Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: Celebrity Cruises

Showing posts with label Celebrity Cruises. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

“Edge Class” Luxury Hits the River: Celebrity Compass Successfully Floats Out

Celebrity Cruises is officially taking its renowned luxury to the world's iconic waterways! In a major milestone for the cruise line, the highly anticipated Celebrity Compass—the brand's first-ever river ship—has successfully been floated out. Scheduled to make its grand debut on the Rhine in August 2027, this exciting launch marks the beginning of an ambitious expansion that will see 20 river ships added to the Celebrity fleet by 2031.

An "Edge Class" Experience on the River

If you love Celebrity's ocean-going Edge Class ships, you are in for a treat. According to the cruise line's leadership, the vision for the Celebrity Compass is to effectively take the magic of the Edge Class and perfectly miniaturize it for river cruising. The ship promises to deliver the elevated design and exceptional hospitality that fans of "The Celebrity Way" have come to expect, seamlessly combining it with destination-rich experiences along Europe's stunning rivers.

What to Expect Onboard the Celebrity Compass

The Magic Edge Platform: In an industry first for river cruising, passengers will be able to dine on cantilevered pods floating above the river, enjoying dishes directly inspired by the destinations they are sailing through.
Signature Venues: Ocean cruisers will feel right at home with the inclusion of beloved Celebrity mainstays like Cafe al Bacio, the Martini Bar, and the Sunset Bar.
Unrivaled Dining: With an impressive six dining choices available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus 24/7 room service options, the culinary variety is unmatched for a ship of this size.
Ultimate Relaxation: The open decks will boast 360-degree views and a gorgeous infinity-edge plunge pool, making it the perfect spot to soak in the passing vineyard-lined hills and castle-crowned ridges.

Luxurious Accommodations & Smart Technology

The Celebrity Compass will feature just 86 carefully crafted cabins, ensuring an intimate, spacious, and exclusive feel. All five stateroom categories will feature king-sized beds, generous balconies, and thoughtfully added storage space to make you feel right at home.

Beyond the luxury aesthetics, the ship is designed with cutting-edge maritime innovation in mind. It features a newly designed hull meant to optimize river navigation, alongside hybrid propulsion and advanced technology explicitly aimed at significantly reducing noise and vibration for a smoother, quieter journey.

The Future of Celebrity River Cruises

With the successful float out of the Celebrity Compass, the countdown to August 2027 is officially on! As the first of 20 planned river ships set to sail the Rhine and the Danube over the coming years, Celebrity is poised to completely reimagine the European river cruise experience.

Are you excited to see Celebrity Cruises bring its signature ocean-going luxury to Europe's rivers, and which itinerary would you book first? Let me know in the comments below!

Monday, August 11, 2025

Travelore Cruise News: Celebrity Cruises Reveals The First Of Its 2027-2028 Itineraries

From Sydney to Santorini, get ready for a vacation that Nothing Comes Close to with Celebrity Cruises' 2027-2028 itineraries in Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Japan, Canada and New England. Guests can enjoy more than 175 itineraries to experience more than 180 unforgettable destinations spanning culture-rich cities to natural wonders. Edge Series ships continue to bring guests closer to sought-after destinations in Europe, Alaska and Australia, while unique ports and overnight stays offer unforgettable experiences on every sailing. Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, will return to Europe for a second season, once again bringing guests closer to the Mediterranean both on land and on board at The Bazaar, a one-of-a-kind immersive destination experience.

Highlights of the 2027-2028 season include:

Back-to-back sailings on Celebrity Xcel will take guests through France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Greece and Turkey.

More than 60 overnight stays and more than 115 port days of 12 hours or more, offering even more time to discover Europe's charming cities and coastal towns. An extended Alaska season for Celebrity Edge.

Overnight stays in four of Japan's most sought-after cities: Tokyo, Kyoto (Osaka), Kobe and Aomori.

“With unforgettable itineraries that span the globe, guests can discover incredible destinations while enjoying the unrivaled hospitality Celebrity Cruises is known for,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “Our 2027-2028 sailings provide incredible destination experiences to both first-time cruisers and cruising veterans.”

Unmatched experiences in Europe

Discover a new city every day with seven ships, including three Edge Series ships – Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Apex – sailing to over 90 iconic European destinations in 25 countries. Throughout the season, more than 60 overnight stays plus more than 115 port days of 12 hours or more offer guests more time to dive deep into the unforgettable flavors, cultures, and architecture of sought-after cities and hidden gems.

Discover the best of the Mediterranean on Celebrity's newest ships, Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Ascent. Seven-to-12-night sailings offer days filled with delicious local cuisine, charming towns, and stunning views as guests sail through Spain, Portugal and Morocco; Italy and France; or Greece, Malta and Turkey. Also in the Mediterranean, guests on Celebrity Equinox can explore the captivating cliffs and clear blue waters of Corsica and Sardinia while Celebrity Constellation brings guests to hidden gem destinations such as Brindisi, Italy and Kotor, Montenegro.

Celebrity Apex will return to Southampton for her fourth season, with Arctic Circle and Norwegian Fjords itineraries that immerse guests in the region's natural wonders, rich history, thriving food scene, and once-in-a-lifetime thrills. The best of Scandinavia can be found on Celebrity Eclipse sailings from Amsterdam to destinations including Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. In Iceland, Celebrity Silhouette's seven-night round-trip sailings from Reykjavik take guests on a journey through the island's unique culture, tumbling waterfalls, vast glaciers, and plunging fjords.

Once again, Celebrity Infinity will offer year-round sailings in Europe, providing guests more time to discover something new. Beat the crowds at the ancient wonders of Greece with shoulder season sailings departing Athens to Santorini, Kavala, Rhodes, Mykonos and Ephesus. Plus, chase the winter sun with off-season sailings from Barcelona to the Canary Islands, Portugal and Morocco.

Unforgettable nature in Alaska and Hawaii

Guests can immerse themselves in the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife of Alaska aboard one of three Celebrity ships sailing in the region for the 2027 season. Guests will feel closer to towering glaciers and lush mountains as Celebrity Edge, the most revolutionary ship in Alaska, returns for a fourth and longer season to offer even more choice for exploring the region. Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit also offer guests opportunities to discover unique cultures, snow-covered mountains, icy glaciers, and charming coastal towns with cruises from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.

Celebrity guests can deepen their Alaskan experience with a land-based Cruisetour, led by resident guides who are chosen for their deep-rooted connections to local communities. Through the land tours, guests stay in authentic lodges and travel on remote roads and railways. Cruisetours offer guests the chance to experience Alaska's diverse and beautiful interior, including destinations like Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali.

For a tropical escape, guests can embark on a breathtaking journey through lush rainforests, vibrant tropical blooms, and pristine beaches with two open-jaw sailings to and from Hawaii on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice. Relax beneath cascading waterfalls and explore the stunning reefs that await beneath the waves.

Explore Stunning Coastlines and Vibrant Cities in Australia and New Zealand

Celebrity Edge and the recently renewed Celebrity Solstice return to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, bringing guests to 33 destinations. These iconic ships will bring guests closer to some of the world's most extraordinary natural beauty with landscapes that range from New Zealand's emerald-green rainforests and wine regions to Australia's vibrant Great Barrier Reef and Kangaroo Island, while overnight stays in Adelaide and Cairns give guests more time to explore world-class culinary, arts and culture.

Explore Japan's extraordinary cities

Celebrity Millennium will home port from the centrally located Narita cruise terminal for a second season, making it even more convenient to explore Tokyo's city center, bringing guests to the historic and culturally rich cities of Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and China. Japan circumnavigation sailings create an opportunity to delight in the less frequented northern region of the country to enjoy the hot springs and fresh seafood of Hakodate, or nature hikes in Aomori. On a 12-night sailing from Tokyo, guests will be captivated by the Shinto shrines and extraordinary gardens of Kyoto, the stunning natural beauty of Kochi, and the culinary delights of Kobe. Plus, overnight stays in four of Japan's most sought-after cities - Tokyo, Kyoto (Osaka), Kobe and Aomori – allow guests to discover the region's energetic nightlife.

Open-jaw sailings between Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan will take guests to unforgettable destinations like Jeju Island, Fukuoka, Kyoto and Mount Fuji, while unique sailings during Gion Festival and Nebuta Festival promise exciting, once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences.

Unbeatable coastal charm in Canada and New England

On Celebrity Silhouette, 11-night sailings from Boston bring guests to the dramatic lighthouses and quaint fishing villages of New England. Guests can explore the culture-packed Quebec City with an overnight stay and the bright autumn colors of the New England coastline.

Departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, guests can discover the delightful beaches and vibrant culture of Bermuda on seven-night sailings. With double overnight stays, there is plenty of time to discover the unique island, from scuba diving, golfing, exploring art galleries or simply relaxing on exquisite pink sand beaches.

On Sale Dates

August 5, 2025 – Europe, Japan, Canada and New England, and Spring Transatlantics

September 9,2025 – Alaska and Hawaii

September 30, 2025 – Australia

Coming Soon – Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Fall Transatlantics, and Galapagos

For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, visit www.celebrity.com, call Celebrity Cruises on 1-800-CELEBRITY or contact a trusted travel advisor.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Celebrity Cruises Announces Launch Of River Cruises In 2027

Celebrity Cruises will usher in a new era in river cruising with Celebrity River Cruises, a premium river cruise vacation that will begin taking bookings this year. The brand has signed an initial order for 10 transformative ships that will take guests to historic cities on the world’s most iconic rivers, launching in Europe. Celebrity Cruises will bring the elevated design and sophistication of the Edge Series ocean ships to the river. When you combine that with the brand’s signature hospitality and unique itinerary offerings, Celebrity River Cruises will deliver unforgettable experiences – The Celebrity Way.

“We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand. Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to vacation on a river cruise, we know they will enjoy Celebrity’s elevated offering on the river. By leveraging our valuable loyalty programs across our three brands, we will deepen customer engagement and further our ability to keep guests within our ecosystem of vacation offerings. We are the best in the world at delivering the vacation of a lifetime, and this is the latest example of how we are building the capabilities to deliver a lifetime of vacations.”

Celebrity River Cruises is a natural extension of Celebrity’s premium offering that will bring its unique service-first approach to the river. Guests will get the keys to sail through the heart of culturally and historically significant cities, experience locally inspired cuisine and unique shore experiences – The Celebrity Way. With ships that will give guests 360 degrees of breathtaking views, every moment will be designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the journey.

“Celebrity River Cruises will bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge Series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe,” added Laura Hodges Bethge, President, Celebrity Cruises. “We’ve redefined travel on the ocean with our best-in-class hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style. We are thrilled to bring these experiences to the river and combine them with authentic, destination-rich itineraries that will give our guests an experience unlike any other.”

More information about Celebrity River Cruises, including booking opportunities, destinations, fleet size and ship details, excursions and more, will be announced in the coming months. Go to CelebrityCruises.com and sign up to receive information first and follow on social media @CelebrityCruises.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Celebrity Cruises To Take Guests To Every Continent And Corner Of The World In 2024-2025 Season

Celebrity Cruises has announced its most ambitious season of sailings ever, with nearly 500 sailings for the 2024-2025 season that send the line's fleet of 16 relaxed luxury ships, including Celebrity AscentSM, the fourth ship in the highly acclaimed Edge SeriesⓇ, to more than 250 destinations in 70 countries. The new offerings include first-ever homeports for some of Celebrity's award-winning Edge Series ships; new year-round offerings in Europe, with new ports; new overnights and double overnights; and new experiences across the rich cultures of every region while basking in the fullness of the Celebrity cruise experience.

Year-round sailings with more than 40 different itineraries in Europe, along with overnights in 11 of the world's most popular cities from Lisbon, Portugal, to Istanbul, Turkey, and Reykjavik, Iceland; and brand-new ports of call including Pauillac (Bordeaux), France; Brindisi and Trieste, Italy; and Kavala and Volos, Greece; The Edge Series ships deployed to new regions of the world with Celebrity EdgeⓇ sailing to Alaska roundtrip from Seattle; and Celebrity ApexTM sailing from London to the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle, the latter a destination Celebrity hasn't visited since 2014

Year-round sailings from Asia, including an entire summer of sailings from Tokyo, Japan New 3-night Caribbean itineraries, complemented by sailings up to 12 nights from four departure ports - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"For our 2024/2025 season, we wanted to take our offerings to new heights - all in celebration of our fourth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Ascent, sailing its inaugural season in 2024," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. "There's truly no better way to see the world's best places than on the world's best places where our guests are treated to the accommodations and amenities of a Celebrity ship - a luxury hotel, Michelin-quality dining, and a world-class luxury spa retreat all in one with the world just steps away."

A European season like no other

With seven ships, including three Edge Series ships – Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity, BeyondSM, and Celebrity Apex - Celebrity Cruises expands on its legacy of award-winning European itineraries with 153 different sailings visiting nearly 100 destinations.

For the first time ever, an Edge Series ship will homeport outside of London, with Celebrity Apex hosting more Norwegian Fjord sailings than ever before, including a new, 12-night Norwegian Fjord and Arctic Circle itinerary.

Celebrity Ascent will embark on its inaugural European season with itineraries visiting culturally rich cities throughout Spain, Italy, France and Greece; while Celebrity Beyond will embark on 10- and 11-night itineraries to Greece, Istanbul, Naples, and more.

Discover Asia

Homeporting in Tokyo (Yokohama) from April 2024 to October 2024, the newly revolutionized Celebrity MillenniumⓇ will sail 12-night itineraries, immersing guests in the physical and cultural beauty of Japan from the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji, to the quiet temples and bamboo groves of Kyoto, with each sailing including overnight stays in Osaka. Special sailings immerse guests in the country's renowned summer festivals culture including Golden Week in May.

Following its season in Japan, Celebrity Millennium will join Celebrity SolsticeⓇ providing guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural offerings of Southeast Asia on 11- to 14 night sailings visiting 32 destinations across Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and more from September 2024 to April 2025.

A Caribbean Vibe

For the 2024-25 season, eight Celebrity ships, including three Edge Series ships – Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Apex - will offer itineraries ranging from 3-night weekend getaways to longer 12-night voyages. Itinerary offerings include:

Celebrity Ascent - making her Caribbean debut with rotating 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries, visiting the picturesque ports of St. Thomas and St. Maarten, or the historic Georgetown, Grand Cayman and the unique landscape of Labadee, Haiti, where beachside meets mountside; Celebrity Beyond - sailing 10- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean, visiting St. George, Grenada; St. John's Antgua, St. Maarten, and more. For those looking to check off a bucket list destination, Celebrity Beyond will also take guests to see the modern marvel that is the Panama Canal; Celebrity Apex - transporting guests on a 7-night itinerary to some of the most sought-after destinations in the region including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Labadee, Haiti; Key West, Bimini, Bahamas; St. Kitts, Tortola, and more;

Additional book-it list sailings include:

Celebrity Edge returning for her second season Down Under, embarking on a selection of 3- to 14-night itineraries starting October 2024 and running through April 2025. Setting sail to the Galapagos aboard one of the brand's three uniquely intimate and stunning ships – Celebrity Flora®, Celebrity Xpedition® or Celebrity Xploration® – on six or seven-night itineraries carefully curated to ensure wanderlust travelers experience all this extraordinary archipelago offers. Every sailing includes an option to extend the experience on land. Celebrity EquinoxⓇ embarking on her inaugural season in South America, including a 14-night itinerary exploring the beauty of Patagonia, Argentina and Antarctica, as well as taking in a tango show or surfing the beautiful beaches of Montevideo, Uruguay.

Celebrity EclipseⓇ making her Northeast debut, sailing to Canada and New England; Greenland and Iceland; and offering 7-night Bermuda itineraries from the New York area.

For more information on all sailings available for the 2024-25 season, guests can contact a trusted travel advisor or visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/2024-2025-cruises.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

CDC Rule Prohibits Cruise Ships Based Outside Of United States From Returning For 14 days

Celebrity Cruises announced a new round of cancelled sailings for one of its ships that was scheduled to return to the United States, and it is because of a rule the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has for ships homeported outside the U.S.

Celebrity Cruises announced it has cancelled 4 sailings of Celebrity Summit between August 28 and September 11, 2021 because of the CDC's rule.

According to the CDC, the current requirements indicate that all ships operating with passengers outside of U.S. waters (i.e. ships with a homeport outside of the U.S.) will not be eligible to enter U.S. waters until 14 days after the last passenger disembarks.

A spokesperson for the agency told RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com,"At this time, there is no exception to this requirement; therefore, all ships planning to sail in U.S. waters under the conditional sailing order (CSO) will be required to sail without passengers for 14 days prior to entering U.S. waters."

This rule does not apply to cruise ships that homeport in the U.S. which sail to international waters. Rather, just ships embarking passengers in foreign countries.

The CDC added that they are "currently evaluating the need for options as ships want to reposition to the U.S. in the fall."

This policy has been in place since the start of the CSO in the agency's technical instructions.

For ships currently outside of U.S. waters and not operating under the CSO, submission of the Enhanced Data Collection form for 14 days preceding the cruise ship’s expected arrival in U.S. waters is required prior to being assigned a color status.

It is unclear yet if other ships returning to the United States from Europe will also be affected by the policy.

In a letter to passengers booked on Celebrity Summit, the cruise line explained it was canceling the four sailings because of this CDC policy, "The CDC has currently advised any ship returning to the US after having traveled in international waters may not sail with guests onboard for at least 14 days."

Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas are all sailing European cruises this summer, and are scheduled to return at the conclusion of their season.

I've reached out to Royal Caribbean for an update on how this policy may affect current deployment plans, if at all.

Adventure of the Seas schedule looks to already have enough of a pre-built in gap when she finishes her sailings from Nassau, Bahamas and moves to Galveston, Texas.

Source: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/

Sunday, March 21, 2021

2 Royal Caribbean Lines To Resume Caribbean Cruises In June

MIAMI (AP) — Two Royal Caribbean cruises will resume in June, ending a yearlong hiatus, but passengers 18 and older must test negative for COVID-19 before getting on a ship.

The company’s Celebrity Cruises subsidiary said Friday that its Celebrity Millennium ship will relaunch on June 5 from St. Maarten. One itinerary will stop in Aruba, Curacao and Barbados, and another will stop in Tortola, St. Lucia and Barbados.

Celebrity Cruises CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said returning to the Caribbean “marks the measured beginning of the end of what has been a uniquely challenging time for everyone.”

Royal Caribbean Group’s namesake line will start a week later with a voyage leaving from Nassau, the Bahamas on the Adventure of the Seas.

In both cases, passengers 18 and older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of boarding the ship.

With the Caribbean such a popular destination, “It’s not entirely surprising to see both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean finding a way to return to the region,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor or Cruise Critic, a website that reviews cruises. “But it is massive news for the cruise industry, and for the Caribbean itself.”

In the Dutch Caribbean country of St. Maarten, tourism accounts for nearly 80% of all jobs, and nearly 80% of tourists arrive on cruise ships.

Shares of Miami-based Royal Caribbean rose more than 2% Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has held up cruise ship operations in U.S. waters since March 2020, although it has laid out guidelines for cruises to resume with conditional sailing certificates.

The Caribbean is a popular destination for American customers. So is Alaska, but the Canadian government has banned cruise ships carrying more than 100 passengers through February 2022, which will stop many ships from visiting Alaska this summer. The ships accounted for most of Alaska’s 1.3 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic.

Monday, March 30, 2020

Royal Caribbean Group Extends "Cruise with Confidence" Policy Through September 1, Cancellations Up To 48 Hours Prior To Sailing With Full Credit.

To address expanding global travel restrictions and provide peace of mind in guest travel planning, Royal Caribbean Group is extending its “Cruise with Confidence” cancellation policy through Sept. 1, 2020. The updated policy enhances planning flexibility by allowing cancellations up to 48 hours prior to sailing for any reason. Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of choice in 2020 or 2021.

“Guests are reacting positively to our ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy,” says company chairman and CEO Richard Fain, “because it enables them to make informed decisions and to better manage complicated travel plans during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.”
The extension applies to both new and existing cruise bookings. In addition to easing concerns of booked guests, Fain says the policy enhances consumer confidence to schedule new bookings, knowing last-minute travel adjustments will incur no penalty.

“We want our guests to feel they can safely keep their existing cruise bookings or schedule new sailings,” says Fain, “because this policy gives them more freedom and flexibility.”
The policy applies to all cruises with sailing dates on or before Sept. 1, 2020, and applies to the company’s global brands Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara. For individual brand policy details and for information on the Silversea policy, please visit the respective brand websites: Azamara: www.azamara.com/cruise-with-confidence, Celebrity: www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-with-confidence, Royal Caribbean: www.loyaltoyoualways.com/service/cruisewithconfidence1/ and Silversea: www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

The 20 Cleanest Cruise Ships In The World

Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Dream.

Disney Cruise Lines

Mark Matousek

Most cruise ships are pretty clean, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which inspects ships to make sure they maintain proper sanitation.

Of the more than 200 active cruise ships the CDC has inspected, most received a passing grade: at least an 86 on a 100-point sanitation score. A handful received a 100 on their most recent inspection, indicating a level of cleanliness that would be difficult to top.

These are the 20 cruise ships that currently operate in the US market and received a perfect score during their most recent CDC inspection.