Before Celebrity Cruises was bought by Royal Caribbean, Chandris Cruises created it as an upscale line distinctive from the old Chandris Cruises that then became Chandris Fantasy Cruises to distinguish it from the new Celebrity Line. While the first Celebrity ship under Chandris was a second hand rebuild, the line from then on built new ships – Horizon and Zenith - with a high standard of construction and attention to detail in design and décor. Chandris had difficulty getting the higher fares to pay for these quality-built ships and the company sold out to Royal Caribbean. The distinctive reputation of Celebrity has since varied but more recently the line has regained its original luster of offering a higher standard of food and service and a sophisticated onboard atmosphere in attractive surroundings.
Fleet
The 2,200-passenger Century class moved another step upbeginning in 1995 and in 2000, the 2,450-berth Millennium-class broke newground with fabulous new dining spaces. The newest ships continue to grow insize by leaps and bounds. With the Horizon and Zenith transferred tosubsidiaries, the oldest ships date from the mid-1990s.
Itineraries
With an ever larger fleet, Celebrity ships offer morefar-ranging itineraries beyond North America to South America and Europe.
Dining and Decor
The line is known for its food, and most reviews show it tobe several notches above the mass market ships, while the extra tariffrestaurants are truly special. The interiors are notable for the attractivedécor and high-quality materials.
Programs
The line provides enrichment and special interest lectures,especially when cruising to more exotic regions.
Onboard Experience
Celebrity offers typical big-ship amenities with addedsophistication.
Competitors
Celebrity is in the premium category along with Holland America and a few notches below Crystal Cruises in accommodations and less so withthe food. In 2004, a new division, Celebrity Xpedition started with anexpedition cruise ship in the Galapagos and looked to expand with the additionof two former 688-passenger Renaissance ships but in 2007 the pair has now comeunder a new brand called Azamara Cruises.
