A Guide to Celebrity Cruises

Founded in 1989, award-winning Celebrity Cruises invites you to discover a redefined way of cruising. 

‘Ocean Cruise Line of the Year’ is just one of the many awards the cruise line has won for its commitment to excellence, and boy, does that excellence shine through. From the revolutionary designs to the new standard of luxury, you’re bound to be impressed.

In this guide to Celebrity Cruises, we cover everything you need to know about this innovative cruise line, from its humble beginnings to its impressive fleet of ships. 

For over three decades, Celebrity Cruises has been redefining what it means to sail in style. 

Renowned today for its contemporary design, inspiring destinations, world-class dining, luxurious accommodations, and attentive service, the line continues to set the benchmark for modern luxury at sea. 

Below is a brief timeline highlighting key moments in Celebrity Cruises’ history:

1989 - Celebrity Cruises was founded by the Greece-based Chandris Group, with a vision to deliver a premium cruise experience. 

1990 - The line launched its first ship, S.S. Meridian, alongside the first of the Horizon Series, Celebrity Horizon. Celebrity Zenith joined in 1992. 

1995 - 1997 - Celebrity Cruises debuted its first Century Series ship, Celebrity Century, followed by Celebrity Galaxy (1996) and Celebrity Mercury (1997). These ships were larger and more sophisticated than their predecessors, solidifying the brand’s premium position. 

1997 - Celebrity Cruises was acquired by the Royal Caribbean Group, a move that expanded resources and accelerated growth. 

2000 - 2002 - The first Millennium Series ship, Celebrity Millennium, entered service in 2000. Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit, and Celebrity Constellation soon joined her. 

2004 - Celebrity Xpedition joined the fleet, purpose-built for Galápagos expeditions, signalling the brand’s move into small-ship, destination-focused cruising. 

2008 - Celebrity Cruises unveiled the first Solstice Series ship, Celebrity Solstice, introducing a new scale of ship design, including the first real grass Lawn Club at sea. 

2010 - 2012 - The fleet began an extensive “Solsticization” program, modernising older ships with features from the Solstice Series. Celebrity Constellation led the way in 2010, followed by Celebrity Infinity (2011), Celebrity Summit (2012), and Celebrity Millennium (2012). 

2015 - 2016 - Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Millennium underwent further enhancements, adding guest favourites like the Rooftop Terrace, Sushi on Five, and Tuscan Grille. 

2018 - A new era dawned with the launch of Celebrity Edge, the first of the Edge Series. With its revolutionary outward-facing design, Infinite Verandas, and the Magic Carpet platform, it redefined modern luxury at sea. 

2020 - Celebrity Flora, a state-of-the-art mega-yacht purpose-built for the Galápagos Islands, set sail, raising the bar for sustainable expedition cruising.

2021 - Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Edge’s sister ship, officially joined the fleet, bringing the series’ innovative design to more travellers. 

2022 - Celebrity Beyond made her debut, the largest and most luxurious Edge Series ship yet, featuring expanded public spaces, a redesigned Resort Deck, and restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.  

2023 - Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the Edge Series, entered service with new entertainment concepts, upgraded dining, and design refinements across the ship.

2025 (upcoming) - Celebrity Xcel, the fifth Edge Series ship, is scheduled to join the fleet in November, further expanding the brand’s next-generation offerings. 

The Celebrity Cruises fleet features fifteen ships, each crafted in collaboration with some of the world’s most acclaimed architects and interior designers. 

Organised into distinctive series, the fleet showcases the Edge Series, setting a new benchmark for luxury and innovation at sea; the Solstice Series, which refined the modern cruise experience; and the Millennium Series, home to some of the most celebrated ships sailing today. 

• Celebrity Millennium - 2000 - The namesake of the Millennium Series, Celebrity Millennium has been delighting guests since 2000 with her sophisticated design and extensive onboard amenities. She continues to impress with updated features that perfectly balance modern style and classic charm. 
• Celebrity Infinity - 2001 - Celebrity Infinity combines modern elegance with inviting public spaces and thoughtfully designed staterooms. A Millennium Series favourite, she offers enriching experiences and unforgettable journeys to incredible ports of call. 
• Celebrity Summit - 2001 - Known for her intimate feel and stylish upgrades, Celebrity Summit delivers a refined cruising experience with plenty of opportunities for enrichment and relaxation. With inviting staterooms and world-class dining, she remains a popular choice among Celebrity Cruises’ guests. 
• Celebrity Constellation - 2002 - Beloved as part of the Millennium Series, Celebrity Constellation blends contemporary design with timeless comfort. From fine dining to rejuvenating spa treatments, she delivers a warm and inviting cruise experience across the world’s most sought-after destinations. 

• Celebrity Solstice - 2008 - The ship that inspired the Celebrity Cruises Solstice Series, Celebrity Solstice is a ship of many firsts, putting the finishing touches on delivering the five-star Celebrity Cruises experience. Designed with a tasteful and contemporary style, you’ll feel lavished in luxury from the moment you step on board, receiving impeccable service always. 
• Celebrity Equinox- 2009 - Celebrity Equinox shines with her refined Solstice Series design and a wealth of onboard entertainment and dining venues. From the Lawn Club’s real grass to immersive enrichment programmes, she provides a truly unique and memorable cruising experience.
• Celebrity Eclipse - 2010 - Celebrity Eclipse has been dazzling her passengers ever since she joined the fleet in 2010. Like her Solstice Series sisters, she showcases spectacular vistas with 85% of all staterooms providing sweeping veranda views. This award-winning ship hosts an array of activities from the break of dawn. 
• Celebrity Silhouette- 2011 - Since she joined the Celebrity Cruises fleet in 2011, Celebrity Silhouette has set herself apart. With a striking design and imaginative installations, she showcases spectacular public spaces and demonstrates innovation at its finest. Enrich your mind, learn something new, and fully immerse yourself, all on board Celebrity Silhouette. 
• Celebrity Reflection - 2012 - The final addition to the Solstice Series, Celebrity Reflection offers spacious accommodations, including the luxurious Reflection Suite with a glass-enclosed shower extending over the edge of the ship. Her mix of innovation and indulgence ensures an unforgettable journey for every guest.

• Celebrity Edge - 2018 - The ship that changed it all, Celebrity Edge enables you to experience the world, connect with the sea and play, dine and unwind like never before. With wide-open spaces and staterooms that bring the outside in with fully retracting glass doors - the minute you set sail, you’ll feel completely connected to each destination you visit. 
• Celebrity Apex - 2021 - Sister ship to Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex was the second ship to debut in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series. Catering to 2,900 passengers, Celebrity Apex boasts many at-sea firsts, including Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas, twin-level Edge Villas with outdoor plunge pools, the floating Magic Carpet and two martini glass jacuzzis. 
• Celebrity Beyond - 2022 - As the third ship in the Edge Series, Celebrity Beyond takes innovation even further with expanded spaces, a redesigned Resort Deck, and world-class dining crafted by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud. Every detail is designed to immerse guests in luxury while connecting them more closely with the sea. 
• Celebrity Ascent - 2023 - The newest member of the fleet, Celebrity Ascent elevates the Edge Series experience with fresh entertainment concepts, reimagined dining, and refined design touches throughout. With her modern flair and bold innovations, she is a great addition to the fleet. 
• Celebrity Xcel - 2025 - Set to debut in November, Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth ship in the groundbreaking Edge Series. Building on her sisters’ innovations, she promises bold new design features, elevated dining, and immersive spaces that continue to push the boundaries of modern luxury at sea. 

Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its incredible array of onboard amenities, designed to make every moment at sea as memorable as the destinations you visit. 

Start your day by indulging mind, body and spirit with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, sunrise yoga or a pampering spa treatment. As the day unfolds, you can choose from a world of dining options crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, relax in chic lounges with ocean views, or take part in enriching activities that bring the destinations to life. 

When evening falls, the excitement continues. Satisfy your cravings at the wide array of bars, clubs and lounges, then enjoy Celebrity Cruises’ visionary performances and award-winning productions - ranging from Broadway-calibre shows to live music and contemporary entertainment. 

^{Read next: A Guide to Celebrity Cruises Drinks Packages} 

For those seeking exclusivity, The Retreat® offers suite guests private dining, a serene sundeck and access to Michael’s Club, a tranquil lounge perfect for unwinding. 

Popular amenities and facilities include:

• Eden - A transformative three-level venue introduced on Celebrity Edge, where the vibe shifts throughout the day - from calm mornings to playful afternoons and lively evenings.
• Le Petit Chef™ - A one-of-a-kind dining experience where your tabletop comes to life in a whimsical fusion of entertainment and cuisine.
• Magic Carpet® - The world’s first cantilevered floating platform, soaring over the sea to offer unrivalled views and a flexible space for dining or cocktails. 
• Martini Bar & Crush - Where talented bartenders put on dazzling shows while serving up classic and creative martinis. 
• Michael’s Club - An exclusive 24-hour lounge for The Retreat® guests, stocked with reading material and designed for pure relaxation.
• Rooftop Garden - A living urban playscape inspired by childhood playgrounds, perfect for live music, games, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
• The Lawn Club - A Solstice Series signature - real grass at sea - ideal for picnics, outdoor concerts, or a quiet afternoon in the sunshine. 

Celebrity Cruises is perfect for travellers who want more than just a holiday at sea - it’s for those who want to feel enriched, inspired and truly looked after. With its focus on modern luxury, Celebrity Cruises appeals to: 

• Couples and friends seeking a sophisticated escape with fine dining, stylish bars and elegant spaces made for relaxing together.
• Curious explorers who value carefully crafted itineraries that bring you closer to culture, cuisine and landscapes around the world.
• Wellness enthusiasts who want to nurture body and mind with spa treatments, fitness classes, and menus designed with health in mind.
• Food lovers who appreciate Michelin-starred dining concepts, inventive restaurants and diverse culinary experiences every day of their holiday.
• Families with older children or teens who enjoy travel with a refined edge, where enrichment and entertainment go hand in hand. 

Sailing to over 300 destinations across 79 countries, Celebrity Cruises allows you to explore all seven continents. 

On a cruise to Alaska, you’ll have the opportunity to sail the Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau and Ketchikan. 

Sail on a Caribbean cruise and you’ll get to experience the clear blue sea of the Bahamas, the warm sand of Jamaica and the heart-pumping activities of Barbados. 

Whichever cruise destination you choose, Celebrity Cruises will take you on a perfect journey. 

^{Explore more Celebrity cruises: Canary Islands, Japan and South Korea, USA, Japan, Canada, Fly Cruises, Australia, Alaska, Galápagos, Greece, Norway and Last-Minute.} 

Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club is a polished, six-tier loyalty programme that rewards repeat cruisers with ever-elevating perks - designed to make every voyage richer than the last. 

You earn Captain’s Club Points each night you cruise. The more luxurious your cabin, and the longer your voyage, the faster your climb the tiers. 

From Inside cabins to sprawling suites, suite and villa bookings turbocharge your progress. 

Some ships may vary, but the concept remains simple: sail more, gain more. 

Here’s what you unlock as you rise: 

• Preview (0 points): The first tier includes the Captain’s Club newsletter, loyalty desk access, and special onboard offers when booking your next cruise.
• Classic (2 - 149 points): Adds an onboard welcome event, a scoop of gelato, Wi-Fi and drink discounts, a chance at room upgrades (subject to availability), and additional perks such as speciality coffee and photo discounts. 
• Select (150 - 299 points): Includes all Classic perks plus spa and laundry discounts, priority embarkation, wine-tasting, and even backstage tours or senior-officer cocktail parties. 
• Elite (300 to 749 points): One of the most impactful tiers - enjoy complimentary laundry, evening cocktail hour, access to a Captain’s Club lounge with daily breakfast, Persian Garden access, plus internet, wine, and photo package discounts. 
• Elite Plus (750 to 2,999 points): Builds on Elite perks with two free laundry bags, speciality dining and spa discounts, and unlimited hot beverages like lattes, teas, and espressos. 
• Zenith (3,000+ points): The pinnacle - includes everything above plus exclusive Retreat Lounge/Michael’s Club access, complimentary premium drink and Wi-Fi packages, priority seating, upgraded bathroom amenities, late checkout, and even a charitable donation on your behalf. 

This programme isn’t just about loyalty points - it’s about a richer cruising experience. From the moment you step onboard, priority treatment, exclusive events, and thoughtful extras reflect a cruise brand that values returning guests. It’s perfect for travellers who enjoy being known, valued, and rewarded at every turn. 

• Book early for the best choice - Fares usually rise the closer you get to departure, and early booking secures the widest range of staterooms, especially the popular Infinite Veranda cabins and suites in The Retreat. 
• Look out for “All Included” fares - Celebrity Cruises often bundles Wi-Fi, drinks and gratuities into the price. Compare this against what you’d normally spend onboard to see if it offers better value.
• Take advantage of ROL Cruise offers - Keep an eye out for added extras such as included flights, overseas transfers, onboard spend or reduced deposits, which can make your holiday even better value. 
• Link your Captain’s Club membership - If you’ve sailed with Celebrity Cruises before, make sure your membership number is added at the time of booking so you don’t miss out on points and perks.
• Upgrade with MoveUp - Once you’ve booked, you may be invited to bid for an upgraded stateroom at a reduced rate. It’s a great way to experience a higher grade of cabin or suite without paying the full price. 
• Download the Celebrity Cruises app - The app makes life onboard much easier: you can check in, view the daily programme, book dining and excursions, and even unlock your cabin door on some ships. 
• Reserve dining and excursions in advance - The most popular speciality restaurants and shore experiences sell out quickly, so it’s best to pre-book to avoid disappointment. 
• Budget for gratuities - Unless they’re included in your fare, gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account each day. Many UK guests prefer to pre-pay them when booking, so there are no surprises later. 
• Fly out the day before - If you’re sailing from an international port, it’s wise to travel out a day early. It gives you peace of mind should your flight be delayed and means you start your cruise relaxed.
• Pack smart for evenings - Celebrity Cruises’ style is more chic than formal. Expect “Evening Chic” nights rather than black-tie: cocktail dresses, smart shirts, jackets or trousers are perfect. 

Celebrity Cruises consistently earns recognition for setting the bar high in the cruise industry, with awards spanning everything from exceptional service to world-class wine programs. 

Here’s a snapshot of their most prestigious honours: 

• Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards: Celebrity Cruises made history as the first cruise line ever to earn Forbes Star Ratings - a benchmark previously reserved for luxury hotels and spas. In 2023, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Summit all received Star or Recommended awards. In 2024, six ships - including Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Millennium, and Celebrity Summit - earned Four-Star status. 
• Wine Spectator Awards: Celebrity Cruises boasts the most awarded wine programme at sea, having earned over 136 awards in 12 consecutive years. In 2024 alone, they picked up 18  accolades - including multiple “Best Of” Awards of Excellence for venues onboard Edge Series ships like Le Voyage, Fine Cut, and Cyprus. 
• Member Choice Awards (cruiseline.com/Shipmate): In the 2023 awards, Celebrity Cruises retained its crown in key categories such as Best Cruise Line for Food & Dining, Best Overall Mainstream Cruise Line, Best Staterooms, Onboard Activities/Entertainment, and Service & Staff. Among the ships, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Equinox all featured within the top-rated vessels across various categories.