A 13-night Celebrity Infinity cruise came to an early end when the vessel encountered a technical issue just before completing its itinerary. 

The Celebrity Cruises ship had departed Barcelona, Spain, on February 3 and was scheduled to conclude in Piraeus (Athens), Greece on February 16. Instead, an issue popped up that disrupted travel plans for the conclusion of the sailing.

According to multiple accounts from passengers aboard posted on Reddit, trouble began in the early morning hours of February 15, when the ship suddenly lost electrical power at approximately 3:00 a.m. while it was near Piraeus, Greece. 

Footage shared on social media shows tugboats pushing and pulling the ship as the crew worked to control its movement.

One passenger shared an account of the conditions on board during the power outage, describing how essential services like air conditioning, lighting and even toilets were affected. "No electric in the rooms, air con off, toilets off, Wi-Fi off," the added, recalling an announcement heard across the ship’s public address system.

The same guest said they heard an announcement for a "Bravo Bravo Bravo" alert, which is a code used on ships to warm of fire-related issues, although this hasn't been confirmed.

A letter given to passengers on the ship confirmed to the public that the ship experienced "a technical issue" while approaching Piraeus/Athens.

The cruise line did not go into specifics about what component or system failed, stating only that the onboard team was working to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible. "Your safety and well-being are our highest priority," the letter emphasized.

Celebrity Infinity is a 91,000 gross ton ship that can accommodate 2,170 passengers across 12 decks. The ship is 25 years old, having its inaugural sailing in 2001.

Cruise ending a day early

As a result of the unexpected shutdown, the cruise had to end one day earlier than planned. 

Originally, passengers were scheduled to begin disembarking on the morning of February 16, but with the issue, passengers were "encouraged" to disembark the vessel on the 15th instead. 

Celebrity offered a range of compensation packages to those affected. Every stateroom was promised a $300 reimbursement, and passengers were provided with access to free Wi-Fi in the terminal should they need to make onward arrangements. 

The cruise fare for the unused final day will be refunded to guests. Onboard credits will also be provided equivalent to one day of the cruise, calculated based on the amount each guest paid for their fare. 

Any prepaid packages, such as beverage, dining or shore excursions, will similarly see a one-day credit or refund applied. 

Guests will also get an extra $100 per person to pay for lunch or a taxi ride to cover incidentals.

For those who needed to change flights due to the sudden end of the cruise, the line agreed to cover up to $200 for domestic flight changes and $400 for international flight changes, per person.

Next cruise cancelled

On Sunday, Celebrity informed guests booked on the following sailing that the next cruise is cancelled.

"During our previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue and while our experts have been working diligently, we need additional time to complete necessary assessments and repairs."

"After carefully considering all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the February 16th, 2026, sailing. We sincerely apologize for this unexpected change and the disruption this causes to your travel plans."

The February 16th voyage was an 11-night sailing with stops in popular Mediterranean ports such as Mykonos, Katakolon, Iraklion (Crete), Rhodes, Limassol (Cyprus), Antalya (Turkey) and Kuşadası (Turkey).

Guests booked on this sailing will be given a full refund, plus additional compensation.

One cruise ship just made history after earning the first-ever Five-Star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide for one of its fine dining restaurants at sea.  

Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud aboard Celebrity Xcel, the cruise line's newest Edge Series ship, earned the prestigious honor and joined an elite group of restaurants that hold Five-Star accolades across the globe. 

The upscale restaurant, which was created in partnership with Celebrity Cruises’ global culinary ambassador and Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud, first debuted in Celebrity Beyond. It's more than just a fine dining experience, too. Each meal is a cultural journey that invites guests to experience flavors from around the world, all inspired by Chef Daniel Boulud's travels. 

Le Voyage offers diners a choice between expertly prepared à la carte dishes and a carefully crafted five-course tasting menu. The meal isn't cheap, costing over $100 per person. However, the recently-awarded Forbes Five-Star distinction reinforces that this isn't just another specialty steakhouse on a cruise ship. It's one of the best culinary experiences in the world — that just so happens to be at sea. 

"We are extremely proud and honored to earn Forbes Travel Guide's first Five-Star rating for a restaurant at sea. This industry-leading recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

Chef Daniel Boulud added, "I have the honor of being Celebrity Cruises’ global culinary ambassador, supporting their delivery of elevated culinary experiences. Throughout the years of partnership, I recognized Celebrity’s drive for culinary innovation and dedication to quality service. We began expanding our collaboration, first featuring my menus for their Suite guests, then trusting Celebrity to launch my first-ever restaurant at sea.

"Le Voyage is the culmination of our years-long partnership, and we are thrilled to be recognized with Forbes Travel Guide's Five Stars. Together, we look forward to continuing to redefine the possibilities of dining at sea."

Forbes Travel Guide is widely regarded as the gold standard for excellence in hospitality. It remains the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, spas, restaurants, and ocean cruises. In fact, every Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating comes from anonymous evaluations that are measured against hundreds of objective standards that prioritize exceptional service. 

Le Voyage's award isn't the first time that Celebrity Cruises has made history with the travel guide, either. In 2023, the premium cruise line was the first to earn a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Star Award. 

Read more: 9 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship

Three other restaurants earned Four-Star ratings

"At Celebrity Cruises, elevated hospitality is in our DNA. Guided by our guests, we dream up and deliver experiences that create memories and stories they cannot experience anywhere else," explained Hodges Bethge. 

As such, it should not come as a surprise to learn that not one, not two, but three other Celebrity restaurants walked away with Four-Star ratings from Forbes Travel Guide: Le Voyage on Celebrity Ascent, Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Ascent, and Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Apex. 

Additionally, four Celebrity Cruises ships earned an overall rating in 2026, including Celebrity Xcel (recommended), Celebrity Ascent (Four-Stars), Celebrity Apex (recommended), and Celebrity Flora (recommended). 

These eight awards are a testament to Celebrity's promise that "Nothing Else Comes Close." From world-class dining to elevated service and transformational accommodations, the cruise line continues to set new standards for what travelers can expect at sea. 

The outlook for the line remains strong, with the first river ships expected to debut in 2027. These first-of-its-kind vessels are taking a lot of inspiration from the Edge Series — three of which walked away with Forbes overall ratings in 2026. 

Read more: I ate my way through a luxury cruise ship. These are the 6 dishes I'm still thinking about

Celebrity Cruises is known for its chic ships, upscale ambience, and world-class dining. As such, it's a popular choice for travelers seeking a premium cruise experience. 

While Celebrity is owned by the parent company of Royal Caribbean, the two lines couldn't be more different. Neither is inherently better than the other, though — the right choice for you depends on your travel style. 

After taking over 10 Royal Caribbean cruises, I embarked on my first-ever Celebrity cruise aboard the line's newest Edge Class ship (at the time) in 2024. Within minutes, I was wowed by the multi-deck Grand Plaza, modern cabins, and expansive buffet. 

Since then, I've continued to choose Celebrity over Royal Caribbean for its design-forward ships, destination-focused itineraries, and elevated service. 

However, there are a few things I wish I had known before my first Celebrity cruise, especially as someone who isn't necessarily part of the cruise line's primary target audience. 

Celebrity isn't much more expensive than Royal Caribbean

When you hear "premium cruise line," it's easy to automatically assume that means higher base fares. In reality, however, Celebrity isn't much more expensive than Royal Caribbean. In fact, you can sail on one of the line's newer Edge Class ships for less than Royal Caribbean's Icon and Star of the Seas. 

Here's an example: In 2024, my partner and I booked a dreamy 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Celebrity Ascent, which was the line’s newest ship at the time. Our infinite veranda stateroom for two cost $4,990.32, including taxes, port fees, gratuities, a drink package, and Wi-Fi.

Comparatively, we sailed on Icon of the Seas in 2025. The base fare was lower at $3,802.46, but we ended up spending an extra $990.92 on the Deluxe Beverage Package and $219.90 for Wi-Fi. The kicker? The price didn’t even include an ocean-view stateroom!

For that reason, I wouldn’t dismiss Celebrity Cruises at first glance. You might be able to score a better deal than you would on a Royal Caribbean ship. 

Flexible package options let you customize your experience 

On a similar note, Celebrity makes it easy to tailor your vacation to your preferences and budget. When you book your sailing, you can book the line's "All Included" rate, which bundles a Classic Drink Package and Basic Wi-Fi into the price. 

You can upgrade your packages through the Cruise Planner before your sailing, though it’s entirely optional. Alternatively, you don’t have to choose a bundled fare and can add the individual add-ons that you want. 

This flexibility makes it easy to vacation in a way that feels personalized. For example, Royal Caribbean offers just one alcoholic beverage package. Celebrity, however, lets you choose from two drink package tiers, allowing guests to pick the option that best fits their personal drinking habits and budget.

Read more: Is Celebrity's drink package worth it? I tried both to see which was better

Similarly, Wi‑Fi on Celebrity is flexible and customizable. When my partner and I booked our cruise to Norway aboard Celebrity Eclipse, Basic Wi‑Fi was included in the "All Included" fare. 

We didn’t think upgrading both of our internet packages was worth the cost. So, we upgraded my partner's Wi-Fi package for just $48.50 (thanks to our Elite discount), while I stuck with the basic option. 

Since Royal Caribbean has just one internet package, if we both wanted to be connected at the same time, we would have to purchase two VOOM packages. 

Don't miss the buffet on the last sea day

On the last sea day, the buffet transforms into a seafood extravaganza with everything from a massive shrimp cocktail tower to ceviche, mussels, strip steaks, and elaborate desserts. Even if you aren't a big seafood fan, you can't miss the chocolate fountain, intricately designed cakes, and other yummy treats. 

Beyond the seafood feast, the buffet is a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The made-to-order stations are my favorite. The stir-fry, in particular, has never disappointed me. You'll find other rotating global dishes, too, including seafood saganaki and chicken paella. 

The specialty restaurants are worth the extra cost

Speaking of food, I've found Celebrity to have some of the best specialty restaurants at sea. From the tableside cooking at the French-inspired Murano to the upscale flavors at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and the casual bites at the Rooftop Garden Grill, there's something for every palate and budget. 

While that's not to say the complimentary options aren't satisfying (they are!), Celebrity's specialty restaurants just offer a completely elevated culinary experience — think creative menus, premium ingredients, and attentive service. 

If you aren't sold on the $125-per-person experience at Le Voyage, consider the Fine Cut Steakhouse for a more approachable yet memorable dining experience. Tuscan Grille on Solstice Class ships is another personal favorite, with tender steaks, delicious pasta, and incredible wake views. 

Read more: I ate my way through a luxury cruise ship. These are the 6 dishes I'm still thinking about

You can enjoy complimentary drinks while actively gambling in the casino

All casino players can enjoy basic drinks while playing in the casino aboard Celebrity ships. It doesn't matter if it is your first-ever visit to the casino or if you're a serious gambler — you just have to be actively playing. 

The options are limited, though. Expect a small selection of well liquors, beer, wine, and soda. Moreover, service can be slow. Still, having the option for complimentary drinks in the casino highlights why Celebrity is classified as a "premium" cruise line. 

This benefit differs from Royal Caribbean's Club Royale program, where you have to earn enough points before you can receive complimentary beverages. Another bonus? The Celebrity's casinos are non-smoking. 

It's important to arrive at activities ahead of time

Activities like game shows, Musical Murder Mystery, and trivia are wildly popular on Celebrity cruises, so you want to arrive early to snag a seat.

Many of the game shows are highly interactive. Some, like "True or False," encourage every audience member to participate. Other times, you can enter your name in a drawing and try to be one of the lucky contestants that gets to battle it out on stage. Even if you aren't selected, the high-energy activity hosts make the game shows entertaining to watch.

The Musical Murder Mystery should be on every adult's must-do list, too. It isn't offered on every sailing, so when it is, you can imagine that it fills up fast. The immersive performance, typically led by the Cruise Director and/or the activity staff, is hilarious and will have you laughing non-stop. 

Celebrity isn't just for older travelers

Because I'm in my mid-20s, I always assumed that I would feel out of place on a Celebrity cruise. Royal Caribbean caters more to families, while Celebrity generally attracts a slightly older crowd. While that's definitely true, I found that I didn't mind the low-key atmosphere. 

Non-stop thrills used to be my favorite way to vacation as a teenager (I still remember my initial obsession with Oasis Class vessels). However, Icon of the Seas was exhausting. My partner and I agreed that we felt like we needed a vacation after our vacation!

Rather than trying to cross off every amenity — from water slides to Broadway-caliber musicals, AquaTheater shows, comedy performances, rock climbing walls, and more — I prefer sea days spent lounging by the pool, destination-focused itineraries, upscale cocktail bars, and world-class cuisine. 

Plus, Celebrity really isn't that tame. The daily schedule includes ABBA sing-a-longs, late-night deck parties, silent discos, and more. In short, if you're expecting a retirement community-like vibe, you'll be surprised! 

The loyalty perks are pretty solid, but I missed the daily Diamond vouchers

As a Diamond Crown & Anchor Society member, I get Elite perks when sailing with Celebrity. These include a nightly happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., a complimentary bag of laundry, Wi-Fi discounts, and more. 

Still, I prefer the Crown & Anchor benefits, especially the daily Diamond vouchers. While I enjoy Celebrity’s happy hour, the Diamond drinks offer far more flexibility — I can use them ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay, sip a mimosa with breakfast, or enjoy a cocktail in the evening at the famous Schooner Bar. 

Over the course of a weeklong cruise, the vouchers, which can be used on beverages valued up to $14, can save a lot of money. 

Additionally, since I typically book Celebrity's "All Included" rate, the nightly happy hour isn't that valuable to me. Conversely, the flexibility of the Diamond drinks means I rarely feel the need to splurge on a pricey Royal Caribbean drink package.

After staying in standard ocean-view balconies, interior-facing balconies, and infinite verandas, I finally tried an aft balcony. 

Aft balcony cabins are popular due to their large verandas, great wake views, and privacy.

However, they're more limited in availability since they are only found at the back of the ship, rather than lining the port and starboard sides of the vessel. As such, they're generally more expensive than traditional balconies. 

Recently, I stayed in an aft veranda on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. The cruise line invited me on a short 2-night sailing to celebrate the launch of Xcel, and my only complaint about the cabin was that I didn't have more time to spend in it!

My stateroom, 12288, was one deck below Celebrity's enhanced pool deck. This meant I could easily access the resort-style pool and Oceanview Café using the aft stairs. 

Not only that, but a lot of other popular venues are found in the ship's aft, including the Sunset Bar (Deck 15), complimentary dining rooms (Decks 3 and 4), and the Bazaar (Deck 5). 

The cabin was stylish in a minimalist, boutique hotel kind of way. Instead of crowding the room with busy patterns or excessive decorations, the design relies on intentional pops of color and refined accents that add personality without feeling overwhelming. 

As soon as I walked in, I noted how bright the room felt, which was accentuated by its yellow accents throughout. 

The light wood paneling also added a modern, airy feel compared to older vessels, and the space was thoughtfully designed to avoid feeling cluttered. 

Of course, the true highlight of the stateroom was the aft veranda, which was the largest balcony I've ever had on a cruise ship. 

The amenities were the same as standard balconies. However, the deep, aft-facing layout meant that I had an unobstructed view of the ship's wake.

With more time onboard, I could easily picture myself on the veranda enjoying room service and sipping on fresh coffee while pulling into port. 

Celebrity Xcel Sunset Veranda Review

Having previously sailed on Edge Class ships, I knew I was in for a treat. To date, I've never stayed in more luxurious-feeling standard cabins than when I cruised on Celebrity Ascent — and I wasn't disappointed on Celebrity Xcel. 

Celebrity Xcel's Sunset Verandas have around 228 square feet of interior living space, with an 89-square-foot balcony. Combined, that's over 300 square feet of private space, which is a rarity on a cruise. 

For example, on Celebrity's older Solstice Class ships, the interior space in aft veranda cabins is approximately 194 square feet, while the balcony measures 54 square feet. 

Moving on, there was ample storage space, though my sister and I opted to live out of our suitcases. 

Between the closet, dresser, and built-in shelves, unpacking on a longer cruise would be easy. There's plenty of space to keep everything tidy and organized. 

Since Celebrity is a premium cruise line, you'll also find plush bathrobes in the closet on embarkation day, whereas on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity's sister line, you must reach a specific tier within the Crown & Anchor Society, then request them from your cabin steward. 

Another pleasant feature in Celebrity Xcel's Sunset Veranda was the bathroom. Edge Class bathrooms are noticeably more spacious and modern than older counterparts. 

Plus, they come with a range of amenities, including body lotion, shower caps, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

Being a brand-new ship, neither my sister nor I had any issues with the bathroom. The shower's water pressure was great, and the water quickly warmed up to the desired temperature. 

If I could change one thing about the cabin, I'd ask for an extra shelf in the shower. My sister is passionate about beauty and skincare, and she travels with a lot of products that quickly overtook the shower's single shelf. 

Since the cruise was over in the blink of an eye, there wasn't time for us to bicker over sharing the shelf. However, we would definitely want more space to keep our stuff organized in the shower on a longer cruise. Siblings, right?

That said, there was plenty of storage lining the bathroom's large mirror. The six shelves were perfect for smaller items, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, makeup, and other miscellaneous toiletries.

The number of charging options in the cabin was also appreciated. On the vanity, there were two standard American outlets, two USB ports, and a European outlet in a handy cable box that helped keep our cords tidy. 

In addition, there were two more USB ports and another American outlet beside the bed. I was a bit surprised that Celebrity didn't add USB-C ports to its newest ship, though. 

Our Sunset Veranda also had a mini-fridge, which was locked since this was one of Xcel's first-ever sailings, a great air conditioning system, and ample lighting — all of which made the room feel comfortable and practical. 

It was hard to fully appreciate the amenities and spaciousness of the cabin on a short 2-night cruise. However, I can attest that it would be easy to settle in and call one of Celebrity Xcel's Sunset Verandas home on a longer voyage. 

The Celebrity Xcel ship is the most Instagrammable of 2025

2025 saw a lot of ship launches, from Star of the Seas to MSC World America, Disney Destiny, and Star Princess. None, however, is as visually striking as Celebrity Xcel. 

From its sleek continuation of the Edge Class design to jaw-dropping new spaces, every corner of the ship was thoughtfully crafted to catch the eye. 

Compared to previous Edge Class ships, Celebrity Xcel has 7 newly enhanced spaces for guests to explore, from the Bazaar to the Celebrity Pool Deck, Bora specialty restaurant, Celebrity Flagship store and museum, and more.

As such, Celebrity Xcel offers plenty of surprises, even if you think you know the Edge Class product forwards and backwards. 

Celebrity Xcel is Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship — and she’s stunning from bow to stern.

With the addition of Celebrity’s next Edge Class ship, the cruise line has 15 ships in operation, sailing globally from Australia to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Celebrity Cruises invited me on a short 2-night sailing to check out everything the new Celebrity Xcel cruise ship has to offer.

In just a few short hours, I fell in love with the ship’s sleek design, thoughtful amenities, and exclusive experiences. Like her name implies, Celebrity Xcel excels in every detail.

Editor’s note: Although Celebrity Cruises paid for this sailing, all opinions are my own.

Celebrity Xcel fast facts

Celebrity Xcel measures 141,420 gross tons, 1,073 feet long, and has a maximum passenger capacity of nearly 4,000.

Onboard, there are 1,646 cabins, comprised of 198 suites, 163 AquaClass staterooms, 299 Concierge cabins, 664 verandas and infinite verandas, 153 ocean-view rooms, and 169 inside cabins.

The ship boasts 32 culinary offerings, including 14 cafés, bars, and lounges; 8 specialty restaurants, 4 distinct dining rooms; 4 complimentary casual venues; and 2 suite-exclusive restaurants.

Other amenities include a state-of-the-art casino, multiple pools, unparalleled entertainment, the line's largest spa at sea, and more. 

Grand Plaza

This Grand Plaza is the heart of every Celebrity Edge Class ship, from Celebrity Edge to Celebrity Xcel.

The three-deck atrium is complete with a dazzling chandelier and the cruise line’s famous Martini Bar.

Whether you’re in the mood to sip on a handcrafted cocktail, listen to live music, or partake in fun activities like the ship’s popular Silent Disco, the vibrant hub brings guests together day and night.

From the Grand Plaza, it’s easy to explore the many spots that line the surrounding decks

Deck 3 is home to the Martini Bar, Guest Relations, the Concierge Lounge, and two of the ship’s complimentary dining rooms: Normandie and Tuscany.

One deck above, you’ll find Café al Bacio, Celebrity Xcel’s specialty coffee shop. The casual venue also serves light snacks, such as cookies, pastries, and sandwiches.

Nearby are two specialty restaurants: Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and Le Grand Bistro. I had the chance to try Le Voyage on a previous sailing aboard Celebrity Ascent and was blown away by the attentive service and expertly crafted dishes.

The meal isn’t cheap, coming in at around $125 per person, but it’s worth it for foodies looking to celebrate a special occasion on Celebrity Xcel.

Also on Deck 4 are the retail stores, casino, Future Cruise desk, The Club, the bottom level of the Theater, and Cyprus and Cosmopolitan restaurants, which are included in everyone’s cruise fare.

Moving up, Deck 5 is where the World Class Bar is located. The upscale bar is known for its high-quality cocktails, crafted by skilled mixologists in a stylish setting.

Around the corner is the Fine Cut Steakhouse, a must-visit for steak lovers who want to enjoy aged cuts of meat, indulgent sides, and an extensive wine list.

On the other side of the hall is Raw on 5, Celebrity’s sushi restaurant that features fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and creative Japanese favorites.

Finally, Celebrity’s brand-new flagship store is steps from the top floor of the Grand Plaza. The store offers a curated selection of merchandise like spirit jerseys, coffee mugs, hats, and more. 

In short, whether you want a bite to enjoy, a spot to enjoy panoramic views, or browse merchandise, the Grand Plaza has something to offer everyone.

The Bazaar

Let’s jump into some of the venues and experiences that make Celebrity Xcel stand out from her counterparts, starting with the Bazaar on Deck 5.

The Bazaar is Celebrity Xcel’s vibrant marketplace that blends shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The brand-new venue encourages discovery and connection, with the cruise line bringing the culture, flavors, sights, and sounds of the itinerary on board the ship.

At the Mosaic Restaurant, for example, chefs put their spin on the destination’s signature dishes, delivering local flavors to your table at sea. And yes, the menu changes based on the port!

Market at the Bazaar means you don’t have to worry about carving precious time ashore for souvenirs — Celebrity will bring the best local must-haves onboard.

Not only that, but Market at the Bazaar also showcases the work of skilled artisans from the destinations the ship visits.

Finally, there will be a unique line-up of parties that celebrate the culture and traditions of the itinerary’s destinations.

The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel replaced Eden, the signature multi-level venue found on previous Edge Class ships.

Attic at The Club

Although The Club isn’t a new venue, the upstairs has been transformed into Attic at The Club, which is brought to life with its retro-inspired design, complete with neon lights and bold patterns.

The new space, open 24/7, features everything from pool tables to darts and classic arcade games.

Passengers can also book a private space in the Attic for group activities like karaoke and golf simulation games.

Celebrity Pool Club

Celebrity’s resort-style pool deck received a major upgrade on Celebrity Xcel. The refreshed space features more shade, personalized service, and entertainment than ever before.

For example, the Pool Valet offers services like chilled towels and sunscreen, ensuring guests can kick back and relax without any worries.

Cabanas are also available for those who want an even more elevated experience, with dedicated service, elevated drinks and snacks, and the best seat on the pool deck.

Don’t worry, though — the resort deck is still home to a signature statue. On Celebrity Xcel, it’s a monkey holding an infant, while on Celebrity Ascent, it’s a large octopus.

Along with the monkey, you can’t miss the bright orange Magic Carpet. The multi-purpose venue serves as a tender launch point and bar.

This revolutionary platform first debuted on Celebrity Edge and quickly became an Edge Class staple.

The cantilevered design allows the Magic Carpet to move up and down the ship’s exterior, providing panoramic views at different levels.

Adjacent to the Celebrity Pool Club is the adults-only Solarium — AKA one of my favorite spots onboard!

This relaxing indoor spot is only available to passengers 16+ and features a private pool, hot tubs, and plush loungers.

One change that I quickly noticed is that Celebrity removed the Spa Café from the Solarium. On other ships, this grab-and-go venue served up light bites including turkey wraps, sesame udon noodles, and fresh fruit.

On Celebrity Xcel, however, the Spa Café was removed to make way for the expanded salon and spa.

Celebrity’s largest spa at sea

According to Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Xcel’s spa offers more ways to unwind than ever before, with more than 120 treatments.

New amenities include the Hydra Room, a therapeutic H2O experience within the SEA Thermal Suite, expanded salon space, and the addition of a Vitamin D Deck.

The Vitamin D deck is exclusive to Thermal Suite guests and offers sweeping views from the front of the ship. The new space also includes complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

In total, the Thermal Suite on Celebrity Xcel now offers eight distinct relaxation areas, including saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy spaces.

Bora

Bora is a brand-new al fresco Mediterranean restaurant exclusively on Celebrity Xcel. Located on Deck 15, this specialty venue is more than a meal — it is a sensory journey.

The experience begins with a welcome celebration in the Rooftop Garden, an open-air space surrounded by lush greenery and two small pools, which is complete with cocktails and live music.

Brunch guests can enjoy a Bloody Mary bar and dishes like French toast with orange zest, figs, and pistachios.

At night, Bora transforms into an upscale restaurant with complimentary spritzers, tableside preparation, and hand-selected regional wines.

Steps away from Bora is Celebrity’s iconic Sunset Bar. This spot offers the best wake views and a signature drink menu.

Dining on Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel is home to over 30 distinct food and beverage experiences, from casual spots to specialty restaurants. Here’s a rundown of a few of the complimentary options.

There are four Main Dining Rooms on the ship — Normandie, Tuscany, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus — each with a unique design and signature dishes inspired by different regions around the world.

All meals in the dining rooms are included, from low-key breakfasts to multi-course dinners.

Moving on, Celebrity’s Oceanview Café on Deck 14 is more akin to a stylish food hall than a traditional buffet.

Not only that, but the buffet offers a wide variety of stations featuring global flavors and made-to-order dishes.

Guests can enjoy everything from seafood saganaki to ceviche, stir fry, chicken paella, and decadent desserts, all served in a chic setting.

Also on Deck 14 is the Mast Grill. This casual poolside eatery serves up classics like burgers, hot dogs, and French fries.

It’s perfect for a quick bite while enjoying the Celebrity Pool Club and taking in ocean views.

Spice, down on Deck 5, is a new casual dining concept that’s located within the Bazaar. It replaced the Eden Cafe and, instead, offers a rotating selection of destination-inspired bites.

Guests staying in AquaClass cabins or The Retreat can also enjoy Blu or Luminae at no extra charge.

Celebrity Xcel cabins

Celebrity Xcel has over 1,600 staterooms, ranging from windowless inside cabins to 2,500-square-foot suites.

During my sailing, I stayed in a Sunset Veranda Stateroom, which offered a spacious layout, modern décor, and a private balcony with wake views.

Having previously sailed on an Edge Class ship, I knew that even if Celebrity had assigned us to an inside cabin, it would feel leagues above other cabins in the industry — and Celebrity Xcel didn’t disappoint.

My cabin featured thoughtful touches like an abundance of charging options, ample storage, ambient lighting, and a luxurious bathroom.

Although Celebrity’s Edge Class is known for its controversial infinite verandas, it was nice to experience a more traditional balcony cabin, with sliding doors and real sea breezes.

Celebrity thinks its river cruises will be a disruptor, and it's definitely gotten a lot of people's attention because you're too late to book it.

Booking for Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker opened at 9:00am EDT on Wednesday, September 3. However, due to unprecedented demand, the priority booking access closed less than ten minutes after launching.

Those who successfully placed a deposit can select a voyage beginning on Sept. 10. Sailings will open to the public later this fall, although the exact date has yet to be revealed. 

Prices start at $2,999 per person for a 7-night river cruise in a river-view cabin, $4,199 for an infinite veranda, $5,099 for a balcony, $5,899 for a Skylight Infinite Veranda Suite, and $6,899 for a Vista Balcony Suite. However, prices can go as high as $8,999 per person for a Vista Suite during the ship's limited Christmas market voyages. 

"Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

"With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to take a river cruise, we know guests are going to love sailing Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers The Celebrity Way on our fleet of elevated, cutting-edge ships."

Read more: River Cruises and How They Compare to Ocean Cruising

2027 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries

The Danube — Vienna and Budapest

• Day 1: Vilshofen
• Day 2: Linz (Salzburg)
• Day 3: Grein, Wachau Valley, and Dürnstein
• Day 4: Tullen and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Gönyü
• Day 7 & 8: Budapest

The Danube — Budapest and Vienna 

• Day 1: Budapest
• Day 2: Budapest
• Day 3: Bratislava
• Day 4: Hainburg and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Wachau Valley and Melk
• Day 7: Engelhartszell and Vilsohfen
• Day 8: Vilshofen

The Danube — Vilshofen to Budapest Christmas Markets

• Day 1: Vilshofen and Passau
• Day 2: Passau (Salzburg)
• Day 3: Linz
• Day 4: Melk, Wachau Valley, and Vienna
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Bratislava
• Day 7 & 8: Budapest

The Danube — Budapest to Nuremberg Christmas Markets

• Day 1: Budapest
• Day 2: Bratislava
• Day 3: Vienna
• Day 4: Wachau Valley and Melk
• Day 5: Passau (Salzburg)
• Day 6: Regensburg
• Day 7 & 8: Nuremberg

The Danube — Nuremberg to Budapest Christmas Markets

• Day 1 & 2: Nuremberg
• Day 3: Regensburg
• Day 4: Linz (Salzburg)
• Day 5: Melk, Wachau Valley, and Vienna
• Day 6: Vienna
• Day 7 & 7: Budapest

The Rhine — Nuremberg to Amsterdam New Year's

• Day 1: Nuremberg
• Day 2: Bamberg
• Day 3: Würzburg
• Day 4: Miltenberg
• Day 5: Scenic Rhine and Koblenz
• Day 6: Cologne
• Day 7 & 8: Amsterdam

The Rhine — Nuremberg to Basel Holiday

• Day 1: Nuremberg
• Day 2: Bamberg
• Day 3: Würzburg
• Day 4: Miltenberg
• Day 5: Mainz
• Day 6: Strasbourg (Alsace)
• Day 7: Breisach (Black Forest)
• Day 8: Basel

The Rhine — Basel to Amsterdam New Year's

• Day 1: Basel
• Day 2: Breisach (Black Forest)
• Day 3: Strasbourg (Alsace)
• Day 4: Speyer (Heidelberg)
• Day 5: Mainz and Scenic Rhine
• Day 6: Düsseldorf
• Day 7 & 8: Amsterdam

Celebrity's river ships combine Edge Class comforts with European charm

According to Celebrity, the revolutionary open decks will offer the most usable outdoor space of any river ship. Plus, they will remain accessible throughout the entire journey, so guests can be immersed in uninterrupted, 360-degree views.

One feature that was heavily inspired by the award-winning Edge Class ships is the Magic Edge, the first-ever cantilevered dining pods that will allow guests to enjoy regional, destination-driven culinary offerings while floating above the river. 

Other outdoor amenities include transformative shade structures, lounge furniture, a top-deck bar and grille, and an infinity-edge plunge pool. 

Each of Celebrity's river ships will also have eight restaurants and bars, including fan-favorites like the Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café Al Bacio, the only 24/7 dining venue available on a river cruise. 

The five stateroom categories are designed with the same modern, upscale aesthetic that Celebrity is known for on its larger ocean ships. Guests can expect intuitive storage, enhanced configurations, complimentary stocked mini bars, destination-inspired amenities, and king-sized beds in every river cabin. 

Note that all staterooms are designed for just two passengers, meaning the ships can't accommodate parties of three or four in a single stateroom. 

The most affordable, entry-level accommodation aboard a Celebrity river ship is the standard river-view cabin. In other staterooms, Celebrity's Edge Class Infinite Veranda technology will transform floor-to-ceiling windows into open-air balconies with the touch of a button.

Suites will elevate the experience further, with an on-demand butler through "Butler Chat," complimentary exclusive dining, room service, happy hour experiences, laundry, and priority booking for shore excursions.

Celebrity's first-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suite will include a separate living area and a ceiling window for even more natural light.

Suites are more inclusive, too. Whereas standard cabins include a Classic Drinks Package, suite guests will receive a Premium Drinks Package, ensuring they have access to a wider variety of wines, cocktails, and more. 

Celebrity Cruises is getting ready to put its first ever river cruises on sale, but a lot of questions remain.

The company held a webinar for travel agents and revealed that the deposit is $500 per reservation, however, they haven't shared many other details yet. Key information, such as itineraries, ship deck plans, and departure dates, is still under wraps. 

Guests can place a $500 deposit starting at 9:00am EDT on September 3, 2025, for early access to bookings once they officially open. This means that those who take advantage of the refundable deposit option will be among the first to secure a spot on Celebrity’s debut river sailings.

Celebrity said that the reason they're requiring deposits is because of the demand for the new cruise product; it's the first time a mainstream cruise line will offer river cruises. 

"We are excited to offer guests the chance to experience the first-ever Celebrity River Cruises vacations in 2027 with Priority Booking Access," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

"Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality Celebrity is known for, on innovative ships, with land experiences unlike any other, as we set sail on Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers."

However, placing a deposit does not guarantee anyone an actual booking. Starting on September 9, 2025, Celebrity Cruises will be converting the priority deposits into actual ship and sail dates. Conversions will be done based on Captain's Club loyalty status.  

To place a deposit on September 3, you can visit celebritycruises.com/river, call Celebrity River Cruises at 1-833-474-8803, contact a trusted travel advisor, or visit Future Cruise on board.

General sale for Celebrity's river cruises will open to the public "later this summer."

Read more: Celebrity confirms when they will open bookings for river cruises

Here's what we know about Celebrity River Cruises

Celebrity River Cruises will have a fleet of 10 ships. However, when the line debuts in 2027, it will start with just two vessels sailing the Danube and Rhine Rivers.

According to executives, each river ship will accommodate around 180 guests and be designed after the cruise line's award-winning Edge Class series, which launched in 2018. 

Edge Class ships, including Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Xcel (in Nov. 2025), focus on connecting guests to the ocean with their outward-facing designs and innovative features like the cantilevered Magic Carpet.

All cabins on Celebrity's river ships will be based on double occupancy, meaning the vessels won't be outfitted with staterooms for three or four guests. 

Additionally, the fares will be more inclusive than when sailing on their mainstream ocean cruise ships. All Celebrity River Cruises will include:

• Dining (including a 24-hour option)
• Drinks (select wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks, with the opportunity to upgrade)
• Wi-Fi
• Onboard experiences
• One complimentary shore excursion every day

Cruisers also have the option to add a pre- or post-cruise stay in Prague and Budapest when Celebrity's river cruises open for booking.

What Celebrity hasn't revealed about its river cruises yet

Although it's nice to know that the cruises will be more inclusive, one of the biggest questions remains unanswered — the price.

Because of the inclusivity and exclusivity of the river cruises, they'll likely be more expensive than their standard ocean sailings, but we don't know how the fares will compare to other river cruise lines. 

Celebrity also hasn't shared the dates of the first river cruises in 2027, as well as the ships' deck plans or cabin layouts. 

Celebrity Cruises announced that its highly anticipated European river cruises will open for deposits on September 3, 2025. Sailings start in 2027 on the Danube and Rhine Rivers. 

Guests who place a $500 deposit will get early access to Celebrity's river cruises ahead of the general public. The deposits can be booked starting at 9:00am EDT on September 3, 2025. They're fully refundable. 

The reason that those with deposits will earn special access is due to the demand for the new cruise product. It's the first time a mainstream cruise line will launch river cruises. 

"There's an avalanche of demand," Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told Seatrade Cruise News. 

The cruise fares will be all-inclusive, so guests won't have to worry about paying extra for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and other onboard experiences. This differs from their traditional ocean cruises but is similar to their sailings aboard Celebrity Flora in the Galapagos. 

Additionally, cruisers have the option to add a pre- or post-cruise stay in Prague and Budapest when Celebrity's river cruises open for booking. 

"We are excited to offer guests the chance to experience the first-ever Celebrity River Cruises vacations in 2027 with Priority Booking Access," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises.

"Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality Celebrity is known for, on innovative ships, with land experiences unlike any other, as we set sail on Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers."

There are a few ways to place a deposit, such as by visiting celebritycruises.com/river or calling Celebrity River Cruises at 1-833-474-8803. You can also visit Future Cruise on board or contact a trusted travel advisor. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Group had such a good year that Celebrity Cruises will start offering river cruises in 2027

Celebrity ordered 10 river ships

According to Celebrity, each ship will hold about 180 passengers and will be designed to look like the cruise line's award-winning Edge Class vessels. 

Celebrity Edge was revolutionary for the cruise industry when she launched in 2019. Since then, each of the Edge Class ships has continued to focus on connecting guests to the ocean with their outward-facing designs and innovative features like the cantilevered Magic Carpet.

Celebrity's newest Edge Class ship, Celebrity Xcel, is launching this November. 

Read more: 10 New river cruise ships ordered for Celebrity Cruises – what we know so far

Half of Celebrity's guests have already sailed or plan on sailing on a river cruise

Although Celebrity already focuses on offering world cruises to places like the South Pacific, Asia, and Europe, there are only so many ports of call that can accommodate Celebrity's smallest Millennium Class ships. 

As such, Celebrity's smaller river ships will invite guests to experience some of Europe's culturally and historically significant cities that can't be accessed by ocean vessels. 

River cruises also tend to be more immersive than traditional cruises, which means that guests can look forward to more cultural enrichment, trying local cuisine, and venturing on unique excursions. 

Celebrity Beyond will arrive in Miami, Florida, later than planned due to unforeseen technical issues impacting the vessel's sailing speed. 

Guests aboard the July 13th voyage to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth were given the unfortunate news that their disembarkation in Miami would be delayed several hours because of a mechanical issue that's forcing the 3-year-old ship to sail at slower-than-normal speeds. 

The expected arrival time was pushed back to 2:00pm. This means that the following 7-night cruise has also been impacted. Instead of departing on Sunday, July 20, guests were informed that their embarkation would be delayed until Monday, July 21. 

"Beyond is currently experiencing a technical issue and we are working to address it. While this does not impact the safety or seaworthiness of the ship, we are sailing at a reduced speed which will delay our arrival into Miami," reads an email sent to confirmed passengers. 

"Once we arrive into Miami, our technical experts will assess the situation and make repairs as needed. As a result, the current plan is to have you board on Monday, July 21st in Terminal C at Port Miami."

However, the email also states that additional updates are expected by 8:00pm on Sunday, the 20th. As such, it's possible the next sailing could be further delayed, depending on the outcome of the inspection and repair timeline. 

Celebrity Cruises hasn't specified what's causing the technical issue. However, it is likely that, because the vessel is sailing at a slower speed, it's some kind of engine-related problem. 

Social media reports have hinted that one of the ship's propellers might be down. "To me it looks like the starboard propeller is down, with the dorsal thruster compensating for the port propeller working overtime," wrote one guest on Reddit. 

As of 9:40am EST on July 20, CruiseMapper shows Celebrity Beyond slowly making her way back to South Florida. She's cleared the western coast of Andros Island. 

Read more: I cruised on one of Celebrity's newest ships at sea. I enjoyed the food but missed Royal's entertainment

Celebrity Cruises is compensating guests on the affected sailings

Passengers will receive a one-day pro-rated refund of their cruise fare as an onboard credit, as well as a one-day refund of pre-purchased packages. 

Those who need a hotel for Sunday evening will be given up to $250 per stateroom in reimbursement for accommodation. 

Teams are also assisting those onboard, whose travel plans have been disrupted due to the delayed disembarkation. 

One guest shared on Reddit that they gave up hope of making their 4:15pm flight out of Miami International Airport (MIA) and switched to an 8:00pm departure instead. 

Additionally, Celebrity is offering passengers an "enhanced brunch" from 10:00am to 1:00pm. 

Celebrity Beyond's technical issues follow an unrelated incident involving one of the line’s older ships

Earlier this month, a reported electrical fire left Celebrity Infinity temporarily without power while docked in Kuşadası, Turkey.

Not only did the ship suffer a "total blackout," but the 24-year-old vessel was stuck in Turkey for about four days. Consequently, the remaining ports on the 7-night itinerary — Mykonos, Greece; Kavala, Greece; and Thessaloniki, Greece — were cancelled. 

Eventually, hundreds of guests decided to disembark while in Turkey, opting to make their own travel arrangements instead of banking on arriving in Athens as scheduled. 

Read more: Fire disables cruise ship in the Mediterranean, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in Turkey

Cruising is one of the best ways to travel with a multigenerational group. Growing up, I cruised frequently with my parents, grandparents, and extended family, creating many cherished family memories. 

Now, as an adult, I continue to cruise with my parents as a way to spend quality time together. Living across the country with my husband means we don’t get to see each other often - and cruising together allows us to travel, relax, and reconnect with one another.

In October, I traveled to Australia for a 15-night cruise with my sister and parents onboard Celebrity Solstice. The repositioning itinerary sailed from Sydney to Singapore with stops along the Australian coast. We also spent two unforgettable days in Bali, Indonesia during the sailing. After a canceled trip to Australia in March 2020, we were eager to plan a trip to the Land Down Under again.

As you might imagine, traveling in your 20s is a completely different experience than cruising as a baby boomer. My parents are in their early 60s, so their style of travel is a little different than mine. Their boomer travel priorities, vacation budget, and cruising habits sometimes clashed with my budget-friendly, millennial approach to travel.

Although cruising simplifies many aspects of the logistics, we still encountered some bumps in the road. Here are 7 ways we traveled differently on our Celebrity cruise to Australia.

1. Paying extra for a balcony cabin instead of saving money with a cheap interior stateroom

One of the biggest cruising differences between my boomer parents was our cabin preference. My parents opted to spend an extra $1,000 on their cruise fare for a balcony stateroom on Celebrity Solstice. This is always a top priority for them, as my dad prefers to have a balcony, especially on longer itineraries. Their balcony was technically an obstructed balcony; however, the obstruction was minimal.

On the other hand, my sister and I don’t mind booking an inside cabin when it saves us money. We were happy to save $1,000 between the two of us to have an interior stateroom. Our cabin was located at the very aft of the ship, surrounded by a linen closet and ice machine for the room service staff.

Luckily, our cabin location was mostly quiet and the configuration was quite spacious. Because our stateroom was nestled among storage closets, the cabin felt larger than other interior staterooms I’ve stayed in. 

In addition, we found our stateroom had better climate control as we sailed to warmer climates. My parents’ balcony cabin struggled to keep the cabin cool with the heavy humidity in Singapore and Indonesia; however, our inside cabin was an ice box! Although we initially regretted not booking a balcony stateroom, we were pleased with our selection given the large space and temperature control.

2. Booking excursions through the cruise line rather than independent exploration

Whenever I cruise with my parents, we typically book excursions through the cruise line rather than independent tours. These excursions offer added peace of mind, ensuring you’ll return to the ship on time without the risk of being left behind.

For example, we snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, which required sailing more than one hour away from the anchored ship. To reach the reef, we would be venturing far from the ship. We opted to book the $300 per person excursion through Celebrity Cruises because this was the most convenient option, even if it was more expensive.

The only port where we didn’t book an excursion was in Bali, Indonesia. The Celebrity Cruise excursions were expensive and limited, so we decided not to book any of these. Instead, we booked through Shore Excursions Group, per the recommendation of our travel agent, and saved hundreds of dollars.

Because we had an overnight stay, we didn’t worry about returning to the ship on time the first day and felt comfortable exploring all over the island. On the other hand, my sister and I rarely book excursions through the cruise line. Instead, we opt to explore independently when visiting ports of call because excursions are expensive. We enjoy wandering around the ports of call on our own, opting to walk whenever possible.

3. Splurging on specialty dining multiple times in leu of the main dining room

When my sister and I cruise together, we might book specialty dining for one evening. In general, we stick to complimentary restaurants, like the main dining room, unless we can get a really good deal on a specialty dining restaurant. Most of the time, we find the main dining room has plenty of options and delicious cuisine already included in our cruise fare.

During our cruise with our parents, we ended up spending three nights at the specialty restaurants on Celebrity Solstice. My dad really enjoyed the experience at Tuscan Grille, prompting a second return to the restaurant later in the sailing.

While my sister and I might not have splurged on the dining fee for these restaurants, we were happy to accompany our parents. Perhaps this is a difference in budget, but I prefer spending my travel budget in other ways, such as shopping in port or trying local cuisine.

4. Reserving transportation beforehand instead of ride-sharing

When it comes to transportation while traveling, my boomer parents prefer to prebook arrangements. Navigating the rideshare apps can be confusing and nerve-wracking for my parents, as they are usually unsure about Uber and Lyft.

During the travel planning process, my parents arrange for transportation from the airport to their hotel. These transfers are usually booked through Viator and reasonably priced, especially when our family travels with a lot of luggage.

In addition, they schedule a private transfer from the hotel to the cruise port for embarkation day. Similarly, my parents want to relax on the morning of their cruise instead of navigating public transport, squeezing into a taxi, or fumbling on their phones for an Uber.

Comparatively, I would rely solely on local transport and ride-sharing for logistics when cruising. As a millennial, I am very comfortable using Lyft or Uber in foreign countries. I also wouldn’t have an issue asking the hotel front desk to schedule a taxi or transfer, if needed. By not prepaying for transport, this allows for more flexibility with my schedule depending on my agenda for that day.

In fact, we were grateful for Uber when our prearranged transport failed to show up at the Sydney Airport after our arrival. The Uber XL showed up immediately and we ended up saving $100 total in the end. I'm not confident my parents would have known how to arrange an Uber on the spot like this, so I was thankful my sister and I were there to help. 

5. Wanting to get on the ship right away rather than exploring the city

When embarkation day arrived, I quickly realized that my parents had different priorities for boarding the cruise ship. My parents prioritize boarding as early as possible to maximize their day, while I prefer a more flexible approach. For me, embarkation day is usually an opportunity to explore the city before heading to the ship.

With our cruise departing from Sydney, we were very excited to explore all the city had to offer. We flew in two days before our sailing departed, giving us one full day to tour and two half-days to explore.

After two days of sightseeing in Sydney, I still had a few more places I wanted to check out before embarking on our cruise. Because our sailing was a repositioning cruise, we wouldn’t be returning to Sydney at the end of the voyage.

Read more: Australia & South Pacific cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Unfortunately, my parents and I clashed on when we wanted to arrive at the cruise terminal for embarkation day. All-aboard time was 3:00pm, but my parents scheduled our transfer at 11:00am. With so much to see in Sydney still, my sister and I would have preferred arriving to the port later in the day.

However, arranging separate transportation didn’t seem practical, either. We considered the possibility of checking in, dropping off our luggage, and getting back off the ship to explore more. Due to customs and immigration with our repositioning sailing, this would not be allowed for security purposes.

Ultimately, we found a compromise. My dad waited at the cruise terminal cafe with our luggage while my mom, sister, and I walked to the nearby street market to shop for trinkets. We walked around and shopped for about 90 minutes before it started to rain, which was the perfect time to board our ship.

6. Moving at different paces with varying priorities

It’s no surprise that my parents and I travel at different paces. While my parents are healthy and in great shape for their age, I was surprised by the difference in our travel preferences.   

Each evening, my parents would be waiting in line outside of the main dining room for our early dinner slot. Meanwhile, my sister and I would often arrive a little later, instead stopping to watch the sunset on the promenade deck or grabbing a drink at happy hour.

Similarly, my parents were always early to the excursion meeting spot, often fretting about whether my sister and I would arrive on time (for the record, we were never late). While I would be eager to get the best spot on the bus or tender boat, my parents were very nonchalant about it.

This difference was especially noticeable during our excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. I couldn’t wait to get my wetsuit on and start snorkeling in the reef. To my slight frustration, my parents were in no rush to disembark from the catamaran. This felt like wasting time in my opinion, although they were content to take their time.

In the end, we found a balance between our varying travel styles. In some ways, I appreciated my parents getting to certain places early, such as busy theatre shows. Similarly, I tried to maximize our port time by keeping the family on a steady travel pace.

7. Flying in premium economy seats over cheaper options

Traveling from the United States to Australia and back from Singapore involves very long travel itineraries. We spent upwards of 30 hours flying to and from our cruise with multiple layovers involved.

With such long travel days, my parents splurged on Delta’s premium economy seats for the long-haul legs of our trip. Considering the flight from Los Angeles to Sydney is 15 hours, they wanted to have more comfortable seats. This upgrade ended up costing about $1,500 more per person.

In contrast, my sister and I booked main economy of our travels. While we dreaded the flight to Australia in economy, I kept reminding her that we saved thousands of dollars! This price difference literally almost paid for our cruise between the two of us.

Although the flight was uncomfortable with a stranger sitting in our middle seat, my sister and I survived to tell the tale! After taking some sleeping medication and getting comfortable in my window seat, the flight passed quickly and we landed in Sydney before I knew it.

In the end, my parents said the premium economy seats were worth every penny for the international flights. They had bigger seats, more legroom, higher quality food, and more amenities. At their age, they said they probably will never take an international flight in main cabin again. They’ve already booked these same seats again on an upcoming long-haul flight.