Century Keeps Up With the Industry’s Heavyweights
In an attempt to keep up with the pace of the ever-ultramodern cruise ships which practically spout off of the docks every year, Celebrity Cruises gave Century a through renovation, and since its re-release in 2006, it proved that even ‘old’ ships can sail alongside the industry bigwigs. The big question remains: was the makeover worth the effort? Apparently, it was. Flat-screen TVs and whirlpool baths on verandahs are definitely most welcome, and the touch-up was surely much-needed for a ship which is relatively old (ten years) by industry standards.
The cabins received the best retouch; there are 314 new verandahs, 14 more suites, and ten additional standard cabins, apart from the development of the Concierge Class. Refurbishing was applied across all accommodation classes, and these offer flat-screen TVs with cable and pay-per-view options, new fixtures, and wi-fi internet. Standard cabins were a bit small compared to the industry average (175 square feet), but fortunately the space was maximized for comfort and function. The Concierge Class cabins are actually basic balcony staterooms, if not for the nifty perks and freebies (such as room-service breakfast and drinks). Sky Suites have spacious balcony areas (142 square feet), with a roomy marble bathroom and a bathtub. The premium Penthouse Suites – there are only two of these within the ship, feature separate bedrooms plus a receiving room, a walk-in closet, and a butler-friendly dining room.
The public areas cover three decks of the entire ship. Deck 5 is reserved for the business aspect of your trip with, excursion and steward desks, as well as the concierge’s station. Murano, an almost-exclusive specialty restaurant which shifts its menu for the entire voyage, is also located here. The two upper decks, Promenade and Entertainment, are the main activity and leisure rooms. Deck six features the crowd magnet Cova Café, a card room, a commendable library, a function room which doubles as a cinema, and the ships internet station, Online@Celebrity. Deck seven sports several boutiques which carry items ranging from the mundane (logo shirts) to itinerary-themed items (such as nesting dolls or wool shirts).
There’s nothing special about the fanfare offerings, but fortunately, these aren’t in any way mediocre either; wine tasting and auctions, casino games, and theater revues are ample diversions for days in-between port stops. There’s little to be said about the dining experience either; the menu was superb, as well as the view – there’s a two-deck tall window which serves as the wall to the ship’s aft. The magnificent sunset provides a perfect backdrop for your exquisite dinner, Continental or exotic. The spa area is a must-visit; although the services can get a little pricey, there are discount offerings during sea days. Anything from tooth bleaching to acupuncture and thalassotherapy is offered, and the newly refurbished design with blue-green themes offer a soothing retreat, even if you are just passing through. Century’s makeover will surely lure back those who have moved on to larger cruise ships, and for first-time cruisers, it offers a sample of what the best of the industry has to offer.
