While Celebrity Cruises is not the largest cruise line in the world, they have 15 ships offering impressive itineraries around the world. Between late 2023 and 2025, they are set to expand their fleet size from 15 ships to 17 with the addition of two more Edge Class ships.
Those familiar with the brand know that Celebrity is known for offering more upscale cruises, rather than focusing on today's thrills that the mainstream cruise line is known for. Onboard, you will not find water slides, go-karts, surfing simulators, and more. Instead, you'll find ships with elegant public areas with modern decor and spacious staterooms that offer jaw-dropping itineraries.
Here is a breakdown of all the Celebrity ships by age from newest to oldest, including their newest ship slated to enter service in 2025.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises ships by class
Celebrity Xcel (planned for 2025)
Celebrity released the name of their fifth Edge Class ship in November 2023. Celebrity Xcel will be the first to feature a brand-new flex fuel engine.
Technology group Wärtsilä will deliver two converted 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 46F engines which will not only help promote carbon-free cruising with reduced particulate matter, but it will enable the ship to run off three different types of fuel, including methanol.
Celebrity Ascent (late 2023)
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,260
Gross tonnage: 140,600
Celebrity Ascent is set to offer two preview sailings in November ahead of her maiden voyage in December.
While many Edge Class favorites will be returning, Celebrity Ascent will feature some brand-new food and beverage experiences, such as a never-before-seen Le Petit Chef dinner and an expanded menu at the Martini Bar.
Read more: Next Celebrity Cruises ship will be its biggest ever and the cruise line revealed new details
Celebrity Beyond (2022)
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,260
Gross tonnage: 140,600
The third Edge Class ship, Celebrity Beyond, is larger than her two younger sisters, offering more to do, see, and eat while onboard, with a total of 32 restaurants, bars, and lounges. A new addition was Le Voyage, a specialty restaurant from renowned Daniel Boulud.
Additionally, Celebrity Beyond has more pools and hot tubs onboard than Celebrity Apex and Edge, including an extra hot tub in The Retreat.
Another difference you might notice is that The Retreat's private sun deck is 40% larger than on Celebrity Apex and Edge, too.
Read more: Worth the hype? My review of the Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Apex (2020)
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,910
Gross tonnage: 129,500
The second-in-class ship features some upgrades compared to the first Edge Class ship. Onboard, you will find Craft Social, a reimagined Eden, new spa and wellness offerings, and new retail opportunities.
Celebrity Apex was delivered to Celebrity Cruises in 2020; however, her maiden voyage was delayed until June 19, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celebrity Flora (2019)
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 100
Gross tonnage: 5,739
Celebrity Flora is the line's brand-new, all-suite Xpedition vessel, sailing exclusively to the Galapagos Islands.
Booking a cruise onboard Celebrity Flora differs from sailing on larger vessels, as it is an all-inclusive experience that includes airport transfers, tours, meals and beverages -- including alcohol--, luggage service, and more.
Because of that, you can expect the fares to be more expensive. At the time of writing, the cheapest cost for a 7-night cruise was $7,300.
Celebrity Edge (2018)
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,918
Gross tonnage: 129,500
When Celebrity Edge launched in 2018, she was the first of her kind for many reasons. One of the most impressive, though, was the launch of infinite veranda staterooms.
These cabins are 23% larger than Solstice Class veranda staterooms and bring the balcony into your living space. With the push of a button, your window lowers, bringing in fresh air whenever you want it.
This ship also introduced the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that functions as an outdoor venue and gateway to tender boats when necessary.
Celebrity Xploration (2017)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 16
Gross tonnage: 319.5
Celebrity Xploration is more like a yacht than a cruise ship. With a maximum passenger capacity of only sixteen guests, she provides an intimate cruising experience for those looking to explore the Galapagos Islands.
You will not find many bells and whistles onboard, meaning that if you cruise onboard Celebrity Xploration, you should be more focused on the itinerary and opportunities to get to know your fellow travelers.
Sailings on Celebrity Xploration are cheaper than those on the newer Flora. At the time of writing, the cheapest sailing advertised on Celebrity's website was for a 7-night cruise departing on October 25, 2025, with the lowest fare being $4,975 per person.
Celebrity Reflection (2012)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 3,030
Gross tonnage: 126,000
Celebrity Reflection is the last ship built for Celebrity’s Solstice Class. She set sail on her maiden voyage on October 12, 2012.
Starting in 2024, she will operate short 3- and 4-night cruises to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. This is a great option for those who want to experience the upscale nature of a Celebrity cruise and everything fun ashore at CocoCay, including Thrill Waterpark, a hot air balloon, numerous beaches, and more.
Celebrity Silhouette (2011)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 2,902
Gross tonnage: 122,000
In early 2020, Celebrity Silhouette underwent a dry dock as part of The Celebrity Revolution, the cruise line's $500 million initiative to upgrade their oldest ships.
During her dry dock, she got upgraded accommodations and new suite experiences, including The Retreat. Plus, Celebrity Silhouette's public areas -- including restaurants and other venues -- were refreshed.
Read more: 10 things I learned on my first Celebrity cruise
Celebrity Eclipse (2010)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 2,850
Gross tonnage: 122,000
In 2010, the United Kingdom's airspace was shut down because of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland. The newly launched Celebrity Eclipse sailed from Bilbao to Southampton on April 23, 2010 to return 2,000 British tourists who were stranded in Spain. Her maiden voyage commenced a few days later on April 29.
Celebrity Equinox (2009)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 2,852
Gross tonnage: 122,000
Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to be captain of a mega cruise ship, had the privilege of being the Captain of the second Solstice Class ship through 2019 before moving to Celebrity Edge.
This was her second role as captain with the company since 2015, the first was onboard Celebrity Summit.
Celebrity Solstice (2008)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 2,850
Gross tonnage: 122,000
When Celebrity Solstice was constructed, she was the largest ship to ever be built at a German shipyard. This record didn't last long, though, as Disney Dream claimed this title less than three years later.
She is the namesake ship for the Solstice Class, meaning that she was the first ship to feature the Lawn Club. This was the first venue to ever have real grass at sea. Plus, she's one of three ships to offer glassblowing classes for an available charge. The other two are Celebrity Equinox and Eclipse.
Celebrity Constellation (2002)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 2,184
Gross tonnage: 91,000
The last ship built for Celebrity's Millennium Class, Celebrity Constellation was also the last ship launched by the cruise line for about six years. She was also the last ship built for the cruise line under 100,000 gross registered tons.
Despite her age, she has been renovated to feature Solstice Class upgrades, including the Tuscan Garden and Sushi on Five specialty restaurants. Plus, public areas have been redesigned to reflect the more modern design of the newer classes.
The Celebrity prefix was added to the ship's name in 2007. From the time of her debut through then, she was simply called "Constellation."
Celebrity Summit (2001)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 2,218
Gross tonnage: 90,940
2001 was busy for Celebrity Cruises, as they launched three ships. The last, Celebrity Summit, is similar to Celebrity Constellation in that she sailed as "Summit" from 2001 to 2008.
This was the second Millennium Class ship to be launched in 2001 and the third overall.
Kate McCue became captain in 2015 and stayed for three years before moving to Celebrity Equinox.
Celebrity Xpedition (2001)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 48
Gross tonnage: 2,842
While larger than the later Celebrity Xploration, Celebrity Xpedition was the first ship in the cruise line's Xpedition Class that sailed exclusively to the Galapagos Islands. In June 2019, the passenger capacity was cut in half in order to comply with the Ecuadorian government.
Like with other Xpedition Class ships, this vessel's primary focus is on the destinations, rather than the ship itself. While you will not find constant programming that is tailored to suit a wide variety of interests, you will get up close and personal with the beauty of the Galapagos.
Celebrity Infinity (2001)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 2,170
Gross tonnage: 90,940
Celebrity Infinity was delivered to Celebrity Cruises in February 2001, making her the second Millennium Class ship to join the fleet. She set sail on her maiden voyage in March, seven months earlier than Celebrity Summit.
Starting in the summer of 2023, she became the first Celebrity ship to sail Europe year-round. You can find sailings departing from Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Portugal.
Celebrity Millennium (2000)
Passenger capacity (maximum capacity): 2,218
Gross tonnage: 90,940
The oldest Celebrity cruise ship at sea today is Celebrity Millennium, the namesake ship of the Millennium Class.
These ships were preceded by the Century Class, which was Celebrity's first class of new-build ships. Today, Celebrity Century, the first ship in the class that was launched in 1995, is sailing as Marella Explorer 2 for Marella Cruises.
If you choose to sail on Celebrity Millennium, you won't find her to be as dated as older ships on other cruise lines. In 2019, she underwent an extensive renovation, which added new amenities and staterooms to the ship. Plus, there's even The Retreat now for those looking for the most luxurious cruise experience onboard a Celebrity ship.
What former ships were part of Celebrity's fleet?
Since 2005, Celebrity has retired six ships, including Horizon, Zenith, Celebrity Galaxy, Celebrity Mercury, and Celebrity Century.
Celebrity Xperience, an Xpedition vessel, was only in service with the line for two years until replaced by Celebrity Xpedition.
Their sister line, Royal Caribbean, has retired the same amount since 2008, with the first ship leaving their fleet being Sovereign of the Seas. Majesty and Empress of the Seas both left Royal's fleet in 2020.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
