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What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Here’s what you need to know about every Celebrity Cruises ship.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is among our readers' favorite mega-ship ocean lines — coming in at No. 1 in 2022 and No. 2 in 2023 as part of our World's Best Awards (WBA) — and it's easy to see why. This WBA Hall of Fame honoree truly shines with its sophisticated, tasteful decor and sleek onboard spaces, including swanky lounges, dazzling bars, gourmet specialty restaurants, and contemporary suites. Almost all Celebrity ships, except the three Xpedition-class vessels, offer standard amenities like casinos, retail shops, spas, and Broadway-level shows and entertainment. There's also the adults-only Solarium and The Retreat, the latter of which is reserved exclusively for suite guests. Paul Brady , Travel + Leisure ’s news director and cruise expert, told us, “Because its ships offer so much to do, Celebrity is a fantastic choice for families, who can choose from a huge array of well-designed staterooms and suites. Groups of friends, too, will find much to like, thanks to the brand's fantastic dining (and drinking) options.”

Meet the Expert

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on all things cruise.

Kari Becker is a travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels.

With a fleet of 16 ships, it can be tricky to determine which Celebrity ship is best suited for your specific needs.Travel advisor Kari Becker of Marvelous Mouse Travels explains, "Whatever your taste, there is a perfect Celebrity cruise to meet your needs." She continues, telling T+L, "There are three main classes: the Edge, Solstice, and Millennium classes, all with unique features, benefits, and advantages." The Millennium-class ships are smaller which, per Becker, may "offer a more personalized experience." Solstice is the largest class of Celebrity's fleet, says Becker. "When designed, these ships focused on innovation, with unique spaces including a real grass lawn, and unique onboard experiences, such as glass-making classes." Last but not least is Celebrity's Edge class. Per the pro, the ships in the line's newest class are "the largest of the fleet, offering more space for additional experiences and restaurants, including a massive pool deck, floating platform at sea (aptly called the Magic Carpet), and Rooftop Garden." All in all, she says, "The Edge series is for guests looking for transformative cruising and splendor with countless gourmet restaurants and immersive entertainment." 

Ahead, we’ve listed every Celebrity ship currently in service — complete with their notable amenities, launch year, guest capacity, and other need-to-know insights — to help you determine which vessel is best for your next voyage.

Celebrity Ascent

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Edge 

Ship Capacity: 3,260 passengers

Celebrity’s newest ship is also its flashiest — in the best way possible. The Celebrity Ascent offers an expanded Retreat area (exclusive to suite guests), complete with a 40-percent-larger two-story sundeck, and the swanky Sunset Bar, which is 180 percent larger. Beyond The Retreat, there are 32 bars, restaurants, and lounges, a lush Rooftop Garden, an adults-only Solarium, the three-level Eden restaurant and entertainment venue, and the Magic Carpet, a floating platform that reaches 13 stories above sea level. Finally, stay in one of the Iconic Suites, the largest in the Celebrity fleet, for the ultimate splurge. 

Celebrity Beyond

Inaugural Year: 2022

Celebrity Beyond is nearly identical to Celebrity Ascent . Both Edge-class sister ships have the same spectacular amenities and features, including a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center that’s sure to impress wellness-seekers, who will also be happy in one of the AquaClass Sky Suites, which offer in-room yoga mats and fitness equipment. It’s also worth noting that these suite guests also enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite and a dedicated spa concierge. Don’t miss the adults-only Solarium, the Rooftop Garden, the aforementioned Eden, or the Magic Carpet, which offers the best views at sea.

Paul Brady was onboard the Beyond in October 2022. “My stateroom, 9164, was a Sky Suite, with a king bed facing a private terrace and a clever roll-open mirror that let natural light into the spacious bathroom. Dining at the Daniel Boulud restaurant Le Voyage was one highlight — with seven courses — but so too were casual cocktails at Sunset Bar, with its touch of Moroccan design influence courtesy of Nate Berkus, who dreamed up the multi-level lounge,” said Brady of his experience.  

Celebrity Apex

Inaugural Year: 2020

Ship Capacity: 2,910 passengers

The second Edge-class ship, Celebrity Apex , made its grand debut in 2020. It boasts an abundance of stylish onboard spaces, including the Rooftop Garden and the adults-only Solarium. Access to the exclusive Retreat area is reason alone to book one of the contemporary suites. Other highlights include the dazzling three-story Grand Plaza, where you’ll find the aptly named Martini Bar, one of 29 bars, lounges, and restaurants aboard Apex , along with the orange-hued Magic Carpet, which offers live music and a full bar 13 feet above sea level.  

“I was fortunate to snag one of just a handful of Royal Suites on the ship, 12105, which had the look of a chic coastal Florida cottage, elevated with pops of bright green, geometric tiling, and contemporary art on the walls. The bathroom, with a deep soaking tub and spacious shower, rivaled any I’ve seen at land-based resorts,” said Brady of his November 2021 sailing. “Same with the Grand Plaza at the heart of the ship, a gathering place with a hotel lobby vibe in the best possible sense — and a glitzy Martini Bar.”

Read More : 9 Best Cruises for Couples

Celebrity Flora

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Xpedition 

Ship Capacity: 100 passengers

Cruise the Galapagos in style aboard Celebrity Flora , which made its maiden voyage in 2019. The vessel was designed with sustainability in mind: It's built with natural materials and features anchorless technology to protect the seabed. Certified naturalists from Galapagos National Park are on board to help guests gain a better understanding of the region for an educational trip. The ship also offers a once-in-a-lifetime glamping experience, which includes dinner and drinks, a naturalist-guided stargazing session, accommodations in a cabana-turned-double bed, and a private breakfast. Plus, with its all-suite accommodations, the small ship has a mega-yacht feel.

Celebrity Edge

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 2,918 passengers

This sophisticated ship — the first in Celebrity’s Edge class — changed the game following its 2018 debut. What’s more, Edge was the very first Celebrity ship to feature the Magic Carpet, the multifunctional Eden, and the Infinite Veranda Staterooms, which, with the touch of a button, transform your living space into your very own private balcony.

Related: 10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts

Celebrity Reflection

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Solstice 

Ship Capacity: 3,046 passengers

The fifth, final, and largest Solstice-class cruise ship, Celebrity Reflection , will impress even the pickiest of travelers with its onboard activities, amenities, and spaces, including a total of 22 bars, restaurants, and lounges. In addition to The Retreat (reserved exclusively for suite guests) and The Solarium (adults-only), Reflection — along with all Solstice-class ships — boasts the Lawn Club. Located on the top deck of the ship, this chic outdoor space (which is outfitted with real grass, no less), is perfect for sipping cocktails, enjoying a leisurely lunch, listening to live music, lounging in a cabana, or playing a game of bocce or croquet. The adults-only Persian Garden area at the spa is a favorite amongst wellness enthusiasts.

Celebrity Silhouette

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 2,902 passengers

Celebrity Silhouette is elegant in every sense, from the aptly named Grand Foyer — with its marvelous marble floors, extravagant staircase (which is prime for photo opportunities), and the first panoramic oceanview glass elevators at sea — to stylish lounges like The Hideaway or the natural light-filled Sky Lounge. While suite guests gain exclusive access to The Retreat, anyone can relax in one of the swanky pool areas or the laid-back Lawn Club. Then, when hunger — or thirst — calls, passengers can take their pick of over 20 food and drink options.

Celebrity Eclipse

Inaugural Year: 2010

Ship Capacity: 2,852 passengers

An impressive modern art collection, an expansive spa, a half-acre lawn, and top-notch dining: Find all this and more aboard Celebrity Eclipse , which debuted in 2010. This Solstice-class vessel also boasts an onboard nightclub, popular among party-centric travelers, a striking Grand Foyer, and, last but not least, the Solstice Club. Located at the highest point of the ship, the Solstice Club is a haven for R&R with its canopy lounge beds — and it’s also a popular spot for morning yoga or evening stargazing sessions.

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Celebrity Equinox

Inaugural Year: 2009

Refurbished in 2019, Celebrity Equinox exudes cool. On board this stylish ship, guests can sip cocktails in style at one of several hip bars, including the Martini Bar and Slush, enjoy a picnic lunch or practice their golf swing at the half-acre Lawn Club, or soak up the sun at the adults-only Solarium or the plush lounge-lined pool area. Finally, guests should consider booking a suite to access Luminae, a swanky restaurant that serves decadent dishes designed by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud.

Celebrity Solstice

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Capacity:  2,852 passengers

The first ship in Celebrity’s Solstice class currently cruises Alaska and the Pacific Coast in style. Here, you’ll find the lush Lawn Club, the adults-only Persian Garden thermal suite, and the glam Grand Foyer. Additional highlights include the Solstice Deck, an onboard nightclub, and a slew of bars and lounges, including the wine-centric Cellar Masters, where oenophiles can learn about – and taste — a wide variety of vinos from across the globe. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Hot Glass Class, featuring professional-led glass-blowing demos.

Read More : 10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Celebrity Xploration

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Xpedition

Ship Capacity: 16 passengers

With a passenger capacity of just 16, the Xploration is Celebrity’s smallest ship. As such, cruisers can expect an intimate onboard ambiance. When not out and about exploring the Galapagos, guests can hang in the lounge, relax in their suite (some with private balconies), and soak up some rays — or stargaze — on the hot tub-equipped sundeck.

Celebrity Constellation

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Class: Millennium 

Ship Capacity: 2,184 passengers

This 22-year-old Celebrity ship offers a more refined, subdued atmosphere compared to the line’s newer ships, which boast flashier features like the Magic Carpet. The Rooftop Terrace area serves as a restaurant, bar, and outdoor movie theater, complete with cozy furnishings coupled with mouthwatering bites and sips. Meanwhile, the adults-only Persian Garden area in the spa is ideal for wellness-seeking cruisers.

Celebrity Summit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,218 passengers

Celebrity Summit, which cruises Alaska and the Caribbean, technically dates back to 2001; however, in 2019, it received a $75-million refurbishment to bring it a little more in line with Celebrity’s newest ships, including 2018’s Celebrity Edge . Expect stylish spaces galore, including the Sunset and Martini bars, plus a sleek Rooftop Terrace where cruisers can catch outdoor flicks while basking in the ocean views.

Read More : 25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation

Celebrity Xpedition

Ship Class: Xpedition  

Ship Capacity: 48 passengers

Last refurbished in 2018, Celebrity Xpedition was purposely built to cruise the Galapagos. The immersive onboard experience includes nightly lectures by certified naturalists from Galapagos National Park, who will be on board the entire sailing. Enjoy postcard-worthy views from the Panorama Deck, or take a dip in the hot tub on the Sunrise Deck. Passengers can choose from a handful of elegant rooms and suites; however, those who want their own balcony will need to spring on the latter.

Celebrity Infinity

Inaugural Year: 2000

Ship Capacity: 2,170 passengers

Celebrity Infinity is a favorite among laid-back cruisers — primarily couples and adult friend groups. Popular onboard hangout spots include the adults-only Solarium, the buzzy Rooftop Terrace, and, for suite guests, The Retreat. The ship also has a handful of specialty dining restaurants (in addition to complimentary ones, of course). Le Petit Chef is well worth the added fee thanks to a combination of gourmet eats and exhilarating entertainment complete with tabletop animations.

Read More : 10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

Celebrity Millennium

Inaugural Year: 1999

Ship Class: Millennium  

Don’t sleep on Celebrity’s oldest ship, which includes a handful of fan-favorite amenities and spaces such as The Retreat, the Solarium, the Rooftop Terrace, and the Grand Foyer. Last refurbished in 2019, Millennium now features a more contemporary design aesthetic, similar to what you’d find on the newer ships. There are also more than 15 bars and restaurants on board.

The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries

Celebrity Cruises is the cool kid among the seven big cruise lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans.

Operating relatively big but not giant vessels, the Miami-based brand is known for some of the most stylish and cutting-edge ships in the cruise business. It's a line that is all about high-end design, innovative features (just wait until you read about the "magic carpet") and on-trend restaurants that are aimed at sophisticates, not a party crowd.

Celebrity ships also are significantly more all-inclusive — and even a tad more upscale — than the ships operated by the other big cruise lines. Since late 2020, the line has included unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi and daily gratuities in its base fare as part of a new Always Included fare structure .

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter .

Still, for now at least, Celebrity ships are firmly anchored in the mass-market category. The line in recent years has often used the term "luxury" to describe its offerings. However, the size of its ships, their service levels and — perhaps most importantly — their price points are all a lot closer to what you'll find at such mass-market lines as Princess Cruises and Holland America than at true luxury brands such as Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

In our book, that's not a bad place to be.

With relatively inclusive fares for some sailings at Celebrity starting under $100 per person, per day, there's a good argument to be made that the line is one of cruising's great values. It may not be a luxury line. However, it's the line you take if you want a taste of the all-inclusive and upscale experience of a luxury line without paying $1,000 per person, per day.

3 things TPG loves about Celebrity Cruises

• The stylish design of its ships.
• Its industry-leading shipboard spas.
• Its inclusion of drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities in base fares.

What we could do without

• Confusing company marketing calling it a "luxury" brand.

The Celebrity Cruises fleet

Of the seven big cruise lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans, Celebrity has one of the simplest fleets.

At the core of the brand are 12 relatively big ships that can be bunched into just three groups, or "classes," as they are known in cruise industry lingo.

The newest group of ships in the line is the Edge Class, consisting of just three vessels that have been unveiled since 2018 — each holding around 3,000 passengers. If you're in the "newer is better" camp when it comes to cruise ships, this is the Celebrity ship class for you.

Celebrity currently has plans for five Edge Class vessels in all. Two more of the vessels are expected to be constructed by 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Eventually, the abovementioned rollouts will make the Edge Class the new core of the Celebrity fleet. For now, though, that title falls to the line's five-ship Solstice Class series. If you take a Celebrity cruise now, the odds are you'll be on one of these ships.

Just a tad smaller than the Edge Class ships, the Solstice Class vessels were unveiled between 2008 and 2012.

The last grouping of relatively big ships in the Celebrity fleet is the Millennium Class, made up of four significantly smaller vessels that debuted between 2000 and 2002.

In addition, Celebrity operates three very small vessels in the Galápagos that, together, make up a fourth grouping of vessels. As we'll explain below, these three vessels are far different than the line's 12 main ships and constitute what is, in effect, a separate business for the brand.

The 12 main vessels in the Celebrity fleet are not nearly as big as the vessels operated by Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — the three lines best known for giant ships. The biggest Celebrity ship, Celebrity Beyond, measures around 141,000 tons. That's nearly 40% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean.

Related: The 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained

Celebrity's Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships are even smaller at around 122,000 tons and 91,000 tons, respectively.

All of Celebrity's 12 main ships carry around 2,000 to 3,000 passengers apiece, based on double occupancy. That's several thousand passengers fewer than the biggest ships at Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises.

The line's three Galápagos-based vessels are downright tiny, as they must be to operate in the Galápagos. The government of Ecuador, which controls the archipelago, does not allow vessels that carry more than 100 passengers to sail in the destination.

Celebrity's three Galápagos-based vessels carry just 16 to 100 passengers each.

In all, Celebrity's 15 vessels have 26,733 berths, when counting just the two main berths in every cabin (excluding extra pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas). That puts Celebrity among the smaller of the big lines catering to North Americans. One of its main rivals, Princess, has nearly twice as many berths (45,816), based on double occupancy. The world's biggest cruise line, Royal Caribbean, has more than three times as many berths (88,307).

Destinations and itineraries

Celebrity sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. In a typical summer, the line will deploy seven of its 12 main vessels to Europe while sending another three to Alaska. That leaves just two vessels that Celebrity typically will assign to Bermuda and Caribbean sailings.

During the winter, the line will move most of its ships to the Caribbean, but also send a few to Asia, Australia and South America.

For the coming winter, 10 of the line's 12 main ships are scheduled to sail in the Caribbean. There will be one ship apiece in Australia and South America. The line has canceled its normal deployment of one ship to Asia due to continuing COVID-19-related travel restrictions in the region.

The line's three small Galápagos-based vessels never leave the region, in keeping with rules governing cruise vessels in The Galápagos.

In all, Celebrity ships sail to nearly 80 countries in a typical year, hitting all seven continents. They visit more than 300 different ports and destinations. Those are all large numbers, but they're not quite as large as what you'll find at some of Celebrity's biggest competitors. Celebrity doesn't offer quite as big a range of itineraries as Princess and Holland America , for instance.

Among the line's itineraries, you'll find everything from two-night sampler cruises to the Bahamas to 18-night voyages to Hawaii and the South Pacific. Celebrity isn't known for the sort of longer, multi-month voyages and around-the-world sailings that are a hallmark of the Princess and Holland America schedules. Most of the line's itineraries are in the one- to two-week range.

In North America, Celebrity ships generally sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa in Florida; Boston; Cape Liberty, New Jersey (one of the ports for New York City); San Juan, Puerto Rico; Los Angeles and San Diego; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle; and Seward, Alaska.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Celebrity cruise

In Europe, Celebrity ships mostly sail out of Southampton in the U.K.; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Barcelona; Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); Venice and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) in Italy; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Who sails Celebrity Cruises?

Celebrity appeals to a somewhat older demographic than some of its best-known rivals in the world of relatively big ships (think: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Norwegian). This is, in part, because its onboard offerings are not aimed at families nearly as much as the onboard offerings of the latter brands.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises and Norwegian, Celebrity doesn't load up the top of its ships with sprawling waterparks, go-kart tracks, laser tag courses and other flashy, family-focused diversions.

Instead of bustling attractions, the top decks of Celebrity ships offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without a lot of hustle and bustle. Inside, the experience revolves around dining, classic showroom entertainment and a classy bar and music scene — just as it has on Celebrity ships for years.

It's the sort of experience that draws a lot of couples in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but not necessarily a lot of families. The average age of a Celebrity passenger is a tad north of 50.

Still, while families with younger children usually gravitate to one of the above-mentioned lines with more family-friendly activities, that doesn't mean you can't bring your kids on a Celebrity cruise. The line does offer a relatively robust children's program (more on that below).

While not huge with families with young children, Celebrity does draw a fair number of multigenerational family groups. It's one of the lines you take if you want an affordable ship that will appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Cabins and suites

Celebrity ships offer a wide range of cabin categories at a variety of price points. You'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless "inside" cabins measuring just 181 square feet (perfect for vacationers on a tight budget) to massive, multi-room suites that are 10 times that size (and priced to match).

At the high end, some of the accommodations are truly stunning. They include two so-called Iconic Suites on each of the line's new Edge Class ships that measure more than 2,500 square feet, including outdoor balcony space. That's roughly the size of the average American home.

Located at the very top front of the Edge Class vessels, above the bridge (meaning you'll have a better view than the captain in these rooms), the Iconic Suites offer breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows. Each has two bedrooms, a dining room and a living room. Master bathrooms are true stunners with massive whirlpool tubs, marble-lined showers and two sink areas.

The Iconic Suites aren't the only over-the-top suites on the Edge Class ships. Each of the vessels also has two multi-room Penthouse Suites that measure more than 1,575 square feet, as well as the line's first two-deck-high suites. Dubbed Edge Villas, the latter accommodations (there are six on each ship) only measure 950 square feet, including balcony space, but may be the most alluring cabins on the ship, with stunning sea views from both a downstairs living room area and an upstairs bedroom area.

Related: Everything to know about Celebrity cabins and suites

The Edge Class ships are, by far, the line's most suite-heavy ships, with a whopping 190 suites of different types on each vessel. The Edge Class ships also offer hundreds of special spa-themed AquaClass cabins and Concierge Class cabins that come with special amenities. However, you'll find plenty of suites and special AquaClass and Concierge Class cabins on Celebrity's other ships, too.

In general, Celebrity offers a lot more high-end accommodations on its ships than some of its rival lines — particularly Princess. It's one of many differentiators between the brands.

Celebrity is also known for one of the most innovative new cabin types in the cruise industry, the "infinite veranda" cabin. Found only on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, these are standard size balcony cabins with outward-facing walls that are almost entirely made of glass.

Billed as an industry first, the new glass-walled cabins were made possible by a rethinking of the way the load-bearing walls of cruise ships are constructed.

Notably, the top of the glass walls in the infinite veranda cabins slide down at the flick of a switch to create a balcony-like area — an innovation that, until recently, had only been seen with cabins on river cruise ships. The balcony-like area can be closed off from the rest of the cabin by closing bifold doors.

Celebrity's Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships have more traditional balcony cabins.

Both the Edge Class and Solstice Class are known for ships with an inordinately large percentage of cabins that feature balconies. About 81% of cabins on Edge Class ships include balconies. On the Solstice Class ships, the percentage is even higher, at 85%.

About 57% of cabins on Millennium Class ships have balconies.

Restaurants and dining

Every Celebrity vessel has one and sometimes up to four main restaurants where meals are included in the fare, and these dining rooms are at the heart of the dining experience on Celebrity ships. Many passengers have all or most of their dinners in one of these main restaurants.

For dinners in these main restaurants, you must sign up for either Select Dining, which is where you can show up whenever you want, or Traditional Dining, where you have a fixed table and time for dinner.

Note that only a certain number of passengers can choose Select Dining per sailing. If this is what you want, it pays to book your cruise early, as Select Dining is typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also, note that the Select Dining process works a little differently on the three Edge Class ships, which have four different main restaurants with varying themes.

Every Celebrity vessel also has a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. Near the main pool area on ships, these are called Oceanview Cafe, and they typically offer a wide range of dishes.

Another included-in-the-fare option found on Celebrity ships is the deck-top Mast Grill, which serves burgers, hot dogs and the like.

Every Celebrity ship also has at least a few extra-charge eateries. On many ships, you'll find the line's signature Italian restaurant, Tuscan Grille. It serves up handmade pasta, artisanal meats, flatbread pizzas, seafood and other Italian specialties in an elegant setting and comes with a flat fee of $30 per person.

Some Celebrity ships also have a classic French restaurant called Murano, which comes with a flat fee of $40 per person. The menu here features everything from veal tenderloin to herb-crusted lamb. There's also a six-course tasting menu that comes with wine pairings for each course at an additional cost.

Other extra-charge venues found on at least some Celebrity ships include Raw on Five, which serves sushi and sashimi, and The Porch, which offers a raw bar with oysters and lobster rolls. Some ships feature a Parisian patisserie-like venue called Le Grand Bistro that offers light fare such as ham-and-cheese baguettes during the day and gourmet charcuterie and cheese boards with carafes of wine in the evening.

In addition, passengers staying in spa-focused AquaClass cabins on Celebrity ships have access to an exclusive restaurant with a spa-inspired menu called Blu (there's no per-visit charge; the cost is folded into your AquaClass fare). There's also an exclusive restaurant on Edge Class ships for passengers staying in The Retreat suites called Luminae. It features dishes created by star New York chef Daniel Boulud.

Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, has its very own Daniel Boulud restaurant called Le Voyage.

Entertainment and activities

Celebrity ships are loaded with entertainment and activities that range from Broadway-style theater shows and live music to glassmaking classes. Top decks of Celebrity ships have lots of pools, lounge areas and — on some ships — park-like retreats with real grass. Just don't expect a floating amusement park. Unlike some big-ship lines, Celebrity isn't topping its vessels with waterslides, go-kart tracks, ropes courses and other family-focused attractions.

Theaters and shows

There's no shortage of theater and lounge entertainment on Celebrity ships. On a typical night, you might find a flashy, fast-paced production show playing in the main theater, a comedian performing in a secondary lounge and live music on offer in several more venues.

In many cases, the main theaters on Celebrity ships are quite elaborate, with Broadway-level lighting and special effects, and the productions housed within the theaters are elaborate, too.

Typical productions include "Elyria," an adults-only, fashion-forward fairytale with a sultry late-night vibe, and "A Hot Summer Night's Dream," where you'll be immersed in a light-hearted journey that fuses music with extraordinary acrobatics and, yes — a little bit of Shakespeare.

Celebrity also is known for a partnership with American Ballet Theatre that brings exclusive performances from American Ballet Theatre performers on select ships, dance classes with the performers and "meet and greet" events with the performers.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Celebrity ships are filled with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including some that are quite unusual.

Celebrity's three newest ships (Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex), for instance, have fanciful, tropical garden-inspired lounge, dining and entertainment areas at their backs called Eden that are like nothing else you will find at sea.

Soaring three decks high and lined with glass walls, the Eden venue on each of the ships comes alive at night with a bar that serves up unusual concoctions. It also offers a place to relax or grab a quick bite during the day in a garden-like setting with stunning views of the ocean. The famed Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola helped create Eden's look.

Such multi-use venues are a big thing for Celebrity. On Celebrity's Solstice Class ships, you'll find 200-seat venues called Celebrity Central. The space can be configured for everything from late-night comedy shows and movie showings to cooking demonstrations and trivia contests. The venues are also used for lectures by guest speakers.

The Celebrity Central venues on Solstice Class ships are in "entertainment courts" that are also home to nightclubs called Quasar. The retro-chic hot spots draw a late-night crowd that comes to dance to tunes spun by resident DJs. On some nights, the venue morphs into a "silent disco" where passengers wear headphones to sway to piped-in music.

Celebrity ships are also known for their martini bars, each called — simply enough — the Martini Bar. Another standout feature of Celebrity ship interiors is a wine-focused venue called Cellar Masters that stocks more than 400 wines for tastings. A particularly cool feature of the Cellar Masters venues is that they have self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers. Just swipe your card and you can get a sampler of wine in varying sizes.

Every Celebrity ship also has a casino and spas are big on Celebrity ships. Very big.

The spas on Celebrity's new Edge Class vessels offer nearly two dozen treatment rooms, an extensive beauty salon and a thermal suite with heated stone beds, a Turkish-style steam bath, an infrared sauna and a meditation aromatherapy room.

The spas on the Edge Class ships are also known for some of the most wide-ranging treatments found on any cruise ship. Celebrity Edge was the first cruise vessel in the world to offer a collection of advanced treatment tables that included the MLX Quartz, the Spa Wave MLW Amphibia and the WellMassage4D (if you're a spa aficionado, you'll know what these are). The WellMassage4D, notably, allows for a "zero gravity" immersion massage.

In all, the Edge Class spas offer more than 120 different treatments, including acupuncture and salt stone therapy.

Deck-top attractions

The top decks of Celebrity ships are notable for what they don't have: There are no pedal-powered sky rides or ropes courses like you'll find on Carnival ships or the go-kart tracks that top some Norwegian vessels. There are no surfing simulators, sky diving simulators, rock climbing walls or zip lines of the sort found on Royal Caribbean vessels.

While Celebrity operates relatively big ships, it has eschewed the "amusement park arms race" that has been taking place between many of the lines operating big, resort-like ships.

Instead, Celebrity has gone for a much more serene feel with its top decks. For starters, they're covered with a lot of relaxing (and usually very stylish) pool and lounge zones. They also feature some of the most unusual relaxation zones you'll find anywhere at sea.

Each of the Solstice Class vessels, for instance, is home to what just may be the most innovative deck-top feature ever conceived: a half-acre "Lawn Club" area with real grass.

Marvels of cruise ship engineering, Lawn Clubs are maintained by full-time greenskeepers who oversee a complex filter and irrigation system to keep the grass looking shipshape. With Adirondack chairs, hammocks and lawn games such as bocce and croquet, these Lawn Club areas offer a quiet, park-like respite from the activity in other parts of the ships.

If you want, you can walk across the Lawn Clubs barefoot.

Among other unusual deck-top features, some of the Solstice Class ships also have a glass-making pavilion next to the Lawn Clubs that is home to glass-making classes.

Another innovative feature found atop Celebrity ships is the giant orange platforms the size of tennis courts that hang over the side of the three Edge Class vessels.

We should say that these platforms, called Magic Carpets, are at the top of the Edge Class ships "at times." That's because they're designed to move up and down the side of the ship to serve multiple functions ranging from a bar and 90-seat restaurant to a tender boat boarding area. Sometimes they're at the top deck of the vessels. Sometimes they're halfway down the side of the ship or near the waterline. You just never know where you'll find them.

The top decks of each of the Edge Class ships also have a plant-filled "playscape" called the Rooftop Garden with an outdoor eatery called the Rooftop Garden Grill. Inspired by childhood playgrounds, they're designed to "awaken the inner child in everyone," the line has said.

Children's programs

While it doesn't draw as many families with young children as Royal Caribbean or Carnival, Celebrity offers an extensive children's program on ships that gets high marks from parents.

Dubbed Camp at Sea, the program brings free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3-12 in dedicated spaces on board Celebrity vessels.

Celebrity splits children in the program into three age groups: Shipmates (ages 3-5 years), Cadets (ages 6-9 years) and Captains (ages 10-12 years). Each group has its own age-appropriate activities, ranging from art time and song singing for Shipmates to scavenger hunts and pizza making for Captains. The activities can vary from day today and cruise to cruise. Celebrity likes to say it has no set agenda for camp activities and changes things up regularly based on the interests of the particular kids in the program on each cruise.

Camp at Sea counselors welcome parents with toddlers to visit for playtime during special Toddler Time hours. However, parents of toddlers can't leave them at the program unattended. Toddler Time activities include playtime with toys and mingling with other children.

Celebrity ships also offer activities for teens (ages 13-17) at dedicated Teen Clubs. Teens can hang out at the clubs with other children their own age and also take part in organized teen sports competitions, silent disco parties, culinary classes and Xbox tournaments.

While the free programming for children ages 3-12 ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at shipboard Camp at Sea centers past 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. for a supervised "slumber party." This is essentially a group kid-sitting service. It currently costs $6 per hour per child.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

A passport is required for all international itineraries. If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for many sailings out of U.S. ports (including sailings to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Hawaii and Mexico, and most sailings to the Caribbean). Instead, you can travel with an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Gratuities for room stewards and restaurant servers are now included in the line's new Always Included fare structure, as are most gratuities for bar bills. A 20% gratuity will be added when a passenger orders a drink that's not included in the line's Always Included fare structure, as well as for minibar purchases, and spa and salon services.

Celebrity has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems with land-like speeds across its fleet in recent years, such that you now can stream video on most ships. The line's new Always Included fare structure has access to a basic internet plan called Surf for no extra charge. It will let you surf the web, send messages and use social media apps (but not stream video). A much faster option called Xcelerate that allows for video streaming and video chats is available for an extra charge. The current rate is $35 per day.

Carry-on drinks policy

Celebrity allows you to bring two bottles of wine per cabin onto ships at boarding at no charge (for consuming in your room; you'll be charged a $15 corkage fee if you want to bring it to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink).

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including the use of electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be charged a $250 fine per occurrence.

Unlike some lines , Celebrity does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on all Celebrity ships is U.S. dollars, no matter where they are in the world. All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Celebrity sailings from North American ports. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, most nights are designated as "smart casual" nights, which means that — in restaurants and the theater, at least — a T-shirt and shorts won't do. But to Celebrity, smart casual doesn't mean anything fancier than pants or jeans with a short-sleeve sport shirt for men, and a skirt, pants or jeans with a casual top for women.

Two nights a week on seven-night sailings, Celebrity upgrades the dress code to "evening chic," which is a new take on the old cruise ship formal night that is a lot less formal. The line says women should feel comfortable wearing a cocktail dress, or a skirt, pants or designer jeans with an elegant top. For men, evening chic nights could mean pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater. A sport coat or blazer is optional.

Celebrity Cruises' loyalty program

Celebrity has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the Captain's Club, that has six tiers, ranging from Preview (at 0 points) to Zenith (3,000 points or more).

The number of Captain's Club points you earn for cruises will vary depending on both the length of the sailings and the type of cabin you book.

When staying in the most basic cabins, such as windowless "inside" cabins, you'll earn 2 points for each day you sail. When staying in a top suite, you can earn as many as 18 to 24 points per day.

Staying in balcony cabins, which the line calls Veranda cabins, will get you 3 points a day.

There's also one more way to earn Captain's Club points. In 2020, Celebrity launched a new program called Power Up Points that let Captain's Club members get bonus points by filling out online surveys, participating on social media or booking specific promotions.

Taking part in such activities will get you Power Up Points, which then can be converted into Captain's Club points at a ratio of 10 to 1. That is, for every 10 Power Up Points you get, you'll get 1 additional Captain's Club point.

As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll get things like access to a loyalty desk (at the Preview tier) or an invite to a private party (at the Classic tier). But higher levels of the program start to be enticing.

The third-to-highest tier, Elite, brings such perks as access to the Captain's Club Coffee Lounge, where you can enjoy a coffeehouse-style breakfast each morning, and a complimentary bag of laundry on every sailing.

Elite Plus kicks things up by offering additional discounts for onboard services (including a 15% discount on specialty dining cover charges); and free cappuccinos, lattes, espresso and tea throughout your sailing.

But the ultimate perk for Captain's Club members comes when you reach the top Zenith tier. You'll get a free seven-night Bermuda or Caribbean cruise in a balcony cabin. Yep, that's right: a free cruise.

Related: The ultimate guide to Celebrity's Captain's Club loyalty program

Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. But it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

Indeed, a Celebrity passenger staying in suites on relatively long sailings could hit the Elite level in just a few cruises.

How much does a Celebrity cruise cost?

Celebrity ships are very reasonably priced. They're not the least expensive vessels out there, but they're not pricey by any means. It's possible to find a week-long Celebrity voyage to the Caribbean or even Europe starting under $1,000 per person, not including taxes and fees — at least in the offseason. For 2022, some week-long Alaska sailings were selling for under $500 per person.

As of the date of this story's posting, for instance, seven-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean in August were starting at just $899 per person, not including taxes and fees of $192.78. That works out to just $156 per night, per person with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

For such a rate, you'll get a windowless "inside" cabin on a ship. Cabins with ocean views on the same sailings start at $999 per person, and cabins with balconies on the same sailings will set you back at least $1,249 per person. But that's still not all that much for a cruise.

As you might expect, pricing for ships generally will be lower during offseason periods such as September, October, November (not including Thanksgiving week) and parts of December. You can end up paying considerably more for a cabin during peak summer months or over the winter holidays.

The timing of when you book also can matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also will give you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Celebrity ship, you'll pay extra for some things — but not as many things as you might think. As part of Celebrity's new Always Included fare structure , you'll get unlimited drinks (cocktails, wines by the glass, beer and sodas), unlimited Wi-Fi and daily gratuities included as part of the base fare. You'll pay extra for some premium drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance. Most onboard activities such as theater shows are included in the fare.

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to CelebrityCruises.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They also can help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Celebrity is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all of the many cabin categories on its ships and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see them firsthand.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 points per dollar on dining.

Bottom line

Operating relatively big but not giant vessels, Celebrity offers an elegant, stylish product at a not-too-crazy-high price. While it often markets itself as a "luxury" product, that's not really the case. It's a mass-market line with aspirations of being something more. However, it stands out among the mass-market lines for many of its upscale touches, from the many spacious suites on its ships and its impressive shipboard spas to its new, more all-inclusive fare structure.

If you're looking for a relatively big ship with lots of amenities that will offer a taste of the all-inclusive and upscale experience of a luxury line (without paying the sky-high fares of a luxury line), it's a fine choice. Just don't expect the sort of service levels that are found on true luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Celebrity Cruises: The Complete Guide

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Table of Contents

About Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity cruises prices, what is the best celebrity cruises ship, celebrity cruises loyalty program: captain’s club.

With sailings that run the gamut from the Caribbean to Alaska to Europe, Celebrity Cruises offers a ton of options throughout the world. The cruise line has 300 itineraries to all seven continents, many from the line’s home base in Miami.

Before you book a cruise with Celebrity, a line that’s part of the Royal Caribbean family, here’s everything you need to know.

Here are a few key features of Celebrity Cruises to help you decide if the line is right for you.

Cabin types: Depending on the cruise and ship, different cabins may be available — ranging from interior staterooms to suites with private balconies. The most premium option available, The Retreat, includes exclusive and expansive suites, dining, drinks, lounges and more.

Main U.S. routes : If you're planning to depart from the U.S., there are a number of destinations, including Alaska, the Caribbean, New England, Mexico and more. Many begin from ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Seattle, Boston and New York.

Points currency and loyalty program: The rewards program is called Captain’s Club and you can earn Club Points with every sailing after signing up.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Celebrity Cruises destinations

Celebrity Cruises can take you all over the world, from Alaska to Asia, the Mediterranean to Mexico, and other places in between. And for every destination, there are just as many options for trip length. Sail to the Bahamas for three nights, around Australia for nine or enjoy a transpacific cruise to Tahiti for 18.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Just like with most other cruise lines, price depends on the destination and duration of the trip. A 12-night cruise in New Zealand, for example, might be $943 per person, while a four-night cruise to the Bahamas could be $259. The final cost depends on the cabin you choose, of course. On that Bahamas cruise, an interior room may be as low as $259, but a room with a veranda costs $399 and if you opt to book The Retreat, the price tag is a whopping $2,096.

Learn more : How much does a Caribbean cruise cost?

What’s included in the price?

Most Celebrity Cruises offer two booking options: Cruise Only or All Included. With Cruise Only, you can expect the following for no extra cost:

Accommodations.

Entertainment, including theater and live music.

Room service (anytime for Retreat bookings, breakfast only for all other rooms).

If you opt for the All Included package, you also get:

Basic Wi-Fi.

Classic Drinks Package. 

» Learn more : The best cruise lines

As of fall 2023, there will be 16 Celebrity Cruises ships in the line’s fleet, including three smaller expedition ships that sail only to the Galapagos Islands. But one of the best according to some Celebrity Cruises reviews may be the Celebrity Apex, which offers itineraries from Portugal to Egypt to Scandinavia. Between the spa, 29 restaurants, two-story villa-style cabins and a photo-ready pool deck, it’s certainly a contender.

What is the newest Celebrity Cruises ship?

The newest ship, the Celebrity Ascent, sets sail out of South Florida in November and may be the poshest ship in the fleet. An Edge Series ship that’s already won numerous awards, it will start by sailing to the Caribbean before cruising to Europe and will feature more expansive views, at least 30 dining options, live entertainment, a full spa and even a rooftop garden.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

The six tiers of status in the Captain’s Club rewards program are, in order from lowest level to highest level:

» Learn more : How much luggage can you take on a cruise?

How to earn Captain’s Club points

Points are earned based on the category of your cabin (larger more expensive cabins earn more points) and the length of your cruise. So the more you spend, the more you earn. For example, you could earn anywhere from two to 24 points per night just based on the suite you book.

Power Up Points

In addition to sailing, you can earn more points through Power Up Points. You will have to sign-up for the program, then Celebrity will email you with opportunities to participate via sharing social media posts or taking surveys. You’ll get one Club Point for every 10 Power Up Points you earn, which will automatically be added to your Captain’s Club account.

Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card

The Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card also offers a way to earn MyCruise points that can be redeemed for Celebrity cruises, upgrades, and onboard credits. Sign up and score 25,000 bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

How to redeem Captain's Club points

How you redeem your Captain’s Club points will depend on what you’re redeeming them for. For discounts on drinks packages, you’ll have to pre-pay before your cruise starts by calling 800-760-0654, while dining discounts will be taken onboard. But many benefits can be viewed and managed from your Captain’s Club account.

Note that because Celebrity Cruises is part of the Royal Caribbean family, status reciprocity exists across the two brands, meaning your status and benefits will be acknowledged on either line you’re currently cruising with whether you earned status with Captain’s Club or Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society.

» Learn more: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Wi-Fi is available on all ships except for the Galapagos Expedition cruises, but you’ll pay for it: Basic and Premium Wi-Fi packages are available, though cost varies.

Various drinks packages are available on Celebrity Cruises, from a Zero-Proof nonalcoholic package that includes tea, coffee and smoothies for $30 per day, a Classic Drinks Package that starts at $89 per day and includes alcoholic drinks up to $10, to a Premium Package that includes drinks that cost up to $17 and costs $109+ per day.

For most Celebrity sailings, proof of vaccination against COVID or a negative test aren’t required. There are a few exceptions when traveling to destinations with strict regulations, so check with Celebrity before booking to find out.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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Celebrity Cruise Line Review — Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

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Basic Information

Departure ports, private ports and islands, evening chic, special occasion cruises, autism-friendly cruising, complimentary dining, specialty dining, bars and beverages, accommodations, captain’s club, final thoughts.

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Celebrity might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of ocean cruising, but it is still a major player.

Celebrity Cruises has been around since 1988. It was founded by a Greek company for the sole purpose of offering luxury sailings to the island of Bermuda. In 1997, Celebrity was acquired by Royal Caribbean.

Since then, it has added many more ports and ships and now sails to over 300 destinations on all 7 continents. Celebrity’s 15 ships feature attractions and activities that will appeal to the modern, luxury traveler.

Name: Celebrity Cruises Parent Company: Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (also owns Royal Caribbean , Azamara, and Silversea Cruises) Number of Ships: 15 (1 more coming in 2023) Destinations: 300+ Loyalty Program: Captain’s Club Credit Card: Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card

Celebrity Cruises operates a fleet of 15 ships:

• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration

Celebrity Ascent will debut in the fall of 2023.

Hot Tip: Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in October 2022, is the newest Celebrity ship.

Celebrity Cruises travels to over 300 destinations from 30 departure ports. You’ll find ports of call in 79 countries on all 7 continents.

Owning a private island or beach resort is common among large cruise lines and is something many passengers have come to expect. CocoCay in the Bahamas (once called “Little Stirrup Cay”) is a private island owned by Celebrity’s parent company, Royal Caribbean.

Celebrity used to stop at this private island, but is not currently offering any itineraries that include CocoCay .

Hot Tip: Be prepared! Check out our printable cruise packing list and tips for your next cruise vacation.

Onboard Activities

When sailing on a Celebrity cruise ship, you’ll find the traditional cruise staples like pools, a casino, art auctions, and shopping . But you’ll also find some unique activities on Celebrity ships that you won’t find on other cruises:

• A Hot Summer Night’s Dream show
• Camp at Sea kids’ club
• Caravan at The Club (circus variety show)
• Deal or No Deal
• Dueling DJs Silent Disco
• Elyria (adults-only show)
• F45 fitness classes
• Groove interactive party
• HIIT classes
• Hot glass class
• Outdoor movies
• Peloton classes
• Pulse Barre
• Sizzle (Latin-inspired party)
• SPA Thermal Suite
• STEM at Sea 
• The Persian Garden
• Undercover at The Club
• Wonder at Eden
• Women in Wellness program

Not all activities are available on every ship and some come with additional fees.

You may be familiar with formal nights on other cruise lines, where passengers are expected to dress up for the evening. On Celebrity, formal nights have been replaced with Evening Chic nights . These nights are somewhere in between smart casual and formal.

On Evening Chic nights, women will want to choose a cocktail dress or a skirt, pants, or designer jeans with an elegant top. Men will want to choose pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt, or sweater. Blazers or sports jackets are optional.

Hot Tip: There are 1 to 2 Evening Chic nights on every Celebrity cruise except for Celebrity Xpedition, which sails exclusively in the Galapagos Islands and features casual attire only.

Celebrity offers lots of specialty cruises for those times you want to get away for a holiday or connect with like-minded people.

Holiday Cruises

Fun, themed cruises are available during favorite holidays including Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.

Culinary Cruises

If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to check out a Celebrity Culinary Cruise. With these sailings, Celebrity has partnered with Chef Daniel Boulud to deliver a truly exceptional experience featuring culinary events and globally-inspired menus.

Celebrity celebrates all passengers and strives to make everyone feel included. You’ll find LGBTQ+ events, the largest Pride Party at Sea, and same-sex marriages onboard. In fact, the first same-sex marriage ceremony at sea that was legally recognized happened on the Celebrity Equinox in January 2018.

Music and Themed Cruises

Try out one of Celebrity’s music and themed cruises for the ultimate good time:

• ’70s Rock and Romance Cruise: Features over 50 live performances and 25 celebrity interactive events
• Blue Note at Sea: Celebrates Blue Note Jazz Clubs, Blue Note Records, and Entertainment Cruise Productions
• Botti at Sea: Featuring jazz trumpeter Chris Botti
• Flower Power Cruise: Featuring peace, love, and 60s music
• Smooth Jazz Cruise: Has been called “The Greatest Party at Sea”
• The Jazz Cruise: Known as “The Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea”
• Ultimate Disco Cruise: Includes over 40 live performances

Celebrity is proud to offer an autism-friendly cruising experience for both kids and adults. The Camp at Sea staff receives autism awareness training that covers considerations including the characteristics of autism and other developmental disabilities and communication skills like person-first language.

Onboard you’ll find sensory-friendly films and toys, dietary menu options such as gluten-free or dairy-free , priority check-in, boarding, and departure, and other special accommodations to make your cruise as comfortable as possible.

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to use the right credit card to book your cruise so you can earn lots of points for your next vacation.

Dining and Beverages

The following options are all included in your cruise fare. Please note that not all locations are available on every ship:

• Cosmopolitan
• Main Restaurant
• Oceanview Cafe

Celebrity Cruises’ specialty dining locations come with an extra charge that will either be a flat per-person cover charge or à la carte pricing.

• Eden Restaurant
• Fine Cut Steakhouse
• Lawn Club Grill
• Le Grand Bistro
• Le Petit Chef
• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud
• Magic Carpet
• The Porch Seafood Restaurant
• Rooftop Garden Grill
• Sushi on Five
• Tuscan Grille

You won’t go thirsty on a Celebrity cruise. Here are some of the bars and lounges you may find onboard.

• Cafe Al Bacio & Gelateria
• Cellar Masters
• Craft Social
• Ensemble Lounge
• The Martini Bar
• Martini Bar & Crush
• Passport Bar
• Pool & Mast Bar
• Rendezvous Lounge
• The Retreat Lounge
• Rooftop Terrace
• Sky Observation Lounge
• World Class Bar

Not all locations are available on every ship.

Most drinks, even non-alcoholic ones, cost extra on a Celebrity cruise . If you would prefer to pay upfront for your drinks, you can purchase a beverage package ahead of time. You’ll find packages to suit all tastes, even kids!

All beverage packages are priced per person, per day .

Classic Package: $69+

• Beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, and frozen drinks
• Wines by the glass (up to $9 each)
• 15% discount on wines by the bottle

Premium Package: $84+

• All Classic Package benefits
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Craft and artisan beers
• Spirits, cocktails, and frozen drinks
• Coca-Cola products
• Premium bottled water
• Wines by the glass up to $15 each
• 20% discount on wines by the bottle

Classic Non-Alcoholic Package: $18+

• Premium coffee and teas
• Bottled water

Premium Non-Alcoholic Package: $25+

• All benefits from the Classic Non-Alcoholic Package
• Specialty coffee and organic teas
• Red Bull Energy Drink
• Coconut water
• Vitamin Water products

Kids’ Drink Package: $15+

• Smoothies and juices
• Fountain sodas
• Mocktail mixology class

Premium Bottled Water Package: $16+

• Unlimited bottles of still or sparkling premium water

Soda Package: $9+

• Fountain and canned soda

Wines By The Bottle Package: Prices Vary

• Available in 3-, 5-, or 7-bottle packages
• Premium or classic packages are available

Bottom Line: Beverage packages are priced per person, per day, and must be purchased for every day of your cruise. They can’t be shared and they don’t apply to beverages sold in gift shops, the mini-bar, or room service. A 20% service charge will be added to some packages . Not all beverage packages will be available on every ship.

Staterooms on a Celebrity cruise ship evoke a sense of modern luxury. In every stateroom, you’ll find amenities such as a flat-screen TV, exclusive Celebrity eXhale bedding, a cashmere mattress, custom-blended bath products, plush towels, and more.

Here are some of the highlights:

Single Inside Staterooms are perfect for the solo traveler. These rooms offer all the amenities of a double stateroom but are designed for just 1 person.

If you’re trying to stick to a budget, but still want an awesome view, go for a Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom . These rooms are larger than the Standard Ocean View Staterooms and they come with floor-to-ceiling windows.

If you’re traveling with family (up to 5 people), check out the Family Veranda Stateroom . These are the largest veranda staterooms with plenty of space both inside and outside.

If total relaxation is what you’re after, try out an Aqua Class Stateroom. These rooms are spa-inspired and come with extra perks like premium bath products, complimentary dining at Blu restaurant, access to the SEA Thermal Suite and Persian garden, and a personal spa concierge.

For the ultimate in luxury, book a suite on Celebrity Cruise Line. Every suite comes with a personal butler, a private restaurant, a private sundeck, and an exclusive lounge.

Penthouse Suites come with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living and dining area, a private terrace, and a private hot tub!

Iconic Suites are the largest available at over 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. These luxury suites are situated over the bridge so you’ll get gorgeous panoramic views.

Hot Tip: Wondering if you can use miles and points to book a cruise? We’ve got all the answers in our detailed guide to using miles and points to book cruises .

Captain’s Club is Celebrity Cruise Line’s loyalty program. When you join Captain’s Club, you’ll receive benefits and perks on every Celebrity cruise you take. Plus, each time you cruise, you’ll earn even more points that will help you reach the next tier of the Captain’s Club.

You’ll earn Captain’s Club points based on your stateroom level and the number of nights you sail.

• Inside and Oceanview Staterooms: 2 Club Points per night
• Veranda and Infinite Veranda Staterooms: 3 Club Points per night
• Concierge Class and Aqua Class Staterooms: 5 Club Points per night
• Sky Suite and Aqua Sky Suite: 8 Club Points per night
• Celebrity, Signature, Sunset, and Royal Suite: 12 Club Points per night
• Reflection, Penthouse, and Edge Villa: 18 Club Points per night

* Each tier includes all of the previous tier’s benefits.

Bottom Line: Celebrity’s loyalty club, Captain’s Club, offers perks based on your stateroom level and the number of nights you sail. You can expect some nice onboard benefits like complimentary internet, laundry, and beverage packages, but you won’t find free or discounted cruises as a benefit. 

Celebrity is a luxury cruise line that sails to over 300 destinations on 15 ships.

Onboard, you’ll find unique activities, like Dueling DJs Silent Disco or a hot glass class.

Staterooms on Celebrity cruise ships evoke a sense of modern luxury. Accommodations are available for single travelers as well as larger groups, including suites with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Traditional formal nights are replaced by Evening Chic nights, which should appeal to the modern-day cruiser who doesn’t want to travel with formal wear.

Celebrity also offers many different themed cruises that will appeal to all different types of travelers. Plus, Celebrity strives to be inclusive of everyone, offering special accommodations and activities geared towards autistic passengers and the LGTBQ+ community.

If you’re looking for more information on cruises, explore our guides to Carnival , Princess , Norwegian , and Royal Caribbean .

The information regarding the Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best celebrity cruise ship.

Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in 2022, is the newest and one of the best Celebrity cruise ships. In addition, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge are often cited as the cruise line’s best ships.

Do I have to dress up on a Celebrity cruise?

Not necessarily. Celebrity cruises have replaced traditional formal nights with Evening Chic nights. On these nights, guests are expected to dress up, but just a bit. Designer jeans and an elegant top will do for ladies, and men can get away with pants and a button-down shirt. However, if you want to go more formal, that’s acceptable, too.

Are Celebrity cruises all-inclusive?

Not completely. Just like most other cruise lines, not everything is included in your cruise fare. You’ll find specialty restaurants and activities onboard that come with additional charges. Many beverages, even non-alcoholic ones, also cost extra.

Is Celebrity a high-end cruise line?

Yes, Celebrity is considered a high-end cruise line. It offers luxurious accommodation options including spa-inspired Aqua Class rooms and Concierge Class rooms that come with a personal concierge.

Are drinks free on Celebrity Cruises?

Generally, no, drinks aren’t free on Celebrity Cruises. You can purchase drinks onboard individually or you can pre-purchase a drink package that includes unlimited beverages.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Europe, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including the French Riviera, Italy, Mexico and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

Celebrity Silhouette

Introduced in 2011 and fully refurbished in February 2020, the 2,902-passenger Celebrity Silhouette is one of the largest ships in the fleet and features a nearly 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio. Its latest renovation reimagined the lounges across the ships, updated the staterooms and added new boutiques and spa treatment rooms. 

Silhouette offers plenty of onboard activities, from enrichment seminars to comedy shows. While kids can play on Xbox consoles or at the sports courts, adults can sip libations at the Passport Bar and Craft Social. 

As far as dining goes, the ship is home to 12 restaurants and cafes, half of which are specialty venues that require reservations and extra fees. Cuisine ranges from casual bites at the pool grill to sushi and Italian fare.

Along with a variety of food options, Celebrity Silhouette offers a range of stateroom selections, with 85% of its cabins offering verandas. Cruisers can choose from Inside, Ocean View and Veranda rooms, while those who opt for one of seven Suite categories receive more space and perks like butler service and priority check-in. 

Celebrity Silhouette sails to destinations in the Caribbean and Europe. 

Celebrity Solstice

Last refreshed in early 2023 (and first launched in 2008), the 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice offers a sushi restaurant and the Retreat Lounge. Daytime activities range from spa treatments to golf putting to art classes. Young passengers ages 3 to 17 can also participate in Camp at Sea activities. 

As far as dining goes, Celebrity Solstice boasts 10 restaurants, close to half of which are specialty spots that require an extra fee. Guests were pleased with the cuisine variety, and with a nearly 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ration, the ship makes service a priority.

When it comes to lodging, 85% of Solstice's cabins feature verandas. Guests can choose from Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite category cabins, all with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Those who spring for an AquaClass cabin receive additional amenities, like an upgraded room service menu. Travelers will also have access to Starlink high-speed satellite internet. 

Celebrity Solstice sails to Hawaii , the Pacific, Asia and Alaska.

Celebrity Equinox

The 2,852-passenger Equinox was introduced in 2009 and underwent a full renovation in June 2019. It offers a mix of classic Celebrity amenities and unique activities. The ship features 18 premium retail shops, a half-acre Lawn Club and the Hot Glass Show, where professional artists demonstrate glassblowing techniques. Updates include the new Retreat sundeck and lounge, luxurious bedding and all-new amenities. 

Recent cruisers appreciated the variety of dining options on the ship, which include 10 eateries ranging from light fare at Spa Café to craft beer and comfort food at the Craft Social Bar to a frozen cocktail bar on the pool deck. Other highlights include the spa and enrichment programs like cooking demos and dance lessons.

In terms of accommodations, 85% of the ship's staterooms offer verandas. Cabin categories include Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite rooms, and all are appointed with flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service and sitting areas. Suites offer extra perks like afternoon appetizers and butler service. Past cruisers assured that even if you don't splurge on a butler-serviced room, you'll still receive individualized attention, as everyone from the room stewards to the restaurant servers were friendly and helpful. 

Celebrity Equinox offers a variety of itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe.

Celebrity Eclipse

Launched in 2010 and scheduled for refurbishment in spring 2025, the 2,852-passenger Eclipse is one of Celebrity's largest vessels. About 85% of Eclipse's accommodations include verandas, and cruisers who splurge on suites and AquaClass staterooms receive butler service and access to exclusive specialty dining. All cabins offer interactive flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

As far as activities go, travelers can stay active at the Lawn Club, lounge by three pools, participate in hot glass classes and shop at a variety of upscale boutiques. In the evenings, cruisers can enjoy theme parties, comedy acts and Broadway-style shows. Meanwhile, kids programming (geared toward guests ages 3 to 17) is available through Camp at Sea. 

When it comes to dining, past cruisers praised the variety of casual and formal choices. The ship offers 10 eateries, including four specialty venues where reservations are required and additional charges apply. From the room stewards to the restaurant servers, Celebrity Eclipse's staff was also a point of praise among recent guests.

Celebrity Eclipse offers itineraries in the Caribbean, South America, the Pacific, Bermuda and more. 

Celebrity Summit

First introduced in 2001, the 2,218-passenger Celebrity Summit was most recently renovated in March 2019 and offers unique activities like a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen. The renovation added new staterooms, lounge areas and more. Cruisers looking for some R&R can retreat to the spa, the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor solarium. Meanwhile, children ages 3 to 17 can participate in pool games and Xbox tournaments at Camp at Sea.

When it comes to dining, there are nine venues on board, including a handful of specialty spots (for an added fee) serving up creative cuisine ranging from French to Italian fare. While some recent cruisers noted long lines and average food at the buffet, most travelers were in agreement when it came to the wait staff and room stewards: service was prompt and friendly.

Speaking of rooms, Summit offers the same four cabin categories found on other Celebrity ships (Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite). About half of the cabins on board feature balconies. Cruisers will find flat-screen TVs, bathrobes and 24-hour room service in all staterooms.

Celebrity Summit sails in the Caribbean, Alaska and more. 

Celebrity Millennium

The 2,218-passenger Celebrity Millennium debuted in 2000 and was fully refurbished in February 2019. The renovation added brand-new staterooms, updated the ship's design and technology, debuted a new lounge area and more. 

When it comes to dining, Celebrity Millennium offers nine restaurants, ranging from the Tuscan Grille steakhouse to Sushi on Five (both require an extra fee). Standard eateries include Blu and the Main Restaurant. The ship also offers an array of bars and lounges.

While there is programming for children, most of the activities on board are geared toward adults. Enrichment includes language lessons, art classes and Zumba workouts. The ship also features a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen.

Celebrity Millennium sails to destinations in  Alaska , Asia, Canada and more. 

Celebrity Infinity

Launched in 2001 and most recently refurbished in October 2018, the 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity boasts updated suites, an Italian steakhouse and a rooftop terrace. Other highlights include a wine bar and Le Petit Chef, an interactive augmented reality luxury cuisine experience. The ship is set to be fully refurbished in the near future; improvements will include brand-new staterooms, elevated technology, new lounge areas and more. 

Infinity offers a total of nine dining venues, ranging from a casual pool grill to four specialty restaurants that require reservations and an additional fee. While recent cruisers felt that specialty dining was worth the cost, many noted that food quality was hit or miss in the main dining room.

When it comes to activities and entertainment, kids ages 3 to 17 can participate in youth clubs while adults get treatments at the spa or learn a new skill through a variety of enrichment courses.

As for accommodations, cruisers can choose from four lodging options: Inside, Ocean View and Veranda staterooms and Suites. For more luxury, passengers can upgrade to an Aqua or Concierge Class suite. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, small sitting areas and 24-hour room service.

Celebrity Infinity sails throughout Europe.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Celebrity Cruises Review

Thursday, April 18th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Celebrity Cruises
• Best all-around cruise line: widest variety of destinations, ship sizes, and adventure levels
• 13 ships in the main fleet + 3 smaller ships that visit the Galapagos Islands
• Suitable for guests of all ages
• Choose between Cruise-Only and All-Inclusive fares
• Excellent track record for safety
• Winner of multiple awards

Celebrity Cruises offers an all-ages cruising experience to destinations large and small. Founded in 1988, the company is part of the Royal Caribbean Group and has a fleet of over a dozen ships that run the gamut with respect to size - from the Xploration which carries just 16 passengers up to the Beyond which carries 3,260 guests. Of particular note is Celebrity's Edge series, which invites you to "put the world front and center" while traveling in "relaxed luxury" .

Competitive spring break options in the Caribbean

When comparing cruise lines, we looked at booking a Caribbean sailing in March about a year in advance. Celebrity didn't disappoint: there were 20 itineraries to choose from, starting with a 4-night sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau and Key West for just $370 per person, up to an 11-night Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean sailing priced at $1,400 per person.

Broad range of itineraries worldwide

Beyond the Caribbean, Celebrity offers a variety of itineraries to destinations all over the world, including Europe, Asia, and Alaska. They also have unique itineraries such as transatlantic crossings and trips to the Galapagos Islands. With so many options, Celebrity Cruises caters to a wide range of travelers, from families and couples to solo travelers and groups.

Decent activities for kids and teenagers

Speaking of children and teens, will they be happy on a Celebrity cruise? It's important to point out that this cruise line doesn't have some of the "high octane" shipboard activities like ice skating rinks and rock climbing walls that its rivals provide to keep the older kids occupied. But, Celebrity's Camp at Sea program for kids ages 3-12 and the Teen Club (ages 13-17) do give them lots of options. We also really like the STEM at Sea program on the Equinox and Edge: in partnership with the Frost Science Museum, cruisers can learn more about conservation, marine life, and nautical exploration.

Dining is flexible and flavorful

The dining options on Celebrity Cruises are renowned for their exceptional quality and variety. The company partners with famous chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Jacques Van Staden to create menus that feature both classic and contemporary cuisine. Passengers can choose from a variety of dining options, including the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and casual eateries. Celebrity Cruises also offers a unique dining experience called "Celebrity Select Dining," which allows passengers to choose when and where they want to dine each night.

All-Included is the best value for most guests

When you book your cruise with Celebrity, you'll want to compare the price for Cruise-Only vs. All Included. While the latter option may not be offered on every sailing, it provides an excellent value if you can secure it: it's essentially a prepackaged deal on drinks, Wi-Fi and tips. For example, on a three-night sailing to Key West and the Bahamas, the Cruise-Only rate for an interior stateroom was $318 per person while the All Included fare was $581. No, that might not be your best bargain if you're not into cocktails or other beverages and if your whole goal on your vacay is to disconnect, but the numbers really work out well otherwise.

Award-winning and safe

Celebrity Cruises is known for its high standards of safety and has never experienced a major incident. The company has a comprehensive safety program that includes regular training for crew members and strict maintenance procedures for its ships. Plus, Celebrity was named as the Best Premium Cruise Line by Travel Weekly's Readers' Choice Awards for an impressive 14 consecutive years.

Great cruise line for all ages and interests

For virtually any type of cruise you could be dreaming of, from a leisurely trip through the islands of the Caribbean to an exploration to the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity has something to offer. This award-winning cruise line earns high marks for variety, overall onboard experience, and commitment to safety. Celebrity should be near the top of your list when deciding which cruise line you should use for your next sailing.

More Cruise Line Reviews

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• Disney Cruise Line

• Virgin Voyages

• Viking Cruises

• Regent Seven Seas

• Norwegian Cruise Line

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium vacation experience across our fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. Uniquely offering the intimate feel and thoughtful service of small ships, with the variety and excitement of bigger ones—you can explore the world or get away from it for a little while. With every detail elevated beyond expectations, you will never want to vacation any other way. An industry pioneer for 35 years, each Celebrity vacation offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else aboard ships which continue to shatter industry expectations with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel arriving Fall 2025.

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Alaska cruisetours – go beyond horizons.

To fully experience Alaska, discover its interior, where communities remain intimately connected to the land, where wild animals roam as they have for millennia and where native nations thrive. On an Alaska cruise, you’ll journey along the southeast coastline of Alaska, experiencing its glaciers, nature’s ever-changing and fragile masterpieces. But with a Celebrity Cruisetour, you’ll uncover so much more.

On the Kenai Peninsula, glacier-covered mountains descend into bays abundant with sea life. Journey north, and you’ll travel among the vast tundra and taiga forests of Denali National Park. A single road crosses this untouched wilderness, home to North America’s tallest peak and a stunning array of wildlife. Connect with Alaska’s Native Peoples and meet city dwellers who are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit: from cosmopolitan espresso drinkers to anglers and mountaineers, all are part of the fascinating culture that is Alaska.

With a Celebrity Cruisetour, you’ll enjoy the best of Alaska, by combining a seven-night sailing along its southeastern coastline with a small-group tour into its magnificent inland destinations. Stay in the finest available lodges and embark on remote roads and railways in deluxe transportation. All with our local Alaskan Tour Directors, who are passionate about sharing their Alaska with you. Every aspect of your journey has been carefully curated for you to discover the Last Frontier — on your terms

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Celebrity Cruises Launches New 'Nothing Comes Close' Brand Campaign

Celebrity Cruises is launching a new brand positioning and brand identity with the tagline “Nothing Comes Close.”

“Our guests tell us that Celebrity vacations are unparalleled,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “From the thoughtfulness of our crew, to the excitement of entertainment and activities, guests tell us that ‘Nothing Comes Close’ to the way we make them feel. Our new brand position packages this feeling in a memorable and compelling way.” 

The new campaign debuts today with a full funnel media buy, and you can see some of the new content on the cruise line’s YouTube channel. 

It builds upon the “enthusiastic reception” to the company’s introduction of Celebrity Ascent late last year, as well as the debut of Celebrity Xcel in 2025, according to the cruise line.

“This isn’t just a brand campaign,” says Michael Scheiner, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Celebrity Cruises. “This is who we are. It embodies the spirit of what sets a Celebrity Cruises vacation apart. The creative direction captures and conveys the elevated emotions and transformative experiences that guests enjoy from the moment they step onboard Celebrity Cruises, where every detail is elevated beyond their expectations.”

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What Cruise Lines Are Affiliated With Celebrity

Published: December 16, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Pier Lunsford

Cruising has become one of the most popular forms of vacation for travelers around the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled journey, cruise lines offer a variety of options to suit every preference. One cruise line that has gained a reputation for its exceptional service and luxurious amenities is Celebrity Cruise Lines.

Celebrity Cruise Lines is known for its premium experiences, elegant ships, and top-notch customer service. With a focus on providing a sophisticated and refined atmosphere, they aim to create unforgettable memories for their guests. From spacious staterooms and world-class dining to immersive entertainment and exciting shore excursions, Celebrity Cruise Lines offers a truly elevated vacation experience.

While Celebrity Cruise Lines is renowned for its standalone itineraries, they have also established affiliations with other cruise lines. These partnerships allow travelers to enjoy an expanded range of destinations and experiences, as well as additional benefits that come from these collaborations.

In this article, we will explore the cruise line affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines and the benefits they provide for travelers seeking a comprehensive cruise experience. Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean adventure, a Caribbean getaway, or an expedition to remote corners of the world, these affiliations open up a world of possibilities for your next cruise vacation.

Affiliation of Celebrity Cruise Lines

Celebrity Cruise Lines has established affiliations with several other cruise lines to offer their guests a wider array of destinations and itineraries. These affiliations allow travelers to seamlessly transition between different cruise lines while enjoying consistent service and quality.

One prominent affiliation of Celebrity Cruise Lines is with Royal Caribbean International. Both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which is known for its innovative and distinctive cruise experiences. This affiliation allows travelers to combine their cruises with both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, exploring even more destinations and taking advantage of shared amenities and resources.

Another notable affiliation is with Azamara, a luxury cruise line that focuses on immersive experiences and in-depth exploration. Azamara, like Celebrity, is part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which means that guests can seamlessly transition between the two cruise lines and enjoy a seamless vacation experience.

Additionally, Celebrity Cruise Lines has an affiliation with Silversea Cruises, an ultra-luxury cruise line that offers unparalleled onboard amenities and personalized service. This affiliation opens up a world of exclusive experiences and destinations for travelers looking for a truly luxurious cruise experience.

Through these affiliations, Celebrity Cruise Lines is able to expand its itineraries and offer guests a greater variety of destinations around the globe. Whether you’re looking for a Mediterranean adventure, an Alaskan expedition, or a Caribbean escape, the affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines ensure that you have access to a diverse range of cruise options.

It’s important to note that while Celebrity Cruise Lines has these affiliations, each cruise line maintains its own unique style and personality. So, even when traveling with a partner cruise line, guests can still expect the exceptional service and refined atmosphere that Celebrity is known for.

Partner Cruise Lines

As part of its affiliations, Celebrity Cruise Lines has partnered with several renowned cruise lines to provide guests with a comprehensive range of cruise options. These partner cruise lines offer distinct experiences and destinations, ensuring that travelers can find the perfect cruise for their preferences.

One of the notable partner cruise lines of Celebrity is Royal Caribbean International. Known for its innovative ships and diverse itineraries, Royal Caribbean offers guests the opportunity to explore popular destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and more. By partnering with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise Lines expands its offerings and allows guests to seamlessly transition between the two cruise lines while enjoying consistent quality and service.

Azamara is another partner cruise line of Celebrity that specializes in luxury and immersive experiences. Azamara’s smaller ships allow for visits to unique and off-the-beaten-path ports, providing guests with the opportunity to delve deeper into each destination. This partnership enables guests to combine Celebrity and Azamara cruises, creating a truly enriching and personalized vacation.

For travelers seeking an ultra-luxury experience, the partnership between Celebrity Cruise Lines and Silversea Cruises is a perfect match. Silversea Cruises is renowned for its all-inclusive luxury, personalized service, and smaller, intimate ships. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to remote destinations and indulge in the finest amenities and culinary delights while maintaining the high standards of service associated with Celebrity.

In addition to these partnerships, Celebrity Cruise Lines has collaborated with other cruise lines to provide even more cruise options and itineraries for its guests. These collaborations allow travelers to explore various regions of the world, from the stunning fjords of Norway to the beautiful islands of the South Pacific.

By partnering with these esteemed cruise lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines ensures that its guests have access to a diverse range of cruise experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural exploration, or relaxation, the partner cruise lines of Celebrity provide an abundance of options to suit every traveler’s taste.

Cruise Line Affiliations by Region

With its affiliations and partnerships, Celebrity Cruise Lines offers a wide range of cruise options in various regions around the world. Whether you’re longing to explore the sunny beaches of the Caribbean, immerse yourself in the rich history of Europe, or venture to remote corners of the globe, there are cruise line affiliations to make your dreams come true.

In the Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise Lines has affiliations with Royal Caribbean International, offering guests the chance to sail through turquoise waters and visit stunning islands in the region. From the lively streets of Jamaica to the breathtaking coastlines of the Bahamas, these affiliations provide a plethora of cruise itineraries that allow travelers to experience the best of the Caribbean.

For those looking to explore Europe, the partnership between Celebrity Cruise Lines and Azamara offers an array of options. From the iconic cities of the Mediterranean to the historic landmarks of Northern Europe, guests can embark on unforgettable journeys that showcase the diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes of the continent.

If you have a desire to explore the beauty of Alaska, the affiliation between Celebrity and Royal Caribbean allows you to immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of this majestic region. Cruise through icy fjords, witness towering glaciers, and spot magnificent wildlife while enjoying the comfort and luxury of these renowned cruise lines.

For travelers seeking more exotic destinations, Celebrity Cruise Lines has affiliations with Silversea Cruises, offering voyages to regions such as Asia, the South Pacific, and Africa. Explore the vibrant markets of Bangkok, relax on the pristine beaches of Fiji, or go on a thrilling safari in South Africa – the possibilities are endless.

No matter which region you choose to explore, the cruise line affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines ensure that you have access to a diverse range of destinations and itineraries. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a culture lover, these affiliations allow you to curate the perfect cruise experience in the region of your choice.

Benefits of Cruise Line Affiliations

The affiliations and partnerships of Celebrity Cruise Lines come with a range of benefits that enhance the overall cruise experience for travelers. These benefits extend beyond simply expanding the options for destinations and itineraries. Here are some of the advantages of cruise line affiliations:

• Expanded Itinerary Options: The affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines allow guests to choose from a wider selection of destinations and itineraries. Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway in the Caribbean, an immersive cultural experience in Europe, or an adventure to a remote corner of the world, the affiliations expand the possibilities for your cruise vacation.
• Seamless Transitions: Moving between different cruise lines can often be a hassle, but with Celebrity’s affiliations, the transition is seamless. Guests can easily transfer between Celebrity and its partner cruise lines, maintaining the same level of service, amenities, and quality throughout their entire vacation.
• Shared Loyalty Programs: The affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines also mean that guests can take advantage of shared loyalty programs. For example, guests who are members of Celebrity’s Captain’s Club loyalty program can enjoy benefits and perks when sailing with the partner cruise lines. This provides added value and rewards for loyal travelers.
• Access to Exclusive Experiences: By partnering with luxury cruise lines like Azamara and Silversea, guests of Celebrity Cruise Lines have access to exclusive experiences and amenities. From personalized shore excursions to indulgent spa treatments and fine dining, these partnerships open up a world of luxury and exceptional experiences for discerning travelers.
• Combining Cruise Styles: The affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines allow travelers to combine different cruise styles in a single vacation. For example, guests can start with a relaxing and luxurious experience on a Celebrity ship and then transition to a more adventurous and immersive journey with Azamara. This flexibility allows guests to tailor their cruise experience to suit their preferences and interests.

Overall, the affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines provide a range of benefits that enhance the cruise experience for travelers. From expanded itineraries and seamless transitions to shared loyalty programs and exclusive experiences, these affiliations ensure that guests have access to a comprehensive and unforgettable cruise vacation.

Celebrity Cruise Lines, known for its unparalleled service and elegant ships, has established affiliations with other renowned cruise lines to enhance the vacation experience for its guests. These affiliations provide a range of benefits, including expanded itinerary options, seamless transitions between cruise lines, shared loyalty programs, access to exclusive experiences, and the ability to combine different cruise styles in a single vacation.

With affiliations to cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Azamara, and Silversea, Celebrity Cruise Lines offers a diverse range of destinations and itineraries in regions such as the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and even more exotic locations like Asia and the South Pacific. The affiliations ensure that travelers can curate their ideal cruise experience, whether it’s exploring historic cities, basking in tropical paradise, or embarking on thrilling adventures in remote corners of the world.

By maintaining its exceptional service and elevated atmosphere across its affiliations, Celebrity Cruise Lines ensures that guests can expect the same level of quality and luxury when transitioning between cruise lines. This seamless experience allows travelers to enjoy a seamless vacation without any disruptions or inconveniences.

Furthermore, the partnerships of Celebrity Cruise Lines provide travelers with access to exclusive experiences and amenities. From personalized shore excursions to indulgent spa treatments and fine dining, these affiliations open up a world of luxury and exceptional experiences for discerning travelers.

In conclusion, the affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines offer a wealth of opportunities for travelers seeking a comprehensive and unforgettable cruise vacation. Whether it’s the expanded itineraries, seamless transitions, shared loyalty programs, exclusive experiences, or the ability to combine different cruise styles, these affiliations ensure that guests have access to a wide range of choices and can craft their dream cruise experience.

So, if you’re planning your next cruise vacation, consider the affiliations of Celebrity Cruise Lines and explore the multiple possibilities that await you. Embark on a journey of luxury, adventure, and relaxation as you sail the seas with Celebrity and its partner cruise lines.

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Celebrity vs. Disney Cruise Line: Cruise Differences Families Need to Know

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: January 24, 2024

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Looking for an upscale kid-friendly cruise line for a family vacation? Two of the most common cruise lines that many families consider are Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line. In 2023, my family sailed aboard both and got a lot of questions about how the two experiences stacked up against each other.

While both cruise lines delivered similar high quality family vacation experiences we loved, we definitely noticed some key differences. DCL excelled in some specific areas, while Celebrity was stronger in others. Depending on what part of the vacation experience matters most to you, these differences may be crucial to identifying what cruise line will work best for your family.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Our Family’s Recent Disney and Celebrity Cruise Vacations

Before I dive into the differences we observed between the two cruise lines, here’s a quick rundown of the specific cruises we took. Cruise experiences can differ a lot depending on the ship, itinerary, and time of year you are sailing. So I think it’s important to understand the specific parameters we experienced aboard both lines. My kids were 14 and 9 at the time we took both trips.

Our most recent sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line was in April 2023 on the Disney Wonder. This 5 night Disney Cruise departed from San Diego and went to several ports in Mexico’s Baja California. The cruise was during Easter weekend, so it was filled to capacity with families on spring break trips.

We had also cruised DCL before when my youngest was a toddler , taking a short three night cruise from Port Canaveral in Florida to Castaway Cay.

Our Celebrity cruise experience was a sailing in late July and early August 2023 aboard the Celebrity Solstice. The 7 night cruise departed from Seattle and went to three ports of call in Alaska plus a quick stop in Victoria, British Columbia. It’s worth noting that the ship had more families (including a lot of multigenerational groups) aboard than many Celebrity itineraries do because of the time of year and the destination.

My husband and I also sailed Celebrity (on the Celebrity Constellation) once before. That trip was a 10 night European itinerary in the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia just before my oldest was born.

Here are the key differences families need to keep in mind when comparing Disney Cruise Line vs. Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity vs. Disney Ships & Itineraries

• What Celebrity Does Best : More ships in more locations with more options for departure dates
• What Disney Does Best : Largely focused on family-friendly destinations and cruise lengths that fit family schedules
• Winner : Celebrity

So how do Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises stack up against one another in terms of ships and destinations offered? As you might guess if you have some basic knowledge of the cruise industry, Celebrity is a larger cruise line than Disney, with more ships in more locations. Its larger size gives families far more choices and flexibility.

Ship Classes and Names

Celebrity currently has 16 ships in its fleet, compared to Disney’s 5 (soon to be 6). Celebrity’s four ship classes and current ships are:

• Millennium class (oldest class): Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Summit
• Solstice class (what we sailed): Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Reflection
• Edge class (newest and largest ships): Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent
• Xpedition class (very small specialty ships that cruise only in the Galapagos): Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xploration, Celebrity Flora

Disney’s current fleet consists of:

• Magic class (what we sailed, oldest class): Disney Magic, Disney Wonder
• Dream class : Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy
• Wish class (newest and largest ships): Disney Wish, Disney Treasure (debuting December 2024)

Roughly speaking, the ships in each of the three non-speciality classes are pretty close to the same size. Celebrity’s smallest Millennium class and Disney’s smallest Magic class ships both have capacities of just over 2000 passengers. Disney’s largest Wish class can hold up to 4000 passengers at full capacity, making it just a bit larger than Celebrity’s largest Edge class (around 3200 passengers). It’s worth noting though that neither line has any mega ships in its fleet like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or Carnival.

Destinations and Ports-of-Call

Where the cruise lines diverge even more is the itineraries they offer. Disney Cruise Line offers the majority of its sailings in and around the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Most of these cruises depart from Florida ports like Port Canaveral and Miami, with a few sailings from Galveston, Texas and New Orleans.

Disney also has one ship positioned in Europe for part of the year in addition to sailing from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera and from Vancouver to Alaska. And for the first time ever in 2023, one Disney ship crossed the Pacific to offer Australian cruises as well. Most Disney cruise itineraries are 3-7 days in length, although there are a few longer sailings especially when a ship is repositioning to another region.

Because Celebrity is a much larger cruise line, it has ships positioned in many more locations around the world. There are multiple Celebrity ships across six continents. The cruise line offers a number of longer and unique cruise itineraries in more far flung destinations like Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The line also has many more itineraries all over Europe. Of course, Celebrity also offers many 3-7 night itineraries on familiar family-friendly routes in the Caribbean and to other North American ports of call.

While some of the destinations Celebrity serves (especially on the longer itineraries) probably won’t be a fit for the average American family, a lot of families may find Disney’s options too sparse or limiting. We thought the greater number of cruise offerings on Celebrity is ultimately more valuable for families who may be constrained by rigid school schedules. It can be hard to find a cruise that departs on just the right day in just the right place and for just the right length of time to match school holidays!

One of the reasons we actually landed on Celebrity for our Alaska cruise was because Disney simply didn’t have an Alaska sailing that matched well with the narrow window of time we had (between the end of summer camp for one of my kids and school starting). In contrast to Disney’s single ship in Alaska for summer sailings, Celebrity had three ships in the Alaska area we were able to choose among.

So while Disney offers almost exclusively itineraries that will appeal to family travelers, Celebrity is just more convenient for a lot of people a lot of the time.

Disney vs. Celebrity Cruise Cabins

• What Celebrity Does Best : Above-bed storage, curved bed increasing maneuverability in room, spacious bathroom
• What Disney Does Best : Split bathroom with two sinks, better bunk beds, curtain to separate kids’ and parents’ spaces in the cabin, more useful storage, accommodations for families of 5
• Winner : Disney

Cruise cabins are known for being super tiny, even for couples and singles. So families have to really think hard about whether such tight quarters will fit their vacation needs.

For families of three or four, both DCL and Celebrity’s cabins ultimately delivered a solid in-room experience. That said, Disney’s room design has a few thoughtful features added with families in mind that delivered the better cabin overall.

Our family of four squeezed into just one stateroom on both cruises. On DCL, we booked a deluxe oceanview room with a large porthole on the 6th deck. On Celebrity, we had a slightly nicer room category – a deluxe veranda cabin on the 8th deck with a larger-than-standard balcony. The Celebrity room was a bit smaller at 192 square feet vs. Disney’s 214 square feet in those room categories. Because we also had a balcony on Celebrity, however, it didn’t really feel substantially smaller to us.

Beds and Cabin Layout

Both cabins had a large queen bed in the middle of the room for parents. They also had a couch by the cabin’s window that converted into a bunk bed for two kids. I liked that the main bed on Celebrity was slightly curved at the end for easier maneuvering around it in the cabin, but taller guests might miss the legroom. Both beds had ample space underneath that we used to store two large suitcases as well as two roll-aboards.

Everyone in the family agreed that the bunk beds on Disney were ultimately better. The lower bunk on Celebrity wasn’t a full twin bed size, making it a bit of a tight squeeze for my 14 year old daughter. She was able to make it work, but it might not be comfortable for older or taller teens for longer sailings.

We also appreciated that Disney’s cabins have a large light-blocking curtain that separates the kids’ part of the room from the main room area. Now that my kids are older, they often stay up as late as we do, but this curtain is crucial for families with younger kids with earlier bedtimes. The curtain helps provide a quiet and dark place to fall asleep.

Bathroom Configuration

Disney has a unique and consistent bathroom layout in regular cabins across all of its ships, created specifically for families in mind. The bathroom is split and actually spans two separate rooms. The first room (as you enter the cabin from the hallway) has a sink and a toilet with some wall storage. The other room has an additional sink and tub/shower combination.

Celebrity’s bathrooms are more variable depending on the ship, but are almost universally in a single room without this split design. I recommend watching YouTube room tour videos to investigate the layout for your specific ship and room class to make sure the configuration will work for your family.

Our bathroom aboard the Celebrity Solstice was quite spacious as far as cruise ship bathrooms go. It had a single sink with a fair amount of counter space, a toilet, a large shower, and a tall cabinet for storage. It was actually large enough for two people to get ready in at once, but the shower-only configuration might be a negative for families with younger kids. Some Celebrity ships do have small tubs available in some room types, but you will have to work harder to find them and likely will have to upgrade to a suite.

Disney’s split layout – and the second sink that came with it – was marginally a little bit more convenient but the spaciousness of the Celebrity bathroom made up most of that difference.

Storage & Closet Space

Unpacking clothes for everyone in the family into the small drawers, closets, and storage spaces of a cruise ship cabin is not an easy feat. The storage is where Celebrity and Disney were noticeably different. Disney’s cabins simply have more storage, and more smartly designed spaces for families to unpack.

Our Celebrity cruise was two nights longer than our Disney cruise and also went to colder ports-of-call that required us to pack bulkier items. So to be fair, we had more to unpack aboard Celebrity. But even if we had been able to travel lighter, we still thought Celebrity didn’t have as much or as usable storage space as Disney did.

Both cabins had a large closet with some shelving above a hanging bar with small racks for shoes below. And both had a few drawers in the desk area of the room by the kids’ bunk bed area. Additionally, each cabin had small shelves or drawers in the bedside tables on either side of the queen bed.

Disney’s cabins also had a tall dresser with multiple additional drawers in it that our cabin on Celebrity didn’t have. Instead, our Celebrity stateroom had two large cabinets above the headboard of the bed. We used these to store bulkier less used items like fleeces and snow pants, but these cabinets were not super accessible for everything else we needed more regularly.

Trips With Tykes Tip : We brought these magnetic hooks for our cabin walls (yes, walls on most cruise lines are metal!), which we used to hang up light jackets and other items for more storage space.

Cabin Video Tours

Want to see all these cabin details for yourself? Here are short room tours I filmed in both of our cruise cabins on Celebrity and Disney.

Disney Wonder Room Tour (Cabin 6520)

Celebrity solstice room tour (cabin 8162), rooms for larger families.

While both rooms worked for my family of four, what about families with three kids instead of two? Where Disney also excels as far as cruise cabins go is in actually having cabins that sleep up to 5 people. They are limited in number, expensive, and sell out quickly a lot of the time, but at least DCL has them.

Celebrity can’t sleep 5 in a single room, but it’s worth noting that the cruise line does have a number of connecting cabins. The price differential between DCL and Celebrity (more on that later…) means that families may actually be able to get two rooms on some Celebrity sailings for less than the cost of a single cabin on DCL. Larger families or families with older kids who just don’t want to pile into a single room anymore may find this option intriguing.

Food and Dining on Celebrity vs. Disney Cruise Line

• What Celebrity Does Best : Higher quality food overall, longer buffet hours, more dining flexibility
• What Disney Does Best : More theming and entertainment built into meal time, fewer dining upcharges

Cruises are known for food, offering everything from poolside burgers and fries to decadent buffets and specialty restaurants with pricey fine dining. Both cruise lines had high quality cuisine – and lots of it!

That said, Celebrity and Disney do dining quite a bit differently. My family all agreed that Celebrity’s setup gave us more flexibility and more choice, and Celebrity’s food was on balance better than Disney’s in most venues.

Dinner & Main Dining Restaurants

In the evenings, Disney Cruise Line still offers pretty traditional included cruise dining, with two seatings for the dinner hour. Most DCL ships have three dining rooms – each with a different Disney theme – and guests rotate between these different restaurants each night of a cruise along with their assigned wait staff.

Most Celebrity ships, in contrast, have only a single larger main dining room for included seated dinners (note: newer Edge class ships have four smaller main dining rooms instead). Guests can opt for one of two timed traditional seatings or can choose Celebrity Select Anytime dining, which is what our family chose.

We theoretically preferred the flexibility of Celebrity’s Anytime dining, but found that it didn’t quite deliver all that flexibility in practice. Unless we arrived to dine on the early or late side (roughly corresponding to the assigned seatings), we had to wait quite awhile for an open table. Once we figured that out, though, it was nice to be able to dine early on some evenings and late on others, especially given the variable port schedule of most Alaska cruises.

It did get a little monotonous eating in the same dining room night after night aboard Celebrity, so Disney scores points for moving guests through multiple venues. Additionally, Disney definitely has a more entertaining experiences at dinner, with mini-shows (like the jazz music at Tiana’s Place or the cartoons at Animator’s Palate) built into some of the dinner offerings.

But the food was just better in the main dining room on Celebrity. Additionally (and a bit surprisingly), Celebrity even had sufficient choices for kids to compete with DCL’s kids menu as well.

Casual Dining Restaurants

Both Celebrity and Disney also have a number of less formal dining options as well. The largest of these on both ships is the casual buffet. On most Disney ships, this restaurant is called Cabanas. On our Celebrity ship, the buffet was called the Oceanview Cafe.

There simply was no comparison between the two buffet experiences. Celebrity’s was much larger with a substantially wider variety of culinary choices – even on a fairly similar sized ship. And Celebrity’s was open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks. Disney’s serves only breakfast and lunch.

The buffet on Celebrity gave us so much more flexibility, especially on a few port days when we might not have been able to make a set dinner time. And it was especially nice on a longer cruise not to have to get cleaned up for a fancier dinner every evening.

We also enjoyed the poolside quick service restaurants on both cruise lines. Here, Disney had a little more variety that my kids enjoyed (pizza on demand can’t be beat!) but the quality was at a similar level.

Specialty Dining

Both cruise lines had enough food options in the included price of the cruise that many guests won’t need or want to pay anything more. But sometimes guests want a more unique dining experience on a vacation, and cruise lines have some speciality restaurants on board for that.

Disney cruises have one or two specialty restaurants depending on the ship (Palo plus Remy or Enchanté on some ships) where guests can pay an upcharge for a fine dining experience. These are adults-only restaurants and do feel truly optional.

Celebrity Cruises usually have multiple specialty dining restaurants and the model is definitely to entice many more guests into a few more of these upgrades. On our ship, there were four specialty restaurants with different cuisines and decor. Kids are welcome at most, but often adults enjoy these meals without kids in tow.

My husband and I had one parents-only dinner on each cruise and were blown away by each. Definitely money well spent! We ate at Palo on the Disney Wonder and dined and Tuscan Grill on the Celebrity Solstice. Prices were similar (although Celebrity does have some more expensive options too). The Palo upcharge for the two of us was $158.33 with tip and our total bill at Tuscan Grill was $132 (we each had a drink each at each meal, if I remember correctly).

We also ate one evening at the sushi restaurant on the Celebrity Solstice with our whole family and thought it was a relative value.

Entertainment & On Board Activities

• What Celebrity Does Best : DIY activity spaces, more nightlife
• What Disney Does Best : More activities focused on kids, higher quality shows

A lot of guests take cruises to have non-stop things to do when they aren’t in port, and we definitely kept busy doing a wide variety of activities on board both Disney and Celebrity.

As you might imagine, the entertainment on Disney Cruise Line is highly influenced by Disney’s intellectual property. There are character meet-and-greets and dance parties, evening shows are based on Disney stories, and even activities like trivia and karaoke often have a Disney theme. There are a few adults-only spaces in the mix, like an adult pool and the English pub, where parents can escape a bit.

Celebrity has a lot of activities that are family-friendly but definitely isn’t as kid-centric. When our kids weren’t in the kids clubs (more on that below), there was more for them on Disney to watch and do. Evening shows on Celebrity were pretty traditional cruise fare – a musical revue two nights, a magician, and some tribute acts. To be sure, they were higher quality performances than I’ve seen on less expensive cruise lines, but they weren’t quite as engaging for the kids as an Olaf puppet and full cast of Frozen singing “Let it Go!”

That said, we did really enjoy that our Celebrity ship had several ping pong tables, a small putting green, and a lawn to watch outdoor movies. And of course, Celebrity has more nightlife and a casino for adults – an offering that Disney ships purposefully lack.

Celebrity and Disney Kids & Teen Clubs

• What Celebrity Does Best : Bigger spaces for teens to hang out, smaller groups for younger kids
• What Disney Does Best : Longer and more flexible hours, staff better at engaging teens, offerings for babies and toddlers
• Winner : Closer to call than you might imagine, but Disney

Both Celebrity and Disney Cruise Line have robust kids and teen programs aboard all of their ships that are included in the price of the cruise. Since we have one in elementary school and one teen, our family was able to experience both the regular kids club and the teen clubs on both lines.

I was certain that Disney’s kids offerings were going to be light years better than any other cruise line, but we were pleasantly surprised that Celebrity’s programs gave Disney a run for its money in a lot of ways. That said, Disney ultimately has more flexibility and coverage – especially for younger kids – which gives it the edge.

Disney offers two interconnected kids clubs, the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club . When we sailed, these clubs accepted kids ages 3-12, but Disney very recently revised its rules and now will only allow 3-10 year olds in these spaces. (For what it’s worth, Disney loses a few points from me in implementing this change.)

Parents can drop kids off nearly any time of day, from morning until pretty late into the night. There are no advance reservations or time limits required. Cast members lead activities, Disney characters drop in for visits, and kids can use video games or wear themselves out on an indoor playground.

Celebrity’s kids club serves kids ages 3-12. Called Camp at Sea , Celebrity divides the club into separate smaller spaces for different age ranges, keeping 3-5 year olds in one group (Shipmates), 6-9 year olds in another (Cadets), and 10-12 year olds in the final grouping (Captains).

Celebrity has set session blocks of three hours long: one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evenings. Each session has a unique theme with counselors leading different activities. At lunchtime and the early dinner hour, Celebrity’s clubs are usually closed. For families who want additional kids club coverage (especially later at night), the club charges an additional fee but I don’t think I saw anyone on our sailing avail themselves of the paid option.

Because our sailing had so many more kids aboard than usual, Celebrity split the usual 3 hour sessions into 1.5 hour sessions to accommodate more kids, much to our initial dismay. These shorter sessions are obviously not long enough for parents to enjoy a spa visit or a nice dinner out! We quickly found that the club was more flexible than initially communicated, and our son was able to stay for longer blocks of time as long as we checked in to confirm there was available space.

One minor but helpful thing I loved about Disney Cruise Line is that they allow kids ages 8 and up, with parental permission, to check themselves in and out of the kids club. Celebrity doesn’t permit this option until age 10, which meant we had to go in person to pick my 9 year old son (two months shy of his 10th birthday) up – a bit of an inconvenience.

Surprisingly, our son actually chose to spend more time in the kids club on Celebrity, despite it not being as large or as flashy as Disney’s. Celebrity’s counselors were quite excellent at engaging the kids and having structured activities for them. In contrast, DCL’s clubs are so large that they can be a bit of a free-for-all, which may be harder for younger or more sensitive kids.

Disney also has two additional clubs for tweens and teens: Edge and Vibe. Edge is for tweens and younger teens ages 11-14 and Vibe is for 14-17 year olds. Kids one year younger can be admitted to the club (10 year olds for Edge and 13 year olds for Vibe) with parental permission. The clubs are filled with video and board games and couches for hanging out and are staffed with Disney cast members who facilitate group activities.

Celebrity offers a single teen club for all passengers ages 13-17. The space was quite large on our ship and had video games, a foosball table, and a ping pong table.

My daughter enjoyed both clubs and made friends on each sailing, but thought the staff aboard Disney was more skilled at wrangling and engaging her peers. Celebrity’s teen club staff seemed to find a way to close the club up early every evening of the cruise, even when there were teens present, which we found a little disappointing.

Nursery & Babysitting for Babies and Toddlers

Our kids are bigger now, but what about if you have little ones? For families with babies and toddlers, Disney also has a nursery for the youngest kids. Kids 6 months through 3 years old are eligible (3 year olds who are potty trained can choose between the nursery or the Oceaneer Club/Lab).

Unlike the kids and teen clubs, the nursery charges a fee, but it’s quite reasonable at $9/hr. My son went to the “it’s a small world” nursery on our prior Disney cruise when he was 3 and found it a welcome respite from the non-stop high energy of the kids clubs.

If you have kids younger than 3 and want a break on your cruise, Celebrity probably isn’t the cruise line for you, as there is no nursery equivalent. Celebrity does offer limited babysitting services, but only for guests in suite accommodations for an extra fee.

Other DCL vs. Celebrity Amenities and Incidentals

A few other minor points of comparison stood out to me that are worth a mention as well that don’t quite fit into the major categories above. Here are a couple of additional Celebrity and Disney differences to keep in mind.

Shore Excursions

Most major cruise lines offer shore excursions in any given port-of-call, usually contracting with the same sets of vendors to offer a similar slate of tours. Many cruise passengers prefer to book shore excursions through their ship for streamlined logistics like being about to debark the ship first and not being left behind if an excursion returns late to port. As you might imagine, cruise lines mark up the prices of excursions booked through them.

We are very much DIY people when it comes to shore excursions, so we actually didn’t take any booked through Disney or Celebrity. We did take a number of organized excursions that we booked directly with vendors instead. Naturally, we did extensive price comparisons of all of the options available to us.

We noticed that Disney doesn’t mark up the cost of its shore excursions that much compared to buying them directly from vendors yourself. So if you prefer the certainty of booking with your cruise line, you’ll likely get a solid value with Disney (but always price compare, of course).

In contrast, Celebrity’s markups were substantial – sometimes more than double the rate the vendors were charging. Celebrity often runs sales that will bring these excursion costs down, making some – but not all – of the excursions more price-competitive. A lot of the passengers on our cruise booked their excursions during a major Memorial Day sale. If a sale isn’t available to you, however, you likely will save significant money by skipping Celebrity’s shore excursion desk and doing the legwork yourself.

While some passengers enjoy disconnecting on a cruise, many guests need to be able to stay in touch with work or loved ones back home. Having reliable and affordable Wi-Fi is increasingly a cruise necessity. And only one of the two cruise lines we sailed (Celebrity!) was able to get that job done for us.

On Celebrity, we purchased two unlimited premium plans (for my husband and me) totaling $293 when we pre-purchased during a Memorial Day 40% off sale. We didn’t have to micromanage data limits and found the service to be pretty reliable with only occasional slowness or failure to connect. We also found that other devices could share those plans, although only one device could be logged in at a time, so we were able to give some online time to my teen daughter as well for no extra cost.

In contrast, the Wi-Fi aboard our Disney Wonder sailing was nearly unusable. First, it often didn’t work at all or was far too slow to even text or upload a single photo or load a simple website. Second, at the time we sailed, it had to be purchased by the MB, requiring a very user-unfriendly special logoff process each and every time. Thankfully, all Disney ships now offer unlimited plans as of 2024, but it’s clear that Disney is just several years behind a lot of other lines on the tech frontier. (See this guide to 2024 Disney Cruise Wi-Fi for all the current details.)

Cruise Line App

• Winner : Too close to call

Both DCL and Celebrity have cruise line apps that are pretty integral to the day-to-day cruise experiences. You likely will use them before a sailing to upload pre-cruise documentation and check-in for your cruise. But guests use them even more on the sailing itself to check activity times, message each other, check their folio charges, or get debarkation information.

We actually found both apps highly functional and used them quite a lot to plan and organize our days. A few minor differences are worth knowing about, as follows:

• Check-in : DCL is notorious for major check-in bugs and we definitely had a much harder time on check-in day making things work on Disney compared to Celebrity.
• Messaging : Both the DCL and Celebrity app have an in-app messenger service that doesn’t require a Wi-Fi packages so guests can keep in touch on the ship. Celebrity, however, won’t allow children who are under age 13 to create an account. As a result, it’s impossible to message younger kids even if they have their own device. This was inconvenient for us with our youngest whom we wanted to give some more independence on the ship.
• Push Notifications : Both the DCL app and Celebrity app let you “star” activities you want to attend and then send a push notification to you beforehand as a reminder. I preferred that Celebrity’s notification came at 30 minutes in advance vs. Disney’s 15 minutes. The extra time was sometimes necessary just for transit time criss-crossing a ship.

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk a topic that is hard for parents to ignore: laundry. When you are on a longer vacation in a variety of climates (as cruises often are!), sometimes you just need to clean a few clothes. And in this regard, there is a clear cruise line winner.

Being a family-friendly ship, Disney just gets it. Every ship has several self-service laundry facilities aboard. They were never maxed out on our ship. The prices to use them were highly reasonable at about $3 per wash or dry. I quickly and easily did two loads on our 5 day sailing (one of the laundry rooms was literally just down the hall from our cabin), and we were able to pack light as a result.

In contrast, Celebrity’s ships have no self service laundry at all. Nope, not even on longer sailings where nearly every guest would surely run out of clothing several times over. You must send your laundry out for Celebrity to do. It is of course pricey. We pre-purchased one small all-you-can-fill laundry bag for $40 (a substantial savings over the a la carte per item prices).

But my quibble with Celebrity’s laundry policy is not as much the price as it is the timing. It took more than 48 hours for clean clothes to come back, which is just unacceptable. On our sailing, it meant that the clothes we wore on our first Alaska port of call were not back in time for third and final Alaska port of call which is when we needed them! Not allowing guests the convenience of doing their own laundry on their own timeline was frustrating. I would have been happy to pay handsomely for that privilege, and this factor will actually make me think twice about sailing Celebrity on longer itineraries.

Price & Value

• What Celebrity Does Best : Overall much lower cost
• What Disney Does Best : Not nickel and diming guests

Maybe I’ve buried the lede saving the question of price and value until the end. But I think it’s important to analyze the cost of these two cruise lines after fully understanding elements and offerings of both. Disney and Celebrity both offer pretty similar levels of luxury and service. But the bottom line is that Celebrity simply costs a whole lot less.

How much less is Celebrity vs. Disney? Let’s talk about the 7 night Alaska Cruise we took. The initial rate that we paid was $4870. Before switching to Celebrity, we had first booked (and canceled) a similar Alaska Cruise on Disney in a similar balcony cabin around the same dates. The cost of the Disney sailing was $15,246. Nope, you aren’t reading that wrong. Disney was more than three times the cost of Celebrity!

The price differential, however, won’t always be that significant. Disney’s Alaska sailings are notoriously more expensive than most other itineraries (especially for balcony rooms). For another point of comparison, I also priced out a 7 night Caribbean cruise sailing from a Florida port on both lines. For a balcony cabin on a February 2025 sailing, Celebrity’s cost is just under $4800 ($5300 with the flexible cancellation policy that makes the commitment similar to Disney’s default policy). Disney’s similar cruise is $8200 – about 65% higher.

To be fair, you can’t simply compare the sticker prices when analyzing value. Disney is much more of a truly all-inclusive vacation experience. Celebrity can nickel and dime certain guests on a lot of little extras. But you can buy a lot of these paid extras on Celebrity and not come anywhere close to spending the difference in initial price! And guests are often able to secure bigger incentives like a few hundred dollars in on-board credit on Celebrity that can help offset some of these incidentals.

We ultimately spent $860 extra on our Disney cruise (which included one $215 massage). We spent $769 on our Celebrity cruise (plus an additional $400 spent via onboard credit). Most of these costs were per passenger gratuities, so we were ultimately pretty frugal in the extras we incurred on both cruise lines without working too hard at it!

Final DCL vs. Celebrity Thoughts

Our family was highly impressed with our cruise experiences aboard both Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises. We are likely to sail both cruise lines again.

In the grand scheme of things, the differences are mostly quite minor. Disney overall is more family-focused and definitely works better for travelers with very young kids. But Celebrity certainly delivers a tempting value-but-also luxurious alternative in so many ways. If a Disney cruise is just too pricey or doesn’t sail exactly where or when works for your family, I’d highly recommend Celebrity to almost all family travelers as well.

We may not cruise again in 2024 due to other travel plans already booked, but will surely do so in 2025. Stay tuned to find out which cruise line we choose to return to first – because we don’t even know!

Need Help Planning a Cruise Vacation?

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Celebrity Cruises Announces New Brand Positioning

• April 8, 2024

Celebrity Cruises is introducing “Nothing Comes Close,” the company’s new brand positioning and brand identity, set to launch globally on April 8.

“Nothing Comes Close” will be the focus of the cruise line’s brand positioning from media and advertising, to travel advisors and onboard.

“Our guests tell us that Celebrity vacations are unparalleled. From the thoughtfulness of our crew to the excitement of entertainment and activities, guests tell us that ‘Nothing Comes Close’ to the way we make them feel,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “Our new brand position packages this feeling in a memorable and compelling way.”

Employing a technique coined “True Eye View”, Celebrity’s new visual approach captures the essence of a Celebrity vacation from the perspective of guests.

“This isn’t just a brand campaign. This is who we are. It embodies the spirit of what sets a Celebrity Cruises vacation apart,” said Michael Scheiner, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Celebrity Cruises. “The creative direction captures and conveys the elevated emotions and transformative experiences that guests enjoy from the moment they step onboard Celebrity Cruises, where every detail is elevated beyond their expectations.”

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What is the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

The Celebrity Cruises Drink Package gets you the best value on your favorite drinks. Pay just one price to enjoy a wide variety of beverage choices such as premium coffees, bottled water, wines-by-the-glass, beers, or your favorite cocktails. Your package can be used in the Main Restaurant, specialty restaurants, casual dining restaurants, and all bars and lounges.  Room service and minibar are not included. All Drink Packages are for single-guest use and cannot be shared by multiple people.

You can visit our Drink Package section or if you are booked, visit the Cruise Planner for more information and to pre-purchase. 

How do I purchase a Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

You may purchase a Drink Package up to 72 hours before you sail, online at Celebrity Cruises Cruise Planner. Or you may purchase the Drink Package onboard, on the first day of your cruise. Ask at any bar for more information.

What Drink Packages are available on Celebrity Cruises?

Celebrity Cruises has a variety of Drink Packages available.

• Classic Drink Package 
• Premium Drink Package 
• Zero Proof Drink Package (Premium Non-Alcoholic Drink Package)

What is the Classic Drink Package?

The Classic Drink Package includes an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass for up to $10 per serving. This package also included a 15% discount on all wines by the bottle.

What happens if I have the Classic Drink Package and the beverage I would like is more than $10?

If a guest orders a drink that exceeds the $10 maximum value, they will be charged for the difference. 

For example: If a guest orders a $12 cocktail, a $2.00 + 20% gratuity charge will appear on their SeaPass account.

What is the Premium Drink Package?

The Premium Drink Package includes all Classic Drink Package items, PLUS: Specialty coffees & teas, craft & artisan beers, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks, Coca-Cola products, premium bottled water, and wines by the glass up to $17 per serving. Also, take a 20% discount off all bottles of wine!

What happens if I have the Premium Drink Package and the beverage I would like is more than $17?

If a guest orders a drink that exceeds the $17 maximum value, they will be charged for the difference. 

For example: If a guest orders a $19 cocktail, a $2.00 + 20% gratuity charge will appear on their SeaPass account.

What is the Zero Proof Package (previously the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package)?

Refresh with premium bottled water from Evian, Perrier, San Pellegrino, & Panna, Specialty Coffees & Organic Teas, Red Bull Energy Drink, Frozen Smoothies, Zero Proof Cocktails, Coca-Cola selections, offerings from Vitamin Water, and Bottled Iced Teas. 

Can I order multiple drinks at a time with the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

No, you can only order one drink at a time with each Drink Package. All packages are for single-guest use and cannot be shared by multiple people.

Are gratuities included in the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package cost?

No, a 20% gratuity will be added to all drink page prices at checkout. Package prices may reflect an additional tax for certain ports or itineraries.

How do I cancel my Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

Orders can be canceled through Cruise Planner up to 2 days before the sail date and are 100% refundable. Once onboard, refunds will be credited to the guest's account. Any partially consumed portion of the package will be charged at full price.

How am I identified as having purchased a Drink Package?

Simply present your SeaPass® Card to the bar staff when ordering your beverage.

Are Drink Packages available on all sailings?

Drink Packages are available on most 2+ day sailings except for 2- or 3-day sailings from Southampton, England.

How much do drinks cost?

Prices for drinks onboard vary depending on what you order. Please note that prices are subject to change and can vary by ship and sail date.

Does everyone in one stateroom need to buy a drink package?

The Drink Package Policy requires all guests wishing to purchase a Drink Package to do so for ALL guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. This policy applies to packages purchased pre-cruise or onboard.

My travel partner is pregnant/recovering alcoholic/medical issue that does not allow them to drink, do I have to purchase for them?

Our policy requires that any guest wishing to purchase the Drink Package must do so for all other guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. However, we will make an exception for the following:

Exceptions: 

• Children 12 years old and under : will NOT be required to purchase a Zero drink package.
• 13 -17 years old (Europe, Asia, Australia)
• 13 - 20 years old (USA)
• Pregnant guests – A Zero Proof drink package will be added .
• Recovering alcoholic or medical issue that does not allow guests to consume alcohol. – A Zero Proof drink package will be added .

Is there a daily limit for drinks with any of the Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages?

No, there is no daily limit for drinks with Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages.

How many drinks can I order at a time with a Drink Package?

Guests may only order one drink at a time. Additional drinks ordered will be charged at current bar prices.

Can I use my Drink Packages when I get on board my cruise?

Yes, Drink Packages are active the moment you step on board.

Are Drink Packages available fleetwide?

No, Drink Packages are not available on cruises in the Galapagos.

Can I use my Drink Package at Labadee or CocoCay?

Yes, Drink Packages purchased onboard or on Cruise Planner will be active at Labadee or CocoCay.

Does everyone in the stateroom need to purchase the same drink package, including upgrades? 

The Drink Package Policy requires all guests to purchase the same Drink Package for ALL guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom (ex. if one guest chooses to upgrade to the Premium Drink Package, ALL guests of legal drinking age in the stateroom must upgrade) This policy applies to packages purchased pre-cruise and onboard.    

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1 dead, several injured in Honolulu after shuttle bus crashes outside cruise terminal

One person has died and multiple people were injured in a shuttle bus crash in Honolulu , Hawaii on Friday.

"Nine Carnival Miracle guests were hit by a shuttle bus in the transportation area outside the Honolulu cruise terminal on Friday morning," Matt Lupoli, senior manager of the Carnival Cruise Line , told USA TODAY. "Sadly, one guest has died from her injuries. She was traveling with her husband, who was also injured and is expected to recover."

The shuttle bus crashed into pedestrians and two concrete barriers at the terminal. The shuttle bus driver mistakenly stepped on the gas pedal instead of the break when they attempted to stop the bus from moving, Hawaii News Now reported.

All of the victims were taken to local hospitals and are being treated for their injuries. The victims are in different conditions ranging from serious to stable, the news outlet said.

"Members of the Carnival Care Team are assisting the guests. Our thoughts are with the guests affected and their loved ones," Lupoli said.

USA TODAY has reached out to the  Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services for comment.

1 dead, 13 injured: After man crashes truck into Texas Department of Public Safety building

Eyewitnesses share their experience after the Honolulu shuttle bus crash, reports state

Eyewitness told KITV Island News that the relaxing Friday morning turned deadly after the shuttle bus crash.

"We heard the tire of a vehicle screeching," Lillian Le, a visitor from Denver told the broadcast station. "We looked and it was a bus running over people and hit against a wall."

An employee at the complex said he has never experienced this before.

"We saw the first responders coming, it was substantial, probably about 10 a.m., four or five ambulances, two fire trucks, ten cop cars, looked pretty bad - it's really distressing," Mark Elwell, an employee at the complex wher the accident occurred. "I've worked here 21 years, I've never seen anything to this magnitude, really sad to see, obviously people were hurt pretty bad to be taken away by ambulance."

Jessica Lani Rich, a visitor at the Aloha Society of Hawaii told KITV Island News that the woman who died was celebrating her 46th wedding anniversary with her husband.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X @forbesfineest.