Spotlight on Celebrity Cruises

Founded in 1989, award-winning Celebrity Cruises invites you to discover a redefined way of cruising. ‘Ocean Cruise Line of the Year,’ is just one of the many awards the cruise line has won for its commitment to excellence and boy, does that excellence shine through. From the revolutionary designs to the new standard of luxury, you’re bound to be impressed. In this Celebrity Cruises guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this innovative cruise line, from its humble beginnings to its impressive fleet of ships.

Since its inception in 1989, Celebrity Cruises has been setting industry standards. Today, the cruise line is known for its modern design, breathtaking destinations, culinary delights, luxurious accommodations and personalised service. Here’s a brief timeline of Celebrity Cruises’ history:

1989: Celebrity Cruises was founded by Greece-based Chandris Group.

1990: The first ship in the fleet, S.S. Meridian, was launched. The first Horizon Series ship, Celebrity Horizon, was introduced the same year followed by Celebrity Zenith in 1992.

1995: In 1995, Celebrity debuted their first Century Series ship, Celebrity Century. Two further ships joined this series in 1996 (Celebrity Galaxy) and 1997 (Celebrity Mercury). These vessels were sleeker, larger and more sophisticated than their predecessors.

1997: Royal Caribbean Group acquired Celebrity Cruises.

2000: In 2000, Celebrity took delivery of their first Millennium Series ship, Celebrity Millennium. Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Constellation soon followed.

2004: Celebrity Xpedition joined the fleet as a Galapagos-dedicated expedition vessel.

2008: Celebrity Cruises took its vision to the next level and its ships to another size with the introduction of Celebrity Solstice, the first ship in the Solstice Series.

2010: Celebrity Constellation was the first ship in the fleet to undergo a major refurbishment. Celebrity Infinity followed suit in 2011 as did Celebrity Summit in 2012 and Celebrity Millennium in 2012.

2015/2016:Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Millennium underwent further renovations adding the Rooftop Terrace, Sushi on Five and Tuscan Grille.

2018: Celebrity Cruises debuted Edge Series with the introduction of Celebrity Edge. Setting a new standard of luxury, Celebrity Edge brought with her a series of ‘firsts.’

2021: Celebrity Apex joined as Celebrity Edge’s sister.

Future:Celebrity Beyond, the next Edge Series ship will join the fleet in April 2022.

There are fourteen - soon to be fifteen - ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet. Distinguishable by series, each ship has been designed by the world’s most famous architects and interior designers. Edge Series, setting a new standard of luxury and innovation at sea, Solstice Series, which revolutionised the cruise experience and Millennium Series which consists of some of the most celebrated ships at sea.

Sister ship to Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex is the second ship to debut in Celebrity’s Edge Series. Catering to 2,900 passengers, Celebrity Apex boasts many at-sea firsts including Edge Staterooms with infinite balconies, twin-level Edge Villas with outdoor plunge pools, the floating Magic Carpet and two martini glass Jacuzzis.

Celebrity Eclipse has been dazzling her passengers ever since she joined the fleet in 2010. Like her Solstice Series sisters, she showcases spectacular vistas with 85% of all staterooms providing sweeping veranda views. This award-winning ship hosts an array of activities from the break of dawn - you’ll never be bored on Celebrity Eclipse.

The ship that changed it all, Celebrity Edge enables you to experience the world, connect with the sea and play, dine and unwind like never before. With wide-open spaces and staterooms that bring the outside in with fully retracting glass doors - the minute you set sail, you’ll feel completely connected to each destination you visit.

Since she joined the Celebrity Cruises fleet in 2011, Celebrity Silhouette has set herself apart. With a striking design and imaginative installations, she showcases spectacular public spaces and demonstrates innovation at its finest. Enrich your mind, learn something new and fully immerse yourself, all on Celebrity Silhouette.

The ship that inspired Celebrity Cruises Solstice Series, Celebrity Solstice is a ship of many firsts, putting the finishing touches in delivering the five-star Celebrity Cruise experience. Designed with a tasteful and contemporary style, you’ll feel lavished in luxury from the moment you step on board, receiving impeccable service always.

Celebrity Cruises is known for its incredible array of onboard amenities. Start your day by indulging your mind, body and spirit with state-of-the-art fitness facilities and a variety of spa amenities. Satisfy your cravings at the wide array of bars, clubs and lounges, and entertain yourself long into the night with Celebrity’s famous visionary performances and award-winning productions.

Popular amenities and facilities include:

• Eden:Celebrity Edge brought with her many mind-blowing venues, one of which was Eden, a transformative three-level area with an atmosphere that changes from chilled mornings to playful afternoons to sinful evenings.
• Le Petit Chef™: Once in a while, something comes along that reinvents dining and you just have to see it to believe it. Here, the tabletop comes to life in a fantastic fusion of entertainment and dining.
• Magic Carpet: The world’s first cantilevered floating platform, the Magic Carpet® offers impressive views as you soar over the open ocean.
• Martini Bar & Crush: Classic mixology meets modern taste at Martini Bar & Crush. Talented bartenders put on high-energy shows preparing an intriguing menu of classic and contemporary martinis.
• Michael’s Club: Michael’s Club is a private 24-hour lounge exclusive to The Retreat® guests. Featuring reading areas, stocked with magazines, newspapers and books, this is the perfect spot to unwind.
• Rooftop Garden: The Rooftop Garden is a living urban playscape inspired by childhood playgrounds, designed to awaken the inner-child in all of us.
• The Lawn Club: Featured on all Solstice Class ships, The Lawn Club is the perfect place to play outdoor games, catch a live jazz concert or just soak up the sun.

Sailing to over 300 destinations across 79 countries, Celebrity Cruises allow you to explore all seven continents. On a cruise to Alaska, you’ll have the opportunity to sail the Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau and Ketchikan. Sail on a Caribbean cruise and you’ll get to experience the clear blue sea of the Bahamas, the warm sand of Jamaica and the heart-pumping activities of Barbados. Whichever cruise destination you choose, Celebrity Cruises will take you on a perfect journey.

Celebrity Cruises’ service is unrivalled. For over 30 years, the cruise line has been providing award-winning hospitality - it’s what sets them apart. From their stateroom attendants attention to detail to their waiters’ uncanny ability to recall your favourite dessert, Celebrity’s service lets you focus on making the most of every moment. After all, “you’re not just sailing with our ships - you’re sailing with our service.”

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the words ‘Celebrity Cruises?’ It’s the food, right? Their menus are inspired by, and locally sourced from, the amazing regions they sail to. Choose casual or upscale, sushi or Italian, dining room or alfresco under the stars. With up to a dozen speciality restaurants, and an array of bars, lounges, and clubs, every experience takes you on a journey. And with Celebrity's Select Dining, when you dine, and with whom, is entirely up to you.

“One of the things that I most admire about Celebrity Cruises is how the company supports gender equality. Of the 1.2 million seafarers in the world, only 2% are women. However, on Celebrity Cruises ships, that number stands at a healthier 22%,” Jenni from Cruise Mummy told us.

“Celebrity Cruises president and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, is dedicated to championing diversity and women’s rights. She leads by example to encourage not just the cruise industry but the maritime industry as a whole, to stand up for equality for women.

“In 2015, Captain Kate McCue made history when she became the first American woman to captain a cruise ship with Celebrity Summit. Nowadays, McCue is the Captain of Celebrity Edge - a ship where 30% of the crew are women. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, it’s fantastic to see Celebrity Cruises paving the way for change.”

A huge thank you to our contributor, Jenni! If you’d like to stay up to date with Jenni, check out her links below:

Jenni from Cruise Mummy: Blog, Twitter, YouTube