Public Areas and Facilities

Millennium-class ships are the largest, newest, and most feature-filled in the Celebrity fleet. Innovations include the Conservatory, a unique botanical environment; show lounges reminiscent of splendid opera houses; and alternative restaurants where diners find themselves in the midst of authentic ocean liner decor and memorabilia. The spas simply have to be seen to be believed -- they occupy nearly as much space inside as is devoted to the adjacent outdoor Lido deck pool area. Although the spas offer just about any treatment you can think of -- and some you probably haven't -- they also house a complimentary hydrotherapy pool and spa café. These ships also have the most to offer for families, with the largest children's facilities in the Celebrity fleet.

Rich fabrics in jewel tones mix elegantly with the abundant use of marble and wood accents throughout public areas. The atmosphere is not unlike a luxurious European hotel filled with grand spaces that flow nicely from one to the other without any jarring surprises. The total effect is one of comfort in a grand setting. Celebrity's signature art collections are not to be overlooked; they add a delightful, and sometimes surprising, touch to public spaces, as do outdoor elevators with an ever-changing view of the sea.

Restaurants

The formal two-deck restaurant serves evening meals in two assigned seatings and is supplemented by a casual Lido buffet and upscale alternative restaurant that houses a demonstration kitchen and wine cellar (and which also requires reservations and a per-person cover charge). A luncheon grill, Cova Café patisserie, and 24-hour room service augment dining choices.

What Works and What Doesn't

There are just too many passengers to expect that your every wish will be granted on ships this size, but crew members try extremely hard to make everyone feel special. Although you'd expect to pay far more for a comparable meal ashore, wines suggested to complement alternative restaurant meals are probably a bit too rich for most passengers' pocketbooks.

Accommodations

Cabins: As on all Celebrity ships, cabins are thoughtfully designed with ample closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves in all standard inside and outside categories. Some ocean-view cabins and suites have private balconies. Penthouse suites have guest powder rooms.

Amenities: Wood cabinetry, mirrored accents, a small refrigerator, a personal safe, a hair dryer, and a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table are typical standard amenities. Extras include bathroom toiletries (shampoo, soaps, and lotion) and bathrobes for use during the cruise. Suite luxuries vary, but most include a whirlpool tub, VCR, Internet station, and walk-in closet, while all have butler service, personalized stationery, and a logo tote bag. For pure pleasure, Penthouse and Royal suites have outdoor whirlpool tubs on the balconies.

Worth Noting: Most staterooms and suites have convertible sofa beds, and many categories are capable of accommodating third and fourth occupants. Connecting staterooms are available in numerous categories, including the Celebrity suites. Family staterooms feature huge balconies and some have not one, but two sofa beds. Twenty-six staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Category	Size (square feet)
Penthouse Suite	1,432
Royal Suite/Celebrity Suite	467
Sky Suite/Family Ocean View	271
Concierge Class	191
Ocean View/Interior	170

Favorites

Best Added Value: There's no charge for use of the thalassotherapy pool in the huge Aqua Spa, a facility that rivals the fanciest ashore.

Best Splurge: There isn't much difference in size between an Ocean-view Stateroom with a balcony and ConciergeClass Stateroom, but if you plan to spend a lot of time in your quarters, the upgrade to ConciergeClass is well worth the extra expense, especially if you're planning your cruise as a honeymoon or other special occasion.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: Be daring and alternate between the Martini and Champagne Bar's specialties. With no traffic flowing through the area after the last straggler leaves the dining room, it's a quiet retreat.

Best Way to Curb Your Appetite: The AquaSpa Café serves light and healthy selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as fresh fruit smoothies.