Miami, March 19, 2021 – Celebrity Cruises today announced its highly anticipated return to cruising, as the company's president and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, confirmed that the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium, the ship at the forefront of the $500 million fleet modernization program and featuring the exclusive open-air retreat The Retreat®, will be homeported in the tropical paradise of St. Maarten beginning June 5.
Starting March 25, eager travelers can turn their vacation dreams into reality when bookings open for new seven-night itineraries sailing through August to some of the Caribbean's most beloved island destinations. The ship will sail with a vaccinated crew and will be available to vaccinated adult guests and children under 18 with a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of embarkation.
Guests can take advantage of special flight and cruise pricing offering exceptional savings on all 2021 summer voyages to St. Maarten starting at $1,999* per person for a balcony stateroom. The offer applies to new bookings, and flights must be booked through Flights By Celebrity. Prices include airfare and taxes. No promotional code is needed.
Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said: “Returning to the Caribbean after more than a year away is a very significant moment for us. It marks the measured beginning of the end of what has been an exceptionally challenging time for everyone. We have been in constant contact with the leaders of St. Maarten these past few months to support each other and share learnings and best practices. Being able to offer people the opportunity to have a safe vacation aboard the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium is incredible, and sailing from the magical island of St. Maarten is very special. I will always be grateful for the support and collaboration of the St. Maarten government.”.
“Having a major cruise line like Celebrity Cruises, part of the Royal Caribbean Group, operating as a homeport here is a significant economic milestone for St. Maarten. It is a landmark agreement, the result of ongoing dialogue and a testament to the strength of our long-term relationship,” stated Minister of Tourism, Economy, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), Ludmila de Weever. “Celebrity Cruises’ homeport here will help revitalize our economy and create opportunities for our people. I would like to thank the Royal Caribbean Group management team for their commitment to St. Maarten and their trust in the Ministry of TEATT as a reliable and responsible partner. I look forward to the successful relaunch of their Caribbean cruises,” concluded Minister de Weever.
Caribbean cruise: standout experiences
Celebrity's new Caribbean cruise season offers a week of luxury cruising with world-class dining experiences, exciting entertainment, and elegant, dreamy staterooms—all while soaking up the sun, culture, and history of some of the most beautiful islands on the planet. Two different itinerary options include:
- Aruba, Curacao and Barbados: this trio of spectacular islands offers many wonders, from Aruba's natural rock pools, caves and volcanic lava formations; to Curacao's colorful Dutch colonial-style buildings and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Willemstad city center; to snorkeling and catamaran sailing in Barbados's cool blue waters.
- Tortola, St. Lucia and Barbados: In addition to the many water adventures on offer in Barbados, this itinerary adds the lush green landscape of St. Lucia and the relaxing Sugar Beach; along with one of the treasures of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola, with its mountainous scenery and beautiful sandy coves that are enough to make any beach lover swoon.
With cruises beginning and ending in St. Maarten, passengers will have plenty of time to experience this island's fusion of Dutch, French, and Caribbean culinary classics, stunning beaches, and renowned diving and snorkeling options.
Celebrity will offer a variety of curated excursions to suit all interests and price points at each port of call. Private tours and Small Group Discovery Tours will also be available for guests who prefer to explore destinations with only family members or travel companions.
The Celebrity Revolution
From bow to stern, the Celebrity Millennium has undergone one of the most extensive renovations in history to ensure a new, unrivaled luxury experience for its guests. The ship now boasts new staterooms, newly appointed restaurants and lounges, and a redesigned spa that offers passengers unparalleled ways to relax and recharge. At the exclusive The Retreat, guests will enjoy a private terrace and redesigned lounge offering complimentary gourmet drinks and snacks, live entertainment, and 24-hour butler and concierge service.
Some of the additional onboard improvements include:
- Completely redesigned contemporary staterooms and suites inspired by the designs of multi-award-winning British interior designer Kelly Hoppen for Celebrity Edge and featuring Celebrity's eXhale bedding with its luxurious Cashmere™ mattresses
- Incredibly renovated restaurants, bars and lounges where guests can enjoy unparalleled culinary experiences in captivating settings.
- New boutiques bearing the names of the most popular designers;
- Celebrity's advanced RFID locking technology with digital key access to each stateroom door.
Health at Sea
The company's first priority is the health and safety of guests, crew, and people in the places their ships visit.
Celebrity Millennium will sail with comprehensive, multi-layered health and safety measures developed with expert guidance from parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s Healthy Sailing Panel and the Global Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer, as well as local government and health authorities. These measures, including vaccination requirements, will evolve in accordance with current public health standards. Details on all health and safety measures across the entire Celebrity Cruises vacation experience can be found at https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea. In addition, guests must comply with St. Maarten’s travel requirements, which currently include presenting a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival on the island.
Simplifying the luxury vacation experience, Wi-Fi, beverages, and gratuities are now “Always IncludedSM” on all Celebrity cruises. In addition, Celebrity’s “Cruise with Confidence” program offers flexible cancellations and best price guarantees.
For more information on Celebrity Cruises' new St. Maarten cruise deals, passengers and travel agents should visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-deals/caribbean-cruises-from-st-maarten-2021.
* For the prices specified in this document, taxes, fees, and port excursions are additional and apply to each guest.
