up until early November. Limassol essentially exists in two parts. The main town is the closest area to the port, where you'll find, just inland, the medieval castle and the main shopping boulevards of Makarios III and Agiou Andreou. The beach stretches all the way from the waterfront to the far end of Akrotiri Bay, a narrow ribbon of development that has been dedicated mainly to four- and five-star hotels.

Limassol is ideally situated for cruise passengers, as it's in the middle of everything. The important archaeological sites of Kourion, Kolossi Castle and Limassol Castle are less than 30 minutes from the port. Day trips into the mountains and wine-growing areas are easily manageable. Paphos, an attractive UNESCO World Heritage site and major tourist centre, is less than an hour away -- thanks to efficient motorway links -- while the capital, Nicosia, is an hour inland to the northeast.

Visitors to Cyprus tend to remember the friendliness of its people. Everybody in the hospitality trade speaks English, and everybody -- from taxi drivers to taverna proprietors -- will engage visitors in conversation. People are not on the make here, although they're pretty entrepreneurial; they're just naturally and delightfully hospitable.

8
9th Feb 2025 Sunday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
9
10th Feb 2025 Monday
Rhodes
08:00
17:00
Rhodes
Cruise
Rhodes
Rhodes, with an average of 300 sunny days per year and mild temperatures in the winter, has been a popular tourist attraction for centuries. Located 12 miles off the coast of Turkey, it's the largest of Greece's 12 Dodecanese islands. Rhodes sits in the Aegean Sea, and its beautiful blue green waters reflect a tropical paradise. The island features 35 beaches and many cultural and historical attractions.

The view from the sea is spectacular as you sail into the port of Rhodes. It's one of the best preserved medieval towns in the world and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The ship disembarks its passengers just outside of Old Town, a maze of cobblestone streets, flanked by historic buildings dating from the 14th century.

Between the city's sturdy walls, magnificent palaces, fascinating museums and ornate mosques line the narrow, atmospheric passageways and carefully planned squares. Souvenir shops, restaurants and boutiques are plentiful in Old Town.

The main attraction here is the Palace of the Grand Masters, built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John. The structure survived an earthquake but was destroyed by an explosion in 1856; it was later restored by the Italians in the 1930's. Now a museum, the palace contains priceless mosaics, sculptures and exhibitions of medieval and ancient Rhodes civilizations.

But it is not just Old Town that attracts visitors to this beautiful island. The New Town, located across Mandraki Harbor from Old Town, contains a large marketplace, the Nea Agora, which contains a food court, gift shops, cafes and bars. New Town also offers many luxury hotels and beautiful beaches that attract vacationers who enjoy paragliding, windsurfing, swimming and sunbathing. A casino also is available for those who want to try their luck at games of chance.

Cruise ships offer half-day tours that include Old Town sites and full-day tours that include jeep tours of the island and visits to the ancient city of Lindos with its cliffside acropolis, whitewashed houses and picturesque scenery. Guided tours and excursion boat tours are also available, but just walking around with a guidebook will be enough to enjoy this interesting and picturesque part of the world.
10
11th Feb 2025 Tuesday
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
08:00
17:00
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Cruise
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete

Olive groves, mountains and beaches made for swimming and sandcastles; Crete is as beautiful as it is fascinating. See Greek mythology come to life as you visit ancient ruins like Knossos, home to the legend of the labyrinth and its Minotaur. 

11
12th Feb 2025 Wednesday
Nafplion
07:00
17:00
Nafplion
Cruise
Nafplion

Overlooked by mountains and medieval fortresses, Nafplion was once capital of Greece. Today you'll find the charming streets and neoclassical buildings of the Old Town, Bourtzi Fortress, built on a rocky island in the harbour, and dramatic views of the Argolic Gulf from Palamidi Fortress.  

12
13th Feb 2025 Thursday
Piraeus (Athens)
07:00
00:00
Piraeus (Athens)
Cruise
Piraeus (Athens)
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world -- built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands. The city's recently overhauled Metro system also provides a cheap, safe and easy way to get around for sightseeing if you have extra time before or after your cruise. Aside from major landmarks, even once-dingy neighbourhoods like Plaka and Thissio have been restored, boasting fresh pastel-coloured painted facades and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Syntagma Square -- Athens' central square -- also has been reborn as a tree-filled haven from which to take in the city's gorgeous neoclassical Parliament building and catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Yes, that means you get to watch those men in frilly skirts, elaborate waistcoats and bobbled shoes do their high-kicking thing.) Athens, once (in some parts, still) one of the most frenetic and traffic-polluted cities in the world, now owns a real buzz and is well worth spending a few days in if your cruise starts or ends there.
13
14th Feb 2025 Friday
Piraeus (Athens)
Fly to the UK
00:00
 
00:00
 
Piraeus (Athens)
Cruise
Piraeus (Athens)
Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world -- built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands. The city's recently overhauled Metro system also provides a cheap, safe and easy way to get around for sightseeing if you have extra time before or after your cruise. Aside from major landmarks, even once-dingy neighbourhoods like Plaka and Thissio have been restored, boasting fresh pastel-coloured painted facades and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Syntagma Square -- Athens' central square -- also has been reborn as a tree-filled haven from which to take in the city's gorgeous neoclassical Parliament building and catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Yes, that means you get to watch those men in frilly skirts, elaborate waistcoats and bobbled shoes do their high-kicking thing.) Athens, once (in some parts, still) one of the most frenetic and traffic-polluted cities in the world, now owns a real buzz and is well worth spending a few days in if your cruise starts or ends there.
Fly to the UK
Flights

The 90,940-ton, 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity is one of Celebrity Cruises' four vessels known as Millennium-class. That means they have some of the line's signature features -- lots of speciality restaurants, a Canyon Ranch spa, a gorgeous indoor Solarium and a variety of cabin classes. But it also means the ship is older and there are places where it seems tired. That should change in late 2020, when Celebrity Infinity receives a "Revolution" makeover, a complete renovation that will modernise restaurants and update all cabins and public areas to look more like a boutique hotel.

For now, fans of Celebrity and those new to the line will appreciate the focus on dining. Although the ship is older, it has continually added restaurants so there is a wide variety -- but many come with an extra fee. You can watch an animated chef make dinner during the Le Petit Chef experience at Qsine, enjoy sushi and go to an Italian steakhouse, but you'll pay for those. The good news is that the included dining in the Oceanview Café buffet, the pool grill and the Trellis main dining room is decent, with lots of choices (although it's not gourmet). Passengers in AquaClass have their own restaurant, Blu, and suite passengers can dine in Luminae, which is a notch up from the main dining room in both food and service.

Sun worshippers also will be very happy on Celebrity Infinity. Two pools are outdoors: One is tiered -- so you can get your feet wet and cool off without getting all the way in -- while the other is deeper. Then there's the enclosed Solarium, which has a jetted thalassotherapy pool and a roof so you can enjoy it even when it rains. Finally, the Outdoor Retreat has covered cabanas and a big screen for movie nights. And an upper outdoor sun deck toward the front of the ship has plenty of loungers.

While Celebrity rarely has the party vibe of sister company Royal Caribbean, there are plenty of options for cocktail connoisseurs. With a prime location overlooking the Grand Foyer, the shaved-ice-covered Martini Bar is almost always crowded. Additionally, wine-lovers will gravitate to Cellar Masters. 

That being said, Celebrity Infinity is not a ship for high-octane partying and crazy outdoor activities (water slides, surfing, ropes courses). Unless you're on a charter -- this is the ship that the line often uses for theme cruises -- Celebrity Infinity is a ship for people who like to linger over dinner, sip a drink in a comfy lounge while listening to music (or doing a bit of ballroom dancing), take in a show or lounge by a pool.

Daytime: During the day, dress is resort casual.

Evening: Celebrity passengers tend to dress up for dinner -- typically button-down or dressy Tommy Bahama-type sport shirts and slacks for men and dresses or smart-casual pants for women. Formal night on Celebrity has been replaced by "evening chic" in the main dining room. This means that 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.

Not permitted: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, tank tops, caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main or speciality restaurants at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed during evening hours.

Theatre

Celebrity's nightly theatrical performances, ranging from Broadway compilations to piano concertos, take place in the lovely three-deck Celebrity Theater and are generally well-regarded. Shows include typical Vegas-style song-and-dance revues, alongside performances given by visiting comedians and musical groups.

Daily Fun

Celebrity Life is Celebrity's enrichment and activities program for day and evening fun onboard. Activities mostly follow cruise ship standards (art auctions, bad hair day seminars, cooking demos, wine tastings, bingo and ballroom dance lessons). Some of the more unique (and entertaining) options are interactive events with officers and passengers, including Ping-Pong or water volleyball tournaments, silly game shows and an uproarious Dancing with the Officers "dance" (or is that physical comedy?) contest.

At Night

Fortunes Casino has an odd Egyptian theme for an otherwise sophisticated ship. You can lose, or possibly win, money at slots, poker, blackjack, craps, Texas Hold'em and roulette.

Celebrity Infinity Bars and Lounges

Celebrity Infinity has a nice range of bars and lounges -- enough to keep you entertained, but not too many where you feel like you're missing out.

Rendezvous Lounge (Deck 4): Lined with windows opening onto the promenade, this smaller space features art auctions during the day, and dancing or musical acts such as duelling pianos at night.

Martini Bar/Crush (Deck 4): Located on the Grand Foyer, the ice-topped Martini Bar and smaller sibling Crush provide the best people-watching. The juggling bartenders also make this a great spot for pre-dinner cocktails.

Michael's Club (Deck 4): This lounge reserved just for suite passengers has complimentary drinks, as well as nibbles.

Cellar Masters (Deck 5): This wine bar and tasting venue boasts a long table for wine education events and comfy chairs for killing time until your dinner table is ready. Taste wine on your own at any time or during a scheduled wine tasting led by a sommelier; unlike most other bars on the ship, this one carries nothing but wine (no soda, cocktails or beer).

Oceanview Bar (Deck 10): This outdoor bar abuts the buffet, but its premier location can make it a draw on its own.

Mast Bar (Deck 11): Tucked away above the pool area, the Mast Bar allows upper-deck sunbathers to gather and watch the scene below. About a dozen stools sit directly at the bar.

Constellation Lounge (Deck 11): The forward-facing lounge at the top of the ship is surrounded with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. It's used during the day as an observation station and for various activities. At night, it's turned into a dance club. Across the hall, an arcade is available to gamers young and old.

Celebrity Infinity Outside Recreation

Pools

Infinity's main pool area, located on Deck 10 midship, features cushioned loungers, daybeds and wooden accents. The saltwater pool itself is divided into a shallow end for dipping and a deeper end for swimming; a circular lounge area sits on a raised platform in the middle. Anyone who wants to swim laps can do so early in the morning before the pools get busy. There are four hot tubs, a bar and table tennis on the port side. Additional lounge seating can be found one deck up, circling the pool area.

Continuing forward, the Solarium is an adults-only venue with a thalassotherapy pool, two additional hot tubs, padded wood loungers and some table seating for AquaSpa Café diners. The area is open to children for an hour in the morning and an hour in the late afternoon, though we saw kids in the pool later in the evening, as well. The Solarium is enclosed with a glass roof so it can be used in inclement weather.

Recreation

Shuffleboard can be found on Deck 11 and a basketball court on Deck 12 at the top of the ship. Ping-Pong tables are on the pool deck.

Sun Decks

Sun worshippers crowd the loungers around the pool on Decks 10 and 11. If you want to avoid the crowds, head for the forward and aft areas on Deck 12. The latter is where you'll find the Rooftop Terrace, a secluded area that has the ship's movie screen, as well as cabana-style loungers.

Celebrity Infinity Services

The Grand Foyer, a three-deck atrium, lies at the centre of Celebrity Infinity; its highlight is a dramatic staircase and ceiling-to-floor drapes. At the bottom of the atrium, on Deck 3, is the main "cruise business" area -- including the shore excursion boutique, an ATM, the Captain's Club office, Future Cruise Sails and passenger relations.

The photo gallery is located on Deck 4, across from Michael's Club.

Forward of Café al Bacio is Infinity's enormous shopping venue, the 14,000-square-foot Emporium. Along with the usual logo shops and duty-free items, there are several jewellery, clothing and watch shops, as well as Celebrity Innovations, an Apple product retailer. Instead of cluttering the aisles with specials as on most ships, there is a circular central kiosk area for the daily discount offerings.

The Celebrity iLounge is found on Deck 9. There, Mac computers are available for web browsing, or you can sign up for a Wi-Fi account, as wireless internet access is available ship wide. Prices start per minute or you can purchase a package. Computer and technology classes, mostly focusing on Apple products, are held in the Emporium and are complimentary.

The ship's library is just below on Deck 8 and features glass walls, deep armchairs and a selection of travel guides, fiction and nonfiction books, and board games. The main concierge keeps hours there, as well.

Meeting rooms are located on Deck 3, and a medical facility is on Deck 1.

There are no self-service launderettes.

Spa

Canyon Ranch runs all of the ship's spa and salon services, as well as the fitness classes. The SpaClub features a generous enough workout room with floor space for fitness classes. It also encompasses spa service and treatment areas, the Persian Garden thermal suite, an acupuncture studio and a beauty salon.

Spa and beauty services include facials, massages, wraps and scrubs, hairstyling, mani-pedis and barbering for men. A 50-minute Canyon Ranch spa costs $150, but specials are offered on port days and for buying multiple services at once. In addition to a trained acupuncturist, Infinity also has licensed doctors onboard and offers Restylane and Perlane treatments, as well as Botox.

Passes to the Persian Garden thermal suite are free to AquaClass passengers, but other passengers must purchase a daily pass for $25 (there are discounts for longer-use passes). There's a limited number of passes for each cruise, so you'll want to buy it as soon as you board so you can get the most out of it. The Persian Garden has heated loungers, an aromatic steam room, several saunas and various showers. It's much smaller on Celebrity Infinity, however, than it is on the line's Solstice-class ships.

Fitness

The fitness area offers the usual cardio machines (treadmills, elliptical trainers and bikes), as well as weight machines and free weights. In the aerobics space, abs workouts and stretching sessions are free, but classes in Pilates, spinning and yoga carry an additional fee.

A jogging track is located on Deck 11, making it easy to remember that 11 laps equals 1 mile. It's an odd track, though, in that it runs right through some heavily congested sundeck areas. We never saw anyone using the track.

Celebrity Infinity Dining

Celebrity Infinity has a manageable number of speciality restaurants -- three as opposed to six on many of the line's other ships -- meaning you can splurge for a night out if you want without being overwhelmed. We found a lot of choice in the included dining, although not necessarily at top standards.

Many passengers on our cruise partook in Celebrity's drink packages, but we never noticed the drinking getting out of hand (perhaps because many got the package free in a booking promotion and had no incentive to get their money's worth). You can choose Premium or Classic beverage, wine, soda and bottled water packages and purchase them pre-cruise or onboard.

Trellis (Decks 4 and 5): The striking Trellis Restaurant, Celebrity Infinity's main dining room, offers formal breakfast, lunch (select days only) and dinner. It also offers brunch on one sea day. The highlight of the two-tiered restaurant is a huge, paned showcase window that extends from floor to ceiling. Tables are set for combinations of six, eight and 10. (Two-tops and four-tops are available in limited quantities.)

There are two options for dinner in the Trellis Restaurant. Passengers can go with traditional, set seating (at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.) or opt for the more flexible Celebrity Select Dining option. With Celebrity Select Dining, passengers have the option to dine any time between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and to decide whether they want to eat with their own party or at a mixed table with other cruisers. They can also make specific dinner reservations for each day of their cruise online in advance, make reservations onboard or simply show up when ready to eat.

Cuisine at the Trellis is generally well-received; the menu features a mix of traditional and imaginative fare with vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, no-sugar-added and SPE items (healthy yet tasty, as validated by SPE-Certified consultants) noted on the menu. Anytime menu items include escargot and shrimp cocktail starters, French onion soup and Caesar salad; broiled salmon and New York sirloin entrees; sides of roast potatoes and steamed vegetables; and chocolate cake, apple pie and cheesecake for dessert. Service seems to be a bit harried, particularly during peak dining times.

Oceanview Café (Deck 10): The Oceanview Café is the ship's buffet restaurant, located aft on the pool deck. Coffee, tea and juices are available 24/7, and food is served from 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. The buffet is set up in one long U, but three stations are hidden way at the back, separate from the main buffet and easy to miss, which is unfortunate; these sections have different offerings from the regular buffet.

Breakfast, served from 7 to 10 a.m. (with early and late options on each side), features made-to-order omelettes, American and English hot breakfasts, fruit, yoghurt, bread, cheese and cereal, as well as stations for Asian specialities, a poached egg bar and a waffle/pancake station in the back.

The main lunch service runs from noon to 2:30 p.m., with half the stations remaining open well into the afternoon and evening. You'll find hot fare, a salad bar, a pasta bar and a carving station, with pizza, Asian and panini/fish and chips in the back. Tea sandwiches and scones are served from 4 to 5 p.m.

Dinner, 6 to 9:30 p.m., offers more hot fare and a carving station, plus a curry station and more pasta, pizza and salad. Don't miss Celebrity's homemade ice cream near the entrance to the Oceanview Café; it's available until 10 p.m. and quite tasty.

Pool Grill (Deck 10): The Pool Grill, just forward of the buffet, offers hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers with fries from noon to 6 p.m.

AquaSpa Café (Deck 10): In the Solarium, the AquaSpa Café is a small buffet, serving light meals by the thalassotherapy pool. Breakfast (7 to 10 a.m.) includes healthy muffins, fruit and oatmeal for free and smoothies, fresh juices and yoghurt parfaits for an extra fee. Lunch, from noon to 2 p.m., centres on veggies and salads.

Blu (Deck 5): Celebrity's spa dining venue is exclusively for AquaClass passengers. The restaurant is open for breakfast (7:30 to 9 a.m.), serving light meals like smoothies and muesli. Dinner (6 to 9:30 p.m.) offers a changing menu of clean and simple cuisine, such as a roasted chicken breast or blackened ahi tuna. The venue is gorgeous, done in white with bright blue accents and a row of large porthole windows along one side. Note that Blu is intended to be AquaClass passengers' main dining venue for breakfast and dinner (though they can opt for Select Dining whenever they wish), and no other passengers are allowed.

Luminae (Deck 4): Reserved exclusively for suite passengers, Luminae is a calm refuge with a grown-up culinary atmosphere. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The service is notably better here, as is the food. Expect sophisticated meals such as artichoke soup and veal chops. The same rules apply here as for Blu -- if you're travelling with a group and some of them are not booked in suite class, they will not be able to eat with you.

Room Service: Room service is available 24/7. Breakfast door cards allow you to check off both cold (cereal, fruit) and hot (eggs, pancakes) choices and choose a window for delivery times. Throughout the day, passengers can order from a menu of soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, pizza and dessert, with additional hot items like vegetable lasagne, New York strip steak and avocado-tomato quesadillas. Order via the phone or the interactive TV. Between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., there's a $3.95 charge for passengers in interior, ocean-view and balcony staterooms. Tipping for room service is customary at other times.

Tuscan Grille (Deck 5); $45 per person for dinner, $35 for lunch: Celebrity's signature Italian steakhouse, Tuscan Grille focuses on chops as well as Italian favourites. The antipasti course is gorgeous and easily splitable with a group. Dinner is served nightly, while lunch is served once per cruise (same menu). For an additional fee beyond the cover charge, diners can enjoy premium cuts of meat including an 18-oz. dry-aged New York strip or a 22-oz. dry-aged porterhouse.

On sea days once per cruise, Tuscan Grille hosts the Crab Shack Lunch. For $40, you get two king crab legs, two crab cakes and crab bisque, as well as garlic bread and coleslaw.

Sushi on Five (Deck 5); à la carte. Infinity's sushi restaurant is hidden in an easy-to-miss area behind the Cellar Masters bar on Deck 5. Sushi, sashimi and Japanese favourites like gyoza and edamame are on the menu here. Special multicourse omakase meals are available. There aren't a lot of seats -- there's no sit-down sushi "bar" -- and it can get crowded at dinner; reservations are recommended.

Café al Bacio (Deck 5): This gorgeous café on the atrium serves free breakfast pastries and desserts from morning till night, but the speciality coffee and tea cost extra. (The general consensus is that the coffee here is the only coffee worth drinking onboard.) Across the atrium, the gelateria offers several flavours of gelato from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and it's definitely worth the extra fee.

Le Petit Chef at Qsine (Deck 11), $55: Qsine on Celebrity Infinity features the Le Petit Chef experience, which incorporates 3D technology and digital animation into your meal. Essentially, a 2-inch-tall French chef projects onto your table and helps prepare your dinner in fun and eye-catching ways. The Qsine menu has two four-course choices, all with a French spin -- think bouillabaisse, roasted lobster and French onion soup.

Of the 1,085 cabins aboard Infinity, roughly 80 percent are ocean views, while 57 percent of all cabins have balconies. The ship also offers a range of suites, from sprawling penthouses (1,400-plus square feet) to more petite but elegant Sky Suites, as well as 26 accommodations that are fully ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible.

One thing to note about sailing with Celebrity: upper-grade accommodations allow access to exclusive restaurants and lounges. If you're travelling in 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 only. 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.

Also, Infinity's lido deck (Deck 10) has an inordinately large overhang toward the forward part of the ship and a series of angled overhangs toward the aft. They are so big that the ship was built with a row of stanchions that angle down from the overhangs. Rooms at the top level on Deck 9, therefore, get interrupted views and little sun. Also, while soundproofing is excellent from cabin to cabin, this is not the case with the ceilings, and being right under the pool deck can make for a noisy cruise.

Infinity's standard cabins, from the least expensive insides to balcony cabins, are well-configured and have rounded-end beds. The taupe and maroon colour palette, along with light wood, seems a little outdated and tired, but this will be addressed in the Revolution makeover.

All standard cabins come equipped with mini-bar fridges stocked with for-fee items, safes, telephones and interactive televisions with excellent programming (including CNN, ESPN, several movie channels, several in-house channels and TNT). The "interactive" part includes ordering room service, checking your daily bill balance and playing video slots and blackjack (for those who are bored and need to spend money gambling on a television).

There are two 110-volt outlets and two 220-volt outlets at the desk. If you bring a converter kit, you can convert one of the 220s to a 110 (or vice versa), giving you three outlets to use for sundry electronics like laptops, digital cameras and mobile chargers.

The bathrooms are large and well-lit, with plenty of storage space for cosmetics and toiletries, as long as you don't mind tucking them away in cabinets below the sink. Standard accommodations, Concierge Class and AquaClass cabins have roomy showers, while suites have whirlpool baths. There are hairdryers in the vanities in standard cabins; upper-category accommodations get handheld dryers, but there are no outlets for them in the bathrooms. You have to use them in the desk/vanity areas, which is kind of a pain if you aren't using that area for grooming.

Interior: Standard inside cabins are 170 square feet.

Oceanview: Ocean-view cabins are the same size but allow light to come in through a porthole.

Balcony: Veranda cabins range from the same 170 square feet to 191 square feet. The draw here are the balconies, which measure 38 to 54 square feet and are large enough for two chairs and a small table. Balconies in standard veranda staterooms are furnished with fabric-and-metal chairs and small tables with wooden tops.

Infinity also has 16 "Sweet 16" rooms -- eight port (left) and eight starboard (right) veranda cabins far forward on Deck 6 with balconies that are larger than average but sold at the cheapest Category 2C prices. Ask for cabins 6016, 6018, 6020–6031, 6033 or 6035.

The 12 Family Veranda cabins are 271 square feet with disproportionate 242-square-foot balconies. Sliding doors with translucent windows separate the master bedroom areas from the living areas, where the kiddos can bunk on pull-out couches. The huge balconies each feature two lounge chairs and a table with two chairs.

AquaClass: Infinity's AquaClass cabins are the same size as standard cabins but come with different perks. In-cabin amenities include daily delivery of tea, an upgraded room service menu, pillow menu, extra toiletries (shower gel, lip balm), use of plush bathrobes and slippers, shoeshine service and a Hansgrohe shower panel. Additional services include priority check-in, express luggage delivery and priority disembarkation. Plus, AquaClass cruisers get exclusive spa privileges, such as complimentary passes to the Persian Garden steam and sauna room and a spa concierge who will arrange extra-fee spa treatments and on-demand wellness programming.

AquaClass passengers dine at Blu, an exclusive restaurant featuring "clean cuisine," for breakfast and dinner. While these passengers can choose to have dinner at the Trellis main dining room whenever they want (with the other flexible dining cruisers), they cannot bring non-AquaClass travellers into Blu. (This is a strict policy and worth noting if you're travelling in a group with people booked in a variety of stateroom categories.)

Concierge Class: These cabins, notable primarily for their prime location on the ship such as the back (aft), measure 194 square feet with 54-square-foot balconies. Concierge passengers receive extra perks, including a pillow menu, daily fresh fruit, sparkling wine on embarkation day, hors d'oeuvres every afternoon, use of binoculars, Frette robes, Hansgrohe showerheads, handheld hair dryers, a Celebrity Cruises tote bag and expanded room service menus. Also included are the services of a concierge (who has a desk in the library), priority check-in, use of an exclusive pre-departure lounge with free coffee and juices, express luggage service, priority disembarkation, shoeshine service and main/speciality restaurant seating preference.

Concierge Class and AquaClass balcony furniture has canvas pad covers, and suite passengers get a mix of mesh and wooden furniture.

Suites: Infinity features four basic types of suites. Thirty-two Sky Suites come in at 251 square feet apiece, each with a 57-square-foot balcony. They're essentially just bigger cabins with no separation between living and sleeping areas. Eight Celebrity Suites -- each 467 square feet with an 85-square-foot balcony -- are true suites with separate sleeping, living and dining areas. The eight Royal Suites are each 538 square feet with 195-square-foot balconies. Not only are there separate sleeping, living and dining spaces, but the spacious balconies also feature whirlpools and cushy lounge furniture.

The two Penthouse Suites are each a whopping 1,432 square feet with 1,098-square-foot balconies. In each, you'll find a baby grand piano, butler's pantry, motorized drapes, entertainment centres, complimentary scotch and vodka, a master bath with a whirlpool tub, a second bathroom and another whirlpool, bar and dining table on the balcony.

Stay in any of these suites, and you'll receive butler service; priority check-in, debarkation, tender service, restaurant seating and theatre seating; afternoon canapes and tea service, and daily in-cabin speciality coffee and fresh fruit; one or two complimentary speciality restaurant meals; full breakfast, lunch and dinner service inside the suite; shoeshine service; Bulgari bath amenities (with extra products like shower gel and a nail kit); Hansgrohe showerheads and iPod/iPad docking stations; and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine.

Passengers in the top suites, as well as other VIPs (as chosen by Celebrity's head office), have exclusive access to a VIP lounge in Michael's Club. Tea, coffee and pastries are provided, as well as the services of a concierge. Happy hour, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., offers free drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Of the 26 wheelchair-accessible cabins, five are insides, four are outsides, eight are standard balconies, three are Concierge Class and six are Sky Suites.

*Prices correct at time of publish and maybe subject to change

Best for...

Modern types who prefer a whimsical approach to onboard dining, drinking, décor and entertainment

Not the best for...

Anyone scared off by being trendy; boisterous families; cruisers who want dining variety without paying extra

Who goes on Celebrity Cruises cruise ships?

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.


Do I have to dress up on a Celebrity Cruises cruise?

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.


Is everything included on Celebrity Cruises cruises?

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.


What are Celebrity Cruises's most popular activities?

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.


Prices based on:

Guarantee Inside
Guarantee Inside

  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere king-sized mattress and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag
  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Stateroom number allocated by Celebrity Cruises at any time up to one day prior to embarkation
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Guarantee Oceanview
    Guarantee Oceanview

  • Expansive view of the ocean
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere King-sized mattress and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag
  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Stateroom number allocated by Celebrity Cruises at any time up to one day prior to embarkation
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Guarantee Veranda
    Guarantee Veranda

  • Private veranda opens up with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors to outdoor seating
  • King-sized mattress with Celebrity eXhale® bedding and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Interactive television system
  • Mini-fridge
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping bag
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Stateroom number allocated by Celebrity Cruises at any time up to one day prior to embarkation
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Guarantee Suite
    Guarantee Suite

  • Includes Premium Drinks & Premium Wi-Fi
  • Veranda with lounge seating
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors
  • King-sized mattress (Trundle bed in some suites) with exclusive eXhale® bedding featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customise your night’s sleep
  • Spacious sitting area with sofa and plentiful storage space
  • Daily delivery of afternoon savouries
  • Afternoon tea event hosted in The Retreat Lounge
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Complimentary use of umbrella and binoculars
  • Complimentary shoe shine service
  • Personal Retreat Host
  • Dedicated pre-cruise and onboard Retreat Concierge
  • Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
  • Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights
  • Exclusive access to Luminae at The Retreat
  • Complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Complimentary welcome bottle of sparkling wine
  • Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees
  • Plush bedroom slippers, 100% cotton bathrobes and premium bath amenities
  • Stateroom number allocated by Celebrity Cruises at any time up to one day prior to embarkation
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Book with confidence