Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Cruises

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Xcel

    Celebrity Cruises

    Celebrity Xcel

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Celebrity Millennium vs Celebrity Xcel

    The Celebrity Millennium offers a charming, intimate escape with classic luxury, while the Celebrity Xcel delivers a vibrant, innovative experience tailored for modern adventurers seeking immersive destination journeys.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Xcel truly comes down to the kind of cruise experience you’re seeking. The Millennium, with its 2019 'Revolution' refurbishment, provides a refined, mid-sized ship atmosphere that feels both intimate and sophisticated. It’s a ship where traditional luxury is well-preserved, offering serene spaces and excellent service, especially appealing to those who prefer a less bustling environment. The Xcel, as a brand-new Edge-class vessel launching in 2025, is designed for a more dynamic and immersive journey, pushing boundaries with innovative venues and a strong focus on destination-centric experiences. It’s larger and more contemporary, ideal for travelers who thrive on lively entertainment and cutting-edge design. Both ships uphold Celebrity's commitment to upscale cruising, but their distinct personalities cater to different preferences for scale and innovation.

    Choose Celebrity Millennium if…

    Travelers who appreciate classic elegance, an intimate ship size, and a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere with attentive service. Ideal for those who value serene spaces, traditional luxury, and destination-focused itineraries without the crowds of mega-ships.

    Best for

    • Travelers seeking a classic, intimate cruise experience
    • Guests who appreciate a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere
    • Cruisers interested in scenic itineraries like Alaska and Asia
    • Those who value attentive service without a bustling crowd
    • Foodies who enjoy traditional main dining and specialty Italian/Sushi options

    Avoid if

    • Guests looking for large-ship thrills and extensive daytime activities
    • Families with young children needing dedicated splash parks or elaborate kids' facilities
    • Travelers who prefer cutting-edge, innovative ship design over classic elegance
    • Those who dislike a more subdued nightlife without high-energy parties every night
    • Budget-conscious travelers, as many premium experiences come with additional costs

    Choose Celebrity Xcel if…

    Explorers seeking a vibrant, cutting-edge cruise experience with innovative dining, immersive destination themes, and high-energy entertainment. Perfect for guests who enjoy a larger ship with diverse activities, modern design, and a lively social scene.

    Best for

    • Travelers seeking cutting-edge innovation and modern luxury
    • Guests who enjoy vibrant, high-energy entertainment and nightlife
    • Food enthusiasts eager for diverse, destination-inspired specialty dining
    • Families with teens who appreciate gaming, social lounges, and interactive shows
    • Cruisers prioritizing immersive cultural experiences through onboard festivals

    Avoid if

    • Travelers who prefer a quiet, intimate cruise experience
    • Guests sensitive to crowds, especially around the main pool and popular venues
    • Families with very young children, as facilities are not geared towards toddlers
    • Those who prefer traditional walk-out balconies over Infinite Verandas
    • Budget-conscious travelers, as many premium experiences incur additional charges

    Overall Vibe

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Millennium, launched in 2000 and revitalized in 2019, carries the torch of classic elegance with a refreshed, modern touch. As a mid-sized Millennium-class vessel, she offers an intimate and timeless atmosphere, feeling light and airy throughout her 12 decks. The 'Revolution' refurbishment introduced a deep-blue livery and Edge-inspired decor, creating an understated luxury that appeals to those who appreciate a polished and comfortable journey. It’s a ship that feels familiar yet contemporary, perfect for unwinding and savoring the sea.

    Celebrity Xcel

    Celebrity Xcel, debuting in November 2025, is a bold new entry in the Edge-class, designed to be a beacon of modern luxury and innovation. This larger ship, with a passenger capacity of 3,260 across its 17 decks, promises a sophisticated and lively atmosphere. It blends beloved Edge-series features with entirely new concepts, focusing on vibrant entertainment and destination immersion. The Xcel's vibe is one of cutting-edge design and dynamic experiences, pushing the boundaries of what a contemporary cruise can offer.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Celebrity Millennium

    The atmosphere on Celebrity Millennium leans towards upscale yet relaxed, fostering an intimate environment with a notable focus on friendly service. Carrying 2,218 guests and supported by a crew of 1,024, the ship maintains a comfortable guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1. While there are popular spots, you'll often find quieter corners, and the ship is known for having stretches of time with fewer organized activities, allowing for a more unhurried pace. It tends to attract travelers who prefer a serene and less bustling cruise experience.

    Celebrity Xcel

    Celebrity Xcel, with a capacity for 3,260 passengers, cultivates a sophisticated, lively, and inclusive atmosphere. As a newer, larger ship, it's geared towards a more energetic crowd, with a strong emphasis on vibrant entertainment and immersive destination experiences. While specific crew numbers aren't yet available, the Edge-class standard is known for attentive service. Expect bustling areas like the Pool Club, which can get quite crowded, and lively social spaces that encourage interaction among guests, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic social scene.

    Dining

    Celebrity Millennium

    Dining on Celebrity Millennium offers a blend of complimentary and specialty options. The two-deck high Metropolitan Restaurant provides classic and contemporary dishes with flexible 'Select Dining' and beautiful wake views. The Oceanview Café serves an extensive international buffet, often praised for its Indian station, and the Spa Café offers healthier light fare in the Solarium. For an additional cost, guests can enjoy Italian fare at Tuscan Grille, sushi at Sushi on Five, or the animated culinary show at Le Petit Chef. Suite guests enjoy exclusive access to Luminae, while AquaClass guests dine at Blu for spa-inspired cuisine.

    Celebrity Xcel

    Celebrity Xcel elevates the dining experience with four complimentary main restaurants: Cosmopolitan for diverse dishes, Normandie for French cuisine, Cyprus for Greek favorites like grilled octopus, and Tuscan for rustic Italian. The Ocean View Cafe is lauded for its design and vast international buffet. Specialty dining introduces exciting new venues like Mosaic at The Bazaar for sophisticated Caribbean dishes and Bora for Mediterranean al fresco brunch and dinner, complete with a Bloody Mary bar. Raw on 5 offers an exceptional raw bar, and Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud provides a Michelin-style experience. Suite guests have Luminae, and AquaClass guests enjoy Blu.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Millennium's entertainment centers around traditional stage productions in The Main Theatre, featuring comedians, aerialists, and tribute bands. Nightlife includes live music for dancing in the Rendezvous Lounge, and a lively scene at the Martini Bar & Crush with its ice-topped bar. Daytime activities range from trivia and dance classes to sports play and art lectures. The ship also offers unique experiences like Movies on the Rooftop Terrace and twice-per-cruise Silent Discos, providing varied options for all ages.

    Celebrity Xcel

    Celebrity Xcel promises next-level entertainment, leveraging state-of-the-art technology in The Theatre for new production shows like 'Mainstage' and 'Between Takes,' featuring aerialists and diverse themes. The Bazaar is a dynamic, destination-immersive space hosting themed festivals with local music, crafts, and pop-up entertainment. The Club transforms from a daytime gathering spot for games to an evening venue for interactive shows like 'Hotel' (a murder mystery) and '254 West' (a disco party). The Attic offers an adult arcade, while the Grand Plaza hosts various live music acts and the Martini Bar's 'Flash Flair Fusion' performances.

    Cabins & Suites

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Millennium offers a total of 999 cabins, providing a comfortable and modern retreat for its 2,218 passengers. Accommodations range from Inside and Ocean View Staterooms to various Veranda and Concierge Class options, culminating in opulent Suites like the Penthouse and Royal Suites. All cabins feature Celebrity's Cashmere™ Mattress, robes, interactive TVs, and ample storage. Suite guests benefit from 'The Retreat' experience, including butler service, exclusive lounge and sundeck access, and dining at Luminae. While generally well-appointed, some standard cabins might feel a bit tight on hanging space beyond the main closet.

    Celebrity Xcel

    Celebrity Xcel boasts 1,646 cabins, including 215 suites, designed to accommodate 3,260 passengers with contemporary luxury. Over 80% of cabins feature balconies, many with the innovative Infinite Veranda, which transforms the entire living space into an open-air veranda at the touch of a button. Suite options are extensive, from the expansive Iconic and Penthouse Suites with private hot tubs to the unique two-story Edge Villas with direct Retreat access. All cabins feature Cashmere™ Mattresses and in-room automation for personalized comfort. While the Infinite Veranda is a signature, some cruisers may prefer a traditional, deeper balcony like those found in the Sunset Verandas.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Celebrity Millennium

    The Celebrity Millennium prides itself on friendly, personalized service, maintaining a favorable guest-to-staff ratio of almost 2:1 with 1,024 crew members serving 2,218 guests. The onboard style is one of understated luxury and refinement, where attention to detail is evident in the refreshed public rooms and dining venues. Concierge Class and Suite passengers enjoy elevated perks, including priority check-in and debarkation, along with dedicated concierge services, enhancing the sense of being well-cared for throughout their journey.

    Celebrity Xcel

    On Celebrity Xcel, service is designed to be highly personalized and proactive, aiming to elevate the modern luxury experience. While specific crew numbers are not yet available, the Edge-class ships are known for their attentive staff. The onboard style is sleek, contemporary, and inclusive, with innovative features like Pool Valets on the Celebrity Pool Club offering sunscreen and chilled towels. Suite guests benefit from dedicated butler service and exclusive access to 'The Retreat,' ensuring a seamless and pampered experience from embarkation to specialized dining at Luminae.

    Best Itineraries

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Millennium is well-suited for diverse itineraries that allow guests to appreciate its intimate size and classic comforts. She is particularly known for journeys to destinations like Alaska and Asia, where her panoramic ocean-view elevators and ample window-lined public spaces, including the Sky Lounge, allow for continuous enjoyment of scenic vistas. The ship's relaxed pace and sophisticated atmosphere are ideal for travelers who prioritize cultural immersion and scenic exploration in a comfortable setting, making every destination feel truly special.

    Celebrity Xcel

    Celebrity Xcel, making its debut in November 2025, is specifically designed to excel in Caribbean itineraries, promising to take tropical voyages to 'breathtaking new heights.' Its innovative 'The Bazaar' area is built around destination-immersive festivals, bringing the culture, flavors, and sounds of the Caribbean onboard. This ship is perfectly poised for travelers eager to deeply connect with the destinations they visit, offering culinary schools, artisan markets, and region-inspired dining, all while exploring the vibrant waters of the Caribbean.

    What reviewers say

    Celebrity Millennium

    4/5

    Celebrity Millennium is a beautiful, easy-to-navigate midsize ship, shining with comfortable, modern cabins and excellent dining thanks to its 2019 'Revolution'. It offers an intimate yet sophisticated experience, appealing to those seeking a relaxed cruise without the mega-ship crowds.

    Celebrity Xcel

    Celebrity Xcel successfully elevates the Edge-class experience, introducing innovative new venues like The Bazaar and Bora while enhancing entertainment and dining. It blends familiar luxury with exciting transformations, setting a new direction for the brand.

    Itineraries to compare

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    Celebrity Millennium

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    Celebrity Xcel

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