Covington vacation advisors Cynthia Pulaski and Judy Faust recently sailed on Celebrity Cruises’ new ship, Celebrity Silhouette, out of Bayonne, New Jersey. They share their impressions of the ship.

The Celebrity Silhouette is one of the most beautifully designed ships we have ever seen, a combination of European workmanship and American innovation. The elegant ship is like a floating gallery, with both classic and cutting-edge artwork everywhere. Launched in July 2011, she is the fourth in Celebrity’s line of innovative Solstice® class ships, but has some unique features not found on her sister ships.

The Silhouette qualifies as a large ship with a passenger capacity of 2,886 but has the feel of an intimate boutique hotel. Amazingly, we never experienced the crowds or lines one would expect with that many guests onboard. There are many well-positioned retreats throughout the ship, some no more elaborate than a set of easy chairs and a small table tucked into a corner. One clever new element is the Hideaway in the Grand Atrium: small tree house-like nooks with Wi-Fi access, just large enough for one or two people who feel like being out of the mainstream for awhile.

A standard feature on the Solstice class ships is the Lawn Club: a half-acre, real grass lawn on the top deck where guest can play croquet, practice putting, hang out in a hammock or have a picnic.  The Silhouette has several new features bordering the lawn. One is the first interactive cooking restaurant at sea: the Lawn Club Grill. This 48-seat alternative dining venue (additional fee) is an open air restaurant where guests can select and grill their own meat and vegetables by themselves or with the assistance of the ship’s chefs. The Porch is an additional alternative restaurant (fee applies) near the lawn where guests enjoy lighter fare for breakfast and lunch in a causal, alfresco setting.

Celebrity past-cruisers know the signature Michaels Club as somewhat of a “man cave” but on the Silhouette it has been repurposed as a social club for everyone. It is a place to gather with friends where you can enjoy over 50 international brands of beer and gourmet snacks. We enjoyed a wine tasting at Cellar Masters

We were impressed with the elegant touches of artwork and fresh flowers in the staterooms. We also loved the Art Studio where guests can learn to make jewelry or mosaics, create a travel journal or attend a glass blowing demonstration. Interesting art is everywhere onboard and guests can learn more about it with an iPad virtual tour. Families will enjoy the Silhouette’s family pool and the most extensive children’s facilities in the Celebrity fleet. The onboard boutiques are a shopper’s delight with a good selection of jewelry and bags, artwork, computers, decorative home accents and signature designer items. The spa is a calm, tranquil place to be pampered where we indulged in pedicures.

The Silhouette is truly a lovely ship incorporating all of the best of Celebrity Cruises. Let us help you arrange an escape from the everyday with a cruise on the Silhouette. Contact us to find out about her itineraries and availability.

Judy Faust has enjoyed a 29-year career as a travel advisor, lived in Europe and the Middle East and visited over 60 countries. To put her vast knowledge and experience to work for you in planning an exquisite vacation, email Judy at judyf@covtrav.com.

Cynthia Pulaski is a career travel advisor and cruise specialist. Ask Cynthia about the fascinating itineraries of the Celebrity Silouhette by email at cynthiap@covtrav.com.