Celebrity Cruises has carved out a unique position in the cruise industry. As the premium brand within Royal Caribbean Group’s portfolio, Celebrity Cruises offers a more refined onboard experience than many mainstream competitors while remaining more accessible than traditional luxury cruise lines.
Known for contemporary ship design, destination-focused itineraries, and one of the best culinary programs at sea, Celebrity operates a fleet that ranges from intimate expedition vessels in the Galápagos to the innovative Edge Series, which introduced industry-first concepts such as the Magic Carpet and Infinite Veranda staterooms.
The information in this guide combines official policies and fleet information from Celebrity Cruises with firsthand reporting and our personal experiences sailing across the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.
Celebrity Cruises Overview
Whether you’re planning your first sailing or comparing Celebrity with other cruise lines, it helps to start with the basics.
The table below highlights key facts about Celebrity Cruises, including its fleet, loyalty program, cruise style, and what the brand is best known for. Consider it a quick-reference guide before diving into the more detailed sections that follow.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988 |
| Parent company | Royal Caribbean Group |
| Headquarters | Miami, Florida |
| Cruise line category | Premium |
| Ocean fleet | 14 ships |
| Expedition fleet | One purpose-built Galápagos expedition vessel |
| River cruises | European river cruises launching in 2027 |
| Loyalty program | Captain’s Club |
| Known for | Contemporary ship design, destination-focused itineraries, elevated dining, and Edge Series innovation |
Is Celebrity Cruises the right fit for you?
Celebrity Cruises appeals to a broad range of travelers, but it isn’t designed to be everything to everyone.
Rather than focusing on waterslides, amusement-style attractions, or nonstop activities, the cruise line emphasizes a more upscale experience. This includes exceptional dining, thoughtfully designed ships, attentive service, and itineraries that showcase the destinations as much as the onboard experience.
This approach has made Celebrity particularly popular with couples, adults traveling without children, food lovers, and experienced cruisers looking for a more refined vacation without paying luxury cruise prices. It’s also a good choice for cruisers wanting scenic itineraries, where spaces like Eden, the Rooftop Garden, and the adults-only Solarium become destinations in their own right.
Celebrity may be the right fit if you:
- Prefer modern, contemporary ship design.
- Value high-quality dining and attentive service.
- Enjoy destination-focused itineraries with longer port stays.
- Appreciate a relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing entertainment.
- Want a premium cruise experience at a more approachable price point than luxury cruise lines.
You may want to consider another cruise line if you:
- Are traveling with young children who prioritize onboard attractions.
- Prefer a lively party atmosphere or nightlife-focused vacation.
- Want the lowest possible cruise fare.
- Are looking for a fully all-inclusive luxury experience.
Editor’s note: After sailing multiple Celebrity ships across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America, one characteristic has remained remarkably consistent: Celebrity excels at creating ships that complement the destinations rather than compete with them.
Scenic venues such as Eden, the Rooftop Garden, and the Magic Carpet often become highlights because they enhance the experience of sailing through places like the Norwegian fjords or New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park rather than distracting from them.
Celebrity Cruises Fleet
Celebrity Cruises currently operates 14 ocean ships, one expedition vessel in the Galápagos Islands, and will expand into river cruising with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises. While each segment offers a different style of travel, every Celebrity cruise emphasizes premium accommodations, destination-focused itineraries, and elevated dining.
Ocean fleet
Celebrity’s ocean fleet is divided into three ship classes: Millennium, Solstice, and Edge. While the newest Edge Series ships showcase Celebrity’s latest innovations, the Solstice and Millennium classes continue to operate many of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries around the world.
| Ship | Class | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Xcel | Edge | 2025 |
| Celebrity Ascent | Edge | 2023 |
| Celebrity Beyond | Edge | 2022 |
| Celebrity Apex | Edge | 2021 |
| Celebrity Edge | Edge | 2018 |
| Celebrity Reflection | Solstice | 2012 |
| Celebrity Silhouette | Solstice | 2011 |
| Celebrity Eclipse | Solstice | 2010 |
| Celebrity Equinox | Solstice | 2009 |
| Celebrity Solstice | Solstice | 2008 |
| Celebrity Constellation | Millennium | 2002 |
| Celebrity Summit | Millennium | 2001 |
| Celebrity Infinity | Millennium | 2001 |
| Celebrity Millennium | Millennium | 2000 |
Expedition fleet
Celebrity also operates one purpose-built expedition vessel in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. Unlike the ocean fleet, Celebrity Flora carries fewer guests and focuses on immersive wildlife experiences led by certified naturalists. Every Galápagos itinerary includes guided shore excursions, Zodiac landings, and opportunities to explore one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
| Ship | Region | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Flora | Galápagos Islands | 2019 |
River fleet
Celebrity will enter the river cruise market beginning in 2027 with Celebrity River Cruises. The new fleet will feature purpose-built ships sailing European rivers, with the first itineraries expected to focus on iconic waterways such as the Danube and Rhine.
| Ship | Year |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Compass | 2027 |
| Celebrity Seeker | 2027 |
| Celebrity Wanderer | 2028 |
| Celebrity Roamer | 2028 |
| Celebrity Boundless | 2028 |
Explaining Celebrity’s ship classes
Celebrity’s 14 ocean ships are divided into three distinct classes, each offering a slightly different onboard experience. While all feature Celebrity’s signature service, dining, and destination-focused itineraries, the newest ships emphasize innovation while the older classes often provide a more intimate atmosphere and unique itineraries.
Edge Class
Introduced in 2018, the Edge Class represents Celebrity’s newest and most innovative generation of ships. These vessels feature industry-first concepts such as the Magic Carpet, Infinite Veranda staterooms, Eden, and four complimentary Main Dining Rooms, all wrapped in a contemporary design that feels more like a luxury resort than a traditional cruise ship.
The class has continued to evolve with each new vessel, culminating in Celebrity Xcel, which introduced new venues like The Bazaar and the IYKYK Speakeasy. For travelers seeking Celebrity’s most modern accommodations, strongest dining, and highest level of onboard innovation, the Edge Class is widely considered the benchmark for the brand.
Solstice Class
The Solstice Class combines classic cruise ship design with many of Celebrity’s signature features, including the Lawn Club, spacious outdoor decks, and a wide variety of dining and entertainment venues. These ships remain a favorite among repeat cruisers thanks to their comfortable layouts, destination-rich itineraries, and excellent value.
In 2026, Celebrity Solstice underwent a major refurbishment, introducing new venues like Trattoria Rossa, Fine Cut Steakhouse, and Sunset Park, along with refreshed accommodations, entertainment spaces, and enhanced suite and AquaClass experiences. The revitalization ensures the Solstice Class remains a compelling choice despite the arrival of newer Edge Class ships.
Millennium Class
The Millennium Class is Celebrity’s oldest class of ocean ships, but extensive renovations have kept these vessels feeling fresh and relevant. Their smaller size allows them to visit ports that larger ships often can’t, making them a popular choice for destination-focused itineraries.
While they lack the newest innovations found on the Edge Class, the Millennium ships offer a more intimate atmosphere, solid dining, and excellent value for travelers who prioritize the itinerary over the latest onboard features.
Itineraries and Destinations
Celebrity Cruises sails to more than 300 destinations across all seven continents, offering one of the most diverse route networks in the cruise industry. Compared to Royal Caribbean, which often focuses on ships as the destination, Celebrity’s itineraries are typically more port-intensive, appealing to travelers who prioritize exploring ashore.
Popular regions for Celebrity’s itineraries include:
- Caribbean – Year-round departures from Florida and other North American homeports.
- Alaska – Summer sailings featuring glaciers, wildlife, and scenic cruising.
- Europe – Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Northern Europe, British Isles, Iceland, and Norwegian fjords.
- Australia and New Zealand – Seasonal itineraries exploring Australia, Fiordland National Park, and the South Pacific.
- South America – Including Patagonia, Cape Horn, and scenic Antarctica sailings.
- Asia – Select itineraries visiting Japan, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
- Galápagos Islands – Small-ship expeditions aboard Celebrity’s purpose-built vessel.
- Panama Canal and transatlantic crossings – Seasonal repositioning voyages.
The cruise line also plans to expand into European river cruising beginning in 2027 with the launch of Celebrity River Cruises.
Editor’s note: Celebrity Cruises has become my favorite mainstream cruise line because of its destination-focused approach. Within the last year alone, I’ve sailed to New Zealand aboard Celebrity Edge, explored the Norwegian fjords twice on Celebrity Apex, and cruised through South America and Patagonia on Celebrity Equinox. Every experience was fantastic!
What’s included on a Celebrity Cruise?
One of the biggest questions first-time cruisers ask is what their cruise fare actually covers. While Celebrity Cruises includes more than some mainstream cruise lines, several amenities and experiences still cost extra.
Every Celebrity cruise fare includes:
- Accommodations in your selected stateroom or suite
- Meals in complimentary dining venues, including the Main Dining Rooms, Oceanview Café, Spa Café (select ships), Eden Café (select ships), and Mast Grill
- Most onboard entertainment, including production shows, live music, comedy acts, and enrichment activities
- Access to pools, hot tubs, the adults-only Solarium, fitness center, and many recreational activities
- Youth programming through Camp at Sea
Several popular amenities are available for an additional charge, including specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, spa treatments, casino gaming, and professional photography.
On many sailings, guests also have the option to book an All Included fare, which bundles a Classic Drink Package and basic Wi-Fi into the cruise price. Depending on the itinerary and current promotions, this can provide better value than purchasing those amenities separately.
Drink Packages
Celebrity offers three beverage packages designed to suit different travel styles. Packages can be purchased before sailing or onboard, although pre-cruise pricing is usually lower.
Guests booking an eligible All Included fare receive the Classic Drink Package and Basic Wi-Fi, with the option to upgrade to Premium.
| Drink Package | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Alcoholic (Zero Proof) | Soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, tea, smoothies, mocktails, fresh juices, energy drinks | Guests who don’t drink alcohol |
| Classic | Beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages up to $12 per drink | Most cruisers who like a variety of drinks, but not top-shelf alcohol |
| Premium | Everything in Classic, plus premium spirits, higher-end wines, craft beer, premium water, and drinks up to $19 per drink | Travelers who enjoy premium brands and ultimate convenience |
Drink packages are intended for individual use and generally cannot be shared. If one adult purchases an alcoholic package, Celebrity typically requires the other adults in the same stateroom to purchase one as well, although non-drinkers may qualify for a Zero Proof package instead.
Whether a package is worthwhile depends on your itinerary and drinking habits. Travelers with several sea days or those who regularly order cocktails, bottled water, and specialty coffee often find good value, while light drinkers may spend less paying à la carte.
Staterooms and suites
Celebrity offers accommodations ranging from budget-friendly inside cabins to multi-room suites within The Retreat. Choosing the right stateroom depends on both your budget and itinerary.
Inside stateroom
The most affordable option, ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship or ashore.
Ocean view stateroom
Offers a window or porthole without the added cost of a balcony. These cabins are popular on scenic itineraries where balcony availability may be limited.
Veranda stateroom
Traditional balcony cabins remain one of Celebrity’s most popular choices, offering private outdoor space that’s especially valuable on itineraries such as Alaska and the Norwegian fjords.
Infinite veranda
Found primarily on Edge Series ships, Infinite Veranda staterooms replace the traditional balcony with an enclosed space created by lowering the floor-to-ceiling window. While opinions vary among repeat cruisers, the design provides additional interior living space and unobstructed ocean views.
Concierge Class
Includes the same accommodations as standard veranda cabins with added benefits such as priority embarkation, dedicated concierge services, and other enhanced amenities.
AquaClass
Designed for wellness-focused travelers, AquaClass includes exclusive access to Blu, Celebrity’s wellness-inspired specialty restaurant for AquaClass guests, along with additional spa-related perks.
The Retreat Suites
The Retreat is Celebrity Cruises’ exclusive suite experience, offering a more luxurious, ship-within-a-ship atmosphere.
Suite guests enjoy spacious accommodations, access to private venues like Luminae, The Retreat Lounge, and The Retreat Sundeck, along with premium amenities such as butler service, priority embarkation, premium Wi-Fi, and a Premium Drink Package on most fares.
Understanding Celebrity’s AquaClass and The Retreat
Two of Celebrity’s most distinctive accommodation categories are AquaClass and The Retreat. While both require an upgrade from a standard stateroom, they offer very different experiences.
Both AquaClass and The Retreat have loyal followings, but they appeal to different types of travelers. AquaClass emphasizes wellness and dining, while The Retreat focuses on exclusivity, additional space, and premium service.
AquaClass
AquaClass combines veranda accommodations with wellness-focused benefits. Guests receive exclusive access to Blu, a restaurant featuring lighter, health-conscious cuisine, along with access to the SEA Thermal Suite on many ships and other spa-related amenities.
AquaClass is often a good option for travelers who value dining and wellness experiences more than additional cabin space.
The Retreat
The Retreat is Celebrity’s ship-within-a-ship suite program, offering an elevated experience designed around personalized service and exclusive spaces.
Retreat benefits include:
- Suite accommodations
- Luminae private restaurant
- The Retreat Lounge
- The Retreat Sundeck
- Premium beverages and Wi-Fi on most fares
- Priority embarkation and concierge services
For travelers planning a special occasion or simply looking for a more luxurious experience, The Retreat represents Celebrity’s highest level of onboard accommodation.
Entertainment and Onboard Activities
While Celebrity doesn’t focus on amusement-style attractions, the cruise line offers a diverse lineup of entertainment designed to appeal to a broad range of travelers.
Evenings typically feature theater productions, live music, comedy, guest entertainers, and themed events. During the day, Celebrity cruisers can enjoy trivia, enrichment lectures, fitness classes, culinary demonstrations, game shows, and poolside entertainment.
Many ships also include signature venues that have become attractions in their own right. Edge Series ships feature Eden, a multi-level venue that transforms throughout the day, the Rooftop Garden for outdoor entertainment and movies, and the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that changes functions depending on its location.
Although Celebrity’s entertainment lineup is generally more understated than that of Royal Caribbean, it complements the cruise line’s relaxed atmosphere and destination-focused approach.
Dining on Celebrity Cruises
Dining is one of Celebrity Cruises’ biggest strengths and a major reason many travelers choose the cruise line over its competitors. Rather than focusing on quantity alone, Celebrity emphasizes fresh ingredients, globally inspired menus, and elevated presentation across both its complimentary and specialty dining venues.
Menus feature a mix of classic favorites and destination-inspired dishes, with rotating selections in the main dining rooms that encourage guests to try something new each evening.
Unlike some mainstream cruise lines where food quality can vary significantly from ship to ship, Celebrity has earned a reputation for consistency throughout its fleet. The cruise line’s buffets are often considered among the best at sea, offering made-to-order stations, international cuisine, and a wide variety of fresh options throughout the day.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or sitting down for a multi-course dinner, Celebrity’s culinary program is designed to feel a step above the typical mainstream cruise experience.
Complimentary dining
- Main Dining Room
- Oceanview Café
- Mast Grill
- Spa Café (select ships)
- Room service (continental breakfast included; other charges may apply depending on your order)
- Eden Café (select ships)
- Cafe al Bacio (snacks and desserts)
Specialty restaurants (vary by ship)
- Fine Cut Steakhouse
- Le Voyage
- Eden Restaurant
- Raw on 5
- Sushi on Five
- Murano
- Le Petit Chef
- Rooftop Garden Grill
- Tuscan Grille
Editor’s note: One of the most impressive aspects of cruising with Celebrity has been the quality of the complimentary dining. I’ve found that Oceanview Café is one of the best buffets at sea, while the Main Dining Rooms often rival specialty restaurants on many mainstream cruise lines.
Captain’s Club Loyalty Program
Celebrity Cruises rewards repeat guests through its Captain’s Club loyalty program. Membership is free and begins automatically after completing your first sailing.
Members earn Club Points based on the stateroom category booked, with higher-category accommodations earning more points per night. As travelers progress through the program’s six tiers, they unlock additional benefits ranging from onboard discounts to complimentary laundry services, internet savings, and exclusive events.
Celebrity Captain’s Club Tiers
| Tier | Qualification | Selected Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Preview | Before first sailing | Member offers |
| Classic | 2–149 Club Points | Onboard discounts, loyalty offers |
| Select | 150–299 Club Points | Priority waitlists, internet discounts |
| Elite | 300–749 Club Points | Evening happy hour, complimentary laundry, upgraded benefits |
| Elite Plus | 750–2,999 Club Points | Additional laundry, upgraded discounts |
| Zenith | 3,000+ Club Points | Highest tier with exclusive benefits |
Unlike some cruise line loyalty programs, Captain’s Club status is recognized across Celebrity’s fleet, including its Galápagos expedition ship. Celebrity also offers reciprocal loyalty benefits with Royal Caribbean through the Loyalty Status Match program, allowing eligible guests to receive comparable recognition across both brands.
For frequent Celebrity cruisers, the program can provide fantastic value over time, particularly at the Elite and Elite Plus levels where beverage benefits, internet discounts, and laundry services become increasingly valuable. Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour is one of the most popular perks, which includes complimentary drinks from a limited menu each evening.
Is Celebrity Cruises good for families?
Although Celebrity is often associated with couples and adult travelers, the cruise line also welcomes families and offers dedicated programming for children and teenagers.
Celebrity’s youth program is called Camp at Sea, which provides supervised activities for children grouped by age. Programming includes arts and crafts, STEM activities, sports, scavenger hunts, video games, and destination-inspired experiences. Teenagers have access to their own dedicated spaces and organized social events throughout the cruise.
Families will also find:
- Family-friendly staterooms and suites
- Kids’ menus in dining venues
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
- Outdoor movies and live entertainment
- Shore excursions suitable for a range of ages
While Celebrity certainly caters to families, the onboard atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed than on family-focused cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. Ships generally feature fewer large-scale attractions, making Celebrity a better fit for families who prioritize destinations, dining, and quality time together over waterslides and amusement-style activities.
Which Celebrity cruise ship is best?
If you’re looking for the best overall Celebrity cruise ship, it’s hard to go wrong with one of the Edge Class vessels: Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, or Xcel. These ships feature Celebrity’s most innovative design, elevated dining, modern accommodations, and signature venues like the Magic Carpet and Eden, making them the cruise line’s flagship experience.
Among them, Celebrity Apex remains our top recommendation. After sailing the ship multiple times, we’ve found it strikes the best balance of dining, entertainment, design, and itinerary options, making it an excellent choice for both first-time and returning Celebrity cruisers.
Travelers who prioritize unique itineraries or a lower price point shouldn’t overlook the Solstice and Millennium classes, which continue to offer excellent value and sail many of Celebrity’s most sought-after destinations.
Is Celebrity Cruises adults only?
No, Celebrity Cruises is not exclusively adults only. Celebrity Cruises welcomes guests of all ages and offers dedicated youth programming through Camp at Sea, family-friendly accommodations, and activities for children and teenagers.
However, Celebrity is widely considered one of the most adult-oriented premium cruise lines. Rather than focusing on waterslides, surf simulators, and other high-energy attractions, the cruise line emphasizes elevated dining, stylish public spaces, live entertainment, and destination-focused itineraries.
As a result, many sailings naturally attract couples, empty nesters, and adults traveling without children. Families are certainly welcome, so don’t be surprised to find kinds onboard during school holidays and summer sailings. However, the onboard atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed than on family-focused cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival.
For travelers seeking an adults-first atmosphere without booking an adults-only cruise line, Celebrity strikes an appealing balance.
Cancellation Policies and Penalties
If your plans change, you may be able to cancel your Celebrity cruise without paying a cancellation penalty—as long as you cancel before the final payment window. However, if you booked a non-refundable deposit fare, you’ll generally forfeit your deposit regardless of when you cancel.
For most North American guests sailing 5- to 14-night cruises, you can cancel 90 or more days before departure and receive a full refund, excluding any non-refundable deposit. Longer voyages and Galápagos expeditions have earlier cancellation deadlines, while shorter cruises have slightly shorter refund windows.
Once you’re inside the penalty period, Celebrity begins charging a percentage of the total cruise fare:
| Cruise Length | Cancel Without Penalty* |
|---|---|
| 1–4 nights | 75+ days before sailing |
| 5–14 nights | 90+ days before sailing |
| 15+ nights | 120+ days before sailing |
| Galápagos expeditions | 150+ days before sailing |
If you purchased your cruise through a travel advisor, cancellation requests must typically be made through that advisor. Guests who purchased CruiseCare or third-party travel insurance may also qualify for reimbursement if they need to cancel for a covered reason.
If Celebrity cancels your sailing or delays embarkation by three days or more, guests are generally eligible to choose a refund or a Future Cruise Credit (FCC), subject to the cruise line’s current policy.
Editor’s Tip: If there’s a chance your plans could change, consider booking through a travel advisor with access to group rates. Many group rates include refundable deposits, meaning you can often cancel before the final payment deadline without losing any money.
And if your travel dates change, ask about moving your reservation instead of canceling it altogether. Depending on your fare and how close you are to departure, transferring to a future sailing may cost less than paying cancellation penalties and starting over with a new booking.
Celebrity Cruises Dress Code
Celebrity Cruises embraces a “casual chic” dress code with relaxed resort wear during the day and dressier attire in the evenings. Compared to some cruise lines that have become increasingly casual, Celebrity maintains a slightly more refined atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Daytime attire
During the day, guests can wear casual resort clothing throughout the ship. Sundresses, shorts, polos, button-down shirts, sandals, loafers, and comfortable walking shoes are all appropriate. Around the pool, swimsuits with cover-ups, T-shirts, tank tops, hats, and sunglasses are perfectly acceptable.
When packing for shore excursions, consider your itinerary. Tropical sailings call for lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sun protection, and breathable fabrics, while colder destinations require layers, sweaters, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes. If you’re visiting religious sites or planning active excursions, be sure to pack clothing and footwear suitable for those activities.
Smart Casual evenings
Each evening, Celebrity asks guests to follow a Smart Casual dress code in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and Celebrity Theatre. This typically includes dresses, skirts, slacks, dark jeans, or nice pants paired with blouses, sweaters, stylish tops, or collared shirts.
Shorts, flip-flops, swimsuits, robes, see-through cover-ups, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, and baseball caps are not considered Smart Casual and should be avoided in these venues during the evening.
Evening Chic nights
Most itineraries include one or two Evening Chic nights, Celebrity’s modern interpretation of formal night. Guests often choose cocktail dresses, elegant separates, blazers, sport coats, or dress pants, while others enjoy wearing tuxedos or evening gowns for photos and special occasions.
Unlike traditional formal nights, participation is entirely optional. Guests who prefer not to dress up may still dine in the main dining rooms and attend theater performances wearing Smart Casual attire.
Wi-Fi on Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity’s fleet is powered by Starlink, providing significantly faster and more reliable internet than previous satellite systems. In recent years, Celebrity’s Wi-Fi performance has improved dramatically, making it possible for many guests to browse the web, use social media, participate in video calls, and even stream content while at sea.
Celebrity offers two internet packages:
- Basic Wi-Fi is designed for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, messaging apps, and social media.
- Premium Wi-Fi includes everything in the Basic package while supporting faster speeds for streaming services, video calls, and larger downloads.
Wi-Fi is available for purchase before or during your cruise. Guests who book an All Included fare receive Basic Wi-Fi as part of their package and can pay the difference to upgrade to Premium if desired.
From our experience, Celebrity offers some of the most reliable internet at sea. We’ve used Premium Wi-Fi while working remotely from multiple Celebrity ships and have found it fast enough for video calls, uploading photos, researching destinations, and managing work throughout longer voyages. This has been true even while cruising to remote destinations, such as Cape Horn in South America!
Bars, Lounges, and Drinks
Celebrity Cruises is known for its variety of bars and lounges, especially among mainstream cruise lines. Instead of focusing on loud party venues, the cruise line emphasizes handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits, and stylish spaces where guests can relax throughout the day and evening.
Whether you’re looking for a classic martini, an expertly crafted signature cocktail, or a glass of wine while watching the sunset, Celebrity offers a venue to match almost every mood.
Some of the most popular bars across the fleet include:
- Martini Bar – Celebrity’s signature venue, known for its energetic bartenders, flair shows, and ice-covered bar top. It’s one of the liveliest gathering spots onboard before dinner.
- World Class Bar – A sophisticated cocktail bar featuring handcrafted drinks made with premium spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh ingredients.
- Sunset Bar – Located at the aft of the ship, this open-air venue is a favorite for sailaway, sunset cocktails, and live acoustic music with panoramic ocean views.
- Craft Social Bar – A relaxed pub-style bar offering an extensive selection of craft beers, bourbons, whiskeys, and creative cocktails.
- Pool Bar – Perfect for frozen cocktails, tropical drinks, beer, and wine while relaxing by the pool.
- Passport Bar – Found in the Grand Plaza on many ships, this elegant bar is an ideal spot for people-watching and enjoying a pre-dinner drink.
- Cellar Masters (select ships) – A wine-focused venue offering wines by the glass, flights, and bottles from renowned wine regions around the world.
Bringing wine onboard a Celebrity Cruise
Celebrity Cruises allows each guest of legal drinking age to bring one sealed 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard on embarkation day. Bottles must be packed in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags, and beer and liquor are not permitted under the policy.
Guests may also be charged a corkage fee if they open their bottle in certain public venues.
Bringing your own wine can be an easy way to reduce onboard spending, especially if you don’t plan to purchase a drink package.
On a recent Celebrity Apex sailing, two bottles purchased in London cost less than $20 total, compared with onboard wine prices of roughly $12 to $19 per glass. The bottles were easy to bring through security and could be enjoyed throughout the cruise in the stateroom, where wine glasses and a mini fridge made storing and serving them convenient.
Celebrity Cruises Gratuities
Celebrity automatically charges daily gratuities to cover the crew members who contribute to your cruise experience, including dining staff, stateroom attendants, culinary teams, bar staff, and other hotel personnel. Guests can prepay gratuities before sailing or have them added to their onboard account each day.
| Stateroom Category | Daily Gratuity (per guest) |
|---|---|
| Inside, Ocean View & Veranda | $19.50 |
| Concierge Class & AquaClass | $20.50 |
| The Retreat | $24.50 |
In addition to the daily gratuities, Celebrity automatically adds a 20% service charge to beverage packages, individual drinks, specialty dining, spa services, and many other onboard purchases.
Spa, Pools, and Wellness
Celebrity’s wellness facilities vary by ship but generally include a fitness center, spa treatment rooms, pools, hot tubs, and an adults-only Solarium.
The Solarium is one of the most popular complimentary spaces onboard, offering a quieter indoor pool area reserved primarily for adults. Most ships also feature a main outdoor pool deck, while Edge Series vessels add a larger Resort Deck with expanded seating and outdoor gathering spaces.
Spa treatments, salon services, personal training, and many fitness classes cost extra. Thermal facilities also vary by ship. AquaClass guests typically receive access to either the SEA Thermal Suite on Edge Series ships or the Persian Garden on Millennium and Solstice Class vessels, while other guests may purchase access when available.
Travelers interested in wellness should compare AquaClass pricing with the cost of purchasing thermal-suite access separately. AquaClass also includes dining at Blu, making the category more than a spa upgrade.
Celebrity’s onboard spa offers everything from massages and facials to thermal suites, salon services, acupuncture, IV therapy, and fitness classes. While treatments are an additional cost, AquaClass guests receive complimentary access to the ship’s thermal facilities on most ships.
| Service | Typical Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage (50 min) | $229 |
| Specialty Facial | $199 |
| SEA Thermal Suite / Persian Garden Pass | From $162 |
| Acupuncture | $139 |
| IV Wellness Therapy | From $209 |
| Traditional Manicure | $69 |
| Traditional Pedicure | $89 |
| Personal Training Session | $69 |
| Unlimited Fitness Classes (5–7 nights) | $69 |
Spa prices can vary by ship, itinerary, and demand, with treatments often discounted on port days. Travelers planning multiple spa visits should compare AquaClass pricing, as complimentary thermal-suite access alone can offset much of the upgrade cost.
Shore Excursions and Destination Planning
Celebrity sells organized shore excursions in nearly every port, ranging from sightseeing tours and beach visits to food experiences, wildlife excursions, and active adventures.
Booking through the cruise line provides added convenience because the excursion schedule is coordinated with the ship’s arrival and departure times. Popular tours can sell out well before sailing, particularly in destinations such as Alaska, Norway, the Galápagos, and the Mediterranean.
Independent tours may offer smaller groups, more flexibility, or lower prices, but guests are responsible for returning to the ship before departure. When comparing options, consider transportation time, cancellation terms, mobility requirements, and whether the port requires tendering.
Celebrity also offers accessible excursion options in selected ports, although availability depends on local transportation and infrastructure. Galápagos sailings operate differently from traditional ocean cruises, with expedition activities and guided landings forming the central part of the itinerary.
Celebrity River Cruises will include a choice of one shore excursion per day, along with optional tours available for an additional charge.
