Celebrity's "New" Century
Sails Into the Millennium
by Linda Coffman
Miami, Nov. 2006 — Gone are the banks of Sony televisions that appeared somewhat techno-futuristic in 1995 when Century entered the Celebrity fleet. Also missing is the spa's thallasotherapy pool. In their place, Celebrity's Century has a cleaner, sleeker, more refined appearance since her recent revitalization.
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ConciergeClass Stateroom
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Cabins with Class
One of the most popular amenities on today's ships is balcony accommodations and Century, with only 49, was woefully behind the times. No more! In just five weeks, a whopping 314 balconies were added—a record for an existing cruise ship—along with the addition of ten new staterooms (from inside to verandah categories) and fourteen new suites.
More staterooms were added to the ConciergeClass category and all accommodations feature Celebrity's new bedding program with premium mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, comfy duvets, and a plethora of pillows. All have spiffy flat-screen televisions, silky drapes, and wireless Internet access. New bathroom vanities are topped with chic basin-style sinks and the curved shower rods insure that you won't be dancing with a clinging curtain. Balcony dining is a treat with a proper height table and chairs.
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Murano
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Delightful Dining Options
The brand new "Murano" specialty restaurant is literally a gem at the heart of Century. The artistry of renowned chef Michel Roux is front and center, carried out by Celebrity's chefs in the galley and tableside. Roux has created a Menu Exceptionnel, a six-course dégustation of his signature dishes which you can choose (for an additional cover charge of $100) or you may select a four course meal from the à la carte menu ($30 cover charge). Beneath the glow of exquisite Murano glass chandeliers handcrafted in Venice, and with a harpist playing softly in the background, it's a dining experience in the style of Celebrity's Millennium-class vessels and one you'll long remember.
Nestled in an alcove adjacent to the AquaSpa is another new dining venue, the AquaSpa Café where the emphasis is on light and healthy dishes. A pre-dinner favorite is the Sushi Café, located in the aft section of the Casual Dining Boulevard (buffet restaurant), reflecting an Asian decor. "Casual" is the operative word for Island Café, a portion of the buffet restaurant open for dinner. Reservations are recommended, as is a $2 per person gratuity. While the dress code for dinner there is casual, the suggested evening dress code prevails in all other areas of the ship, so plan accordingly.
Putting the Aqua Back in AquaSpa
Just as some passengers may bemoan the missing thallasotherapy pool—as Celebrity's President Dan Hanrahan explains, they are maintenance headaches—others will welcome the addition of the Persian Garden with its Turkish steam room, infrared and Finnish saunas, trio of tropical showers, and serene relaxation area. The cost for a day of bliss is a mere $15.
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Icy Martini Bar-top
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A Really ICY Bar
Crisp and cool, the stark white and stainless steel decor of Century's Martini Bar heats up with ever-changing colored lights. The bar itself freezes to an ice cold surface, but you won't need a parka to partake in one of the three dozen or so signature Martinis on the menu. It's such a hot spot that they could have doubled the size. The white leather and faux-fur seats are the most sought-after on board.
Another welcome addition is the aft-facing Sunset Bar beneath a sail-type canopy where tapas and appetizers are available with cocktails at sunset (naturally).
"X-Club" Youth Programs
Young passengers haven't been overlooked in the rejuvenation process on Century. A spiffy and sophisticated "X-Treme" teenage lounge and adjacent video arcade is now located alongside the Hemisphere Lounge and shares some of its great sea views.
To enhance their programs for younger children, Celebrity has partnered with LeapFrog SchoolHouse™ to provide engaging learning tools that are also fun. In addition to making a variety of their popular products available onboard, LeapFrog SchoolHouse has worked with Celebrity in the creation of six exclusive educational modules for children ages 3 through 9.
What Hasn't Changed
With "new" areas and amenities blending seamlessly into existing spaces, Century preserves the signature features Celebrity passengers have come to expect. Michael's Club retains its cozy club-like atmosphere, Cova Café is the place to see and be seen over a cup of coffee or tea, and the Grand Restaurant still has one of the grandest staircases at sea.
Her rich woods gleam and she sparkles throughout. Century is certainly ready for her close-up... which will be seen in a new Travel Channel cruising program set to air in spring 2007.
Century is the only premium cruise ship offering four- and five-night Caribbean cruises from the Port of Miami, the cruise capital of the world.
Photos © Linda Coffman
Murano Restaurant © Celebrity Cruises
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