If you’re trying to choose the best Celebrity cruise ship, you’re probably wondering which one is worth booking for your next vacation.
Celebrity’s fleet spans several classes of ships, each with a distinct personality. But after sailing with the brand and comparing the design, dining, entertainment, and overall experience across the fleet, one category stands out above the rest.
Most Celebrity cruisers would agree: The best ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet are the Edge class ships.
And with Celebrity Xcel debuting as the newest vessel in Celebrity’s lineup, the Edge class continues to define the direction of the entire brand.
While different ships in the fleet have strengths depending on your travel style, the Edge class vessels consistently deliver a modern, elevated, and relaxing Celebrity experience.
Here’s our honest take on Celebrity’s best cruise ships and why the Edge class easily earns the number-one spot.
Why Celebrity’s Edge class ships are the best overall
The best Celebrity cruise ships can be found in the Edge class, which includes the following:
- Celebrity Edge
- Celebrity Apex
- Celebrity Beyond
- Celebrity Ascent
- Celebrity Xcel
What sets the Edge class apart is its modern, sophisticated aesthetic. The ships feel intentionally designed, with light-filled spaces, calming color palettes, and venues that transition seamlessly from day to night. The result is an atmosphere that feels more like a modern boutique than a traditional cruise ship.
Dining is another major highlight. Edge class ships introduced four distinct main restaurants, expanded specialty dining concepts, and a reimagined Oceanview Café layout that feels noticeably more premium.
Whether you’re eating in the complimentary venues or trying a specialty option, the food experience feels elevated across the board.
The outdoor spaces also contribute to the ship’s appeal. The Rooftop Garden and the asymmetrical pool deck are among the most relaxing spaces at sea, offering a resort-like environment that adults especially appreciate.
These areas are designed for lounging, live music, and slow mornings in the sun rather than high-energy attractions.
Entertainment is stronger as well on Edge class ships. These newer vessels feature immersive theater productions, high-quality live music, and the iconic Martini Bar that becomes the social heart of the ship each night. It’s a vibrant, refined evening ambiance that sets the tone for the entire voyage.
Perhaps most notable is the naturally adult-oriented atmosphere. You won’t find waterslides, race tracks, or kid-focused attractions.
Instead, the ships maintain a sophisticated, laid-back vibe that appeals to couples, friend groups, and adult travelers seeking a more elevated experience.
Which Edge class ship is the best?
The Edge class ships from Celebrity Cruises first debuted with Celebrity Edge in late 2018.
Since then, Celebrity’s newest and most innovative ships have garnered dozens of industry accolades and awards, including recognition by the Forbes Travel Guide as some of the first cruise ships ever to earn star ratings.
You can’t really go wrong with any Edge class vessel, but here’s how they tend to differ:
Celebrity Xcel (2025): The newest ship in the fleet, Celebrity Xcel debuted in late 2025 with brand-new venues, refreshed design elements, and small refinements to the Edge class formula. You can find all the signature spaces, like the Rooftop Garden, Magic Carpet, and Martini Bar. In addition, new concepts unique to Celebrity Xcel include the IYKYK Speakeasy bar and The Bazaar.
Celebrity Ascent (2023): Celebrity Ascent fine-tunes the design and entertainment of earlier vessels, offering sleek spaces, strong dining, and an upscale, adult-leaning atmosphere.
Celebrity Beyond (2022): Celebrity Beyond is a slightly larger vessel than the original Edge class ships. The stunning vessel features an expanded Sunset Bar, standout entertainment, and vibrant nighttime energy while keeping the signature Edge class design.
Celebrity Apex (2021): A well-balanced ship with excellent service and all the key Edge class features. Celebrity Apex often feels a bit quieter and can offer great value compared to the newer ships.
Celebrity Edge (2018): The original ship that launched the class. Celebrity Edge introduced the Infinite Verandas, Magic Carpet, and modern design that reshaped the Celebrity brand. Not the newest, but still a strong, reliable choice.
Best older Celebrity ship: Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice was the flagship vessel of the Solstice class, and she will be receiving a fresh update as part of a major modernization program launching in 2026.
With more than $250 million invested, the ship will feature new dining venues (including the Trattoria Rossa and Fine Cut Steakhouse), redesigned outdoor spaces like Sunset Park, upgraded staterooms and suites, and refreshed lounges and bars.
You’ll find a classic ship redesigned to feel modern again, making it a top pick for adults who value elegant comfort, itinerary flexibility, and proven performance without paying flagship-new ship premiums.
Best for destination-focused itineraries: Celebrity Millennium
For longer sailings where ports matter more than flashy ship features, Celebrity often deploys its Millennium class ships.
They may not have the modern design of the Edge class, but they shine with port-heavy itineraries and culturally immersive sailings. The experience is more about the destination rather than the vessel itself, but the smaller size allows Millennium class ships to dock almost anywhere.
Although Celebrity Millennium is the oldest ship in Celebrity’s fleet, modern renovations keep her feeling fresh. Longtime cruisers adore Celebrity Millennium for her quaint, cozy, and intimate experience and fondly refer to her as “Millie.”
