Curious about the ownership of Celebrity Cruises? Uncover the company that stands behind their premium cruise experiences and innovative ships. Read to learn who owns them!
Celebrity Cruises is known for its stylish ships and modern design. From the moment you step on board, you notice the attention to detail. The ships feel fresh and inviting, with big windows, open spaces, and thoughtful touches everywhere. Many guests love the rooftop garden and the infinity pool. There's a strong focus on food, too, with fresh menus created by top chefs. You can enjoy casual bites or try something more upscale without feeling out of place. It feels easygoing and polished at the same time.
People also talk about the service on Celebrity Cruises. The crew is friendly and knows how to make you feel at home. They remember your name, your favorite drink, and even small things that matter. The cabins are stylish and quiet, and many have large balconies. Entertainment is also a highlight, with live music, shows, and quiet spots when you need them. The cruise feels balanced, offering something fun or calm whenever you want it. It’s a smooth, enjoyable trip from start to finish.
Celebrity Cruises is part of the Royal Caribbean Group. It joined the group back in 1997 after being sold by its original owner, Chandris Cruises from Greece. Celebrity started in 1988 and quickly built a name for offering a more upscale experience. When Royal Caribbean bought the brand, they added a fresh lineup of ships and new ideas. Today, Celebrity still keeps its style while sharing the same parent company as Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises, both of which are also part of the group.
Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Celebrity Cruises. Royal Caribbean International is one of the cruise lines in the group, just like Celebrity Cruises. Even though they’re all under the same company, each one has its own look and feel. Celebrity is known for stylish ships, great service, and a modern vibe. The cruises feel more refined without pushing into luxury pricing, which makes them a solid pick for travelers.
The current President and CEO is Laura Hodges Bethge. She stepped into the role in May 2023, taking over from Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. Before becoming CEO, Laura worked in several key roles at Royal Caribbean Group. She knows the cruise business well and brings years of experience. Her focus is on keeping Celebrity Cruises fresh and appealing while still staying true to what makes the brand special. She works closely with the team to guide plans.
Now the question is, what does the CEO do at Celebrity Cruises? Laura leads the brand and helps shape how Celebrity presents itself to travelers. She makes big decisions about new ships, guest experiences, and where the cruises go. She also works with others in the Royal Caribbean Group to make sure Celebrity stays competitive in the cruise world. While she’s behind the scenes most of the time, her work plays a big part in what passengers see, feel, and enjoy while on a Celebrity ship.
Celebrity Cruises began in 1988. It was started by the Chandris Group, a family-owned shipping company from Greece. They had a simple idea—create a cruise line that offered better service, more space, and higher-quality food than most others at the time. That focus helped them stand out right away.
In 1990, their first ship, the Horizon, hit the water. It was followed by Zenith in 1992. Both ships felt more stylish than what you’d usually find at sea back then. Celebrity wasn’t aiming for luxury, but it gave passengers a more refined feel without going over the top.
A major change came in 1997. Royal Caribbean bought Celebrity Cruises, and that pushed things forward. With more money and better access to shipbuilding resources, Celebrity rolled out a new set of ships called the Millennium Class between 2000 and 2002. These included the Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation. They brought in things like gas turbine engines for smoother sailing and added specialty restaurants, something that wasn’t too common at the time.
In 2008, Celebrity launched the Solstice, the first of a new series of ships known as the Solstice Class. These ships brought in bigger cabins, better dining options, and even real grass on the top deck. Over the next few years, they introduced the Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette, and Reflection. These ships helped define what Celebrity stood for: clean design, modern features, and a balance of style and comfort.
Celebrity also went back and gave its older Millennium Class ships a makeover. They called it "Solsticizing", basically bringing in features from the newer ships like better staterooms and updated dining spots.
In 2018, Celebrity changed things again with the Celebrity Edge. It didn’t just look different; it introduced new ideas like the Magic Carpet, a moving platform on the side of the ship that could become a bar, a restaurant, or even a boarding area. This kicked off the Edge Class. Celebrity Apex followed in 2020, Beyond in 2022, and Ascent in 2023.
The COVID-19 pandemic paused cruising in 2020, but Celebrity used that time to update ships and safety measures. When cruising restarted in mid-2021, Celebrity Millennium was one of the first ships to sail again from North America.
In 2022, Celebrity Beyond joined the fleet with a new design, a larger spa, and more public space. It had updated lounges, new suites, and a Sunset Bar that was wrapped around the back of the ship. In 2023, Celebrity Ascent followed, staying close to the Edge Class style but adding a few updated features based on guest feedback.
Looking ahead to 2025, Celebrity is preparing to welcome Celebrity Xcel. This will be the fifth ship in the Edge Series. It’s expected to include everything people liked from earlier Edge ships and a few new touches. The company has also been working on cleaner energy use, including better fuel systems and tech to reduce emissions.
Today, Celebrity Cruises is still known for ships that feel fresh, well-designed, and just a bit more polished than most. From its Greek roots to being part of the Royal Caribbean Group, the brand has come a long way, but it’s stuck with what made it work from the beginning: good food, strong service, and stylish ships.
Also Read: Celebrity Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest
Celebrity Cruises offers a travel experience that feels special without being over the top. It’s a great choice if you like style, good food, and thoughtful service. The ships bring a modern touch, and the crew works hard to make sure you enjoy your time on board.
If you want a cruise that balances a relaxed vibe with some smart details, Celebrity fits that well. It’s not just about the destinations but how you get there, with nice spaces to hang out and little surprises along the way.
In the end, Celebrity Cruises knows how to make a trip feel both easy and memorable. For many travelers, it’s the kind of cruise they want to come back to again and again.
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