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Celebrity Cruises exists because we believe in opening up the world. We know that travel makes us better—every one of us. We’re here to help vacationers understand the value of travel. Our cruises encourage people to sail beyond their own borders and expand their horizons. Our iconic "X" is the mark of luxury, the mark of contemporary spaces that are at once coolly sophisticated and warmly inviting. Where the culinary experience is influenced by global cuisines and designed by our Michelin-starred chef. Where our staff provides seamless and intuitive service that’s both personal and unobtrusive. Where everything is designed to provide an unparalleled resort at sea experience. Our fifteen award-winning ships offer unique experiences in more than 300 destinations on all seven continents.

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12 Big Differences Between Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean

What’s the difference between sailing a cruise on Royal Caribbean and a trip on Celebrity? To be sure, any cruise you take will have plenty of similarities, but despite being owned by the same company (Royal Caribbean Group), there is plenty that’s different between these two cruise lines.

That means just because you’re a fan of one line doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be a fan of the other although there are certainly plenty of people that enjoy the two. And if you’ve never sailed Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, you might be wondering which to sail for your cruise.

Having sailed both, we can share details of ways the two lines are clearly not the same so you can decide which line might be best for you.

Celebrity Caters to More Affluent Adults

If you’ve sailed Royal Caribbean, then you know that it caters to everyone. There is a large family focus, but you’ll find something to enjoy whether you are 8 years old or 88 years old. Celebrity is a bit different in that everything from the ship’s décor, to food, to things to do, to itineraries all cater to a higher-end adult passenger.

That’s not to say that kids or families aren’t welcomed. Far from it. There are dedicated kids areas on both lines. But whereas Royal Caribbean has lots of kid-friendly things to do, eat, and see, Celebrity focuses more on adults. This means more stylish decor, no wild waterslides onboard, and food options that tend to be more adventurous.

If you think of Royal Caribbean as a great place to take a family vacation, then you can think of Celebrity as a great way to celebrate a honeymoon or anniversary.

Royal Caribbean Has Larger Ships

When it comes to the largest cruise ships on the planet, there’s Royal Caribbean and then everyone else. Its newest ship — Icon of the Seas — comes in a 250,000+ gross tons and has the ability to carry 7,600 passengers at full capacity. And even beyond that, the fleet in general is large with the six largest cruise ships on the planet all belonging to Royal Caribbean.

That’s great for those that want a lot to do on a cruise ship as more size means more can be packed on. But if you’re not a fan of the biggest ships, Celebrity’s are considerably smaller.

Its largest ships (Beyond and Ascent) come in at “just” 141,000 gross tons and carry about 3,500 passengers. And some of the cruise line’s special expedition ships carry as few as 16 passengers at double occupancy.

Royal Caribbean Sails From More Departure Ports in North America

If you live in the United States and want “easy to sail,” then one big difference is that there are a lot more options with Royal Caribbean.

Both lines sail from a number of departure ports in North America, but Royal Caribbean offers more options including Baltimore, New Orleans, and Galveston. This puts a ship within driving distance for tens of millions more people. As well, Celebrity seems to have fewer year-round options and a smaller number of ships sailing from each port.

To be sure if you’re sailing from ports in Florida, you’ll have a number of options on either line. But overall, you’ll find more choices with Royal Caribbean across the continent.

Drink Prices Are More Expensive on Celebrity

Let’s be clear that any cruise is going to carry hefty price tags on alcohol. It’s not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars on drink packages or buying beverages ala carte during the course of your cruise.

But we’ve noticed that drinks are significantly more expensive when sailing Celebrity. In general, you’ll find menu prices of around $14 per cocktail, plus an additional 18% gratuity charge. On Celebrity, the menu prices vary a bit more, but tend to hover around $17-$20 per cocktail and then there is a 20% gratuity on top of that. In other words, you could be paying up to $24 for a fancy cocktail.

Celebrity Offers “All Included”

Are you someone that doesn’t like to be nickeled and dimed? If so, then Celebrity offers the “All Included” deal that may be to your liking. Royal Caribbean doesn’t have the same package.

With All Included, a basic drink package and basic wi-fi are included in your fare (gratuities used to also be included before it was recently taken out) at a price that’s less than what you’d pay for them individually. So you pay a little extra but save money overall and also have drinks and wi-fi included on your cruise.

You don’t have to purchase the offer if you don’t want to. On Royal Caribbean, however, it’s not a choice (at least for now).

Celebrity Offers More Space

We have not sailed every ship on Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. We have sailed on the Edge-series ships from Celebrity (names like Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent) and several different classes across Royal Caribbean. We can say there is a noticeable difference in the design on the ship that lends itself to more space.

The Edge-series ships are smartly built with spaces around the ship designed to be open and airy. It results in less of a cramped feel while sailing. And it’s not just our imagination.

Cruzely uses a measure called the “space ratio” that takes the gross tonnage of a ship and divides it by passengers at double occupancy. Essentially, it measures the size of the ship per passenger.

Overall, many Royal Caribbean ship score well, hovering around a ratio of 40. Celebrity, however, is even better with many ships in the 42-44 range for the ratio, indicating more space per person.

Royal Caribbean Offers More Short Cruise Options

Over the past decade or two, short cruises (those five nights or fewer) have surged in popularity. Not only are they generally less expensive, but fewer days means less time off work and away from home. There’s little surprise that the chance to get away for a few days without the time commitment or cost of a 7-day trip has proven popular.

If you’re a cruiser that likes these short trips, then you should know that Royal Caribbean offers many more options. A search of the schedule for Celebrity shows 44 different itineraries between 2-5 nights, with most of those routes having only a handful of dates.

Royal Caribbean offers 127 different short itineraries, with some of those sailing dozens of times over the course of the year.

Celebrity Is More Upscale Throughout

We mentioned that Celebrity is more focused on affluent adults. It’s important to emphasize that part of that is being in general a more upscale experience. Ships — especially the newer Edge-series — are essentially pieces of art. We like to think of it as if you took a traditional cruise spa and used that as inspiration for the entire ship. Colors are calm and inviting, there’s lots of space, and it simply feels high end.

As well, the onboard experience will be more upscale. Think calming days by the pool instead of “hairiest chest” contests. That’s not to say it’s uptight and stuffy — you’ll still enjoy yourself. But if you’re the type that likes to wear shorts and flip-flops into the dining room instead of tucking in your shirt, it may not be a fit.

One thing that also adds to the atmosphere is lots of artwork and sculptures throughout. From the pool to the stairwells to the restaurants, nice pieces add a touch of class to everything.

Royal Caribbean Has CocoCay

We include mention of CocoCay as it’s a big draw for many Royal Caribbean cruises, but it’s also a difference that’s soon to go away .

If you aren’t familiar with CocoCay, it’s Royal Caribbean’s private destination in The Bahamas. The spot is considered the ultimate in private islands. It features a full waterpark , lots of beach space, a massive pool, an exclusive beach club and an adults-only section. Literally millions of passengers sail here each year and seemingly every cruise from Florida pays a visit.

Celebrity, however, hasn’t had access to its sister-line’s island. That is until now. Celebrity will begin to include CocoCay stops on some itineraries.

Celebrity Offers “Infinite Verandahs”

It’s not on every ship, but newer Celebrity vessels like Ascent and Edge have a little tweak to the traditional balcony cabins. On the cruise line they are called “infinite verandahs.”

Normally a balcony cabin has the room, and then a door that leads to an outside balcony. These infinite balconies instead have a window for the entire outside wall. When you want some fresh air, hit a button and the top half of the window slides down, turning essentially the entire cabin into the balcony. There is still a “balcony” section that you can close off with folding doors if you want to sit outside without disturbing the rest of the room.

Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class ships are incorporating this design feature, but it’s not on the rest of the fleet.

Royal Caribbean Offers More Options for Kids

We think it’s important to emphasize that Royal Caribbean specifically has a lot more for kids. Yes, kids are welcomed on Celebrity and there is a kids area as mentioned earlier. Children definitely won’t have a bad time.

But compared to Royal Caribbean — which we consider to be among the most kid-friendly lines — the difference is night and day.

Pool decks on Royal Caribbean offer waterslides, climbing walls, and the Flowrider wave simulator. There’s the arcade, some ships offer entertainment like escape rooms, and dry slides. Even others offer bumper cars and ice skating.

Celebrity Offers Small-Ship Trips to the Galapagos

Both cruise lines can take you places around the world, including Royal Caribbean’s epic 274-night “Ultimate World Cruise.” But when it comes to more exotic locations, we have to give the nod to Celebrity.

In particular, the cruise line offers three ships — Xpedition, Xploration, and Flora — that provide cruises to the Galapagos. These three vessels are unique not just in that they offer cruises to one of the most remote parts of the planet, but they are also small. The largest of the three — Celebrity Flora — has an occupancy of just 100 passengers.

That definitely sets it apart from Royal Caribbean.

Which Cruise Line Is Better, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity?

So which should you sail? And which cruise line is better between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity?

That comes down to a matter of personal preference. The good news is that both cruise lines do a great job of delivering a memorable vacation. But they do seem to deliver the most for certain groups.

If you’re a family sailing with children, the Royal Caribbean is the obvious choice . The cruise line caters to everyone, but has a much larger focus on things to do onboard compared to not just Celebrity but nearly any cruise line. That’s not to say Mom and Dad won’t have fun, but the kids should have a markedly more exciting cruise.

On the other hand, if you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or you are simply the sort of passenger who enjoys a more luxurious experience (e.g. you prefer the spa over the waterslide), then we think Celebrity is a great option .

More on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean:

• Celebrity Ascent First Look: Review, Tour, & Should You Sail?
• Complete Guide to Sailing Royal Caribbean (What It’s Like)

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Carnival Cruise Live Blog (Day 3): Blow Holes & Golden Trophies

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I sailed on 3 of the newest cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity and the best was also the biggest ship. Here's how they compare.

• I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian's Prima, and Celebrity's Apex.
• The Wonder of the Seas is now my favorite ship with the Prima as a close second.
• Here's how all of their staterooms, common spaces, food and beverage programs, and shows compared.

I've been on media sailings on four cruise ships across four cruise lines and one was the clear winner.

Ironically, I'm not shy about my disdain for cruises.

I don't like feeling stuck and bored on a ship with nowhere to go.

I'm definitely a picky cruise goer. But only one ship fielded less complaints than the others.

From 2021 to 2022, I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian's Prima, Celebrity's Apex, and Margaritaville at Sea's Paradise.

And the Wonder of the Seas mega cruise ship was by far my favorite vessel.

Whenever I go on a cruise, I judge my experience based on my stateroom, the common spaces and activities, the food and beverage program, and the nighttime entertainment.

Here's how all four ships compared to each other. And here's why the Wonder of the Seas is the only one I'll be recommending to traveling families.

Let's start with the staterooms. Despite my previous compliments, Royal Caribbean's mega-ship didn't have my favorite stateroom.

The 1,188-foot-long mega vessel is currently the largest cruise ship in operation.

Its 2,867 staterooms can accommodate up to 7,084 guests.

However, my balcony stateroom left much to be desired.

It had all the bare essentials and minimal decor. There wasn't even a separate body wash and shampoo in the bathroom.

The poorly designed sink didn't catch all of the water while I washed my hands. And overall, the bathroom felt cramped.

At least the stateroom had the most storage I had ever seen. And the couch and bed were both pretty comfortable.

Plus, it’s hard to complain about these balcony views.

But at a starting rate of $1,400 for 2023 itineraries, I was hoping for some more decor and luxurious amenities.

However, I wasn't as disappointed by my stateroom aboard the Norwegian Prima.

The 965-foot-long ship can accommodate 3,215 guests in its 1,646 staterooms.

I stayed in the 230-square-foot family-balcony stateroom during my four-night sailing.

And despite its small square footage, it felt like this hotel room at sea could've rivaled a Manhattan studio apartment.

There was plenty of storage. Not as much as my stateroom on the Wonder of the Seas but still more than I needed to use.

The ambient lighting provided a warm glow that made the hotel room at sea feel like home. And the bathroom was spacious and well-designed.

The amenities — like the couch, balcony, and desk — were about the same as Royal Caribbean's.

This hotel room at sea will start at $991 for spring 2023 five-to-seven-day round trips from New York City to Bermuda.

When I sailed on the Celebrity Apex in 2021, it was the cruise line's newest ship and my first time on a cruise as an adult.

The 1,004-foot-long vessel can accommodate a little over 2,900 guests in its 1,467 staterooms.

I stayed in the 243-square-foot Infinite Veranda stateroom and was surprised by how spacious and plush the small room felt.

The veranda, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, was the perfect private nook during sunny and breezy days out at sea.

The bed was one of the most comfortable I've slept on aboard a cruise ship.

And the bathroom was also fairly polished and spacious. I never felt too cramped. Overall, I have no complaints.

When I sailed in 2021, a stay in the stateroom for 2022 sailings started at $1,440, making this stateroom the most expensive on the list.

Of all three staterooms, Norwegian Prima's balcony stateroom was my favorite with Celebrity Apex's as a close second.

Both were spacious, modern, and well designed despite having a compact square-footage.

But the Prima's warm ambient lights and splashes of color made the hotel room at sea a clear winner.

Onto the onboard activities and common spaces. This is where the Wonder of the Seas really shines.

It's evident the cruise ship catered to families. And given its size, it should be no surprise that this vessel had the most amenities and activities I'd ever seen aboard a vessel.

Almost every section of the ship — called "neighborhoods — catered to travelers of all ages in some way.

Listing all of these amenities and activities would take too long. But some standout neighborhoods include Central Park, a peaceful outdoor walkway lined with plants, shopping, and restaurants …

… and Boardwalk, another open-air neighborhood designed to look like a real boardwalk with a carousel, hot dog stand, and candy store.

And we can't forget about the all-important pool deck. The one on the Wonder of the Seas is a colorful paradise for families.

There are three water slides, an outdoor water park for children, and multiple pools and hot tubs throughout the overwhelmingly bright space.

And the deck above this had even more activities including a mini-golf course, dry slide, zip line, and surf simulator. It's the only cruise ship on this list with the latter two activities.

And in my opinion, they epitomizes Royal Caribbean's goal of appealing to families.

The Norwegian Prima had similarly family-oriented activities including some I never expected to find on a cruise ship.

Like the Wonder of the Seas, there was a children's water park, although it wasn't as grand as Royal Caribbean's.

Families could also play mini golf and slide down the decks-long dry slide aboard the Prima.

But unlike the Wonder of the Seas, the ship also had a VR arcade, high-tech darts, a go-kart course, and the "Stadium" with outdoor activities like ping pong.

But its pool deck was far from exciting. At least there was a water slide.

But this deck wasn’t the only option for pool-side lounging. The ship also had a more peaceful 0.33-mile walkway with pools, lounge chairs, and daybeds.

Unlike Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises is actively trying to attract Gen X travelers, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises' CEO, told Insider in 2021. And this is definitely reflected in the ship

While the common spaces aboard Prima and Wonder of the Seas were playful and youthful, the Apex had a modern and polished flair akin to a new hotel.

Areas like the Rooftop Garden and Eden were sophisticated and some of the most beautiful spaces I've seen aboard a cruise ship.

But given the target demographic, there were no water slides or activities designed just for young children.

And while any Solarium with glass ceilings is luxurious, this one looked a bit dated.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the gym — lined with Pelotons — was fairly luxurious.

Of all the ships, Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship had the most impressive amenities.

Its size definitely helps: The more space you have, the more amenities you can include.

There are enough activities to keep a family entertained for days at sea.

And even though the Norwegian Prima had a VR arcade and go-karting, the Wonder of the Seas' unique spaces made it a clear winner.

Onto dining. Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ship has over 20 dining venues. However, over half are specialty restaurants that come at an extra cost to travelers.

There were a handful of fun dining options like an outdoor build-your-own taco and burrito bar, a pizza shop, and an 18-seat restaurant.

But the best meal I had aboard the ship was the cruise ship buffet. There was something for everyone, including international dishes, classic favorites, and a seafood section. And the raw fresh was shockingly fresh.

However, I can't say the same for the two specialty dining restaurants I tried.

Hooked Seafood was satisfactory but not mind-blowing. And Mason Jar, a new-to-brand Southern restaurant with live music, served me unbearably dry chicken.

At least the new cruise ship had a diverse list of drinking venues.

There's a watering hole operated by robots, another designed to look like an old English pub, and a bar on a platform that moved vertically between decks.

Like the cruise ship’s amenities and activities, there was something for every drinker aboard the ship.

But the Norwegian Prima had the most unique restaurant options of all the ships I sailed on.

There were 14 dining options. Half were specialty restaurants.

But my favorite meals were at the complimentary food hall with touch screen ordering pads at every table, the first I've ever seen on a cruise ship.

Here, diners could choose between 11 restaurants including an Indian eatery, an international noodle bar concept, and a rotisserie option.

And to my surprise, almost everything I tried here was as good as the typical on-land options. I could've eaten every meal here.

The ship also had plenty of bars. In my opinion, the Metropolitan bar was its most unique concept.

Here, the zero-waste cocktails used liqueurs and syrups made from some of the ship's food scraps.

Cruise ships aren't known for being low-waste or great for the environment. And the bar only cut a tiny fraction of the ship's food waste. But at least the attempt was made.

There are 29 dining venues aboard the Celebrity Apex. Seven are specialty venues.

However, these options weren't too exciting. Most restaurants served either American or European cuisine with the exception of a raw bar with sushi and sashimi.

The meals on Apex were good at best. I didn't eat anything too memorable.

While Le Petit Chef and Family was fun and wholesome, the food was just satisfactory.

The Apex's target Gen X demographic is clear with its choice of bars.

There was a martini bar at the heart of the ship next to a craft beer and sports bar. These classy additions fit both the demographic and current drink trends.

But one of the most unique bars — and spaces in general — aboard the ship was the Magic Carpet, a bar and lounge on an open-aired platform that can rise and lower between decks.

It also doubles as a tender dock at ports of call.

Between the three ships, the Norwegian Prima's food and beverage program was my favorite.

Almost everything I ate at the digital food hall was delicious and it was fun seeing a modern concept on a cruise ship.

The Wonder of the Seas buffet comes in a close second. But the diversity of cuisines at Prima's food hall makes it a winner in my eyes.

However, Royal Caribbean's mega vessel shines again with the nighttime entertainment.

The ship's ice skating show wasn't my favorite although the venue itself is unique for a cruise ship.

But "inTENse" — an exciting outdoor show filled with divers, dancers, a tightrope walker, and synchronized swimmers — made up for the lackluster ice skating show.

Here, the two halves of the stage — and its performers — rose and sank into a pool.

I was fully engaged and enthralled during the show. And the outdoor venue was the best I've ever seen on a vessel.

Unlike the Wonder of the Seas, Prima's entertainment thrives on being recognizable. However, I wasn't able to take photos during the shows.

During my media sailing, the ship was showing its rendition of Broadway musical "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," a contemporary tap dancing and beat boxing mashup "Noise Boys," and "The Price is Right Live" game show.

While I'm not a fan of musicals, the Prima's production of the Donna Summer Musical and "Noise Boys" were two of the most impressive productions I've seen on a ship …

… although it wasn't as entertaining as Royal Caribbean's "inTENse."

And "The Price is Right Live" was a surprising hit. It was as much a game show as it was an interactive comedic experience.

However, I don't have this high praise for the Celebrity Apex's show.

The nighttime performers aboard the Apex are undeniably talented but I wasn't amused by the acrobat and electric violin production. It was far from memorable and reminded me of a typical cruise ship performance.

Nothing compares to the Wonder of the Sea’s “inTENse” water show. It changed my perspective of cruise ship shows.

If it's not clear yet, this mega vessel is my favorite ship I've sailed on so far.

While the Norwegian Prima's stateroom and food options were superior, the common spaces and amenities aboard the Wonder of the Seas far outshined any other vessel.

And in my opinion, the amenities and activities are the most important part of a cruise ship. Travelers don't sail just to stay in their staterooms all day.

Neighborhoods like Central Park and the Boardwalk looked nothing like a cruise ship.

And I didn't have time to do every activity I wanted to during my two-night sailing, which is rare to say when you're stuck on a ship with nowhere to go.

Moving forward, it’ll be the only cruise ship I recommend to traveling families. But at least the Norwegian Prima is a close second.

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The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries

Celebrity Cruises is the cool kid among the seven big cruise lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans.

Operating relatively big but not giant vessels, the Miami-based brand is known for some of the most stylish and cutting-edge ships in the cruise business. It's a line that is all about high-end design, innovative features (just wait until you read about the "magic carpet") and on-trend restaurants that are aimed at sophisticates, not a party crowd.

Celebrity ships also are significantly more all-inclusive — and even a tad more upscale — than the ships operated by the other big cruise lines. Since late 2020, the line has included unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi and daily gratuities in its base fare as part of a new Always Included fare structure .

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter .

Still, for now at least, Celebrity ships are firmly anchored in the mass-market category. The line in recent years has often used the term "luxury" to describe its offerings. However, the size of its ships, their service levels and — perhaps most importantly — their price points are all a lot closer to what you'll find at such mass-market lines as Princess Cruises and Holland America than at true luxury brands such as Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

In our book, that's not a bad place to be.

With relatively inclusive fares for some sailings at Celebrity starting under $100 per person, per day, there's a good argument to be made that the line is one of cruising's great values. It may not be a luxury line. However, it's the line you take if you want a taste of the all-inclusive and upscale experience of a luxury line without paying $1,000 per person, per day.

3 things TPG loves about Celebrity Cruises

• The stylish design of its ships.
• Its industry-leading shipboard spas.
• Its inclusion of drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities in base fares.

What we could do without

• Confusing company marketing calling it a "luxury" brand.

The Celebrity Cruises fleet

Of the seven big cruise lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans, Celebrity has one of the simplest fleets.

At the core of the brand are 12 relatively big ships that can be bunched into just three groups, or "classes," as they are known in cruise industry lingo.

The newest group of ships in the line is the Edge Class, consisting of just three vessels that have been unveiled since 2018 — each holding around 3,000 passengers. If you're in the "newer is better" camp when it comes to cruise ships, this is the Celebrity ship class for you.

Celebrity currently has plans for five Edge Class vessels in all. Two more of the vessels are expected to be constructed by 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Eventually, the abovementioned rollouts will make the Edge Class the new core of the Celebrity fleet. For now, though, that title falls to the line's five-ship Solstice Class series. If you take a Celebrity cruise now, the odds are you'll be on one of these ships.

Just a tad smaller than the Edge Class ships, the Solstice Class vessels were unveiled between 2008 and 2012.

The last grouping of relatively big ships in the Celebrity fleet is the Millennium Class, made up of four significantly smaller vessels that debuted between 2000 and 2002.

In addition, Celebrity operates three very small vessels in the Galápagos that, together, make up a fourth grouping of vessels. As we'll explain below, these three vessels are far different than the line's 12 main ships and constitute what is, in effect, a separate business for the brand.

The 12 main vessels in the Celebrity fleet are not nearly as big as the vessels operated by Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — the three lines best known for giant ships. The biggest Celebrity ship, Celebrity Beyond, measures around 141,000 tons. That's nearly 40% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean.

Related: The 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained

Celebrity's Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships are even smaller at around 122,000 tons and 91,000 tons, respectively.

All of Celebrity's 12 main ships carry around 2,000 to 3,000 passengers apiece, based on double occupancy. That's several thousand passengers fewer than the biggest ships at Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises.

The line's three Galápagos-based vessels are downright tiny, as they must be to operate in the Galápagos. The government of Ecuador, which controls the archipelago, does not allow vessels that carry more than 100 passengers to sail in the destination.

Celebrity's three Galápagos-based vessels carry just 16 to 100 passengers each.

In all, Celebrity's 15 vessels have 26,733 berths, when counting just the two main berths in every cabin (excluding extra pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas). That puts Celebrity among the smaller of the big lines catering to North Americans. One of its main rivals, Princess, has nearly twice as many berths (45,816), based on double occupancy. The world's biggest cruise line, Royal Caribbean, has more than three times as many berths (88,307).

Destinations and itineraries

Celebrity sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. In a typical summer, the line will deploy seven of its 12 main vessels to Europe while sending another three to Alaska. That leaves just two vessels that Celebrity typically will assign to Bermuda and Caribbean sailings.

During the winter, the line will move most of its ships to the Caribbean, but also send a few to Asia, Australia and South America.

For the coming winter, 10 of the line's 12 main ships are scheduled to sail in the Caribbean. There will be one ship apiece in Australia and South America. The line has canceled its normal deployment of one ship to Asia due to continuing COVID-19-related travel restrictions in the region.

The line's three small Galápagos-based vessels never leave the region, in keeping with rules governing cruise vessels in The Galápagos.

In all, Celebrity ships sail to nearly 80 countries in a typical year, hitting all seven continents. They visit more than 300 different ports and destinations. Those are all large numbers, but they're not quite as large as what you'll find at some of Celebrity's biggest competitors. Celebrity doesn't offer quite as big a range of itineraries as Princess and Holland America , for instance.

Among the line's itineraries, you'll find everything from two-night sampler cruises to the Bahamas to 18-night voyages to Hawaii and the South Pacific. Celebrity isn't known for the sort of longer, multi-month voyages and around-the-world sailings that are a hallmark of the Princess and Holland America schedules. Most of the line's itineraries are in the one- to two-week range.

In North America, Celebrity ships generally sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa in Florida; Boston; Cape Liberty, New Jersey (one of the ports for New York City); San Juan, Puerto Rico; Los Angeles and San Diego; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle; and Seward, Alaska.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Celebrity cruise

In Europe, Celebrity ships mostly sail out of Southampton in the U.K.; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Barcelona; Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); Venice and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) in Italy; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Who sails Celebrity Cruises?

Celebrity appeals to a somewhat older demographic than some of its best-known rivals in the world of relatively big ships (think: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Norwegian). This is, in part, because its onboard offerings are not aimed at families nearly as much as the onboard offerings of the latter brands.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises and Norwegian, Celebrity doesn't load up the top of its ships with sprawling waterparks, go-kart tracks, laser tag courses and other flashy, family-focused diversions.

Instead of bustling attractions, the top decks of Celebrity ships offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without a lot of hustle and bustle. Inside, the experience revolves around dining, classic showroom entertainment and a classy bar and music scene — just as it has on Celebrity ships for years.

It's the sort of experience that draws a lot of couples in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but not necessarily a lot of families. The average age of a Celebrity passenger is a tad north of 50.

Still, while families with younger children usually gravitate to one of the above-mentioned lines with more family-friendly activities, that doesn't mean you can't bring your kids on a Celebrity cruise. The line does offer a relatively robust children's program (more on that below).

While not huge with families with young children, Celebrity does draw a fair number of multigenerational family groups. It's one of the lines you take if you want an affordable ship that will appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Cabins and suites

Celebrity ships offer a wide range of cabin categories at a variety of price points. You'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless "inside" cabins measuring just 181 square feet (perfect for vacationers on a tight budget) to massive, multi-room suites that are 10 times that size (and priced to match).

At the high end, some of the accommodations are truly stunning. They include two so-called Iconic Suites on each of the line's new Edge Class ships that measure more than 2,500 square feet, including outdoor balcony space. That's roughly the size of the average American home.

Located at the very top front of the Edge Class vessels, above the bridge (meaning you'll have a better view than the captain in these rooms), the Iconic Suites offer breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows. Each has two bedrooms, a dining room and a living room. Master bathrooms are true stunners with massive whirlpool tubs, marble-lined showers and two sink areas.

The Iconic Suites aren't the only over-the-top suites on the Edge Class ships. Each of the vessels also has two multi-room Penthouse Suites that measure more than 1,575 square feet, as well as the line's first two-deck-high suites. Dubbed Edge Villas, the latter accommodations (there are six on each ship) only measure 950 square feet, including balcony space, but may be the most alluring cabins on the ship, with stunning sea views from both a downstairs living room area and an upstairs bedroom area.

Related: Everything to know about Celebrity cabins and suites

The Edge Class ships are, by far, the line's most suite-heavy ships, with a whopping 190 suites of different types on each vessel. The Edge Class ships also offer hundreds of special spa-themed AquaClass cabins and Concierge Class cabins that come with special amenities. However, you'll find plenty of suites and special AquaClass and Concierge Class cabins on Celebrity's other ships, too.

In general, Celebrity offers a lot more high-end accommodations on its ships than some of its rival lines — particularly Princess. It's one of many differentiators between the brands.

Celebrity is also known for one of the most innovative new cabin types in the cruise industry, the "infinite veranda" cabin. Found only on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, these are standard size balcony cabins with outward-facing walls that are almost entirely made of glass.

Billed as an industry first, the new glass-walled cabins were made possible by a rethinking of the way the load-bearing walls of cruise ships are constructed.

Notably, the top of the glass walls in the infinite veranda cabins slide down at the flick of a switch to create a balcony-like area — an innovation that, until recently, had only been seen with cabins on river cruise ships. The balcony-like area can be closed off from the rest of the cabin by closing bifold doors.

Celebrity's Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships have more traditional balcony cabins.

Both the Edge Class and Solstice Class are known for ships with an inordinately large percentage of cabins that feature balconies. About 81% of cabins on Edge Class ships include balconies. On the Solstice Class ships, the percentage is even higher, at 85%.

About 57% of cabins on Millennium Class ships have balconies.

Restaurants and dining

Every Celebrity vessel has one and sometimes up to four main restaurants where meals are included in the fare, and these dining rooms are at the heart of the dining experience on Celebrity ships. Many passengers have all or most of their dinners in one of these main restaurants.

For dinners in these main restaurants, you must sign up for either Select Dining, which is where you can show up whenever you want, or Traditional Dining, where you have a fixed table and time for dinner.

Note that only a certain number of passengers can choose Select Dining per sailing. If this is what you want, it pays to book your cruise early, as Select Dining is typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also, note that the Select Dining process works a little differently on the three Edge Class ships, which have four different main restaurants with varying themes.

Every Celebrity vessel also has a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. Near the main pool area on ships, these are called Oceanview Cafe, and they typically offer a wide range of dishes.

Another included-in-the-fare option found on Celebrity ships is the deck-top Mast Grill, which serves burgers, hot dogs and the like.

Every Celebrity ship also has at least a few extra-charge eateries. On many ships, you'll find the line's signature Italian restaurant, Tuscan Grille. It serves up handmade pasta, artisanal meats, flatbread pizzas, seafood and other Italian specialties in an elegant setting and comes with a flat fee of $30 per person.

Some Celebrity ships also have a classic French restaurant called Murano, which comes with a flat fee of $40 per person. The menu here features everything from veal tenderloin to herb-crusted lamb. There's also a six-course tasting menu that comes with wine pairings for each course at an additional cost.

Other extra-charge venues found on at least some Celebrity ships include Raw on Five, which serves sushi and sashimi, and The Porch, which offers a raw bar with oysters and lobster rolls. Some ships feature a Parisian patisserie-like venue called Le Grand Bistro that offers light fare such as ham-and-cheese baguettes during the day and gourmet charcuterie and cheese boards with carafes of wine in the evening.

In addition, passengers staying in spa-focused AquaClass cabins on Celebrity ships have access to an exclusive restaurant with a spa-inspired menu called Blu (there's no per-visit charge; the cost is folded into your AquaClass fare). There's also an exclusive restaurant on Edge Class ships for passengers staying in The Retreat suites called Luminae. It features dishes created by star New York chef Daniel Boulud.

Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, has its very own Daniel Boulud restaurant called Le Voyage.

Entertainment and activities

Celebrity ships are loaded with entertainment and activities that range from Broadway-style theater shows and live music to glassmaking classes. Top decks of Celebrity ships have lots of pools, lounge areas and — on some ships — park-like retreats with real grass. Just don't expect a floating amusement park. Unlike some big-ship lines, Celebrity isn't topping its vessels with waterslides, go-kart tracks, ropes courses and other family-focused attractions.

Theaters and shows

There's no shortage of theater and lounge entertainment on Celebrity ships. On a typical night, you might find a flashy, fast-paced production show playing in the main theater, a comedian performing in a secondary lounge and live music on offer in several more venues.

In many cases, the main theaters on Celebrity ships are quite elaborate, with Broadway-level lighting and special effects, and the productions housed within the theaters are elaborate, too.

Typical productions include "Elyria," an adults-only, fashion-forward fairytale with a sultry late-night vibe, and "A Hot Summer Night's Dream," where you'll be immersed in a light-hearted journey that fuses music with extraordinary acrobatics and, yes — a little bit of Shakespeare.

Celebrity also is known for a partnership with American Ballet Theatre that brings exclusive performances from American Ballet Theatre performers on select ships, dance classes with the performers and "meet and greet" events with the performers.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Celebrity ships are filled with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including some that are quite unusual.

Celebrity's three newest ships (Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex), for instance, have fanciful, tropical garden-inspired lounge, dining and entertainment areas at their backs called Eden that are like nothing else you will find at sea.

Soaring three decks high and lined with glass walls, the Eden venue on each of the ships comes alive at night with a bar that serves up unusual concoctions. It also offers a place to relax or grab a quick bite during the day in a garden-like setting with stunning views of the ocean. The famed Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola helped create Eden's look.

Such multi-use venues are a big thing for Celebrity. On Celebrity's Solstice Class ships, you'll find 200-seat venues called Celebrity Central. The space can be configured for everything from late-night comedy shows and movie showings to cooking demonstrations and trivia contests. The venues are also used for lectures by guest speakers.

The Celebrity Central venues on Solstice Class ships are in "entertainment courts" that are also home to nightclubs called Quasar. The retro-chic hot spots draw a late-night crowd that comes to dance to tunes spun by resident DJs. On some nights, the venue morphs into a "silent disco" where passengers wear headphones to sway to piped-in music.

Celebrity ships are also known for their martini bars, each called — simply enough — the Martini Bar. Another standout feature of Celebrity ship interiors is a wine-focused venue called Cellar Masters that stocks more than 400 wines for tastings. A particularly cool feature of the Cellar Masters venues is that they have self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers. Just swipe your card and you can get a sampler of wine in varying sizes.

Every Celebrity ship also has a casino and spas are big on Celebrity ships. Very big.

The spas on Celebrity's new Edge Class vessels offer nearly two dozen treatment rooms, an extensive beauty salon and a thermal suite with heated stone beds, a Turkish-style steam bath, an infrared sauna and a meditation aromatherapy room.

The spas on the Edge Class ships are also known for some of the most wide-ranging treatments found on any cruise ship. Celebrity Edge was the first cruise vessel in the world to offer a collection of advanced treatment tables that included the MLX Quartz, the Spa Wave MLW Amphibia and the WellMassage4D (if you're a spa aficionado, you'll know what these are). The WellMassage4D, notably, allows for a "zero gravity" immersion massage.

In all, the Edge Class spas offer more than 120 different treatments, including acupuncture and salt stone therapy.

Deck-top attractions

The top decks of Celebrity ships are notable for what they don't have: There are no pedal-powered sky rides or ropes courses like you'll find on Carnival ships or the go-kart tracks that top some Norwegian vessels. There are no surfing simulators, sky diving simulators, rock climbing walls or zip lines of the sort found on Royal Caribbean vessels.

While Celebrity operates relatively big ships, it has eschewed the "amusement park arms race" that has been taking place between many of the lines operating big, resort-like ships.

Instead, Celebrity has gone for a much more serene feel with its top decks. For starters, they're covered with a lot of relaxing (and usually very stylish) pool and lounge zones. They also feature some of the most unusual relaxation zones you'll find anywhere at sea.

Each of the Solstice Class vessels, for instance, is home to what just may be the most innovative deck-top feature ever conceived: a half-acre "Lawn Club" area with real grass.

Marvels of cruise ship engineering, Lawn Clubs are maintained by full-time greenskeepers who oversee a complex filter and irrigation system to keep the grass looking shipshape. With Adirondack chairs, hammocks and lawn games such as bocce and croquet, these Lawn Club areas offer a quiet, park-like respite from the activity in other parts of the ships.

If you want, you can walk across the Lawn Clubs barefoot.

Among other unusual deck-top features, some of the Solstice Class ships also have a glass-making pavilion next to the Lawn Clubs that is home to glass-making classes.

Another innovative feature found atop Celebrity ships is the giant orange platforms the size of tennis courts that hang over the side of the three Edge Class vessels.

We should say that these platforms, called Magic Carpets, are at the top of the Edge Class ships "at times." That's because they're designed to move up and down the side of the ship to serve multiple functions ranging from a bar and 90-seat restaurant to a tender boat boarding area. Sometimes they're at the top deck of the vessels. Sometimes they're halfway down the side of the ship or near the waterline. You just never know where you'll find them.

The top decks of each of the Edge Class ships also have a plant-filled "playscape" called the Rooftop Garden with an outdoor eatery called the Rooftop Garden Grill. Inspired by childhood playgrounds, they're designed to "awaken the inner child in everyone," the line has said.

Children's programs

While it doesn't draw as many families with young children as Royal Caribbean or Carnival, Celebrity offers an extensive children's program on ships that gets high marks from parents.

Dubbed Camp at Sea, the program brings free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3-12 in dedicated spaces on board Celebrity vessels.

Celebrity splits children in the program into three age groups: Shipmates (ages 3-5 years), Cadets (ages 6-9 years) and Captains (ages 10-12 years). Each group has its own age-appropriate activities, ranging from art time and song singing for Shipmates to scavenger hunts and pizza making for Captains. The activities can vary from day today and cruise to cruise. Celebrity likes to say it has no set agenda for camp activities and changes things up regularly based on the interests of the particular kids in the program on each cruise.

Camp at Sea counselors welcome parents with toddlers to visit for playtime during special Toddler Time hours. However, parents of toddlers can't leave them at the program unattended. Toddler Time activities include playtime with toys and mingling with other children.

Celebrity ships also offer activities for teens (ages 13-17) at dedicated Teen Clubs. Teens can hang out at the clubs with other children their own age and also take part in organized teen sports competitions, silent disco parties, culinary classes and Xbox tournaments.

While the free programming for children ages 3-12 ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at shipboard Camp at Sea centers past 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. for a supervised "slumber party." This is essentially a group kid-sitting service. It currently costs $6 per hour per child.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

A passport is required for all international itineraries. If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for many sailings out of U.S. ports (including sailings to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Hawaii and Mexico, and most sailings to the Caribbean). Instead, you can travel with an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Gratuities for room stewards and restaurant servers are now included in the line's new Always Included fare structure, as are most gratuities for bar bills. A 20% gratuity will be added when a passenger orders a drink that's not included in the line's Always Included fare structure, as well as for minibar purchases, and spa and salon services.

Celebrity has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems with land-like speeds across its fleet in recent years, such that you now can stream video on most ships. The line's new Always Included fare structure has access to a basic internet plan called Surf for no extra charge. It will let you surf the web, send messages and use social media apps (but not stream video). A much faster option called Xcelerate that allows for video streaming and video chats is available for an extra charge. The current rate is $35 per day.

Carry-on drinks policy

Celebrity allows you to bring two bottles of wine per cabin onto ships at boarding at no charge (for consuming in your room; you'll be charged a $15 corkage fee if you want to bring it to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink).

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including the use of electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be charged a $250 fine per occurrence.

Unlike some lines , Celebrity does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships. Vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on all Celebrity ships is U.S. dollars, no matter where they are in the world. All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Celebrity sailings from North American ports. The drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is 18.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, most nights are designated as "smart casual" nights, which means that — in restaurants and the theater, at least — a T-shirt and shorts won't do. But to Celebrity, smart casual doesn't mean anything fancier than pants or jeans with a short-sleeve sport shirt for men, and a skirt, pants or jeans with a casual top for women.

Two nights a week on seven-night sailings, Celebrity upgrades the dress code to "evening chic," which is a new take on the old cruise ship formal night that is a lot less formal. The line says women should feel comfortable wearing a cocktail dress, or a skirt, pants or designer jeans with an elegant top. For men, evening chic nights could mean pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater. A sport coat or blazer is optional.

Celebrity Cruises' loyalty program

Celebrity has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the Captain's Club, that has six tiers, ranging from Preview (at 0 points) to Zenith (3,000 points or more).

The number of Captain's Club points you earn for cruises will vary depending on both the length of the sailings and the type of cabin you book.

When staying in the most basic cabins, such as windowless "inside" cabins, you'll earn 2 points for each day you sail. When staying in a top suite, you can earn as many as 18 to 24 points per day.

Staying in balcony cabins, which the line calls Veranda cabins, will get you 3 points a day.

There's also one more way to earn Captain's Club points. In 2020, Celebrity launched a new program called Power Up Points that let Captain's Club members get bonus points by filling out online surveys, participating on social media or booking specific promotions.

Taking part in such activities will get you Power Up Points, which then can be converted into Captain's Club points at a ratio of 10 to 1. That is, for every 10 Power Up Points you get, you'll get 1 additional Captain's Club point.

As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll get things like access to a loyalty desk (at the Preview tier) or an invite to a private party (at the Classic tier). But higher levels of the program start to be enticing.

The third-to-highest tier, Elite, brings such perks as access to the Captain's Club Coffee Lounge, where you can enjoy a coffeehouse-style breakfast each morning, and a complimentary bag of laundry on every sailing.

Elite Plus kicks things up by offering additional discounts for onboard services (including a 15% discount on specialty dining cover charges); and free cappuccinos, lattes, espresso and tea throughout your sailing.

But the ultimate perk for Captain's Club members comes when you reach the top Zenith tier. You'll get a free seven-night Bermuda or Caribbean cruise in a balcony cabin. Yep, that's right: a free cruise.

Related: The ultimate guide to Celebrity's Captain's Club loyalty program

Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. But it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

Indeed, a Celebrity passenger staying in suites on relatively long sailings could hit the Elite level in just a few cruises.

How much does a Celebrity cruise cost?

Celebrity ships are very reasonably priced. They're not the least expensive vessels out there, but they're not pricey by any means. It's possible to find a week-long Celebrity voyage to the Caribbean or even Europe starting under $1,000 per person, not including taxes and fees — at least in the offseason. For 2022, some week-long Alaska sailings were selling for under $500 per person.

As of the date of this story's posting, for instance, seven-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean in August were starting at just $899 per person, not including taxes and fees of $192.78. That works out to just $156 per night, per person with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

For such a rate, you'll get a windowless "inside" cabin on a ship. Cabins with ocean views on the same sailings start at $999 per person, and cabins with balconies on the same sailings will set you back at least $1,249 per person. But that's still not all that much for a cruise.

As you might expect, pricing for ships generally will be lower during offseason periods such as September, October, November (not including Thanksgiving week) and parts of December. You can end up paying considerably more for a cabin during peak summer months or over the winter holidays.

The timing of when you book also can matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also will give you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Celebrity ship, you'll pay extra for some things — but not as many things as you might think. As part of Celebrity's new Always Included fare structure , you'll get unlimited drinks (cocktails, wines by the glass, beer and sodas), unlimited Wi-Fi and daily gratuities included as part of the base fare. You'll pay extra for some premium drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance. Most onboard activities such as theater shows are included in the fare.

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to CelebrityCruises.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They also can help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Celebrity is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all of the many cabin categories on its ships and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see them firsthand.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 points per dollar on dining.

Bottom line

Operating relatively big but not giant vessels, Celebrity offers an elegant, stylish product at a not-too-crazy-high price. While it often markets itself as a "luxury" product, that's not really the case. It's a mass-market line with aspirations of being something more. However, it stands out among the mass-market lines for many of its upscale touches, from the many spacious suites on its ships and its impressive shipboard spas to its new, more all-inclusive fare structure.

If you're looking for a relatively big ship with lots of amenities that will offer a taste of the all-inclusive and upscale experience of a luxury line (without paying the sky-high fares of a luxury line), it's a fine choice. Just don't expect the sort of service levels that are found on true luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• 15 ways cruisers waste money
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What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Here’s what you need to know about every Celebrity Cruises ship.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is among our readers' favorite mega-ship ocean lines — coming in at No. 1 in 2022 and No. 2 in 2023 as part of our World's Best Awards (WBA) — and it's easy to see why. This WBA Hall of Fame honoree truly shines with its sophisticated, tasteful decor and sleek onboard spaces, including swanky lounges, dazzling bars, gourmet specialty restaurants, and contemporary suites. Almost all Celebrity ships, except the three Xpedition-class vessels, offer standard amenities like casinos, retail shops, spas, and Broadway-level shows and entertainment. There's also the adults-only Solarium and The Retreat, the latter of which is reserved exclusively for suite guests. Paul Brady , Travel + Leisure ’s news director and cruise expert, told us, “Because its ships offer so much to do, Celebrity is a fantastic choice for families, who can choose from a huge array of well-designed staterooms and suites. Groups of friends, too, will find much to like, thanks to the brand's fantastic dining (and drinking) options.”

Meet the Expert

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on all things cruise.

Kari Becker is a travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels.

With a fleet of 16 ships, it can be tricky to determine which Celebrity ship is best suited for your specific needs.Travel advisor Kari Becker of Marvelous Mouse Travels explains, "Whatever your taste, there is a perfect Celebrity cruise to meet your needs." She continues, telling T+L, "There are three main classes: the Edge, Solstice, and Millennium classes, all with unique features, benefits, and advantages." The Millennium-class ships are smaller which, per Becker, may "offer a more personalized experience." Solstice is the largest class of Celebrity's fleet, says Becker. "When designed, these ships focused on innovation, with unique spaces including a real grass lawn, and unique onboard experiences, such as glass-making classes." Last but not least is Celebrity's Edge class. Per the pro, the ships in the line's newest class are "the largest of the fleet, offering more space for additional experiences and restaurants, including a massive pool deck, floating platform at sea (aptly called the Magic Carpet), and Rooftop Garden." All in all, she says, "The Edge series is for guests looking for transformative cruising and splendor with countless gourmet restaurants and immersive entertainment." 

Ahead, we’ve listed every Celebrity ship currently in service — complete with their notable amenities, launch year, guest capacity, and other need-to-know insights — to help you determine which vessel is best for your next voyage.

Celebrity Ascent

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Edge 

Ship Capacity: 3,260 passengers

Celebrity’s newest ship is also its flashiest — in the best way possible. The Celebrity Ascent offers an expanded Retreat area (exclusive to suite guests), complete with a 40-percent-larger two-story sundeck, and the swanky Sunset Bar, which is 180 percent larger. Beyond The Retreat, there are 32 bars, restaurants, and lounges, a lush Rooftop Garden, an adults-only Solarium, the three-level Eden restaurant and entertainment venue, and the Magic Carpet, a floating platform that reaches 13 stories above sea level. Finally, stay in one of the Iconic Suites, the largest in the Celebrity fleet, for the ultimate splurge. 

Celebrity Beyond

Inaugural Year: 2022

Celebrity Beyond is nearly identical to Celebrity Ascent . Both Edge-class sister ships have the same spectacular amenities and features, including a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center that’s sure to impress wellness-seekers, who will also be happy in one of the AquaClass Sky Suites, which offer in-room yoga mats and fitness equipment. It’s also worth noting that these suite guests also enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite and a dedicated spa concierge. Don’t miss the adults-only Solarium, the Rooftop Garden, the aforementioned Eden, or the Magic Carpet, which offers the best views at sea.

Paul Brady was onboard the Beyond in October 2022. “My stateroom, 9164, was a Sky Suite, with a king bed facing a private terrace and a clever roll-open mirror that let natural light into the spacious bathroom. Dining at the Daniel Boulud restaurant Le Voyage was one highlight — with seven courses — but so too were casual cocktails at Sunset Bar, with its touch of Moroccan design influence courtesy of Nate Berkus, who dreamed up the multi-level lounge,” said Brady of his experience.  

Celebrity Apex

Inaugural Year: 2020

Ship Capacity: 2,910 passengers

The second Edge-class ship, Celebrity Apex , made its grand debut in 2020. It boasts an abundance of stylish onboard spaces, including the Rooftop Garden and the adults-only Solarium. Access to the exclusive Retreat area is reason alone to book one of the contemporary suites. Other highlights include the dazzling three-story Grand Plaza, where you’ll find the aptly named Martini Bar, one of 29 bars, lounges, and restaurants aboard Apex , along with the orange-hued Magic Carpet, which offers live music and a full bar 13 feet above sea level.  

“I was fortunate to snag one of just a handful of Royal Suites on the ship, 12105, which had the look of a chic coastal Florida cottage, elevated with pops of bright green, geometric tiling, and contemporary art on the walls. The bathroom, with a deep soaking tub and spacious shower, rivaled any I’ve seen at land-based resorts,” said Brady of his November 2021 sailing. “Same with the Grand Plaza at the heart of the ship, a gathering place with a hotel lobby vibe in the best possible sense — and a glitzy Martini Bar.”

Read More : 9 Best Cruises for Couples

Celebrity Flora

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Xpedition 

Ship Capacity: 100 passengers

Cruise the Galapagos in style aboard Celebrity Flora , which made its maiden voyage in 2019. The vessel was designed with sustainability in mind: It's built with natural materials and features anchorless technology to protect the seabed. Certified naturalists from Galapagos National Park are on board to help guests gain a better understanding of the region for an educational trip. The ship also offers a once-in-a-lifetime glamping experience, which includes dinner and drinks, a naturalist-guided stargazing session, accommodations in a cabana-turned-double bed, and a private breakfast. Plus, with its all-suite accommodations, the small ship has a mega-yacht feel.

Celebrity Edge

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 2,918 passengers

This sophisticated ship — the first in Celebrity’s Edge class — changed the game following its 2018 debut. What’s more, Edge was the very first Celebrity ship to feature the Magic Carpet, the multifunctional Eden, and the Infinite Veranda Staterooms, which, with the touch of a button, transform your living space into your very own private balcony.

Related: 10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts

Celebrity Reflection

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Solstice 

Ship Capacity: 3,046 passengers

The fifth, final, and largest Solstice-class cruise ship, Celebrity Reflection , will impress even the pickiest of travelers with its onboard activities, amenities, and spaces, including a total of 22 bars, restaurants, and lounges. In addition to The Retreat (reserved exclusively for suite guests) and The Solarium (adults-only), Reflection — along with all Solstice-class ships — boasts the Lawn Club. Located on the top deck of the ship, this chic outdoor space (which is outfitted with real grass, no less), is perfect for sipping cocktails, enjoying a leisurely lunch, listening to live music, lounging in a cabana, or playing a game of bocce or croquet. The adults-only Persian Garden area at the spa is a favorite amongst wellness enthusiasts.

Celebrity Silhouette

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 2,902 passengers

Celebrity Silhouette is elegant in every sense, from the aptly named Grand Foyer — with its marvelous marble floors, extravagant staircase (which is prime for photo opportunities), and the first panoramic oceanview glass elevators at sea — to stylish lounges like The Hideaway or the natural light-filled Sky Lounge. While suite guests gain exclusive access to The Retreat, anyone can relax in one of the swanky pool areas or the laid-back Lawn Club. Then, when hunger — or thirst — calls, passengers can take their pick of over 20 food and drink options.

Celebrity Eclipse

Inaugural Year: 2010

Ship Capacity: 2,852 passengers

An impressive modern art collection, an expansive spa, a half-acre lawn, and top-notch dining: Find all this and more aboard Celebrity Eclipse , which debuted in 2010. This Solstice-class vessel also boasts an onboard nightclub, popular among party-centric travelers, a striking Grand Foyer, and, last but not least, the Solstice Club. Located at the highest point of the ship, the Solstice Club is a haven for R&R with its canopy lounge beds — and it’s also a popular spot for morning yoga or evening stargazing sessions.

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Celebrity Equinox

Inaugural Year: 2009

Refurbished in 2019, Celebrity Equinox exudes cool. On board this stylish ship, guests can sip cocktails in style at one of several hip bars, including the Martini Bar and Slush, enjoy a picnic lunch or practice their golf swing at the half-acre Lawn Club, or soak up the sun at the adults-only Solarium or the plush lounge-lined pool area. Finally, guests should consider booking a suite to access Luminae, a swanky restaurant that serves decadent dishes designed by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud.

Celebrity Solstice

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Capacity:  2,852 passengers

The first ship in Celebrity’s Solstice class currently cruises Alaska and the Pacific Coast in style. Here, you’ll find the lush Lawn Club, the adults-only Persian Garden thermal suite, and the glam Grand Foyer. Additional highlights include the Solstice Deck, an onboard nightclub, and a slew of bars and lounges, including the wine-centric Cellar Masters, where oenophiles can learn about – and taste — a wide variety of vinos from across the globe. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Hot Glass Class, featuring professional-led glass-blowing demos.

Read More : 10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Celebrity Xploration

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Xpedition

Ship Capacity: 16 passengers

With a passenger capacity of just 16, the Xploration is Celebrity’s smallest ship. As such, cruisers can expect an intimate onboard ambiance. When not out and about exploring the Galapagos, guests can hang in the lounge, relax in their suite (some with private balconies), and soak up some rays — or stargaze — on the hot tub-equipped sundeck.

Celebrity Constellation

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Class: Millennium 

Ship Capacity: 2,184 passengers

This 22-year-old Celebrity ship offers a more refined, subdued atmosphere compared to the line’s newer ships, which boast flashier features like the Magic Carpet. The Rooftop Terrace area serves as a restaurant, bar, and outdoor movie theater, complete with cozy furnishings coupled with mouthwatering bites and sips. Meanwhile, the adults-only Persian Garden area in the spa is ideal for wellness-seeking cruisers.

Celebrity Summit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,218 passengers

Celebrity Summit, which cruises Alaska and the Caribbean, technically dates back to 2001; however, in 2019, it received a $75-million refurbishment to bring it a little more in line with Celebrity’s newest ships, including 2018’s Celebrity Edge . Expect stylish spaces galore, including the Sunset and Martini bars, plus a sleek Rooftop Terrace where cruisers can catch outdoor flicks while basking in the ocean views.

Read More : 25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation

Celebrity Xpedition

Ship Class: Xpedition  

Ship Capacity: 48 passengers

Last refurbished in 2018, Celebrity Xpedition was purposely built to cruise the Galapagos. The immersive onboard experience includes nightly lectures by certified naturalists from Galapagos National Park, who will be on board the entire sailing. Enjoy postcard-worthy views from the Panorama Deck, or take a dip in the hot tub on the Sunrise Deck. Passengers can choose from a handful of elegant rooms and suites; however, those who want their own balcony will need to spring on the latter.

Celebrity Infinity

Inaugural Year: 2000

Ship Capacity: 2,170 passengers

Celebrity Infinity is a favorite among laid-back cruisers — primarily couples and adult friend groups. Popular onboard hangout spots include the adults-only Solarium, the buzzy Rooftop Terrace, and, for suite guests, The Retreat. The ship also has a handful of specialty dining restaurants (in addition to complimentary ones, of course). Le Petit Chef is well worth the added fee thanks to a combination of gourmet eats and exhilarating entertainment complete with tabletop animations.

Read More : 10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

Celebrity Millennium

Inaugural Year: 1999

Ship Class: Millennium  

Don’t sleep on Celebrity’s oldest ship, which includes a handful of fan-favorite amenities and spaces such as The Retreat, the Solarium, the Rooftop Terrace, and the Grand Foyer. Last refurbished in 2019, Millennium now features a more contemporary design aesthetic, similar to what you’d find on the newer ships. There are also more than 15 bars and restaurants on board.

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Hard Rock International, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises Team up with New Loyalty Partnership — How to Take Advantage

Members of each company’s loyalty program will now receive reciprocal benefits on a hotel stay or cruise.

It’s about to get easier for frequent travelers to ball out on a cruise or a high-end casino vacation thanks to a new partnership between Hard Rock International and both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Members of each company’s loyalty program will now receive reciprocal benefits on a hotel stay or cruise, according to the hotel group . Benefits include discounts on sailings, perks during a hotel stay, and more.

“This partnership expands the ways our guests can enjoy their vacations and experience entertainment, dining and gaming from ship to shore,” Jesse Hopfinger, the senior vice president, onboard revenue for Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement. 

Through the agreement, travelers who are members of Hard Rock’s Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program will receive discounts on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings and can qualify for invite-only cruise giveaways . The company said top-tier loyalty members also receive an annual complimentary cruise.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale program and Celebrity’s Blue Chip Club program will similarly receive discounts on hotel stays. Premium tier members will also receive an annual complimentary trip at select Hard Rock hotels and casinos.

"Whether extending their cruise vacation at one of our port-adjacent properties, visiting one of the participating Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe locations worldwide or enjoying the cruise lines' ships sailing around the world, travelers will have new ways to enjoy the best of what Hard Rock, Seminole Casinos and Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have to offer,” Jeff Hook, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services, said in the statement.

Overall, travel rewards programs offer a great opportunity for frequent travelers to save on a trip and access exclusive perks along the way from upgrades on airlines to late check-out at hotels, and more.

The decision to partner with Hard Rock comes as Royal Caribbean continues to upgrade its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with overwater cabanas and a new adults-only beach club . Last week, the private island welcomed guests from Celebrity Cruises for the first time.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

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Disembarkation: Everything You Need to Know

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: April 27th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Make the most of the day in your disembarkation port, which will run all the more smoothly with a little preparation and planning.

Disembarking a cruise ship is not the same as checking out of a hotel on your last day. Disembarkation day is a carefully choreographed event. It has to be, with sometimes 2,000 guests or more and their luggage to move from the ship to the cruise terminal and beyond in a short time.

Your Celebrity Cruises crew are highly experienced in this logistical exercise, though, and will do all they can to make that bittersweet goodbye as easy as possible.

What is a disembarkation port?

A disembarkation port is a port where a cruise ends. Most passengers will leave the ship here, apart from those who have booked back-to-back cruises.

The ship will then be “turned around”—cleaned top to bottom, refueled, and re-provisioned with everything that’s needed for the next voyage.

Once all the disembarking guests have left, after a brief lull, new arrivals will begin to check in, ready for the next cruise.

Typical disembarkation ports tend to be gateway cities with good air and road access, like Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida; Cape Liberty, New Jersey; and San Juan, Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.

In Europe , disembarkation ports include Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Southampton, England. Sydney, Australia and Singapore are two of Celebrity’s disembarkation ports in the Asia-Pacific region.

What happens on disembarkation day?

Disembarkation day is a busy day on a cruise ship. You’ll be invited to put your luggage outside your stateroom the night before. It will be collected by the crew overnight and will be waiting for you in the terminal when you leave the ship.

You’ll make sure your final bill is settled the day before, pack your carry-on luggage, and have breakfast. When your pre-allocated disembarkation time comes, make your way to the gangway.

You will then identify and claim your luggage in the terminal, clear customs, and take whatever onward transportation you’ve arranged.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Embarkation Day

How will I know on board what to expect on disembarkation day?

Towards the end of your cruise, there will be a talk on disembarkation procedures. This will be shown on your stateroom TV, too, in case you miss it. You’ll also find details in the daily program.

You will already have been asked about your arrangements on disembarkation day. These might include a transfer to the airport arranged by Celebrity Cruises, or a shore excursion that ends at the airport.

You may have made independent plans, in which case you will need to add your flight details to the form you’ll be given, or the time your private pickup is booked.

A day or so before the voyage ends, your stateroom attendant will deliver a disembarkation letter and a set of colored luggage tags. The letter will tell you what time you are due to disembark. On the day, you will be called by group number or color code. You should stick to these staggered times to avoid congestion at the gangway.

If you’re not happy with the time you have been allocated, take it up with Guest Services as soon as possible rather than waiting until disembarkation day.

Do I have to put my luggage out for collection the night before disembarkation?

The vast majority of cruisers put their luggage outside their stateroom door, color-tagged and locked, the night before disembarkation. It’s more convenient and practical, as dragging heavy bags into crowded elevators and down a sometimes steep gangway is no fun for anybody.

But if you feel strongly about hanging onto your bag, or are perhaps traveling light with only a small wheelie on a short cruise, you can opt for “self disembarkation”. This usually means you can leave the ship as soon as disembarkation has begun.

How long can you stay on the ship on disembarkation day?

Disembarkation day isn’t a time to linger on board as the crew has to work hard to prepare the ship for the next voyage. Normally, there’s a window between around 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for disembarkation. If your flight isn’t until much later, you will be given a later slot in this window, but this isn’t a day to expect to sleep in.

If you’ve booked a back-to-back cruise, you can relax on board during disembarkation day, or join a shore excursion while the new guests are checking in.

You will normally be asked to vacate your stateroom by 8 a.m. so the stateroom attendant can prepare it for the next guest. If your allocated disembarkation time is later than this, there will be public areas on the ship where you can relax with your carry-on before you leave.

Read: The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

How early can you get off?

A ship will usually only have a short distance to travel from its penultimate port to the disembarkation port to account for any delays or weather issues; no cruise line wants to arrive late on turnaround day. So you may find you’re docked alongside very early in the morning.

But the ship has to be cleared by the local authorities before anybody can leave. Luggage has to be offloaded, too.

When you book your cruise, you will be told about the earliest reasonable flight departure time to choose. A very early morning flight, for example, is usually impractical. If you do have a relatively early flight, this will be factored in when disembarkation groups are allocated.

Disembarkation times vary from port to port, but it is unusual for the process to begin any earlier than 7 a.m.

Is there time for breakfast?

Of course! You are still on vacation and will never be sent away hungry. Most of the usual breakfast venues will be open, including Café al Bacio for coffee to go.

Restaurants may be busier than usual as everybody is preparing to leave within the same short timespan, and some people may have already left their staterooms and will be carrying their hand baggage with them.

Read: What Is Food on a Cruise Really Like?

What documents do I need for disembarkation and customs?

You will need your passport and receipts for any duty-free goods you have bought, in case you get stopped at customs. Normally, the ship will have been cleared by the local immigration authorities, but you may still be required to show a passport to officials when you disembark.

If you have already checked in for your flight and feel happier with a paper boarding pass, you can print this out in the ship’s internet center. If you’ve parked your car at the port, make sure you have the receipt and know where it is.

You will also need your SeaPass key card to leave the ship for one last time.

How long does it take to get off a cruise ship?

If everybody follows the instructions they have been given and shows up at the gangway when invited, getting off a ship is quick and easy. You should be able to disembark in 15 to 30 minutes, including collecting your baggage in the terminal.

There can be delays, though, and the ship is at the whim of the local immigration authorities. This is another compelling reason for leaving plenty of time between your scheduled disembarkation time and your flight home.

If you have booked an airport transfer or a disembarkation day tour with Celebrity, your transportation will wait until everybody is present.

How do I choose the right disembarkation port for my cruise?

First, to be clear, you can’t choose where to disembark your cruise. Unless there is some kind of personal emergency or you have booked two back-to-back cruises, everybody disembarks on the same day in the same port.

It’s worth thinking about where your cruise ends, though, and what you might want to do to extend your vacation. If, for example, you’ve always wanted to see Athens and you’ve booked a cruise that ends in the Greek capital, you’re not going to actually see Athens unless you extend your stay there. The transfer from the port to the airport will not take you through the city center.

The same applies to Rome and Barcelona . So by all means pick a disembarkation port that you want to see, but bear in mind that unless the ship arrives there the day before the end of the cruise, you will need to add on a night somewhere, or book an evening flight and plan your day carefully.

Can I arrange transportation from the disembarkation port to the airport or other destinations?

Yes, of course. Celebrity Cruises offers airport transfers, which can be pre-booked, either as a group transfer by coach or a private car or van. If you haven’t pre-booked and decide that you would like an airport transfer, this can be done on board through your Guest Account or the Celebrity Cruises app up to five days before the end of the cruise.

In the vast majority of disembarkation ports, taxis will wait to pick up independent travelers. But do your research first; in some instances, the airport is a long way from the seaport. If you disembark in Southampton, England , for example, the drive to London Heathrow Airport is at least one hour and a taxi will be expensive.

What happens if my flight is in the evening?

An evening flight means you have the whole day to enjoy your disembarkation port. But this needs to be planned, as you will most likely have luggage. There’s no fun in going straight to the airport and sitting there for eight hours or so—and your flight check-in will not be open, in any case.

There are various ways to make the most of your time in your disembarkation port. You could go to the airport and deposit your bags in a left luggage locker and then take off for a day in town. This is only practical if the airport is not too far from where you want to go, though.

Booking a day room in a hotel is an option and also means you can freshen up before your evening flight. Be sure to book somewhere that will allow early check-in.

Celebrity Cruises offers tours with airport and sometimes rail station and downtown hotel drop-offs in most ports. In Sydney , for example, you could join a city tour taking in the Opera House and Bondi Beach before being dropped off at the airport.

From Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, Italy , there’s the option of joining a wine-tasting tour in the Italian countryside before heading to the airport.

If your Alaska cruise ends in Vancouver , you could take a trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, deep in the forest, that ends with an airport drop-off.

Best of all, you could extend your stay. Celebrity Cruises offers a comprehensive City Stays program , which means everything will be organized for you.

In Alaska , you could pre-book a Cruisetour to extend your vacation, heading off to the wilds of Denali National Park to see a different face of the 49th state.

What are some things not to do on disembarkation day?

• Don’t pack all your clothes in your suitcase and leave it for collection the night before. Nobody wants to be disembarking in their PJs.
• Similarly, don’t pack your travel documents in your checked luggage. Keep them with you as you may need to show your passport in the customs hall.
• Don’t party too hard on your last night; while it’s tempting, disembarkation day is busy and comes with an early start, so a clear head helps.
• Don’t forget the valuables that you put in the safe on the first day.
• Don’t wait until disembarkation morning to check your final bill. If you need to ask questions about your account, this will delay your disembarkation. You can view your statement on your stateroom TV.
• Do not expect to use the ship’s facilities on disembarkation day; this is not the time for a last swim or a workout, and the onboard shops will be closed when the ship is in port.
• Don’t leave your key card in your stateroom. You will need it to leave the ship for the last time.
• Leave the bathrobe. The slippers are yours to take, but if you walk off with a bathrobe, the cost will be added to your account, even after you have left the ship.

Read: Things Not to Do on a Cruise

Ready to plan your next cruise vacation? Browse our itineraries and plan your dream escape.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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Caribbean cruise line reroutes ships, cancels stop at island port due to violence, turmoil

• Updated: Apr. 30, 2024, 3:16 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 12:11 p.m.

Royal Caribbean International has canceled stops at its private beach in Haiti through September as a result of the violence plaguing the island nation, a private fan blog, citing messages to travelers, reports. AP

• Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean has canceled stops at its private port of Labadee through the summer because of simmering violence in Haiti.

In March, the cruise line canceled stops at the private beach area through May, but this week Royal Caribbean reworked cruise schedules through the summer and into September, a post on the Royal Caribbean Blog said.

“Guests booked on cruises in the summer and early fall are getting notifications from Royal Caribbean that their visits to Labadee have been canceled,” the blog said. “On Tuesday (April 23), cruisers began to share updates they received from Royal Caribbean that their itineraries have been updated to drop Labadee and replace it with another port or a sea day.”

Labadee is a beach area on a peninsula in northern Haiti near Cap-Haitien used exclusively by Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has its own security force at the site, which is walled off from the rest of the country.

The 260-acre site has been leased by Royal Caribbean since the 1980s. It is about a six-hour drive from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and thus far has not seen any incidents of violence, the blog said.

More than 2,500 people were killed or injured in gang violence from January to March across Haiti, a more than 50% increase from the same period last year, according to a report Friday by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. The vast majority of violence is in Port-au-Prince .

Cap-Haitien, Haiti’s former capital, has been spared much of the violence and is going through a bit of a resurgence, The Associated Press said . Business owners, anxious parents and even historic state ceremonies have been relocating there, and that began even before gangs started attacking key government infrastructure in Port-au-Prince in late February.

Royal Caribbean International had no formal announcements of the changes posted to its website. Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial site for fans of the cruise line and is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.

But it cited chatter and messages from cruise ticket holders about changes to their itinerary that showed stops at Labadee were being canceled and replaced with either an extra day of cruising at sea or stops in alternate ports.

A notice from the cruise line, reposted on the blog, informed guests about the change in travel plans, without explicitly mentioning the violence.

“Due to the continuing situation in Haiti, we’ll now visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead of Labadee, Haiti,” the notice reads. “We’re sorry for the change – your safety is our top priority. Nevertheless, we’re excited to visit a new port with you!”

Grand Turk is the capital island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago north of Haiti.

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