Century
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
The only remaining Century-class vessel in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, Celebrity Century was introduced as the first of the class in 1995. Summer months find Celebrity Century sailing the waters of Alaska from Vancouver, British Columbia; repositioning voyages take her through the Hawaiian Islands. She also offers a series of round-trip cruises from San Diego to Hawaii and transits through the Panama Canal between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale for the remainder of the winter season.Read More
Although quietly elegant, Celebrity Century has an eclectic air, due in part to the fine collections of modern and classical art displayed throughout public rooms. A 2006 refit added a stunning specialty restaurant, an ice-topped martini bar, 14 suites, and 10 staterooms (both inside and outside), not to mention 314 verandas—the most ever added to an existing cruise ship at that time.
Century has facilities for children and teens, but adults fare much better onboard with a spectacular spa and sophisticated lounges dedicated to a variety of tastes. The dining room is nothing short of gorgeous. Overall, the first impression is that this is a fine resort hotel that just happens to float.
Since it was founded in 1989, Celebrity Cruises has grown from a single refurbished ocean liner into a fleet of premium, sophisticated cruise ships that have a reputation for professional service, fine food, and some of the best design in the industry. Signature amenities have grown with the fleet, including gourmet specialty restaurants that carry an additional fee, large staterooms with generous storage, fully equipped spas, and butler service for guests in the top accommodations categories. Valuable art collections grace the stylish modern luxury ship interiors.
Although spacious accommodations in every category are a Celebrity standard, Concierge-class, an upscale element on all ships, makes certain premium ocean-view and balcony staterooms almost the equivalent of suites in terms of service. A Concierge-class stateroom includes numerous extras, such as chilled champagne, fresh fruit, and flowers upon arrival; exclusive room-service menus; evening canapés; luxury bedding, pillows, and linens; upgraded balcony furnishings; priority boarding and luggage service; and other VIP perks. At the touch of a single telephone button, a Concierge-class desk representative is at hand to offer assistance. Suites are still the ultimate, though, and include the services of a butler to assist with unpacking, booking spa services and dining reservations, shining shoes, and even replacing a popped button.
- 10 passenger decks
- specialty restaurant, dining room, buffet, ice cream parlor, pizzeria
- Wi-Fi, safe, refrigerator, DVD (some)
- 2 pools
- fitness classes, gym, hot tubs, sauna, spa
- 7 bars, casino, dance club, library, showroom, video game room
- children’s programs
- dry cleaning, laundry service
- Internet terminal
- no-smoking cabins
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
As on all Celebrity ships, cabins are thoughtfully designed with ample closet and drawer/shelf storage and bathroom shelves. Some ocean-view cabins and suites have balconies with chairs and tables. Penthouse and Royal suites have a whirlpool bathtub and separate shower as well as a walk-in closet; Penthouse suites have a guest powder room. Century also has Family Veranda Staterooms.
Light-wood cabinetry, mirrored accents, a refrigerator, a personal safe, a hair dryer, and a seating 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. Penthouse and Royal suites have an elaborate entertainment center with a large TV, while all suites include butler service, personalized stationery, DVD, and a tote bag.
Eight staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.
Food & Drink
The formal two-deck restaurant serves open seating breakfast, lunch, and evening meals in two assigned seatings; however, Celebrity Select Dining, an open seating option, allows participants to be seated any time the main restaurant is open. Formal dining is supplemented by a casual Lido restaurant offering buffet-style breakfast and lunch. By night, the Lido restaurant offers made-to-order entrées, a carving station, and an array of side dishes. Century has both a complimentary spa café and an upscale, reservations-only restaurant that specializes in table-side preparation and has an extra cover charge. Poolside grills offer burgers and other fast-food favorites and specialty coffees, teas, and pastries are available for an additional charge in the café. Room service is available 24 hours and includes pizza delivered to your door.
Entertainment
Bars and lounges are designed as unique destinations onboard with drink menus offering not only a selection of classics, but also “signature” and trendier cocktails. Some drinks are a reflection of the regions you are visiting. Production shows and guest entertainers are a staple in the show lounge and live bands or DJs provide music for listening and dancing.
Spa & Fitness
The AquaSpa by Elemis facilities are nicely equipped with services operated by Steiner Leisure. In addition to treatments that include a variety of massages, body wraps, and facials, each ship also has an acupuncture treatment area and offers Medi-Spa Cosmetic services. A thermal suite with dry sauna and aromatherapy steam rooms and a hot Turkish bath is available to passengers who have booked a treatment or purchased a pass. Changing rooms for men and women have complimentary saunas.