We’ve all said it: I need a vacation from my vacation! Cruise ships are packed with activities to keep us busy and enjoying our time onboard. But for the traveler looking for a more relaxing getaway at sea, the AquaClass staterooms on Celebrity Cruises provide an atmosphere conducive to making a cruise truly a vacation.
Our recent seven-night Caribbean trip aboard the Celebrity Equinox in an AquaClass cabin was one of our more restful getaways in recent memory. There are many elements that contributed to this; and while some are small details, they all added up to an amazing experience.
I’ll start with a borrowed phrase from the real estate world – location, location, location! Aquaclass cabins are purposely located on upper decks and away from any outside noisey spaces that might prevent you from having a restful night. We never heard the music from the clubs, the sounds of the staff performing their tasks, or the anchor dropping when in port. Not only did our cabin seem to be in a cone of silence, it was also located down the hall from the spa – more on these amenities in a bit.
In addition to the great neighborhood, the cabin itself isn’t your average room with a balcony. Spa-like elements are infused providing an air of relaxation. An aromatherapy diffuser, plush Frette robes with slippers, a pillow menu, Egyptian cotton bedding, and herbal tea all confirmed this was going to be a special space. The bathroom has an awesome Hansgrohe shower panel – which if you’ve never experienced, trust me, you’ll love it – and you’ll be tempted to stay in the shower longer.
Only a short walk down the hall from AquaClass cabins is the spa area giving access to the Relaxation Room and the Persian Garden. These two spaces are complimentary for AquaClass cruisers.
Both areas are in the front of the ship with floor to ceiling windows, displaying one of the most gorgeous views aboard. The Relaxation room offers a choice of hot teas and fruit-infused water. We found this room to be the most quiet, serene space of all. The Persian Garden is a thermal suite with several heated tile beds.
The beds are therapeutic and ease muscle tension in a unique but grand way. As part of the Persian Garden experience, a sauna and steam room are conveniently located off the main room. It’s a true luxury having an area of the ship only a select few can enter.
Though seemingly impossible to feel blue about anything after all the relaxation, that’s when it’s time to head for a meal at Blu. This exclusive dining experience for those in AquaClass is open for breakfast and dinner. No reservations are needed and everyone is seated as they enter.
The concierge at the door asked for our cabin number on the first visit and had our names memorized going forward. The wait staff works as a team making the whole dining service seamless. We found the rotating menu to be very balanced, offering interesting and healthy culinary experiences for everyone. Dining at Blu is what makes the AquaClass experience worth the upgrade.
Need a vacation that won’t require another vacation? Consider the pampering of AquaClass with Celebrity Cruises and you’ll understand why we give it straight A’s.
About Tim Souza: Tim is a photographer from Virginia and has been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, TLC Network, New York Magazine, Ritz-Carlton Magazine, Brides Magazine, Destination Magazine, and other prominent media outlets. You can visit Tim’s website at www.timsouza.com.
