02 · Editorial Guide
title: "Celebrity Cruises — Premium Without the Luxury Price"
description: "Celebrity sits between mass-market and ultra-luxury, with a strong Canadian following for Alaska and Mediterranean sailings. Here is who it suits."
updated: "2026-10-21"
Celebrity Cruises is the premium end of Royal Caribbean Group — a step above mainstream in cabin size, dining and spa, without the price tag of true luxury lines like Silversea or Regent. The brand targets adult couples and multigenerational families looking for a quieter sailing experience than Royal Caribbean's party-at-sea Oasis fleet.
What makes Celebrity different
The modern Edge-class ships (Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent) introduced the Magic Carpet — a cantilevered platform that moves between decks for al fresco dining. Cabins run larger than peer-tier Princess or Holland America, standard. The onboard program leans toward wine, culinary classes, art lectures and spa — not kids' clubs or waterparks.
The included "Always Included" fare bundles classic drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities with the base rate. Pay the fare and you don't need to think about add-ons at sea — a Canadian-friendly structure since it eliminates the surprise CAD→USD exchange on daily on-board charges.
Who it suits
Great for: empty-nesters, 40+ couples, foodies, Canadians who want all-included pricing clarity, Alaska scenic cruisers who prioritize comfort over amenity count.
Less great for: families with young kids (no splash pads, limited kids' club), budget-focused cruisers (fare is 20-30% above mainstream), party cruisers wanting late-night action.
Fleet highlights
- Edge-class (Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, Xcel) — 2018-2025, the brand's current flagship line.
- Solstice-class (Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette, Reflection) — 2008-2012, slightly older but excellent.
- Millennium-class (Millennium, Infinity, Summit, Constellation) — oldest, most intimate scale.
Where it sails
Celebrity has strong Alaska coverage from Vancouver (May-September), year-round Caribbean, extensive Mediterranean (May-November), and a growing Galapagos expedition program on specialized small ships.
When to book
Celebrity's biggest sale windows are Black Friday in late November, Wave Season (January to March), and 90 Days Away flash sales. The "Always Included" promotion is typically bundled year-round; "All-Included Plus" (which adds Premium drinks and streaming Wi-Fi) runs seasonally and is usually the better value.
Related
- Royal Caribbean — Celebrity's larger sister brand.
- Alaska and Mediterranean — Celebrity's strongest regions.
- Luxury — tier above Celebrity if you want ultra-premium.
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