Celebrity Cruises Tips for a Great First Sailing

Celebrity's fleet splits roughly into the sleek newer Edge-series ships like Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent, and the older but beloved Solstice-class ships such as Celebrity Solstice and Equinox. The Edge ships are the showstoppers, with the Magic Carpet platform that moves up the side of the ship, gorgeous infinite verandas, and bold modern design. They feel current and a little glamorous.

The Solstice-class ships have a softer, classic charm and a real grass lawn up top, which is a genuinely lovely place to relax with a glass of wine. Neither is wrong. I tell first-timers to look at the itinerary first, then the ship, because Celebrity sails some beautiful routes in Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe. Read recent reviews of your exact ship so you know which spaces and venues to look forward to.

Most Celebrity sailings are sold with what they call an Always Included fare, which bundles a classic drinks package, basic wifi, and gratuities into the base price. This is honestly a relief because it means a lot of the nickel-and-diming is handled up front. You can usually upgrade to a higher drinks tier or faster wifi if you want, but plenty of people are perfectly happy with what's included.

Before you book, just confirm exactly what your fare covers, since the details can shift over time and vary by promotion. Knowing whether your drinks package covers that fancy cocktail or tops out at a certain price point saves you a surprise on the bill. And if you booked a fare without the bundle, you can often add these perks later, so it's worth pricing both ways.

Even on a polished line like Celebrity, cabins are compact and storage runs out fast. The walls are steel, so a handful of magnetic hooks instantly create hanging space for your hat, a light jacket, wet swimwear, and the day's program. I keep one by the mirror for jewelry and one near the door for my lanyard and tote, and it keeps the lovely room from turning into a pile of stuff.

I also never sail without an over-the-door shoe organizer for sunscreen, chargers, and sunglasses, plus a small nightlight for those middle-of-the-night moments. None of this is glamorous, but it's the difference between a cabin that feels serene and one that feels chaotic. These three little items pack flat, cost very little, and quietly elevate the whole experience, which feels very on-brand for Celebrity.

On the Edge-series ships, Celebrity does something different with its main dining: instead of one big room, there are four distinct complimentary restaurants, each with its own look and a slightly different menu twist. You can rotate among them or stick with a favorite. On the Solstice-class ships you'll find a more traditional single main dining room. Either way, the included food is a real strength of this line.

The specialty restaurants are worth at least one splurge, and the steakhouse and the seafood spot tend to be standouts. If you're a foodie, look into whether a dining package makes sense for your sailing. I also love that Celebrity's bars and lounges, like the martini bar, are part of the experience, so build in time to just sit, sip something nice, and enjoy the design around you.

Celebrity attracts a slightly older, calmer crowd than the big party lines, and the pace reflects that. Sea days are wonderful for slowing down, whether that's the spa, the lawn club, a lecture, or simply a quiet lounger. Each evening you'll get the next day's schedule, and I like to pick a couple of things to anchor my day rather than trying to do everything.

On port days, Celebrity calls at some genuinely scenic destinations, so decide whether you want a guided excursion or a relaxed wander. Whatever you choose, give yourself a comfortable cushion before all-aboard, because the ship leaves on schedule. If you're exploring somewhere unfamiliar and you're tight on time, an excursion booked through Celebrity means the ship is responsible for getting you back, which takes the pressure off so you can actually enjoy the day.