Celebrity Cruises Cruises

Celebrity sits one step above the big mass-market lines: the same Caribbean, Alaska and Mediterranean routes as its sister brand Royal Caribbean, but with no waterslides or climbing walls, more attention on food, and a crowd that skews toward couples and grown-up families. The base fare covers meals in several complimentary restaurants, twice-daily housekeeping, entertainment, pools and the gym. Drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities are extra.

Most people book the All Included fare, which bolts on the Classic drink package (drinks priced under $10, with the beverage gratuity covered) and basic unlimited Wi-Fi. As of 2026, Celebrity lists the upgrade to the Premium drink package at $20 per person per day and to Premium Wi-Fi at $9.99 per person per day. The daily crew gratuity is a separate line: $19.50 per guest per day in inside, oceanview and veranda cabins, $20.50 in Concierge Class and AquaClass, and $24.50 in The Retreat, with an automatic 20% on spa, specialty dining, room service and anything bought outside a package. Retreat suites get premium drinks, premium Wi-Fi, butler service and their own restaurant, Luminae.

The dress code is smart casual most nights, with one Evening Chic night per seven-night cruise (two on longer sailings) - cocktail dresses, slacks, a blazer if you want one, no tie required. T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops are only fine at the poolside venues. Camp at Sea takes kids 3 to 17 in age-banded groups, but children must be fully potty trained to join.

Travelers usually weigh Celebrity against Princess and Holland America. Celebrity's ships feel more contemporary and design-led; Princess and Holland America lean more traditional, with longer itineraries and an older average passenger. Families with young kids who want constant activity are better served by Royal Caribbean.

Sources: celebritycruises.com, celebritycruises.com, celebritycruises.com, celebritycruises.com