Celebrity Cruises has something for every kind of traveler, from large modern ships to small cozy yachts; they have something for everyone.
Whether you’re dreaming of sailing the Caribbean in style or exploring the Galápagos up close, there’s a Celebrity ship designed just for that.
Celebrity currently operates 16 ships, ranging from vessels that carry nearly 4,000 passengers to yachts that host fewer than 20.
In this guide, we’ll walk through all of them—ranked by age, size, and class—so you can confidently choose the one that best fits your travel vibe.
All Celebrity Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest
Let’s kick things off with a timeline of Celebrity’s evolution. Below is a complete list of all Celebrity ships, including the soon-to-debut Celebrity Xcel, sorted from newest to oldest:
| Ship | Launch Date |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Xcel | Coming November 2025 |
| Celebrity Ascent | December 2023 |
| Celebrity Beyond | April 2022 |
| Celebrity Apex | June 2021 |
| Celebrity Flora | June 2019 |
| Celebrity Edge | November 2018 |
| Celebrity Xploration | March 2017 |
| Celebrity Reflection | October 2012 |
| Celebrity Silhouette | July 2011 |
| Celebrity Eclipse | April 2010 |
| Celebrity Equinox | August 2009 |
| Celebrity Solstice | November 2008 |
| Celebrity Xpedition | June 2004 |
| Celebrity Constellation | May 2002 |
| Celebrity Summit | October 2001 |
| Celebrity Infinity | March 2001 |
| Celebrity Millennium | July 2000 |
Meet Celebrity’s Newest Star: Celebrity Ascent
If you’re all about cutting-edge design and luxurious details, Celebrity Ascent is calling your name.
She launched in December 2023 with Caribbean itineraries and offers everything fans love about the Edge Series—including the iconic Magic Carpet, multi-level dining, and jaw-dropping suites.
Before Ascent, Celebrity introduced Beyond (2022), Apex (2021), and Edge (2018), each pushing the limits of what modern cruising could be.
Even though Flora (2019) and Xploration (2017) are newer ships too, they fall into the Galápagos expedition category—small, sleek, and built for remote exploration.
Retired But Not Forgotten
Celebrity’s current fleet isn’t the full story—some ships have moved on to new adventures. Celebrity Galaxy, Mercury, and Century now sail under Marella Cruises with new names.
Older vessels like Horizon and Zenith were sold and eventually scrapped, while Meridian tragically sank in 1999.
It’s a nice reminder that even cruise ships have a second (or third) life.
Celebrity Ships by Size (Biggest to Smallest)
When you’re picking your ship, size matters—but maybe not in the way you think. Bigger ships often mean more features, while smaller ships can get into more remote ports. Here’s how Celebrity’s ships stack up by Gross Tonnage (GT) and guest capacity:
| Ship | Tonnage | Length | Guest Decks | Guests | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Xcel | 140,600 | 327m | 16 | 3,937 | 1,416 |
| Celebrity Ascent | 140,600 | 327m | 16 | 3,937 | 1,416 |
| Celebrity Beyond | 140,600 | 327m | 16 | 3,937 | 1,416 |
| Celebrity Edge | 129,500 | 306m | 16 | 2,918 | 1,320 |
| Celebrity Apex | 129,500 | 306m | 16 | 2,910 | 1,319 |
| Celebrity Reflection | 126,000 | 319m | 13 | 3,030 | 1,293 |
| Celebrity Silhouette | 122,000 | 319m | 13 | 2,902 | 1,285 |
| Celebrity Equinox | 122,000 | 317m | 13 | 2,852 | 1,290 |
| Celebrity Eclipse | 122,000 | 317m | 13 | 2,850 | 1,286 |
| Celebrity Solstice | 122,000 | 315m | 13 | 2,850 | 1,284 |
| Celebrity Constellation | 91,000 | 294m | 11 | 2,184 | 1,022 |
| Celebrity Millennium | 90,940 | 294m | 11 | 2,218 | 1,024 |
| Celebrity Infinity | 90,940 | 294m | 11 | 2,170 | 1,024 |
| Celebrity Summit | 90,940 | 294m | 11 | 2,158 | 1,027 |
| Celebrity Flora | 5,739 | 102m | 6 | 100 | 80 |
| Celebrity Xpedition | 2,842 | 90m | 4 | 48 | 58 |
| Celebrity Xploration | 316 | 30m | 3 | 16 | 12 |
🚢 Note: Guest numbers are based on double occupancy. Many rooms can sleep more, increasing max capacity.
Celebrity’s Biggest Ships
Celebrity Ascent, Beyond, and Xcel top the size charts. At 140,600 GT, they’re not just massive—they’re beautifully designed floating resorts.
These ships are 12% larger than their Edge-class siblings (Edge and Apex), offering more public space, more dining options, and a slightly grander vibe.
Interestingly, Celebrity Reflection, while older, is longer than Edge and Apex by 13 meters and holds more guests, despite having three fewer decks.
👀 Fun fact: Newer doesn’t always mean “bigger.” Ship design also plays a big role in how space is used.
Why Are Some Ships So Small?
If you stumble across Celebrity Xploration, you might do a double-take. At just 30 meters long and hosting only 16 guests, she’s one of the smallest cruise ships in the world!
Celebrity’s trio of small ships—Flora, Xpedition, and Xploration—are custom-built for navigating the Galápagos.
Their compact size allows them to get closer to nature, using Zodiacs to reach rugged shores and secluded beaches.
Think of them as luxury safari lodges—only on water.
Understanding Celebrity’s Ship Classes
Celebrity groups its fleet into four main ship classes, each offering different amenities and onboard vibes:
Edge Class
These are the most modern ships in the fleet, designed to connect guests with the sea like never before.
Standouts include the Magic Carpet (a floating bar that glides up and down the ship) and Eden (a glass-walled lounge like something out of a dream).
Ships:
- Celebrity Xcel
- Celebrity Ascent
- Celebrity Beyond
- Celebrity Edge
- Celebrity Apex
Solstice Class
Built between 2008 and 2012, these ships were game-changers in their day. They feature real grass lawns, unique specialty dining, and chic public spaces. They’re still a fan favorite today.
Ships
- Celebrity Solstice
- Celebrity Equinox
- Celebrity Eclipse
- Celebrity Silhouette
- Celebrity Reflection
Millennium Class
Older but far from outdated, these mid-sized ships (circa 2000–2002) are perfect for port-intensive cruises where the destination is the main event. They’re more intimate but still packed with style thanks to recent refurbishments.
Ships:
- Celebrity Millennium
- Celebrity Infinity
- Celebrity Summit
- Celebrity Constellation
Galápagos Class
These purpose-built expedition ships offer yacht-like luxury in one of the world’s most remote regions. Designed with sustainability in mind, they combine comfort and environmental sensitivity.
Ships
- Celebrity Flora
- Celebrity Xpedition (leaving fleet in 2025)
- Celebrity Xploration (leaving fleet in 2025)
A Note on Stateroom Classes
Don’t confuse ship classes with stateroom categories like Aqua Class or Concierge Class. These aren’t about the ship’s size or features but rather the perks you get:
- Aqua Class: Perfect for spa lovers. Includes access to wellness areas, exclusive dining, and premium amenities like yoga mats and plush robes.
- Concierge Class: Ideal for those who want a VIP edge. Enjoy priority boarding, daily canapés, and a dedicated concierge.
Best Celebrity Ships for Families
While Celebrity isn’t known for wild waterslides or zipline thrills, it still welcomes families with open arms. The kids’ clubs are creative and well-staffed, offering plenty of activities for all ages.
Parents of kids with autism will especially appreciate Celebrity’s focus on sensory-friendly cruising—from low-volume movie screenings to flexible club placements for siblings.
When cruising with little ones, the itinerary often matters more than the ship. Warm-weather sailings, Galápagos adventures, and cruises that depart close to home (for no-fly ease) tend to be hits with families.
Final Thoughts: Is Newer Always Better?
Not necessarily. Sure, the newer Edge-class ships dazzle with modern design and next-level tech. But the older ships have undergone a $500 million revitalization project, so you’re still getting quality, comfort, and updated amenities no matter which ship you choose.
Your best bet? Focus on what kind of experience you want:
- Want open space, high-end design, and wow-factor lounges? Try Ascent or Beyond.
- Looking for quieter, more destination-focused travel? Go with a Millennium-class ship.
- Dreaming of a close-up wildlife experience? The Galápagos ships are unbeatable.
In the end, there’s no “bad” Celebrity ship—just the one that suits you best.
