Celebrity Cruises introduces new seminars, activities

Celebrity Cruises introduces new activities

NEW YORK — Celebrity Cruises is introducing a new program of enrichment seminars and activities on its ships called “Celebrity Life: Savor, discover, renew.”

Starting in November, new culinary experiences, learning opportunities, fitness classes and spa treatments will be offered on eight Celebrity ships.

Some will be fee-based, like acupuncture and Botox treatments, a “boot camp” fitness class, and a “Chillates” class that is described as more laid-back than traditional Pilates workouts.

Other activities will be free, like scrapbooking workshops, stargazing parties and seminars on history, art, culture and architecture. Some of those seminars will be led by Smithsonian Journeys, the educational travel program of the Smithsonian Institution.

“Let’s Dance” programs will offer free themed nights ranging from Latin music to the ’60s. But unlike traditional choreographed shows, guests will be invited to interact in the productions by joining the ship’s entertainers on the dance floor. Each cruise will also host dance classes and competitions.

The ships will also offer Rosetta Stone’s well-known language instruction courses, with a free group session onboard led by Celebrity staff. Computer-based instruction is $24.95 per class, or $49.95 for two classes with a complimentary third class. An unlimited package is $99.95.

Interactive culinary programs will include “Mixology 101″ workshops on cocktails, wine seminars, “Food as Art” programs with tours, contests and shipboard cooking shows.

“We want to cross the line from activities and events into experiences,” said Celebrity Constellation cruise director Joshua Riffe. “Rather than sitting back and being entertained, with Celebrity Life you can discover.”

(This version CORRECTS prices on Rosetta Stone to $49.95 for two classes)