Why I Like Celebrity
Celebrity is the line I recommend most when a client wants a big-ship cruise that still feels grown-up. You get modern design, very good food and polished service, without the waterslides and noise of the mass-market lines, and the price is still within reach for most families.
The reason I keep coming back to Celebrity is the range. The same company can take you through the Greek Isles, up to Alaska, down to Antarctica from Buenos Aires, or around the Galápagos on a 100-guest yacht. Once a client knows how Celebrity works, I can send them almost anywhere in the world with it.
The suite program, The Retreat, is one of the best values at sea. Suite guests get a private restaurant, lounge and sundeck, and premium drinks and Wi-Fi are included. For many clients it's a real step toward luxury without luxury-line pricing.
The Ships
The Edge Series is Celebrity's newest class: Celebrity Edge (2018), Apex (2020), Beyond (2022), Ascent (2023) and Xcel (2025). These are the ships with the Magic Carpet, a platform that moves up and down the side of the ship as a bar, restaurant or tender landing, plus the Rooftop Garden, the Eden restaurant and the Infinite Veranda staterooms. A sixth, Celebrity Xcite, arrives in 2028.
The Solstice Series (Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette and Reflection) are my favorite middle ground: real grass on the Lawn Club, glassblowing shows and a classic Celebrity feel. They're getting a $250 million refresh that started with Celebrity Solstice in 2026.
The Millennium Series (Millennium, Infinity, Summit and Constellation) are smaller and older, and they're often the best value, especially for longer and more exotic itineraries. Celebrity Flora carries just 100 guests and sails the Galápagos year-round.
Who Celebrity Is Best For
Celebrity is best for couples, friends traveling together and families with older kids or adults who want great food, good cocktails, comfortable cabins and interesting ports. The vibe is relaxed and stylish. There are evening chic nights but no stiff formal dress code.
Skip Celebrity if your kids want rock-climbing walls, waterslides and a nonstop activity schedule. Royal Caribbean is a better fit for that. If you want a small ship where everything is included and there's never a line, a luxury line like Explora, Regent or Silversea is the next step up.
Best Time to Go
The Caribbean is best from November through April. Europe runs from April through October, and I like the shoulder months, May and September to October, for fewer crowds and better prices. Alaska runs May through September.
South America and Antarctica sail December through March. Asia and Australia are Northern Hemisphere winter trips, and the Galápagos is good year-round.
What It Costs and What's Included
A 7-night Caribbean balcony cabin with drinks and Wi-Fi often runs around $1,700 to $2,500 per person, depending on the ship and the week. Edge Series ships and holiday sailings cost more, and Europe and Alaska usually run higher than the Caribbean. Fares swing quite a bit between sale periods, so send me your dates and I'll price the best options.
Every fare includes your cabin, the main dining room, the buffet, entertainment and kids' programs. You can book "Cruise Only," or upgrade to "All Included," which adds the Classic drinks package and Wi-Fi. If you'd buy a drinks package anyway, All Included usually saves money. Specialty restaurants, excursions and the spa are extra.
A Tip Most People Don't Know
On the Edge Series ships, an "Infinite Veranda" isn't a traditional balcony. The top half of the window drops down at the touch of a button and your sitting area becomes the balcony, so you get more room inside but no separate outdoor space. If you want a real balcony where you can step outside and close the door behind you, ask me about a Sunset Veranda at the back of the ship. Those cabins are larger and have the best wake views on board.
A Favorite Trip
This past September I sailed Celebrity Ascent through Italy, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro, and it was simply wonderful. September is my favorite time for the Mediterranean: the water is still warm, the summer crowds have thinned, and every port felt like a postcard. Four countries in one trip, and I only had to unpack once.
The highlight on board was dinner at Eden. Order the crab cakes. They're enormous, and they were easily one of the best things I ate all trip. Eden is a specialty restaurant with an extra charge, and it's worth every penny. If you book this itinerary with me, I'll make sure you have a reservation there.