Infinity is the second of Celebrity Millennium-class fleet, and similar to its sibling (Millennium), the ship offers concepts which are new to Celebrity, but are considered as standards in the industry. The two-level library, retro-themed restaurant, and glass-walled elevators are ho-hum additions for the well-worn cruiser, but fortunately Infinity makes up for it with an elegant air, with a predisposition to art pieces, natural, aged woods, and a plush Scandinavian style.
Unfortunately, Infinity is currently suffering an identity crisis when it comes to onboard policies. This isn’t a good path to take, for a ship which intends to offer an upscale experience to a massive market. Customers have been complaining about shifting rules, including that which implements a twenty-dollar charge for using the spa deck’s thalassotherapy pool (which is Infinity’s only covered pool, by the way), and the nearby spa café. The management maintains that the fee is meant to control the walk-in traffic, but gave in at the clamor and lifted the charge. Even the relatively-neglected library enforced a locked-bookcase rule which only allows short time windows for checkouts, for the reason that the collection is dwindling with permanently ‘unreturned’ books.
On the plus side though, the interior design on some parts is impeccable, particularly on the shore excursion department. The cruise line has anticipated the patronage and done away with the counter, replacing it with a standalone walk-in boutique, complete with comfortable lounge chairs and crisp, constantly updated wall of excursion brochures and catalogs. The Emporium (shopping area), also has an elegant design and layout despite its immensity (14,000 sq.ft.). The onboard food fare is excellent, as you would expect with a middle-niche ship; this is true even at the main dining room, the Trellis Restaurant. Specialty treats are also noteworthy at the Oceanview (with shifting menus), the health-conscious AquaSpa, and the SS United States (for four-course fine dining).
Much of the activity occurs at the three-decked atrium (the Grand Foyer), which is accented by a sprawled onyx staircase. The main business areas are also located here, and not concealed in some obscure part of the ship, including the Shore Excursion booth, the bank, and an area for guest relations. Some of the more popular crowd magnets include Constellation (the lounge on the topmost deck); the three-tiered, 900-seater Celebrity Theater; and Fortunes, an Egyptian-inspired casino.
One letdown which is worth mentioning is the problem which plagued Infinity since it first set sail – the unreliable ‘mermaid pod-propulsion system’. This is also true for all the ships in Celebrity’s Millennium class vessels. This supposed innovative technology has suffered recurrent breakdowns which cost the cruise line tough money in cancellations. It is understandable that Celebrity would make up for the loss by filing a 300 million dollar lawsuit at the propulsion system’s creators. The company has assured cruisers though that the malfunctions entail no safety hazards, and is open to the option of providing ample compensation to cruisers whose trips were cancelled or delayed as a consequence of the breakdown. Infinity has a lot to work on to remain competitive in highly-competitive industry – here’s hoping that the Millennium class pushes through.