Upon entering the Grand Foyer of the Constellation, I immediately appreciated I was in for the time of my life. This ship is very special and boasts an extraordinary first impression! YES, of course, there are countless ships in the sea. Regardless, the Celebrity Cruises, and the Constellation in particular, are the crème de la crème! Constellations are more than a belief made up of mythological objects, groups of visible stars, and legends. As for this Constellation, it is an enchanting time-out vacation that dreams are made of.
To be perfectly honest, I have sailed on countless ships. However, this ship is so unique on so many levels. For example, the entire Constellation staff from the stateroom attendants to the restaurant’s personnel, to the Hotel Director Paul Cernat, and the Cruise Director, are undoubtedly the finest on the seas. They were all so eager to please each and every guest on board. Their goal is for every passenger to experience the best, most amazing trip of their lives. It is obvious how much the crew on board cares and strives to make everything perfect, memorable, and extraordinary. I quickly realized that the staff, as well as all the officers including, El Capitan, were always there to greet their guests with a warm and friendly smile. I also noticed the entire staff went above and beyond to accommodate and please each passenger. I extend my huge appreciation to Alexia, the front desk manager, for not only tending to my every need, but to every guest on the ship. I also want to send a colossal bravo to the stellar and professional Guest Relations Director, Princess Mpofu. She is incredible and never stops her goals for perfection, and wholeheartedly endeavors that all the guests on board are taken care of and totally happy.
While sailing on the Celebrity Constellation, you will rapidly discover that you are enjoying one of the most special holidays of your lifetime. As if by magic, you will feel the supreme luxury and extravagance like you’ve never experienced before. I loved that the ship’s size brought a warm & friendly atmosphere. If you are looking for (take in a big breath) value, quality food, great and friendly all-around service, a lovely ambiance, intimacy, wonderful entertainment, great daily programs, excellent ports, alternative restaurants, dancing, an amazing spa, being doted on, ultimate lavishness, plus gambling to your heart’s content, well, then you have found your dream ship in the Constellation!
Don’t miss out on one of the most blissful moments on the ship…
The stunning sunsets will imprint in your mind forever. Relax on the deck or on your veranda with a glass of wine and gaze at the awe-inspiring visions of the dazzling sea as the sun sets down to greet the night. This is where you will find pure serenity.
STATEROOMS
Regardless of which stateroom you choose, you will be most comfortable, feel totally pampered by the staff, and treasure your journey at sea. With the widest range of staterooms in the Celebrity fleet and world-class amenities, the Constellation guests will assuredly relax and unwind in the beautifully appointed and stylish accommodations.
The Concierge Class: has added amenities for concierge passengers. These include a bottle of welcome bubbly, a pillow menu, daily canapés, and nicer balcony furniture. Passengers can also indulge in the exclusive lounge with free coffee, pastries, and juices.
The AquaClass: This class includes private cuisine dining at Blu. Here guests enjoy a private veranda, special bedding, premium bath amenities, plus, unlimited access to the SEA thermal Suite or the Persian Garden and personal spa concierge. So lovely!
The Retreat: This is an awesome luxurious suite experience. The posh retreat offers a star-worthy opulence featuring private restaurant dining and a 24/7 lounge. Amazing!
The Verandas on Edge: A unique spectacular vacation that takes your room right to the water’s edge. You will love the open-air access to the sea with a touch of a button. How cool is that! The latest technology brings the ability to modify almost every comfort feature in your stateroom, suite, or villa. It features larger living areas, bigger bathrooms, and a king-size bed in 99% of the rooms. The Celebrity’s eXhale bedding with the Cashmere Mattress is so amazing you’ll want to bring it home. And you can!
There are 178 options for connecting staterooms which is great for families and friends traveling together in extravagance. Each stateroom is a fabulous masterpiece that brings guests a comfy home away from home. Trust me, you won’t want to return home.
The Celebrity Suites: Here the lucky passengers will be pampered and spoiled by the service of a butler, who can pack, unpack, set up in-cabin meals, and make other onboard arrangements. Other suite extras include complimentary dinners at specialty restaurants, priority check-in, in-suite meals, complimentary espresso, and evening hors d’oeuvres. These suites offer a bedroom separated from the living area, which contains a sitting area with a stuffed chair, a couch, and a dining table with 4 chairs. Passengers will love and luxuriate in the spacious 85-foot balconies. However, Celebrity Suites 6104 and 6106 do not have verandahs, offering floor-to-ceiling windows instead. Still a win-win!
The Sky Suites: are comparable to the Concierge class cabins only larger.
The Royal Suites: have added space and feature whirlpool tubs on the verandahs. If that isn’t grand enough, there is a pair of 1,432-square-foot Penthouse Suites with massive, 1,098-square-foot balconies. These suites also feature a baby grand piano. I mean, come on! Celebrity thinks of everything. Maybe the butler can play piano!
The Penthouse Suite: Is the top of the suite category. There are 2 Penthouse Suites with massive footage and balconies. These suites also feature a baby grand piano. Perhaps Lang Lang, the world’s greatest pianist would agree to travel along with you? Why not? For sure, it doesn’t get any better than a penthouse suite on the Constellation!
The Veranda Staterooms: Guests will relish the outdoor space to admire the stunning, ocean views. My stateroom steward, Bhavesh, from South Africa, was so incredible, caring, and professional. I never had to ask for a thing. He knew all my needs, day one. I wish I could’ve taken him home with me. Thank you, Bhavesh for all you did!
The Family Veranda cabins: Inside these cabins, there’s a partition separating the master bedroom from the lounge and the sleeping area for the kids. I was advised they are in short supply and sell out early. So as not to be disappointed, do get on that quickly!
The Ocean View Staterooms: These staterooms have large windows so you will be able to see the lovely ocean views. You’ll also receive wonderful amenities.
The Inside Staterooms: These rooms provide a unique, cozy, private haven at sea, and they also come with awesome amenities to experience a wonderful and posh cruise.
The Single Staterooms: This is so cool for the solo cruiser who simply loves to see and travel the world privately on their own. Not all ships provide this option! Amazing!
Note: There are 26 wheelchair-accessible cabins, including inside, ocean view, balcony, Concierge Class and Sky Suites. That’s how much this cruise line cares about your needs.
Celebrity Constellation Endless Entertainment & Activities…
SHOWS ~ DANCING ~ GAMBLING ~ And Daily PROGRAMS…
There is one thing for certain, you’ll never be bored on the Constellation. With all the great shopping at the awesome boutiques and all the cool things to buy, I was in ship shop heaven. I had so much fun. Perhaps, a bit too much, in fact! It was hard to say no to the marvelous selections, that you too, will “Simply have to have!” Men, it’s a girl thing!
Whether on board for romance, friendship, a reunion, or family bonding time, you will discover excitement, fun, and entertaining activities, including cooking classes, recreational games, like archery, Silent Disco, STEM, and theatrical events.
The ship’s Cinema is a cozy place to watch movies and perfect for business conférences. The Constellations modern Celebrity Theater has 900 seats. Here is where you can expect the most thrilling entertainment. The 2-tiered auditorium with its 3-decks is the place where amazing song-and-dance revues and shows are performed most nights. The performances emphasize Broadway, popular music, and headliners such as singers, comedians, and musical acts. I was literally over the moon with the ship’s incredible entertainment experience. To be frank, I was blown away, and I am a journalist who has been there and done that. I can also state that the Constellation’s on-board performers are brilliant, talented, and top-notch. The extravaganza shows, staging, productions, and costumes are stellar. The wide-ranging compilation of global music includes Italian opera, African music, and sexy edgy adult shows that features Cirque-style acrobatics, aerial art, & the electrifying story-themed show, Land of Make Believe.
Let’s not forget the talented house bands that perform with all their hearts to entertain and razzle-dazzle the guests on board. The performers at the Rendezvous Lounge specialize in 40s & 50s jazz standards, pop songs, swing, and classics for dancing. Reflections, becomes a late-night disco if you’re game. I am totally proud to say, I was game all night long! Which brought to my cruise so many memorable nights.
BTW~ Don’t miss the PARK WEST ART AUCTIONS!
Enjoy the Mediterranean or Caribbean with Constellation’s itineraries.
Think about the wonderful adventures you will have sailing on the ship’s winter cruises around the Caribbean and the spring sailings in the Mediterranean to some of the world’s most desired destinations. You may also choose to sail and marvel at the Panama Canal, the seaside towns in Costa Rica, and Colombia along the way. Have a blast, Island hopping around the Caribbean. Don’t forget to indulge in some of the amazing fresh seafood, and the unrivaled snorkeling in the bright turquoise-hued ocean. Celebrity Constellation’s itineraries go to the much-loved ports in Europe, like Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Spain’s Barcelona. Or journey to the gorgeous jewels of Croatia and Montenegro. Wherever you choose to cruise, know that you will travel in wonderful accommodations, experience the tastes of brilliant dining, and of course, the extraordinary service on board.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
I strongly suggest that you book your shore excursions and other packages in advance and take advantage of the discounts. If your Celebrity Cruise happens to visit St. Thomas, then book the Paradise Point SKYRIDE to see the breathtakingly spectacular views of the Island. And while you are up at the top, splurge on one of their famous frozen drinks.
THE MARVELOUS CONSTELLATION RESTAURANTS
The food and restaurants on the Constellation are amazing. All the dining options are so spectacular, that it is recognized by the most spoiled foodies and food critics. The options include distinctive restaurants with menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs and an award-winning wine collection. You are in for a rare, gourmet dining food extravaganza.
Chef’s Table
French Chef and renowned restaurateur Daniel Boulud, now the Global Culinary Brand Ambassador for the Celebrity Cruises, has designed a sumptuous five-course dining experience. The Chef’s Table follows a tour of the galley, and each course designed to Chef Boulud’s specifications is paired with a perfect wine. The Chef’s Table is more than fine dining. It’s an enchanting and delectable memory!
Tuscan Grille
The Tuscan Grille is a modern Italian steakhouse with a lively sophisticated atmosphere. The menu includes grilled meats and seafood. Antipasti and Caesar Salads are prepared old-world, tableside. The restaurant also serves calamari, grilled veal chops, homemade pasta selections, bruschetta with tapenade and goat cheese, arugula salad with pine nuts and goat cheese, tender and juicy rib-eye steaks with a pecorino mac ‘n’ cheese, butcher cut meats, USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, meal-ending gelato, and other delicious desserts. They serve a regional Italian wine menu, authentic Italian cocktails, and beers, as well as their own unique tasty Limoncello. The Tuscan Grille projects a warm, cozy, and relaxing ambiance. It is decorated with dark-wood wine cabinets on stone walls and is divided into two sections by a large leather banquette. The dinner is a multi-course gourmet experience served by an eager to please, friendly waitstaff. The portions are huge, so I suggest that you come hungry for this epicurean delight. Simply put… YUM!
Le Petit Chef at Qsine
Here at Qsine, you will dine with a fusion of entertainment and cuisine where the tabletop comes to life using 3D-mapping technology. Created by Jaques Van Staden, this restaurant is totally whimsical and extraordinarily original. The amusing culinary creations are concocted from unique foods. Sushi is presented as lollipops, and yum meatballs of veal, beef, & turkey are among other favorites. You will savor the delicate seasonings, making simple guacamole taste so different you will smile to your tummy’s content! Lava Crab, Taco “Royale,” Salmon Cataplana, Disco Shrimp, ad Painter’s Mignon are examples of imaginary entrees. This will indeed be a dining remembrance. Moreover, it is a guaranteed, fascinating, fun, gourmet celebration!
Sushi on Five
Sushi on Five is a festivity of Japanese cuisine. The distinctive menu, created by Chef Yoshikazu “Yoshi” Okada, brings a mouthwatering selection of sushi, nigeri, sashimi, hot pots, and noodles. Since the restaurant’s grand opening it has been a wild success.
Sushi on Five satisfies your sushi cravings for locally sourced, authentically prepared sushi, and other Japanese specialties from a menu crafted by expert restaurateur and sushi chef, Yoshikazu “Yoshi” Okada. Indulge in the marvelous unique flavors of a hand-made sushi roll or nigiri featuring tuna albacore, shrimp, eel, and other fresh selections. Savor the simplicity of yellowtail, salmon, and octopus sashimi. This culinary experience must end with dessert. So, be sure to try the caramelized gingerbread with wasabi gelato. At the lovely Sushi on Five, you will discover how modern joins with traditional Japanese.
Every true sushi lover’s dream!
SAN MARCO ~ THE MAIN RESTAURANT
San Marco is a divine, contemporary, grand stage for dining, offering a vast menu of classic foods. The entire restaurant staff is immensely accommodating, well-trained, helpful, and friendly. Their welcoming faces and joyful personalities made it fun and pleasurable to go and experience the wonderful daily menus of incredible and delicious food selections. My waiters, Francisco & Moses, were so extraordinary and made sure I enjoyed every meal with all their special preparations and remembering foods I enjoyed. Intimate, dramatic, elegant, & sophisticated with the most astonishing service anywhere!
This chic restaurant serves a wide range of globally inspired dishes. Created by a Michelin-starred chef, which provides a fine-dining experience you will cherish and miss when you go home! The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary. I almost felt guilty about how spoiled the entire staff made me feel every day.
From the first night you enter its grand doors you will be greeted by the seating staff… Dario, Boban Russel, Monte Shiju, Thottilayi Rumielen, Agad Jackline and Odiyo… They will do anything in their power to grant you a table that will guarantee you are comfortable and happy where you sit. Personally, I could not believe how they memorize every guest’s name from the first time in attendance. I have never been more impressed by a main dining room, the food, the head waiter, the waiters, and assistant waiters, all the way up to Mazy Rodrigues, the food and beverage director. It is truly unbelievable how flawlessly the San Marco works. This goes for the service at all the bars as well! Bravo- Bravo-Bravo!
There is also the Luminae Restaurant, the globally inspired, cutting-edge dining which is reserved for guests who are booked in The Retreat for ultimate privacy.
Plus, Restaurant Blu, which is reserved for the AquaClass guests.
All the clubs, bars, and lounges are a uniquely splendid destination. The menus offer a diverse selection of classics to complement the latest trends. Some drinks reflect the regions visited on the cruise. The bar teams are all creative and passionate specialists!
Martini Bar and Crush
A totally fun and happy place to hang out! The high-energy, whimsical bartenders put on a show while they prepare the fabulous menu of classic, modern, and hip martinis. For extra amusement, the bar is ice-topped. You can order some fine caviar here, too! So chill happy cruisers, relax, drink merrily, and listen to some great music at the Martini Bar.
The Rendezvous Lounge Experience
On Millennium Class ships, the Rendezvous Lounge is the perfect place to gather before dinner, for a cocktail, and dancing. During the day this is where a bevy of fun happens, including trivia. After dinner, enjoy live music, dancing, and the bars signature cocktails.
The Cellar Masters Experience
It is so delightful to be in the wine culture at the Cellar Masters. I loved it here. It became my pre-dinner hangout. They had guest performers nightly. A great place to meet other travelers and make new friends! The Cellar Masters store over 400 wines in its bold collection of known and unknown wines from around the world.
SUNSET BAR
This bar boasts remarkable views and a casual country club atmosphere. Enjoy the relaxation, the reason why you cruise, dressed casually, and with a cocktail in hand. I made it an evening ritual, watching the sunset over the horizon, and listening to music.
Gourmet food poolside.
The place to worship the sun, the beauty, and fun comfort food.
THE SHIP OFFERS SPECIALTY DINING, DRINK, AND WI-FI PACKAGES
Again, purchase these packages before your voyage for huge savings!
WI-FI AND PHONE
The Wi-Fi package is a must for most travelers. This will keep you in touch with your life back home, which will in turn keep you calm and relaxed enabling you to enjoy your time on board. Whether checking emails, sharing moments in real-time, streaming your favorite shows, or browsing the web, no matter what is most important to you, you will be covered. The Wi-Fi packages are precisely arranged for the type of connection you wish and the number of devices you need. FYI, ship WI-FI has greatly improved!
CAPTAIN’S CLUB
I suggest that you take Your Vacation to a New Level with the Captain’s Club
Cruising with Celebrity truly has its benefits. Join the Captain’s Club and be part of the array of cruise rewards. And the more you sail, the greater the rewards. You’ll earn points on every sailing and enjoy discounts, offers, and perks, which essentially add up to a more incredible cruise vacation experience. Depending on whether you are CLASSIC~ SELECT~ ELITE ~ ELITE PLUS ~ or the ZENITH level, you can get spa discounts, complimentary laundry service, stateroom upgrades, access to exclusive voyages, and wonderful cruise club events on board. As a loyalty member, you’ll also receive personal invitations to other members-only events happening on our sailings throughout the world. Don’t forget to join the cruise loyalty program and begin to earn points on your next cruise. When you join you will feel like you are a valued member of the Captain’s Club.
The Michaels’s, Club Captains Club Lounge, is exclusive use of Zenith level loyalty program and premium suites. The elite and elite plus club members may gather at the Reflections lounge for drinks, finger foods, and to create new lifelong friends. The more you travel with Celebrity, the higher your status grows. It really is a special bonus.
Also, when you enter your room, you may be greeted with perks that make you feel most welcome depending on your Captains Club status. Shown in the photos below.
CASINO TOURNAMENTS
You may also be delighted going to the Demonstration Kitchen, fun Disco-Dancing, the Informative-enrichment-lectures, Featured Films, Game Shows, the Haïr-Salon, the Hot Tubs, the Jogging Track, Zumba classes, trivia, craft-making, getting a Starbuck’s drink or an ice cream, attending the onboard art-auctions or the cosmetic & skin care sessions, the Apple product how-to, and for extra outgoing fun the Karaoke sessions. Or just sit outside, or in the library and read a book, or knit if you so desire! Your choice, your cruise! Oh, and don’t forget to take and buy your photos. They are the best on cruises!
Wine Tasting
Plus, there is typically at least one wine-tasting educational seminar per day…
SHOPPING ~ SHOPPING ~ AND MORE
Spa & Fitness
To prevent the nagging guilt of overindulging in all the amazing foods, I made the gym one of my priorities. Give up your senses and experience stellar rejuvenation with any of the peaceful spa treatments and therapies. I go to spas regularly at home but never experienced this level of serenity. The state-of-the-art gym features a variety of Life Fitness treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and weights. Plus, you can join in on the fitness classes. The spa has two pools, several hot tubs, and plenty of serenity. You can indulge in a variety of treatments such as body waxing, peels, facials, massages, acupuncture, scrubs, wraps, and hair and nail services with trained experts. The Celebrity Constellation also offers a personal trainer for a cost and free stretch and group cardio classes. In addition, there is a jogging track outside and basketball hoops for the sports enthusiasts.
The Persian Garden thermal suite offers an herbal steamer, Turkish bath, tiled loungers, and a rainforest shower. Lovely!
THE SOLARIUM
For kids, there is the Celebrity Constellation’s Fun Factory children’s area, which will be heaven on the seas for them. The children are placed into age-appropriate groups. They will never be bored with all the exciting and fun activities toys, video games, movies, finger painting, and pool time. Furthermore, there are lots of exciting events such as scavenger hunts, dancing classes, sushi making, & slumber parties. Plus, much more, depending on age groups. To be honest, I wanted to sneak in and join all the fun myself!
I can positively promise that when you set sail on the Celebrity Constellation, no matter what reason you came on board, you’ll come back rejuvenated with a whole new concept of vacation leisure, relaxation, pleasure, entertainment, and fun. Everyone will notice the change in you. As for me, (a very hard-to-please and to impress journalist) I was over the moon impressed and pleased. So much so, I already booked my next cruise. RELAX, ENJOY THE SERENITY, bask in the views, and rejuvenate. Or, if you prefer fast-paced fun, you’ll be able to enjoy whatever you are seeking on this amazing ship.
In closing ship cruise lovers, whether you seek a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a friend’s fun get-together you are assured that your time spent on the Constellation will be fabulous. Although this was a Holiday & New Year’s voyage, every person working on this grand ship brought its passengers enough Merry and Happy to last the entire year.
