By
Alex Smith |
Celebrity Cruises is to return to sailing in the Caribbean this summer, with the newly renovated Celebrity Millennium homeporting at St Maarten from 5 June.
Two seven-night itineraries will be on offer until August, with cruises available to vaccinated adult guests and children under the age of 18 who have tested negative within 72 hours of embarkation. Safety measures have been developed based on guidance from Royal Caribbean Group’s Healthy Sail Panel and local health and government officials. The first itinerary will stop at the islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Barbados, while the second will call at Tortola and St Lucia along with Barbados.
“Having a major cruise line such as Royal Caribbean Group’s Celebrity Cruises homeport here is a significant economic milestone for St. Maarten,” said Ludmila de Weever, minister of tourism, economic affairs, transportation and telecommunication for St. Maarten. “It’s an historic agreement, the fruit of continuous dialogue and a testament to the strength of our long-standing relationship. Celebrity Cruises homeporting here will help rejuvenate our economy and drive opportunities for our people.”
Celebrity Millennium has been extensively renovated as part of the $500 million Celebrity Revolution modernisation programme. The ship now features new staterooms, newly appointed restaurants and lounges and a redesigned spa. Celebrity’s radio-frequency identification lock technology with digital key access has now been installed on every stateroom door, and new boutiques will be available onboard. The exclusive The Retreat area includes a private sundeck and a redesigned lounge offering complimentary beverages, live entertainment, and butler and concierge service.
“Returning to the Caribbean after more than a year away is such a significant moment for us,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “That we’re able to offer people the opportunity to safely vacation onboard the revolutionised Celebrity Millennium, is incredible, and that we will sail from the magical island of St. Maarten is very special.”