What I Wish I'd Known Before I Sailed Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is known for being a higher-end cruise line, and for a long time, it was one of the few major lines I hadn't sailed. That's all changed.
In the past year I've sailed Celebrity multiple times and gotten a feel for what it does well, what it doesn't do as well, and some ways that it's completely different than what I expected.
So what do I wish I knew before I sailed or simply think others may not know? Here's what stands out.

[@WayneEllis-k2f]

Like the review....we have sailed on other lines but now go Celebrity.....just done a transatlantic from port everglades to Barcelona on the new ship Ascent on April14,2024....have a 14 day booked for 2025 on Equinox.....which will be our 10th cruise with Celebrity.We enjoyed the new balcony as it makes your room bigger but enjoy the older balcony as well . The staff on Celebrity is really great and are always helpful......Celebrity for us!!!!!

[@MAB_Canada]

We recently sailed on Celebrity’s Apex in an Infinite Veranda cabin. The Infinite Veranda (kind of like sitting in a sun room) worked really well with this itinerary…you could sit in the balcony area watching the scenery go by without freezing and could get fresh air if the weather was nicer. I do *not* think it would work well in hotter climates, especially since the A/C shuts off when the window is down and the sun room aspect concentrates the heat from sunlight.

[@xavierosorio6105]

Thank you so much , going on the Reflection this upcoming Friday from Ft Lauderdale

[@iriswagstaff]

Good review. You didn't mention the 4 included themed MDRs on the Celebrity Edge class. I thought it was definitely the same quality as specialty dining on the Ascent.

[@jasongill6979]

This is a really good point. I've sailed on the Apex three times and found the food in the MDRs to be great quality and found you don't really need to pay extra for the speciality restaurants. That being said, the speciality restaurants are even further above and provide an exceptional meal and service.

[@WayneEllis-k2f]

Enjoyed the the 4 MDRs on the Ascent also.

[@Jon_T19]

I have been on all 3 classes of ships on celebrity. The edge class is incredible. More of a boutique hotel at sea. I only sail Aqua class or Retreat for the most amenities. I am sailing Princess next month, and the new Premier package with them is hard to beat.

[@jeffreylevin9616]

Yes. I always find your videos helpful. It's rarely repetitive like some others and well done. Love the countdowns. I continue to live vicariously thru all my blogger families. I would enjoy cruising so much more with at least a girlfriend. I was telling the Eat Sleep Cruise guy I liked his videos too cause like you he does a video once every two weeks or so. But he corrected me and told me he does one weekly. But he agreed he's a fan of your work too. All the Best.

[@jeffreylevin9616]

One more thing. I wanted to ask you if you know about Card Depot and if their cruise vouchers are reliable or trustworthy. I am not seeing any of those AARP vouchers since I joined this year.

[@kathyparker4453]

Thanks. Very informative. 😊

[@mea3665]

Have had 4 Celebrity cruises in the past 2 years and a b2b next year. Been on Mellinium and Soltice, edge next year. As a Celebrity Cruiser we would like it to stay non family friendly stick to the other Ships. I like my water park on land. And I have not paid for any Specialty restaurants on Celebrity yet !

[@401Blues]

If you like the Sunset Bar....well then the Magic Carpet is just ..........(I'll let you finish Tanner)

[@dchenkin02]

Tanner, curious how you would compare Celebrity to Princess since they are both premium lines owned by corporations with a mass market line. Thanks.

[@Cruzelycom]

I'd say that Celebrity's new ships (Edge class) are a step above in swankiness. Celebrity also seems to be pricier overall. Princess seems a bit more subdued if you're looking for real relaxed and less expensive. Both are much more chilled out for someone that's used to Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

[@maries7058]

Love Edge class ship but can't stand infinite veranda, so much that I now have to settle for fewer nights cruises on older ships which is fine although I prefer longer cruises.

[@RickBerg-b9k]

Do you accumulate points with Celebrity that combine with Royal Caribbean, or are they treated as two separate cruise lines..?

[@jasongill6979]

All of the RCCL lines now status match. The points are separate, but if you gain status with one line, you can match it on another. It has some quirks (not all the benefits are available if you matched), but overall its a great deal if you sail primarily on one but want to occasionally sail on one of their other lines.

[@mea3665]

Celebrity and royal points are used at a certain. Level for both

[@WayneEllis-k2f]

yes you get points on Celebrity,3 points for balcony cabin per day and 5 per day with a concierge class.

[@kens805]

Good (as usual) review! Celebrity is probably above my pay grade (I've graduated from Carnival to Holland America and now sticking with Princess) but have been curious. I don't do RC, I think they "nickel and dime" you. That said...I sure miss Guy's Burgers!!!!

[@sharonsmalls6846]

They must be good burgers. I began cruising in 1992. I have never cruised on Carnival, and I have never had a burger on a cruise. I have read much about Guy’s burgers. Cruisers seem to enjoy them.

[@stevengolden9009]

Guys Burgers was amazing! I am surprised it isn't considered "speciality dining".

[@harrybear193]

I’ve sailed celebrity to only have snooty passengers being rude