Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Xcel
Gross Tonnage
Celebrity Apex
129,500 GT
Celebrity Xcel
140,600 GT
Length
Celebrity Apex
306 m
Celebrity Xcel
327 m
Beam
Celebrity Apex
39 m
Celebrity Xcel
39 m
Passengers
Celebrity Apex
2,910
Celebrity Xcel
3,260
Crew
Celebrity Apex
1,320
Celebrity Xcel
1,320
Decks
Celebrity Apex
—
Celebrity Xcel
—
Year Built
Celebrity Apex
2,020
Celebrity Xcel
2,025
Space Ratio
Celebrity Apex
44.5 GT/pax
Celebrity Xcel
43.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Celebrity Apex
2.20 :1
Celebrity Xcel
2.47 :1
| Specification | Celebrity Apex | Celebrity Xcel |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Cruises |
| Class | Edge Class | Edge Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020 | 2,025Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 129,500 GT | 140,600 GTWinner |
| Length | 306 m | 327 mWinner |
| Beam | 39 m | 39 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,910 | 3,260Winner |
| Crew | 1,320 | 1,320 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.5 GT/paxWinner | 43.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.20:1Winner | 2.47:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Malta | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9774892 | 9916913 |
Celebrity Xcel is the larger vessel at 140,600 GT — 9% more than Celebrity Apex's 129,500 GT. Built in 2025, Celebrity Xcel is 5 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Celebrity Apex edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Celebrity Xcel |
| Capacity | Celebrity Xcel |
| Modernity | Celebrity Xcel |
| Service | Celebrity Apex |
| Spaciousness | Celebrity Apex |
Bottom line: Celebrity Xcel wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Celebrity Apex
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
45 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Celebrity Xcel
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,260 passengers means tons of activities
43 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,260-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
8 m |
8.4 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_at_Liverpool.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_at_Dover.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)