An Introduction To: Celebrity Cruises

• Meet the Fleet: Discover the differences between the intimate Millennium Class, the elegant Solstice Class, and the boundary-breaking Edge Class ships.

• Modern Luxury: Find out why Celebrity is the go-to choice for travellers who want the amenities of a boutique hotel combined with the adventure of the high seas.

• Life Onboard: From the "Magic Carpet" floating restaurant to the only certified Apple reseller at sea, we explore the unique features that set this cruise line apart.

Modern cruise line Celebrity Cruises is famously known for their fleet of world-class cruise ships. Their standard of cruising is a game-changer and really makes them stand out from the crowd on the high seas.

Founded in 1988 by the Chandris family, the line was created to offer a premium experience that exceeded the industry standards of the time. Decades later, they continue to pave the way as one of the best choices for curious travellers all over the world.

In this blog, we take a closer look at Celebrity Cruises, from the onboard experience to their outstanding range of dining and entertainment options.

Meet the Fleet

The Celebrity ocean fleet is split over three primary classes of ship: Millennium Class, Solstice Class, and Edge Class.

Millennium Class

Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit, and Celebrity Constellation. 

Some of the smallest ships in Celebrity Cruises' fleet, carrying just over 2,500 passengers.

Solstice Class

Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Reflection. 

Each carries just over 3,000 passengers and is known for its elegant onboard atmosphere, including the famous Lawn Club - real grass lawns on the top deck.

Edge Class

Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Xcel.

These are some of the most revolutionary ships at sea, regarded as breaking the boundaries of cruise ship design with features like the Magic Carpet, Infinite Verandas, and The Rooftop Garden.

Is There a "Typical" Celebrity Passenger? 

Celebrity is perfect for those who want that little bit extra out of their cruise. Their high standard is comparable to a modern boutique hotel with ultra-modern amenities, décor, and atmosphere.

The cruise line is also ideal for first-time cruisers wanting to experience a stylish voyage, or even couples and solo travellers seeking a quality getaway at sea without the crowds of larger family resorts.

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!).

The Retreat

For the ultimate luxury, suite guests gain access to The Retreat—an exclusive "resort within a resort."Here, benefits include:

• Luminae: A private restaurant with menus designed by executive chefs.

• The Retreat Lounge: A VIP lounge with dedicated concierge service.

• Premium Inclusions: Premium beverage packages and Wi-Fi are typically included for Retreat guests.

• The Retreat Sundeck: A spacious, private outdoor area.

Other stateroom categories also come with perks, such as AquaClass (unlimited access to the thermal suite and the Blu restaurant) and Concierge Class (priority services).

Let Celebrity Cruises Entertain You 

When looking to be entertained throughout the day or post-dinner, guests have the choice to indulge in a whole host of epic entertainment options.

The most popular is Celebrity's range of spectacular theatre performances, included in the price of standard cruise fares, performed in their stunning onboard theatres with high-tech backdrops.

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?

Shopping & Technology

If you would like to spend your money (and definitely get something in return), there is a variety of onboard retailers available to shop at.

There’s even an art gallery where you’ll have the chance to actually buy art! Not to mention, you can exclusively purchase Apple products from the onboard iLounge - the only certified seller of Apple products at sea. All products bought are tax-free, making the purchase worth your while.

Activities & Wellness

Get active and play basketball, pool volleyball, or even play bowls or croquet on the Lawn Club (on Solstice Class). Exercise classes are available and include aerobics, yoga, and F45 training. The gyms have state-of-the-art equipment and can suit all fitness levels.

Because Celebrity is all about luxury and relaxation, there are also plenty of slower-paced options. Sit back and relax in the Solarium, a glass-enclosed adult-only pool area, or dive into one of many outdoor pools.

For an even more decadent experience, the onboard spas offer treatments influenced by ten different cultures, plus the tranquil Persian Garden (or SEA Thermal Suite on Edge Class) for deep relaxation.

Dine The Night Away

New luxury means that even the dining experience on Celebrity is ultra-modern and globally inspired.

Included Venues

There is a range of included venues on each ship. The Main Restaurant is the centrepiece (often featuring a stunning wine tower).

On Edge Class ships, this is split into four distinct venues: Cosmopolitan, Cyprus, Normandie, and Tuscan, each with its own decor and exclusive menu items.

Casual dining options include the Oceanview Cafe (buffet) and Mast Grill, perfect for grabbing a burger or salad midday.

Speciality Dining

Celebrity Cruises' ships offer a great selection of speciality venues for an additional charge:

• Magic Carpet: Dine on a floating platform that moves between decks (Edge Class).

• Eden Restaurant: A full sensory adventure with open kitchens and performance art.

• Le Petit Chef: An animated dining experience where 3D projection mapping brings your table to life.

Bars & Lounges

Sip a handmade cocktail in the Sky Observation Lounge, head to the Martini Bar to see bartenders put on a show (the ice-topped bar is a fan favourite!), or visit the Sunset Bar for cocktails with the best wake views on the ship.

Family Friendly 

Just because Celebrity Cruises champions elegant cruising doesn’t mean that there is no place for children or families!

There are four different children’s clubs available:

• Shipmates - for children aged 3 to 5.

• Cadets - for children aged 6 to 9.

• Captains - for children aged 10 to 12.

• Teens - for children aged 13 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.

Family-friendly amenities include cribs for children, baby changing in public toilets, children’s menus in the restaurant and in-cabin babysitting.

You can also send children to a slumber party from 10 pm to 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.

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 Cruises mobile app and daily "Celebrity Today" newsletter serve as the cruiser's guide. They 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.

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; guests in interior, oceanview and balcony cabins pay slightly less than Concierge, Aqua Class and suite guests. As with any cruise line, guests are within their rights to remove gratuities if they don’t wish to pay them!

Experience Modern Luxury at Sea

From the thoughtful service of the crew to the excitement of world-class entertainment, a holiday with Celebrity Cruises is designed to elevate every detail of your trip.

Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat or a culture-filled adventure, you will quickly discover that when it comes to refined cruising, nothing comes close.

Ready to experience the Celebrity way? Contact our specialist cruise consultants today to book your next getaway or to personalise your perfect Celebrity Cruises itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ship classes in the Celebrity Cruises fleet?

The fleet features three primary ocean classes: the revolutionary Edge Class (Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, Xcel), the spacious Solstice Class, and the intimate Millennium Class, along with the luxury expedition yacht Celebrity Flora in the Galapagos.

What is included in The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises?

The Retreat is Celebrity's all-suite enclave featuring private dining at Luminae, exclusive access to The Retreat Lounge and Sundeck, dedicated butler and concierge service, and premium drink and Wi-Fi package inclusions.

Is Celebrity Cruises suitable for families with children?

Yes. Celebrity offers the "Camp at Sea" programme with age-appropriate clubs for children aged 3 to 17, family dining options, and late-night slumber party childcare.

What is the dress code on Celebrity "Evening Chic" nights?

Evening Chic is a modern take on traditional formal nights. Women typically wear cocktail dresses, elegant skirts, or smart jumpsuits, while men wear smart trousers paired with a dress shirt, sweater, or blazer. Tuxedos are optional.

Can you buy Apple products tax-free on Celebrity ships?

Yes. Select Celebrity ships feature the onboard iLounge, a certified Apple reseller at sea where guests can purchase tax-free MacBooks, iPads, and accessories.

Does Celebrity Cruises offer sailings from the UK?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises offers seasonal fly-free sailings directly out of Southampton, frequently featuring Edge Class vessels like Celebrity Apex. Destinations include the Norwegian Fjords, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.

What is included in Celebrity's "All Included" package option?

Celebrity's "All Included" package covers a Classic Beverage Package (unlimited spirits, wines, beers, and speciality coffees) along with Basic Wi-Fi for all guests in the stateroom. Guests booking suites in The Retreat automatically receive an upgraded Premium Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Is room service free on Celebrity Cruises?

Continental breakfast room service ordered for delivery between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM is complimentary. Outside of breakfast hours, all-day menu orders carry a flat delivery convenience fee of $9.95 per order (plus a 20% gratuity). Room service is complimentary 24 hours a day for guests staying in The Retreat.

What is Celebrity's smoking policy on board?

To maintain a fresh atmosphere, smoking (including e-cigarettes and vapes) is strictly prohibited in all staterooms, on private verandas/balconies, and throughout indoor public areas. Smoking is allowed exclusively in designated, clearly marked outdoor spaces on deck.

What is the difference between Traditional Dining and Celebrity Select Dining?

Traditional Dining assigns guests a set dining time (Early or Late seating) with the same table and dedicated waitstaff each evening. Celebrity Select Dining gives guests flexibility, allowing them to arrive at the main dining rooms at any time during opening hours or reserve preferred table times in advance.

Are drinks and tips included in standard Celebrity fares?

Standard "Cruise Only" (Simply Sail) fares include stateroom accommodation, main restaurant and buffet meals, basic beverages (such as tap water, iced tea, and filter coffee), and main stage entertainment. Alcoholic beverages, speciality coffees, Wi-Fi, daily crew gratuities, and speciality dining are charged separately unless added via an "All Included" package or included with a suite booking in The Retreat.