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

Cruise Travel, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Georgina Cruz

For a casual, no-fee dining alternative, passengers can enjoy the Oceanview Cafe and Oceanview Grill, adjacent to each other on upper Sunrise Deck. Here bountiful breakfasts (including made to order omelets) and lunch buffets (including pizza, pasta, and ice cream stations) are served, as well as afternoon tea and relaxed dinners featuring a combination buffet/waiter service--very popular on busy port days.

Another favorite area with many passengers is the AquaSpa. At 25,000 square feet this Steiner-operated health club features a sea-view gym with more than 40 exercise machines, full-service salon, and 12 treatment rooms. Adjacent is a free thalassotherapy pool with neck/shoulder massage pipes, body massage jets, and reverse current in a stunning, glass-domed setting including topiaries, pergolas, two whirlpools, piped-in music, and a cafe serving healthy dishes.

Indoor entertainment has as its centerpiece the three-deck/900-seat Celebrity Theater. This showroom, decorated in jewel tones with realistic "flaming torches" (that on close inspection are revealed as lit and fanned scarves) was the setting for four production shows--plus variety, including a concert pianist--during our seven-day cruise. The Constellation Lounge, forward on Sunrise Deck, is a beautiful daytime observation lounge with views on three sides, and a nightclub in the evenings with an illuminated main bar and piano stand. Other lounges and public spaces include an Egyptian-themed casino; Celebrity's signature Rendez-Vous Lounge, ideal for cocktails before dinner as it is conveniently located next to the dining room; and the Martini Bar and Champagne Bar, classy and perfect spots to enjoy those libations as well as caviar service.

Intimate spaces include the Cova Cafe Milano, a coffee bar and tearoom that's an ideal place for people-watching from its atrium tables while listening to a talented harpist every evening. Michael's Club is a very attractive room for cigar smokers with a clubby feel. Words, the two-level library, has a traditional English feel and comfortable wing-back leather chairs; the Tower is a two-level card room with fine-wood chess tables and other games available; and Notes is the two-level music library, first seen on the Millennium.

Accommodations on the Infinity feature ocean views from 80 percent of the 975 state-rooms, and 74 percent of those (577 cabins) have private verandas. Staterooms with verandas range from 170 to 270 square feet, with balconies adding extra space. All state-rooms offer interactive television, telephone with voice-mail, mini-bars, safes, hair-dryer, radio, and handsome decor. There are 26 staterooms in a variety of categories that are wheelchair-accessible.

Families traveling with children find that young sailors have not been neglected. The Fun Factory offers an array of activities for children ages three to 12, plus a puzzle wall, movie room, play area, and arts & crafts room. Older children have a broadcast room and video-game arcade.