Celebrity Cruise Ships Ranked From Best To Worst (2026)

Choosing the “best” Celebrity cruise ship isn’t as simple as picking the newest one.

Some feel like floating luxury hotels, packed with stylish spaces, incredible restaurants and top-tier entertainment. Others are built for something completely different. Think expedition cruising in the Galapagos, where wildlife and nature take centre stage.

So which Celebrity ship actually comes out on top?

It depends on the kind of cruise you want. And a few of the rankings might surprise you…

How I Gathered the Data

While I wish I could say that I’ve sailed on every Celebrity ship, I haven’t (yet!). So for me to rank all of the Celebrity Cruises ships in the fleet based on my own opinion would be a little bit unfair, wouldn’t it?

And I could just do it based on expert reviews, but that’s also subjective. Other cruise experts might have had an outlier experience where a ship was better or worse than normal.

So to make this guide as fair as possible, I’ve based it on thousands of reviews from past guests, and the average scores of those reviews. I’ve used three of the biggest cruise review sites in the world – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor.

Something that is important to clarify – “worst” doesn’t necessarily mean bad, just that the ship has scored less than the others in the fleet.

And that’s especially true with Celebrity Cruises. The worst ships in the fleet have an average review score of 3.77 out of 5, which is still pretty high!

I’d also like to point out that this Celebrity Cruises guide has the ship with the best average score of any ship I’ve written about in a “best to worst” guide. So you know it’s a goodun…

The Best Celebrity Cruise Ship Is…

According to past guest reviews, the best Celebrity Cruises ship is Celebrity Flora, the last of the Celebrity Expedition ships. She first launched in 2019 and has a guest capacity of just 100, which may skew results. The best non-Exploration ship is Celebrity Ascent.

All Celebrity Ships Ranked by Reviews

Here’s a look at all of the Celebrity Cruises ships in order.

1. Celebrity Flora

The most popular ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet is also the sole remaining ship in the Expedition-class. Her maximum capacity is just 100 guests – a completely different experience to the other ships in the fleet.

Considered a super-yacht, she has some stunning accommodation options, including six types of suites, a beautiful Discovery Lounge, and an Observatory where you can enjoy incredible views and an expansive library. She also has a choice of two restaurants and glamping pods where you can relax on cosy beds and soak up the sunrise and sunset.

Celebrity Flora is perfect if you want an expedition cruise that still feels luxurious. With around 100 guests onboard, it’s small enough to feel exclusive but large enough that you’ll still meet new people throughout the trip. And she’s a beautiful ship too, widely considered one of the best expedition vessels for combining adventure with a genuinely impressive onboard experience.

2. Celebrity Equinox

The first of Celebrity’s larger ocean-going ships in this ranking is Celebrity Equinox. And it might surprise some people to see a ship launched in 2009 sitting this high on the list.

But Equinox has remained a favourite with passengers for years. The ship has a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere and has been carefully updated over time, with a major refurbishment in 2019 that refreshed many of the public spaces and cabins.

Guests particularly love the layout of the ship. There are plenty of stylish bars, lounges and quiet spots to relax, along with popular venues like the Lawn Club, where real grass on the top deck creates a unique place to unwind.

It’s also a ship that appeals to a wide range of travellers. Families enjoy the facilities onboard, while couples and solo cruisers often appreciate that the ship still feels calm and uncrowded.

All of this helps explain why Celebrity Equinox continues to receive strong reviews and remains one of the most consistently loved ships in the fleet.

3. Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent is one of the newest ships in the Celebrity fleet, having launched in 2023.

She brings together everything people love about the edge-class ships. Sleek modern design, beautiful open spaces and a great mix of bars, lounges and restaurants across the ship.

Guest reviews are consistently excellent, too. Passengers regularly praise the stylish cabins, attentive service and the overall atmosphere onboard. Dining is another highlight, with four themed main dining rooms plus standout speciality venues like Eden and Raw on 5.

It’s a polished, modern ship that delivers the premium Celebrity experience extremely well.

4. Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel joined the fleet in November 2025, becoming the fifth ship in Celebrity’s popular Edge Class.

Because she’s so new, she doesn’t yet have the same volume of reviews as some of the older ships in the fleet. However, there are already enough ratings across all three review platforms to allow for a fair comparison, and the early feedback has been very positive.

Like her sister ships, Xcel features the sleek, modern design that the Edge Class is known for. Expect stylish public spaces, plenty of great bars and lounges, and a wide range of dining options.

She also introduces a few new ideas to the class, including The Bazaar, a space designed to bring the culture, food and atmosphere of the destinations you visit onto the ship.

It’s still early days, but first impressions suggest Celebrity Xcel is another strong addition to the Edge Class lineup.

5. Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Reflection was the last of the Solstice-class ships to launch, entering service in 2012. She took the original design and enhanced it slightly, becoming the largest ship in the fleet at the time. Even today, she remains one of only a few Celebrity ships carrying more than 3,000 guests.

Many reviews highlight the spacious feel of the ship. There are plenty of places to relax, whether that’s enjoying the Lawn Club, unwinding in one of the many lounges or simply soaking up the atmosphere around the ship.

Service is another consistent highlight, with guests often praising the crew for going above and beyond to make each cruise feel special.

While most feedback is very positive, some reviews mention that the dining experience can occasionally be inconsistent. Celebrity sets very high standards, so when those expectations aren’t fully met, it can stand out more than it might on other cruise lines.

6. Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Eclipse launched in 2010 as the third of five Solstice-class ships. Over time, some guests have felt that parts of the ship were starting to look a little dated compared with Celebrity’s newer vessels.

The good news is that she received a refurbishment in 2025, helping to refresh many areas of the ship.

Despite being one of the older ships in the fleet, Eclipse remains very popular with passengers, with average review scores of 4.17 out of 5. Guests often comment on the elegant atmosphere and the spacious feel of the ship, with plenty of places to relax and unwind.

Like the other Solstice-class ships, there isn’t a huge amount of daytime entertainment, but the pool deck is a lovely place to spend time, and there are several comfortable indoor spaces if you prefer somewhere quieter.

Dining reviews are generally very positive too, with many guests praising the quality of the food onboard.

7. Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Solstice was the first of the Solstice-class ships, launching in 2008 and introducing the design that would go on to shape much of the Celebrity fleet.

Even today, she still captures what many people love about the cruise line. The ship feels spacious and elegant, with inviting public areas where guests can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Service is another standout, with many reviews praising the friendly, hardworking crew who help make each cruise feel special.

She received a major refurbishment at the start of 2026, bringing a range of new venues and refreshed spaces across the ship. The updates help modernise the experience while keeping the classic design that many guests enjoy.

Dining feedback is generally positive, although some guests feel it can vary slightly between sailings. Overall, though, Celebrity Solstice remains a very popular ship, thanks to her relaxed atmosphere and the timeless design that helped define the Solstice class.

8. Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette launched in 2011 as the fourth ship in the Solstice Class. She received a refurbishment in 2020, helping to refresh the staterooms, suites and many of the public areas.

Like her sister ships, Silhouette offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the cruise. Reviews often highlight the friendly, attentive crew and the quality of the onboard entertainment, both of which remain consistent strengths of the ship.

However, some guests feel that parts of the ship are starting to show their age compared with Celebrity’s newer vessels. Dining reviews are generally positive, but a few passengers mention that the range of options and premium choices doesn’t feel quite as extensive as it once did.

Even so, Celebrity Silhouette still delivers the elegant atmosphere and relaxed cruising style that the Solstice Class is known for.

9. Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge was the first of the Edge-class ships, seen as the next generation for the Celebrity fleet. She launched in 2018 and helped to really reinvigorate the fleet with a stunning design. She is extremely modern but tasteful, with expansive public areas where guests can unwind.

She has a wealth of dining options too, and reviews are relatively good for the service, although the change in Celebrity’s menu overall does impact some comments.

While most people say great things about Celebrity Edge, I’ve seen some reviews that say the Solstice Class just feels more ‘Celebrity’, and that Celebrity Edge is a bit more style over substance, including less spacious rooms and entertainment that’s a little more repetitive, if technically impressive.

10. Celebrity Beyond

Celebrity Beyond just makes it into the top 10, with an average review score of 4.10 out of 5, showing that most guests still have a very positive experience onboard.

Passengers consistently praise the look and feel of the ship. The design is sleek and modern, and there’s a great variety of places to relax, eat and enjoy the atmosphere. She also continues the innovation of the Edge Class, with standout features such as the expanded Retreat area for suite guests and impressive evening entertainment enhanced with modern technology.

Some reviews mention that service can occasionally feel a little slower during busy periods, something that sometimes happens on newer ships as crews settle into routines.

Even so, Celebrity Beyond still offers a stylish and enjoyable cruise experience that many guests rate very highly.

11. Celebrity Summit

Celebrity Summit was the second-to-last ship built for the Millennium Class, launching in 2001. While she is starting to show her age in places, she remains a popular choice with many Celebrity fans.

A major refurbishment in 2019 helped refresh much of the ship, updating staterooms, suites and several public areas to bring them more in line with the modern Celebrity style.

Guests often praise the relaxed atmosphere onboard, along with the friendly service from the crew. Dining is another highlight, with many reviews commenting positively on the quality of the food.

Where the ship tends to fall slightly behind some of the newer vessels is in the entertainment, with some guests describing it as a little more limited or less exciting than what you’ll find elsewhere in the fleet.

12. Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Apex is another of the Edge-class ships and remains one of the most visually striking vessels in the fleet. The design is sleek and modern, with spacious public areas and plenty of interesting places to relax throughout the ship.

She also features some of the signature Edge-class innovations, including the Magic Carpet. This moving platform travels up and down the side of the ship and transforms depending on where it stops, serving as a bar, restaurant or tender platform. It’s a unique spot to relax and enjoy the views while at sea.

Guests often praise the look and feel of the ship, as well as the range of places to dine and unwind onboard. However, some reviews suggest that the overall experience can feel a little inconsistent at times, particularly during busier sailings when the ship is at full capacity.

Even so, Celebrity Apex still offers a stylish and distinctive cruise experience that many guests really enjoy.

13. Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Millennium first launched in 2000 as the original ship in the Millennium Class, and is the oldest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet. She was refurbished in 2019, at the same time as Celebrity Summit, with upgrades that helped modernise many areas of the ship.

She tends to appeal most to guests who enjoy destination-focused cruising rather than spending all day taking part in onboard activities. The ship has several comfortable public spaces where passengers can relax, and reviews frequently praise the friendly service from the crew.

However, some guests feel the daytime entertainment is fairly limited compared with newer ships in the fleet. A few reviews also mention that the evening shows can feel a little repetitive on longer sailings.

Even so, Celebrity Millennium still offers a relaxed cruise experience that many passengers appreciate.

14. Celebrity Constellation

Celebrity Constellation was the last of the Millennium-class ships to launch, entering service in 2002. For several years she was considered one of the flagship ships of the fleet alongside Celebrity Infinity.

Today she appeals most to travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed style of cruising. The atmosphere onboard is generally calm, with plenty of comfortable spaces to sit back and enjoy the views. If you’re happy spending sea days by the pool before heading to dinner in the evening, Constellation can still offer a very enjoyable cruise.

Her long-planned refurbishment, originally scheduled for 2020, was eventually completed in spring 2024, helping to refresh a number of areas around the ship.

However, compared with Celebrity’s newer ships, some guests feel the onboard experience is a little more limited, particularly when it comes to entertainment and activities. That’s one of the main reasons she sits lower in the rankings, even though many passengers still enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly service onboard.

15. Celebrity Infinity

Celebrity Infinity rounds off the Millennium Class and was first launched in 2001. Like her sister ship, Celebrity Constellation, her planned refurbishment in 2020 was cancelled, meaning she didn’t receive her long-awaited refresh until 2024.

Because of that delay, some older reviews mention that parts of the ship were starting to feel a little dated. The refurbishment has helped improve things, but compared with Celebrity’s newer ships, Infinity still feels more traditional in style.

That said, many guests appreciate the relaxed atmosphere onboard. The ship offers several comfortable spaces to unwind during the day, and reviews frequently praise the friendly service from the crew.

Celebrity Infinity is often described as a comfortable ship. If you’re not looking for the flashiest new vessel and simply want a quieter cruise with good food and attentive service, she can still offer an enjoyable experience.

Tips on Choosing the Best Celebrity Ship for You

It’s important to do some research when choosing a Celebrity cruise, because everyone’s different, and so certain ships will be a better fit for you.

Looking for the nicest Celebrity Cruises ship? That’ll depend on your definition of “nice”, but Celebrity Apex is one of the most popular ships in the fleet and one that is equipped with stunning facilities that have a really premium feel, including gorgeous spaces to unwind and relax during your cruise.

Celebrity Equinox is often regarded as one of the best Celebrity Cruises ships for families. Newer ships focus more on the adult crowd, despite welcoming families, while Equinox strikes a balance for the whole family and is one of the most popular ships in the entire fleet.

Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xpedition

These two ships were both sold by Celebrity Cruises, leaving the fleet at the start of 2025 to join Lindblad Expeditions.

It’s a shame to see them go, as they were extremely popular ships. Their tiny guest capacity of just 16 passengers meant reviews were often very positive, though that small size may also have helped boost their scores.

In the 2024 version of this ranking, Celebrity Xploration actually came out number 1, with Celebrity Xpedition in third place. Since they no longer sail for Celebrity, I’ve removed them from this year’s list.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it. A few interesting patterns appear from this ranking.

The expedition ship Celebrity Flora stands out as incredibly popular, while the older ships in the fleet tend to score slightly lower overall.

That isn’t always the case with every cruise line. But because Celebrity focuses so heavily on sleek, modern ship design, it makes sense that the newest vessels often come out on top.

Ultimately though, the “best” ship still depends on the type of cruise you want.

The good news is that every ship in the Celebrity fleet still scores highly overall, so whichever one you choose, you’re likely to have a great cruise.

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