Complete Guide to Celebrity Cruises Ships – Size, Age & Classes

Take a closer look at the Celebrity Cruises fleet, with details on every ship’s size, age and class to help you find your perfect match.

Choosing the right Celebrity ship can feel overwhelming, with options ranging from brand-new luxury ships to intimate expedition vessels. Each one offers something different, from clever design touches to bucket-list itineraries.

I first sailed with Celebrity on a UK staycation cruise on Celebrity Silhouette and enjoyed it so much that I’ve been keeping an eye out for another good solo deal ever since. In the meantime, I’ve been researching the Celebrity fleet to see what makes each ship unique.

Whether you’re planning your first Celebrity cruise or comparing ships for your next one, this guide breaks down every ship by size, age and class so you can find the one that fits your travel style perfectly.

Celebrity Cruises fleet overview

Celebrity ships by size (largest to smallest)

Most of the Celebrity Cruises fleet is made up of large ships, although compared with some other cruise lines, they sit at the smaller end of the “large ship” category. The exception is the Galapagos vessels, which are tiny in comparison and designed for intimate expedition cruising.

• Celebrity Ascent – 3,260 passengers (2023)
• Celebrity Beyond – 3,260 passengers (2022)
• Celebrity Reflection – 3,046 passengers (2012)
• Celebrity Edge – 2,918 passengers (2018)
• Celebrity Apex – 2,910 passengers (2020)
• Celebrity Silhouette – 2,902 passengers (2011)
• Celebrity Eclipse – 2,852 passengers (2010)
• Celebrity Equinox – 2,852 passengers (2009)
• Celebrity Solstice – 2,852 passengers (2008)
• Celebrity Millennium – 2,218 passengers (2000)
• Celebrity Summit – 2,218 passengers (2001)
• Celebrity Constellation – 2,184 passengers (2002)
• Celebrity Infinity – 2,170 passengers (2001)
• Celebrity Flora – 100 passengers (2019)
• Celebrity Xpedition – 48 passengers (2004)
• Celebrity Xploration – 16 passengers (2017)

While ship size can give you an idea of space and onboard choice, smaller ships can offer a more personal experience with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Alongside ship size, it also helps to look at the age of the ships in the fleet. Celebrity’s newest ships have the latest features, while the older ones offer a smaller, more traditional experience

Celebrity ships by age (newest to oldest)

Celebrity’s ships range from brand-new builds to older vessels that have been carefully modernised through regular refurbishments. The newest ships tend to have the latest design innovations, while the older ones provide a more traditional cruise feel.

• Celebrity Ascent – 2023
• Celebrity Beyond – 2022
• Celebrity Apex – 2020
• Celebrity Flora – 2019
• Celebrity Edge – 2018
• Celebrity Xploration – 2017
• Celebrity Reflection – 2012
• Celebrity Silhouette – 2011
• Celebrity Eclipse – 2010
• Celebrity Equinox – 2009
• Celebrity Solstice – 2008
• Celebrity Xpedition – 2004
• Celebrity Constellation – 2002
• Celebrity Infinity – 2001
• Celebrity Summit – 2001
• Celebrity Millennium – 2000

Oldest ship in the fleet: Celebrity Millennium (launched 2000, refurbished 2019).
Newest ship in the fleet: Celebrity Ascent (launched 2023).

Along with size and age, it also helps to understand the different ship classes in the Celebrity fleet, as each one offers a slightly different style of cruising.

Celebrity ship classes explained

The Celebrity Cruises fleet is divided into four main classes: Edge, Solstice, Millennium, and Galapagos. Each has its own personality and features, so it’s worth knowing the key differences before you choose which one to sail on.

Edge class

Ships: Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent

The newest and most innovative ships in the fleet. Edge Class introduced the (controversial) Infinite Veranda cabin design, where the balcony is built into the room with a floor-to-ceiling window.

They’re also known for the Magic Carpet, a large orange platform that moves up and down the side of the ship, transforming into a restaurant, bar, or tender platform depending on its position.

Solstice Class

Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Reflection

Solstice Class ships are stylish and spacious, known for the Lawn Club, a half-acre of real grass on the top deck, perfect for picnics, live music, or simply relaxing with sea views.

I have sailed on Celebrity Silhouette and thought she was a beautiful ship. Compared to the UK-market ships I was used to, the décor and atmosphere felt noticeably more international, with a stylish but relaxed vibe. My cabin was surprisingly spacious and the bars and restaurants onboard were excellent. I especially loved the Sunset Bar for sailaway and the Martini Bar for evening drinks.

Read more: Guide to Celebrity Silhouette dining options

Millennium Class

Ships: Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Constellation

The oldest ships in the Celebrity fleet, launched between 2000 and 2002. They are smaller than the Solstice and Edge classes but have been refurbished under the Celebrity Revolution programme, which added many design touches from the newer ships.

Galapagos Ships

Ships: Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xploration

These three small ships are dedicated to the Galapagos Islands. They carry between 16 and 100 passengers and offer an expedition-style experience in luxury. On these ships, the focus is very much on the destination rather than onboard amenities.

Which Celebrity ship is best for you?

With 16 ships to choose from, there’s no single “best” Celebrity Cruises ship; it all depends on what kind of cruise experience you’re after. Each class offers something different, from cutting-edge design to smaller, more personal ships.

• Best for modern luxury: Celebrity Beyond or Celebrity Ascent (Edge Class). These are the newest ships, packed with innovative design and upscale touches.
• Best for style and space: Celebrity Silhouette or Celebrity Reflection (Solstice Class). Both are elegant ships with plenty of outdoor areas and excellent dining options.
• Best for smaller ship charm: Celebrity Millennium or Celebrity Summit (Millennium Class). Perfect if you prefer a quieter, more traditional feel.
• Best for adventure: Celebrity Flora (Galapagos). Purpose-built for exploring the islands in comfort and style.
• Best for solo cruisers: Edge Class ships. Some include dedicated solo cabins, and all have a welcoming, sociable atmosphere.

No matter which ship you choose, you’ll find Celebrity’s signature blend of stylish design, great food and attentive service across the fleet.

FAQs About Celebrity Cruises Ships

If you’re still deciding which Celebrity ship might suit you best, these quick FAQs cover some of the most common questions cruisers ask.

What’s the difference between Edge Class and Solstice Class ships?

Edge Class ships are the newest and most innovative in the fleet, featuring Infinite Veranda cabins and the Magic Carpet platform. Solstice Class ships are a little older but known for their elegant design, spacious decks and the real-grass Lawn Club on the top deck.

Which Celebrity ship is best for first-time cruisers?

If you’re new to cruising, Celebrity Edge or Celebrity Beyond are great choices. They’re modern, easy to navigate, and packed with dining and entertainment options, making them ideal introductions to the Celebrity experience.

Which Celebrity ships are best for solo cruisers?

Dedicated solo cabins are available on the Edge Class ships, including Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond and Ascent. Other ships often have good-value solo occupancy deals, particularly outside peak season.

Are Celebrity Cruises suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome on Celebrity Cruises ships. While the atmosphere is relaxed and geared more towards adults, the larger Edge and Solstice Class ships offer kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities.

Do all Celebrity ships offer the same dining and entertainment?

Every ship delivers excellent food, service and entertainment, but the larger Edge and Solstice Class ships have the widest choice of restaurants and venues. Smaller ships like the Millennium Class and Galapagos vessels focus more on destination and relaxation than nightlife.

Which Celebrity ships sail from the UK?

Celebrity Apex is currently offering sailings from Southampton and Celebrity Silhouette has also been based in the UK in the past.

The last word

Celebrity Cruises has a great range of ships sailing some incredible itineraries. Whether you like the idea of the modern features on the newest ships or prefer the more classic feel of the older ones, there will be a Celebrity ship that’s right for you.

The key is to do a little research so you find the ship that best matches your style of cruising. For me, Celebrity Silhouette was a brilliant introduction to the brand and left me keen to try more of their ships in the future.

If you’ve cruised with Celebrity before, I’d love to hear which ship you sailed on and what you thought in the comments.

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