Celebrity Cruises is known for its stylish ships, elegant dining options, and polished service, but not every ship gets glowing reviews from passengers. Some ships, like the Celebrity Edge, are loved for their cutting-edge design and modern amenities. Others, particularly older ships, have left guests feeling underwhelmed.
I’ve scoured reviews from real cruisers to help you decide which Celebrity ship is your best match. Whether you’re after luxury, adventure, or relaxation, this ranking reveals the highs and lows of Celebrity’s fleet, so you can cruise with confidence.
How I Sourced the Data
To rank Celebrity Cruise ships, I looked into reviews and experiences shared by real cruisers across several platforms. I looked at CruiseCritic, CruiseLine, and TripAdvisor to gather insights from passengers who’ve sailed on these ships. These reviews provided firsthand accounts of what worked (and what didn’t) on each Celebrity ship.
I also tapped into conversations on social media — particularly Facebook groups and Instagram comments — where people often give more honest opinions. Pulling insights from various places allowed me to create a well-rounded ranking based on real-world experiences.
Celebrity Equinox
Class: Solstice
Launched: 2009
Capacity: 2,850 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
The Celebrity Equinox is part of the Solstice class, offering an elegant cruise experience with a modern flair. Launched in 2009, this ship has become a favorite for cruisers seeking a balance of luxury and comfort.
It caters to a variety of travelers, from families to couples, with a diverse range of amenities. The ship is well-known for its spacious cabins, lush Lawn Club featuring real grass, and many dining venues.
It offers itineraries across the Caribbean and Europe, providing both sun-soaked island escapes and cultural explorations. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, making it a go-to choice for travelers seeking a premium cruise without the overly formal feel.
Common Praises:
- Many passengers highlight the ship’s cleanliness and excellent upkeep. One guest shared, “Even though the ship is old, it is still kept clean and refurbed. Nice ship.”
- Variety of dining options
- Spacious cabins with comfortable amenities
- Unique Lawn Club with real grass
Common Critiques:
- Main dining room service is sometimes slow
- Upselling is a recurring issue for some guests. One disappointed cruiser stated, “All the staff does from the moment I stepped on board is to attempt to sell me something.”
- Limited onboard activities for younger passengers
- Some cabins may experience noise from public areas
Celebrity Flora
Class: Mega Yacht
Launched: 2019
Capacity: 100 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
The Celebrity Flora is a ship designed specifically for cruising the stunning Galapagos Islands. With a capacity of just 100 passengers, this all-suite mega yacht offers an intimate, luxurious experience that’s ideal for those who value privacy and comfort.
The ship features modern, eco-friendly innovations, including dynamic positioning to avoid anchoring on sensitive seabeds. Guests are treated to an immersive journey filled with guided excursions led by expert naturalists, while onboard, they enjoy spacious staterooms, personalized service, and incredible views from nearly every corner of the ship.
Common Praises:
- Intimate, luxurious ship with all-suite accommodations
- Exceptional service from knowledgeable naturalists
- Seamless boarding process for shore excursions
- Focus on eco-friendly, sustainable cruising
- Stunning, well-organized excursions
Common Critiques:
- High cost sets very high expectations
- Some guests noted that the excursions felt repetitive or underwhelming
- Limited onboard entertainment
- Connectivity issues (WiFi and flushing toilets were sometimes problematic)
- Food quality was good, but not as luxurious as expected
Celebrity Xpedition
Class: Expedition
Launched: 2001 as Sun Bay, rebranded as Celebrity Xpedition in 2004
Capacity: 48 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Celebrity Xpedition is a small, intimate ship designed for one purpose — exploring the breathtaking Galápagos Islands. Unlike your typical cruise, this is an adventure-focused experience, taking guests on guided excursions to remote islands filled with wildlife like sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises.
The yacht hosts just 48 guests, creating an intimate and welcoming experience. Every guest is treated like a VIP by the crew. The ship also offers a relaxed, casual vibe that suits the destination perfectly, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a bucket-list trip.
Common Praises:
- Intimate, small-ship experience
- Outstanding service from the crew
- Many passengers appreciated the guided excursions and educational talks. As one reviewer stated, “The talks were invaluable and gave insight into the incredible wildlife and conservation efforts on the islands.”
- Seamless pre- and post-cruise arrangements
- Wildlife encounters up close
Common Critiques:
- Smaller cabins compared to modern ships
- Some reports of air conditioning issues
- Limited onboard entertainment
- Pricey for what’s offered
- A few guests felt the ship was overcrowded at times. As one guest put it, “Too many people on board for common rooms. Could not get a seat during briefings and had to wait in line for everything.”
Celebrity Eclipse
Class: Solstice
Launched: 2010
Capacity: 2,850 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
The Celebrity Eclipse is a well-loved ship in Celebrity’s Solstice class. It offers both luxury and comfort with plenty of stylish touches. The ship features several specialty dining options and stylish decor throughout that passengers rave about. Cruisers are drawn to it for its relaxed, elegant atmosphere and the escape it offers from crowded mega-ships.
Whether you’re sipping a cocktail in the Sky Lounge or enjoying world-class dining at Murano, the Celebrity Eclipse provides a premium experience. Despite being over a decade old, many have mentioned how well-maintained and clean the ship is, though some furnishings are starting to show their age.
Common Praises:
- Attentive, friendly crew
- Guests appreciate the cleanliness and maintenance of the ship despite its age. One reviewer noted, “Yes, the ship is 14 years old and needs updating, but it is very clean and well maintained.”
- Excellent specialty dining options
- Relaxed and elegant atmosphere
- High-quality entertainment
Common Critiques:
- The main dining room service can be slow and inconsistent. One passenger shared, “Even after going to the dining room immediately after boarding, we were still assigned late dining. What a disaster!”
- Some furnishings show wear and tear
- Slow service at the pool bars
Celebrity Reflection
Class: Solstice
Launched: 2012
Capacity: 3,046 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
The Celebrity Reflection is one of the most beloved ships in the Solstice class, known for its elegant design, spacious public areas, and luxurious features like The Retreat and specialty dining venues.
The ship has a chic yet comfortable vibe, offering everything from a relaxing poolside experience to sophisticated dining at restaurants like Murano and Tuscan Grille. It’s a favorite for travelers looking for a premium cruise without the overwhelming crowds of mega-ships.
Despite being over a decade old, the Celebrity Reflection is well-maintained and continues to impress guests with its smooth sailing and attentive crew.
Common Praises:
- Spacious and well-designed public areas
- The specialty dining experiences are a highlight for many guests. As one guest shared, “Blu restaurant for Aqua class was great. Other restaurants were mediocre, but the specialty dining made up for it.”
- Smooth embarkation process
- Great atmosphere for both relaxation and entertainment
Common Critiques:
- Limited late-night dining options
- Pools and common areas can get crowded during peak times
- Entertainment can be hit or miss
Celebrity Ascent
Class: Edge
Launched: 2023
Capacity: 3,260 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
The Celebrity Ascent, released in 2023, is one of the newest additions to the Edge class. Known for its modern luxury and innovative design, this stunning ship has quickly gained popularity for its sleek interiors, high-end dining options, and standout features like the Infinite Veranda cabins and the iconic Magic Carpet.
The Ascent offers a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for travelers looking for an upscale cruising experience without sacrificing comfort. With spacious cabins, excellent service, and impressive entertainment, the Ascent delivers a top-tier vacation at sea.
Common Praises:
- Beautiful, modern design and decor
- Attentive and friendly crew
- Excellent specialty dining options
- High-quality entertainment
- Smooth embarkation and disembarkation process
Common Critiques:
- Some cruisers prefer the idea of a separate, traditional balcony space, which Infinite Veranda cabins don’t offer.
- Some public areas, like the buffet and pool, can get crowded
- Dining room food quality varies
- Fitness center is on the smaller side
Celebrity Silhouette
Class: Solstice
Launched: 2011 (Refurbished in 2020)
Capacity: 2,886 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
The Celebrity Silhouette is a stylish and comfortable ship that offers a more relaxed, upscale cruising experience. As part of Celebrity’s Solstice class, you’ll find everything from modern amenities to spacious staterooms, and an elegant design throughout.
The ship caters to an adult crowd with a focus on refined dining, excellent service, and immersive itineraries, making it a favorite among seasoned cruisers. The ship includes signature Celebrity touches like the Lawn Club — a real grass area on the top deck — and the popular Sunset Bar for stunning sea views.
Common Praises:
- Smooth and efficient embarkation
- Excellent specialty dining options
- Well-maintained public spaces
- Relaxing Retreat Class experience
Common Critiques:
- Food quality in main dining room can be hit or miss
- Limited activities for younger cruisers
- Crowded pool areas on sea days
Celebrity Solstice
Class: Solstice
Launched: 2008
Capacity: 2,850 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
The Celebrity Solstice is a well-loved ship known for its relaxed, upscale atmosphere and thoughtfully designed spaces. As the first ship in the Solstice Class, it introduced unique features like the real grass Lawn Club and glass-blowing shows, and while it may lack the modern flair of newer ships, it still appeals to cruisers seeking a refined, peaceful experience.
Despite its age, the Celebrity Solstice continues to impress cruisers with great service and excellent itineraries to destinations like Alaska, Asia, and the South Pacific. Guests enjoy a wide variety of dining options, from casual buffet meals to upscale specialty restaurants.
Common Praises:
- Dining is a highlight for many guests on the Solstice. One reviewer mentioned, “Overall the food was of very good standard both in the buffet and the main dining room. There were only a couple of misses and they were happily fixed by the staff.”
- Great itineraries, especially for Alaska and Asia
- Lawn Club and excellent onboard experiences
- Comfortable cabins with well-designed layout
Common Critiques:
- Some passengers felt the cruise had too many additional charges. One guest mentioned, “They have become a nickel and dime cruise line continually offering something extra for extra money.”
- Ship is starting to feel dated in some areas
- Main dining room food quality can be hit or miss
- Limited activities for younger guests
- Some specialty restaurants are overpriced
Celebrity Summit
Class: Millennium
Launched: 2001
Capacity: 2,158 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)
Celebrity Summit offers a classic cruising experience with a touch of modern luxury that continues to attract loyal Celebrity fans year after year. Despite being one of the older ships in the fleet, recent refurbishments have kept the interiors clean and up-to-date.
With a manageable size compared to mega-ships, the Summit is perfect for cruisers seeking a more intimate atmosphere. Guests especially appreciate the well-maintained public spaces and the personalized service from the friendly crew.
The ship frequently sails to scenic destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, and through the Panama Canal, offering itineraries rich in nature and cultural experiences.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and welcoming crew
- Well-maintained public areas
- Manageable size, easy to navigate
- Great itineraries, especially for Alaska and the Panama Canal
Common Critiques:
- Cabins and furnishings show signs of age
- Food quality in the main dining room can be inconsistent
- Extra charges for basic amenities
- Entertainment could use more variety
Celebrity Apex
Class: Edge
Launched: 2021
Capacity: 2,910 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)
The Celebrity Apex is a modern, stylish cruise ship known for its sleek design and innovative features. As part of the Edge Class, it offers cutting-edge experiences like the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose platform that moves along the side of the ship.
The Apex is known for its Infinite Veranda staterooms, which extend your room with a push of a button to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
The ship focuses on relaxation and luxury, offering plenty of sophisticated spaces like The Retreat for suite guests and multiple fine dining venues that cater to many tastes.
Common Praises:
- Stunning, modern design and decor
- Excellent specialty dining options
- Attentive and friendly crew
- Spacious staterooms with good layout
Common Critiques:
- Infinite Verandas can make rooms feel humid
- Entertainment could be more varied
- Some areas of the ship feel crowded on sea days
- Dining rooms can feel understaffed during busy times
Celebrity Constellation
Class: Millennium
Launched: 2002
Capacity: 2,170 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5)
The Celebrity Constellation, also known as “Connie” by loyal fans, is a ship that offers a classic, well-rounded cruising experience. While it’s one of the older ships in Celebrity’s fleet, the ship continues to charm passengers with its excellent service, stylish lounges, and intimate size.
Constellation offers both traditional cruising charm and modern comforts, with highlights like the Solarium and specialty dining at Tuscan Grille. Its recent refurbishments have given new life to common areas, but some cabins still feel dated.
Common Praises:
- Guests often praise the exceptional service provided by the crew. As one reviewer shared, “Everyone who looked after us was friendly and went above and beyond. We had some great fun with our waiters in the evening and were really well looked after.”
- Easy embarkation and disembarkation process
- Intimate ship size, easy to navigate
- High-quality specialty dining options
- Relaxing Solarium and elegant public spaces
Common Critiques:
- A recurring critique is that, despite refurbishments, cabins tend to feel dated. One cruiser noted, “The ship is old, but we found it to be clean and well-staffed. Our Aqua Class cabin was dated and needed renovations. Small shower, no electrical outlet near bed for CPAP.”
- Buffet area can feel crowded during sea days
- Entertainment options are hit-or-miss
- Loud music in some public areas
Celebrity Edge
Class: Edge
Launched: 2018
Capacity: 2,908 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0/5)
Celebrity Edge brings a fresh, modern style to the world of cruising, with features that set it apart from traditional ships. Beyond standout attractions like the Magic Carpet and Infinite Verandas, the ship offers plenty more to explore. Immersive spaces like Eden and the Rooftop Garden bring dining, music, and performances to life.
The ship’s stylish design is paired with plenty of dining options and entertainment venues, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a more refined and modern cruise. The ship’s spacious public areas and elegant interiors feel more like a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.
Common Praises:
- Beautiful, modern ship design
- Excellent service from attentive staff
- High-quality dining options
- Retreat area offers a true luxury experience
- Innovative Infinite Verandas in cabins
Common Critiques:
- Food service in restaurants can be slow
- Entertainment is more low-key compared to other ships
- Limited shops and basic supplies onboard
- Infinite Verandas aren’t everyone’s favorite
Celebrity Infinity
Class: Millennium
Launched: 2000
Capacity: 2,170 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
The Celebrity Infinity is a classic ship that appeals to travelers looking for a mid-sized ship experience. Known for its elegant design and great service, the ship provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It recently underwent some refurbishments, freshening up public spaces and cabins, although many guests still note its age.
The Infinity is part of Celebrity’s Millennium Class, offering familiar features like specialty restaurants, a serene spa, and a lively theater. You’ll find that the ship focuses more on comfort and service rather than flashy innovations.
Common Praises:
- Excellent service from friendly and helpful staff
- The food on board is generally well-received by cruisers. As one passenger shared, “The food was excellent almost everywhere.”
- Intimate, mid-sized ship with a more relaxed atmosphere
- Smooth embarkation and disembarkation process
- Beautiful itineraries and well-organized shore excursions
Common Critiques:
- Ship shows its age despite some updates
- Staterooms, especially bathrooms, feel outdated
- Limited entertainment and activities compared to newer ships
- Drinks and excursions can be pricey
- Smaller public spaces can feel crowded
Celebrity Millennium
Class: Millennium
Launched: 1999
Capacity: 2,138 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.4/5)
The Celebrity Millennium is one of the older ships in Celebrity’s fleet, but it’s still popular among those who enjoy a more traditional cruising experience. Known for its elegant décor and comfortable size, the ship offers a relaxed atmosphere with attentive service from its crew.
Keep in mind that the Millennium’s age shows in some areas, especially compared to Celebrity’s newer ships. Despite this, it’s a popular choice for cruisers looking for unique itineraries, particularly in Asia and Alaska.
Common Praises:
- Friendly and attentive crew, especially in dining and housekeeping
- Great itineraries, particularly in Japan and Alaska
- Comfortable cabins with spacious balconies
- Excellent service in specialty restaurants
Common Critiques:
- Ship shows significant signs of aging despite refurbishment
- Outdated public areas and stateroom furnishings
- Food quality is inconsistent and can feel repetitive
- Limited entertainment compared to newer ships
- Crowded buffet and occasional maintenance issues
Celebrity Beyond
Class: Edge
Launched: 2022
Capacity: 3,260 passengers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.3/5)
Celebrity Beyond is a new addition to the Edge fleet, offering modern style and luxury for a more refined cruise experience. The ship features beautiful decor, spacious public areas, and plenty of venues.
Captain Kate McCue, the beloved social media sensation, is a highlight for many guests, frequently mingling with passengers. However, despite the sleek new design, some guests feel that the ship misses the mark in delivering the premium experience expected from Celebrity.
Common Praises:
- Guests consistently praise the ship’s modern and clean design. One passenger noted, “The ship itself is stunning—clean and spacious, never feeling too crowded except at the Oceanview Café buffet and the pool during sea days.”
- Excellent service in The Retreat (suite class)
- Plenty of dining options and high-quality food in specialty restaurants
- Spacious cabins, especially in the Sky Suites and Aqua Class
- Captain Kate’s friendly presence and interaction with guests
Common Critiques:
- Crowded pool areas and limited shade options
- Public spaces with restricted ocean views
- Entertainment and music could be more engaging
- Some guests felt service standards had declined post-COVID
- Families traveling with children were disappointed with the lack of kid-friendly options. One guest stated, “If you have teens (13+), Celebrity Cruises are NOT for them! The club was only open for two hours some nights, and there were no other activities to keep them entertained.”
- Expensive drink packages and spa services
Which Celebrity Cruise Ship Should You Choose?
The best Celebrity cruise ship for you depends on where you want to go and what kind of experience you’re looking for. For a standout Caribbean cruise, the Celebrity Equinox is a top pick thanks to its excellent service and modern amenities. Heading to Alaska? The Celebrity Eclipse offers unforgettable views and comfortable cruising. If the Galápagos Islands are on your bucket list, go for the Celebrity Flora or Celebrity Xpedition — both are designed specifically for exploring this unique destination.
On the flip side, ships like the Celebrity Beyond, Millennium, and Infinity have received less favorable reviews from cruisers, citing service issues or dated interiors. For the best experience, stick to ships with consistently high ratings to make sure your vacation goes smoothly.
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