Ship Comparison
Celebrity Solstice vs Celebrity Apex
The Celebrity Solstice offers a classic, comfortable cruise with a touch of nature, while the Celebrity Apex delivers a cutting-edge, design-forward resort experience at sea.
The verdict
Choosing between Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Apex comes down to your personal preference for cruise style. Solstice, though older, offers a warm, inclusive environment with beloved natural spaces and a traditional balcony experience, ideal for those who appreciate established comforts and a relaxed pace. Apex, as a newer Edge-class ship, truly pushes the boundaries of modern luxury with its innovative outward-facing design, transformative spaces like the Magic Carpet, and a highly personalized service approach, making it perfect for guests seeking a contemporary, sophisticated, and dynamic voyage.
Choose Celebrity Solstice if…
Travelers who appreciate classic cruise comforts with thoughtful enhancements, a diverse range of activities for all ages, and serene spaces inspired by nature.
Best for
- The Nature & Scenic View Seeker
- The Social & Active Explorer
- The Wellness & Spa Enthusiast
- The Value-Conscious Traditionalist
- The Multi-Generational Family
Avoid if
- You prefer the absolute newest ship technologies and design trends.
- You require water slides or high-thrill activities for children.
- You are sensitive to potential cabin noise from the foghorn on certain itineraries.
Choose Celebrity Apex if…
Guests looking for a cutting-edge, modern luxury experience with innovative design, diverse culinary options, and a vibrant, yet sophisticated, onboard atmosphere.
Best for
- The Modern Connoisseur
- The Luxury Retreat Seeker
- The Social & Nightlife Enthusiast
- The Wellness & Serenity Seeker
- The Modern Family Explorer
Avoid if
- You prefer traditional balconies over infinite verandas.
- You are looking for high-thrill waterpark attractions and climbing walls.
- You prefer a more intimate, classic cruise experience over a modern resort-style one.
Overall Vibe
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice, launched in 2008 and part of the Solstice-class, carries 2,852 guests across 16 decks. She embodies a comfortable, refined elegance with a strong connection to natural elements. Her recent enhancements have brought new life to spaces like Sunset Park and the Boulevard Lounge, ensuring a refreshing experience. The ship feels welcoming and inclusive, blending traditional cruising with modern touches. It's a vessel that feels familiar and easy to navigate, offering a relaxed pace while still providing plenty of engaging activities.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex, launched in 2020 as the second in the revolutionary Edge® Series, accommodates 2,910 guests across 16 decks. She is a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rated resort at sea, defined by its innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces. From the transformative Magic Carpet to the lush Rooftop Garden, Apex blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, creating a chic, contemporary atmosphere. This ship offers a sophisticated and relaxed luxury, prioritizing unique experiences and modern aesthetics.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Celebrity Solstice
Onboard Celebrity Solstice, you'll find a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that appeals to a wide spectrum of contemporary cruisers. With 2,852 passengers and a crew of 1,250, the ship maintains a comfortable and engaging environment for multi-generational families, couples, and groups alike. The social hubs, like the bustling Grand Foyer and the lively Martini Bar, invite interaction, while quieter corners provide respite. It's a ship where guests can easily find their preferred level of activity and social engagement.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex cultivates a modern, sophisticated, and relaxed atmosphere, catering to 2,910 passengers with a dedicated crew of 1,536. This generous staff-to-guest ratio ensures attentive service throughout. The vibe strikes a harmonious balance between adult-centric enjoyment, culinary excellence, and innovative design. While it offers family-friendly programming, the overall ambiance leans towards a refined resort experience, attracting travelers who appreciate contemporary luxury without an overt focus on high-energy, thrill-park activities.
Dining
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice offers a diverse culinary journey, centered around the towering and elegant Grand Epernay Main Restaurant. AquaClass guests enjoy the spa-inspired clean cuisine at Blu, while suite guests have exclusive access to Luminae, featuring modern dishes by Chef Daniel Boulud. Casual bites are found at Oceanview Cafe, Mast Grill, and the healthy AquaSpa Cafe. For specialty dining, options include the traditional French Murano, Italian Steakhouse Tuscan Grille, Japanese delights at Sushi on Five, and the unique immersive experience of Le Petit Chef.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex elevates dining with four distinct main restaurants: Tuscan, Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, and Normandie, each offering unique flavors and ambiance. Guests of The Retreat enjoy the exclusive Luminae, while AquaClass guests savor the fresh, clean cuisine at Blu. The Oceanview Cafe provides a light-filled international buffet, complemented by healthy options at Spa Cafe and Eden Cafe. Signature specialty venues like Fine Cut Steakhouse, the French-inspired Le Grand Bistro, the experiential Eden Restaurant, and fresh seafood at Raw on 5 ensure a truly varied and refined culinary adventure.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice presents a varied entertainment lineup, from big-production shows in the Solstice Theater featuring rock anthems and Broadway cabarets, to intimate candlelit concerts in the Boulevard Lounge. The Hot Glass Show offers a unique artistic demonstration, and interactive games, trivia, and dance lessons fill the days. Nightlife thrives at the high-energy Martini Bar with its flair bartenders, the lively Sky Lounge for dancing, and the Fortune's Casino. The new The Parlor offers billiards, darts, and board games for a more casual evening.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex boasts a dynamic entertainment scene, highlighted by its technologically advanced Theatre, featuring immersive production shows like 'Tree of Life' and 'Rockumentary.' The multi-purpose The Club transforms from daytime games to a vibrant nightclub with live music, acrobats, and cabaret. Eden offers an evolving, sensory experience with unique nightly performances. The bustling Grand Plaza, anchored by the Martini Bar, is a central hub for live music and flair bartending, while Craft Social Bar caters to beer enthusiasts and the Casino offers Vegas-style gaming.
Cabins & Suites
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice provides a range of comfortable accommodations, from 174 sq ft Inside cabins to spacious Penthouse Suites. Standard veranda staterooms, at 194 sq ft with a 54 sq ft balcony, offer traditional outdoor space. All rooms feature convertible king-sized Cashmere™ mattresses. For an elevated experience, Concierge Class and spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms are available. The Retreat-level suites, including Sky, Celebrity, Royal, and Penthouse, come with dedicated butler service, Luminae access, and additional premium perks for an indulgent stay.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex redefines stateroom design with most cabins featuring an 'Infinite Veranda,' transforming the entire living space into a balcony at the touch of a button. These staterooms are notably 23% larger than Solstice-class verandas. Solo travelers will appreciate the dedicated Edge Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda. The Retreat offers the pinnacle of luxury, with Sky, Celebrity, Royal, Penthouse, and the expansive Iconic Suites, along with unique two-story Edge Villas featuring private plunge pools, all complemented by personalized butler service and exclusive amenities.
Service & Onboard Style
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice delivers a warm and personalized service experience, upheld by its 1,250 crew members attending to 2,852 guests. The onboard style is one of comfortable luxury, with elegant public spaces that feel inviting and well-maintained. Suite guests benefit from dedicated butler service, and Concierge Class passengers enjoy personalized attention. The crew is known for their attentive and consistent approach, ensuring guests feel well-cared for within a relaxed yet sophisticated environment.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex prides itself on a sophisticated and highly attentive service, reflected in its generous crew-to-guest ratio of 1,536 staff for 2,910 passengers. The onboard style is distinctly modern and chic, embodying a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star resort feel with intuitive service at its core. Personalized experiences are paramount, especially for guests of The Retreat, who receive dedicated Retreat Hosts (butlers) and concierge services. The innovative design seamlessly integrates with this elevated service, creating a polished and effortless luxury cruise.
Best Itineraries
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice is a versatile vessel well-suited for a variety of global itineraries, particularly those where scenic viewing is a highlight. Her classic veranda staterooms and expansive outdoor decks, like the Lawn Club and Sunset Bar, are perfect for soaking in breathtaking vistas. She often sails to destinations that benefit from her comfort-focused amenities, making her a solid choice for cruisers seeking a relaxing journey through diverse regions, from the Caribbean to Alaska.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex shines on itineraries where its modern design and outward-facing concept can truly be appreciated, such as sun-drenched Caribbean voyages. Her innovative spaces, including the Magic Carpet and the Resort Deck's Poolest Day Ever program, are designed to enhance warm-weather cruising. With calls to destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Apex is an excellent choice for those seeking a contemporary resort-style cruise experience that integrates seamlessly with vibrant, active port days.
What reviewers say
Celebrity Solstice
4.5/5Celebrity Solstice, while not the newest or 'Revolutionized' ship in the fleet, still offers a compelling and robust cruise experience. Its blend of natural elements, diverse activities, and varied dining ensures a memorable voyage for contemporary cruisers of all ages.
Celebrity Apex
5/5Celebrity Apex redefines modern luxury cruising, blending innovative design with a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. It excels in diverse dining, vibrant nightlife, and unique features like the Magic Carpet, offering a premium experience without being stuffy.
Itineraries to compare
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Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Apex
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Celebrity Solstice: A Robust Premium Cruise Experience
Explore a compelling voyage blending natural elements, diverse activities, and varied dining for all ages.

Ship Guide
Experience Modern Luxury on Celebrity Apex Cruises
Indulge in a premium cruise experience with diverse dining, vibrant entertainment, and refined service aboard the Celebrity Apex.
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