Celestyal Cruises vs Celebrity Cruises

Why should we cruise with Celestyal?

We asked Celestyal why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Celestyal Cruises is a proudly Mediterranean cruise line specialising in authentic, immersive experiences across Greece, Türkiye, Italy, Croatia and throughout the Mediterranean. With a focus on destination-rich itineraries, Celestyal takes guests closer to the heart of the Mediterranean, with more time in port and fewer sea days. From iconic Greek islands to hidden gems, guests enjoy locally inspired cuisine, genuine Greek hospitality and carefully curated experiences — all delivered with a relaxed, friendly and authentically Mediterranean feel.

What destinations are Celestyal exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Celestyal from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Celestyal Cruises stands out as a destination-first Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean cruise line. Now also sailing the Arabian Gulf they are known for their port-intensive itineraries, mid-sized ships and a simplified Celestyal One fare concept designed to make total trip cost easier to predict. Compared with major cruise brands that compete on mega-ship attractions and "At Sea" entertainment, Celestyal is better for travellers who want to see more ports in less time, prioritise culture and sightseeing, and prefer a more straightforward inclusions story - while accepting fewer “floating resort” features onboard.

Who cruises with Celestyal?

An international mix of travellers, primarily couples and groups. Families are more common during school holiday periods.

What are Celestyal known for?

Destination-focused Mediterranean cruising, particularly Greece and the Greek Islands, with port-intensive itineraries, smaller ports and a relaxed Mediterranean onboard atmosphere.

Are Celestyal's fares all-inclusive?

Semi-inclusive. Celestyal One fares include accommodation, all main meals, selected snacks, non-alcoholic drinks during food service hours, essential WiFi, entertainment, onboard activities, port charges and gratuities.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees and other premium beverages, specialty dining, upgraded WiFi, spa and salon treatments and room service.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Port charges and onboard gratuities are included in Celestyal One fares.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore excursions are purchased separately, with discounted excursion bundles available.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Essential WiFi is included for every guest, with upgraded internet packages available for purchase.

Does Celestyal have a loyalty program?

No.

Is Celestyal a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children are welcome and ships provide pools, sports courts, family activities and dedicated children's spaces, although Celestyal is more destination-focused than most of the large contemporary family cruise lines.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include live shows, music, dance lessons, arts and crafts, language lessons, quizzes, fitness activities, swimming pools and sports courts.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Both Celestyal ships have casinos offering table games and slot machines for guests aged 18 and over.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Casino gaming, video arcade games, spa treatments and other selected services and experiences incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Celestyal's ships?

Yes. Ships offer included main restaurants and casual dining alongside specialty restaurants that incur an additional charge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Specialty dining is charged separately, with guests able to prepay CelestyalPay credit for additional food and drink purchases.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Filter coffee, tea, water and juice are available during the day, and free-pour soft drinks are included with meals in the main restaurants.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Do Celestyal sell any beverage packages?

No traditional beverage package is offered. Guests can prepay CelestyalPay credit, receive bonus value and use it towards alcoholic drinks and other premium beverages onboard.

Do Celestyal offer room service?

Yes. Room service is available for an additional charge. Complimentary in-room dining is included for selected premium suites.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Sozo Spa and salon services are available onboard, with treatments costing extra.

Are there gyms onboard Celestyal's ships?

Yes. Both ships have onboard fitness facilities.

Are fitness classes available onboard Celestyal's ships?

Yes. Group activities include stretching, aerobics, bootcamp, yoga, Pilates and other fitness classes.

Do Celestyal offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available onboard.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No

Do Celestyal offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry service is available, with complimentary laundry included for guests in the Stargazer Penthouse Suite.

Why should we cruise with Celebrity?

We asked Celebrity why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Set sail on the vacation of a lifetime aboard one of Celebrity's award-winning cruise and river ships. The luxurious fleet merges cutting-edge technology with welcoming interiors and revolutionary venues. Discover the unrivaled luxury of The Retreat®. Experience visionary spaces, like the Magic Carpet®, that are like nothing you’ve seen before. On Celebrity's ships, you’ll cruise the world's oceans and Europe's rivers while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey.

What destinations are Celebrity exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Celebrity from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Celebrity Cruises is a premium “modern luxury” cruise line, and more recently a river cruise line as well. Known for their stylish design, and relaxed upscale atmosphere as well as their standout newer ships like the Edge Series and their new launched river ships. Compared with mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean and NCL, Celebrity generally feels more like a contemporary resort at sea - ideal for couples and travellers who value dining, comfort and refined service over high-energy attractions. For travellers seeking luxury, The Retreat, onboard their ocean ships, offer exclusive lounge access and elevated suite-level benefits, while “All read more Included” pricing bundles drinks and Wi-Fi for better value.

Who cruises with Celebrity?

Primarily couples and solo travellers, including food and wine connoisseurs and travellers who enjoy modern luxury settings.

What are Celebrity known for?

A half-acre real lawn at sea, Michelin-starred chef-curated dining, a large wine collection and the Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex.

Are Celebrity's fares all-inclusive?

No. Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi which is a common addtion to the base fare.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Specialty dining, alcoholic and some other beverages, shore excursions, room service charges after 11pm, WiFi packages and some onboard activities require additional payment.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Charges apply unless Celebrity's Drinks & WiFi All Included Package is selected

Does Celebrity have a loyalty program?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.

Is Celebrity a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises, with dedicated programs and facilities available. Expedition ships have some service limitations.

Are any onboard activities included?

Enrichment programs such as guest lectures and some onboard classes, with art and technology classes available on select ships. Most onboard activities and entertainment are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, except on Celebrity Flora

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Charges apply for activities such as glassblowing and mixology classes; some specialised training programs and occasional special entertainment may also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Celebrity's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Juice, water, tea and coffee are available at stations across the ship, with select soft drinks at meals.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.

Do Celebrity sell any beverage packages?

Yes, Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi - one price, all included.

Do Celebrity offer room service?

Yes. Available 24/7, with a late-night fee applying.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply. Celebrity Flora offers smaller spa facilities.

Are there gyms onboard Celebrity's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Celebrity's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are included complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.

Do Celebrity offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply. Not avaialble on Celebrity Flora

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do Celebrity offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.