|
OVERVIEW On October 5th 2005, I had the pleasure of
boarding Celebrity Cruise’s Constellation. At 91,000 tons, 964 feet long
and 105 feet wide, she is packed with everything a world travel could ever
need. Based on discussions with past passengers and reviews in other
travel publications, I had heard a lot of positive press about this ship
and was looking forward to seeing her for myself. The ship truly did live
up to its reputation.
AMENITIES/PUBLIC SPACES
Upon boarding the Constellation, I was immediately directed to the
Passenger Relations Desk located on Plaza Deck. The desk happens to be
located in the ship’s main atrium, The Grand Foyer, which features a
simple, elegant elongated staircase. The Atrium opens up for three deck
and each level has its own curved balcony overlooking the staircase and
lobby below. The grand staircase has ivory colored glass steps and backs –
ideal for taking that cherished cruise photo.
This ship has an excellent layout and each public room flows gracefully
into the next. The decor of each room complements the next making the ship
feel very harmonious. There is one exception to this harmony that I will
cover later.
On the Promenade Deck is the Rendez-Vous Lounge. This large lounge
spans the width of the ship and is decorated with striped chairs, and has
a large, wooden dance floor for your dancing pleasure.
Moving further forward is the beautiful Fortunes Casino. This large
casino, which spans the full width of the ship, is impressively decorated.
The color scheme is very pleasing incorporating brass, silver and flashy
lighting. The floor is covered with a colorful, blue rug decorated with a
sea life print. Within the casino you can find the usual table games, slot
machines and other games of chance. There is a very nice semi-circular bar
inside the casino. I was very impressed with the refined elegance of the
casino.
Michael’s Club is a lounge which has the feel of an Italian country
manor. The walls are paneled in deep, rich wood tone. The main focal piece
of the room is the fireplace with sofas, end tables and lamps surrounding
it. Located elsewhere in the room are added tables, a bar and a dance
floor.
The main show room aboard the Constellation is the Celebrity Theatre
which spans three decks. The room, which has a stadium feel, provides
guests with unobstructed views of the stage. Unlike other large show rooms
aboard ships, instead of individual seats, the seating is primarily long
bench like sofas allowing passengers some added room if the theater is not
full.
Lining each side of a portion of the Entertainment Deck is the Martini
and Champagne Bars. The two large bars are connected and open into each
other allowing passengers to easy access to both. The décor is very simple
with neutral color chairs and tables. The bars are decorated with large
liquor bottles. The center of the room has a balcony that overlooks the
Rendez-Vous Lounge on the deck below.
For the specialty coffee/Espresso lovers, there is the Cova Café Milano.
This warm, inviting space has not only coffee but also fancy chocolates
and homemade pastries. The pastry counter was so enticing that I had to
stop and take a look.
The Constellation has one of the largest shopping areas I have seen
aboard a ship. The shopping area, referred to as the Emporium is like a
modest size, ocean-going mall. Stores include liquor, jewelry, souvenir
and electronics just to name a few. These stores are in addition to the
art gallery, flower shop (which is located adjacent to the Conservatory)
and photo shop.
Located above the bridge of the ship is the Bar at the Edge of the
Earth Lounge. This Lounge was used for the Cirque Du Soleil performances.
(The performances have since been moved to another location). This room
definitely does not fit in with the rest of the décor. This lounge is
decorated in an underwater theme. The columns in the room are wrapped in
white cloth with seahorses and a number of odd seating arrangements which
look like beds. The ship has an overall classy and sophisticated feel and
this lounge does not fit in with the rest of the décor.
The pool area on the ship is very attractive and the rectangular pool
is a nice size. Adjacent to the pool area is a bar to quench your thirst
on a hot day. Further forward is the glass enclosed AquaSpa. Here you will
find a therapeutic pool with hot tubs and lounging areas. Adjacent to the
Spa is the Spa Café.
The Constellation has extensive spa treatments available at an
additional charge. Treatments include: Message, Aroma Therapy, Aroma Stone
Therapy, Cleopatra Milk Bath, Mud Bath, Alpha Relaxation Capsule, facials
and detoxification processes to name a few. These treatments are available
in addition to the fitness classes, Yoga and aerobic classes.
For those wishing to exercise on your own, there is a full gym with
treadmills, exercise bikes and weight machines. The ship has a personal
trainer who facilitates the exercise classes, but at an additional charge,
can be your personal trainer for the day or entire cruise. Located in back
of the ship’s funnel, on sports deck, is a full basketball court. Also
onboard is a putting green, jogging track and golf simulator.
There is even a hair and nail salon so you can look your best for a
night on the town.
DINING
The Constellation has a number of dining establishments. The main
dining venue is the two level, San Marco restaurant. This restaurant is
very impressive with its colorful decoration, regal two sided curved grand
staircase. The restaurant is located at the stern of the ship and the
entire rear facing wall is covered with floor-to-ceiling windows. I was
very impressed with the grandeur of this room and the colors chosen.
Onboard the Constellation is the Ocean Liners Restaurant. This dark,
rich wood paneled dining room features Mediterranean Cuisine (primarily
French). The walls of the dining room are decorated with oil paintings of
various ocean liners from the past. In the lobby of the Ocean Liners
Restaurant are original wall panels from the classic ocean liner Ide de
France. There is an additional coverage of $30 per person, per night, to
dine in this wonderful restaurant.
Up on the Resort deck is the Seaside Café, where you can enjoy a
delicious lunch buffet. Here you can choose from such delicacies as Turkey
in Pear sauce and cranberries, Filet of Sole in a butter sauce or freshly
carved roast beef. For a simpler meal, there is Pizza made to order and an
Ice Cream bar. This area is very pleasant with large windows that provide
impressive views of the sea. Further back on this deck is the Seaside
Grill and Bar which has outdoor seating at the stern of the ship - ideal
for a beautiful day.
Next to the pool is an open grill where hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken
and french fries are made to order.
While on board the Constellation, I sampled the Turkey and Cod
mentioned above. I found the food to be very tasty and the presentation
was excellent. I also sampled the pizza and dessert and found them to be
delicious as well.
I obtained a copy of the dining room's luncheon menu which included
fresh soup, Caesar or house salads and a choice of Spaghetti Alla
Napolitana (pasta with sundried tomato, oregano and Basil Sauce), broiled
fillet of salmon, southwestern style grilled spare ribs, half roast
chicken or pepper steak sirloin. For dessert the choices are cheesecake
with red berry sauce, or chocolate mousse cake.
Room service is available 24-hour a day.
ACCOMODATIONS
The Constellation has inside, outside, balcony and suite
accommodations. The room layouts are efficient and make use of warm tones
and light wood furnishings. In the standard cabins, wall covering are
light with colorful bed and window dressings. This color scheme gives the
cabins a spacious feel. Each cabin is air-conditioned with individual
thermostats, telephone and TV. The bathroom facilities are consistent with
what is found aboard a modern ship – vanity with sink, shower and toilet.
Standard cabins measure between 170 – 191 Sq. feet.
One interesting aspect of the decor and exterior design of the
Constellation is the use of circles. Most of the portholes, separation
walls and decorative stairwells are circular.
The Constellation has extensive conference facilities for those looking
to mix business and pleasure as well as an internet cafe and computer
classes.
While on board, I was able to visit the Royal Suite. Measuring some 538
Sq. feet, the suite is decorated in warm, rich wood tones. The cabin has a
living room area, separate seating area, bedroom, full bath with tub and
oversized veranda. Although pricey, I was very impressed with the
accommodations.
Overall the accommodations on board the Constellation are modern, clean
and very functional.
ENTERTAINMENT
While on-board the Constellation I was not able to experience any of
the entertainment first hand. Based on prior experience and trade
publications, cruise passengers can expect various high quality
entertainment including Broadway style reviews, dancers, comedians, live
bands, pianists and on occasion, magicians.
In addition Celebrity Cruises offers an excusive Cirque du Soleil
review.
Constellation’s entertainment program can be expected to be top notch
and enjoyable to most cruise passengers.
KIDS PROGRAM
The Constellation has an extensive children’s program. The program is
normally divided into 4 groups - Shipmates (ages 3-6), Cadets (ages 7-9),
Ensigns (ages 10-12) and Admiral “T”s (ages 13-17). A large amount of
space is dedicated to the children’s program and children’s activities.
There are separate rooms for each age group and separate agenda to keep
the children busy. For the younger children, there are arts and crafts,
face paintings, movies and pizza parties. For the teenagers, there is a
teen disco (called the Tower), video games, movies, scavenger hunt and
other social events.
For the 3 -12 year olds, there is the Celebrity Science Journeys
designed to teach children about their surroundings including
“Earthworks”, biomes, pollination, the solar systems and about weather
patterns. These special programs are age appropriate and last between 30
minutes and 1 hour.
For this particular New England Canada sailing, the age groups were
combined due to the limited number of youngsters on board. This particular
cruise had 16 children. This was primarily due to school being in session
and the itinerary – New England Canada sailings tend to attract a more
seasoned traveler. The children were combined into 2 groups - ages 3-9 and
ages 10-17. More children can usually be found on-board the Constellation
when school is out of session or on Caribbean sailings.
Outside of the kid’s program, on the back deck of the ship, is a small
kiddie pool to keep the younger guests busy, a ball pit for them to jump
around in and a large twisty slide to help children burn-up excess energy.
There is a separate game room for those wishing to spend some family time
indulging in a board game and there is even a video arcade. These are all
in addition to the other sporting activities and deck games that are
available.
Celebrity offers an extensive children program and definitively
provides enough activities to keep younger ones very busy. Again it should
be noted that the number of children on board can fluctuate greatly
depending on the time of the year and the itinerary.
ITINERARY
The Constellation will sail to New England/Canada until mid October
2005. She will then sail two – 12 Day Caribbean cruises from Cape Liberty
(Bayonne). In November, the Constellation repositions to San Juan Puerto
Rico for a series of 7-day Southern Caribbean cruises thru March 2006. In
March 2006, she heads back to Cape Liberty for more 12 Day cruises to the
Caribbean. At the end of April, the Constellation will sail on an 8-Night
Transatlantic Cruise to Dover, England. Thru early September, she will
cruise throughout Northern Europe before heading back to Cape Liberty
(Bayonne) for a series of 11-Night New England Canada cruises followed by
two – 11 Day Western Caribbean Cruises.
SYNOPSIS
I was very impressed with the Constellation. The ship has a very
pleasing ambiance and a floor plan which is easy to navigate. The ship is
very bright and inviting while still preserving a feeling of
sophistication. The public rooms are bright and warm, utilizing cool wood
tones and color. The main atrium is very impressive with its long
traditional staircase (reminiscent of ships of days gone by). The atrium
is one of the most sophisticated, unique and impressive atriums I have
seen aboard a ship. The San Marco Restaurant is unbelievable. The size of
the room and the twin, arched entry staircases and massive windows facing
the sea, add to the magnificence of the room. The Celebrity Theatre,
although large, is unique with its large sofa type seating. The ship even
has a dedicated Cinema – a feature that has been eliminated on many other
ships.
The quality of the food is very good and the service I found to be very
attentive. No matter who I met on the ship, I was greeted with a smile and
“Hello Sir”. At the buffet waiters were helping select guests to their
seats with their food trays, while others were serving food.
The deck spaces and pool areas are very well organized. The glass
enclosed AquaSpa Pool is an excellent area to explore on a day when the
weather doesn't cooperate. The outdoor pools and Jacuzzis are very
inviting and a great escape from the afternoon heat or an ideal place to
splash after a day ashore. The Spa program (available at an extra cost) is
extensive with many different types of treatments and treatment rooms. The
gym on board is large with various types of exercise equipment.
The Constellation's itineraries are unique and appeal to a more
seasoned traveler. Her accommodations are very pleasing and very
functional. She has inside, outside, balcony and suites available.
The Constellation is registered in the Bahamas.
|
