In the world of premium ocean travel, few names evoke the seamless blend of contemporary luxury and refined service quite like Celebrity Cruises. The brand has masterfully positioned itself between traditional luxury and mainstream cruising, creating a “modern luxury” category that appeals to discerning travelers who appreciate sophisticated design, exceptional culinary experiences, and immersive global destinations.
As we navigate 2025, Celebrity’s fleet continues to evolve and impress with innovative features, stunning design elements, and curated experiences that reflect the brand’s commitment to elevated travel. Whether you’re planning a romantic anniversary voyage, seeking culinary adventures at sea, or hoping to explore remote destinations without sacrificing comfort, understanding Celebrity’s distinct ship classes is essential to selecting the perfect vessel for your travel style.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the four primary Celebrity Cruises ship classes, their distinctive characteristics, typical itineraries, and specialized offerings that cater to luxury seekers, couples, and culinary enthusiasts. From the revolutionary Edge Class vessels to the intimate Galápagos expedition ships, we’ll help you identify which Celebrity experience aligns with your vision of the perfect luxury cruise.
Celebrity Cruises Ship Classes 2025
Edge Class
Ships in This Class:
- Celebrity Edge (launched 2018)
- Celebrity Apex (launched 2020)
- Celebrity Beyond (launched 2022)
- Celebrity Ascent (launched 2023)
- Celebrity Xcel (launched 2025)
Quick Description: The Edge Class represents Celebrity’s boldest innovation in modern cruise design, featuring architectural marvels like the cantilevered Magic Carpet platform, the transformational Eden venue, and expansive outward-facing spaces that create unprecedented connections to the ocean. These ships embody contemporary luxury with their sleek aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and reimagined suite experiences.
Destinations: Edge Class vessels primarily sail the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe, with select sailings to Alaska and transatlantic voyages. The newest addition, Celebrity Xcel, includes expanded itineraries featuring longer stays in aspirational Mediterranean ports like Santorini, Mykonos, and the French Riviera.
For Discerning Travelers: The Edge Class elevates the exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept with The Retreat, a private sanctuary featuring stunning suite accommodations designed by Kelly Hoppen CBE. The Retreat includes a private sundeck with dedicated pool, the exclusive Luminae restaurant, and personalized service from Retreat Hosts and dedicated butlers. The Iconic Suite, perched above the bridge, offers over 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space with panoramic views that rival the captain’s.
The AquaClass staterooms provide another premium option with unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite in the spa, dedicated restaurant Blu featuring “clean cuisine,” and a host of wellness amenities delivered to your stateroom daily.
For Couples: Edge Class vessels offer numerous intimate spaces designed for connection. The Rooftop Garden transforms into a starlit dining venue by night, while the Magic Carpet becomes a romantic cocktail venue when positioned on deck 14. The two-story martini-shaped hot tubs suspended over the ocean provide a distinctive experience for couples seeking both privacy and dramatic views.
The Edge Class introduced the innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms where, with the touch of a button, the entire living space becomes an expansive veranda, bringing couples closer to the sea while maintaining climate-controlled comfort. For special celebrations, The Retreat offers private dining experiences with personalized menus and wine pairings.
Culinary & Enrichment: Edge Class ships feature up to 29 distinct food and beverage venues. Highlights include Fine Cut Steakhouse, Raw on 5 for seafood lovers, and the immersive Le Petit Chef experience where animated characters prepare your meal on your plate through projection mapping technology before the actual dish arrives.
Eden offers a multi-sensory culinary journey with an open exhibition kitchen where chefs interact with guests while preparing innovative, globally-inspired cuisine. The Magic Carpet transforms into “Dinner on the Edge” on select evenings, offering a unique dining experience cantilevered over the ocean.
Enrichment programs include the Beyond the Podium series featuring experts in art, history, and destination culture, as well as celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and wine appreciation events led by certified sommeliers.
Solstice Class
Ships in This Class:
- Celebrity Solstice (launched 2008)
- Celebrity Equinox (launched 2009)
- Celebrity Eclipse (launched 2010)
- Celebrity Silhouette (launched 2011)
- Celebrity Reflection (launched 2012)
Quick Description: The Solstice Class ships set new standards for premium cruising when introduced and continue to charm with their elegant design, spacious accommodations, and signature amenities like the half-acre Lawn Club featuring real grass. These vessels balance sophisticated spaces with comfortable luxury, appealing to travelers who appreciate refined service without pretension.
Destinations: Solstice Class ships cover diverse global itineraries including Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Caribbean, and Europe. Celebrity Eclipse focuses predominantly on Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific voyages, while Celebrity Equinox is positioned year-round in the Caribbean.
For Discerning Travelers: Following fleet-wide renovations through the “Celebrity Revolution” program, all Solstice Class ships now feature modernized suites and The Retreat experience, including the exclusive Retreat Sundeck, Retreat Lounge, and Luminae restaurant. The renovation also expanded the AquaClass offerings, allowing more guests to enjoy the wellness-oriented amenities and dedicated dining at Blu.
Private verandas are available on 85% of staterooms, providing personal outdoor space without upgrading to suite level. For those seeking premium experiences, the Signature, Royal, Penthouse and Reflection Suites offer increasing levels of luxury, space, and personalized service.
For Couples: The adults-only Solarium with its indoor pool and hot tubs provides a tranquil retreat regardless of weather conditions. The Lawn Club offers a unique romantic setting for picnics or stargazing on real grass while at sea. For intimate dining, specialty restaurants like Murano serve classic French cuisine with tableside preparation and impeccable service.
The Sunset Bar, positioned at the ship’s aft, provides spectacular views for couples enjoying cocktails at day’s end. AquaClass staterooms feature oversized showers with multiple body jets and aromatherapy diffusers, plus couples can book in-stateroom spa treatments for private pampering.
Culinary & Enrichment: Each Solstice Class ship features multiple specialty dining venues, including Tuscan Grille (Italian steakhouse), Sushi on Five, and the distinctive Qsine, offering an interactive culinary journey with globally-inspired shareable plates and digital menus. The immersive Le Petit Chef experience is now available fleet-wide after the Revolution renovations.
The Cellar Masters wine bar features Enomatic wine dispensers allowing guests to sample premium vintages, while expert-led wine appreciation events enhance the experience for oenophiles. The World Class Bar showcases mixology as an art form with creative cocktails using premium spirits and fresh ingredients.
Enrichment includes glass-blowing demonstrations (on select ships), art tours featuring the ships’ multi-million-dollar collections, and destination-specific lectures by experts in history, culture, and wildlife.
Millennium Class
Ships in This Class:
- Celebrity Millennium (launched 2000, revolutionized 2019)
- Celebrity Infinity (launched 2001, revolutionized 2019)
- Celebrity Summit (launched 2001, revolutionized 2019)
- Celebrity Constellation (launched 2002, revolutionized 2020)
Quick Description: The recently “revolutionized” Millennium Class ships blend classic nautical design with contemporary luxury features. Slightly smaller than their Solstice and Edge sisters, these vessels offer an intimate atmosphere with personalized service while incorporating many signature Celebrity amenities. Their size allows them to access ports that larger ships cannot, providing unique itinerary options.
Destinations: Millennium Class ships excel at destination-intensive itineraries including Alaska, Asia, Bermuda, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and South America. Celebrity Millennium and Infinity frequently explore Asian ports from Tokyo to Singapore, while Summit spends summers in Alaska and Constellation navigates the Mediterranean and Middle East.
For Discerning Travelers: Following the $500-million Celebrity Revolution refurbishment program, all Millennium Class ships now feature redesigned suite accommodations by Kelly Hoppen CBE and the complete Retreat experience including exclusive restaurant, lounge, and sundeck. The renovation also introduced the popular Retreat concept and expanded AquaClass staterooms with their wellness amenities.
The Ships’ Officers’ Club feature offers select guests behind-the-scenes access and exclusive events with the ship’s senior officers. For those seeking distinctive luxury, the Penthouse Suites feature separate living and dining areas, baby grand pianos, and expansive verandas with whirlpools.
For Couples: The Persian Garden thermal suite offers heated ceramic loungers with ocean views, aromatic steam rooms, and private relaxation areas for couples seeking wellness experiences. The Rooftop Terrace combines comfortable seating with an outdoor film screen for movie nights under the stars.
Michael’s Club (now transformed into The Retreat Lounge) provides an intimate setting for cocktails with dedicated concierge service. For special occasions, couples can arrange private dining experiences ranging from veranda breakfasts to full-course dinners in secluded venues across the ship.
Culinary & Enrichment: Though slightly smaller than their newer fleetmates, Millennium Class ships still impress with culinary diversity. Signature venues include Sushi on Five, the reimagined Qsine, and the sophisticated Tuscan Grille. Café al Bacio serves premium coffees, teas, and pastries in an elegant setting, while the Martini Bar features theatrical bartending presentations.
Wine enthusiasts appreciate the carefully curated lists highlighting global vineyards and regional specialties. The Celebrity Vineyard Discovery Series offers tastings of limited production wines paired with expert commentary from sommeliers.
Enrichment programs focus heavily on destination immersion with lectures by regional experts, culinary demonstrations featuring local specialties, and performances showcasing indigenous music and dance traditions from upcoming ports.
Expedition Ships / Galápagos Class
Ships in This Class:
- Celebrity Flora (launched 2019)
- Celebrity Xpedition (launched 2001, refurbished 2018)
- Celebrity Xploration (launched 2007, acquired 2017)
- Celebrity Xperience (launched 1998, acquired 2017)
Quick Description: Celebrity’s expedition vessels represent the ultimate blend of luxury and adventure, designed specifically for Galápagos exploration. Celebrity Flora, the flagship of this collection, was purpose-built for this unique archipelago with environmentally advanced systems, all-suite accommodations, and naturalist-guided experiences that bring guests face-to-face with one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.
Destinations: All of Celebrity’s expedition ships sail exclusively in the Galápagos Islands, offering year-round itineraries authorized by the Galápagos National Park. These vessels operate on 7-night Inner and Outer Loop itineraries, often combined with pre/post land packages in Ecuador featuring Quito experiences and the Andean highlands.
For Discerning Travelers: Celebrity Flora features 50 all-suite accommodations with personal attendants, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private verandas on most suites. The Penthouse Suites offer separate living and sleeping areas plus expansive verandas with Jacuzzis. The ship maintains a nearly 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, ensuring personalized service.
The smaller expedition vessels offer a more intimate experience with capacity ranging from 16 passengers (Xploration) to 48 (Xpedition). Even on these smaller ships, premium service remains with all-inclusive pricing covering beverages, gratuities, shore excursions, and equipment like wetsuits and snorkeling gear.
For Couples: The Galápagos experience naturally lends itself to romance with extraordinary shared adventures and breathtaking natural settings. Celebrity Flora features the unique “Glamping” experience where couples can spend the night on the top deck in a luxurious cabana, complete with a private dinner under one of the most spectacular star-viewing locations on Earth.
All ships offer al fresco dining options where couples can enjoy romantic meals while surrounded by the pristine Galápagos landscape. Private zodiac tours can be arranged (when permissible within park regulations) for special occasions.
Culinary & Enrichment: Despite their expedition focus, Celebrity’s Galápagos ships offer remarkable culinary experiences featuring sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and Ecuadorian specialties alongside international cuisine. Celebrity Flora’s Seaside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with floor-to-ceiling windows providing constant connection to the surroundings.
The Ocean Grill offers casual outdoor dining and the exclusive Dinner Under the Stars experience. The smaller vessels feature similarly high-quality dining with menus that reflect both Ecuadorian heritage and global influences.
Enrichment forms the cornerstone of the Galápagos experience, with twice-daily shore excursions led by certified Galápagos National Park naturalists. Onboard lectures cover topics like evolutionary biology, conservation efforts, and geological history. The Discovery Lounge on Flora serves as an education center with interactive digital screens and daily briefings.
Destinations Paired with Ship Classes
Edge Class – Mediterranean & Caribbean
The Mediterranean perfectly complements the Edge Class design philosophy of bringing guests closer to the sea. When sailing iconic destinations like the Greek Islands, Amalfi Coast, or French Riviera, the outward-facing design elements truly shine. The Magic Carpet platform transforms into a tender embarkation point that makes visiting tender ports like Santorini or Villefranche seamless and elegant.
In the Caribbean, these ships leverage their innovative design to maximize the tropical experience. The Resort Deck with its martini-shaped hot tubs and the expansive Rooftop Garden create multiple vantage points for sailing into stunning harbors like St. Lucia’s Pitons or Tortola’s Road Town. The Edge Class ships calling on Celebrity’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, offer an elevated experience with reserved cabanas and dedicated transportation.
These vessels typically offer longer port stays and overnight visits in marquee destinations like Barcelona, Venice, and Mykonos, allowing guests to experience the nightlife and dining scene beyond typical cruise schedules. Specialized shore excursions for Edge Class passengers include after-hours museum access, private yacht charters, and exclusive culinary experiences with local chefs.
Solstice Class – Alaska & Asia/Australia
The Solstice Class vessels excel in Alaska with their expansive viewing areas and the indoor Solarium providing comfortable glacier viewing regardless of weather. The Lawn Club offers a surreal experience of picnicking on real grass while sailing past towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
In Asia and Australia, these ships provide the perfect balance of comfort for longer itineraries and sea days between distant ports. Their larger size accommodates extensive onboard programming focused on regional cultures, from Australian wine tastings to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. The extensive spa facilities are particularly appreciated on transpacific voyages and longer Asian itineraries with multiple sea days.
Shore excursions in these regions emphasize exclusive access, such as private tours of Sydney Opera House, helicopter adventures over the Great Barrier Reef, or after-hours visits to Kyoto temples. The ships’ multiple dining venues showcase regional specialties as they sail through different Asian culinary traditions.
Millennium Class – Panama Canal & South America
The more intimate Millennium Class ships navigate the historic Panama Canal with distinction, offering excellent viewing platforms for this engineering marvel. Their size permits access to smaller South American ports that larger vessels must skip, creating more immersive itineraries along both Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
When sailing South America, these ships offer specialized programming highlighting local cultures, from tango performances and Argentine wine tastings to lectures on Incan history. The recently renovated public spaces provide comfortable retreats during sometimes challenging South American sea conditions, particularly around Cape Horn.
Shore excursions focus on authentic cultural immersion with home visits in smaller ports, cooking classes featuring regional specialties, and nature experiences in biodiverse settings from Costa Rica to Patagonia. Wine enthusiasts particularly appreciate the vineyard-focused excursions in Chile and Argentina.
Expedition Class – Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos-dedicated fleet provides the ultimate experience in this protected archipelago, with Celebrity Flora setting new standards for sustainable luxury expedition cruising. Designed specifically for this environment, these vessels minimize their ecological footprint while maximizing guest comfort and viewing opportunities.
The ships follow strictly regulated routes designated by the Galápagos National Park, alternating between Inner and Outer Loop itineraries that showcase different islands and wildlife populations. Onboard experts include naturalists with advanced degrees in biology, geology, and conservation science who provide context for each day’s explorations.
Shore excursions are included in the fare and range from snorkeling with sea lions and penguins to hiking volcanic landscapes and observing giant tortoise breeding centers. Dynamic positioning technology on Celebrity Flora eliminates the need for anchors, protecting delicate marine ecosystems, while advanced water filtration systems reduce plastic usage.
What Makes Celebrity Cruises a Luxury Standout?
Celebrity has carved a distinctive niche in the premium cruise segment by perfecting what they call “modern luxury” – an approach that balances sophisticated design with warm, personalized service and remarkable attention to detail without the formality that sometimes characterizes traditional luxury lines.
The brand’s commitment to design excellence is evident across all ship classes, with collaborations featuring renowned designers like Kelly Hoppen CBE, Nate Berkus, and Tom Wright creating distinctive spaces that would feel at home in upscale boutique hotels. This design-forward approach extends beyond aesthetics to functionality, with innovative features like the Magic Carpet platform and the Eden venue that transform throughout the day to serve multiple purposes.
The Retreat experience represents Celebrity’s most significant luxury innovation, creating an exclusive enclave available across the fleet. This comprehensive suite experience includes private dining at Luminae, where menus feature dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, exclusive lounge and sundeck access, and dedicated butler service. Unlike traditional luxury lines that may charge premium prices fleet-wide, The Retreat allows Celebrity to offer this elevated experience to guests seeking additional exclusivity while maintaining more accessible options throughout the rest of the ship.
Culinary excellence stands as perhaps Celebrity’s most distinctive luxury hallmark. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher, the brand has developed dining experiences that rival shoreside restaurants, with globally sourced ingredients, artistic presentation, and impeccable service. Specialty restaurants showcase different global culinary traditions with authentic techniques and flavor profiles rather than simplified “cruise versions” of international cuisines.
What truly distinguishes Celebrity in the luxury segment is their emphasis on destination immersion through carefully crafted shore excursions, overnight port stays, and onboard enrichment directly tied to itineraries. Rather than treating the ship as the primary destination, Celebrity views their vessels as luxurious means to experience remarkable places with greater depth and insight than would be possible otherwise.
Celebrity Cruises for Couples & Culinary Travelers
For couples seeking romantic experiences, Celebrity offers numerous thoughtful touches across their fleet. The adults-only Solarium provides a peaceful retreat with its indoor pool, cascading fountains, and comfortable loungers, while specialty restaurants like Murano create intimate dining settings with attentive, unobtrusive service. Couples massage treatments in the spa feature private rooms with panoramic ocean views, and The Retreat sundeck offers secluded cabanas for two.
Special occasion packages enhance milestone celebrations with amenities like champagne breakfasts on private verandas, rose petal turndowns, and personalized cakes. The “Taste of Film” experience on select ships pairs outdoor movies under the stars with themed multi-course tastings coordinated with the film’s culinary scenes.
Culinary enthusiasts find particular delight in Celebrity’s diverse dining concepts. Beyond the impressive main restaurants and specialty venues, immersive experiences like Le Petit Chef entertain with tabletop animation that tells the story behind each course. The Chef’s Market Discoveries shore excursion series takes food-focused travelers into local markets with the ship’s chefs, followed by exclusive dinners featuring ingredients sourced that day.
Wine programs deserve special mention, with each ship featuring Cellar Masters – a dedicated venue for oenophiles with state-of-the-art preservation systems allowing sampling of rare vintages by the glass. Over 500 wines are typically carried onboard, with dedicated sommeliers conducting vertical tastings of premium producers and regional comparative events.
Culinary enrichment extends to hands-on experiences with guest chefs, mixology workshops, and regional food and wine pairings that change with the itinerary. When docked in culinary capitals like Naples, Barcelona, or Bangkok, the onboard programming intensifies with local chef demonstrations, market tours, and menus highlighting regional specialties.
For couples celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries, Celebrity’s partnership with The Knot provides specialized romantic experiences and amenities. The line’s wedding program allows for ceremonies in port, at sea, or even in destinations like the Galápagos with packages ranging from intimate vow renewals to elaborate celebrations accommodating extended family and friends.
Final Word: Finding Your Perfect Celebrity Experience
Celebrity Cruises has thoughtfully developed distinct ship classes that cater to different travel preferences while maintaining consistent luxury standards across the fleet. The revolutionary Edge Class vessels appeal to design enthusiasts and technology-forward travelers seeking the newest innovations in cruising. Solstice Class ships offer a perfect balance of contemporary luxury and classic nautical elements with their signature Lawn Club and recently refreshed interiors. The intimate Millennium Class provides access to more diverse ports while still delivering premium experiences. And the specialized Galápagos fleet represents the ultimate luxury expedition option in one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.
When selecting your ideal Celebrity experience, consider not just the ship class but how it pairs with your desired destination and travel style. Culinary enthusiasts might prefer the expanded dining options on Edge and Solstice Class vessels, while destination-focused travelers could find the smaller Millennium Class ships provide more immersive port experiences. Couples celebrating special occasions might be drawn to the exclusive atmosphere of The Retreat or the adventure-meets-luxury proposition of the Galápagos fleet.
Whatever your preference, Celebrity’s commitment to sophisticated design, exceptional service, and remarkable culinary offerings ensures a luxury experience that balances contemporary elegance with welcoming warmth – the hallmark of modern luxury at sea.