The Ultimate CELEBRITY Cruises Guide: What it is, how it works, and what to expect
Cruise guide · Updated 2026 · Premium · Modern design · Edge class · The Retreat · Daniel Boulud
Celebrity Cruises occupies a distinct and carefully held position in the cruise market: above mainstream lines in design, cuisine, and atmosphere, but more accessible in price and scale than the ultra-luxury segment. It is a premium line with a genuine design philosophy, a serious culinary programme led by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, and the most architecturally ambitious ships currently sailing at its price point. In 2026, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud on Celebrity Xcel became the first restaurant at sea to receive a Forbes Five-Star rating.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the brand, its three ship classes, the Edge class in detail, The Retreat suite experience, the Infinite Veranda, the dining programme, the Galápagos fleet, and how Celebrity compares to the rest of the premium and luxury cruise field.
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A brief history of Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises was founded in April 1988 by the Chandris Group, a Greek shipping family that had been operating in the cruise market since the 1960s under various brands targeting different price points. Celebrity was conceived as a step above: a premium line designed from the outset to attract travellers who wanted quality, contemporary design, and a more sophisticated culinary and service experience than the mainstream operators of the time.
In 1997, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line merged with Celebrity to form Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the parent company that still owns both brands today alongside Silversea. Royal Caribbean kept the two brands deliberately separate, allowing Celebrity to maintain its own identity, fleet, and positioning. The merger provided the financial scale to invest in increasingly ambitious ship designs without abandoning the original premium vision.
The first major design evolution came with the Solstice class, introduced in 2008. These ships introduced real grass lawns on the top deck, cleaner architectural lines, and an interior aesthetic that moved away from the busy ornamentation common in cruise ship design at the time. The Solstice class established Celebrity as a line that took design seriously.
The decisive moment came in 2018 with the delivery of Celebrity Edge, the first ship in what became the Edge class. Designed with architect Tom Wright, Edge introduced features that had no precedent in the industry: the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered floating platform that travels between decks and extends over the open ocean; Infinite Veranda staterooms where the balcony glass drops entirely to create a seamless indoor-outdoor living space; and public areas including the Eden multi-deck venue that blurred the line between entertainment, dining, and social space. Edge cost approximately $1 billion to build and announced that Celebrity was competing in a different arena than before.
Five Edge-class ships are now in service, with a sixth, Celebrity Xcite, confirmed for 2028.
The Celebrity fleet in 2026
Celebrity currently operates ships across three generations. The oldest Millennium-class ships have been updated through the Celebrity Revolution refurbishment programme. The Solstice class remains the backbone of the fleet. The Edge class represents the current and future direction of the brand.
Millennium class
Four ships built in 2000 and 2001: Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit, and Celebrity Constellation. Each carries approximately 2,170 guests. All four were substantially refurbished between 2019 and 2023 under the Celebrity Revolution programme, which realigned their staterooms and public spaces with Edge-class standards. They are the smallest and oldest ships in the active fleet and deploy primarily in Alaska, the Pacific, and specialised itineraries.
Solstice class
Five ships built between 2008 and 2012: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Reflection. Each carries between 3,148 and 3,480 guests at approximately 122,000 to 126,000 gross tons. The Solstice class ships are defined by their AquaSpa rooftop lawn areas, Lawn Club on the open top deck, and the multi-venue dining approach that became Celebrity’s template. Eclipse and Silhouette have both undergone recent refurbishments.
Edge class
The flagship class. Five ships are currently in service: Celebrity Edge (2018), Celebrity Apex (2021), Celebrity Beyond (2022), Celebrity Ascent (2023), and Celebrity Xcel (November 2025). Each carries approximately 3,260 guests at 130,818 to 140,600 gross tons. A sixth ship, Celebrity Xcite, is confirmed for 2028.
Edge and Apex were built at 130,818 gross tons. Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel are built on an extended hull, 20 metres longer, at approximately 140,600 gross tons, giving them additional deck space deployed primarily in expanded outdoor areas, a larger Retreat sundeck, and an enlarged Rooftop Garden. Each Edge-class ship cost approximately $1 billion to construct.
Celebrity fleet at a glance
Millennium class: 4 ships, approximately 2,170 guests each, refurbished 2019 to 2023
Solstice class: 5 ships, 3,148 to 3,480 guests each, launched 2008 to 2012
Edge class: 5 ships active, 3,260 guests each, launched 2018 to 2025; Celebrity Xcite confirmed for 2028
Galápagos fleet: 3 smaller vessels for dedicated Galápagos itineraries
All ships: Starlink Wi-Fi, crew-to-guest ratio approximately 1 to 2
Itinerary range: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, Australia, Galápagos
The Edge class: what makes it different
The Edge class is the reason Celebrity’s reputation changed around 2018, and understanding what makes these ships distinctive helps explain why the line attracts travellers who have tried other premium options and found them architecturally unremarkable.
The Magic Carpet
The Magic Carpet is a cantilevered platform approximately the size of a tennis court, attached to the starboard side of the ship and capable of travelling between decks using hydraulic lifts. Depending on its position, it functions as a bar and lounge at the upper decks, a destination dining venue at mid-ship, or a marina extension platform at sea level. It is the most visually dramatic design element on any premium cruise ship currently sailing and has been widely imitated without being replicated.
Infinite Veranda staterooms
Standard Edge-class staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass panels that drop entirely on a hydraulic mechanism, eliminating the boundary between the interior cabin space and the outdoor air. The cabin effectively becomes a covered terrace with a bed in it. This is not a marketing description. The glass drops, the ocean air comes in, and the space genuinely transforms. Approximately three quarters of Edge-class staterooms are in the Infinite Veranda configuration.
Eden and The Bazaar
On Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent, the Eden venue occupies three decks at the ship’s stern with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a programme of live performances, and a rotating use across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening entertainment. On Celebrity Xcel, Eden was replaced by The Bazaar, a three-deck complex that similarly transforms throughout the day across different uses.
The Retreat
The Retreat is Celebrity’s all-suite, all-exclusive enclave, available on all Edge-class ships and operating as a ship-within-a-ship. It comprises a private sundeck with pools and plunge pools cantilevered over the ship’s edge, a dedicated lounge, and Luminae, the suite-only restaurant that is entirely separate from all other dining venues on the ship. Retreat guests receive 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, and priority access throughout the ship. Staterooms within The Retreat range from Sky Suites through to the Iconic Suite, which spans multiple rooms and some of the most expansive private outdoor space on any ship in this class.
Luminae at The Retreat serves menus that change daily and include exclusive Daniel Boulud selections not available in any other restaurant on the ship. The sommelier team in Luminae is consistently described as among the most attentive at sea, with preferences memorised and acted upon from the second evening of the voyage.
Dining: the Daniel Boulud partnership and Forbes Five-Star
Celebrity’s culinary positioning is the most consequential aspect of its premium claim, and the 2026 Forbes Five-Star rating for Le Voyage on Celebrity Xcel is the most authoritative validation that claim has received.
Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud is the signature specialty restaurant on the Edge-class ships, representing the first fine dining restaurant at sea by the Michelin-starred chef. On Celebrity Xcel, the 50-seat venue is designed by Jouin Manku with intimate seating cocoons and custom lighting. Guests can choose à la carte or a five-course tasting menu. In the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, Le Voyage on Celebrity Xcel received the line’s first Five-Star restaurant rating, with Le Voyage on Celebrity Ascent and Fine Cut Steakhouse on both Ascent and Apex earning Four-Star ratings. No other premium cruise line at Celebrity’s price point has received Forbes recognition at this level.
Luminae at The Retreat is the private suite restaurant and arguably the most consistently praised dining experience on the ships. Menus change nightly, the room is quiet and generously spaced, and access is exclusive to Retreat guests.
Fine Cut Steakhouse serves USDA Prime beef with tableside preparations and an extensive wine selection. Forbes Four-Star rated on Ascent and Apex. Raw on 5 offers high-quality sushi and seafood in a sleek contemporary setting. Rooftop Garden Grill provides open-air dining above the ship’s edge. Le Petit Chef delivers a theatrical 3D animated tabletop dining experience where miniature animated chefs appear to prepare each course.
Celebrity’s wine programme is repeatedly recognised by Wine Spectator and features over 500 labels on the Edge-class ships. Daniel Boulud serves as Global Culinary Ambassador for the line, shaping the broader menu philosophy across the fleet beyond his signature restaurant.
What is included and how the fare model works
Celebrity operates a premium fare model that is more inclusive than mainstream lines but less comprehensive than ultra-luxury all-inclusive lines like Regent or Seabourn.
Standard fares include accommodation and all meals in the main dining venues. Celebrity also offers an Always Included fare package that adds the Classic Beverage Package (covering wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks up to a per-drink value), unlimited Wi-Fi, and gratuities in a single bundled price. This package is the most common way guests book Celebrity and effectively creates a near all-inclusive experience for daily living costs.
What is not included in either fare option: specialty restaurant dining (though some are discounted or included on certain promotions), spa treatments, shore excursions, and premium beverage upgrades beyond the Classic package limit. The Retreat, as a suite tier, includes additional benefits beyond the standard package.
AquaClass: the wellness cabin tier
AquaClass is Celebrity’s spa-focused stateroom tier, positioned between standard balcony cabins and The Retreat suites.
AquaClass guests receive access to the Persian Garden spa thermal suite throughout the voyage (normally a daily charge for other guests), priority access to the Canyon Ranch Spa on ships where it operates, and exclusive dining at Blu, a dedicated AquaClass restaurant serving lighter Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. On Edge-class ships, AquaClass guests can also access Sky Suites that combine spa amenities with Retreat privileges.
The Galápagos fleet
Celebrity’s commitment to the Galápagos Islands is one of the most distinctive elements of its itinerary portfolio and one that sets it apart from virtually every other line in the premium segment. While most cruise lines offer occasional Galápagos calls on repositioning voyages, Celebrity operates three dedicated vessels specifically for the Galápagos: Celebrity Flora (2019), Celebrity Flora II (expected 2026), and Celebrity Xploration. Each carries between 16 and 100 guests and operates under strict national park regulations that limit the size and frequency of vessels permitted to access the islands’ most protected areas. For travellers whose primary interest is the Galápagos, Celebrity’s dedicated fleet is the most credible option in the market.
How Celebrity compares to other lines
Celebrity Cruises
Best for: Design, culinary quality, and the Edge-class experience at a premium price point
The most architecturally distinctive ships in the premium segment, a Michelin-starred culinary programme with the first Forbes Five-Star restaurant at sea, The Retreat as a genuine luxury enclave, and an Always Included fare model that simplifies daily costs. Carries 3,000 to 3,480 guests, larger than luxury lines but with better design and cuisine than most comparably priced competitors.
Oceania Cruises
Best for: Culinary depth and longer-form itineraries
Smaller ships (670 to 1,250 guests), a stronger all-inclusive culinary programme with Jacques Pépin, and longer voyage patterns. Less design-forward than Celebrity but more destination-intensive. Not fully all-inclusive.
Virgin Voyages
Best for: Adults-only atmosphere and all-inclusive value
Strictly adults-only, fully all-inclusive including gratuities, Wi-Fi, and all dining with no specialty surcharges. More nightlife-oriented and less design-focused than Celebrity. Ships carry approximately 2,770 guests.
Azamara
Best for: Destination immersion and longer port stays
Much smaller ships (686 guests), overnight calls in most ports, the AzAmazing Evenings programme, and a genuine destination-immersion philosophy. Less contemporary in design than Celebrity but more intimate in scale and more focused on what happens ashore.
Seabourn
Best for: Ultra-luxury intimacy and full all-inclusive simplicity
Ships carrying 264 to 600 guests, a near one-to-one crew ratio, Thomas Keller dining with no supplement, fully all-inclusive. A fundamentally different product at a fundamentally different price point, but the right comparison for guests considering Celebrity’s Retreat suites against true luxury alternatives.
Who Celebrity is best suited for
Celebrity works best for a specific profile of traveller, and the line’s clarity of identity makes that fit relatively easy to assess.
Design-conscious travellers who want ships that genuinely look and feel different from the cruise ship norm
Food and wine enthusiasts who place culinary quality at the centre of their travel experience and want Michelin-level engagement at sea
Couples in their late thirties and above, active retirees, and solo travellers who value a calmer, more sophisticated atmosphere without the formality of traditional luxury lines
Guests who want a strong all-inclusive-adjacent model through the Always Included package, without the fully all-inclusive price of ultra-luxury lines
Travellers considering The Retreat as a luxury suite experience at a price point below Seabourn or Regent
Anyone whose itinerary centres on the Galápagos, where Celebrity’s dedicated fleet is unmatched
Celebrity is less suited to families with young children who want large-scale entertainment infrastructure, travellers seeking polar expedition itineraries, or those who want the most genuinely all-inclusive model in the market. It is also not the right answer for guests who want the smallest, most intimate ships, as even the Millennium-class vessels carry over 2,000 guests.
Frequently asked questions
Is Celebrity Cruises all-inclusive?
Not by default, but effectively so with the Always Included package, which bundles the Classic Beverage Package, unlimited Wi-Fi, and gratuities into the fare. Specialty restaurants, spa treatments, premium shore excursions, and beverage upgrades beyond the Classic package limit are charged separately. The Retreat suite experience adds additional inclusions for suite guests.
What is the difference between the Edge class and the Solstice class?
The Edge class introduces the Magic Carpet cantilevered platform, Infinite Veranda staterooms with drop-down floor-to-ceiling glass panels, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, a redesigned Retreat sundeck with cantilevered pools, and a fundamentally different approach to public space design. The Solstice class ships are well-maintained, refined vessels with the Lawn Club and multi-venue dining but without the architectural innovations of the Edge class. For most travellers who want the definitive Celebrity experience, the Edge-class ships are the reason to book.
What is The Retreat?
The Retreat is Celebrity’s all-suite luxury enclave on Edge-class ships, operating as a ship-within-a-ship. It includes a private sundeck with pools, the Luminae suite-only restaurant, a dedicated lounge, 24-hour butler service, a personal concierge, and priority access throughout the ship. Suite categories within The Retreat range from the Sky Suite through to the Iconic Suite.
What is Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud?
Le Voyage is Daniel Boulud’s first signature restaurant at sea, available on Edge-class ships. In the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, Le Voyage on Celebrity Xcel received the first-ever Five-Star rating awarded to a restaurant at sea. Reservations are required and a supplemental charge applies. It is one of the most credentialed dining experiences currently operating on any cruise ship at any price point.
What is the Infinite Veranda?
The Infinite Veranda is a stateroom design where the balcony glass panel drops entirely via a hydraulic mechanism, eliminating the boundary between the cabin interior and the open air. The effect transforms the cabin into a covered terrace. It was introduced on Celebrity Edge in 2018 and is now standard on all Edge-class ships. It is widely regarded as one of the most genuinely innovative stateroom concepts introduced in premium cruising in the last decade.
What is Celebrity Xcel?
Celebrity Xcel is the fifth and most recent Edge-class ship, entering service in November 2025. At 141,400 gross tons carrying 3,260 guests, she is the largest ship in the Edge class. New features on Xcel include The Bazaar (a three-deck venue replacing the Eden space on earlier ships), expanded outdoor spaces, two new restaurants, the largest spa at sea in the Celebrity fleet, and the first methanol-capable propulsion system in the Celebrity fleet. Le Voyage on Xcel received the first Forbes Five-Star restaurant rating at sea in February 2026.
Who owns Celebrity Cruises?
Celebrity Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Royal Caribbean International and Silversea. Celebrity merged with Royal Caribbean in 1997 and has operated as a separate and independently positioned premium brand within the group ever since.
Plan your Regent Cruise with ÆRIA Voyages
Every traveller’s ideal Celebrity voyage looks different depending on the ship class, the cabin category, and what matters most in the experience. I help clients navigate those questions: from choosing between a Solstice-class and Edge-class sailing, to understanding whether The Retreat represents better value than booking an ultra-luxury line, to selecting the right itinerary for the Galápagos programme.
If you are curious about pricing, current availability, or whether Celebrity is the right fit for your travel vision, I would be glad to talk it through.
Yvan Junior Blanchette
Travel & Cruise Specialist
ÆRIA Voyages📩 yvanblanchette@aeriavoyages.com
📞 1-888-460-3388
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