Honest Celebrity Cruises Review: Pros & Cons
Celebrity Cruises has built a reputation for modern ships, elevated dining, and a more refined onboard experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right cruise line for everyone. If you’re considering a Celebrity sailing, it’s important to weigh both the advantages and potential drawbacks.
After a years-long hiatus, I returned to Celebrity Cruises for a Bahamas sailing on Celebrity Silhouette with fresh eyes and a long list of comparisons from other cruise lines.
While some things exceeded my expectations, others fell short. If you’re trying to decide whether Celebrity is the right choice for your next sailing, here’s what stood out... for better or worse.
Embarkation Experience on Celebrity Cruises: Calm, Efficient, and Surprisingly Impactful
First, let’s talk about embarkation day. Getting on the ship was smooth and wasy, which set the tone for the entire sailing. I embarked in Port Everglades, which likely played a role, as it’s one of the more efficient cruise terminals, especially compared to its sister port in Miami, but the overall process felt remarkably calm and well-orchestrated.
There was no loud music, no lines snaking around the terminal, no barking announcements. Everything was understated in the best way. Compared to cruise lines like Carnival, where the embarkation energy is high, which can admittedly be fun, although it can feel chaotic, this felt like a welcome contrast.
While I can appreciate a fun, upbeat start to vacation, there’s something to be said for stepping into a relaxed environment from the very beginning of a cruise. Celebrity delivered that effortlessly, and it carried through the entire voyage.
I was surprised by how much the embarkation experience shaped my first impression of the cruise. I hadn’t realized just how different it could feel across cruise lines until this sailing.
What It's Like to Sail on Celebrity Silhouette: Ship Review and First Impressions
We sailed on the Celebrity Silhouette, part of Celebrity’s Solstice Class, which is known for elegant design, thoughtful details, and a more refined atmosphere, and I felt that the ship delivered on that front.
Having fallen in love with the new, larger ships that dominate the cruise landscape today, I’ll admit I had some hesitation about sailing on a ship built in 2011. But Celebrity Silhouette quickly put those concerns to rest.
While it’s not the newest ship in the fleet, Celebrity Silhouette has been well-maintained and still feels elegant and fresh. It underwent a refurbishment in 2020, and that investment shows. From the staterooms to the public spaces, everything feels clean, cohesive, and thoughtfully updated.
Some cruise lines have a reputation for letting older ships show their age, with features like worn carpets, dated décor, or maintenance issues (I love you, Carnival, but you're the worst offender here); however, this is an area where Celebrity really excels. They’ve done a great job preserving the ship’s upscale feel without it seeming tired or neglected.
The layout is intuitive, the décor strikes a balance between modern and inviting, and there’s a quiet sophistication throughout the ship that feels signature to the Celebrity brand.
We booked an interior stateroom and, honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect since I find interior staterooms to vary widely not just from cruise line to cruise line, but even among varying ships in a specific cruise line's fleet
With three adults sharing the space, I prepared for it to feel cramped, but I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable it was. The room was thoughtfully designed with enough space to store our luggage, move around without bumping into each other, and still have room to breathe.
Interior Stateroom Review: Surprisingly Spacious for Three Adults
I’ve stayed in interior cabins on other lines that felt more like sleeping in a walk-in closet, or where sleeping space is just fine, but there's limited closet space, but this one felt noticeably roomier. It’s a good reminder that newer or bigger ships don’t always mean a better cabin experience, but rather, sometimes it’s all about how the space is used.
My only minor quibble is the television. While I know many cruisers poo-poo the idea of even turning on a TV during a cruise, I love to watch television and movies on cruises, especially before bed while settling in at night.
While the television in our room was adequately sized, and I was pleasantly surprised by the array of free channels and movie options, it was awkwardly positioned and didn't extend or swivel, which severely limited my ability to see the screen from the bed.
We had two twin beds, and a couch that converted to a bed, and other than the minor inconvenience of the TV placement and lack of maneuverability, I found the room to be surprisingly comfortable, spacious, and nicely designed.
Related Video: The Worst Cruise Stateroom and the Awning from Hell
Why Celebrity Cruises Feel More Polished Than Other Lines
One of the standout things about sailing with Celebrity is how they've retained many of the thoughtful, small touches that other cruise lines have quietly eliminated, especially in the years since 2020. These details might seem minor at first, but together, they create a noticeably more refined and relaxing experience.
From the moment you step into the buffet, it's clear that guest comfort and cleanliness are priorities, as the buffet area is immaculate and the Celebrity culinary team clearly puts effort into the presentation of the food.
A crew member promptly wipes down your area when you pull out a chair in the buffet area, and hand sanitizer is mandatory before entering the dining area. It’s a small gesture, but one that reinforces the brand’s focus on wellness and attention to detail.
Unlike some cruise lines that make you check out pool towels with your room key (and sometimes charge you if one goes missing), Celebrity lets you take what you need, no questions asked. There's a quiet trust in that system, and it subtly contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere.
Related Post: What You Need To Know About Cruise Ship Towels
The Main Dining Room (MDR) also stands out. Celebrity still uses real tablecloths for every dinner service, not just on “elegant night.” It’s a small detail, but it goes a long way in maintaining that upscale, traditional cruise feel that many seasoned cruisers still appreciate.
In our stateroom, we were surprised and delighted to find robes already waiting in the closet. No need to call and request them... they were just there, soft and comfortable, ready to use. We also received a complimentary Celebrity-branded tote bag, a useful gift that felt like a genuine “thank you” for sailing with them, and that came in handy on beach days.
At turndown (yes, they still do that twice daily), we found pillow chocolates on our beds, which was another nice little touch that many cruise lines have cut to save on cost.
And while towel animals are no longer a daily appearance like they used to be, Celebrity still includes them from time to time. It’s a sweet, nostalgic gesture that many cruisers still look forward to.
While none of these things are essential to having a great vacation, and are things that casual cruisers might not even notice, they do make the experience feel more polished, more complete, and frankly, more like cruising used to be in the "good old days."
For guests who value these classic cruise elements, Celebrity continues to deliver in ways that feel both intentional and appreciated.
Related Video: The Carnival Tablecloth Scandal
Dining on Celebrity Cruises: Elegant Main Dining Room, Clean Buffets, and Options for Picky Eaters
When it comes to cruise food, Celebrity delivers a consistently solid experience, especially in terms of presentation and cleanliness. The Oceanview Café buffet offers a wide range of choices that I’d rank in the upper half of mainstream cruise lines, comparable to Holland America Line.
The food itself was good, though not particularly memorable, but the stations were always spotless, and the layout made it easy to navigate without long lines or congestion. For some reason, many cruise line buffets stress me out (I don't know if it's poor layout, lines, clientele, etc.), but I didn't feel that way with Celebrity.
Where Celebrity really shines is in the Main Dining Room (MDR). Meals here feel noticeably more upscale, both in terms of the menu and the overall ambiance. Dishes often feature more refined ingredients and sophisticated plating, which many cruisers will appreciate.
However, this can be a downside for picky eaters or those with simpler tastes. I traveled with my niece, who’s fairly selective with food, and she ended up ordering from the kids' menu most nights, which thankfully was always available.
The atmosphere in the MDR is refined but approachable. Real tablecloths are used every night, not just on formal evenings, and the servers go the extra mile with polished touches like using the classic metal crumb scraper between courses. It’s small details like these that elevate the experience without making it feel stiff or overly formal.
Unlike some cruise lines that incorporate singing, dancing, or theme nights in the MDR, Celebrity keeps it low-key. The focus is on enjoying a well-prepared meal in a relaxed setting, and that worked perfectly for our group.
Related Video: Cruise Ship Buffet Dining Secrets
What to Wear on a Celebrity Cruise: Dress Code and Style Tips for Every Day at Sea
Interestingly, even with the more elevated vibe onboard, most Celebrity guests don’t go all out with formalwear at dinner. While you won’t see gym shorts or tank tops in the main dining room, the prevailing style is what I’d call “cruise casual," which is smart but relaxed.
It’s a shift from the traditional days of tuxedos and cocktail gowns, and aligns well with the overall tone of the brand: elegant but never overdone.
During the day, you’ll see a wide range of attire onboard, from swimsuits and coverups near the pool to sundresses, polos, and shorts around the ship. Most guests dress for comfort but still look pulled together. Celebrity officially describes this daytime style as “casual chic,” and it fits the onboard vibe well.
Celebrity Cruises Dress Code Guidelines
Here’s how Celebrity outlines its dress code across different settings:
Daytime Onboard Attire
Onboard during the day, “casual resort wear” is the standard. Think sundresses, shorts, polos, and button-downs, paired with sandals or loafers.
Activewear and sneakers are recommended for the fitness center. At the buffet or pool deck, swimsuits are acceptable as long as a cover-up is worn. However, in main and specialty dining areas, swimsuits, tank tops, baseball caps, and bare feet are not permitted.
Smart Casual Evenings
For most nights, “Smart Casual” is required in the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and Celebrity Theatre. This means long pants or jeans with a nice top, casual dresses, or skirts. Shorts and flip-flops are not considered Smart Casual. You won’t need to dress up every night, but a polished look is expected.
Evening Chic (Formal Nights)
Each itinerary includes one or two formal nights, known on Celebrity as “Evening Chic.” This is your chance to dress to impress... again, not so much full black tie here, but think cocktail dresses, designer jeans with a dressy top, or a blazer with slacks.
While some guests still bring tuxedos or gowns, which is totally okay, most opt for something more understated yet still glamorous. Interestingly, despite the brand's elevated feel, relatively few cruisers opt for full black-tie attire. It’s more “cocktail hour chic” than red carpet formal, and Smart Casual attire is still accepted for anyone who doesn’t want to participate.
Find my top favorite cruise clothes and must-have essentials here
Entertainment on Celebrity Cruises: Talented Performers but a Quieter Experience
When it comes to cruise entertainment, Celebrity Cruises offers a more subdued and refined experience compared to lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival. For some, that’s a welcome change. For others, especially those seeking high-energy programming and nonstop engagement, or a "turn up" experience, it may feel underwhelming.
To be fair, all of my Celebrity sailings have been on shorter itineraries, which naturally offer a more limited entertainment lineup. But on these cruises, the evening options have leaned heavily on one particular event: the silent disco.
What Is a Silent Disco?
If you’ve never experienced one, a silent disco is a dance party where everyone wears wireless headphones instead of music being played aloud. Each guest can toggle between two or three music channels, often color-coded with LED lights on the headphones, so people in the same room may be dancing to completely different songs.
It’s quirky, fun, and makes for great people-watching, although it can (for some) feel super weird and awkward. That said, one per cruise would be enough for me. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and on my recent sailings, it felt overused as a nightly entertainment anchor.
Another noticeable difference is the lack of a vocal, high-energy cruise director. Unlike Carnival or Royal Caribbean, where the cruise director’s presence is nearly constant, rallying the crowd and hyping up events, Celebrity takes a more laid-back approach.
You won’t hear booming voices over the intercom all day, and you won’t find many of the flashy, audience-participation-heavy shows common on other lines.
Instead, Celebrity relies on a mix of talented live musicians who perform throughout the ship in various lounges and venues. Whether it's jazz in the Ensemble Lounge, acoustic sets at the Sunset Bar, or pop vocals in the Grand Foyer, the quality of musicianship is consistently excellent (I have great admiration for cruise ship entertainers).
If you enjoy live music in a more intimate setting, you’ll likely appreciate this format.
Production Shows and Guest Performers
Celebrity’s in-house production shows often feature impressive talent and strong visuals, sometimes described as Cirque du Soleil-lite or Broadway-inspired.
However, the storytelling and overall pacing can feel a bit uneven. Some cruisers rave about the choreography and vocals, while others find the shows lacking the punch and polish seen on ships with licensed Broadway productions.
Guest entertainers, such as comedians, magicians, and tribute acts, are a highlight for many.
Interactive and Daytime Activities
Throughout the day, passengers can enjoy game shows like “Deal or No Deal,” trivia competitions, and dance classes.
These events are fun and well-run, though limited in number compared to more entertainment-heavy cruise lines. And they're also obviously limited on the shorter sailings, like those I've experienced with Celebrity.
Overall Take
If your idea of great cruise entertainment involves headliner-style shows, raucous parties, and a cruise director who’s always front and center, Celebrity might feel a bit tame.
But if you appreciate sophisticated live music, occasional standout performances, and a more relaxed evening vibe, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Just know that the entertainment here complements the cruise; it doesn't dominate it.
Is Celebrity Cruises Right for Families? What to Know If You're Cruising Celebrity with Kids or Teens
While Celebrity Cruises isn’t known as a family-focused cruise line, it can still be a great option for families, depending on the age and interests of your kids.
I traveled with my teen daughter and niece on this sailing, and they both genuinely enjoyed the laid-back vibe, quiet spaces, and elevated dining experience (well, my daughter did.... my picky niece? Not so much).
That said, I know my 12-year-old would’ve found the ship and Celebrity Cruises a bit boring.
Compared to more family-forward lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival, Celebrity doesn’t offer waterparks, thrilling slides, or nonstop kids’ programming. The kids' and teen clubs are present, but the overall energy is noticeably subdued.
If your children are happy with relaxing by the pool, checking out a few activities, and hanging with family, it can work well. But for younger kids, or those who crave a more active, entertainment-heavy experience, Celebrity may fall short.
Is Celebrity Cruises Right for You? A Calm, Refined Alternative to Flashier Cruise Lines
When people ask me to describe Celebrity Cruises, the word that comes to mind is sedate... and I don’t mean that in a bad way -- really!! It’s not the loudest, flashiest, or most high-energy cruise line out there, but honestly, that’s part of the appeal.
The atmosphere feels more grown-up and relaxed, offering a calm, polished alternative to the party-heavy vibe you’ll find on lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and even MSC.
The experience is quieter and more refined, from the elegant dining rooms to the clean, thoughtfully maintained spaces across the ship. There’s less fanfare, but more consistency. Fewer kids onboard (especially outside of school breaks) also contribute to a more tranquil environment, which many adult travelers will find refreshing.
Celebrity Silhouette Review: What I Loved (and Didn’t) on This Calm, Grown-Up Cruise Experience
On some cruise lines, when I'm trying to work on board, it's nearly impossible to find a quiet space on the ship. But not on Celebrity. There are plenty of delightfully quiet spaces, places, nooks and crannies.
What stood out most to me wasn’t one big “wow” moment, but it was the collection of small, well-executed details. The professionalism of the crew, but not the overly effusive friendliness.
The calm efficiency of embarkation. The soft background music, rather than booming announcements. The little touches, like pillow chocolates and robes.
Celebrity might not be the right fit for everyone, but if you’re looking for a cruise that feels relaxing throughout, comfortable, and just a bit more elevated, it’s absolutely worth considering. I’m glad I gave Celebrity another shot, and it’s now a cruise line I see in a completely new light. I’ll definitely be sailing with them again.
Ready to plan your own unforgettable Celebrity cruise? Want to book a Celebrity cruise? We can help! Reach out today and let us take care of the details so you can focus on the fun.
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