After just four cruises, Celebrity Cruises has become one of my favorite cruise lines at sea. The adult-focused product sails to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries aboard its fleet of 15 ships, ranging from the intimate Millennium Class vessels to the stunning Edge Series.
Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, Celebrity remains a popular choice for travelers who want an upscale getaway. Compared to its sister line, Royal Caribbean, the focus strays from adrenaline-pumping attractions and toward a more refined experience that's centered around world-class dining, craft cocktail bars, and sleek design.
In 2024, my partner and I embarked on a short getaway aboard Celebrity Reflection to The Bahamas and Mexico. Although she isn't the newest ship in Celebrity's fleet, Celebrity Reflection left a lasting impression on us.
Measuring 125,336 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 3,046 at double occupancy, Celebrity Reflection's size is smaller than the line's award-winning flagship Edge Class ships. That said, those who prefer a more intimate cruise experience will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds.
With beloved Solstice Class features like the comforting Tuscan Grille specialty restaurant and the outdoor Lawn Club, it's no surprise that Celebrity Reflection has remained a favorite for over a dozen years.
Plus, the best seems like it's still yet to come, with Celebrity announcing a major Solstice Class overhaul as part of its fleetwide modernization program.
Here's my honest review of Celebrity Reflection after spending 5 nights on board the 13-year-old ship.
Celebrity Reflection Cabins
Celebrity Reflection has 1,523 staterooms divided into six categories: Inside, Ocean View, Veranda, Concierge Class, AquaClass, and The Retreat. Over 75% of Celebrity Reflection's cabins have private balconies.
Each category is broken down into multiple sub-categories, giving guests more flexibility based on location, budget, and other personal preferences. On Celebrity Reflection, for example, there are standard veranda cabins, along with aft-view sunset balconies, ultra deluxe verandas, and prime balconies.
The Retreat is Celebrity's award-winning "ship-within-a-ship" program. Guests who stay in one of the top-tier suites will have access to a private dining room and lounge, butler service, and more.
Just below The Retreat is AquaClass, Celebrity’s wellness-focused stateroom category. The cabins are standard verandas, but passengers enjoy better perks, such as access to the Blu restaurant, priority spa reservations, and use of the ship’s thermal suite.
Concierge Class is ideal for guests who want added comfort and convenience without paying for an AquaClass cabin or a suite. Passengers in these rooms benefit from a dedicated concierge, priority embarkation, an exclusive welcome lunch, and other upgraded amenities.
Since Celebrity Reflection isn't the newest ship, you can expect the cabins to feel more dated compared to the sleek, modern staterooms on the Edge Class vessels. That said, they're maintained well and come with the same basic amenities that are standard across the fleet.
During my 5-night cruise on Celebrity Reflection, my partner and I stayed in a standard, windowless interior room. The sailing came out to $1,997.74 for two people, including the cruise line's "All Included" program. As such, the fare was more inclusive, coming with a Classic Drinks Package, Basic Wi-Fi, and gratuities — though tips are no longer a perk of the bundled fare.
Although my eyes were immediately drawn to the dated color schemes and worn furniture, I couldn't help but appreciate my cabin's spaciousness — it was easily the largest interior room I've ever sailed in!
As expected, it was outfitted with amenities like a safe, mini-fridge, television, bathroom toiletries, and decent storage. Being an older ship, the limited number of outlets wasn't necessarily a surprise. The bathroom was well-maintained and fully functional, too, with plenty of space for our cosmetics and toiletries.
Finally, being located near the forward elevator banks ended up being a welcome benefit, as we could easily access the adult-only Solarium.
Things To Do On The Celebrity Reflection Ship
If you are familiar with Celebrity Cruises, then you've likely heard of Royal Caribbean International. Both are owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group — though that's about the extent of their similarities.
Unlike Royal Caribbean, Celebrity doesn't pride itself on building mega-ships that are filled from bow to stern with adrenaline-pumping thrills. Instead of zip lines, surfing simulators, ice skating rinks, and waterslides, Celebrity focuses on curating an adult-focused experience.
As such, the onboard activities are geared more toward relaxation, enrichment, and world-class dining. Aboard Celebrity Reflection, you will find a main outdoor pool area, multiple hot tubs, an enclosed adults-only Solarium, a spa and thermal suite, a main theater, a casino, and plenty of bars and lounges.
Beyond the pool deck and production shows, you'll find that the daily schedule is full of fun activities. Many are included in your Celebrity cruise fare. Others, however, such as the cocktail seminars, cost extra. You can expect everything from trivia contests to casino table game lessons, late-night silent discos, game shows, ABBA dance parties, musical murder mysteries, live music, and more.
Celebrity Reflection is also home to the cruise line's award-winning youth program called Camp at Sea, which offers age-appropriate activities for younger sailors — think fun games, video game tournaments, movie nights, slumber parties, scavenger hunts, and more.
Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship Restaurants
Celebrity Reflection has more than 10 restaurants, from the included Opus main dining room and the casual Oceanview Café to the delicious Tuscan Grill specialty restaurant and the convenient grab-and-go Spa Café.
My favorite complimentary restaurant was the Opus dining room. My partner and I ate in the dining room a few times and were overall happy with the experience. Highlights include the bread basket with a rotating trio of dips and spreads, Barolo Braised Beef Short Ribs, Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli, and Apple Tart Tatin.
The buffet is another popular staple. The Oceanview Café features an impressive selection of rotating dishes, along with premium desserts and a few made-to-order stations. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Pro tip: You don't want to miss the buffet's lunch on the last sea day. The Oceanview Café is transformed into a seafood extravaganza with everything from an all-you-can-eat shrimp cocktail tower to ceviche, mussels, strip steaks, and elaborate cakes.
Moving on, where Celebrity Reflection really shines is its specialty restaurants. The Porch, Murano, Tuscan Grille, Sushi on Five, The Lawn Club Grill, and Le Petit Chef offer a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to every palate and budget.
During our sailing, we splurged on two meals at The Porch and Tuscan Grille. The latter quickly became one of our favorite specialty restaurants at sea, with the aft wake views, perfectly cooked steaks, and hearty Italian fare leaving very little to be desired.
The Porch's specialty is seafood, which is why we tried the jumbo shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, and lobster roll. While my New England-born-and-raised partner felt there was just a touch too much mayo in the lobster roll, it was still enjoyable.
Overall, the laid-back atmosphere, paired with sweeping ocean views while dining al fresco, makes eating at The Porch a unique experience. It wasn't necessarily our favorite meal on the ship, though.
Read more: What the Food Was Like on Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection
Celebrity Reflection Itinerary: Where Does The Solstice Class Ship Sail To?
Through April 2028, Celebrity Reflection is scheduled to sail to The Bahamas and Caribbean year-round from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The shortest itineraries call at Bahamian ports like Bimini and Perfect Day at CocoCay, while the longer 8- and 9-night sailings sail further south to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
At the time of publication, the cheapest cruise was the 3-night sailing departing on December 4, 2026. Prices start at just $296 per person for a standard interior cabin.
Read more: 7 things I liked better about Celebrity than Royal Caribbean, after my first Celebrity cruise
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
