Celebrity Cruises are famously known for their fleet of large ship luxury. Their standard of “Relaxed Luxury” is a game-changer and what makes them never fail to stand out from the crowd.
Their five-star cruising fleet currently ranges across fifteen different ships, all uniquely in Celebrity style. They are in the midst of a $500 million fleet modernisation they are aptly calling the Celebrity Revolution, where they will be adding a new ship to the fleet almost yearly.
They were started in 1974 by the Chandris family and have gone on to pave the way in the luxury cruising industry. One of the most anticipated ships of the year Celebrity Beyond launched in March 2021.
Did you know? The “X” found on the funnel of all Celebrity ships is referencing the Greek letter “C” which stands for the first letter of the Chandris’ family’s name.
Meet the Fleet
The Celebrity fleet consists of fifteen ships, split over four classes of ship: Galapagos Expedition Class, Millenium Class, Solstice Class and Edge Class.
Galapagos Expedition Class
Celebrity Xpedition (2001), Celebrity Xploration (2017), Celebirty Flora (2019).
This is the only way to experience the Galapagos with Celebrity Yacht style ships carrying as few as 16 guests on Celebrity Xploration and up to 100 guests on Celebrity Flora.
Millennium Class
Celebrity Millennium (2000), Celebrity Infinity (2001), Celebrity Summit (2001), Celebrity Constellation (2002).
All Millennium Class ships carry just over 2,500 passengers and have previously undergone a $140 million refurbishment called “solstization” to bring the ships in line with Solstice Class ships.
Solstice Class
Celebrity Solstice (2008), Celebrity Equinox (2009), Celebrity Eclipse (2010), Celebrity Silhouette (2011), Celebrity Reflection (2012).
Each carries just over 3,100 passengers and are known for being the North American and Caribbean class.
Edge Class
The newest class consists of three ships; Celebrity Edge (2018), Celebrity Apex (2020), Celebrity Beyond (2022).
They are some of the most revolutionary ships at sea, Edge, Apex and Beyond are breaking design and luxury boundaries. Both ships have a capacity of over 3,700 making them the largest Celebrity Cruises fleet. The 4th Edge Class ship will be joining the fleet in 2023, Celebrity Ascent.
Is There a “Typical” Celebrity Passenger?
Celebrity is perfect for those who want that little bit extra out of their cruise. The five-star standard is comparable to a modern boutique hotel with ultra-modern amenities, décor and atmosphere.
Celebrity is ideal for first-time cruisers wanting to experience a stylish voyage, or even couples and those solo travellers that seek quality.
Our cruise consultant Sally explains: “Celebrity eclipse would be the perfect cruise for any wine connoisseur out there– coupled with sailing around the Tuscan coastline and south of France you will taste some of the best wines in the world!”
Did you know? Celebrity visits over 280 destinations across seven continents, meaning that you can visit anywhere from Italy or Iceland to Singapore or Sydney!
Suites at Sea
Celebrity offers exclusive suites which have access to private parts of the ship (and it all comes at varying levels of luxury!). All Staterooms and Suites come with their own perks and little luxuries, ranging from Aquaclass Staterooms to Ocean View Staterooms.
Every exotic dish is from a menu designed by an executive chef with a selection of wine chosen by a master sommelier. There’s a VIP lounge, access to Michael’s club and bar, a concierge service, a minibar restocked daily, premium beverage packages, unlimited speciality dining and unlimited internet access.
Did you know? There’s also a Captain’s Club Loyalty Programme which offers points for those who continue to sail with Celebrity. The benefits and extras you gain as a reward include internet packages and priority embarkation…
Let Celebrity Entertain You
When looking to be entertained through the day or post-dinner, guests can choose between everything from West End style shows to Cirque de Soleil with a theatre that has a large orchestra pit and revolving stage.
If you’re feeling lucky, why not try your hand at Caribbean stud poker, slots, blackjack or roulette in the Las Vegas style Fortunes Casino?
If you’d like to spend your money (but definitely get something in return), there is shopping available on board you can browse the likes of Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Bvlgari and many more. Fashion lovers will feel right at home.
There’s even an art gallery for you where you’ll have the chance to actually buy art. Not to mention, you can also exclusively purchase apple products from the onboard iLounge- which is the only certified seller of Apple products at sea.
All products bought are tax free, making the purchase worth your while.
Music on board includes live music from jazz to swing in the Sky Observation Lounge as well as a resident DJ who hosts theme nights including the 70s and 80s.
You could even join in “Dancing with the Stripes” and compete in different elimination rounds featuring different dance styles and live music until a winner is crowned by a panel of judges! Other competitions include a Daily Trivia game as well as game shows and trivia tournaments.
Did you know? Celebrity are the only line to put grass on their ships. They tried out a dozen species of grass before deciding on the one that they use now, to test out which were the best! Known as the Lawn Club it’s a must-see on all Solstice Class cruise ships.
Get active and play basketball, pool volleyball, golf or play bowls or croquet on the lawn club. Exercise classes are available and include aerobics, yoga and samba. The gyms have state of the art equipment and can suit all fitness levels, with experienced and dedicated trainers to help you.
Because Celebrity are all about luxury and relaxation, there are also plenty of slower-paced options of how to enjoy yourself! Sit back and relax in the Solarium, a glass-enclosed adult only venue.
With a lap pool and comfy lounge chairs, you can enjoy a peaceful warm atmosphere, whatever the weather!
Did you know? Celebrity Cruises were the first to have an “Acupuncture at Sea” clinic. Fancy!
If you want an even more decadent experience, head on over to the Canyon Ranch Spa. It offers a wide range of treatments (which have been influenced by ten different cultures), steam rooms, marble loungers and a private sauna.
There is also a tranquil Persian Gardens and Relaxation Room available – which is free to guests in suites and Aquaclass cabins.
Want to learn something new? Attend an acupuncture seminar, watch two chefs battle it out in the Best Chef’s cooking competition, learn Spanish with Rosetta Stone, attend a youthful skin seminar, try a body sculpt boot camp or learn how to mix the perfect mojito in Mixology 101.
Did you know? You can even get Botox and teeth whitening on Celebrity Cruises! Just be careful to go easy on the injections, you don’t want to end up looking like Donatella Versace…
Dine the Night Away
New luxury means that even the dining experience on Celebrity is ultra-modern – in fact – they were the first cruise line to introduce menus on iPads where you place your order digitally!
There are up to 8 unique venues on each ship which includes the Main restaurant with its stunning two story wine tower.
In the Main Restaurant there are usually two sittings, Early Dining at 5:30 pm and Late Dining at 7:45 pm. You can eat here on an Assigned Seating plan or ‘Anytime’ Open Seating Dining, ensuring there’s a seating time to suit everyone.
Casual dining options include the Lido Marketplace and the Pizza Pirate, a place to grab something midday or at night if the main dining room and speciality restaurants feel too formal.
Speciality dining adds a cover charge, but the restaurants are definitely worth it! You can visit Murano for classic French cuisine or Eden for a full sensory adventure on a plate.
Silk harvest offer Asian cuisine with a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes, whilst Qsine serves tapas-style palette pleasers.
The cover charges vary depending on each speciality restaurant but range between $35-$55 dollars.
Did you know? Celebrity’s fleet of ships use 2.5 million potatoes a year.
As well as the fabulous restaurants, there are plenty of options if you just fancy grabbing a drink.
Sip a handmade cocktail in the Sky Observation Lounge admiring the endless views or try out a wine tasting session in the Cellar Masters Wine Bar (where a machine tops up your wine by the glass!)
If you’re looking for a more casual vibe the Ensemble and Rendezvous Lounge always offer a wide range of tipples, live music and comfortable interiors.
Did you know? The Martini Bar and Crush has an impressive 100 brands of vodka and 36 varieties of Martini’s to choose from. The bar top is even made from ice! So, do you want yours shaken not stirred?
Family Friendly
Just because Celebrity champions luxury doesn’t mean that there is no place for children or families!
There’re six different children’s clubs available:
- Toddler Time- for 3 years and under.
- Shipmates- for children aged 3 to 5.
- Celebrity Cadets- for children aged 6 to 8.
- Ensigns- for children aged 9 to 11.
- Junior Teens- for children aged 12 to 14.
- Senior Teens- for teenagers aged 15 to 17.
Each children’s club is tailored to different age groups and Celebrity is serious about providing real variety with a different activity for every group.
Whether they are using the sports courts, learning how to make pizza, baking a cake, painting, swimming, enjoying the arcade or even just hanging out with other children their own age.
For older teens, X Club is open from 9 am to 10 pm every day and includes activities like karaoke, games consoles and a teen nightclub.
Did you know? Celebrity provides children with state of the art equipment to film a video project on a programme called “iTake” where they are armed with GoPros to make a short film in groups. Then they edit their efforts in the Celebrity iLounge!
Family friendly amenities include cribs for children, baby changing in public toilets, children’s menus in the restaurant and in cabin babysitting. Babysitting is available for $6 per hour per child and is suitable for those aged three to eleven.
There are also VIP passes available for children! Let them feel exclusive with behind the scenes on the boat, VIP souvenirs and goodie bags with invites to events like film screenings.
You can also send children to a slumber party from 10 pm-1 am if you would like to have a late night without your children.
Amenities
Guests can expect all cabins to come with 24-hour room service, a mini bar, closet and storage space, a flat screen interactive TV, bathrobes, hairdryer and 100% Egyptian cotton towels.
Ultimate luxury! And if you book a suite, these facilities will be upgraded even further…
In a Celebrity Suite, you can expect to find panoramic views, private whirlpools, butler service and private dining areas. You will also receive exclusive access to bars and lounges on board the ship.
The “Celebrity Today” newsletter is said to be the cruiser’s guide. It will let you know what is on the itinerary each day and all onboard activities, making it easier than ever to plan your perfect cruise schedule.
Did you know? The reflection suite shower is a diamond shaped pod that extends out over the deck, giving you a clear view of the outside world!
Dress Code
Celebrity doesn’t enforce a strict dress code throughout your cruise, but you will be expected to get your smartest attire out on “Evening Chic” nights!
Guests will find that there are between one and three evening chic events per cruise. The evening chic dress code means a cocktail dress or blouse for women and smart jeans or trousers for men.
Smart casual is acceptable in restaurants for the rest of the cruise and means a dress or trouser suit for women and a sports jacket or blazer to be worn with trousers for men.
Casual attire is accepted in the daytime and swimwear is fine if it is kept to the pool! You can also rent a tux on board if you need to…
Gratuities
There is a guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1 onboard Celebrity, meaning that you are guaranteed to get the service you need when you need it.
Be aware that drinks will carry a service charge and spa treatments will also incur an additional cost.
The gratuities on Celebrity will vary depending on the type of room you stay in; you can currently expect to pay $14.50 per person per day for an interior, oceanview and balcony cabin, $15.00 for Concierge Class and Aqua Class rooms, and $18.00 for suites.
As with any cruise line, guests are within their rights to remove gratuities if you don’t wish to pay them!
Has this convinced you to cruise with Celebrity? Are they one of your favourite lines? Let us know in the comments below…
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