The arrival of Celebrity Century in Oct will see Australia’s two highest rated ships cruising the South Pacific but offering quite different experiences.
The mid-size Century (1,814-pax, 71,545 tonnes) is much smaller than Solstice (2,850-pax, 122,000 tonnes) and will sail only to the Pacific islands, including Fiji, leaving New Zealand itineraries to its fleetmate.
But the decision to deploy an older ship on its final season for the Celebrity Cruises fleet will not lessen the quality of experience, according to Adam Armstrong, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines regional head of marketing.
“A great deal of planning goes into the decisions we make regarding the ships we bring to our market – we consider many factors including our guests’ input, ship size and itinerary mix,” he told Cruise Weekly.
“Another Solstice class ship was not available, yet we are excited about adding Celebrity Century and we are confident that she will be a popular option with Australian and international guests.”
Past passengers of Solstice will find the same standard of service and product on Century, Armstrong added.
“For example, Celebrity Century has the same amazing food in the grand two-storey main restaurant, an extensive wine collection, a generous ratio of one member of staff for every two to three guests, world-class entertainment, Celebrity Life Activities and Canyon Ranch SpaClub facilities.”
Century also has an ice-topped Martini Bar, a dedicated cinema and three specialty dining options including Murano (French cuisine).
“She is ideal for those looking for a smaller, more intimate cruise experience, such as first-time cruisers and families,” Armstrong said.
Celebrity Century returns to Australia in Oct 2014 to operate a season of South Pacific cruises ranging from 8 to 12 nights, plus one 14-night cruise via Cairns and the Whitsundays.
For a comparison of its features compared to Celebrity Solstice, CLICK HERE.