Celebrity Cruises operates 15 ships as of 2024

Celebrity Cruises, owned by Royal Caribbean Group, runs 15 ships across its fleet. The company divides these vessels into four classes: Edge Class, Solstice Class, Millennium Class, and Century Class. Each class differs in size, onboard amenities, and the destinations they typically serve. The newest ships are larger and carry more passengers, while older vessels in the Century Class are smaller and often used for more specialized itineraries.

The fleet size has grown over the past decade as Celebrity retired older ships and added new ones. The company continues to order new vessels—Celebrity has additional Edge Class ships on order that will join the fleet in coming years. This expansion reflects the cruise industry's overall growth and Celebrity's strategy to modernize its offerings.

Key Takeaways

  • Celebrity Cruises operates 15 ships divided into four different classes, each with different capacities and features.
  • The Edge Class represents the newest and largest ships, while the Century Class consists of the oldest vessels still in service.
  • The fleet includes ships like Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Millennium, each serving different route types and passenger preferences.
  • Celebrity has additional ships on order that will expand the fleet further in the coming years.

The Four Ship Classes in Celebrity's Fleet

Edge Class ships are the newest and largest in the fleet. These vessels carry around 3,000 passengers and feature modern design, premium dining options, and advanced technology. Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Beyond are the three Edge Class ships currently operating, with more on order.

Solstice Class ships are mid-sized vessels that carry approximately 2,800 passengers. This class includes Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, and Celebrity Silhouette. These ships are known for their modern amenities and were built between 2008 and 2011, making them among the newer vessels in the fleet.

Millennium Class ships carry around 1,900 to 2,000 passengers each. This class includes Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit, and Celebrity Constellation. These vessels were built in the early 2000s and remain popular for their size and service quality.

Century Class consists of just one ship still in service: Celebrity Century. This vessel carries approximately 1,800 passengers and is the oldest ship in the active fleet. Celebrity retired the other Century Class ships (Celebrity Galaxy and Celebrity Mercury) in recent years.

Ship Sizes and Passenger Capacity

Celebrity's ships range significantly in size. The Edge Class vessels are the largest, designed to carry up to 3,000 passengers plus crew. The Solstice Class ships hold about 2,800 passengers, while Millennium Class vessels accommodate roughly 1,900 to 2,000. The single Century Class ship carries the fewest passengers at around 1,800.

Larger ships typically offer more dining venues, entertainment options, and onboard activities. Smaller ships can access ports that larger vessels cannot reach, making them valuable for itineraries to places like Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Celebrity uses this variety to serve different passenger preferences—some travelers prefer the extensive amenities of larger ships, while others favor the more intimate experience of smaller vessels.

Recent Fleet Changes and Future Orders

Celebrity has made significant changes to its fleet in recent years. The company retired Celebrity Galaxy in 2015 and Celebrity Mercury in 2020, both Century Class ships. These retirements allowed Celebrity to focus on newer, more efficient vessels.

Looking ahead, Celebrity has ordered additional Edge Class ships that will join the fleet. These new vessels will continue the company's modernization strategy and expand capacity on popular routes. The exact delivery dates depend on shipyard schedules, but Celebrity has announced plans for continued fleet growth through the late 2020s.

How Ship Class Affects Your Cruise Experience

The ship class you sail on directly influences your onboard experience. Edge Class ships feature the latest technology, including more spacious staterooms, innovative dining concepts, and premium entertainment venues. These ships are ideal if you want the newest amenities and don't mind larger crowds.

Solstice Class vessels offer a balance between modern features and slightly smaller crowds than Edge Class ships. Millennium Class ships provide a proven, reliable experience with good amenities at a potentially lower price point. Century Class offers the most intimate setting but with fewer onboard options compared to newer ships.

Finding Which Ship You'll Sail On

When you search for Celebrity cruises, the ship name appears in the itinerary details. Different ships serve different routes—for example, Celebrity Edge typically operates Caribbean itineraries, while Celebrity Millennium often sails Alaska routes. The ship assigned to your chosen dates and destination depends on Celebrity's seasonal deployment schedule.

You can view detailed information about each ship on Celebrity's website, including deck plans, dining venues, stateroom types, and onboard facilities. This helps you understand what to expect before you book. If you have a strong preference for a particular ship class or specific vessel, you can search by ship name when looking at available cruises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Celebrity ship is the newest?

Celebrity Beyond, which launched in 2023, is the newest ship in the fleet. It is an Edge Class vessel and features the latest design and technology. Celebrity Apex (2020) and Celebrity Edge (2018) are also among the newest ships, all part of the Edge Class.

What is the largest Celebrity ship?

The Edge Class ships are the largest, carrying around 3,000 passengers. Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Edge are all roughly the same size, with Beyond being the most recent addition to this class.

Does Celebrity still operate Century Class ships?

Yes, Celebrity Century is still in service and carries approximately 1,800 passengers. It is the oldest ship in the active fleet. Celebrity retired the other two Century Class ships (Galaxy and Mercury) in 2015 and 2020 respectively.

Can I choose which ship I sail on?

You cannot always choose your specific ship, as it depends on your chosen itinerary and travel dates. However, you can see which ship is assigned to each sailing before you book. If a particular ship class appeals to you, you can search for itineraries that use those vessels.

Are older Celebrity ships less comfortable than newer ones?

Older ships like those in the Millennium Class are still well-maintained and comfortable, though they have fewer amenities than Edge Class vessels. The choice between older and newer ships often comes down to personal preference—some passengers prefer the larger, feature-rich newer ships, while others enjoy the more intimate atmosphere of smaller, older vessels.