Celebrity Cruises promises sleek ships, adult vibes, and a touch of luxury—but does it truly deliver? Or are some of those perks more style than substance?
After digging through hundreds of cruiser reviews, forum threads, and social media posts, I found a consistent pattern: for many, Celebrity nails the premium experience—especially on its Edge-class ships. But others say the nightlife fizzles out early, the Infinite Verandas fall short, and the add-ons rack up fast.
So… is it worth the hype—or the hefty price tag? Here are 10 things Celebrity Cruises excels at—and 8 real letdowns you’ll want to know before booking.
What Celebrity Cruises Does Best
Expectations run high when you book a Celebrity cruise—and rightly so. As Royal Caribbean’s premium brand, it promises chic design, upscale dining, and a calmer, more sophisticated vibe than most mainstream lines.
But what does it actually deliver? Based on real cruiser reviews—not just glossy marketing—these are the 10 things Celebrity consistently gets right.
Edge-Class Ships Feel Like Boutique Hotels at Sea
Stepping on board a Celebrity Edge-class ship is like entering a modern luxury hotel. You cannot help but be impressed by the sleek architecture, opulent open spaces, and designer finishes. From the three-story Eden venue to the stunning Magic Carpet—a cantilevered floating platform—the ships are quiet luxury with a “wow” factor.
Many passengers describe Celebrity’s Edge-class aesthetics as “elegant, not flashy, and more upscale than Princess or Holland America.” Another cruiser on Reddit shared that they were “blown away by the attention to detail in both design and functionality. It felt like staying in a swanky hotel.”
If style matters, and you’re willing to pay for the experience, book a cruise on Celebrity Edge, Apex, Xcel, Ascent, or Beyond. Many cruisers say older ships in the Celebrity Solstice class seem outdated and in need of some TLC. One seasoned Celebrity traveler shared, “Edge-class ships are fantastic, older ships are a bit meh.”
Can’t decide between booking a Princess Cruise or one with Celebrity? Check out my article on Princess vs. Celebrity: Which is best?
The Retreat: True Ship-Within-a-Ship Luxury
The Retreat delivers an all-inclusive suite experience offering small-ship luxury, like with Seabourn or Silversea, and large-ship amenities. The ship-within-a-ship concept delivers one of the most luxurious experiences at sea. It features a private restaurant, sundeck, plenty of loungers, shaded areas, butler service, and a tranquil lounge—all away from cruise ship crowds.
One couple shared that the Retreat was “worth every cent,” and they hardly left the private areas because it had everything they needed. Others added that the food in Luminae was outstanding and surpassed expectations. Other cruise guests praised the private concierges. They are always happy to provide personalized service and go “above and beyond” for passengers.
That said, if wellness matters more than luxury, AquaClass offers a quieter experience with Blu and spa perks at a lower price.
Outstanding Food — from Buffet to Fine Dining
Celebrity earns high marks for its food across the board. Whether you’re dining in the main restaurant, grabbing something casual at the Oceanview Café, or indulging in specialty dining venues like Le Petit Chef or Fine Cut, the quality is consistently strong. For many seasoned cruise passengers, it’s a step up from other mainstream cruise lines.
One cruiser on Celebrity Silhouette shared on Reddit, “The ship is beautiful, and the food is amazing. I had the greatest time at Le Petit Chef.” Additionally, comments from Cruise Critic and Facebook groups rave about Blu’s clean, balanced dishes, healthy options, and excellent service.
However, it seems that not everything is perfect—some passengers comment about sky-high specialty restaurant prices. That said, few walk away disappointed. For food-focused travelers, Celebrity rarely misses a beat.
A Grown-Up Atmosphere That Delivers
Celebrity offers one of the best cruise experiences for adults who crave peace and tranquility at sea. Gone are wild, late-night parties, crazy pool contests, and kids running riot. Instead, you can enjoy your time onboard relaxing in elegant, quiet surroundings that are geared toward a more mature crowd.
Celebrity ships are described as perfect for cruisers who prefer conversation over chaos.
You may not get flashy Broadway-style shows like on Royal Caribbean ships. Instead, you get plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music, theater productions, craft cocktails, and relax in the Solarium. Most Celebrity guests describe the vibe as “relaxing, never rowdy,” and none of the non-stop partying common on Carnival Cruise Line ships.
Families with young kids are present, but they’re the exception, not the focus. If you’re looking for waterslides and wild pool parties, this probably isn’t your line. But if you like sipping wine at sunset with a string quartet in the background, you’re in the right place.
Discover in my article about the true differences between Celebrity and Carnival Cruises.
Real Grass and Outdoor Ambiance on Celebrity Solstice-Class Ships
The top-deck Lawn Club on Solstice-Class ships offers one of the most unique experiences at sea. It’s a half-acre real grass lawn featuring a grill, seafood bar, games, and private alcoves. Here, you can also enjoy live jazz concerts and family-friendly outdoor fun under the stars with your kids.
Many regular Celebrity cruisers describe the Lawn Club on Solstice ships as one of their favorite places onboard. Several passengers commented that strolling on real grass felt like walking in the park and that it was a welcome break from the chrome, glass, and lights inside the ship. Just don’t expect wild deck parties, as the space is more chill than thrill—but that’s the point.
Get the low-down on the best and worst Celebrity ships as ranked by genuine reviews.
Wellness Perks & AquaClass Cabins
Celebrity Cruises gets its wellness offerings spot on, thanks to the high quality and personalized service of its AquaClass staterooms. Described by the cruise line as “a next-level wellness experience,” this cabin class includes access to Blu—an exclusive restaurant focused on clean, flavorful cuisine—plus entry to the SEA Thermal Suite, a dedicated concierge, a fitness pass, and discounts on spa services.
Cruisers rave about the Blu experience—“fresh, flavorful, and never too heavy,” one blog review noted. In fact, many say it’s their primary reason for booking AquaClass cabins. Others love the easy access to the SEA Thermal Suite’s Persian Garden and relaxation areas.
While complimentary spa passes are no longer included on some ships like they once were, many still find the benefits worth the upgrade. It’s wellness that appeals to the masses without feeling preachy.
Insider tip: One cruiser shared a hidden gem that on Edge ships you get access to a private forward-facing deck through the SEA Thermal Suite.
Strong Itineraries in Europe and the Galápagos
Celebrity nails it when it comes to destination-driven cruising. Their Europe itineraries hit cultural heavyweights—Barcelona, Athens, Venice, Norwegian fjords—but often include lesser-known gems like Dubrovnik, Tallinn (Estonia), Iceland, and Lerwick (Scotland).
Then there’s the Galápagos, where Celebrity sails year-round on small expedition ships, like Celebrity Xpedition, built for wildlife viewing. These ships typically hold 16 to 100 passengers and offer a different cruise experience than Alaska or Caribbean cruises.
Cruisers consistently praise Celebrity’s European cruise itineraries because they usually include fewer sea days and more time ashore. One guest shared, “We skipped the usual tourist traps and saw places we’d never have found on our own.” In the Galápagos, guests highlight the expert-led excursions and some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.
Loyalty Program with Royal Caribbean Crossover
Frequent cruisers with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises get a nice perk—Loyalty Status Match. The Captain’s Club provides one-for-one tier matching across the Crown & Anchor Society and Venetian Society (Silversea). So, your points, perks, and priority treatment carry over, and you’ll walk onto a Celebrity ship with your Royal Caribbean benefits unlocked.
One cruiser shared, “I got Elite perks on my first Celebrity cruise thanks to my Diamond Plus with Royal.” Nice perks like free laundry, lounge access, priority boarding, and onboard credit all add up. This is in sharp contrast to lines like Norwegian Cruise Line or Carnival Corp., where loyalty doesn’t transfer.
Related reading: Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Cruises: Which is the hands-down winner?
Smart Cabin Design, Even in Standard Rooms
A common thread on cruise forums is that Celebrity Cruises’ staterooms—including inside cabins—feel more spacious than those on many other cruise lines. Several passengers note that even the most affordable rooms feature clever storage solutions, clean lines, and a modern, hotel-like layout without bulky furniture. Bathrooms on newer ships are also praised for being roomy and offering high-quality amenities.
Many forum users highlight the thoughtful touches found in Celebrity cabins, such as bathrobes, a tote bag, an umbrella, and occasionally even fresh flowers. One guest shared, “We had an inside cabin and still felt like we had room to breathe.” While Infinite Veranda cabins receive mixed reviews, Celebrity’s overall cabin design consistently earns praise for comfort and functionality.
Further reading: The Best and Worst Celebrity Cruises Cabins (Based on Reviews).
Enrichment & Cultural Programming (Lectures, Wine Tastings, and More)
Here’s the thing—no one books a Celebrity cruise vacation to go zip lining, rock climbing, or ride a surf simulator. But onboard educational and cultural activities? Celebrity cannot be beaten. What you get are destination-focused lectures, wine tastings with sommeliers, art classes, and wellness talks. Many describe the onboard activities as genuinely enriching.
Cruisers often mention the quality of the speakers and the variety of experiences. One said, “We did a wine tasting and a photography workshop in the same afternoon—both were excellent.” Others loved the destination talks that helped them appreciate the ports before stepping ashore.
You won’t find adrenaline-fueled fun here—but you will leave smarter, more relaxed, and maybe with a better wine palate. For curious travelers, Celebrity gives you plenty to sip and soak up.
Where Celebrity Cruises Falls Short
Celebrity gets a lot right, and cruisers have high expectations. After all, it’s a premium line with cruise fares to match. What might slide on other ships stands out more here. Here’s where cruisers say Celebrity falls short of expectations.
“Premium” Pricing Model Can Still Feel Add-On Heavy
Celebrity Cruises positions itself as a premium line—offering a more refined experience than mainstream competitors—but it doesn’t always deliver the seamless, all-inclusive feel that some cruisers expect. The optional “All Included” package sounds promising, bundling a Classic Drinks Package and Basic Wi-Fi, but it still leaves several common cruise expenses uncovered.
Gratuities are not included in the “All Included” bundle, and extras like shore excursions, specialty dining, upgraded drinks, and spa access can quickly add up. For cruisers used to true luxury lines like Viking or Seabourn—where fares cover nearly everything—Celebrity’s pricing model can feel a bit piecemeal if you’re not careful.
Want to make sure you don’t overpay or miss a perk? Check out our Celebrity Cruise booking mistakes guide for tips on how to time your booking, choose the right package, and avoid costly surprises.
Entertainment That Feels Underwhelming for the Price Point
Many cruisers on Celebrity ships say they felt let down by the lack of exciting entertainment options. Frequent comments I’ve read online include “forgettable” or “a step below Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises.” The shows aren’t bad—they’re just not up to Broadway standards or not varied enough to satisfy many cruisers.
Remember, Celebrity focuses more on ambiance and enrichment than on adrenaline and theatrical productions. Are top-notch theater shows important on your cruise vacation? Consider lines like Virgin or Norwegian for flashier productions.
After-Dinner Energy? More Chill Than Thrill
You’ll find beautiful cocktail bars and chic lounges on Celebrity ships—but don’t expect much buzz after 10 p.m. Of course, there’s live music, magic shows, and comedy skits—but not much to keep you entertained into the late-night hours. One cruiser joked, “On our ship, it was lights out by 10:30.” Bars tend to get quiet around 11 p.m., and few places are open until 1 a.m.
If you’re looking for high-energy nightlife, cruise lines like Norwegian or Royal Caribbean typically offer more action after dark. Celebrity’s vibe leans more toward martinis and mellow vibes than all-night partying—and for many cruisers, that’s exactly the appeal.
Small Pools, Big Crowds—Cruisers Warn to Plan Ahead
A common complaint on most Celebrity ships is the size of the pools—they’re tiny. With thousands of passengers sharing the space, they get crowded on long sea days. Chairs go fast, and the pool deck vibe can quickly switch from serene to sardine. Several cruisers complained that the main pool was packed by 9 a.m.
Looking for a more relaxing time while chilling out on board? The spa or adults-only Solarium Pool are perfect options for a quieter experience.
Infinite Verandas: Innovative Design or Just a Fancy Window?
Celebrity’s Infinite Veranda cabins on Edge-class ships split opinion fast. Some love the extra indoor space and sleek look. Others say, “It felt like a big window, not a balcony—I missed the feeling of sitting on the balcony sipping my morning coffee.” Also, opening the window messes with the AC system, causing hot, humid air to waft into the stateroom.
Want a traditional experience on a balcony cabin? Book a standard balcony on one of Celebrity’s older ships. The bottom line: infinite verandas look great on paper—but they’re not for everyone.
Older Ships Feel Dated Compared to Edge-Class
Sail on any pre-Edge-class cruise ship, and you’ll feel the difference. Some cruise experts say that Celebrity has pumped so many resources into its newer ships that the older ships have been left behind. While some ships have been “Revolutionized,” other vessels show their age in terms of décor, bathroom size, and smaller public spaces.
For the best cruise experience on Celebrity, stick to Edge, Beyond, Apex, or Ascent. However, if you’re looking for a deal, go for a classic, older ship. You still get the same level of customer service and top-notch amenities; just remember to lower your expectations in terms of the ship. Celebrity is premium cruising—but not every ship delivers that same premium feel.
Discover in this article which are the oldest Celebrity ships to steer clear of and which are worth splurging on: Best and Worst Celebrity Ships Ranked by Age.
Kids Welcome, But They Might Get Bored Fast
Celebrity ships aren’t designed with young kids or active teens in mind. Forget splash zones, waterslides, escape rooms, and bumper cars. Offerings for kids are limited for under-18s—Camp at Sea for three to 12-year-olds and Teen Club for older kids. Activities consist of treasure hunts, crafts, and sports.
One family shared that their ten-year-old was bored by day three on a seven-day cruise. Another cruiser posted online, “The main reason I sail with Celebrity is to enjoy a relaxing, kid-free vacation at sea.”
If it’s family fun you’re after, then you cannot beat Royal Caribbean cruises. Celebrity is calm and class, not chaos, cartoons, and waterslides.
Limited Regional Variety Outside of Core Routes
Celebrity has excellent cruise itineraries in the Caribbean, Europe, and the Galápagos Islands. It also offers exceptional cruises to Alaska, albeit not as extensive as Princess Cruises. But beyond those destinations, there are thin pickings. Princess, Royal Caribbean, or Holland America have the best options for far-flung destinations in Asia or South America.
Thinking of planning an Alaskan cruise? Don’t book until you’ve read my article on the Best and Worst Princess Ships Sailing to Alaska.
Who Are Celebrity Cruises Most Suited For?
Celebrity cruises are perfect if you’re an upscale traveler looking for a premium onboard experience and large-ship facilities. You’ll travel in stylish ships, dine at some of the best specialty restaurants at sea, and enjoy a top-notch level of customer service. In short: best for couples, solos, and adult families who value relaxation over flash entertainment and active onboard activities.
Celebrity offers peaceful sea days and polished ships—especially the stunning Edge-class vessels. As long as you know what’s included, what’s not, and what’s extra, you’ll set the right expectations. Happy sailing—and here’s hoping your next Celebrity cruise is everything you’ve been dreaming of.
Related articles:
