Up until my first Celebrity cruise, my entire portfolio was comprised of family-friendly cruise lines that primarily target families with children and teens. Now in my mid-20s with no children of my own, I was ready for a change of pace.
Holding Diamond status within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, graduating to their sister line Celebrity Cruises made the most sense, as I was able to match my status and immediately become an Elite Captain's Club member before ever stepping foot on a ship.
Celebrity is known for offering more sophisticated and upscale experiences, catering to adults looking for a refined vacation without paying for a luxury line like Silversea or Regent.
Oh a whim, I decided to embark on my first Celebrity cruise in February. Though I had two scheduled for April and July, the allure of Celebrity's newest ship was too enticing to resist. After seven nights onboard, I found myself eagerly anticipating my future voyages, having fallen in love with the Celebrity brand.
Though I've thoroughly enjoyed my time on Celebrity ships thus far, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand to help maximize my onboard experience. From the delicious specialty dining options to crowded evening bars, here are 17 things I wish I had known before stepping foot on a Celebrity cruise ship.
They're now sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. Celebrity Cruises recently called on the island for the first time since it received a $250 million renovation in 2019, marking the beginning of regular visits from Florida onboard both Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond.
Now, guests can enjoy CocoCay's award-winning amenities before returning to Celebrity's upscale ships. Whether you want to be adventurous and ride the tallest water slide in North America or relax at the adults-only beach, there's truly something for everyone.
The partnership between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises opens up a world of possibilities for travelers wanting to visit CocoCay without sailing on one of Royal Caribbean's ships, which tends to attract families with younger children and teens due to the thrilling onboard activities.
Read more: Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay vs Carnival's Half Moon Cay
Speaking of families, there are very few children onboard compared to cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC Cruises
The top decks of Celebrity ships aren't filled with water slides, surfing simulators, go-karts, or roller coasters. Instead, the resort-style pool decks are a sanctuary of relaxation. While sea days offer live music and other events, the emphasis isn't on constant activity and excitement.
Rather than focusing on major thrills, Celebrity aims to provide a refined experience complimented by upscale dining options and luxurious accommodations. During the day, adults will appreciate peaceful moments by the pool, followed by handcrafted cocktails at chic lounges before enjoying indulgent dinners in the glamorous dining rooms.
Though the onboard experience is tailored toward adults, they offer complimentary youth programming to ensure that children onboard have a memorable experience, too. Parents can relax knowing that their children are well taken care of and enjoying supervised activities! On both my Celebrity sailings, however, there were minimal children onboard, with more present on the 5-night sailing on Celebrity Reflection to CocoCay.
Read more: 5 Kids' Cruise Lines the Whole Family Will Love
Celebrity, overall, does a great job at appealing to LGBTQ+ passengers with nightly meet-ups and even a whole month of dedicated Pride programming in June
In 2018, Celebrity Cruises hosted the first same-sex wedding at sea onboard Celebrity Equinox. Since then, they've continuously demonstrated their commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion by providing a welcoming environment for all guests and crew members.
When I boarded Celebrity Ascent, I was pleased to see that they had nightly LGBTQ+ meet-ups at the Sunset Bar. I was a bit shocked, too, as they didn't offer regular events for solo travelers.
In addition to these onboard meet-ups, Celebrity Cruises hosts their annual Pride Party at Sea each June, in which every ship in the fleet takes part in the celebration. In fact, this is the reason my fiancée and I are postponing our June 2025 cruise onboard Icon of the Seas, as we want to take part in a Pride sailing to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.
If the Musical Murder Mystery event is offered on your cruise, do not miss it
My sailing onboard Celebrity Reflection marked my 20th cruise, and out of all my previous sailings, I don't think I've ever enjoyed a ship-sponsored activity as much as I enjoyed Celebrity's Musical Murder Mystery.
The Cruise Director and other crew members, in addition to a singular audience member, read a script about a murder that took place onboard a ship. Naturally, Sherlock Holmes and Watson just happened to be onboard and helped lead the investigation.
Though a bit corny at times, the accidental slip-ups, improvisation, and props had the crowd laughing almost non-stop. If you see this offered on your schedule, do not miss it! While it was late at night and I had to, quite literally, pry myself out of bed to attend, it was one of the major highlights of the cruise!
Similarly, I enjoyed the evening game shows while sailing on Celebrity Reflection
Game shows were held each evening at 8:30pm on Deck 4 in the Entertainment Court. They were highly interactive, with the game on the first night requiring all attendees to decide whether a statement was true or false. Those who got it correct would move on to the next round.
"Pitfall" was held the second night. Eight participants were selected from the crowd to play an elimination game in which they had to select correct answers to stay in the game. Out of all the answers on the screen, a couple of them were intentionally incorrect. For instance, one round was based on international airport codes in the United States. If anyone selected a wrong code, they'd be eliminated from the game.
On the third evening, four audience members were chosen to go head-to-head with cruise ship officers in various relay races, including cup stacking and balancing chopsticks. My finacée was chosen, and watching her race against highly esteemed crew members was such a memorable part of the trip.
There wasn't a ton of seating, though, so I would advise arriving at least 10 minutes before to ensure you aren't left standing.
I wouldn't think twice about booking any of the specialty restaurants
For awhile, I wasn't too keen on spending extra money on specialty restaurants. I felt as though to get the most value out of my cruise fare, I'd be better off sticking with the included venues. As I've gotten older and more experienced with cruising, however, I've started to recognize the appeal of extra-cost restaurants.
During my cruise onboard Celebrity Ascent, I splurged on a meal at Le Voyage, the intimate and upscale restaurant created by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Though expensive, coming in at $150 per person, it's certainly a restaurant I'd choose to eat at again. Everything about the experience, from the complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot to the juicy filet and decadent desserts, made it well worth the cost.
Similarly, my finacée and I dined at The Porch and Tuscan Grille onboard Celebrity Reflection. I loved the al fresco seating at The Porch; however, our meal at Tuscan Grille was far more memorable not only because of the food but also because the service was impeccable. For our upcoming Celebrity Ascent cruise in Greece, we're planning on booking a 3-night dining package to further explore all of the specialty options that Celebrity has to offer.
Read more: 16 hidden cruise ship extra charges you should know about
Unlike their sister line, Celebrity's cabin stewards still service staterooms twice per day
In February 2023, Royal Caribbean announced that they'd be transitioning from offering twice-daily service to once. Guests now have the option of selecting whether they want their cabin steward to service their room in the morning or evening.
Celebrity, however, being the more upscale of the two, did not follow suit. Instead, guests sailing onboard one of Celebrity's ships can expect their stateroom to be attended to in the morning and evening.
Though minor, it certainly makes a difference in the overall guest experience, as it adds another layer of comfort and convenience and aligns with Celebrity's reputation for offering a higher level of personalized service.
Read more: Why you should get your cruise cabin serviced in the evening instead of the morning
The casinos are non-smoking
If you're used to sailing on Royal Caribbean or Carnival and smoking in the casino, you'll have to be prepared to break that habit before boarding your Celebrity cruise, as smoking is banned in all casinos onboard their ships.
Instead, you'll have to visit one of the designated outdoor areas. If you aren't sure of where you're allowed to smoke, visit Guest Services for clarification. If you violate their policies, your onboard account could be charged a $250 cleaning fee.
Speaking of the casino, complimentary drinks are provided to all cruisers who are actively playing. Unlike other lines, you don't have to rise up the ranks of their casino loyalty program or book a certain promotional offer.
Read more: Can you smoke on a cruise ship?
The best way to save money on your cruise is to purchase add-ons in advance through the Cruise Planner
Before both of my Celebrity cruises, I was hesitant about specialty dining, so I waited until I was onboard to make any reservations. Through Celebrity Cruise Planner, guests are eligible for pre-cruise discounts on add-ons like shore excursions, drink packages, shore excursions, and more, so had I booked my specialty restaurants in advance, I would have been able to enjoy the same exact meals for less money.
In addition to saving money, booking add-ons through the Cruise Planner ensures that the experiences you're looking forward to don't sell out. By the time we boarded Celebrity Reflection, there were very few times available for Tuscan Grille. I would have much preferred a reservation around 7:00pm in the middle of the cruise; however, we could only select from the first or last night.
We've already booked all of our shore excursions and upgraded our drink package for our cruise in July. Because we have so much of the trip planned, there's not much else to do except count down the days until we're boarding our flight to Athens!
Read more: 9 things you have to book in advance for cruise vacations
The Mast Grill is a great spot to grab lunch on a beautiful day at sea, and it's just steps from the pool
The Mast Grill is great for those who don't want to trek to the buffet. Located on the top decks near the pool, you're able to get freshly grilled burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Plus, they serve turkey and veggie burgers, so there's something for everyone regardless of dietary restrictions.
Though I've always been impressed with Celebrity's buffet (more on that later), I'm not always in the mood for the crowds that can accompany it. The Mast Grill is an alternative that allows you to enjoy a convenient bite to eat poolside, letting you soak up as much sun as possible while on your cruise.
One thing to note, though, is that we did have to wait for our turkey burgers, as they weren't constantly grilling them like they were standard beef patties.
Celebrity's buffets are the most impressive I've ever seen
When I first walked into the Oceanview Café on Celebrity Ascent, I was blown away. From the made-to-order stir fry station to the decadent desserts, it was apparent that it wasn't the average cruise ship buffet.
It kept getting better throughout the week, too, with lunch on the last day being the most impressive. I sent my finacée a picture of the all-you-can-eat shrimp cocktail station, and I wasn't sure if she'd ever let me book another solo Celebrity cruise!
Although the buffet was smaller on Celebrity Reflection, notably missing my beloved stir-fry station, there were plenty of options. Similarly, lunch on the final day has the most extensive array of choices; however, the late-night buffet was smaller than Ascent, too.
Read more: Why you should eat dinner in the buffet
I found that even standard rooms with no balconies are quite spacious
I stayed in my first-ever interior cabin last January while cruising on Symphony of the Seas. Having only sailed in balcony cabins prior to that experience, I was a bit taken aback by the size, coming in at just 149 square feet. Both my ocean view cabin on Celebrity Ascent and inside cabin on Celebrity Reflection were extremely spacious, both of which were over 180 square feet.
In addition to the spaciousness, I loved that the bathrooms came equipped with more than just a single shampoo/body wash hybrid that's standard on Royal Caribbean ships. Instead, Celebrity stocks their staterooms with separate shampoo, body wash, and conditioner, as well as lotion and even hair nets!
Though I'm looking forward to my infinite veranda on Ascent in July, I wouldn't hesitate to book a cheaper cabin on any Celebrity ship.
Celebrity's cabin stewards don't leave towel animals.
On the topic of staterooms, I noticed on my first-ever Celebrity cruise that stateroom attendants don't leave towel animals. This is one thing I missed the most compared to my experiences with other lines, as I love returning to my stateroom to find a new friend.
This doesn't mean that I never returned to a surprise, though. On both of my cruises, however, I've received flowers that were left in my cabin for the entirety of the cruise.
Each night, you're given different dips for the bread in the Main Dining Room, in addition to whipped butter
When I went to dinner the first night on Celebrity Ascent, I had no idea that they'd bring different dips to the table each night to complement the bread service. While this is a small touch, it truly does make the dining experience seem more upscale compared to other lines. It's fun getting to try the different options, too!
From creamy horseradish dips to refreshing avocado dips, the bread service was always a highlight of the day. Truthfully, I cannot recall ever touching the butter! Why would you when there are more unique options within reach? Sometimes, we debated if we wanted an appetizer or if we were okay nibbling on the bread until our entrées arrived.
The Solarium is your go-to spot for total relaxation
Though the main pool isn't as wild as Carnival ships, it isn't completely dull, either. There's typically music playing, and the drinks are certainly flowing. Whenever I'm seeking complete bliss, I head over to Celebrity's Solarium, which is, in my opinion, about as close to paradise as you can find on a cruise ship.
From the tranquil music to plush seating, it's easy for me to lose track of time. Thankfully, there's complimentary food just steps away at the Spa Cafe, which is open for breakfast and lunch. While the options aren't as expansive as the Oceanview Café, I'm always able to find something to snack on, whether it's avocado bruschetta for breakfast or udon noodles for lunch. The Spa Cafe also has smoothies available for an extra charge.
Perhaps my largest gripe with the Solarium is that there isn't a bar inside, so you either have to wait for bartenders to walk around, which can take a while, or walk out to the pool deck.
Though Blu is a great perk of Aqua Class, I wouldn't want to dine there each night of the cruise
When I sailed on Celebrity Ascent, I had the privilege of meeting an amazing group of friends traveling together who included me in many of their plans. One night, they were able to squeeze me into their reservation at Blu, even though I was staying in a standard cabin.
All cabins in Celebrity's Aqua Class are identical to standard balconies; however, they come with additional perks to help justify the higher price tag. In addition to a Cashmere™ mattress and pillow menu, you have access to the thermal suite, as well as a spa concierge, daily in-room bottled water service, and a healthy room-service menu.
Perhaps the biggest perk, however, is access to Blu, the Aqua Class-exclusive dining room. Though everything I had at Blu was delicious, it definitely fits into Aqua Class' wellness theme, with a healthier menu than what you'll find in the Main Dining Room.
Those booked in Aqua Class cabins should certainly take advantage of dining in this private restaurant, especially for breakfast to avoid the crowded buffet; however, don't forget to explore other venues on the ship!
In fact, my fiancée and I were thinking about changing our reservation from a standard infinite veranda to one within Aqua Class; however, after experiencing Blu firsthand, we decided we'd rather save the money and put it towards a dining package for the other specialty restaurants.
Don't be afraid to explore all of Celebrity's bars and lounges
Celebrity ships have tons of unique bars and lounges, from the infamous Sunset Bar where the views are more Insta-worthy than the drinks to the World Class Bar which focuses on craft cocktails.
While you are likely to have a favorite (mine is the Sunset Bar!), I'd encourage you to bar hop to experience the diverse atmosphere and unique beverages at each. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing poolside drink, sophisticated martini, or a craft brew while catching up on the latest sporting event, Celebrity's bars and lounges have something for everyone.
Who knows, you might just find a new favorite cocktail or hidden hangout spot along the way!
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.
