Celebrity Cruise Ships: Newest to Oldest

Celebrity Cruise ships have earned a reputation! They offer luxury experiences aimed at adult cruisers who want a cruise above and beyond what you might find on a budget-friendly, family-friendly ship. However, they’re not so over-the-top luxurious and inclusive as to be extra-exclusive and extra-pricey. 

The Celebrity brand also does a nice job of blending classic cruising elegance with top-of-the-line tech and cruising amenities. In short, Celebrity Cruises ships are, for the most part, sophisticated and the newest ships in this long-standing fleet offer all the latest, greatest and best in cruising. 

However, there are 15 total ships in the fleet to choose from, when you book your next cruise. If you don’t already have a favorite among the Celebrity Cruises ships (or if it’s your first-time cruising with Celebrity ever), which should you go with? Here’s everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises’ fleet.

Celebrity Cruises Ships

Celebrity Cruise ships include, currently, 15 different vessels spread out over four classes. 

The current oldest class of ships in the fleet? The Millennium class. The Millennium class debuted in 2000 and included Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Constellation. It’s not uncommon for new Celebrity ships to offer industry-first features and that was the case for the Millennium class, too, at least at the time. The ships were the first gas turbine-powered cruise ships. 

The Solstice class debuted in 2008, with Celebrity Solstice. At the time of the ship’s debut, it was the largest ship to be built at a German shipyard, at 122,000 gross tons. Solstice-class ships included fun new features such as a special lawn-inspired area and larger staterooms.

Solstice-class ships include Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection. Celebrity Reflection was the biggest cruise ship for the line when it debuted in 2012, and would retain that status until Celebrity Edge’s debut.

Both Millennium-class and Solstice-class ships have received a fair amount of refurbishments since their launching. However, if you want to cruise on some of the newest Celebrity Cruises ships, you’ll want to look at the Edge class. 

This class premiered in 2018 with Celebrity Edge and it’s a class that Celebrity is still building out. The next Edge-class ship, Celebrity Apex debuted in 2020 and Celebrity Beyond debuted in 2022, with two more ships slated to join the class later. Celebrity Ascent will take to the high seas in 2024, with another, unnamed ship to follow in 2025.

Beyond these standard cruise ships, though, Celebrity also launched its own series of expedition ships. While not technically considered a class per se, these ships include a trio of ships designed to take passengers on exciting cruising adventures in smaller, more intimate settings. All the expedition ships are older ships purchased from other lines, and the expeditions ships include Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Flora.

The Difference Between Newer and Older Celebrity Cruise Ships

What are the primary differences between the older and newer Celebrity Cruises ships? The differences all come down to a few key factors, including size, luxury, and amenities.

Not only are Celebrity’s newest ships bigger, but they’re also better. Newer ships are decked out with more and more restaurants, entertainment options and even stateroom and suite options. 

That said, while these new ships are flashier and more luxurious, that doesn’t make them a perfect fit for every cruiser out there. If you prefer fewer crowds and are willing to give up some dining and suite options to get that more intimate environment, you may prefer one of Celebrity’s older — but still updated — ships. 

Every Celebrity Cruises Ship Ranked from Newest to Oldest

Celebrity Ascent (Coming in 2024)

The newest Celebrity Cruises ship hasn’t quite entered service just yet (depending on when you’re reading this), but it’s coming. Celebrity Ascent packs in all of the favorited Edge-class amenities and venues, like the Resort Deck, Magic Carpet (the world’s first cantilevered lounge at sea), Rooftop Garden and more. However, Celebrity Ascent also provides brand-new experiences.

According to the brand, cruisers will be able to expect revitalized main dining room experiences, new menus at favorite restaurants and a new restaurant from Daniel Boulud. Additionally, expect a newly redesigned casino and new shows in the theater. 

• Entered Service: 2024
• Ship Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 140,600
• Passenger Capacity: 3,260
• Crew Capacity: 1,400

Celebrity Beyond (2022)

The third Edge-class ship, Celebrity Beyond debuted in April 2022 and has been a favorite with luxury cruisers ever since. The ship truly does go “beyond” its predecessors, with more staterooms, an expanded Retreat space, more decks, more restaurants and more to love overall.

The ship features the first restaurant at sea from Chef Daniel Boulud, and the ship is also home to Captain Kate McCue, known as the first American woman to captain a major cruise ship. 

• Entered Service: April 2022
• Ship Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 140,600
• Passenger Capacity: 3,260
• Crew Capacity: 1,400

Celebrity Apex (2020)

Celebrity Apex was the second Edge-class ship and features a few standout offerings that set it apart from class forerunner Celebrity Edge. 

The vessel offers Craft Social, pub-style dining concept that originally premiered on Celebrity Equinox; a new dining program in the ship’s Eden space; a tech-heavy theater with a curved 4K LED screen; and new options in the ship’s spa.

However, while Celebrity Apex did provide new temptations for cruisers, it’s still smaller and less impressive than Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent. If you specifically want to cruise on an Edge-class ship and you have your pick between these three, go with one of the two newer options. 

• Entered Service: May 20, 2020
• Ship Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 129,500
• Passenger Capacity: 2,910
• Crew Capacity: 1,319

Celebrity Flora (2019)

Celebrity Flora is one of Celebrity Cruises’ unique expedition ships. If you’re expecting a traditional cruise ship just like the Edge and Solstice-class ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet… well, don’t. These ships are much, much smaller and designed specifically to offer experiences you just can’t get on a mega-ship.

When it comes to Celebrity Flora, this ship was designed particularly to cater to travelers taking adventurous trips to the Galapagos Islands. The ship blends luxury with eco-friendly properties. 

Even if you don’t consider yourself the adventurous type, you still might like a cruise on this ship. The all-suite vessel only houses 100 guests at double occupancy, so you’ll definitely enjoy a more intimate experience than you might otherwise — and all with a Celebrity Cruises touch of luxury.

• Entered Service: June 30, 2019
• Ship Builder: De Hoop, Netherlands
• Gross Tonnage: 5,739
• Passenger Capacity: 100
• Crew Capacity: 80

Celebrity Edge (2018)

Celebrity Edge kicked off the Edge class and did so in high style. This cruise ship offered brand-new types of staterooms for the cruise line, such as the Infinite Veranda, which gives cruisers a unique take on the traditional balcony stateroom, for blurred lines between the indoors and outdoors.

The cruise ship also offered new staterooms for solo travelers. The ship also featured the Magic Carpet for the first time, a cantilevered, floating platform that transforms from deck to deck. 

• Entered Service: December 2018
• Ship Builder: STX France, Saint-Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 129,500
• Passenger Capacity: 2,918
• Crew Capacity: 1,320

Celebrity Xploration (2017)

One of Celebrity’s expedition ships, Celebrity Xploration isn’t really a cruise ship, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a catamaran and it was owned by another cruise company before Celebrity took the vessel over in 2017.

Sailing exclusively in the Galapagos, the ship offers eight luxurious suites, two dining options, and public areas like a lounge and sun deck. Cruisers enjoy daily excursions in this ship’s one-of-a-kind destinations. Celebrity Exploration had the honor of being home to the first woman captain of a Galapagos cruise ship.

• Entered Service: March 2017
• Ship Builder: Botto Astilleros y Marina, Guayaquil, Ecuador
• Gross Tonnage: 319.5
• Passenger Capacity: 16
• Crew Capacity: 12

Celebrity Reflection (2012)

The vessel may have made its grand debut more than a decade ago, but it’s hardly outdated. This ship received refurbishments as recently as October 2022.

The last and the largest of the Solstice-class ships, Celebrity Reflection stood out due to the inclusion of the first AquaClass suites (aka, suites that come with special spa-inspired amenities), as well as its own, special Reflection Class suites. These suites are only available on Celebrity Reflection and feature extra-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows for the best views possible.

Certain areas of this ship are also larger than on other Solstice-class ships. There’s an extra deck of staterooms and suites; larger outdoor decks; and a larger theater. 

• Entered Service: Oct. 12, 2012
• Ship Builder: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
• Gross Tonnage: 125,366
• Passenger Capacity: 3,480
• Crew Capacity: 1,293

Celebrity Silhouette (2011)

Similarly to sister ship Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette entered service over a decade ago, but has received recent renovations, in 2020. Those 2020 renovations came as a part of Celebrity’s Revolution initiative, which modernized its entire fleet with more than $500 million in investments.

Thanks to these investments, you’ll see venues and features on Celebrity Silhouette that first appeared on newer ships, such as The Retreat, which first appeared on Celebrity Edge. The Retreat is a VIP area of the ship with its own private spaces, like its own restaurant and sundeck, which are only open to guests staying in Retreat suites.

• Entered Service: July 23, 2011
• Ship Builder: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
• Gross Tonnage: 122,000
• Passenger Capacity: 2,902
• Crew Capacity: 1,285

Celebrity Eclipse (2010)

Celebrity Eclipse was scheduled to be refurbished in 2020. However, much of the cruising industry was put on hold during the pandemic. Because of this, not quite as many updates have been made to this ship, compared to what you’ll see on others. Refurbishments have been limited; for example, in 2021, it received a new paint job. 

• Entered Service: April 26, 2010
• Ship Builder: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
• Gross Tonnage: 121,878
• Passenger Capacity: 2,852
• Crew Capacity: 1,286

Celebrity Equinox (2009)

Also updated as part of Celebrity’s Revolution initiative that brought a good portion of its fleet up to the most modern of standards, Celebrity Equinox was the second Solstice-class ship for the cruise line.

Thanks to refurbishments made in 2019, this ship now features Celebrity Cruises favorites, such as Craft Social, a relatively new dining option on the ships, and The Retreat, Celebrity’s take on a VIP area with suites, a restaurant and more all open solely to those sailing in a Retreat suite. The refurbishments also updated staterooms in general, and added new children’s features, as well as Xcelerate WiFi.

• Entered Service: Aug. 8, 2009
• Ship Builder: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
• Gross Tonnage: 121,878
• Passenger Capacity: 2,852
• Crew Capacity: 1,290

Celebrity Solstice (2008)

As you could probably guess, Celebrity Solstice kicked off Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice class. This ship was not only the largest to be built at a German shipyard when it launched in 2008. It also introduced industry-first features to the cruising industry and Celebrity Cruises in general.

For example, The Lawn Club was introduced and quickly became a staple throughout Celebrity Cruises’ ships. The Lawn Club offers lawn games, casual dining and drinks. The ship also featured a unique form of entertainment that soon spread to other ships in the fleet — the Hot Glass Show, which was developed via a partnership with The Corning Museum of Glass. Other notable features included a 12-deck-tall atrium and a large theater that could fit 1,400 people. 

Unfortunately, while Celebrity’s Revolution initiative did impact a large number of the cruise line’s ships, it hasn’t impacted Celebrity Solstice just yet. Because of this, you won’t see certain, newer features or design elements on this ship.

• Entered Service: Aug. 10, 2008
• Ship Builder: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
• Gross Tonnage: 121, 878
• Passenger Capacity: 2,852
• Crew Capacity: 1,290

Celebrity Constellation (2002)

When Celebrity Constellation premiered, it concluded what is currently Celebrity’s oldest class of ships: the Millennium-class. This ship is more than two decades old, though it did receive an update in May 2017.

Another extensive update was scheduled for 2020 and then 2021, though those updates were delayed due to the pandemic; now, it’s expected that those refits will take place in 2024. 

• Entered Service: May 12, 2002
• Ship Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 90,940
• Passenger Capacity: 2,184
• Crew Capacity: 1,022

Celebrity Summit (2001)

Another older ship, Celebrity Summit made her debut in 2001. In 2012, the ship was further renovated to bring her up to Celebrity’s Solstice-class standards. Further refurbishments took place in 2016 and 2019. (The extensive 2012 refurbishments increased the ship’s size and occupancy.)

One fun fact about this ship? From 2015 to 2018, Kate McCue was the ship’s captain, and now McCue boasts the status as the first American woman to captain a mega cruise ship. 

• Entered Service: Oct. 2, 2001
• Ship Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 90,940
• Passenger Capacity: 2,158
• Crew Capacity: 999

Celebrity Infinity (2001)

The second Millennium-class ship, Celebrity Infinity was most recently refurbished in 2015. However, just because this ship is a bit on the older side, even when you take in that last refurbishment, that doesn’t mean that you won’t still find Celebrity favorites once you’re on board. For example, there’s still the AquaClass experience, if you’d prefer to stay in a stateroom or suite with spa-focused amenities.

• Entered Service: March 3, 2001
• Ship Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 90,940
• Passenger Capacity: 2,170
• Crew Capacity: 1,024

Celebrity Xpedition (2001)

Originally launched by Sun Bay Cruises in 2001, this ship received new life in 2004, when Celebrity Cruises took it over, renamed it and sent it off to the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll find the line’s other small ships and catamaran options. Expect a more intimate experience on this ship (though not quite as intimate as what you might get on Celebrity Xploration, with its capacity for fewer than 20 guests).

The ship was revitalized in 2018 and includes 24 staterooms, including a variety of suites. There are also multiple restaurants and daily shore excursions are included in your cruise fare. 

• Entered Service: Feb. 17, 2001
• Ship Builder: Cassens Schiffswerft in Emden, Germany
• Gross Tonnage: 2,842
• Passenger Capacity: 48
• Crew Capacity: 58

Celebrity Millennium (2000)

Lastly, the oldest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ fleet is Celebrity Millennium. The ship to launch Celebrity’s modern era, it’s one of the handful to be completely revolutionized via the Celebrity Revolution $500 million initiative, undergoing changes in 2019.

Thanks to this, the ship hardly feels like the oldest in the entire Celebrity Cruises fleet, making it an “oldie but a goodie” that avid cruisers and Celebrity fans still flock to today.

• Entered Service: July 1, 2000
• Ship Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 90,940
• Passenger Capacity: 2,593
• Crew Capacity: 1,024

What is the Newest Celebrity Cruises Ship?

The newest Celebrity Cruises ship is the line’s third Edge-class ship, Celebrity Beyond. This vessel premiered in April 2022 and offers all of the best of the best that Celebrity Cruises has on tap at the current moment. Expect extra luxury, added Retreat space, more decks, more restaurants, and unique dining options you won’t find on any other ship to date.

What is the Oldest Celebrity Cruises Ship?

The oldest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet is Celebrity Millennium, which entered service in 2000 — more than two decades ago! Despite the age, though, the ship still manages to be relatively modern and offers Celebrity’s characteristic luxury, thanks to recent renovations that occurred in 2019, bringing the ship up to modern standards.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a stalwart Celebrity Cruises fan or you’re just intrigued by the brand and are considering booking your next cruise with Celebrity for the first time, you have plenty of ship options.

Read Also: Who is Captain Kate McCue – A Trailblazer and Pioneer

From older-but-updated and smaller ships, to mega ships with all the bells and whistles, to luxury catamarans that will take you to far-flung locales, Celebrity offers something for everyone.