This actually was a repositioning cruise through the Panama Canal to South America, ending in Valparaiso, Chile. Two well traveled American couples, ages 58-73. Third cruise for one couple, seventeenth for the other couple (us). All have traveled on Celebrity before. (We have also sailed on HAL, X, MSC, RCCL, NCL, Carnival and Princess.) This was a 3rd cruise this in 2014, on 3 different lines, all in similar cabin categories. We have quite a bit of room to compare.

I'll get the disappointing stuff out of the way first. The Infinity is showing her age. We quickly observed paint chipping and rust, and later in the cruise discovered dust bunnies in the corner of a lounge. The ship just doesn't sparkle and shine anymore. Our standard balcony cabin (both couples received a free upgrade from our ocean view) were spotless, but also looking a bit worn. Great linens and mattresses.

One of the reasons Celebrity has remained our favorite cruise line was the quality and flavor of the food. I'm very unhappy to say that the buffet didn't meet the high bar that was delivered on our last Celebrity cruise (Dec 2013). The food tasted fine, but nothing special. The worst part was the management of the buffet. No discernible queuing lines, regularly running out of dishes, silverware and food. The food arrangement was ridiculous - if you want to stop self-service, bring enough staff on board to serve the food. Instead, Celebrity has moved food behind a glass shield, just far enough away that passengers have to reach and strain to get at it, often without using tongs (because they weren't there). Dirty dishes were left on tables for far too long, though that problem was eliminated after the first few days of the cruise (presumably because of passenger complaints, which were loud and vocal). Read more