As cruise ships get bigger and bolder with the innovative facilities they offer on board, the variety of accommodation types has broadened too.
Long gone are the days of viewing the whole world on the horizon from the observation deck, only to retire to a cabin the size of a shoe box with no view in sight.
On many cruise lines, cabins have been replaced by Staterooms with luxury toiletries, pillow menus and walk-in wardrobes as standard. Most now also offer butler service, infinity balconies and full-size bath tubs, as well as a range of other benefits for guests upgrading to the higher Stateroom categories.
Booking a suite was once how the other half lived, but not anymore.
Celebrity Cruises is just one cruise line whose range of accommodation is making suite class cruising more accessible to all. Yes, they offer the entry level inside cabins, but fewer on each new ship built or old ships being refurbished, and Ocean View and Balcony Staterooms are the norm, with 75% of all accommodation across the fleet now coming with a private veranda.
If you’re looking to upgrade on your next cruise, here’s the lowdown on what Celebrity has to offer:
Concierge Class – Although cabin sizes are similar to Ocean View and Balcony Staterooms, you’ll get a more personal service with priority check-in, exclusive pre-departure lounge and a dedicated concierge both at the pier and onboard, who can book your tours and arrange dining reservations.
Every Concierge Class guest is welcomed to their Stateroom with sparkling wine and a daily treat, invited to a welcome lunch and benefit from preferred seating times for dining as well as nightly turn-down pillow treats throughout their cruise.
AquaClass – For the spa enthusiast amongst us, AquaClass staterooms offer a next-level wellness experience. You’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite with a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass and preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages. daily in room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options and a yoga mat for use on board. At your exclusive restaurant Blu you can sample flavours from a menu that features clean, crisp flavours and inventive cuisine accompanied by an extensive list of sustainable, biodynamic wines. Breakfast room-service menu available along with, on request, welcome bottle of sparkling wine. AquaClass is great value for money and a good stepping stone to The Retreat categories.
The Retreat – For those looking to splash out there’s now ten suites to choose from within the Celebrity fleet.
As well as priority check-in, departure and port tendering/boarding*, pre-cruise and onboard concierge, dedicated attendants and butlers and reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights, The Retreat guest also receives various other benefits with the ship’s compliments:
- Choose to dine in Luminae Restaurant (exclusive to The Retreat), main restaurant or in your suite
- Complimentary dining in your suite for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Exclusive Sundeck and Lounge
- Premium drinks throughout the ship
- Preferred seating in speciality restaurants for select suites
- Premium Wi-Fi
- Welcome bottle of champagne or sparkling wine, fresh fruit (on request)
- Complimentary in-suite specialty coffee
- Celebrity’s eXhale bedding
- Premium bathroom amenities, slippers and bathrobes
*Priority tendering/boarding not available in some ports.
Here’s your Suite Class breakdown:
Sky Suites
Celebrity Suites
Royal Suites
Penthouse Suites
AquaSky
Horizon
Signature Suites – Celebrity Reflection only
Reflection Suites – Celebrity Reflection only
Edge Villas – Celebrity Edge only
Iconic Suites – Celebrity Edge only
*Not available on all ships
If you’re looking for an unashamedly indulgent cruise experience, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Celebrity. It’s also always worth looking out for current promotions which often offer Classic Drinks packages, onboard credits or 2 for 1 pricing from Ocean View Staterooms upwards.
For more information about Celebrity’s The Retreat speak to one of our personal travel experts on 0191 285 9321, email cruise@travelb.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form.