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Everyone saves 40% on every sailing and receives an added savings bonus of up to $200 per stateroom. Plus, on select sailings, 3rd and 4th guests sail for free.

It's time you got the celebrity treatment. These two-room suites feature a large living area with floor to ceiling panoramic windows, private veranda, and a primary bedroom with a king-size bed featuring our signature eXhale® bedding and Cashmere™ Mattress

• Veranda with lounge seating
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors
• Exclusive eXhale ® bedding
• King-sized mattress*
• Trundle bed in some suites
• Plentiful storage space
• Spacious sitting area with sofa

*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.

Exclusive services and amenities

• Daily delivery of afternoon savories
• Afternoon tea event hosted in The Retreat Lounge
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary use of golf umbrella and binoculars
• Complimentary shoe shine service

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you’ll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.

Premium Drinks

Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether in your suite, out exploring or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi

It's easy to stay connected at all times with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi. It's included as part of The Retreat experience.

Services & amenities for Celebrity Suite guests

Intuitive Service

• Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
• Onboard Retreat Concierge
• Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
• Reserved theater seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

• Exclusive access to Luminae at The Retreat
• Dine in the main restaurant
• Complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Thoughtfully curated amenities

• Complimentary welcome bottle of sparkling wine
• Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees
• Fresh fruit delivered upon request
• Celebrity’s eXhale ® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customize your night’s sleep
• Premium bathroom amenities
• Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Experience a day at The Retreat

Other Suites

Enjoy ever-changing vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Exclusive to Celebrity Reflection, this suite is one of a kind in the fleet.

Separate living, dining, and sleeping areas make this space fit for a king or queen.

Celebrity provides nothing but a top notch vacation. If you're looking for high-class and luxury, you won't go wrong here!

Suite was the perfect size for 2. Wonderful staff! There are no complaints. Izzy, our butler, the 2 cabin stewards and the Cafe Baccio staff were always most attentive. The reason we cruise was all there. We’ll be back!

This was our first cruise and we chose a Sky Suite (9204) and were extremely happy. The bathroom was just as described. The attention to detail that our Butler, Dino, gave us was beyond my expectations. He led us up to our cabana and handled my tailoring job.

We have taken several cruises in a suite. None of them compared to the treatment of the suite guests on this trip. We felt that we received value for what we paid for. We also liked being able to interact with the officers at any given moment.

If people are wanting to experience a phenomenal cruising experience, then I would highly recommend that they should seriously consider a quality holiday with Celebrity. Everything from the incredible Ships, the absolutely amazing Crew Members, the high standard and wide selection of Food, the outstanding and diverse onboard Entertainment, will truly ensure the most astounding and immersible exciting and memorable holiday!!

Your escape awaits

Journey through the wild terrain of Alaska with our Alaska cruises and discover the natural wonders that await as the rugged beauty of this pristine frontier unfolds.  

Whether it’s a quick getaway you want or a two-week island-hopping adventure, when you vacation with us through the Caribbean, you’ll come back completely renewed and restored.

Immerse yourself in the incredible history, culture, cuisine, and undeniable beauty of the Old World on a Celebrity European cruise vacation.  

1/6 Celebrity Suite Primary Bedroom

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1/3 Luminae at The Retreat

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1/6 The Retreat Lounge

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6/6 The Retreat Lounge

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Celebrity Eclipse Cabins and Suites

The cabins and suites on the Celebrity Eclipse are much like those in the other Celebrity Solstice -class cruise ships. The Celebrity Eclipse interior common areas make up much of the inside space not designated for  cabins and suites .

The 3000-passenger ship has over 1400 cabins, with 11 different cabin categories ranging in size (and price) from the 140 inside staterooms to the two luxurious penthouse suites.

Celebrity Eclipse - Inside Cabin

Celebrity Cruises

The 140 inside cabins on the Celebrity Eclipse (category 09, 10, 11, and 12) range in size from 183 to 200 square feet. They feature baths identical to the oceanview cabins and have a sitting area with sofa, 32" LCD television, and vanity. Some of the inside cabins have a trundle bed.

Celebrity Eclipse - Ocean View Cabin

The 70 ocean view cabins (category 07 and 08) are 177 square feet in size and have a window, but no veranda. The ocean view cabins have a sitting area with sofa, a 32" LCD television, and vanity desk. Some ocean view cabins have a trundle bed.

Celebrity Eclipse - Deluxe Ocean View Cabin With Veranda

The Deluxe Ocean View Cabin with Veranda is the largest cabin category on the Celebrity Eclipse, with 719 cabins (categories 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D). The cabins have 194 square feet with a 54 square foot veranda, the same size as the Concierge Class and AquaClass cabins. These standard balcony cabins have a 32" television, sitting area with sofa, and vanity. The bath's area is also identical to the AquaClass and Concierge Class cabins, but the amenities are not as luxurious.

Celebrity Eclipse - Family Ocean View Cabin

The Celebrity Eclipse has four Family Ocean View Staterooms with a Veranda. These spacious cabins measure 575 square feet and have either 53 or 105 square feet in the balcony. The sitting area sofa is convertible to a trundle bed, and the cabin also has two bunks for children . The master bedroom has a privacy partition.

The Family Ocean View Staterooms on the Celebrity Eclipse have ​small tables and sitting areas.

Celebrity Eclipse - Kid's Sleeping Area in Family Ocean View Cabin

This small separate sleeping area is just for kids in a Celebrity Eclipse family cabin.

Celebrity Eclipse - Concierge Class Cabin

The 273 Concierge Class cabins on the Celebrity Eclipse (category C1, C2, and C3) are 194 square feet with a 54 square foot balcony. This size is identical to the AquaClass and standard balcony cabins. The Concierge Class cabins have a sitting area with sofa, 32" LCD television, vanity, and veranda with lounge seating.

Celebrity Eclipse - Concierge Class Cabin Bath

The bathroom in a Celebrity Eclipse Concierge cabin is identical to that in a veranda cabin.

Celebrity Eclipse - Sunset Veranda

The 24 sunset veranda staterooms (category SV) on the Celebrity Eclipse are found aft and have wonderful views of the ship's wake. The sunset veranda cabins measure 194 square feet and have a 54 square foot veranda, the same size as the deluxe ocean view staterooms with veranda, the concierge class staterooms, and the AquaClass staterooms. The sunset veranda cabins have a 32" LCD television and veranda with lounge seating.

Celebrity Eclipse - Sunset Veranda Bath

The bathroom in a sunset veranda cabin on the Celebrity Eclipse is identical to those found in all of the staterooms other than the suites. 

Celebrity Eclipse - AquaClass Cabin

The 130 AquaClass Cabins on the Celebrity Eclipse (category AQ) are 195 square feet and have a 54 square foot balcony. These cabins are found on deck 11 close to the AquaSpa. The cabins are identical in size and configuration to the deluxe ocean view staterooms with verandas but have luxury amenities, lounge seating on the veranda, thicker towels, and a marvelous Hansgrohe shower panel.

Celebrity Eclipse - Sky Suite

The 44 Celebrity Eclipse Sky Suites (category S1 and S2) measure 300 square feet and have a 79 square foot veranda. The living room has a queen sofa sleeper, 40" LCD television, and a mini-refrigerator. The bath has a tub/shower combination and washbasin. The veranda has lounge seating.

Celebrity Eclipse - Celebrity Suite

The 12 Celebrity Suites on the Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship (category CS) measure 394 square feet and have a 105 square foot balcony. The living room has a sectional queen sofa sleeper, lounge seating, mini-refrigerator, 52" LCD television, and vanity. The bedroom has its own 40" LCD television, vanity, walk-in closet, dual access bath with shower/tub combination and washbasin, and veranda with lounge seating.

Celebrity Eclipse - Celebrity Suite Bathroom

The Celebrity Suite bathrooms on the Celebrity Eclipse has a tub/shower combination, washbasin, and dual access.

Celebrity Eclipse Royal Suite

The Celebrity Eclipse has eight Royal Suites (category RS), each measuring 590 square feet with a 153 square foot veranda. The Royal Suites have a separate living room with dining area, sitting area, 52" LCD television, and a queen sofa sleeper. The suite has a separate powder room, and the master bath has a whirlpool tub with separate shower stall. The veranda has a second whirlpool tub and nice lounge seating. The separate bedroom has a queen-sized bed, 40" LCD television, vanity, and walk-in closet.

Celebrity Eclipse - Royal Suite Veranda

The Royal Suite on the Celebrity Eclipse has a large, comfortable veranda.

Celebrity Eclipse Penthouse

The Celebrity Eclipse has two Penthouse Suites (category PS) that measure 1,291 square feet and have a 389 square foot balcony. These are the largest suites on the cruise ship. The Penthouse Suites have a separate living room with dining area, baby grand piano, queen-sized sofa sleeper, full bar, and lounge seating. The suite also has a full guest bath, 52" LCD television, and veranda with a whirlpool tub and lounge seating. The separate bedroom has a king-sized bed, a second 52" LCD television, vanity, and walk-in closet with a leather-tiled floor. The marble master bath has a whirlpool but, separate huge shower with dual shower heads, and twin sinks, and a third LCD television.

Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Ship Cabins and Suites

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Celebrity Solstice Cruise: Cabins and Suites

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Take a Trip on the Regatta, an Oceania Cruises Ship

Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas Cabins and Suites

Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship Profile

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• Celebrity Cruises

Family Cabins

By Sunseeker20 , June 17, 2023 in Celebrity Cruises

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Sunseeker20

I have not sailed with Celebrity yet, but I'm looking for information on cabins that fit 5 people. Does Celebrity have these? I know sometimes people with a larger family will book connecting rooms but I feel like the cost can be more that way. We just sailed on Royal Caribbean in a balcony room and it worked great. Any information is helpful!

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WestLakeGirl

Five adults? Or two adults and three children?

2 adults and 3 kids!

Yes the Family Veranda category is marketed for 5 people.  You have to call to book.  They are not available for booking on the website.

3 hours ago, Sunseeker20 said: 2 adults and 3 kids!

Celebrity has 2 types of Family Veranda (FV) cabins that can sleep 5.  Celebrity recently changed the names of the categories for their cabins.  They are now designated as Ultra Deluxe Veranda cabins (UV) however it is tough for me to get used to the new name.

There are two different FV designs (types): one on the Millennium class ships (Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation) and another design on the Solstice class ships (Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, and Reflection).  I have booked my family of 4 in these FV cabins 10 times (4x Millennium class and 6x Solstice class).

Each Millennium class ship has 12 FV cabins and they are all located at the stern.  Their claim to fame is their large magnificent balconies.  The FV comes with a king size bed and two sofa beds and can definitely sleep 4.  If the kids are small, it is possible to sleep 5 in one of the two sofa beds. Although the size specification of the FV cabin is large, it has a long and skinny shape and there is no room to place a rollaway bed without blocking the bathroom door or the main cabin door.  The bottom line is that it Is difficult for me to recommend the cabins for 5 people.

There are only 4 FV cabins on each of the Solstice class ships (except Silhouette).  These cabins are all the way forward and they occupy the corners of the ship on two decks.  The best thing about them is that they are very large and furnished to sleep 5 with no question.  There is a separate master bedroom with a king size bed.  There is a second bedroom with a pair of bunk beds.  The fifth person can sleep on the couch in the main living area.  The room is large enough that a roll away bed can be conveniently placed without difficulty.  This cabin I can easily recommend for a family of 5.  I have included a sketch of an FV that we had aboard Reflection (note that the FV cabins are furnished differently on each Solstice class ship).

Both types of FVs come with only one bathroom and it is of the standard size and design. 

6 hours ago, wrk2cruise said: Yes the Family Veranda category is marketed for 5 people.  You have to call to book.  They are not available for booking on the website.

I have booked fv on line before on constellation 

Yes, I booked one of these on Solstice online recently for 3 of us (with the larger Deck 8 veranda). However on further consideration I reckoned my wife is more likely to get sea sick at the very front and there are also reports of docking noise early morning, so moved to better located 2x adjoining Concierge Veranda midships as offered at an almost identical total price.  

When FVs are first released for booking, they require a minimum of five to book. Celebrity's computer reservation system cannot handle putting five in any single cabin and so it has to be done manually by Miami (or wherever it is done) which is why you have to call. Even the Future Cruises consultants cannot book them without "calling" it in. 

At some point later, the requirement for five passengers is removed and any unsold FVs can then be booked online. My wife and I sailed on an FV by ourselves aboard Constellation (14 night Oct 22 Transatlantic) and I was able to book it through Celebrity's website six months in advance. 

Constellation FV 8166 balcony. The 6 FVs on the extreme corner of the ship have this balcony size and shape.  The adjacent, "non-corner", FV balconies are smaller. 

Constellation FV king size bed

Constellation FV 8166 sofa beds. Sofa on the left (does not fold out) converts into a bed for one person. Sofa on the right folds out to accommodate up to two small children. When the sofa is folded out, nearly all the floor space between the two sofas is occupied. 

@Sunseeker20 , here are some photos of the Solstice class FV cabins.  These cabins are on Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, and Reflection. 

Silhouette used to have them, but her 4 FV cabins were converted into suites in 2020.  They used to be called Sunset Suites, but I believe they are now named Horizon Suites.  Although they are rated for sleeping 4, the 2nd bedroom has been converted into a walk in closet that now connects with the master bedroom.  What a pity.

Unfortunately the FVs on the 4 remaining ships are furnished differently.  Solstice (the oldest Solstice class ship) has the fewest amount of furniture which meant a lot of space went to waste.  It was as if the designers furnished it like it was a regular size stateroom.  For example, there was no dining room table in there.  By the time Celebrity got around to building Reflection (the newest Solstice class ship), they furnished her properly including adding some built in furniture and they got it right.  Eclipse is furnished better than Solstice (it has a dining room table) but not as well as Reflection (Eclipse FVs don't have the built in furniture under the two windows).  I have not been in an Equinox FV but I suspect that it is furnished more along the lines of Solstice. 

Reflection FV 8107, Jan 2019: Here is the massive living room area.  The sofa against the wall on the left can be made up into a bed for one adult.  Our 6 ft adult son loved sleeping on it so he could watch movies in the evening while eating a room service snack.  Although there are 3 rooms, there is only one television and it is located near the desk in this photo.

Reflection FV 8107, Jan 2019: There is a small dining table near the balcony door which comes in handy for in-cabin dining.  My family liked to use it for playing games (e.g. cards).  My daughter like to use it to do her sketches and drawings.

Reflection FV 8107, Jan 2019: master bedroom.  The two large windows and the glass balcony door let in a lot of light and kept the cabin bright.  Sometimes it was necessary to draw the shades on the windows to keep direct sunlight from overheating the cabin.

Reflection FV 8107, Jan 2019: although the Solstice class FVs are blessed with a lot of space to sleep up to five people, it only had one bathroom--and it was the same size that you found in a regular non-suite stateroom.   This is one of the drawbacks to the FV design.

Reflection FV 8107, Jan 2019: This is the small second bedroom with two bunk beds--each with their own reading light--and a clothes closet.  No window.

Reflection FV 8107, Jan 2019: this is the lower bunk bed that our adult daughter liked to use.  Unlike the top bunk, the lower bunk bed does not fold into the wall.

Solstice FV 8107, Dec 2019: Here is what the second bedroom looks like with the upper bunk bed folded out.

Solstice FV 8107, Christmas Eve 2019: the balcony and windows gave the FV views from two different directions.  Here is what the Tasman Sea looks like.  The balcony had an area (to the extreme right in the photo) that was very sheltered and was nice to use on rainy or windy days.

Solstice FV 8107, Christmas Day 2019: The FV balconies on Deck 8 (shown) are actually larger (longer) than the average balcony.  On the other hand Deck 7 FVs on the Solstice class ships are smaller (shorter) than the average balcony.  The balcony divider in the background can be opened up to the adjacent balcony.

Solstice FV 8107, Dec 29 2019: the two windows that face the front of the ship give very nice views.  This is the early morning view as we were arriving at our tender port of Akaroa, New Zealand.

Solstice FV 8107, Dec 2019: The FV cabins can be booked with the adjacent outside cabin (8105 in this photo) to make them connecting cabins.  The connection is done through the shared vestibule which has a single door to the public hallway.  The outside cabin gives you an additional king size bed (or it can be split apart into two singles and an extra bathroom.

Reflection FV 8107, Jan 2019: This photo makes two things more readily apparent about the balcony for 8107.  First you can see how the balcony is wider than the average balcony.  Second, you can see the bridge wing that extends above the 8107.  It does obstruct the overhead view somewhat.

15 hours ago, mahdnc said:   Celebrity has 2 types of Family Veranda (FV) cabins that can sleep 5.  Celebrity recently changed the names of the categories for their cabins.  They are now designated as Ultra Deluxe Veranda cabins (UV) however it is tough for me to get used to the new name.   There are two different FV designs (types): one on the Millennium class ships (Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation) and another design on the Solstice class ships (Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, and Reflection).  I have booked my family of 4 in these FV cabins 10 times (4x Millennium class and 6x Solstice class).   Each Millennium class ship has 12 FV cabins and they are all located at the stern.  Their claim to fame is their large magnificent balconies.  The FV comes with a king size bed and two sofa beds and can definitely sleep 4.  If the kids are small, it is possible to sleep 5 in one of the two sofa beds. Although the size specification of the FV cabin is large, it has a long and skinny shape and there is no room to place a rollaway bed without blocking the bathroom door or the main cabin door.  The bottom line is that it Is difficult for me to recommend the cabins for 5 people.   There are only 4 FV cabins on each of the Solstice class ships (except Silhouette).  These cabins are all the way forward and they occupy the corners of the ship on two decks.  The best thing about them is that they are very large and furnished to sleep 5 with no question.  There is a separate master bedroom with a king size bed.  There is a second bedroom with a pair of bunk beds.  The fifth person can sleep on the couch in the main living area.  The room is large enough that a roll away bed can be conveniently placed without difficulty.  This cabin I can easily recommend for a family of 5.  I have included a sketch of an FV that we had aboard Reflection (note that the FV cabins are furnished differently on each Solstice class ship).   Both types of FVs come with only one bathroom and it is of the standard size and design.   

That's so helpful! Thank you

Wow, thanks so much everyone!

All the information and pictures were incredibly helpful, I took a few screen shots so I can look back on the info when I need to. I have to say, I asked the same question in the boards for the other cruise lines and I got a lot of judgement and unhelpful suggestions,  you guys were the nicest by far!

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Best and Worst Cabins on Cruise Ships

What are the best and worst cabins on cruise ships - and why? Where and what are the best cabins on a cruise ship is a question about location ( cruise deck plans ), fares and price-inclusive amenities. Where and what are the best and worst staterooms are among the general questions for first-timer cruisers.

Staterooms are like tiny homes at sea, and choosing your "best" is kinda personal. Your choice also will depend on the company, vessel, room size, type/view, deck location, amenities. Not to forget the special offers with super low-priced promo deals that could change everything you know on the subject. Find out more secrets at our stateroom tips and tricks .

Types of cabins on cruise ships

Cruise ship cabins are often referred to as "staterooms" or "cruise accommodations". Their furnishings can range from "comfy" to "luxurious". The cheapest tend to be smaller than an ordinary budget hotel room. The largest staterooms (suites) rival many land-based luxury resort accommodations  - both as sizes and amenities, but mostly as prices. Cabin rates are per person and usually based on double occupancy (excepting studios). Prices range widely by cabin types, sizes, deck location, amenities, company's and vessel's ratings, also by destination, season, itinerary, travel agency, inclusions, and bonuses, promotion deals, etc.

• Inside cabins are the cheapest, located in the ship's interior (an inside corridor), no window, capacity up to 4 guests.
• Oceanview/Outside cabins - about 15-20% more expensive, with windows which don't open or porthole, the cheapest of this type may have a partially (or substantially) obstructed view.
• Balcony cabins (also called Veranda) - 30-40% more expensive than Inside; have outside chairs and a table, often with 4-star amenities.
• Mini-suite and full Suites (multi-room accommodations) - some of the most expensive, with a private veranda, bathtub (hot tub), a large sitting area, 2 closets. Suites and Interior cabins tend to sell out first (partly because there are fewer of them, partly because they offer, respectively, extremely good value and the cheapest fares).
• Grand Suite and all Penthouse, Owner's, Presidential and the like suites - the most expensive and the largest cruise staterooms at sea (separate living and sleeping areas, a wide variety of bonus amenities and perks). Sizes vary according to line and ship, reaching up to 5,000 ft2 in the case of NCL's Garden Villa suites. At the modest price of only US $30,000 per week you'll enjoy a private sauna and open-air Jacuzzi, your very own kitchen, a private elevator entrance, the best butler service money can buy and the best luxury available on a cruise ship.

On big ships, you'll find a number of cabin categories within each cabin type. This is according to location, size, features, quality of view, etc. Cabin rates vary not only by type and size but also by category. For a particular cabin type, brochure/online prices usually apply to the lowest category. In your cabin, every square inch is usable since the price of ships is generally determined by the number of their beds/berths. So luggage fits under the bed, while the items you unpack will be stored in closets and drawers.

Which cruise ship cabins to avoid?

After analyzing their deck plans, we'll list here the most famous ships and their "worst" cabins. The "bad cruise cabins" issue is not about amenities, but about location - and noise. Cabins located nearby the ships' elevators or with some public areas above (restaurants, bars/clubs, kids areas), or near public bathrooms may present some noise concern during the day or late at night.

what does a cruise ship cabin look like (details/amenities)

• All cabins have twin beds, usually convertible to create a queen bed, while suites may have king-sized beds. Family cabins may also have pull-down or bunk-beds (loft beds attached to the wall), sleeper sofa or an additional twin bed.
• All have a small safe to lock in it all valuables while onboard (passports, credit cards and cash, fine jewelry, iPads), at least 1 large wall-mounted mirror, individually controlled air conditioning.
• All have private bathrooms with showers, basic bathroom amenities (typical for a motel, including a hairdryer), ship toilets operate by power suction.
• All have a phone (wake-up call option, synchronized to ship's time). Nowadays all ship cabins also feature a flat TV and a DVD player, a mini-bar and a small refrigerator (cans and bottles for sale; if you bring your own drinks, ask the steward to empty it first).
• All have a reach-in closet, a shelf for life-vests, storage drawers (suites usually have walk-in closets with several shelves). Higher categories cabins also have a desk with a chair.
• Power outlets are minimized to avoid fire risk. Near the bed (and the desk) there are  1 or 2 low-wattage (120V 60Hz) outlets for laptops.

A good cruise travel agent could be of great assistance to you (using agency services is highly recommended for first-timers) guiding you through all the grades and deckplan codes for the nuances of features, best locations and the best-worst staterooms on a particular boat.

Special types of staterooms (crew, single, family, Spa, accessible)

• Crew cabins are located on one of the crew decks (on some ships located below the waterline/under the water), while cruise ship staff cabins are in the passenger areas.
• Single cabins (aka Solo cabins) are generally difficult to find. The world's best ships with single cabins belong to the fleets of such famous operators, like Fred Olsen and P&O on the UK market and NCL Norwegian Lines. The best of all ships with single-occupancy cabins is the NCL Norwegian Epic, boasting 128 of its 100 square foot (9,3 m2) "Epic Studios" - specifically designed for solo travelers, and features a full-size bed and a large round window looking out into the corridor.
• Family cabins - many of a standard size for its category, but with more beds and bathrooms, providing more privacy for parents. The best lines with family cabins are Carnival, Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and NCL.
• Accessible/Disabled cabins are special accommodations for passengers with mobility challenges. These rooms have wheelchair access, wide doors (doors are even automatic on some ships), a bathtub with grab bars, roll-in showers, portable ADA kits for guests with hearing impairments, closed-captioned televisions.
• SPA cabins - Spa-deck staterooms with direct access to the ship's Spa and Fitness complex.

What are the best cabins on cruise ships (amenities)?

In a concise manner, the best luxury cruise cabins are to be found on Regent Seven Seas and NCL ships, while the cheapest cruise cabins are offered by all HAL and Carnival ships (honored also with the "best standard cabins" reward). NCL (Norwegian Lines) is well appreciated for offering a great variety of staterooms. NCL offers even garden and courtyard suites, and some of the best family cruise suites at sea featuring a separate living and dining area and exclusive access to a private courtyard with a pool and Jacuzzi. The Regent Seven Seas line is praised for its all-outside all-suite ships and best luxury.

The largest (by category) and absolutely affordable to most cheap cruise cabins are always "the deal" on Carnival ships. The Carnival's standard cabins are the industry's largest and very well-equipped (even the lowest Small Inside category). As for Holland America cabins, they are 25% larger than those of other premium brands.

Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean are well known for having more than decent interior cabins - the Carnival's being most spacious, and those of Disney - most family-friendly. The Disney Deluxe Inside Stateroom accommodates 4 persons with a convertible sofa and a pull-down bed and also features a split bath. The Royal Caribbean ships of Freedom and Voyager class are honored for their unique inside cabins with windows looking out on the Royal Promenade (a tip - if traveling with kids, choose the most affordable Promenade Family Stateroom - an interior accommodation 300 ft2 /28 m2 in size and capacity of 6 guests).

• The best BEDS on ships. The Oceania line is the winner when it comes to beds - its Tranquility Beds feature Euro-Top mattresses, plush duvets, deluxe pillows, even Egyptian cotton linens. If you like to make the best budget ship vacation deals without sacrificing comfort, then Carnival is your game with the line's world-famous Comfort Bed System.
• The best BATHROOMS on ships. The Crystal ship's suites have separate tubs, multi-head massage showers, double vanities, and of course - the marble tiling. For standard cabins, NCL leads by having 3-sectioned bathrooms - the sink is in the middle, while a separate toilet and shower section are positioned on either side. Disney ships are also ranked for their family-friendly split bathrooms.
• The largest CLOSETS on ships. Regent and Silversea lines get the 1st prize for having the largest walk-in closets. The storage spaces include a hanging section, numerous drawers and shelves, and places for shoes. The best cheap option is Carnival with its faux walk-in closets.

Where are the best cabins on a cruise ship (location)?

Choosing the best cruise cabin location on your ship is a matter of personal choice. Generally, your cabin will be located either on lower (higher) deck, mid-ship, forward or aft (rear), with some pros and cons to all these locations. Booking a "guarantee" cabin is an open deal - you pay for a cabin category (not a specific stateroom) - best prices are guaranteed, but not necessarily the best location.

• Lower Deck cabins - cheapest. The cheapest are the lower deck Interior staterooms. The main advantage (besides the price) is a smoother ride. Main disadvantages - you're using constantly elevators/stairs, more engine noise/vibrations, the sound of the anchor dropping (if you're near the ship's front).
• Higher Deck cabins - more expensive. You'll feel more motion (not suitable if you're prone to seasickness). But you're closer to the best ship amenities - entertainment and dining venues, onboard pools, Spa, bars and lounges, etc.
• Midship cabins - less motion and a central location. The main disadvantage - more traffic outside. Also, check the lifeboat locations (lifeboats may significantly obstruct your view).
• Forward cabins - the most motion, wind and spray, smaller windows (often recessed or slanted). Forward located suites provide larger than average balconies.
• Rear (Aft) cabins - more motion than the midship cabins, but less than the front ones.

Best cruise ship staterooms by type and cruise line

Best-view cabins.

Best-view cabins are located forward (at the ship's front/bow) or aft (at the ship's stern). These rooms have the largest balconies and widest ocean views. Front staterooms are with oversized floor-ceiling windows. For the best choice of such rooms choose Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

Best "Large Balcony" cabins

Aft balcony cabins have the ship's largest private verandas, and there are just a few (6-10) such rooms per deck. They are lined up along the stern and give more terrace space and privacy. Aft cabins located in the ship's corners are usually with wraparound balconies.

Larger balconies also have the "hump cabins", located where the vessel's superstructure changes from narrower to wider. Most verandas there are angled and with curvy outlines. For more hump cabins search in the fleets of Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

Best "Low-Motion" cabins

The "best cabins for seasickness" are located at the ship's edges (top decks, bow, and stern). The worst area in the front section, as the bow is first hit by waves. Higher deck front cabins fell more the up and down motion, while for the aft cabins the motion is less noticeable. The most stable cabins are located midship and on lower decks (closer to the waterline).

Best "Low-Noise" cabins

Quietest staterooms are far away as possible from congested public areas and venues. Light sleepers should avoid staterooms located near pool deck/lido deck, elevators, hallways, laundry facilities, casino, theater, kids clubs, disco nightclub.

• Avoid cabins located forward on lower decks - where the ship's anchors are located. Lowering and raising the anchors generate a lot of noise.
• Avoid lower decks aft rooms are near the ship's engine rooms - where diesel generators create a constant hum, all the time of the voyage.
• Avoid cabins under the Promenade Deck - an outdoor deck space where passengers are often walking and talking (usually loud).

Best Handicap cabins (for passengers with disabilities)

Passengers with mobility impairment must choose near-lift cabins which are easily accessible from the onboard passenger elevators. Special handicap cabins are available on all large cruise liners. A limited number of wheelchair-accessible rooms are available on most ships, including luxury mega-yachts. Search the vessel's deck plans for the best location, type, and size.

Best Spa cabins

Thermal Suite and spa lovers must book staterooms located near the ship's wellness complex. In close proximity, they will find heated loungers, thalassotherapy pool, saunas, and massage rooms.

Most cruise ships have designated "spa staterooms" (inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite) located on the Spa Deck or 1 deck above or below the Spa. Some ships (especially top-luxury) have rooms with direct Spa access (via a staircase in the spa) or via an exclusive elevator. For more Spa cabins search in the fleets of MSC, NCL, Costa, and the luxury lines (Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, Azamara).

Where are the best cruise SUITES?

On the Silversea ships Whisper and Shadow - the 1-bedroom "Royal Suite" is 1,352 ft2 or 126 m2 (the 2-bedroom version is 1,697 ft2 (158 m2), the "Grand Suite" is 1,435 ft2 or 133 m2 (2-bedroom is 1,780 ft2 (165 m2) and the "Owner's Suite" is 1,553 ft2 (144 m2). The last category "top luxury cruise suite" prices start from the modest US $850 per person per day!

Suites on the NCL ships Gem, Jade, Jewel and Pearl are the "affordable choice". Norwegian Pearl's "Garden Villa" has a staggering size of 2320 ft2 (216 m2) plus a huge balcony measuring 1035 ft2 (96 m2). Norwegian Jewel's two Garden Villas are combined into an almost 5000 ft2 (465 m2) "cruise mansion". Floor-ceiling windows, plenty of deck furniture, separate bedroom, fabulous private bathroom with hot-tub, 2 additional bedrooms (with their own private bathrooms), living room, dining room.

About the worst cabins on cruise ships / which staterooms to avoid. First of all, there's no such thing as "the worst cabin" - simply because to offer a bad product (even for cheap money) is not the proper way of doing a multibillion-dollar cruise travel vacation business. However, always try to avoid locations near elevators and public spaces, with at least 1 deck between your cabin and any crowded place - pools, dining and bar venues, children areas, lounges, nightclubs.

Find out more secrets at our  stateroom tips and tricks .

I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.

• I'm a frequent cruise traveler who's stayed in a variety of onboard accommodations.
• The least expensive rooms have no view and are usually cramped, especially if shared by a family.
• Splurging on a higher-category cabin on my last cruise was the best decision I made.

Automatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip. 

As someone who's been going on cruises for over 10 years, I've learned that the price tag for these vacations can vary based on a number of factors — from cruise line to trip duration to room category.

Staying in the most standard-level cabin seems like an obvious way to keep costs down. But after trying out three different room categories, both with and without my kids, I've found that a ship's least expensive option is almost never worth it.

Based on my experience in three different cruise-room categories, here are the ones I recommend skipping and the ones I recommend splurging on.

Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.

These cabins often sleep three to four people and are located in the middle of the ship, with no exterior view of the vessel's surroundings. 

I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship . Aside from different decor styles and a few small touches, this room category is fairly standard across the board. 

When I'm on a cruise, I like to wake up and open my curtains to look at the ocean or the port where the ship is docked , which isn't an option in these inward-looking cabins.

Apart from having no view, interior staterooms are very small. The exact square footage varies but, for reference, the Disn ey Fantasy cruise ship's interior stateroom is 169 square feet and a Royal Caribbean ship's version is around the same size at 164 square feet .

To put those numbers into perspective, standard hotel rooms in the US are, on average, around 330 square feet , almost double the size of the entry-level cruise accommodation.

I want to be able to maneuver around without tripping over luggage, accent furniture, or my own family members. And because of the lack of space in interior staterooms, that's a challenge.

This category is definitely the most economical option, making it ideal for travelers on a budget .

However, if families, especially ones traveling with teens, can swing an alternative, they should steer clear of cramming into an interior stateroom and opt for a category with more space and privacy.

Ocean-view staterooms provide slightly more space but can still feel cramped

The next category up is usually an ocean-view stateroom.

With an outward-facing window, ocean-view staterooms are a solid mid-tier option for travelers who want more space than an interior stateroom offers but don't want to spend extra for a balcony room.

Their exact size and capacity range from ship to ship, but Disney Fantasy's ocean-view staterooms are 204 square feet , and Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas' version is 179 square feet .

Many of these accommodations fit up to five people. If you have more than four family members (yes, infants who are six months and older are part of the headcount), making the jump from an interior stateroom to an ocean-view stateroom is absolutely worth the extra money.

Some cruise lines sell ocean-view rooms as the entry-level category for families of five or more travelers , simply because many interior staterooms can only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

My top pick is balcony staterooms, which offer privacy and plenty of space 

Balcony staterooms, also known as veranda staterooms, are usually the largest accommodation option you can get without concierge service or extras.

I recommend this category to all travelers setting sail in the future for one reason: the private balcony.

You can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. But in this room type, you can step out onto a balcony and take in the sounds and smells, too. 

The rooms' sizes and capacities depend on the ship, but balcony staterooms are usually larger than ocean-view staterooms and tend to sleep up to five guests . Even if the rooms' living spaces aren't substantially bigger, they have the added space of the veranda. 

Including the terrace, balcony staterooms on the Disney Fantasy are 246 square feet and are between 214 square feet to 279 square feet on Princess Cruises' fleet.

When my family stayed in a balcony stateroom on a seven-night cruise, we made great use of the outdoor space. On a shorter cruise, where the balcony itself might not get as much use, I would still book this category for my family.

The upgrade was completely worth the price increase, especially because we were traveling with two sets of grandparents .

To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms. 

This story was originally published on May 25, 2022, and most recently updated on February 5, 2024.

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Sun princess: the best dining, amenities and more on princess cruises' newest ship.

Sun Princess features an updated layout, delicious new restaurants and plenty of spaces to be entertained.

Sun Princess Review

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Key Takeaways

• Sun Princess' fresher, more modern design may appeal to a younger crowd than the line normally caters to.
• Incredible dining options abound, including The Catch by Rudi and the new Spellbound dinner and magic show.
• New Cabana Mini-Suites feature indoor-outdoor cabana areas and spacious balconies.

As a travel writer who cruises with all the major lines, I was excited to travel through the Mediterranean on the new Sun Princess cruise ship in May 2024. I traveled with my mother to celebrate her 76th birthday shortly after the new ship's February debut in Rome . The itinerary we sailed was a unique, one-way offering that departed from Athens, Greece , with visits to ports like Bar, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Naples, Italy .

A true marvel of modern engineering and ship architecture, Sun Princess boasts a maximum guest capacity of 4,300 and room for 1,600 crew. The Sphere-Class vessel is 1,133 feet long and 200 feet high, with a breadth of 139 feet and 21 total decks. There are 2,157 staterooms, including 80 unique suites with extra space for guests.

Standout features include a three-floor main dining area, the Princess Arena with capacity for 990 guests and a 250-person entertainment space known as The Dome. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the Sun Princess cruise ship, including my own take on the dining and entertainment options available to cruisers.

Find your perfect cruise

Sun Princess itineraries for 2024 and 2025

Holly Johnson

While Sun Princess is scheduled to cruise the Mediterranean through September 2024, the ship will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida , by October for the winter cruise season.

From this new homeport, Sun Princess will offer seven-day Caribbean cruises with the stops in Honduras, Belize , Mexico, the Bahamas , the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos through March 2025.

Sun Princess will then embark on a 14-day Spanish Passage voyage in March 2025, which ends in Barcelona, Spain , and repositions the ship for its summer in the Mediterranean. At that point, cruisers can book a range of lengthy Mediterranean options over various dates, which include stops in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain and more.

Who should sail on Sun Princess?

While most people may think of Princess Cruises as a cruise line for baby boomers, Sun Princess aims to attract a younger, livelier crowd. This is immediately apparent when walking around the ship's common areas; Sun Princess boasts bold color schemes, endless windows, sparkling lights and a more modern central piazza than other Princess ships.

While my Mediterranean sailing largely consisted of adult travelers, Sun Princess will likely attract more families on its Caribbean itineraries. The ship's layout is ideal for parents with children of all ages, and amenities geared specifically toward kids abound. It all starts with the ship's Park19 family area, which features a huge climbing structure, a splash zone, a recreational court, a jogging court and more. Sun Princess also has three dedicated youth clubs: Firefly Park Kids Club (ages 3 to 7, with a separate play area for babies and toddlers 6 months and older), Neon Grove Tweens Club (ages 8 to 12) and The Underground Teen Lounge (ages 13 to 17).

What's interesting about Sun Princess is that it still has so much to offer more mature travelers, including couples who want to enjoy a romantic, upscale vacation. This is shown in the ship's elevated dining venues, expansive casino and luxurious spa. Sun Princess also offers the Sanctuary Collection of rooms and suites, which offer more amenities and spaces to relax on the ship.

Travelers who book a room in the Sanctuary Collection get their pick of a nicer selection of rooms, a premium beverage package, access to a private restaurant and pool deck and a more personalized experience overall. Think of the Sanctuary Collection suites as an alternative to MSC Cruises Yacht Club cabins – the biggest difference being that the venues available to cruisers in these cabins are spread throughout the ship.

The stateroom

I stayed in one of the new Cabana Mini-Suites on the Sun Princess, which I would book again in a heartbeat. These rooms are a take on the classic balcony cabin most cruisers expect, but with a twist. In addition to an outdoor balcony, Cabana Mini-Suites have a separate indoor-outdoor cabana-like area with a flat-screen television.

This extra space means the new Cabana Mini-Suites are much longer from one end to the other than a traditional balcony stateroom. The additional space is nice to have whether you want more room for storage or a separate place to read or relax while your cabinmate naps. My mom sat in our cabana area and read several times while I showered and got ready for dinner, and she even took a nap out there while I worked on my computer in our stateroom.

Regardless of the stateroom you book, know that Sun Princess cabins feature soft, neutral tones and plenty of closet space. Power outlets are abundant, and there are all kinds of nooks and crannies for storage. Cabin types on Sun Princess include the following:

Interior Cabins (136 to 145 square feet)

Basic interior rooms offer a queen bed or two small twin beds, a flat-panel television, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. These are the most affordable cabins on the ship, and they work best for guests who just want a place to relax and sleep.

Premium Oceanview (212 square feet)

Ocean-view cabins have slightly more space than interior rooms, but they still lack a balcony. These rooms feature a queen bed or two twin configurations, a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Deluxe Balcony (235 square feet, including balcony)

Balcony cabins offer more space than ocean-view rooms due to the addition of a spacious balcony with outdoor seating. Balcony cabins can also come in a queen bed or two twin configuration and have a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Mini-Suite (303 square feet, including balcony)

Mini-Suites are essentially large balcony cabins with more storage space, more closet space and more floor space. These rooms have all the amenities of other cabins but include two flat-screen televisions (one for the bedroom area and another for couch viewing).

Cabana Mini-Suite (329 square feet, including balcony and cabana)

These rooms add the indoor-outdoor space of the cabana adjacent to the outdoor balcony. The cabana area has seating for several people and its own flat-screen television (in addition to the in-room TV).

Signature Suites (304 to 636 square feet, including balcony)

Signature Suites range in size and include larger balconies with premium furniture, two flat-screen televisions, a more spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and dedicated sleeping and living areas.

Signature Sky Suites (1,262 square feet, including balcony)

Princess Cruises Signature Sky Suites are the largest staterooms across all Princess vessels, and they have all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Standout features of Sky Suites include separate living and dining areas; huge, luxurious bathrooms; and Nespresso coffee machines.

(Note: Sanctuary Collection rooms are dotted throughout the ship and consist of balcony-, mini-suite- and suite-category accommodations.)

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Best amenities on Sun Princess

Since my itinerary on the Sun Princess cruise ship included multiple port stops, I didn't get to experience everything the ship had to offer. However, what I did experience was worth it – from the nonstop entertainment in the piazza to over-the-top dining features. Some of my standout experiences include:

Part dinner and part magic show, Spellbound by Magic Castle is bookable for an additional charge. The experience begins with a small group dinner with drink pairings, then moves to a hidden bar area of the ship, where the magic begins. The bar itself features magical artifacts and vintage curiosities, a "ghost" pianist, and an incredible drink menu designed to wow and delight guests. Some drinks were served in cages, golden owls and elaborate chests with dry ice.

Magic came in the form of intriguing card tricks and disappearing acts at the bar, plus a separate stage area where crowd participation helped facilitate the illusions. I don't want to give anything more than that away – you must simply experience it for yourself. Though I thought Spellbound was slightly cheesy at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and show and feel it was worth the added cost.

The Dome on the Sun Princess is part pool area and part stage. Guests can swim in a unique indoor-outdoor pool by day and watch entertainers dance in the evening, with alluring lighting effects and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

I watched an acrobatics show in The Dome from the comfort of a padded lounge chair and thought the venue was the place to be.

Princess Arena 

The Princess Arena is a circular stage area that holds up to 990 guests. Shows on offer include multifaceted stage productions and acrobatic features with plenty of surprises.

Fitness center

The Sun Princess' fitness center was huge and featured a range of treadmills, stair climbers, weights and machines to choose from. I never had trouble securing a treadmill at any time, even though I've had to wait and fight crowds for machines on other cruise ships.

I also loved the expansive walking track on the ship, which was constantly in use by both serious exercisers and cruisers walking leisurely to enjoy the views. I used the walking track every morning for at least an hour; I found it much more spacious and usable than other ship walking tracks, which are often congested and never quite wide enough.

The ship also features a Fitness Studio with guided classes, but I did not use it during my trip.

Sun Princess features five large pools and nine hot tubs. There are two pools on the lido deck, plus an indoor-outdoor pool in The Dome, a Sanctuary pool (for Sanctuary Collection guests only) and a wake-view infinity pool.

Medallion services

Princess MedallionClass is one of the coolest and most convenient amenities at sea. In place of a traditional cruise card, Princess gives you a small wearable device to bring with you around the ship and on shore. The medallion tracks your physical location on the ship, which allows you to order services and deliveries on board no matter where you are. Medallion delivery options range from food and drinks to extra pillows or bottled water.

I ordered room service through my medallion multiple times and hot, fresh food arrived in my cabin in less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, drinks were delivered to our cabin and elsewhere on the ship in less than five minutes.

MedallionNet

Princess' Wi-Fi at sea (MedallionNet) is the fastest internet service I have ever used on a cruise ship. The internet was fast and reliable enough for me to complete some work while on board, which is not the norm on cruise ships.

Best dining venues Sun Princess

Sun Princess features 30 dining and bar options, many of which are included in the base cruise fare. Complimentary dining venues on Sun Princess include three traditional dining rooms, The Eatery (a take on the classic buffet, but with staff service), a café for coffee and light bites, The Lido (serving up salads, pizza and more) and the Promenade Dining grill.

Specialty dining options for an extra charge range from O'Malley's Irish Pub to a sushi spot to steak, seafood and Italian restaurants. For an extra special experience, head to Love by Britto to indulge in fine dining, or opt for Umai hot pot or teppanyaki venues. Meanwhile, bars on Sun Princess include Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Sea View Bar, The MIX and more.

My personal favorite dining experiences included:

My Spellbound dinner was excellent, even though the menu is fairly brief. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp cocktail and seafood entree, followed by a vegan dessert (I'm allergic to dairy and the ship happily accommodated). What stood out for me with Spellbound, at least food-wise, was the eclectic selection of drink pairings offered with the meal. It started with a caprese salad cocktail that tasted like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in a strange, delicious way, then moved on to the spooky concoctions offered in the Spellbound bar.

Crown Grill

Crown Grill, a specialty dining venue, is not unique to Sun Princess, but it is the cruise line's most popular steakhouse brand. My mom and I had a delicious meal here for her birthday that included a Mediterranean-style spiny lobster cake, Chilean sea bass and a huge (surprise) birthday cake delivered to our table.

The Catch by Rudi

The Catch by Rudi is the ship's specialty dining seafood restaurant. Here, I dined on a delicious shrimp cocktail and the catch of the day (a grilled dorado filet). Everything was fresh and the meal was exceptional from start to finish.

I loved The Eatery, the ship's buffet-style dining option. The main difference between this venue and more traditional cruise ship buffets is that you're served by staff instead of serving yourself, which I prefer. The Eatery featured a rotating selection of exceptional main courses (seafood, chicken, beef and ethnic options), salads, appetizers and delicious desserts. It even had a vegan section and an easy-to-find selection of gluten-free offerings.

Best excursions on Sun Princess

The best excursions on Sun Princess vary depending on where you're going on your cruise – the Caribbean or various Europe destinations. Here's an overview of some excellent excursions offered aboard Sun Princess, a few of which I did myself.

Corfu, Greece 

Catamaran Coastal Cruise & Swim: This easy excursion lets you see Corfu from the sea and get out into the water for some snorkeling and swimming. I picked this excursion so we could relax for one day and avoid a lot of walking, and it delivered. A delicious lunch with an open bar was served on board as we sailed around the island taking in some of Corfu's most beautiful sights.

Naples, Italy

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Cruise: No trip to this region of Italy is complete without a stop in the Amalfi Coast . This excursion was a long one (eight to nine hours) with lots of walking and bus time, but the views of this dynamic coast and time spent in Amalfi and Sorrento made the travel time well worth it.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Island Vibes & Beach Swim: This relatively short excursion includes a narrated bus trip throughout the island of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the island's top sights. A beach break at picturesque Governor's Beach is included.

Princess Cays, Bahamas

Princess Cays Coastal Cruise: Princess Cruises' private island offers a range of bookable activities, from banana boat rides to snorkeling tours. This coastal cruise is another option that takes you along the shores of Eleuthera in a 40-foot Reef Princess boat.

Overall impressions of Sun Princess

If you're considering a cruise on Sun Princess, you should know that this isn't your traditional Princess ship. The look and feel of this vessel are younger and livelier compared to other Princess ships I have sailed on. Gone are the hallways filled with cruisers knitting and playing cards; in their place, you'll find dancing, entertainment, music and activities around the clock.

When it comes to Sun Princess dining, every meal I had on board was either very good or excellent. You don't even have to opt for an extra-cost specialty dining venue to get a good meal. The Eatery and the regular dining rooms feature fresh, seasonal foods that are more than enough for the average palate to enjoy.

Caribbean itineraries on offer later this year (and into 2025) start at around $660 per person for an interior cabin, and Princess features an endless roster of sales throughout the year. If you're looking for a new cruising experience and want to give Princess a try (or another chance), Sun Princess is more than worthy of your consideration.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who covers all aspects of family travel, including all-inclusive resorts and cruises with both boutique and major cruise brands. Johnson has traveled to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has cruised in destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle, and the Middle East. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who runs the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• Celebrity Ascent Review
• Crystal Symphony Review
• Cruise Packing List
• The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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Celebrity Edge cruise ship review: A guide to Celebrity’s original Edge Class ship

TPG's Kristy Tolley accepted a free trip from Celebrity Cruises to cruise on Celebrity Edge for its inaugural Alaska sailing. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

Celebrity Edge, the first of Celebrity Cruises ' Edge Class fleet, created a lot of buzz when it debuted in 2018. Designed to upend previous notions of cruising, the ship showcased groundbreaking technology with industry-first elements like its Infinite Veranda cabins and moveable, cantilevered lounge called the "Magic Carpet." Additionally, Celebrity created an upscale resort at sea teeming with contemporary art and sophisticated decor.

Families are welcome on board, but you won't find a theme park-style top deck brimming with waterslides and play areas. Celebrity Edge is meant to appeal to Gen Xers and older cruisers, yet it also appeals to millennials and families with kids in grade school and beyond.

If you're new to cruising and aren't sure it's right for you based on cruise ship stereotypes, Celebrity Edge could be the vessel to sample.

Here's everything you need to know about cruising Celebrity Edge.

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Overview of Celebrity Edge

The 2,918-passenger, 130,818-ton Celebrity Edge kicked off the line's Edge Class series in 2018, launching a fresh crop of industry firsts in technology and design.

Innovative concepts that debuted on Edge include Infinite Verandas, which Celebrity only offers on Edge Class ships. A design idea borrowed from river ships, Infinite Veranda cabins feature a glass wall that slides down at the touch of a button, creating a balconylike space within the cabin (rather than exterior to the ship). Passengers sailing in cabins with an Infinite Veranda can enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery, no matter the weather.

Edge was also the first ship to feature the Magic Carpet, a 90-ton platform cantilevered over the side of the vessel that can move between decks. It can be used as a bar, restaurant or tender launching point.

Live plants, floral patterns, contemporary design and colorful artwork throughout the ship create an upscale and understated woodland fantasy vibe, especially in the Eden bar and restaurant and top-deck lounge spaces. The passenger demographic on my weeklong Alaska cruise skewed 30-ish and older, with a few families with kids. (Our sailing was fully booked, and there were just 74 kids on board.)

A nice touch on Celebrity Edge that I haven't seen on other lines was the captain's birthday wish announcements. Each day, he shared a celebrity birthday, followed by the names of passengers and crew members also celebrating a birthday. It was a sweet way to make a big-ship experience seem more intimate.

What I loved about Celebrity Edge

Infinite verandas give cabins more usable space

As previously mentioned, Infinite Veranda cabins debuted on Celebrity Edge and make up about 63% of the ship's cabins. They offer a contemporary alternative to standard balcony cabins and provide countless ways to enjoy the passing scenery through their glass exterior walls.

I've always enjoyed a balcony cabin with direct access to fresh air and a semi-private terrace. But in regular cruise ship balcony rooms, when you're not outside on the veranda, that outdoor space is underutilized (except, perhaps, as a bathing suit drying area).

An Infinite Veranda provides the best of both worlds because you make use of the balcony space regardless of whether you're inside your climate-controlled room or taking in fresh air with the window rolled down. A folding door separates your room from the "balcony" space; close it to create a self-contained veranda, or leave it open and the window closed to create a seemingly larger cabin. Also, since you can open your balcony window without closing the folding doors, you have a third option of bringing the sea breezes into your entire cabin.

Main dining venues feel more like specialty restaurants

Instead of one or two expansive dining venues, Celebrity Edge features four complimentary main dining rooms that feel more like restaurants than banquet halls. The smaller size and intimate atmosphere made the venues feel more upscale and less like the "mass dining" I've experienced on other cruises. The noise level of each venue was lower than what I've experienced in large two-story main dining spaces, and I appreciated being able to converse with my tablemates without shouting. It felt as if I were eating at a specialty dining restaurant.

Although several of the menu items are available across all four restaurants, each restaurant offers a handful of dishes exclusive to its menu. That variety gave me a reason to try each main dining room, and dining never got dull because I could eat somewhere new every night.

Public restrooms are lovely

This might seem like an odd thing to call out, but Celebrity Edge's public restrooms were some of the loveliest I've ever encountered. Public restrooms on other ships have been cramped, lackluster and utilitarian. However, the ones on Celebrity Edge were spalike, with a frosted-glass automatic door gliding open at the wave of your hand. The restrooms also feature floral-themed art, including "floating" roses in the sink created by some kind of light projection. Small towels for hand-drying are neatly rolled and stored above the sinks with hampers to drop them into when you finish.

What I didn't love about Celebrity Edge

In-cabin safes are too small

My cabin safe wasn't large enough to store my 13-inch laptop. I realize most passengers on board are likely vacationing laptop-free, but plenty of people bring computers on cruises for nighttime Netflix bingeing, photo uploads or work needs. Although it was annoying, I stored my laptop in the closet and never worried that it would be stolen.

You can't book reservations for main dining restaurants through the Celebrity Cruises app

Celebrity Cruises' app is one of the most robust cruise line apps I've used. Like other cruise lines' apps, it allows you to choose activities and add them to your app's calendar, book spa treatments and make reservations for specialty dining. What sets it apart is functionality that allows you to control cabin lights, blinds, the thermostat and the TV from anywhere on the ship. Within the Celebrity fleet, that feature is only available on Edge Class ships.

When you book your cruise, you can choose your dining times for included-in-fare restaurants and reserve your tables. If you don't do that before you board, you must reserve in person at the host stand at the entrance of each restaurant or call from your cabin.

I didn't secure my dining before my sailing, and I attempted to book in person a few times. When I called guest services, I received an automated message instructing me to go to the restaurant to make the reservation. When I attempted to book at Cosmopolitan, I was told it was full and I could be accommodated as a walk-in. My quandary was that the time they recommended was during the show I wanted to see.

It didn't make sense to me that included restaurants could be fully booked — or, at least, impossible to dine at during peak times without advance reservations.

It was a good lesson for me to make sure to choose dining times and confirm restaurant bookings before I step on board. However, it would be nice to have a similar setup as the Carnival Hub app, where you can check in for walk-up seating and receive a notification when your table is ready.

Celebrity Edge cabins and suites

Cabins on Celebrity Edge include a few windowless inside cabins, outside cabins with windows that don't open and balcony cabins (regular balconies and Infinite Verandas). Splurge on one of Edge's upscale accommodations like Concierge Class, which provides access to personal concierge services, and AquaClass cabins, which feature wellness amenities like complimentary fitness classes, unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite and complimentary dining at Blu restaurant. Guests in The Retreat, the line's exclusive seven-suite area, have access to a private dining room, a sun deck and a lounge, among other perks.

I stayed in an Infinite Veranda cabin, a faux-balcony room style that debuted for the cruise line on Celebrity Edge. The line reimagined the concept of a balcony from a separate structure external to the ship to a windowed indoor space that can either be incorporated into the rest of the cabin or separated off and the window opened to create a verandalike sitting area.

The concept rests on two key components: expansive glass windows that you can open or close with the push of a button to let in fresh air and a pair of folding doors you can slide shut to close off the veranda section of your room.

I enjoyed the airy atmosphere and extra space, so I left the doors open for the entire voyage. I lowered my glass windows several times during our colder-temperature sailing and found the chilly air refreshing.

Inside the cabin, my bed was incredibly comfortable, and I cocooned myself with the four fluffy but firm pillows. Two narrow but usable nightstands flanked the bed, each with two open shelves. These made a convenient spot to stash my laptop when I was finished watching my bedtime Netflix shows.

Beside my bed, a sleek-looking couch was a comfortable spot to stretch out and work on my laptop with fantastic views out of my floor-to-ceiling Infinite Veranda windows. Across from the sofa was a chest of drawers, a cabinet with a minifridge and a desk connected to it. If you don't need the desk (or want extra floor space), you can push it into the cabinet, revealing unobstructed access to a full-length mirror behind it. The TV was mounted on the wall opposite my bed and offered around 10 channels of news, movies and sports, as well as some Celebrity-sponsored channels. When I first entered my cabin, it was tuned to a channel of waves, which was a nice initial cruise cabin experience.

I had ample outlets throughout my cabin. A decorative power box on the desk area offered access to two North American-style 110-volt outlets, one European-style 220-volt outlet and two USB power plugs for smartphones. An additional 110-volt outlet and two USB plugs were located on one side of my bed. The bathroom also had one 110-volt outlet by the vanity.

My cabin also featured a wall-mounted touchscreen to control lights, curtains and the thermostat — with presets for morning, evening and night. The thermostat was easy to switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit.

My bathroom was lovely, with faux marble walls and floors. Shelves flanked the mirror, keeping all my toiletries off the vanity, which held a bar of soap and a full-size bottle of body lotion. The glass-enclosed shower was incredibly roomy, with full-size shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Additionally, the rainfall showerhead offered four different settings, providing a spalike experience. I've been known to shower in the women's locker room of ships to avoid a cramped cabin shower, but that was not necessary on this sailing.

The well-thought-out cabin layout made the best use of limited space. Corner cabinets were almost imperceptible, blending in seamlessly with the design. Clever cabin storage might have been too clever in the bathroom (for me, at least). I scoured the room in search of a hair dryer to no avail. My friend in the cabin next door popped over to show me the camouflaged drawer under the sink, revealing a full-size hair dryer. Sneaky!

Accessible accommodations are available across all categories on Celebrity Edge. Those cabins have wider doorways (32 inches), ramped bathroom thresholds, lowered sinks, higher toilets and other features.

Other accessibility considerations on Celebrity Edge include a lift at the main pool and the Solarium hot tub, wheelchair-labeled seating in dining and bar venues and lower playing tables in the casino.

Related: The best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility

Celebrity Edge restaurants and bars

Celebrity Edge is home to 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, including a solid selection of included-in-the-fare dining and upscale and exclusive added-fee restaurants. The bar scene is lively but never felt raucous. The Martini Bar and Eden Bar draw the biggest crowds. Also, thanks to Celebrity Edge's four main dining venues, I never felt like I was being "corralled" into the main dining space, as I've experienced on other ships.

Restaurants

Celebrity Edge has replaced the typical huge multilevel main dining room found on most large ships with four smaller venues: Tuscan (Italian), Normandie (French), Cyprus (Mediterranean) and Cosmopolitan (New American with global influences).

The menus are the same in all four, with the exception of a small section that's exclusive to each one, based on the restaurant's culinary focus. The exclusive menu and the main menu do not change daily; however, each restaurant menu features a signature dish that does change nightly.

I'm not a huge fan of mass dining experiences, so I loved this concept. Each meal felt like I was dining in a specialty restaurant. Service was attentive yet unobtrusive in all four restaurants. For example, I drink a lot of water, and the servers would refill my glass without my noticing and always before it was empty.

I chose to dine at Tuscan on the first night of my cruise because I was drawn to the restaurant's sleek design and bold black-and-white color palette with pops of yellow. The menu featured Tuscan exclusives like creamy Tuscan shrimp soup and a slow-roasted, herb-crusted pork chop with broccolini. I kicked my meal off with rich, garlicky escargot, and the butter pools were perfect for dipping the fresh bread I selected from the basket our waiter brought to our table. I also enjoyed the seared salmon with mashed potatoes, grilled squash and sauce vierge.

Of the four restaurants, Cosmopolitan was my favorite (in both atmosphere and food) — so much so that I ate there twice. Its blush and cream decor, anchored by dark wood trim, created an upscale environment. Distinct dishes on the Cosmopolitan menu included a cauliflower flan and oxtail royale.

For lunch, I enjoyed a flavorful seafood brochette (shrimp and scallops) with saffron rice and pesto vinaigrette. At dinner, my broiled lobster tail was cooked perfectly — tender with just the right amount of seasoning. My kale salad with roasted squash, dried cherries and caramelized pecans tossed in a lemon vinaigrette dressing was light and refreshing. I was tempted to add a second lobster tail for $17.

Serene Cyprus calms the senses with its sea of blue carpeting and crushed velvet seating. Diners can choose from Cyprus-only dishes like the Greek mezze board (tzatziki, hummus, dolmas and taramasalata) and homemade kordelia pasta. I've only ordered grilled octopus a handful of times in my life — including at Bobby Flay's Gato restaurant in New York — and Cyprus delivered one of the best versions I've had. The roasted trout over cauliflower and sauteed spinach was a worthy follow-up.

Normandie's marmite dieppoise, with shellfish and creme fraiche in a seafood broth, was delightful. The baked brie (with caramelized apples and port wine syrup) was incredible.

I was impressed with the quality and variety of dishes offered in Oceanview Cafe, Celebrity Edge's buffet-style venue on Deck 14. In fact, the salmon I ate from the buffet was tastier than the salmon dish I ordered at Tuscan. I wasn't surprised that the buffet was bustling every time I visited, with passengers sometimes circling like sharks outside the ropes while staff members filled up the stations.

You could easily eat every meal here and be satisfied. For breakfast, there were made-to-order omelets, Benedicts, pastries, cereals and fresh fruit to start your day. Grilled meats and vegetables, Indian dishes, salads, sandwiches and desserts were available for lunch and dinner.

The dessert displays were so lovely; they blew me away. It all tasted as good as it looked, too. My favorites were the Boston cake and the pistachio cake.

Just a few steps from Oceanview Cafe, the walk-up pizza venue served fresh wood-fired pies like Margherita, vegetable and pepperoni, among others. On the other end, near the entrance of Oceanview Cafe (by Il Segundo Bacio), a walk-up ice cream counter serves a variety of ice cream and sorbets that won't cost you extra.

Other complimentary dining on Celebrity Edge includes Mast Grill (Deck 14 near the pool bar) for a quick burger or hot dog. Spa Cafe and Juice Bar (Deck 14 by the Solarium pool) serves healthy bites like homemade energy bars, wraps and salads. Smoothies and fresh-pressed juices are available but cost extra.

Eden Cafe is the spot for a light breakfast or lunch. You can feel good about your choices when you select oatmeal with honey and quinoa, turkey and egg white wraps or build-your-own salads.

Guests staying in The Retreat or AquaClass cabins have exclusive dining privileges at Luminae (Retreat) and Blu (AquaClass). Choose from Blu's signature entrees like phyllo-crusted chicken paillard and creamy wild mushroom risotto or "clean cuisine" menu items such as a plant-based Beyond burger and roasted sweet potatoes with charred sugar snap peas. Crafted by renowned chef Daniel Boulud, Luminae's menu changes daily and offers items not served in any other restaurant on board, including duck leg confit char sui and chilled corn soup with prawns.

Room service is complimentary if you choose to order continental breakfast dishes (such as coffee, juices, cereal, fruits and bakery items like bagels, toast, English muffins and croissants). You can order a premium breakfast for a $9.95 service fee (with an additional automatic 20% service charge). Premium breakfast selections include egg dishes and omelets, pancakes and French toast, and sides like bacon, sausage and breakfast ham.

I ordered room service one morning in port and was impressed with the service. I received a courtesy call to let me know my meal was on the way and a follow-up call to ensure my items were to my liking and to ask if I needed anything else.

The coffee arrived in a carafe, so I could enjoy more than one cup. It arrived hot, but I took my time savoring my refills and the carafe didn't keep the temperature. (To be fair, I'm a slow coffee drinker, and this was over the course of about an hour.) I'm not a huge breakfast eater, so the fruit plate, fresh croissants and coffee were exactly the right amount to get me going.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

In addition to a bevy of fare-included dining options, Celebrity Edge offers a nice selection of added-fee restaurants worth checking out.

Eden is a cool venue and (in my opinion) worth the $85 per person fee. It's on the first level of an expansive three-level space. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and is, hands down, one of my favorite cruise ship dining spaces. You don't just eat a meal here; you experience it.

The "Journey to Eden" art installment/walkway to the restaurant sets the stage for the unique experience you'll have in Eden. All Edge Class ships feature this installment, but they are different on each ship.

Once your dinner begins, innovative cocktails (the Shaman is a must-try), creative and beautifully presented dishes and Instagram-worthy desserts come together in a way that makes you feel like you're on an excursion to an edible art gallery. I sampled branzino in crispy bread, Aegean Sea ceviche, a jumbo lump crabcake and truffled huitlacoche risotto. Every bite was a chef's kiss.

Eden costs $85 per person to order from the main menu and $120 per person for tasting menus paired with wine.

Le Grand Bistro (on Deck 4) serves French cuisine in a casual yet sophisticated setting. I dined here for lunch ($30 per person), and all the dishes I tried were top-notch. I sampled the wild mushroom tart, the baby arugula salad and the lobster bisque with puff pastry. The tart and bisque were both rich and savory, and the salad was simply dressed with toasted pine nuts and balsamic vinaigrette, a perfect backdrop for the balls of fried goat cheese that topped the salad.

My lemonade Provencal cocktail ($12) was delightfully refreshing. It was a blend of fresh lemon juice, gin, lavender, rosemary, thyme and sage. The drink was very lavender-forward, which I loved, but others might find off-putting.

Daily rotating dishes include a bouillabaisse with sauteed lobster, shrimp, scallops and other seafood in a broth and a slow-braised lamb shank in a red wine jus served with potatoes and mushrooms. Le Grand Bistro also serves breakfast ($15 per person). Additionally, you can walk up to the pastry counter and purchase a variety of baked goodies a la carte to enjoy anywhere on the ship.

In the evening, Le Grand Bistro becomes Le Petit Chef, a for-fee ($60 per person) dining experience. The animated chef prepares your dish through innovative projections before servers bring out your actual meal.

Other specialty restaurants include Raw on 5, which serves sushi and sashimi and an abundant spread of fresh seafood. It's open for lunch and dinner, and a la carte pricing ranges from $7 (for spicy ahi tuna) to $90 (for the imperial tower that includes lobster tail, lobster and crab salad, chilled shrimp, oysters, king crab legs, crab claws and sea bass ceviche). Also, Fine Cut Steakhouse (open for dinner) offers upscale steak and seafood in an intimate setting ($79 per person; open for dinner). The alfresco Rooftop Garden Grill on Deck 15 serves flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, salads and grilled dishes for lunch ($25 per person) and dinner ($45 per person).

Cruisers seemed to gravitate toward Celebrity's signature Martini Bar throughout the day, likely thanks to its central location midship on Deck 3 and an open atrium extending two floors above. The bar is crowned with a soaring LED display that synchronizes with music a couple of times each night.

I loved the liveliness and quality of the drinks at the Martini Bar. However, it wasn't ideal for conversing with shipmates when it was busy. A couple of times, our group started in the Martini Bar but moved to Eden Bar because we couldn't hear one another due to the noise level. If you just want to drink epic martinis, listen to live music and enjoy an occasional flair performance from the bartenders, this is your spot. Martinis are $17, or you can sample a flight of six for $40.

On the second level of Eden, Eden Bar invites you with ample, plush seating areas, soaring windows and a striking Library of Plants living wall where fresh ingredients and garnishes are hand-picked for artisanal cocktails that range from $15 to $45. My favorites were the Shaman (rum, Manzanilla, apricot liqueur, dry vermouth and a garnish of a smoldering stick of dried sage), the Pea (gin, basil soup, amontillado sherry, lime juice, blanched spring peas, virgin olive oil and aquafaba) and the Planter (mezcal, cardamom syrup, lime juice and curacao).

You can't sail an Edge Class ship without spending time at the Magic Carpet that juts out over the edge of the ship. With cozy couch-style seating and incredible views from any vantage point, the Magic Carpet is a hot spot for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. When the movable lounge is positioned on Deck 5, it becomes an extension of Raw on 5, creating a hip open-air dining experience. You can also reserve a table when it becomes Dinner on the Edge on Deck 14 (Dinner on the Edge is also available during lunch). The a la carte menu features items like cod fritters, slow-roasted chateaubriand and pan-seared branzino.

The Sunset Bar on Deck 15 is a casual spot to enjoy a cocktail as the ship pulls out of port. Other venues for a refreshing cocktail include the Pool Bar, the Casino Bar and The Club, a games and activities space by day and a nightclub at night.

On Deck 4 overlooking the Martini Bar, Cafe al Bacio is a popular spot for coffee cocktails ($12 or $17), specialty coffees ($4 or $5), teas (around $5) and some complimentary pastries and baked goods. The cafe was perpetually buzzing with passengers sipping coffee over a game of cards or while people-watching. I enjoyed more than one nearly flawless cappuccino here. Although there was usually a line to order, I never waited more than a minute or two for my drink.

The second Cafe al Bacio location (Il Segundo Bacio) is right by the entrance of the Oceanview Cafe buffet area. The line seemed to move more slowly at this location. Also, you won't find the specialty baked goods available at the main Cafe al Bacio, which I didn't mind as there were ample pastries and snacks at the Oceanview Buffet.

Celebrity offers drink packages if you wish to pay a flat daily rate to save money if you drink a lot or want a worry-free inclusive experience. I had the premium drink package, which covered my drinks at Cafe al Bacio and the cocktails I ordered. For that package, expect to pay $56 to $129 per person, per day ($67.20 to $154.80 with gratuity).

Related: Celebrity Cruises drink packages: Cost, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Celebrity Edge activities

Celebrity Edge offers a good variety of daily activities on each voyage. Cruisers might head to the smoke-free casino, enjoy a martini tasting, participate in a group competition, attend a seminar or sign up for a fitness class.

I checked out trivia competitions and a game show, which were held in The Club on Deck 4 near The Theatre. All were well attended, and by the end of the games, it was often standing-room-only. For trivia, you could test your knowledge on subjects like '80s music, pop culture and general knowledge trivia. The Club was also the spot for dance lessons and scheduled guest events during the day. In the evening, it hosted live music and karaoke.

I found a variety of fantastic live music sets throughout the ship each night. One singer in the Martini Bar even walked around the deck above with her guitar throughout her set.

My Edge sailing was a colder-climate itinerary in Alaska, so the main pool on Deck 14 didn't teem with sunbathers during my cruise. I did see a handful of passengers swimming laps at various times throughout the week. Two martini glass-shaped hot tubs with excellent views of the pool and the sea beyond grace each end of the pool a level up.

Passengers can rent one of the comfy outward-facing cabanas that surround the pool. A split cabana accommodates two people and costs $150. A full cabana accommodates four guests and costs $300. With it, you get a bottle of Champagne or liquor, fruit, lunch and drinks.

The ship's indoor (and heated) Solarium pool saw more traffic, and the window-facing loungers surrounding the pool were a hot commodity the entire week. The Solarium hot tub was popular, too. Note that while the Solarium is an adults-only area, the Solarium pool is open for families (and kids) from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. Suite Class guests will enjoy their own pool, hot tub and deck area on Deck 16 in the rear of the ship. Also, those in Edge Villas have private plunge pools on their balcony.

On Deck 14, the 22,000-square-foot spa is a serene escape. Conceived by renowned designer Kelly Hoppen, The Spa was inspired by nature, with calm lighting, soothing wood tones and a gorgeous crystal installation. Guests can choose from more than 124 treatments like the thousand flower detox wrap, a zero-gravity wellness massage and a poultice-powered muscle release. The Spa also features a Kerastase salon for haircuts and styling. Men can opt for a traditional hot shave and trim at The Barber at The Spa.

The spa's SEA Thermal Suite is complimentary for all AquaClass guests, but you can purchase a day pass for $69 per person, per day or $219 per person for the week. In addition to a traditional steam room and sauna, guests can achieve an even higher level of tranquility in the spa's hammam Turkish bath, salt room, float room and crystalarium. Take in sea views between snoozes on heated tile loungers, or invigorate yourself in the rainfall water therapy room.

Related: The 7 best cruise ship spas

Celebrity Edge's spacious fitness center is well equipped with Peloton bikes, treadmills, elliptical and rowing machines, stationary bikes, stair climbers, plyometric jump boxes, free weights and kettlebells. Additionally, two studios are dedicated to (extra-fee) fitness classes like boxing TRX, barre and spin sessions that you can view and reserve on the Celebrity app.

The ship's running/walking track was my choice for exercise. Spanning two decks (15 and 16), it features a clear lane direction for both walkers and runners. Unlike many ships' simple circle tracks, this one provided an incline with a bit of a varied route, which I enjoyed. One mile equals 4.5 laps.

As previously mentioned, there weren't a lot of kids on my sailing, and Celebrity cruises, for the most part, attract older cruisers, couples and friend groups. That doesn't mean younger cruisers are left out of the fun, thanks to the line's Camp at Sea program and kids clubs.

On Celebrity Edge, the teen space (dubbed The Basement) is on Deck 2, while Camp at Sea for the younger set is on Deck 3. Young cruisers are organized into groups — Teens (ages 13 to 17), Captains (ages 10 to 12), Cadets (ages 6 to 9) and Shipmates (ages 3 to 5) — and youth staff lead age-specific activities to entertain and educate. Celebrity Edge is one of two Celebrity ships (Celebrity Equinox is the other) that offers the STEM at Sea program, with exclusive activities and events centered around marine wildlife, nautical exploration and ecological conservation.

Camp at Sea is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and there's no fee for kids to attend. A slumber party from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. is offered nightly on a sign-up basis for a fee of $6 per hour, per child. Activities run the gamut from arts and crafts to karaoke.

Celebrity Edge shows

Celebrity Edge's entertainment in The Theatre really wowed me with its contemporary mix of impressive acrobatics, singing and dance. The performers were incredibly talented. We also had the unique pleasure of experiencing two separate casts, as one group ended their contract and another one began halfway through our sailing. The Theatre was filled at every performance, which was a testament to the quality of the shows.

The show "Kaleidoscope" featured a string of dynamic dance and vocal performances with aerialists. It was fantastic, though a bit challenging for me to know where to look because I didn't want to miss anything. "Feel the Funk" showcased the singers and a live band, which included a 19-year-old drummer who slayed the house down.

The Theatre also hosts headliner comedians, game shows and the line's "Beyond the Podium" talks, which provide a preview of upcoming ports of call. You can find live music just about anywhere on the ship — including the Martini Bar, Eden Bar and The Club. Additionally, Eden Bar is home to musical and aerial acts.

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Celebrity Edge itineraries and pricing

In May 2024, Celebrity Edge sailed its maiden voyage in Alaska with a seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary. The round-trip sailing from Seattle features stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia, in Canada. Alaska sailings will run from May through September in 2024 and 2025. Fares start from $905 per person for an inside cabin.

Edge will also sail three- to five-night Australia and New Zealand itineraries in November 2024, January and April 2025 and January 2026. Ports of call include Hobart, Tasmania, Eden and Sydney in Australia. Fares start from $363 per person.

Additionally, 11-night round-trip Great Barrier Reef sailings are available in October and November 2024, March and April 2025 and February 2026. Featured stops include Brisbane, Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island in Australia. Fares start from $1,313 per person for an inside cabin.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

U.S. citizens on a cruise that begins and ends in a U.S. port must have a current passport or an official copy of their birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A passport card is also acceptable.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure.

Passengers need an Australian visa for cruises that visit Australian ports. For details, check with Celebrity Cruises or your travel agent when you book your sailing.

Important note: The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. We recommend you check Celebrity Cruises' website before you sail for the most recent updates on requirements.

Celebrity automatically adds a service gratuity of $18 to $23 per person, per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is automatically added to spa and salon purchases, and a 20% gratuity is also automatically added to specialty dining, beverage, beverage package, room service and minibar purchases.

If you aren't satisfied with the service you received, you can adjust the amount at the Guest Services desk before you disembark. You can also give an additional tip for exceptional service you received during your sailing.

Related: 7 people you should always tip on a cruise

Celebrity Cruises uses Starlink as a provider for internet service on Celebrity Edge. I had no issues with connectivity during my sailing and was able to work online, post videos on my social platforms and text my family.

If you book the cruise-only fare, you can purchase Wi-Fi separately on board the ship at $20 per day, per device for a Basic plan, which lets you browse the web, send and receive emails and text via messaging apps. The Premium plan costs $35 per day, per device and adds the capability for live streaming, video chats and more. With either plan, you can save 10% if you buy it before your cruise.

If you choose the all-inclusive cruise price, your fare includes a Classic Drinks Package (with nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages), Basic Wi-Fi access and gratuities. AquaClass cabins always have Basic Wi-Fi included in the fare, and suites in The Retreat include complimentary Premium Wi-Fi. If you have Basic Wi-Fi included in your cruise fare, you can upgrade to the Premium Package for $9.99 per day.

Celebrity's loyalty program, Captain's Club, includes Wi-Fi discounts and perks at various membership levels. For example, Classic-level members get 10% off a Wi-Fi package, and Zenith-level guests receive a complimentary Premium Package.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests can bring personal wine on board, but it's limited to one 750-milliliter bottle per guest of drinking age. You must pack it in your carry-on instead of your checked luggage. If you consume your wine in one of the ship's restaurants, bars or dining venues, you'll pay a $25 corkage fee for each bottle.

Smoking policy

Passengers can only smoke in designated outdoor areas on Celebrity Edge, which are found on Deck 15 near the Sunset Bar and the Pool Bar near the Mast Grill. Smoking rules apply to e-cigarettes, too.

Celebrity ships do not feature self-service laundry facilities. However, you can send clothes out for full-service laundry, pressing or dry-cleaning for a fee. If you're in a rush, opt for the same-day service for an additional 50% surcharge.

Since I managed to pack for a seven-night Alaska cruise in one carry-on bag (for which I deserve an award), I used the laundry service on the fourth day of my cruise.

The laundry bag and form were tucked away in the corner storage cabinet by the bathroom door. I placed my clothes in the bag, filled out the form and left it in my cabin for my steward. I sent out a T-shirt ($4) and two pairs of leggings ($8 each), and they were returned the next day in pristine condition. Prices for laundry range from $3 (for underwear and socks) to $19 (for suits). Dry cleaning is also available and ranges from $6 (for ties and vests) to $18 (for dresses). Pressing-only services run from $4 (for shorts) to $15 (for suits).

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

As previously mentioned, all Celebrity Edge cabins have North American-style 110-volt outlets, European-style 220-volt outlets and USB plug sockets. Bring a power strip (without a surge protector) if you need more than that.

Related: Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board

The currency used on Celebrity Edge is the dollar. However, the ship operates on a cashless system, so you'll receive a SeaPass card you can use to make charges. (This same card also gets you into your cabin and serves as your onboard ID.) Any purchases you make on the ship will automatically post to your onboard account, which will be charged to your credit card on file.

Drinking age

Passengers must be at least 21 to drink alcohol on Celebrity Edge.

During the day, Celebrity Edge does not suggest a specific dress code, but passengers lean toward casual resortwear. Our sailing was an Alaska itinerary, so passengers typically wore jeans or leggings and long-sleeved or flannel shirts.

If you sail to warmer regions on your Celebrity Edge itinerary, beach or casual resort attire will be the norm for sea days, and if you plan to spend your day on the top deck, dress in T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (wear a cover-up when inside). Note that swimsuits, see-through cover-ups or robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts and baseball caps are not permitted in main or specialty dining venues.

At night, smart casual attire (a dress, a skirt, long pants or jeans and a stylish top or button-down, but no shorts or flip-flops) is required for entry to main or specialty dining venues and the Celebrity Theatre.

Depending on the length of your cruise, you might have one or two formal nights called "evening chic" (think: cocktail dresses, skirts, slacks, an elegant dress top or blazer). I didn't pack a fancy dress and felt comfortable in my slacks and sweater even though other passengers chose to gussy up on those nights.

Bottom line

Celebrity Edge is a gorgeous and contemporary ship. It's sure to deliver a fantastic cruise vacation for couples and friend groups who appreciate the ship's contemporary atmosphere and a not-your-typical-cruise-ship design. Families with kids who prefer less frenetic and more hands-on activities can enjoy their time on board as well.

Planning a Celebrity cruise? Start with these stories:

• The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries
• 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained
• The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Celebrity Cruises ship
• Everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises cabins and suites
• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

A cruise line for every type of traveler: How to choose the right one for you

• Cruise lines have their own identities and areas of focus, and some lend themselves more to certain vacation types than others.
• Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line are solid options for families.
• Aurora Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises offer trips with a spirit of exploration at their core.

No matter what kind of vacation you're planning , there's likely a cruise for you.

Whether you want to spend your trip kayaking and scuba diving or prefer to lounge on a sun deck sipping a cocktail, cruise lines have a wide range of offerings. But not every line or ship is right for every passenger.

Cruise brands have their own identities and areas of focus, and some lend themselves more to certain vacation types than others (amenities can also vary from ship to ship within the same line). Here's what to know:

Best cruise line for families

◾ Royal Caribbean International ships have an array of onboard offerings for kids and adults. For example, the line's most recent addition, Icon of the Seas, has been billed as the ultimate family vacation .

The vessel – the largest cruise ship in the world – has an entire neighborhood designed for young families, a large water park and activities ranging from a FlowRider surf simulator to Crown's Edge, where guests can walk more than 150 feet above the ocean. The line's Bahamas private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, offers plenty of thrills and places to chill , too.

◾ Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a range of activities like free-fall dry slides, go-kart tracks, and high-caliber stage shows. Disney Cruise Line draws on a huge catalog of stories to bring magic to life on the water, with character appearances, themed dining and special events like Marvel Day at Sea .

◾ Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises also cater to families, and Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are solid options for multigenerational travelers. Mainstream cruise lines generally have kids clubs that are included in the fare, as well.

Best cruise line for adventure and expeditions

Adventure seekers may want to consider expedition ships and lines that offer sailings to less common destinations such as Antarctica .

◾ Aurora Expeditions offers a range of activity-centric itineraries, including Zodiac boat outings, kayaking, snowshoeing and more. Celebrity Cruises, meanwhile, has a vessel designed  especially for the Galapagos Islands .

◾ Operators like HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) , Lindblad Expeditions and Silversea Cruises also offer trips with a spirit of exploration at their core.

Best cruise line for letting loose

◾ Virgin Voyages offers adults-only sailings and a unique onboard atmosphere with its immersive Scarlet Night celebration and innovative performances . There is also no main dining room or buffet, with a focus on a variety of different food and drinks instead.

▶◾ Guests can also find parties on other lines, such as Carnival . But the length of the sailing and the time of year play a role in a cruise's vibe. Spring break cruises, for instance, may be rowdier than times when school is in session.

◾ Parties can take different forms, too. Cunard Line , for example, hosts formal gala nights .

Best cruise for rest and relaxation

Upscale cruise lines can lend themselves to a more relaxed and pampering experience. Guests are less likely to encounter rock-climbing walls or ice-skating rinks but will find amenities like pools and carefully curated dining. The following operators are all in that category:

◾ Silversea

◾ Regent Seven Seas Cruises

◾ Oceania Cruises

◾ The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

However, even on mainstream lines, guests can often get away from the bustle of the ship in onboard spas and adults-only areas. Luxe ship-within-a-ship concepts like Norwegian's The Haven or MSC's Yacht Club can also offer a more intimate, laid-back experience.

What should I pack for a cruise?: Here are 5 essential items to bring

Best lines for river cruising

River cruising tends to be small-scale and destination-focused.

▶◾ European river itineraries from lines like AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking often stop at a mix of marquee and less-visited ports, so guests aren't fighting crowds the whole time.

▶◾ In the U.S., American Cruise Lines offers a diverse selection of itineraries, from sailings on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to round-trip cruises from Washington, D.C. Viking also has a ship purpose-built for the Mississippi River .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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