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Cruise line comparison

Celebrity Cruises vs Royal Caribbean International

Side-by-side comparison of Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International cruise lines.

Overview

Quick summary

Celebrity Cruises is a premium line with 17 ships, founded in 1988, carrying 38,948 passengers in total. Royal Caribbean International is a contemporary line with 30 ships, founded in 1968, with 131,817 total passenger capacity.

Side by side

How the two lines compare

Attribute

Celebrity

Royal Caribbean

Market SegmentPremiumContemporary
Founded19881968
Fleet Size1730
Total Passenger Capacity38,948131,817
HeadquartersUnited StatesUnited States
Parent CompanyRoyal Caribbean GroupRoyal Caribbean Group
Biggest ShipCelebrity Ascent (140,600 GT)Icon of the Seas (250,800 GT)
Newest ShipCelebrity Xcel (2025)Legend of the Seas (2026)

Fleet

Fleet comparison

Celebrity Cruises: top ships

  1. 1Celebrity Ascent140,600 GT · 3,260 pax
  2. 2Celebrity Beyond140,600 GT · 3,260 pax
  3. 3Celebrity Xcel140,600 GT · 3,260 pax
  4. 4Celebrity Apex129,500 GT · 2,910 pax
  5. 5Celebrity Edge129,500 GT · 2,918 pax

Royal Caribbean International: top ships

  1. 1Icon of the Seas250,800 GT · 7,600 pax
  2. 2Legend of the Seas250,800 GT · 7,600 pax
  3. 3Star of the Seas250,800 GT · 7,600 pax
  4. 4Utopia of the Seas236,860 GT · 5,668 pax
  5. 5Wonder of the Seas236,857 GT · 6,988 pax

Good to know

Celebrity Cruises vs Royal Caribbean International FAQ

Which is better, Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International?

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line with 17 ships, known for appealing to travelers seeking a premium experience. Royal Caribbean International is a contemporary cruise line with 30 ships, catering to guests who prefer a contemporary cruise experience. The best choice depends on your budget, preferred ship size, and travel style.

Which has bigger ships, Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International?

Celebrity Cruises's largest ship is Celebrity Ascent at 140,600 GT, while Royal Caribbean International's largest is Icon of the Seas at 250,800 GT. Royal Caribbean International has the bigger flagship.

Which is more expensive, Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International?

Celebrity Cruises is positioned as a premium cruise line while Royal Caribbean International is a contemporary line. Celebrity Cruises is typically more expensive due to its higher market positioning, with more inclusive amenities and premium service.

How many ships does Celebrity Cruises have compared to Royal Caribbean International?

Celebrity Cruises operates 17 ships with a total capacity of 38,948 passengers. Royal Caribbean International has 30 ships with a total capacity of 131,817 passengers.

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