Introducing Infinity: second of Celebrity's Millennium Class vessels opens a world of possibilities - Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Travel, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Georgina Cruz

Vancouver outside, Venice inside--and a world of possibilities throughout. As we boarded Celebrity Cruises' new Infinity at the port of Vancouver for a seven-day Alaska voyage, we enjoyed the best of both worlds: the views of this charming Canadian city through glass walls and exterior elevators, plus the sophisticated ambiance of Europe in the ship's Grand Foyer--inspired by a Venetian courtyard with marble and limestone floors, translucent onyx staircase, beige silk drapery lanterns, and artful floral arrangements. William Blake's lines ran through my head: "To see a world in a grain of sand/ And a heaven in a wild flower/Hold infinity in the palm of your hand/And eternity in an hour."

Debuting in March last year, the 91,000-gross-register-ton/1,950-passenger Infinity is the second in the line's Millennium Class of four vessels. Built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France, this is a ship that makes you feel you have an infinite number of wonderful possibilities ready at hand. And you do. She follows her sister's lead in the series' innovative concepts, including exterior glass elevators, a nostalgic ocean-liner-themed alternative restaurant, a two-story library, a musical library, and environment-friendly gas-turbine engines. And she continues Celebrity's tried and true tradition of dedication to art (with more than 500 artworks by more than 150 artists) and elegant, contemporary furnishings, natural woods, and quality fabrics.

The Panamax dimensions vessel ("When we are in the Panama Canal, we have about a foot of space on each side" said a smiling Captain Gerassimos Andrianatos, the ship's master) has a layout identical to the Millennium, but the Infinity has her distinguishing characteristics. Among these is the first full-fledged floating conservatory in a contemporary vessel. This glass-domed conservatory-boutique/greenhouse/lounge/oasis all rolled into one--is located up top on Sunrise Deck. The creation of floral designer Emilio Robba of Paris, this fragrant garden space is filled with silk and fresh flowers, the trunks and branches of six real magnolia trees arranged with white silk blossoms, and a decor featuring wrought iron and rattan, white fabric canopies, marble floors, and trellises with wandering vines. Inviting comparison to the legendary liner Normandie's Winter Garden, it is a pleasant spot for watching a floral demonstration, and a hideaway for relaxing.

Another new feature on the Infinity, and a first for Celebrity, is Connect@Sea, a service that provides internet capability in every stateroom, so those passengers who bring along their laptops can check e-mail from the privacy of their cabins. Those who do not bring their computers can stay connected at Online@CelebrityCruises, an oval-shaped room with sea views and 18 computer workstations on Promenade Deck.

Most indoor public spaces on the Infinity are on Promenade and Entertainment decks, the top two levels of the three-deck-high Grand Foyer, the main hub and crossroads of the ship. The lowest of the atrium's three levels, on Plaza Deck, is a gracious piazza, surrounded by the shore excursions alcove--a boutique-like space featuring destination videos and a fresh supply of brochures each day--the guest relations desk, and the ship's bank. Carry your cash up to the Emporium on Entertainment Deck, which, at more than 14,000 square feet, is one of the largest retail shopping spaces at sea. This European-style shopping promenade features a Celebrity logo shop, an art gallery, auction area, and designer boutiques including Donna Karan and Versace, plus a shop offering Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux's cookbooks.

Passengers can sample Roux's handiwork in every one of the vessel's restaurants (he oversees all of Celebrity Cruises' delectable menus). "Every dish is prepared and served to Roux's specifications--even the garnish must appear just as he wants, like in these pictures," said Davor Josipovic, food manager, while pointing to pictures on the walls of the galley during a tour of this sizable facility located one deck below the Trellis, the ship's two-level formal restaurant on Promenade and Entertainment decks. Escalators connect the galley with the restaurant to ensure dishes arrive at tables at the right temperature. Other delights in the Trellis, in addition to the culinary ones, include a sophisticated European decor, sweeping ocean views aft, and music by an excellent string quartet. Service here and elsewhere onboard (the ship boasts a two-guest-to-one-crew-member ratio) was outstanding.

This was particularly so in the SS United States, the ship's sophisticated, 134-seat specialty restaurant featuring "butterfly service" (waiters serving, presenting, and removing dishes in unison). This alternative dining venue also offers an open kitchen, tableside preparation, and dine-in wine cellar. Its decor is highlighted by the original, etched-glass panels that were displayed in the ballroom aboard the historic SS United States, built in 1952 (and winner and holder of the Blue Riband for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing). The panels, designed by Charles Gilbert, were created with gold in-fill to depict nautical scenes of sea life. On the menu is roast Long Island duck a l'orange recreated by Roux from the legendary liner's original recipe. Fee for dining in this reservations-only specialty restaurant is $25 per person and worth every penny.