Launched in 2001, this cruise liner is the second of Celebrity's Millennium Class ships. The 91,000-ton, 965-ft Infinity, along with sibling Millennium (introduced in 2000), are the first passenger cruise vessels powered by smokeless turbine engines. Sister ships Celebrity Summit and Constellation followed in rapid succession. The pod propulsion at first caused some delays and cancelled cruises, but now this is a less frequent problem. Registered in Malta, the Celebrity Infinity cruises at 24 knots and carries 2,046 passengers double occupancy, along with international officers and a crew of 999.
Celebrity got its start under Chandris family ownership. Then Royal Caribbean took on the line, keeping it separate from its mass-market brand. The first two newly built ships—Horizon and Zenith—have been sold, so now the Century-class trio comprises the smallest and oldest ships in the fleet. But all of them have had a recent refit and are on par with the Millennium-class ships in food and service, if not in size.
The summertime Alaska cruises attract a wide range of ages and some families, as Alaska is increasingly seen as an active destination rather than just a scenic tour. In winter, the much longer cruises through the Panama Canal and to and around South America attract an older crowd. South Americans are drawn to these, and Europeans to the Alaska cruises. Children's facilities are perfectly adequate for the numbers that are normally found aboard, with a separate teens' room, a video arcade and partitioned facilities in the Sea Mates Fun Factory for younger kids divided into three age groups. Bar tables have 15% added, while tipping to the wait and cabin staff may be individually accomplished using envelopes or else put on the running bill.
The summer program sees the Celebrity Infinity based in Seattle for 7-night Inside Passage cruises calling at Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, B.C., plus easing up to Hubbard Glacier. As these cruises are round-trip, fewer passengers elect to take the land extensions than one that embarks or disembarks at an Alaska port. In winter, the ship splits its time between 14- and 15-night trans-Canal trips between California and Fort Lauderdale. At other times, the Infinity makes its way down the west coast of South America to make 14-night cruises between Valparaiso and Buenos Aires, calling at ports in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, plus the Falkland Islands, a British possession. Passage through the Chilean fjords within sight of several glaciers is a highlight.
Celebrity has a long partnership with The Wedding Experience through which it has offered onboard vow renewals at sea and in-port wedding ceremonies. Now that seven of the eight Celebrity ships—and the two Azamara ships—have been re-registered to Malta, the captains have the jurisdiction to perform legal marriages at sea while the cruises are underway.
With an elegant three-level foyer and grand staircase, a sophisticated tone in marble and wood treatments is set the moment one steps aboard. Exterior glass elevators whisk passengers vertically as well as giving them a fast tour through 10 decks. On the highest decks, the outdoor facilities include two outdoor pools, four whirlpools, lots of deck chairs, basketball court, volleyball, golf simulator, shuffleboard and jogging track. The AquaSpa has an indoor thalassotherapy pool placed under a dome that is open to all, plus a wide range or treatment rooms, separate saunas, a steam room, beauty salon and 40 exercise machines. A cafe supplies healthy food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the men mostly, Extreme is a sports bar. The Conservatory, a flower arranging and plant facility, has indoor seating for a quiet retreat or to watch the floral activities. High up and forward the Constellation Lounge provides an observation platform for gazing out to sea and as a nightclub with disco after dark. The big shows take place in the 900-seat Celebrity Theater, scheduled twice to serve first- and second-sitting diners in the main restaurant.
Gambles have the Fortunes casino in which to take a chance, and shoppers have a 14,000-sq-ft line of stores collectively called The Emporium, with name brands available. Moviegoers have a small cinema for films on the big screen. Before dining, Michael's Club, a former cigar bar, now features a smokeless piano bar and lounge. Another trademark location is the Cova Cafe designed after a 19th-century coffee bar next to La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy. Closer to the main restaurant are the Rendezvous Lounge and the Champagne and Martini Bar. The Trellis Restaurant, positioned at the stern on two levels, is entered via a grand staircase where looking aft one sees the wake through tall windows during the day or a decorative screen at night. Traditional two sittings with reserved places at dinner are the norm, while breakfast and lunch are open seating. Celebrity's food is a delight even in such a huge environment, with 1,170 seats mostly at large tables.
For a really special evening meal, the gourmet French restaurant on this ship is dedicated to the SS United States, a U.S. flag liner that until 1969 was the fastest passenger ship in the world. The maritime theme is highlighted by large porthole windows and artifacts from the superliner. As the United States did not have such plush decor, the restaurant on this ship is less glamorous than on the other Millennium-class vessels. But that does not take away from the fine four-course meal with some menu items borrowed from the first-class dining room on the original ship. There is an extra charge and passengers are expected to dress up. Those who like a casual atmosphere even at dinner can dine in the tablecloth section of the Ocean View Cafe, where the wait staff serves part of the meal and the buffet supplies the rest. Some nights have themes such as French or Italian, and reservations are required. The cafe and grill dispenses fresh pasta and pizza, hot dishes, salads, hamburgers and hot dogs.
Of the ship's 975 staterooms, 780 are outside, 26 are wheelchair-accessible, and 590 add balconies. Inside cabins number 195 and the smallest are 165 sq ft. All have phones with voice mail, interactive TVs for films, booking shore excursions, shopping and even gambling. Stocked minibars (with a charge), safes and hair dryers are in all. The Infinity offers Internet access for a price in all staterooms and suites. While there are 20 price categories, the accommodations are generally divided into suites, Concierge Class and standard. The relatively new middle class offers additional cabin amenities, fresh fruit, priority boarding of the ship and tenders, and services for booking spa appointments and restaurant tables. The ultimate onboard? The Penthouse Suite with its veranda whirlpool, baby grand piano and round-the-clock butler. The square footage is an amazing 2,530 sq ft, not counting the 1,098 sq-ft balcony with views over the stern and either to the port or starboard side.
With a sophisticated yet informal style, polished service and fine cuisine, this ship and her siblings are amongst the very best in her grade. Close competitors are the smaller Oceania ships, and Holland America and Crystal.
