Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises Inc (celebritycruises.com) is the second-largest (by fleet) subsidiary and travel brand in the RCG/Royal Caribbean Group of companies (fka RCCL/Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd). The 1990-established "Celebrity" cruise brand joined RCCL in 1997.

Celebrity represents one of the best "luxury ship travel" companies for adults, as well as a signature operator of regularly scheduled Panama Canal transition itineraries and one of the top 3 Alaskan cruise lines. In May 2020, the company celebrated its 30th Anniversary.

Company history and changes

Celebrity is a medium-priced luxury cruise company, whose travel vacation package product is associated with top-hotel amenities, premium services, sophistication, style, elegance, and technology innovations. Celebrity's ships offer impeccable service and exquisite cuisine, appealing to moderately affluent, well-educated travelers (mostly adults in their 40s). Celebrity offers "Family Cruises" during holidays (particularly on voyages from the USA to the Caribbean and Bermuda) and "Seniors Cruises" (on European and South American itineraries).

The letter "X" on ships' funnels stands for the name "Chandris" (in Greek "Xandris").

The company was founded in 1988 as part of Chandris Group (Athens Greece-based marine corporation, now Chandris Hellas Inc) - shipowner and vessel management. Before Celebrity, Chandris Group operated the cruise brands "Chandris Line" (1960-1974, passenger shipping between Greece and Australia), "Chandris Cruises" (1974-1996, Mediterranean itineraries from Greece) and "Chandris Fantasy Cruises" (1985--1996, North American itineraries). Starting with cheap voyages on second-hand ships, Chandris' brand "Celebrity Cruises" became one of the industry's most prominent premium "affordable luxury" ship travel brands.

The company's current President and CEO is Laura Hodges Bethge (Celebrity's former Executive VP) who succeeded in 2023 (May) Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (now Vice Chair and External Affairs for RCG). Michael Scheiner is the company's Senior VP and CMO/Chief Marketing Officer. Tim Jones is the VP and Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand & APAC/Asia Pacific region.

Celebrity entered the luxury cruising marked with roundtrips from the USA to Bermuda, acquiring more and newer liners.

As a brand of RCG, Celebrity's sister companies are RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Marella (UK), TUI (Germany), and Silversea. RCG also owned Pullmantur (Spain).

The company's headquarters address is "Celebrity Cruises, 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami FL, 33132-2096 USA".

The company attracts a diverse passenger base, targeting mainly baby boomers and their families, honeymooners, and seniors. In addition to North American customers (USA and Canada), it also draws travelers from Europe, Central and South America. Longer itineraries tend to attract older travelers.

Week-long roundtrips in Alaska and the Caribbean attract many families. To appeal to multi-generational groups, Celebrity's family programs were expanded to include dedicated, well-trained staff serving shipboard kids and teen centers with enrichment and educational activities.

On October 4, 2018, was launched "Celebrity Central" (website for travel agents). It has 6 sections (news, marketing, and sales, learning and training) and is accessed via personalized log-ins. It combines AirWaves, CruisingPower, the company's sales and marketing toolkit (Rewards, Digital Library) and Celebrity Passport (e-learning resource). Celebrity Central has a search bar and tags for popular terms and topics.

In December 2020, the Galapagos-based ship Celebrity Xperience was sold to Emerald Blue Cruises Panama. The boat was named Celebrity Xperience (January 2016 through March 2020), "MS Xperience" (April through November 2020) and "Emerald Dream" (since December 2020).

Since 2022, Celebrity's well-being advisor is Gwyneth Paltrow (1972-born American actress and businesswoman, owner of the lifestyle brand company Goop Inc). The first "Goop at Sea" event debuted on Celebrity Beyond's 9-night "Italian Riviera and France Cruise" (Barcelona roundtrip, departure Sept 24, 2022). Each "Celebrity Goop Cruise" is Goop-curated and features a live interview-Q&A session (with a wellness expert), themed experiences (food tastings, product trials, sale promotions, massages), interactive sessions (led by practitioners), gifts, surprises, on-demand TV classes (in the public restrooms), a detox smoothie and fitness tools (for Aquaclass cabins), an ultra-luxury wellness experience (for Aqua Sky Suites). Feres on the Goop-themed voyages start from US$750 pp with double occupancy.

By March 2023, Celebrity added pickleball playing (at the sports courts) fleetwide. The sports facilities are complimentary, including the equipment (net, paddles, balls). Pickleball Court's locations vary by ship class - EDGE ships at Rooftop Garden (Deck 15), on SOLSTICE ships on the Sports Deck (Deck 15), and on MILLENNIUM ships at the Multi-Sports Court (Deck 12).

Starting in April 2024, for the first time ever, Celebrity ships (Beyond and Reflection) visited RCG's private island CocoCay Bahamas.

In June 2024, RCG launched the Loyalty Status Match program allowing loyalty members from each brand (RCI's Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity's Captain's Club, and Silversea's Venetian Society) to attain reciprocal tier status across all brands.

In June 2024 the company sold two Galapagos-based ships (Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration) to Linblad Expeditions, starting operations for the new shipowner in 2025 January. Both boats were acquired in March 2016 from the two-ship company Ocean Adventures. The purchase of the 16-passenger catamaran Athala II (Celebrity Xploration) and 48-passenger yacht Eclipse (Celebrity Xperience) increased Celebrity's Galapagos capacity by 65%. Xploration and Xperience joined Celebrity's fleet in spring 2016 but started regular operations in January 2017 following extensive drydocks.

New ships

The following YouTube video (official release) reviews the company's newest Edge-Class vessels and their unique features. The EDGE series includes all 5 units - Celebrity Edge (2018), Celebrity Apex (2020), Celebrity Beyond (2022), Celebrity Ascent (2023) and Celebrity Xcel (2025).

On April 11, 2019, the shipowner RCCL signed an MoU agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard (St Nazaire, France) to order a 5th Edge-Class vessel, with scheduled delivery in 2024-Q3.

In February 2014, Celebrity Cruises announced it would add "The Suite Class" fleetwide. Suite Class passengers have their own private restaurant and VIP lounge. Key features on Solstice Class ships include the Lawn Club, which is a freshly manicured lawn on the ship's highest deck. Passengers enjoy casual outdoor activities, a country-club atmosphere, and grass between their toes. They can watch a glass-blowing demonstration on Equinox, Eclipse, and Solstice, or a meal in the Lawn Club Grill. Celebrity ships also have Cellar Masters, inspired by the Napa Valley vineyards, which brings to life a global wine cruise tour experience, while guests learn about and taste a variety of premium wines from around the world.

Since March 2018, RCCL/RCG offers one login for RCI and Celebrity websites and mobile apps. The new policy allows one account to be used for loyalty program benefits, bookings, and reservations with both brands. The account security was also simplified and strengthened to ensure customers' personal data.

Celebrity's loyalty program "Captain's Club"

In June 2021, Celebrity updated its "Captain's Club" loyalty program (for repeat customers).

The offerings now include:

• onboard events "Captain's Club Sneak Peek Series" (ship tour with cocktail sampling), "Create and Pour" (wine sampling), Welcome Parties (outdoor events held at Lawn Club and Rooftop Garden), "Captain's Club Cocktail Hour (free drinks daily between 5-7 PM at all bars and lounges).
• Spa discounts (10% off for Select and Elite members, 15-20% off for Elite Plus and Zenith members), deals exclude MedSpa and Spa Retails, but for Elite and above members Persian Garden's access is complimentary on one of the port days (guest's choice).
• Photo discounts (25-50% off any photo packages, up to US$300 off Studio Packages), added were greenscreen photo sessions (with changing background scenery) as well as aerial and 360-degree photos.
• Laundry packages (on select voyages only) now include "Evening Chic" (dry cleaning for US$35, 8 max items) with the optional US$20 add-on for unlimited pressing (throughout the cruise).
• Internet discounts (10-35% off any Internet package) plus bonus minutes for Elite and Elite Plus members, an additional 10% discount (combinable) is offered with pre-cruise booking. Zenith members receive complimentary the Stream package (for 1x mobile device).
• Beverage package discounts (5-10% off to upgrade from "Classic" to "Premium", if purchased pre-cruise). Zenith members receive complimentary the "Premium Beverage Package".
• Wine discounts (20% off per bottle / valid for all wine brands available for purchase on the ship). Zenith members receive one complimentary dinner (per voyage) at a specialty restaurant, marked with complimentary wine and flowers.

Celebrity brand's cruising experience

• Accommodations: some of the largest cruise suites (all served by butlers). Luxurious "ConciergeClass" staterooms, attentive highly personalized impeccable service; and enjoying seating preference, priority check-in. 2:1 guest-to-staff ratio
• Dining: award-winning cuisine, excellent alternate dining venues. Celebrity's "Gourmet Bites" every afternoon, themed lunch buffets. Culinary demonstrations. The line has partnered with "Elizabeth Blau and Associates", as to menu and wine selections, and all the standards of serving.
• Facilities: the largest cruise ship spa and gym facilities at sea ("AquaSpa by Elemis" - world-class beauty salon, spa treatments and fitness programs). "Celebrity Theatre" for Broadway-style productions, huge European-style casinos, bingo, themed bars, and lounges, including a discoclub, large pools, poolside recreation programs (massages, yoga), onboard boutique shopping.
• Enrichment: "Celebrity Lecture Series". Rich contemporary art collections. Art auctions, and enhanced golf program.
• "Celebrity Escape" concept (reserved exclusively for adults ages 21 and older) offers complimentary classes, workshops, themed events, fashion shows, deck parties, etc.
• By the "Family Cruising Program", on all voyages are offered complimentary games, parties, educational and fun activities, history and sea life explorations, dedicated/exclusive pools and discos for teens.

Via partnership with CG Technology (fka Cantor Gaming), Celebrity Cruises introduced the industry's first casino gaming mobile app. Passengers download the free app (Cantor Mobile Casino) via ship's WiFi network to Android or Apple phones/tablets. The app allows them to play slots, video poker, and table games anywhere on the ship. At the ship's casino lounge passengers can play (for real) games like roulette, poker (plus Texas Hold 'Em) and blackjack. Some ships have Let It Ride and baccarat available upon request. All ships have at least 1 poker table in the casino and host tournaments during the voyage.

Since 2013, the company has been partnered with "Top Chef" (US reality competition TV series). In late 2014, both companies started the exclusive "Top Chef at Sea" cruising experience. By this onboard culinary program, fans and foodies have the opportunity to travel with a lineup of celebrity chefs on food-themed "Top Chef Signature Sailing" each year. Celebrity also offers an interactive "Quickfire Challenges" and "Top Chef"-inspired menu evenings fleetwide on cruises 5-nights or longer (excluding Galapagos Islands).

In 2017, Celebrity Cruises partnered with Bravo Media for a new cooking video series - "Isaac Takes On". This digital show follows Top Chef's Isaac Toups as he cruises around the Caribbean on the ship Celebrity Reflection, competing against passengers in a variety of culinary challenges. The ship has its own Michelin-star chef - Cornelius Gallagher, who also makes appearances throughout the series.

In February 2019, Celebrity Cruises announced two new (exclusive) partnerships - with Daniel Boulud (Michelin-starred Chef) and with ABT-American Ballet Theatre (NYC-based, 1939-founded classical ballet company). Both partnerships created unique onboard culinary and entertainment experiences fleetwide.

• The Celebrity-ABT partnership allows passengers (on selected ships) to enjoy ballet shows by guest performers and to join the dancers for seminars and ballet classes.
• Chef Daniel Boulud is the founder of a global restaurant group that includes 7 NYC restaurants plus 6 in other (national and international) destinations. As Celebrity's Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, he designs signature dishes for Luminae (exclusive / Suite-only restaurant). Celebrity also introduced "Chef's Table by Daniel Boulud" - a private galley/kitchen tour and 5-course VIP dining package.

The new experiences were introduced in 2019, starting with the liners Summit, Equinox and Millennium.

In December 2019, the company signed an exclusive partnership with OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd (Bahamas-based global provider of health and wellness services and products to cruise ships and land-based resorts). The partnership starts in May 2020 and is fleetwide (including the newbuilds under construction).

All-inclusive deals

Since November 17, 2020, every Celebrity Cruises deal includes unlimited beverages (Classic Drink Package/cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, bottled water, brand coffees and teas), Basic Wi-Fi, and onboard gratuities. However, since October 2023, the brand's "All Included" packages don't include the prepaid shipboard gratuities.

Option upgrades offered to all bookings include:

• ELEVATE Package (unlimited premium drinks and shore excursions priced up to USD 200 per person)
• INDULGE Package (ELEVATE Package plus unlimited streaming Wi-Fi Internet and up to USD 400 per person in OBC/onboard credit).

In August 2022, the shipowner RCG signed a deal with SpaceX/Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (2002-founded by Elon Musk) for using Starlink's satellites to provide faster and low-latency Internet connections across the global fleet (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, and Silversea ships). Fleetwide Starlink installations were scheduled to be completed in 2023-Q1.

"Celebrity Revolution" fleetwide refurbishments

In July 2018, the company announced a USD 500 million fleet modernization (drydock refurbishment) program dubbed "Celebrity Revolution". The project was scheduled for February 2019 through February 2023.

Fleetwide renovations include all staterooms and public spaces on 9 liners to bring their onboard amenities and services up to the standards of EDGE-class ships. For the staterooms were contracted HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates / US-based hospitality interior design company) and Kelly Hoppen (UK-based interior designer).

All staterooms were upgraded with eXhale bedding sets (premium cashmere mattresses) and high-tech amenities (RFID locks, Bluetooth, Xcelerate / Wi-Fi Internet).

The drydock-renovated Celebrity ships have "The Retreat" (adults-only sundeck) with a full-size swimming pool, Jacuzzi, private cabanas, padded loungers, and poolside bar service (food and drinks). The Retreat suites' passengers have priority access to the facilities and their fares are inclusive of Premium Wi-Fi Package and Premium Drink Package.

Luminae Restaurant (Suites-only) was redesigned and introduced new/custom-made menus by chef Cornelius Gallagher.

Qsine Restaurant was added fleetwide and offers "Le Petit Chef" (virtual dining-entertainment experience) created by Skullmapping artists and presented by TableMation Studios exclusively for Celebrity.

Main Dining Rooms, Oceanview Cafe and Sunset Bar were redesigned, as well as most public venues. In the SPA was expanded SEA Thermal Suite. Retail shops were expanded with new shopping brands - including Hublot (luxury Swiss watches) and Shinola (luxury watches, jewelry, premium leather goods).

The 4-year fleet refurbishment program started in February 2019. The current list of scheduled for drydocks Celebrity ships (by the "Celebrity Revolution" project) is as follows:

• Celebrity Millennium Feb 9, 2019
• Celebrity Summit Mar 23, 2019
• Celebrity Equinox May 25, 2019
• Celebrity Silhouette Jan 24, 2020
• Celebrity Eclipse Apr 1, 2021
• Celebrity Constellation May 1, 2020
• Celebrity Infinity Nov 14, 2020
• Celebrity Solstice Oct 1, 2021
• Celebrity Reflection Feb 2, 2023

(NEW) Celebrity cruise gratuities 2023

Since July 2023, the company's daily gratuity rates (per person/pp, both adults and kids are charged) were increased. The new rates (listed below) are compared to the previous/2022's rates).

• Standard cabins' (inside, oceanview, veranda) daily gratuity was increased from US$17,50 to US$18 pp (per day).
• ConciergeClass and AquaClass staterooms' daily gratuity was changed from US$18 to US$18,50 pp (per day).
• Suites' daily gratuity was changed from US$21 to US$23 pp (per day).

Daily gratuity is an automatic service charge added to the passenger's onboard account each day. Passengers can prepay gratuities. Daily gratuities are split between the ship's staff (dining, housekeeping, cabin stewards).

In 2018, Celebrity's daily gratuities (pp per day) were USD 13,50 (interior-oceanview-balcony staterooms), USD 14 (Aqua-Class and Concierge-Class) and USD 17 (Suites).

In 2020, Celebrity's daily gratuities (pp per day) were USD 15,50 (interior-oceanview-veranda), USD 16 (Aqua-Concierge Class) and USD 19 (Suites).

In October 2022, the gratuities were increased from US$15,50 to $17,50 (Standard), US$16 to $18 (Concierge-Aqua Class) and US$19 to $21 (Suites/The Retreat) or with ~16%, ~15%, ~21% (respectively).

Celebrity cruise ship Room Service

Celebrity Cruises requires a fee of USD 4,95 for ordering items from the cruise ship's room service menu.

• Room Service is operated on each Celebrity cruise vessel and between 11 pm - 6 am.
• Prior to September 2015, the basic room service items delivery to passengers' cabins was complimentary. The exception was for some premium items (like a cheese platter, filet mignon, Caprese salad).

New shipboard Wellness classes

In 2018, Celebrity and Canyon Ranch upgraded fleetwide the onboard fitness program by adding more (to a total of 20) fitness classes and wellness seminars for passengers. Of all classes, 6 are based on different exercise groups - Acupuncture (Pain Relief), Conditioning (Pilates), Longevity, Mindfulness (Spiritual Cycling), Nutrition (Detox 101), Sweat (Tabata).

Among the new wellness offerings are:

• "Acupuncture for Pain Relief" revives energy levels, treats pain and digestive discomfort, de-stresses, aids a healthy sleep.
• "Pilates to the Beat" is a mat class choreographed with upbeat songs.
• "Age-Defying Technology" reviews the latest technologies, wellness products and services that help anti-aging.
• "Spiritual Cycling" Incorporates mind and energy awareness while cycling to musical beats.
• "Detox 101: Weight Loss and More" reviews the most effective detox foods and how they promote weight loss.
• "Tabata Impact" is a Japanese intense and fast full-body workout offering best cardio and training techniques.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (shipowner) suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Silversea, Azamara) worldwide by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 13, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Next are listed all Celebrity ships and their first scheduled departure dates/regions - APEX (June 19, 2021/Mediterranean from Piraeus-Athens), BEYOND (April 27, 2022/Maiden Voyage/Europe), CONSTELLATION (Nov 7, 2021/Caribbean from Tampa), ECLIPSE (April 23, 2022/Hawaii-Australia repositioning from Vancouver to Honolulu), EDGE (June 26, 2021/Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale), EQUINOX (July 25, 2021/Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale), INFINITY (June 25, 2022/Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale), MILLENNIUM (July 23, 2021/Alaska from Seattle), REFLECTION (Nov 6, 2021/Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale), SILHOUETTE (July 3, 2021/UK from Southampton), SOLSTICE (May 6, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), SUMMIT (Sept 14, 2021/Caribbean from Miami). Celebrity's Galapagos ships' restart dates were - Flora (July 4, 2021/Maiden Voyage), Xpedition (July 31, 2021), Xploration (January 1, 2022).

• Celebrity's Australia and New Zealand 2021-2022 programs were canceled (affected ship Eclipse, homeported in Sydney NSW and Auckland NZ).
• All Celebrity repositioning cruises in 2021 (Alaska, Panama Canal, Transatlantic) were canceled.
• Most Celebrity's European schedules 2021 (ships Constellation, Edge, Infinity, Reflection) were canceled, excluding APEX (Med) and SILHOUETTE (UK).
• Celebrity's South America 2021-2022 program (Infinity ship from Rio de Janeiro) was canceled.
• Celebrity's Japan 2021-2022 program (Solstice ship from Yokohama) was canceled.

All affected bookings received full refunds (100%), including on prepurchased through Celebrity Cruises packages and services. The refunds were in FCC (Future Cruise Credit) for itineraries with departures from April 30, 2022. The FCC had to be redeemed by December 31, 2021. Changing the FCC to a monetary refund (100%) was possible thru December 31, 2020. Celebrity's Cancellation Policy was extended to allow penalty-free cancellations up to 48 hours prior to departure (all itineraries departing up until September 1, 2020 / initially thru July 31) and receive an FCC.