Celebrity Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruise Lines began operations in 1990 when Chandris created a division to compete in the middle to upscale cruise market separate from its entry in the budget cruise market which operates at Fantasy Cruise Lines. The three cruise vessels operated by Celebrity Cruise Lines are the Meridian, the Horizon, and the Zenith. The Meridian was formerly the Galileo until it was rebuilt, lengthened, redesigned, and refurbished in 1989. Horizon was built in 1990 and Zenith entered service in 1992. Celebrity Cruise Lines and Fantasy Cruise Lines market themselves separately. In three consecutive years from 1995, 1996, and 1997 Celebrity Cruise Lines introduced high-tech innovative 70,000 ton vessels called Century, Galaxy, and Mercury. Meridian was sold in 1997. Also in 1997 Royal Caribbean Cruise acquired Celebrity and now operates Celebrity Cruises as a separate brand. The Horizon and Zenith were upscale in the 1990s but they've both since been updated for the 21st century. As a result of careful design in the public areas, the Horizon and Zenith can each comfortably carry 1,300 passengers without feeling crowded. The staterooms are considered some of the roomiest available in the middle to upscale market. Each stateroom is very similar in terms of size, layout, and amenities. Each stateroom has either two twin beds or one double bed, ample closet and dresser space, a three-channel radio, an interactive television with closet and dresser space, a three-channel radio, an interactive television with remote control, telephones with ship-to-shore capacities, electronic safes, dressing tables, and comfortable bathrooms with plush bathrobes and hair dryers. The regular suites have a small sitting area, mini-bars, butler service, and a few additional features but all in all they're not a whole lot bigger than the average staterooms. Those requiring a suite will prefer the 340 square feet Presidential Suites on the Horizon or the 500 square feet Royal suites on Zenith. These suites include separate sitting rooms, walk-in closets, numerous additional amenities, and marble baths with whirlpool jets in the tubs. You'll find the AquaSpa facility on the top of the ships complete with a beauty salon, treatment rooms, fitness area, and changing rooms with steam and sauna for men and women. The saunas, jogging tracks, and an upper level of deck chairs overlook the pool. The next deck below features two swimming pools surrounded by lounge chairs, a bar, and a music bandstand, as well as a lido restaurant, outdoor grill, and panoramic observation lounge. Casual alternative dinners are offered on top of the ship in the lido restaurants. The high ratio of staff to passengers (1:2) make the cruise more enjoyable. Service in the dining room, staterooms, and various lounges is the best in the premium market and among the best in the industry, and the ships carry a large number of social and entertainment staff. The diversity and presentation of food offerings at all meals as well as buffets are amazing as is the entertainment. |
