Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida, and owned by Royal Caribbean Group. Its product combines large-ship facilities with contemporary design, destination-led itineraries, an extensive food and drink programme and elevated suite accommodation through The Retreat.
The company operates a 15-ship ocean and Galápagos fleet visiting destinations on all seven continents. Its ships range from the 100-guest Celebrity Flora in the Galápagos Islands to the approximately 141,000gt Edge Series vessels. Celebrity is also expanding into European river cruising from August 2027.
History of Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group. The brand's first ship, Horizon, entered service in 1990, followed by Zenith in 1992. The company's original identity combined Greek maritime heritage with a premium North American cruise product.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. acquired Celebrity Cruises in 1997. Celebrity retained its own brand, ships and onboard identity while becoming part of the group now known as Royal Caribbean Group.
The Millennium Series arrived between 2000 and 2002, beginning with Celebrity Millennium. The five-ship Solstice Series followed between 2008 and 2012 and introduced features including the Lawn Club's real grass, a broader range of dining venues and a more contemporary resort-style design.
Celebrity Edge entered service in 2018 and began another major fleet expansion. The Edge Series introduced the outward-facing Magic Carpet platform, Infinite Veranda accommodation and expanded resort decks. Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Xcel subsequently joined the series.
Current Celebrity Cruises fleet
Celebrity Cruises currently operates 15 ships across four principal groups:
Edge Series
- Celebrity Edge — entered service in 2018 as the first ship in the series.
- Celebrity Apex — entered service in 2020 and is the sister ship of Celebrity Edge.
- Celebrity Beyond — entered service in 2022 with additional space and expanded dining and resort facilities.
- Celebrity Ascent — entered service in 2023 as the fourth Edge Series ship.
- Celebrity Xcel — entered service in 2025 and is the newest ship in Celebrity's ocean fleet.
Solstice Series
- Celebrity Solstice — entered service in 2008.
- Celebrity Equinox — entered service in 2009.
- Celebrity Eclipse — entered service in 2010.
- Celebrity Silhouette — entered service in 2011.
- Celebrity Reflection — entered service in 2012 as the fifth and largest member of the original series.
Millennium Series
- Celebrity Millennium — entered service in 2000 as the first ship in the class.
- Celebrity Infinity — entered service in 2001.
- Celebrity Summit — entered service in 2001.
- Celebrity Constellation — entered service in 2002.
Galápagos fleet
- Celebrity Flora — a purpose-built, all-suite expedition vessel carrying 100 guests. It entered service in 2019 and operates exclusively in the Galápagos Islands.
Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration formerly operated alongside Celebrity Flora in the Galápagos. They left the Celebrity fleet after their 2024 programmes, leaving Celebrity Flora as the company's current ship in the islands.
Destinations and itineraries
Celebrity Cruises visits nearly 300 destinations in more than 70 countries. Its deployment includes the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, Asia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii, South America, Antarctica-region itineraries and the Galápagos Islands.
European programmes use homeports including Southampton, Barcelona, Rome's port of Civitavecchia, Ravenna, Athens and other regional gateways. North American departures include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Cape Liberty, Boston, Seattle, Vancouver and Los Angeles, subject to the seasonal schedule.
Voyages range from short Caribbean cruises to longer repositioning journeys, destination-intensive regional programmes and extended sailings. Celebrity Solstice, for example, is scheduled to operate a 110-night Grand Voyage from Canada to Southeast Asia in 2026.
Onboard experience
Celebrity positions itself between mainstream and luxury cruising. Its ships provide multiple restaurants and bars, theatre entertainment, live music, pools, spas, fitness facilities, casinos, shops and adults-only Solarium spaces. The precise selection varies by ship and series.
Food and drink form a prominent part of the product, with a combination of included main dining and extra-cost speciality restaurants. Solstice Series ships are known for the Lawn Club, while Edge Series vessels use spaces designed to connect their interiors more directly with the sea and destinations.
Accommodation ranges from inside, ocean-view and veranda staterooms to suites. AquaClass accommodation includes spa-related benefits and access to the Blu restaurant, while Concierge Class adds selected services and amenities. Features and inclusions differ by vessel and fare.
The Retreat
The Retreat is Celebrity's suite-guest experience. Depending on the ship, it includes access to the Luminae restaurant, a private lounge and a Retreat Sundeck, alongside dedicated service and additional suite benefits. Not every Retreat facility is available in the same form across the entire fleet.
Edge Series ships offer a particularly wide range of suites, including two-level Edge Villas and large Iconic Suites positioned above the bridge. Celebrity markets The Retreat as a ship-within-a-ship experience while retaining access to the facilities of the wider vessel.
Galápagos expeditions
Celebrity Flora operates all-inclusive expedition journeys in the Galápagos Islands. The ship uses dynamic positioning to remain in place without dropping anchor, helping protect the seabed, and carries solar panels that supplement its electricity supply.
Certified naturalists from the Galápagos National Park accompany the programme. Daily activities can include guided walks, small-boat exploration and snorkelling, with routes and landing permissions governed by the Galápagos National Park.
Celebrity River Cruises
Celebrity River Cruises is scheduled to begin operating on the Danube and Rhine in August 2027. Its first ships are Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, with further vessels announced as the river fleet expands.
The river product is designed to bring elements of Celebrity's ocean experience to smaller European vessels. Published inclusions cover meals, drinks including selected alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, entertainment and one shore excursion per day. The ships are future vessels and are not included in Celebrity's present 15-ship operating fleet.
Ownership and leadership
Celebrity Cruises is one of Royal Caribbean Group's three wholly owned cruise brands, alongside Royal Caribbean International and Silversea. The group also holds a 50% interest in a joint venture operating TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Laura Hodges Bethge is president of Celebrity Cruises. She has held the position since 2023 and is responsible for the brand's global operation, commercial performance and continued fleet development.
Sources
- Celebrity Cruises: Current ships
- Celebrity Cruises: Official website and destinations
- Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Flora
- Lindblad Expeditions: Acquisition of the former Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration
- Celebrity River Cruises: 2027 river programme
- Royal Caribbean Group: Celebrity River Cruises fleet expansion
- Royal Caribbean Group: Laura Hodges Bethge
- Royal Caribbean Group: Company and brand information