Prepare to Sail
Outstanding service is the hallmark of Celebrity Cruises, and during your cruise you'll discover firsthand the lengths we'll go to in order to make sure your cruise is everything you expect -- and more. In this section, you'll find information about life on board.
We're looking forward to providing you with an exceptional vacation experience. Before you join us on board, you may have questions about how best to get ready for your cruise. The information we've gathered here will help you find out what to expect and how to take advantage of Celebrity programs and services to make your vacation carefree.
Transportation
Getting to the ship and back home again doesn't have to be complicated. We've developed an array of options for transportation as well as several packages that allow you to extend your vacation. The package you choose will determine when and if transfers, hotels and other package items will be provided prior to your arrival at the pier. Please take time to read all of the information in your documentation packet to ensure smooth and hassle-free transportation to and from the ship.
Air Arrangements
When you purchase air arrangements through Celebrity Cruises, we take care of all the details. That includes booking flights, delivering tickets to your travel agency, arranging transportation to the pier, baggage delivery, and arranging common flights for guests in the same stateroom who book at the same time. Contact your travel agent for more information and booking.
Custom Air
If you have special requests that cannot be accommodated through our standard air arrangements, such as booking a group of guests together or booking flights for pre- or post-cruise stays, contact your Cruises 24/7 Travel Pro
Transfers
When purchasing air transportation through Celebrity Cruises, the ground transportation between the airport and the ship is included. Should you purchase a hotel package with your cruise and air, your transportation is included between the airport, hotel and ship. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, you may wish to buy a ticket to board the Celebrity Cruises shuttle to the ship. Please consult your travel agent for complete details.
Sea & Stay
We offer a comprehensive Sea & Stay program that allows you to extend your vacation pre- or post-cruise. These packages include hotel accommodations, porterage and transfers between the hotel and ship. Contact your travel agent for booking.
Packing
Relaxed elegance are the bywords for dress on board each of Celebrity Cruises' ships. And though your own taste, interests and destinations will determine what you pack, keep in mind you'll need three types of clothing:
Casual shipboard attire or day wear
Conservative apparel for sightseeing
Evening wear
Day Wear
On the ship, when visiting our warmer ports of call, stylish resort wear is fine for both men and women:
Swimsuit and cover-up
Walking shorts and polo shirts
Lightweight slacks or skirts
A light sweater (for cooler days)
Ashore, dress for comfort, but remember to observe local customs. In many ports, short- shorts, halter tops and provocative clothing are frowned upon.
On Alaskan cruises, summer temperatures often reach the 70s, be sure you pack:
Shirts and blouses
Slacks or pants
Sweaters for cooler days
Lightweight windbreaker for misty weather
On all Celebrity Cruises, it's wise to bring along:
Comfortable, rubber-soled shoes
Hat, sunglasses and a good sunscreen
Evening Wear
Celebrity Cruises' elegant, formal evenings include the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner, the Captain's Farewell Dinner, and a third or fourth "formal" night for those cruises sailing more than seven nights. The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the appropriate attire each evening.
Tuxedo Rental
Why miss out on elegant evenings by not planning ahead? Cruiseline Formalwear will deliver formal wear directly to your stateroom. Perfect style, perfect fit -- ready to wear. To reserve a tuxedo, call 800-551-5091 or 305-252-8572.
Baggage Tips
Although there is no baggage limitation aboard the ship, for your own comfort, we recommend that you limit the number of pieces you bring. Guests with air arrangements booked through Celebrity Cruises are usually permitted two pieces of checked luggage (not including oversize bags and sports equipment) and a carry-on bag. Check with your air carrier for specific restrictions.
Bring an overnight bag for your last night at sea. Staff will collect your bags the night before you leave the ship, and you will need an overnight bag to carry your night clothes and toiletries.
Identify all your bags, including carry-ons. Use your Celebrity Cruises luggage tags, which should be filled out and affixed to each piece before you leave home.
Insure all luggage and valuables. Celebrity Cruises cannot be responsible for their loss or damage. Baggage insurance, as well as medical and trip-cancellation insurance, is now available. Cruise Care Guest Protection Plan is a comprehensive, low-cost plan designed exclusively for Celebrity Cruises. Detailed information on the CruiseCare Guest Protection Plan is included with your cruise documents.
Check to see that your tickets, boarding card and other documents are in order, and pack them in a bag that you carry with you. Your Embarkation Card and Celebrity Signature Account application should be completed before you arrive at the pier.
Special Concerns
We can best accommodate the special concerns of our guests with advance notice. Any condition that may require special attention or treatment must be brought to the attention of our Special Services Department when your initial reservation is made. Anyone with a physical disability who is not self-sufficient should be accompanied by a companion to look after his or her health and safety.
If you're concerned about motion discomfort, consult your physician before sailing
Be sure to pack a sufficient supply of all prescription medicines you require
No vaccination certificates and/or health cards are required for your cruise
Wheelchair-accessible staterooms are available
Special Occasions
If you're celebrating a special occasion on your cruise, Celebrity offers special honeymoon and anniversary packages. Contact our Special Services Department at 800-242-6374 or via e-mail at celebrityspecialservices@celebrity.com, or consult your Cruises 24/7 Travel Pro to make arrangements. Browse through our Bon Voyage Gifts to find a thoughtful gift to make the occasion of setting off on the journey even more special.
Porterage
For your convenience, porters are normally available at the airport and at the pier to take your baggage from curbside to your ship. Remember to keep your valuables and fragile items with you.
Boarding
Boarding usually begins at 2:00 pm. It is the guest's responsibility to arrive on time. Please check with your travel agent to confirm boarding and departure times. Individual ticketed reservations will be held as late as 60 minutes before the vessel's scheduled departure without risk of automatic cancellation. Failure to check in at least 60 minutes in advance will constitute a no-show. Your booking will be canceled, and cancellation charges will be assessed. Note: For security reasons, guests are not allowed to bring visitors on board Celebrity vessels in any port.
If your flight is delayed and you have opted for the CruiseCare program, you'll be reimbursed up to $500 (U.S. dollars) to cover accommodations, meals and "catch-up" transportation as long as the airline delay was caused by a covered reason. Otherwise, you will be responsible for any expense incurred to meet the ship at its next port of call, including government fees.
Documents to Board
Prior to boarding your Celebrity cruise, you must complete your Guest Information Form. You will need your reservation information as well as the appropriate documentation (e.g., passport) for each guest in your booking. Ask your Cruises 24/7 Travel Pro for more information and how to get a GIF before boarding.
Bon Voyage Gifts
A thoughtful way to make setting off on a Celebrity cruise even more special, Bon Voyage gifts are available for in-stateroom delivery on sailing day. Browse through the categories listed below and take note of the code and price for each item you would like to order. Then follow the directions on the Gift Order Form.
On Board
Spa & Fitness
You're sure to find a favorite new routine on board Celebrity. A cruise is the perfect time to indulge in the things you don't have time for at home. Let yourself be pampered head to toe in our AquaSpa by Elemis. Start a new exercise program under the careful guidance of a personal trainer in a gym with a breathtaking view. Go for an early morning swim in one of our beautiful pools.
Things to Do
As you travel from port to port delighting in shore excursions and the variety of local pleasures each of our destinations has to offer, you'll want to take advantage of the exciting things to do onboard our ships. Whether it's enjoying on-deck activities such as a ping-pong tournament, discussing the wildlife of Alaska in our Enrichment Program, shopping in our many boutiques or participating in family oriented youth programs, you're sure to find the perfect way to spend your day.
Activities
If you're looking for a fun activity to share, our decks are alive with options, morning to night. On-deck games and tournaments give you a chance to join in some friendly competition and meet new people
Art
While strolling the corridors of a Celebrity ship, there's a good chance you'll run into Pablo Picasso, Jasper Johns, Alex Katz or Andy Warhol. The works of many great painters, photographers and sculptors have found a home on these floating museums. The Celebrity Cruises art collection is comprised of more than 1200 original, museum-quality pieces. And Celebrity guests need only look as far as outside their staterooms to enjoy some of the world's most spectacular pieces.
Enrichment Program
Have you always wanted to learn about wine-tasting? Want to learn more about the next port of call so you can take advantage of your time on shore? Then take an hour or two to enjoy a Celebrity class or lecture in our Celebrity Discoveries Enrichment Series.
Celebrity Lecture Series
On every cruise, we invite two to five special guest lecturers onboard to participate in the Enrichment Series program. Topics range from finance and astronomy to wine education and politics to history and culture. Our onboard presentations also highlight the special attractions of the upcoming port. You can learn about exciting shore excursions, find out about the local crafts and cuisine or just ask questions. Past Enrichment Series have included: "A News Correspondent's Life: Getting the Story on 5 Continents," "Mangoes and Madras: A Brief Cultural History of the Caribbean," "Money and Markets: The Economy and You,” and "Demystifying Wine: Tasting Wines Like a Professional."
Shopping
Love to shop? There's no need to leave the ship. In the European-inspired piazza or elegant galleria found aboard every Celebrity ship, you'll find exclusive shopping promenades that feature sophisticated boutiques, gourmet food shops, designer clothing and jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances, and a wide array of gifts for friends, family or personal collections. Guests are welcome to window shop, attend a fashion show or buy that special something to make memories of a Celebrity cruise last a lifetime.
Youth Programs
For those guests thinking about a family vacation, Celebrity's award-winning Family Program provides excitement for everyone, from activities to enjoy together to those specially designed for children, including the fascinating Science Journeys program.
Family Program Details
Celebrity Cruises' award-winning Family Program offers onboard entertainment and activities for children and young adults. The four-tiered supervised youth programs are specially created for children ages 3-17 with entertainment and activities well suited for each group. Each morning a daily program lists the day's activities, games, parties and more. And special areas are set aside for "kids only," such as the Shipmates Fun Factory, teen centers and pools. Guests can feel secure leaving their children with specially trained and educated Celebrity youth counselors.
Science Journeys
Adding to the selection of exciting children activities, the latest component of the Family Cruising Program is Celebrity's Science Journeys. These six, hands-on educational voyages into science and nature allow kids to discover insects, experiment with sea life or explore the world of pirates, including Buccaneer's Bounty, which traces the history of pirates, sunken treasure and excavation. Created for children between the ages of 3 to 12, Science Journeys are offered daily and last from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Dining
Morning may bring breakfast for two on your private veranda, with just-baked pastries and seasonal berries. In the afternoon you can savor the views along with delicate finger sandwiches at our Elegant Tea. And on special nights, our Gourmet Bites include mini-beef Wellingtons and crisp tempura hand-carried and served by waiters throughout the ship.
Our award-winning cuisine reflects our dedication to fresh, exquisitely prepared gourmet cuisine. Under the guidance of Master Chef Michel Roux, our culinary delights are made from scratch and seasoned with fresh herbs.
Entertainment
Every evening at sea sparkles with dazzling entertainment. Designed to indulge your individual preferences, Celebrity entertainment choices range from Broadway-style productions, captivating shows and lively discotheques to the glamour and excitement of Monte Carlo-style casinos and Celebrity's specialty lounges. Or, if you're feeling like a quiet evening, you can take in a first-run movie in the onboard theater.
Special Occasions
If you're celebrating a special occasion on your cruise, Celebrity offers special honeymoon and anniversary packages. Contact our Special Services Department at 800-242-6374 or via e-mail at celebrityspecialservices@celebrity.com, or consult your Cruises 24/7 Travel Pro to make arrangements.
Captain's Club
Our Captain's Club rewards you for doing what you already love, sailing with Celebrity. As a member, you'll receive a gift with purchase in the AquaSpa by Elemis, invitations to private events, exclusive offers and much more. Your benefits are determined by the number of times you've cruised with Celebrity. The more you cruise, the more benefits you receive. It's that simple. To see a full list of benefits, simply click on the appropriate link below.
During Your Cruise
Settling In
The information below explains some of the details about cruising with us that you'll need as you settle into your stateroom. Be sure to let your stateroom attendant know if there is anything you need.
Dinner Reservations
Every effort is made to meet the specific requests made through your travel agent, such as main or late seating, table size or special dietary requirements. If a table assignment card is already in your stateroom, your reservations are confirmed. If there is no card, check with the restaurant manager. If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, tell the restaurant manager or your waiter. Ask the sommelier to help you make selections from our extensive wine list to celebrate the occasion.
Shore Excursions
To book shore excursions, contact the Shore Excursion Desk as soon as possible after boarding the vessel as space is limited. For better selection, book your choices online before your trip. Shore excursions may also be booked through the Celebrity Network and charged to your Celebrity Signature Account.
Family Cruising
Celebrity Cruises' Family Program is available for families with children ages 3-17. Daily activity programs for kids are available at the Guest Relations Desk and in the children's facilities on board. Group babysitting is available and can be arranged on board. In-stateroom babysitting is available for a nominal fee and can be scheduled one day in advance through Cabin Services.
Smoking Policy
As a courtesy to our non-smoking guests, the starboard (right) side of all public areas has been designated as the no-smoking section. We ask guests to refrain from smoking cigars or pipes in public rooms. Cigar and pipe smokers are welcome in Michael's Club on Century, Galaxy and Mercury, where hand-rolled cigars are available.
Safety Precautions
Safety is always paramount on Celebrity Cruises' ships, so shortly after sailing or during the first day at sea, you will be required to participate in a lifeboat drill. Listen for instructions and follow directions.
Staying in Touch
Getting away from it all doesn't mean being out of touch. Friends or family can reach you 24 hours a day via Celebrity's Satellite Service. Before you depart for your cruise, leave the following number with anyone wanting to reach you: 877-266-1020.
Sending and Receiving Mail
You'll be able to mail postcards and letters from our various ports of call. The Guest Relations Desk on board can tell you how and when to post mail during your cruise. Remember, in most cases, you will probably get home before your mail arrives! If incoming mail is received in port, it will be delivered to your stateroom as soon as possible.
Gratuities
On the last night at sea, it is customary to offer gratuities to staff members you feel have given you exceptional service and personal attention. We suggest the following guidelines:
Dining Room Service per person per day:
Waiter $3.50
Asst. Waiter $2.00
Restaurant Manager $.75
Stateroom Service per person per day:
Butler (suites only) $3.50
Stateroom Attendant $3.50
Chief Housekeeper $.50
For children less than 12 years old, as third or fourth person in the stateroom, half of the above amounts is recommended.
Facilities and Services
We offer a variety of facilities and services on board to make your vacation carefree. For more details about dining and amenities, see the On Board section.
Onboard Purchases
On all Celebrity Cruises ships a "cashless" system called the Celebrity Signature Account is used. You may validate your Celebrity Signature Account with American Express, MasterCard, Novus Discover or Visa; or settle your account on the last day of the cruise with cash or traveler's checks. Simply sign for your purchases and services on board. At the end of your cruise, you'll receive a completely itemized statement.
An automatic teller machine (ATM) is on board located in or near the casino. Cash is readily accessible from your home bank with most major credit cards. This is helpful as personal checks cannot be accepted and only U.S. currency is accepted on board.
As you tour the ship, you'll find everything for your comfort and convenience. Our exciting array of shops, European spa facilities, beauty salons, personal services and more are ready to serve you.
Shopping
A galleria of shops offers a wide array of gifts, duty-free merchandise, clothing and personal items.
Services
Beauty salon, laundry, dry cleaning and valet services are available. Celebrity's world-class AquaSpa by Elemis offers the most complete beauty, health and fitness services at sea, all at nominal fees. You'll enjoy:
Facials
French-spa hand treatments
Aromatherapy massages
Hydrotherapy baths
Sauna and massages, scheduled throughout the day
Personal training, fitness analysis and more
Onboard Information
Check your daily program for lounge shows, films, classes and events you won't want to miss, such as the Captain's Cocktail Party. The Celebrity Network interactive television system lets you book shore excursions from your stateroom, order room service, order wine for dinner, play video slots and poker, and view first-run movies on demand.
Valuables
Guests are reminded not to leave any valuables, jewelry or money unprotected in their stateroom. Use the mini-safe located behind the dresser mirror, or in the stateroom closet. Although every effort is made to safeguard staterooms, Celebrity Cruises will not accept responsibility for the loss or damage of any valuables left unsecured. For further details, please refer to the Contract Terms and Conditions printed in your cruise ticket.
Getting Home
Prepare to Sail
Even the most wonderful vacations must eventually come to an end. We will do our best to make the end of your journey as enjoyable as the beginning. If you want to extend your vacation in one of our exciting port cities, consider a Sea & Stay SM package.
Customs
Detailed instructions about clearing customs will be provided by the cruise director during the departing talk on the last day of the cruise. We highly recommend you attend this important and informative talk. Below are some general guidelines to keep in mind as you shop in foreign ports.
U.S. Customs Clearance
Keep receipts for gifts and purchases: U.S. residents visiting foreign ports for 48 hours or longer have a duty-free allowance of $400, and those 21 years or older may include one liter of liquor. Guests calling in St. Thomas can return with $1200 in purchases (including not more than $400 in merchandise obtained elsewhere) and five liters of duty-free liquor (only one liter of which may be purchased outside the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix).
Disembarkation
The cruise staff will give you instructions about disembarkation procedures and assist with any special arrangements. Bags will be collected from outside your stateroom on the last night on board. Make sure bags are properly tagged. Keep a carry-on bag with things you'll need on the last night (clothes, medications, toiletries, etc.).
