We are in our 60's, still working full time, on our 14th cruise - 9 with Celebrity (also have been on RCCL, Carnival and MSC). Our first cruise was a 10 night Southern Caribbean Special on Celebrity Mercury in 2001. After that, we never thought we would like anything less than 10 days. We reluctantly went to 7 then to 4 (our first 4 nighter with this cruise). Our last cruise was on Galaxy, 10 days, in the Eastern Med. (its last trip. Galaxy is now sailing with a German Line). Our next is in June, 2010 aboard NCL's Pride of America in Hawaii.

We enjoy formal dining at large tables of 10, getting to know table mates, fitness, production shows and sightseeing by means other than ship's tours. Celebrity has done a very good job of catering to a wide range of cruisers. That they have both formal and casual (free-style dining) is a plus for those who don't want to be tied to fixed dining times. One can also spend a lot or a little on accommodations and service. In my opinion, Celebrity has probably done the best job of offering the widest range of dining and accommodation options to potential cruisers in the industry.

Century is the oldest ship in the Celebrity fleet and while it shows its age, it is very well maintained. The ship is small, at 1800 passengers, compared to the mega-ships cruising the world's oceans today. I prefer the intimacy of this class ship. My wife simply likes to cruise and cares little about what ship we are on. Despite its small size, it is laid out very well and one never feels like the public spaces are crowded with people. There is a nice array of rich mahogany, cherry and teak woods on this ship. Stone work is elegant and very Italian which is where the ship was refurbished in 2006. Colors and artwork are tasteful and understated. If you are looking for rock wall climbing, Las Vegas style boulevards amidships, skating rinks and a carnival atmosphere, this ship is not for you. Read more