If you’re someone who likes the service and spaciousness of a suite, and you just can’t vacation without plenty of pampering, then you’re going to love what Deck 12 aboard Celebrity ReflectionSM has to offer. She’s the first ship in our fleet with an expanded AquaClass offering—the AquaClass Suite. Here, we’re blending all your favorite spa-inspired extras of AquaClass with the upgraded service and extra room of a Sky Suite—300 sq. ft. with a 79 sq. ft. veranda.
Longing to get away and have a European-trained butler at your service 24/7 to attend to your every need? Want to sip a cappuccino in the morning, dine on your veranda by sunset, or have a bottle of chilled champagne awaiting your return from a shore excursion? Your butler will be there to make it happen. Effortlessly.
Perhaps it will be Sabino, who likes to surprise his guests with meal suggestions that are uncannily perfect for them. Or, maybe it will be George, who creates an unbelievable candlelight dinner on the balcony of your suite; he prides himself on knowing what will make your time not only memorable, but unforgettable. George is also an experienced guide and can help you navigate the ship like an expert.
“My mission is the enjoyment of our guests,” he promises. Claudiu adds, “Every guest is special in a different way. My job is to make their cruise excellent in a way that’s perfect for them.”
As an AquaClass Suite guest, you’ll have priority access to the AquaClass specialty restaurant, Blu. With sculpted, white rose walls and sapphire blue accents, it’s a serene and beautiful place to have breakfast or dinner. The cuisine at Blu is not the typical “spa restaurant” expectation; rather, it is an imaginative way of preparing popular dishes without fussiness. So, tender filet is served with flavorful truffle vinaigrette, instead of a heavy béarnaise. We call it “clean cuisine.”
Then, there’s the AquaSpa itself. Enjoy complimentary access to the Persian Garden’s heated tile loungers or the Relaxation Rooms’ wide, comfortable loungers. In the AquaSpa, you can enjoy a soothing massage, a rejuvenating facial, or even get acupuncture and visit the aromatherapy steam room. You can take a Chilates class or run on a treadmill in the Fitness Center, all the while enjoying a spectacular ceiling-to-floor view of the ocean. Best of all, everything can be arranged for you by your AquaSpa Concierge.
Back in your AquaClass Suite, you’ll shower in a bathroom that mimics those found in any fine hotel on land. The Hansgrohe® shower tower features a rain showerhead and body spray jets, and it comes with Bulgari body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
At night, you’ll sleep on premium Reverie bedding dressed in soft, Celebrity eXhale™ cotton linens and plush duvets. You can even pick your pillow firmness from our pillow menu. You will undoubtedly awaken refreshed and ready for a new day.
In the AquaClass Suite, it’s all about the details: fog-free bathroom mirrors, fresh flowers, an aromatherapy diffuser, and an afternoon savories delivery – just to name a few. It’s these little things that will make the AquaClass Suite something you’ll want to replicate in your own home.
You asked for a new level of luxury. We think you’re going to embrace the ultimate relaxation and opulence of the Celebrity ReflectionSM AquaClass Suites.
The Perfect Manifestation of Modern Luxury: Update on Celebrity Reflection
The embodiment of modern luxury, Celebrity Reflection complements current Solstice Class features with stunning innovations, including AquaClass Suites, Signature Suites, and the jaw-dropping Reflection Suite with glass-enclosed shower extending out over the edge of the ship.
Enjoyment of the Persian Garden is another perk that is free for AquaClass® guests and is available for a surcharge for others. To gain access, simply show your room key to the spa services desk. Lockers are available, as well. If you’d like to use one, just exchange your room key for a locker key.
Upon entering the Persian Garden, we instantly drifted away as we took in the decor and inhaled the aromatherapy-filled air. Heated ceramic loungers lined one side of the room and, while we must admit that they didn’t look very cozy, they were incredibly comfortable and cathartic. There were also three large specialty sauna/steam rooms: a very hot Turkish bath, a dry steam room, and an Aromatherapy steam room. After spending time in each, it was hard not to feel recharged.
Which leads us to our Alaskan cruising experience.
The cruise up the Inside Passage was extremely calm and, with land always in sight, we got to enjoy the natural scenic beauty of British Columbia. Our first port was Ketchikan. Here, we had the opportunity to try out our rain jackets, as the weather was not in our favor. Luckily, though, this was the only day of rain during our trip. There were many things to do in Ketchikan, especially if you enjoy shopping. We decided to try something different, though, and opted to snorkel. Don’t worry; they supplied wetsuits. Overall, we highly recommend this adventure because it not only provides great memories, but it’s also an excellent conversation starter when you mention that you went snorkeling in Alaska.
The next port of call was Icy Strait Point. We decided to check out Hoonah, a local town with a unique culture and countless fun activities. Here, nothing is written down and everything is told through storyboards. Fortunately for us, we learned that there was a carving project going on upon our arrival. At the event, three Native Americans carved a 30-foot by 15-foot storyboard and two totem poles. After listening to their story, we wandered around town before heading back to the ship.
The next stop was Juneau. Here, we took a Mendenhall Glacier and city tour. The city has lots of history, plenty of jewelry shopping and, of course, the world famous Red Dog Saloon. The highlight of our tour, though, was visiting the glacier and walking up to the falls. We got so close to the glacier that we were able to fully appreciate the immensity of it. The waterfalls were also spectacular.
On to Skagway next.
Unfortunately, the White Pass train was full, so we ended up taking a bus tour instead. However, even the tour bus driver said it’s worth taking the train; so if you do have the opportunity to visit Skagway, we suggest booking the train early. The bus followed the train route as far as Fraser and we crossed into Canada and continued on our way to Emerald Lake. We were lucky that it was a sunny day, because we were able to watch how the lake turned emerald. You cannot see the northern lights in the summer, so the local Native Americans have a legend that says they reside in the lake then. After that, it was back to the ship. This is a fairly long tour, so we just made it back to the ship at last call.
The last stop was the Hubbard Glacier. All we can say is ‘Wow.’ The Captain was able to get the ship extremely close to it; better yet, the ship did a 1800 so we were able to see the glacier from all angles.
When we weren’t out on land, we were enjoying everything that Celebrity Millennium has to offer. With all the planned events going on, we could stay as active or relaxed as we wanted. Of particular note, the nightly entertainment was above par and thoroughly enjoyable.
We would like to thank Cedric from the I-Lounge who helped get us set up and going on this blog. We would also like to thank Claudia, Kate and Sylvia, who made all the arrangements and did everything first class. Last but not least, we would also like to thank the Captain’s Club hostess, Juliana, for doing everything in her power to make us feel like VIPs.
Of course, we also have to thank Celebrity for putting on the contest in the first place. Just remember, you can’t win if you don’t enter the contests.
Thank you all for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Jacqueline and Norm
Our sailing date has finally arrived, and we are extremely excited to fully experience AquaClass® on Celebrity Millennium. The check-in process was so surreal as we were given VIP status and were whisked through all the checkpoints. Before we knew it, we were entering our room.
Today’s blog will be about the AquaClass rooms, which are located on the 11th deck. As I’m sure everyone is aware by now, the AquaClass concept is spa-inspired. The cabin itself definitely looks updated and upgraded. The room is spacious and warm, with lots of natural light coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The layout of the room is very functional, and the closet space is more than adequate, with plenty of drawer space inside the closet as well. There is more cupboard space provided below the desk, and there are two nightstands beside the bed with even more drawer space. There is even one completely mirrored wall that makes the room feel brighter and more open.
The private balcony contains two comfortable chairs and a table that is perfect for having breakfast, sitting and relaxing, and admiring the fabulous view. What truly sets the room apart from others are the spa elements infused into the stateroom experience. As soon as we entered the room, we noticed the fresh spa-like atmosphere. In the larger-than-average bathroom, we immediately took note of the unique double-doors for the shower. The shower contains a Hansgrohe “shower tower,” which can be used as a rain shower and/or a full body shower. The controls do take some getting used to, but once we figured it out, it was worth the effort. Also included were Hydro-Minera’le aquatic spa therapy bath products, which included lip balm, face and foot mist, body wash, shampoo and lotion. Another nice touch to the bathroom was the plush AquaClass Frette bathrobes and slippers.
There are also plenty of other in-room amenities that help enhance the spa “experience”. A pillow menu is available for you to choose your perfect pillow, and there are daily deliveries of both bottled water and a pitcher of tea. There is an extended room service selection that includes healthy menu option, and a wellness channel with On-Demand AquaClass programming is also available. One of the most important features of any room is the bed, and our AquaClass bed was so comfortable that we had a fantastic night’s sleep. Now we can’t wait to experience the rest of what being in AquaClass has to offer!
Norm Schwartzman
Captain’s Club blogger currently on Celebrity Millennium
Let me tell you about my experience with AquaClass.
The whole concept is spa-inspired—the cabin, dining experience, and, of course, the spa. It’s amazing how much time I can spend “getting ready” in my cabin; with the in-room soothing aromatherapy, custom blended bath products and the fancy shower tower at my disposal, I’m going to be late to dinner again!
I had the opportunity to enjoy dinner at Blu, the dining experience reserved for AquaClass guests. The theme is “clean cuisine,” and even the decor is fresh and modern. Every dish is light and made with the freshest ingredients. I simply have to stop and rave about the Sweet Red Bell Pepper Soup (with Corn and Shrimp Ragoût). It’s one of those dishes where it’s so delicious that you have to get the recipe. The entire meal was fantastic, and the service was superb.
AquaClass guests also get unlimited access to the Persian Garden within the Aqua Spa. It features special touches like a “Turkish bath” area and heated loungers for relaxing in the steam room.
Now that I’ve gotten to experience all that AquaClass has to offer, I think I’m hooked!
Victoria, Celebrity Summit Guest Reporter
Good day from Celebrity Infinity as she sails off the west coast of Mexico on the way to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. It is ten days and counting until we reach Fort Lauderdale and sail for Grand Bahama. One of the most anticipated aspects of this project is the introduction of our AquaClass and the private restaurant, Blu. I find it very cool that Infinity will be the first ship in the Millennium Class to offer this incredible experience that caters to the spa lifestyle.
Having managed destination resorts in Arizona and Las Vegas, guests ask me all the time: what is it like to manage a resort at sea and what are the differences? Of course, I reflect upon my past experience, and know that I have been privileged to manage Mega-Resorts with world class facilities.
While working on Celebrity Infinity during the past two years, I frequently hear positive comments about the AquaSpa, Thalassotherapy pool, and Persian Garden. In comparison to a land-based destination spa, the only components presently missing here on Infinity are specifically designed staterooms and a full service restaurant that is dedicated to the spa lifestyle — Voilà.
Our entire crew is so excited that this award winning combination will be available on Infinity in less than a month! AquaClass will feature 107 staterooms and include a Personal Spa Concierge and unlimited access to the Persian Garden. As well, in-room amenities include: Aroma scent selections, Hansgrohe “shower tower,” Frette bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu to customize your night’s sleep, and daily deliveries of bottled water and teas, just to name a few.
Having worked throughout the food and beverage departments in my career, my excitement for Blu is difficult to contain. I am always fascinated by the food and beverage concepts our Master Chef and Vice President of Culinary Operations, Jacques Van Staden and his team create. Leave it to Jacques to introduce “clean cuisine!” Not many people know that I have been enjoying and dreaming about Jacques’ food for years, as we worked together in Las Vegas. I have often wondered how the name Blu was chosen, and now understand that it was inspired by the Mediterranean Sea. The designer wanted the restaurant to connect to AquaSpa, but did not want it to be too literal, so they dropped the “e” to give it a unique identity.
Right now, the only Blu I can see is the deep blue water of the Pacific Ocean and a school of dolphins seemingly chasing the ship. Wow…
Ryan
