It’s the news we’ve been eagerly awaiting – Celebrity Cruise Line is restarting large cruising! As you’d expect, it’s not a return to full capacity just yet, but the liner will offer two great cruises departing from beautiful St Maarten, starting from June 5, 2021.
Tickets are on sale now, so if you’ve been itching to get back on the water – now is your chance.
The two itineraries on offer
As part of a shortened cruising season, Celebrity will offer two different cruise routes.
Both will start in the Caribbean paradise of St Maarten and include seven nights of cruising. Cruisers will have the opportunity to explore this stunning island, with its beautiful beaches and distinct European influence (Dutch in the south, French in the north) before and after departure.
The first of two itineraries on offer will see cruisers visit Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao and Georgetown, Barbados. This stellar trifecta of stunning Caribbean islands is the perfect choice for rediscovering cruises.
With magical rock pools, lava formations and caves, Aruba is a nature lover’s delight. Add in the beautiful and joyful architecture of Caracao, along with the many adventures and rich culture on offer in Barbados, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
The second itinerary visits Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; Castries, St Lucia and Georgetown, Barbados. You’ll surely rediscover why we all have fallen head over heels with cruising as you enjoy the lush, unspoiled landscapes of St Lucia and the truly spectacular beaches of the hidden gem of Tortola.
Then, of course, there’s everything we love about ever-popular Barbados including the abundant opportunities for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.
On-shore excursions have always been one of the most important parts of cruising, and they haven’t been overlooked here. Celebrity is offering a range of tours. In light of current safety advice, these are small group tours as well as private outings for you and your travel group. Not only does this ensure your wellbeing, but it also offers the chance to enjoy an intimate and private experience.
All aboard the newly renovated Celebrity Millennium
Making a return to Celebrity cruising even more exciting is the recent and extensive renovation to the Celebrity Millennium which will take guests from St Maarten. Celebrity has spared no expense and overlooked no detail in their $40 million renovation of their cruise liner, and we are excited to see it in action.
Everything from the rooms to the restaurants and bars to the key access system have been given a complete overhaul. All of the rooms and suites have been redesigned under the watchful eye of British celebrity interior designer Kelly Hoppens, while an array of new restaurants offer tantalizing culinary options.
At the heart of this renovation is a commitment to providing the ultimate in luxurious and relaxing experiences. Along with the rejuvenated spaces, there are also a host of special offers and all-inclusive packages on offer.
One of the renovations we’re most excited about is The Retreat, a brand-new offering aboard the Celebrity Millennium. The Retreat is exclusively for suite guests and offers a new level of luxury with private access to beautiful spaces and staff including a butler and chef.
Here at Accessible Cruise and Travel – Dream Vacations, we think this sounds like just the kind of experience we need after a difficult year!
Safety is key
Understandably, many guests who are considering getting back into cruising are looking for reassurance about the safety of doing so. This has been at the forefront of Celebrity’s planning, and they have acted on the advice of experts in this area. We’re pleased to see that with Celebrity restarting cruising, they’re also paying close attention to the health and wellbeing of guests.
The Celebrity Millennium will depart with a maximum capacity of 40%, allowing for social distancing on-board. At the same time, we’re confident this number of guests will allow for the social and jovial atmosphere we’ve all come to love from cruising.
Another key safety measure is that every adult on board (including staff) will need to be vaccinated. Younger guests will need to take a rapid PCR test within 120 hours of their planned departure.
As well as the safety measures for Celebrity, guests will also need to adhere to St Maarten’s careful guidelines as well. Most notably, a negative antigen test needs to be presented within 72 hours of arrival on St Maarten; the same is also required for return travel back to the US.
These measures, along with extra plans such as thorough cleaning and 24/7 medical support, are designed to ensure the wellbeing of guests and staff. They also offer peace of mind so you can simply sit back, relax, and focus on the cruising!
We’re sure we’re not alone in being filled with excitement over the news that the Celebrity Millennium is soon to hit the seas again. Caribbean cruising has long been a favorite, and we can’t think of a better way to dive back into cruising than exploring the jaw-dropping locations on offer.
Add in the Celebrity Millennium’s recent renovation, and these new departures have all the ingredients to be something very, very special. Plus, with an array of absolutely fantastic deals on offer, there’s really never been a better time to dive back into cruising.
Tickets went on sale as of March 25, 2021 and will continue until sold out. Departures start from June 5, 2021 and will go through to August. Prices start from $1,999 for a state room with verandah, flights, and taxes are included. Many departures have free cancellations up to 48 hours in advance, but it’s best to check the fine print. To find out more about making your dream vacation a reality, reach out to us at Accessible Cruise and Travel – Dream Vacations.