Celebrity makes change due to terrorism concerns

Terrorism still looms over certain cruise ports. On Monday Celebrity Solstice passed Bali based on threats of terrorism in Indonesia. Because of the change, the ship arrived early in Darwin, Australia.

While some passengers were likely disappointed, the move makes sense. It is better to be safe and keep all the passengers and crew out of harms way.

Celebrity adds rooftop terrace

Celebrity Cruises added a rooftop terrace to the Celebrity Infinity. The Celebrity Summit will add a similar lounge during its March renovations. While enhancements like this are pretty standard for ships, it is an important step for Celebrity. The line is none for its quality, but with new competitors entering their space -- like Viking -- they will need to match the experiences. The terrace is unlike anything they've had before and will be used for various activities including movies. 

Initial feedback from travel agents and the media was very positive. It will be interesting what regular passengers think. 

Celebrity Captain Kate McCue talks to CBS

Celebrity's first female captain is becoming a bit of a celebrity herself. With her first voyage underway, Kate McCue sat down for an interview with Peter Greenberg. We wish her the best and a long career ahead.

Cruise Needs' Instagrams of the Week

Sunsets at sea are our specialty. Photo by @anitaski aboard #CelebrityEquinox in the Mediterranean Sea.

A photo posted by Celebrity Cruises (Official) (@celebritycruises) on Sep 1, 2015 at 1:36pm PDT

Got to love it when your room stewardess has fun with posing your teddy bears onboard @princesscruises #RoyalPrincess #BritishIsles #cruise #travel #teddybear

A photo posted by Jason Leppert (@popularcruising) on Aug 28, 2015 at 3:51am PDT

Sea day ⚓️ #poolside #nextstopMalta #Europe2015 #cruiselife #chillaxing #buddha #lifeisgood #nocomplaintshere #seaday #PrincessCruises #namaste

A photo posted by Melissa Russell (@eat.sleep.sweat.repeat) on Sep 1, 2015 at 5:59am PDT

Reading under the sail

A photo posted by SeaTrek Sailing Adventures (@seatreksailingadventures) on Sep 1, 2015 at 12:05am PDT

Remembering back to our #cruise when we watched the #norwegiangetaway pull into #stmaarten #disneycruise #disneyfantasy

A photo posted by @brblifeiscalling on Sep 1, 2015 at 6:49am PDT

Celebrity makes history with American female captain

The Captain can often be a relatively anonymous to your typical cruise passenger. You hear the voice once or twice over the address system. Maybe you attend the Captain's cocktail party. But overall, they often seem cut from the same mold and rarely standout (in a good or bad way). Remembering Kate McCue won't be a problem for future passengers on the Celebrity Summit. Starting in August, McCue will take over as captain of the ship, becoming the first American female Captin on a major cruise vessel.

Only 37, McCue quickly rose through the ranks at Celebrity's sister company Royal Caribbean. Her success is also validation of Celebrity's focus on to advancing the role of women in leadership. (The company already has a female CEO.) Good luck to Captain McCue and to all those who sail with her this summer.

Cruise Needs' Instagrams of the Week

We're giving away 5 cruises to the Caribbean! Follow and use #GrassIsGreener for your chance. Sweepstakes link in bio. (US/CAN)

A photo posted by Celebrity Cruises (Official) (@celebritycruises) on Jun 9, 2015 at 12:08pm PDT

Oceania Nautica in #Newcastle today. #live #life #love #travel

A photo posted by Danielle (@cruisemiss) on Jun 9, 2015 at 1:14pm PDT

These documents from @Viking_Cruises came yesterday and it was all I could do to keep from opening them myself ...but I saved the pleasure for @lisa_r_owen and I sure am glad I did. We are both terribly excited about the Elegant Elbe itinerary but saving that first look at the travel documents for her elevated her excitement even further, a great trade. Repost from @lisa_r_owen via #insave

A photo posted by Chris Owen (@chriscruises) on Jun 9, 2015 at 4:16am PDT

Sisters in a storm 🌊 #fun #follow #paradise #funships #funforallallforfun #ocean #storm #cruise #cruiseships #cruisefever #carnival #carnivalcruiseline #grandcaymen #carnivalmagic #carnivalbreeze #clouds #myphoto

A photo posted by @cruisin_in_paradise on Jun 8, 2015 at 9:27am PDT

#royalcaribbean #anthemoftheseas and #pando #azura side by side in #laspalmas #grancanaria. #instalike #insta #instacruise #instacanarias #instagood #instadaily #photooftheday #onepluslife #oneplustech #oneplusone

A photo posted by Damo 📷 (@instadroid) on Jun 7, 2015 at 9:23am PDT

Unknown sickness strikes passengers and crew of Celebrity Infinity

For the third time since launching in 2001, the Celebrity Infinity is facing an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness. On a recent trip from San Diego to Mexico, 95 passengers and five crew members were hit with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The passengers are being helped and the CDC continues to investigate the cause of the outbreak. Celebrity increased cleaning and disinfection procedures on the ship and will continue sailing the Infinity without disruption.