Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises started in 1988 as part of Greece's Chandris Group and has been owned by Royal Caribbean Group since 1997. It sits a step above mainstream lines on price and polish. The fleet centers on the Edge class (Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent and Xcel, the last of which joined in 2025) and the slightly older Solstice class, plus a small expedition ship in the Galápagos. Celebrity is also launching river cruises in Europe, with its first river ships due in 2027.

The onboard feel is contemporary and grown-up: clean design, a lot of art, good cocktail bars and restaurants that try harder than mass-market buffets. Edge-class ships add the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves between decks and works as a bar or restaurant, plus the multi-level Eden venue and the Rooftop Garden. Suite guests in The Retreat get a private restaurant (Luminae), lounge and sundeck.

Celebrity suits couples, friends traveling together and adults who want a stylish ship without luxury-line pricing. Families do sail Celebrity, and there is a kids' program, but there are no waterslides or theme-park attractions. Travelers who want nonstop activities for kids, or a party-heavy pool deck, are better matched with sister line Royal Caribbean.

The vibe: Stylish, relaxed and adult-leaning; good food, good cocktails and a calmer pool deck than the big family brands.

What Celebrity does best

Edge-class ships

Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent and Xcel share a modern design with the Magic Carpet, Rooftop Garden and Eden, plus Infinite Veranda cabins where the balcony becomes part of the room.

The Retreat

Celebrity's suite class includes Luminae restaurant, a private lounge and sundeck, and the Premium drink package.

Restaurant lineup

Edge-class ships offer French bistro, steakhouse, Italian, sushi and multi-sensory dining concepts on top of four included main restaurants.

Galápagos expedition

Celebrity Flora, a 100-guest expedition ship, sails the Galápagos Islands, with drinks included on those sailings.

AquaClass

Wellness-focused cabins with access to Blu, a dedicated restaurant, and spa perks.

Dining

On Edge-class ships the main dining is split into four included restaurants (Cyprus, Normandie, Tuscan and Cosmopolitan) with different menus, plus the Oceanview Café buffet. Extra-cost venues include Fine Cut Steakhouse, Le Grand Bistro, Raw on 5, Eden Restaurant and, on the newer Edge-class ships, Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud. Solstice-class ships have their own specialty lineup, typically including Tuscan Grille and Sushi on Five. AquaClass guests eat at Blu and Retreat guests at Luminae.

Entertainment and activities

Shows are more intimate and artsy than on mass-market lines: production shows in the theater, live music in multiple lounges, a casino, and late-night DJ sets in the Rooftop Garden or Eden on Edge-class ships. The Martini Bar with its flair bartenders is a long-running fleet favorite. Expect enrichment talks and wine tastings rather than water parks.

Families and kids

Camp at Sea is the included kids' program, split by age, with a teen club on most ships. There are no waterslides, ropes courses or go-karts, so Celebrity works best for families with kids who are happy with pools, games and good food, or for multigenerational groups traveling with grandparents.

Dress code

Smart casual by day and in the evening. Celebrity has replaced formal nights with Evening Chic nights, where guests dress up in their own style, from cocktail dresses and jackets to stylish separates. Jackets and ties are never required.

Gratuities and drinks

Celebrity adds $19.50 per person per day in most cabins, $20.50 in Concierge Class and AquaClass, and $24.50 in The Retreat suites. As of October 2026 the daily charge applies even to All Included fares. (Published rates as of 2026-10-13; source. Lines change these, so we confirm the current amount in every quote.)

Cruise-only fares include water, coffee and tea. The All Included fare bundles a Classic drink package plus Wi-Fi; the Premium package upgrades the selection and price cap and is included for Retreat guests. Drinks above the package price cap, minibar and room service orders are not covered. Drinks are included on Galápagos sailings.

Loyalty program: Captain's Club. Tell us your number when you request a quote so past-guest offers and status perks are applied.

Specialist tips for booking Celebrity

• Price the All Included fare against cruise-only plus what you would actually buy. Light drinkers often save by booking cruise-only and paying as they go.
• Book the Magic Carpet dining experience and Eden early on Edge-class ships; capacity is small and they fill on sea days.
• Infinite Veranda cabins have a window wall that lowers to make the balcony part of the room. Good for space, but if you want a classic open balcony for sitting out, check the cabin type before booking.
• Book specialty dining as a package before sailing if you plan to eat in three or more specialty restaurants, and ask on embarkation day about onboard dining offers.
• Concierge Class is often a modest upcharge over a regular veranda and adds priority boarding, better amenities and a dedicated concierge, which is worth it on longer cruises.