DESTINATION ALASKA ON BOARD CELEBRITY INFINITY
Review of Celebrity Celebrity Infinity by 1953DIANA (12 Nov 06)
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Overall Rating
Combine the spectacular scenery of Alaska with the 5* luxury of the Celebrity Infinity and the result is a truly unforgettable cruise experience! We spent 12 nights on board this magnificent ship in May this year and could not fault any aspect of the cruise.
We chose a concierge class cabin with balcony, which enabled us to sit and marvel at the most stunning scenery imaginable as we cruised from San Francisco as far north as the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier and back. The cabin itself was light, airy and spacious with plenty of storage space and a comfortable bed. The bathroom was also generous with large, soft towels and mats that were changed twice daily by our friendly and attentive cabin steward. A bowl of fresh fruit was replenished frequently and a plate of hors d’oeuvres arrived each day during the late afternoon – as if the meals on board were not substantial enough! There was also an interactive television in the cabin which we could use to view our shipboard account and book shore excursions as well as the more obvious pastime of watching films.
We took breakfast and lunch each day in the buffet restaurant, where the choice was endless and catered ostensibly for both American and British tastes. The various themed buffets, such as Chinese, Mexican and seafood at lunch time were always well-received. Dinner in the Trellis Restaurant, with its two levels and elaborate connecting staircase, was a more formal affair with tables and sitting assigned for the duration of the cruise. The service was impeccable at all times, with a good choice of menu and fine wines. Steaks featured strongly in one guise or another, with our only complaint being a general lack of vegetables. The end of the meal was a time for our waiters to relax a little and share a joke or two with their guests!
One of the main features of Infinity is its huge atrium with grand staircase spanning 3 decks. This area is overlooked on deck 2 by the Cova Café di Milano, where it is possible to sample coffee in all its forms, along with a pastry or two for those with hunger pangs. A general ambience is also created by the sounds from a string quartet.
The many activities on offer during the day include port talks, art and wine auctions, golf lessons and digital photo printing lessons. Acupuncture was also a possibility! All manner of beauty treatments were available in the Aqua Spa, where there was a café serving, “healthier eating options!” A thalassotherapy pool offered relaxation alongside a well-equipped gym, offering a multitude of exercise classes at additional cost.
In the evening we enjoyed excellent production shows, which featured alongside solo performers of varying quality and other acts such as magicians and comedians. Alternatively, it was possible to dance the night away or show off one’s talents at karaoke in the Rendez Vous Lounge. We also joined new friends for a drink in quieter areas, such as the chic Martini Bar, while fellow guests parted with considerable sums of money in the Casino.
Port excursions were generally expensive but we managed to visit most places of interest under our own steam. Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan were each unique and the sight and sounds of the Hubbard Glacier cracking and splitting, followed by the crash of ice falling into the sea an unforgettable experience. This is a cruise with fantastic scenery every day, from mountains and glaciers to wildlife such as killer whales and fish eagles.
The Infinity is certainly the ultimate in 5* cruising and we look forward to joining her again in South America in January 2007.