Celebrity Cruises

The Ultimate Celebrity Cruises 2024 Guide

Iglu Cruise

Jan 19, 2024 • 16 min read

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises is an award-winning cruise line that’s beloved for its opulent accommodation, innovative amenities and extraordinary itineraries; visiting over 300 destinations around the world. Celebrity Cruises’ ships are carefully designed with comfort and style in mind. Providing a contemporary and exceptional cruising experience, you can do as little or as much as you wish on board throughout your voyage.

The first and only cruise line to receive a Star Rating by the Forbes Travel Guide, you can expect world-class cuisine, exhilarating day and evening entertainment and a spa that offers indulgent treatments including the likes of restorative massages and sumptuous facials amongst other standout highlights which showcase why Celebrity Cruises was voted as the Best Premium Cruise Line in 2021 by Travel Weekly.

Read on to find out more about Celebrity Cruises’ key values, the Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, top highlights and other information that showcases why you should book a Celebrity Cruises getaway.

Contents:

Celebrity Cruises Key Values
Celebrity Cruises Fleet
What Makes Celebrity Cruises Unique
What's Included on Celebrity Cruises Getaways?
What’s Extra Onboard Celebrity Cruises?
Celebrity Cruises Updates
Upcoming Events, Special Cruises and Other Celebrity Cruises News
Celebrity Cruises Guest Reviews
Top Tips for Celebrity Cruises Getaways
Celebrity Cruises FAQs
Exciting Upcoming Celebrity Cruises Itineraries

Celebrity Cruises Key Values

Celebrity Cruises has several key values that contribute not only to its brand identity, but the overall experience it aims to deliver. Firstly, the cruise line emphasizes the importance it places on environmental stewardship. From sustainable practices that aim to improve how environmentally-friendly their ships are to a variety of initiatives, Celebrity Cruises is championing environmental and community stewardship at every turn to help lessen the impact that their fleet has on the world around us.

Celebrity Cruises’ Core Sustainability Values and Initiatives

Celebrity Cruises has a Save the Waves programme which prioritises three key principles - minimising the production of waste, recycling as much as they can, and making sure the leftover waste is disposed of properly:

A vision of Destination Net Zero - they are trying to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. They are doing this through using energy efficiency, innovative sustainable technologies and introducing a ship that produces net zero emissions by 2035.
Edge Class ships - Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class ships (Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent) have features on board that are designed to help reduce the consumption of fuel onboard - including catalytic reduction systems (that helps to lower nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 97%) and emissions purification systems (to remove up to 98% of sulphur dioxide emissions). Celebrity Xcel, sailing from 2025, will also be an Edge Class ship.
Green Hub waste vendor program - where up to 85% of the waste created onboard is repurposed, recycled or transported to a designated waste-to-energy facility.
Shore power - four of the ships within the Celebrity Cruises fleet (Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Ascent) have shore power capabilities, allowing for near zero commissions when at port.
Lighting - existing light bulbs across the fleet will be replaced with LED and fluorescent light bulbs, to reduce the energy produced by up to 80%.
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water - Celebrity Cruises ensure their fleet has the most up to date equipment for these, including water-reduction technology, an Advanced Wastewater Purification system and efficient ventilation systems.
Solar power technology - utilising solar power technology onboard, the renewable sources that were first introduced on the Solstice Class in 2008, aim to reduce energy consumption. Similarly, throughout the Celebrity Cruises fleet there are high-efficiency appliances, from ovens to TVs, alongside energy-efficient windows.
Hull Design - Celebrity Cruises utilise more environmentally friendly silicone paints on their hull, alongside designing a propulsion and hull system to reduce energy consumption.

Alongside the above, Celebrity Cruises has been plastic straw free since 2019, has a partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and are campaigning for sustainable tourism, through supporting local communities alongside other eco-friendly strategies.

Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion

As well as having sustainability at its heart, Celebrity Cruise line also advocates for equality, acceptance and progress.

Five ships from Celebrity Cruises fleet sailing

They have done this through launching several events and initiates throughout the fleet, including:

Having the 1st female American captain - Captain Kate McCue
Having the 1st West African woman on the Bridge; 32% of the officers on the Bridge are female.
Introducing the Tangerine Table talk series - showcasing the lives, stories and more of female crew members throughout the Celebrity fleet.
Expanding Pride celebrations across the fleet - offering LGBTQ+ gatherings and events, alongside flag raising ceremonies and more.
Offering same sex weddings onboard - Celebrity Cruises were also the first cruise line to host a legal same sex marriage at sea!

Celebrity Cruises Fleet

What Ships and Classes Do Celebrity Cruises Have?

Dating back to 1988, throughout the years Celebrity Cruises has grown to one of the biggest cruise lines in the world. With four classes of ships currently in the fleet, you’ll be able to find the perfect cruise ship for you, whether you’re looking for a small ship or a mid-sized ship.

Currently there are 15 ships in the fleet, including the newest addition, Celebrity Ascent which was launched in 2023:

Celebrity Edge Class:

Celebrity Edge (2018)
Celebrity Apex (2020)
Celebrity Beyond (2022)
Celebrity Ascent (2023)
Celebrity Xcel (coming 2025)

Celebrity Solstice Class:

Celebrity Millennium Class:

Celebrity Galapagos Class:

New Celebrity Cruises Ships

In 2025, Celebrity Xcel will launch. With a guest capacity that is still yet to be revealed, alongside all of the amenities and features that will be onboard, it looks like it will be a great addition to the Edge Class! Although we do know it will have the beloved Magic Carpet and Martini Bar - two favourites onboard the futuristic and opulent Edge Class.

What Makes Celebrity Cruises Unique?

As aforementioned, there are many standout features that help to make Celebrity Cruises unique in the cruising world. From the importance they place on hiring a more diverse workforce, to their sustainability efforts, there’s so many reasons why Celebrity Cruises has rapidly become one of the most popular cruise lines in the world.

Here are the top highlights you can take advantage of aboard Celebrity Cruises fleet:

Extraordinary Food & Drink

The first thing that stands Celebrity Cruises out from the crowd is the importance they place on delivering exceptional cuisine. Not only do they offer a variety of different globally-inspired menus, but the restaurants onboard are decorated beautifully and boast some of the most unique features.

For example, onboard 13 of their fleet, including Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Ascent, there is Le Petit Chef. In this extraordinary speciality restaurant, there are 3D table animations that transport you into a new world, complete with an animated chef that ‘cooks’ your meal in front of you! Alongside Le Petit Chef, on the Edge Class ships (excluding Celebrity Ascent), there is the food available in the breathtaking Magic Carpet.

Acting as an extension to the popular seafood restaurant Raw on 5, you can take advantage of mouth-watering cuisine whilst admiring ocean views. And last but not least, Celebrity Cruises has partnered with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud to create delectable dishes, within the Chef’s Table dining experience (available across the fleet) as well as Le Voyage (onboard Celebrity Edge Class ships) and within Luminae - an exclusive restaurant for members of The Retreat. With The Retreat, guests can also enjoy an exclusive updated menu from Daniel Boulud and a new rotating dessert menu.

Alongside the delicious food offered across Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, there’s also knowledgeable sommeliers on board, providing you with a menu that includes a wine collection that has won the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for an incredible 11 years in a row!

A Variety of Entertainment & Activities Throughout the Day

No matter what your age, you’ll find entertainment that thrills throughout the day and night. For kids, there is the award-winning Camp at Sea, offering a variety of age-suitable activities that are based on the interests of the kids themselves! Based on four categories (STEM, culinary, recreation and art) your little ones will be kept entertained throughout their cruise onboard Celebrity Cruises. And when they are looking for something else to do, they can head to one of the pools onboard or enjoy some mini golf (available onboard select ships) or just relax!

Adults will love the adults-only Solarium, Spa, outdoor movie screens and West End style shows on offer throughout the sailing. With world-class theatre shows shown in the main theatres and Eden (aboard Celebrity Edge ships) you’ll be dazzled from start to finish; whether you’re watching a musical melody performance, a magic show or another type of performance!

Celebrity Cruises also won Travel Weekly's 2022 Gold Award in Entertainment at the Magellan Awards for three of their shows - Arte, Elements and Jazz Joint!

However, if you’re looking for a completely unique activity to enjoy throughout your cruise why not try glass blowing? Available onboard Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Eclipse, you’ll be guided on how to create shapes from molten glass by a skilled glass smith. An extraordinary souvenir, this is a distinctive activity you won’t want to miss!

A Selection of Beverage & Culinary Programmes

If you have an interest in mixology or wine, Celebrity Cruises have the programmes onboard for you.

Available at an additional cost, the following activities are bound to be a hit with any spirit or wine enthusiast:

Learn how to blend your own wine - guided by an experienced and talented sommelier, you’ll use four single varieties of wine to craft the perfect wine! At the end of the experience your wine will even be bottled for you and you can take it home with you! Available on select ships.
Wine tastings - go on a ‘world wine tour’ and try a selection of the best international wines available.
Food and wine pairing workshop (available on select ships).
Mixology classes
Whisky tastings

Visit Some of the World’s Most Breathtaking Destinations

As mentioned above, Celebrity Cruises have it nailed when it comes to the itineraries it has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a Mediterranean escape, want to head further afield to Australia or have always wanted to visit the Galapagos islands, there’s something for all tastes with Celebrity Cruises.

Whilst they are primarily known for their relaxed, premium cruise ships, they also have expedition ships that are designed solely to visit the Galapagos islands; known as one of the most remote and untouched corners of the world. Available onboard Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Flora, you’ll be able to discover this extraordinary destination in style.

What's Included on Celebrity Cruises Getaways?

One of the most common questions when it comes to cruises is - what’s included? Whilst it might initially seem like a minefield, we’re here to help guide you through what’s included when you book a cruise and what you’ll need to pay for on top of the base fare.

What You’ll Get Included When Booking a Celebrity Cruises’ Getaway

Spacious accommodation with stylish décor, comfortable bedding and a modern bathroom.
Main dining - available within the main dining room/s and buffet.
Theatre shows
Access to the fitness centre
Access to the casino
Access to the pools onboard
Live music within the bars and lounges
Kids clubs
A variety of daytime activities - such as mini golf, archery and basketball (available within a spacious sports court)
Access to a running track

AquaClass

If you opt for an AquaClass stateroom, spacious and modern accommodation with Cashmere mattresses and exclusive pillow menus (among other exclusive amenities), you can take advantage of the following perks:

AquaClass on Edge Class

A personal spa concierge
Unlimited access to SEA Thermal Suite
Complimentary dining at Blu
Expanded room service breakfast menu, with an additional service charge
Complimentary fitness classes
Priority spa reservations
Complimentary shoeshine service

AquaClass on Solstice Class

A personal spa concierge
Unlimited access to Persian Garden
Complimentary dining at Blu
Expanded room service breakfast menu, with an additional service charge
Complimentary fitness classes
Priority spa reservations
Complimentary shoeshine service

AquaClass On Millennium Class

A personal spa concierge
Unlimited access to Persian Garden
Complimentary dining at Blu
Expanded room service breakfast menu, with an additional service charge
Complimentary fitness classes
Priority spa reservations
Complimentary shoeshine service

The Retreat

An exclusive Celebrity Cruises offering, The Retreat offers you a personalised concierge and butler service, spacious staterooms, and a selection of sensational perks that are truly extraordinary. Available at an extra cost to the standard cruise fare, The Retreat guests can enjoy the following benefits and additional amenities:

Premium drinks and Wi-Fi package with up to $400 extra onboard spend
- You can find out more about all the Celebrity Cruises drinks packages right here
Exclusive access to restaurants, lounges, and sundecks only available to The Retreat guests
Personal concierge service and attentive butler, who is contactable everywhere via Butler Chat
Suite-to-car escort by butler on Private Journeys and departures
Personalised Retreat Host and Destination Experience Specialist services
Express Priority Luggage Drop Off and Delivery on embarkation

In addition to this, The Retreat guests in a Royal Suite or above can also enjoy the following:

Complimentary Extend Your Stay perks, giving you more flexibility upon departure
On Edge Series ships, complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite
On Millennium Series and Solstice Series ships, complimentary access to the Persian Garden
Unlimited specialty dining and two bottles of wine and spirits throughout cruise
Exclusive complimentary sleepwear and additional premium amenities

To gain access to the amenities of The Retreat, you would have had to opt for a suite. With a variety to choose from across the fleet, including the Iconic Suite, Edge Villa and Penthouse Suite, you’ll be sailing in true luxury.

What’s Extra Onboard Celebrity Cruises?

Drinks - if you opt for an all included package a classic Celebrity Cruises drinks package will be included. The Retreat members will also benefit from a premium drinks package as part of this service.
Wi-Fi
Speciality dining
Shore excursions
Speciality activities - for example wine pairing classes, the glass blowing class and whisky tasting.

Celebrity Cruises Updates

Up until October 2023, Celebrity Cruises were all included. This meant that when you booked a cruise with them, you’d get tips, a basic Wi-Fi package and a Classic Drinks Package as part of the cruise fare. Over time, Celebrity Cruises did also offer a cruise only option. On top of their ‘all included’ offering, they also gave onboard credit up to a certain amount.

However, from October 2023 onwards, this pricing strategy has changed. When you opt for a Celebrity Cruises getaway, you now have the option of adding on a drinks package, gratuities and Wi-Fi for an additional cost on top of the base fare.

Upcoming Events, Special Cruises and Other Celebrity Cruises News

Celebrity Cruises is ever-evolving with some really exciting itineraries and additions to their overall cruise offering. Not only is Celebrity Xcel coming in 2025, but Celebrity Cruises has recently announced a wide variety of extraordinary destinations that their fleet will visit, along with elevated spaces onboard for the 2025/2026 cruise season.

Steel cutting ceremony for Celebrity Xcel

This includes:

800 sailings visiting 72 countries and over 250 destinations
Celebrity Beyond - offering year-round sailings embarking from Miami and sailing around the breathtaking Caribbean.
3 new ports in Montenegro, Norway and Iceland (Bar, Trondheim and Djupivogur)
Two new Asia itineraries
Celebrity Silhouette - four different Iceland itineraries

Alongside exciting itineraries and destinations in Celebrity Cruises 2025/2026, Celebrity Cruises has also revealed some exciting entertainment offerings onboard Celebrity Ascent, which set sail earlier this year:

A signature resort deck party
Immersive, interactive gaming experiences
Six new live productions in the theatre
Three new shows in Eden
New game shows
Art classes

Celebrity Cruises’ Themed Cruises

President’s Cruise 2024 - embark on a cruise on Celebrity Beyond with none other than Celebrity Cruises’ president Laura Hodges Bethge. Sailing on June 23, you can enjoy an itinerary that includes a trip to Perfect Day at CocoCay amongst other picturesque Caribbean islands.
Holiday cruises - whether you cruise on Christmas, Halloween or Hanukkah there are themed events to enjoy throughout your voyage.
Music cruises - these include the likes of jazz and big band cruises - available throughout the year on select itineraries.
Pride month cruises - throughout June there are LGBTQ+ celebrations and events throughout the fleet.

Other exciting news for Celebrity Cruises includes the announcement of the godmothers of Celebrity Ascent, which is the popular Captain Sandy Yawn who rose to fame on the Bravo hit TV series, Below Deck, alongside Michelle Dunham - who is the prominent founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism.

Celebrity Apex will also be sailing from Southampton from May 2024 - meaning that you can start your holiday off in style aboard this fantastic cruise ship without having to worry about catching a flight first!

Celebrity Cruises Guest Reviews

Celebrity Cruises is arguably one of the most popular cruise lines, with an average rating of 4/5 on Feefo.

Here are some reviews guests left on Iglu Cruise for Celebrity Cruises:

Top Tips for Celebrity Cruises Getaways

Top 5 First Time Cruise Tips

Arrive at the departure port with plenty of time to spare

Ideally, it’s advisable to stay a night or two before you embark on your cruise in the first port. However, if this isn’t possible, just make sure that you get to the port in plenty of time; you don’t want to be rushing or to miss the ship!

To avoid disappointment, make sure that you book onto excursions or any activities that you want to do as early as possible. There’s so much to choose from for all ages and tastes, so make sure that as soon as you book you check out what’s available both on land and on shore.

Keep your phone on airplane mode

Whilst at sea, make sure that you keep your phone on airplane mode. When you are sailing to each destination, if you decide to use data or text/call someone, you will incur extra maritime charges.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is advisable when you go on holiday. But when you’re on a cruise, there’s specific travel insurance you can opt for that will cover you in case of flight cancellations or delays, illness or if you want to cancel the holiday.

Download the cruise app

Many cruise lines (including Celebrity Cruises) have an app that you can use to book restaurants, events and other things onboard. This is a very useful thing to have and utilise throughout your getaway.

Top 3 Tips for Your Celebrity Cruises Getaway

Research your Celebrity ship and the itinerary

Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of amenities and features throughout their fleet, so make sure that you research what the ship has in terms of amenities, restaurants and entertainment to ensure that you’re choosing the best Celebrity Cruises’ ship for you. Alongside this, make sure to explore the cruise itinerary to ensure that you’re familiar with the destinations and ports of call; this way you’ll know what to expect and what you can do when you arrive there. You can also book onto any local excursions.

Make reservations for Celebrity speciality restaurants

Speciality restaurants onboard Celebrity Cruises are very popular, from Le Petit Chef to the decadent Fine Cut Steakhouse, so make sure that you make reservations for these in advance! You can do this either via the app or by heading to guest relations on embarkation day.

Pack appropriately for Celebrity Cruises

Of course, it will come as no surprise that you should pack according to what the weather will be like during your cruise. For example, if you’re heading to Alaska in the winter, it will be cold, so you’ll have to dress warmly. Or in the summer in the Mediterranean, you should bring clothes that ensure you’re comfortable and kept cool in the heat.

As mentioned above, for warmer climates - t-shirts, shorts, dresses, skirts and a formal outfit for evening chic night is ideal. A jumper/cardigan is also good to bring in case it’s a little colder in the evenings. If you’ve opted for a cruise that visits colder destinations, make sure to bring jumpers, sweatshirts, tracksuit bottoms, trousers, warm socks and some comfortable shoes.

Similarly to above, for a ‘warm’ itinerary, make sure to bring t-shirts, shorts and shirts. For colder climates, bring jumpers, sweatshirts, tracksuit bottoms, warm socks and long trousers with you. Alongside comfortable shoes for exploring during the day.

On a Celebrity Cruise, there is a smart casual dress code in the restaurants/venues in the evenings. This includes a dress or skirt, a shirt and jeans/long trousers.

Celebrity Cruises also has nights where the dress code is ‘evening chic’. This will include more formal outfits, like cocktail dresses and suits.

Celebrity Cruises FAQs

Do Celebrity Cruises Have a Private Island?

In September 2023 it was announced that on select itineraries, Celebrity Cruises will be visiting Royal Caribbean’s private island resort - Perfect Day at Cococay. Guests on these itineraries can take advantage of the incredible amenities on this spectacular island.

Who Owns Celebrity Cruises?

The Royal Caribbean group owns Celebrity Cruises.

Do Celebrity Cruises Have Formal Nights?

As mentioned above, Celebrity Cruises have two or more formal nights, where guests are asked to wear outfits that match the description of ‘evening chic’.

Exciting Upcoming Celebrity Cruises Itineraries

Book Your Celebrity Cruises Getaway with Iglu Cruise Today

There’s so many innovative and extraordinary features throughout the Celebrity Cruises fleet, alongside the spectacular service and out-of-this-world itineraries. So if you’re looking for a relaxed, unforgettable cruise getaway, look no further than this modern cruise line. A favourite amongst first time cruises and cruise enthusiasts, no matter who you’re travelling with or what you want to get up to on your cruise, you’ll be catered for on a Celebrity Cruises getaway.

Book a Celebrity Cruises getaway with Iglu Cruise. With a wide variety of Celebrity Cruises' cruise deals on offer to choose from, you'll find the ultimate cruise escape for you.

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