From October 2014, Celebrity Century will join Celebrity Solstice to be based in Sydney for the summer, but unlike Australia’s other local fleets (such as P&O and Carnival), these two Celebrity Cruises ships are quite different. Can’t decide between them? Here’s our handy list of features to compare…
FEATURES IN COMMON:
Two-storey main restaurant
Beverage packages available
Specialty dining packages available
One staff member for every two to three guests
Nightly shows in the theatres
Celebrity Life lectures, classes and tastings
Day spa and Persian Garden relaxation room (extra cost)
Beauty salon, hairdresser and barber
Gym and fitness classes (some with extra cost)
Duty-free shopping
Casino
Youth programs in kids and teen clubs: Toddler Time (under-3 with parents); Shipmates (ages 3-5); Cadets (ages 6-8); Ensigns: ages 9-11; X Club for teens
CRUISEY LOUISEY’S VERDICT: Don’t worry about it being Century’s final season before leaving the Celebrity fleet – the ship is in top shape. As hard as I look, I can’t find any signs of wear and tear, so they certainly haven’t let her go before letting her go! I’m a big fan of Solstice’s sleek design, poolside cabanas, Lawn Club and the Blu and Tuscan Grille restaurants. I also love the cocktail-making performances of the incredible bartenders at the martini bar – more entertaining than a lot of cruise ships’ official entertainment. On the other hand, I personally prefer a smaller ship, so Century wins on that front, and our dinner in Murano was faultless. (The martini bartender also had a few cool tricks last night.) Tomorrow I’ll bring you a more detailed review with photos.
Louise Goldsbury
Editor, Cruise Weekly
For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com.au