Have you tried comparing a Royal Caribbean cruise against a Celebrity cruise?
If so, you might have wondered: does Royal Caribbean own Celebrity Cruises?
The answer is yes, it does.
Celebrity Cruises is part of the Royal Caribbean Group.
This is the same company that owns Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises.
But even though Royal Caribbean owns Celebrity, they operate as separate brands.
Each one offers a different cruise experience.
When Did Royal Caribbean Buy Celebrity?
Royal Caribbean bought Celebrity Cruises in 1997.
Before that, Celebrity was owned by Chandris Cruises, a Greek cruise company.
The sale cost $515 million and included both cash and stock.
At the time, Royal Caribbean wanted to expand into the premium cruise market.
But instead of creating an entirely new brand, they bought Celebrity and just kept it separate from Royal Caribbean International.
How Did the Merger Change Celebrity Cruises?
After the sale, Celebrity Cruises improved in terms of amenities and management.
But they were sure to keep its premium feel.
Before Royal Caribbean bought Celebrity, it was already known for its great food and high-end service.
But the cruise line lacked the money to expand.
With Royal Caribbean’s financial support, Celebrity grew.
It launched newer, more modern ships and reached more travelers.
At the same time, Celebrity maintained its upscale atmosphere.
It didn’t turn into another version of Royal Caribbean.
It instead established itself as a stronger premium cruise brand.
Does Celebrity Cruises Operate Differently from Royal Caribbean?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises is still, technically, its own brand.
Therefore, it operates separately from the Royal Caribbean cruise line.
Each cruise line has its own style, ships, policies, and cruise experience.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:
Royal Caribbean: Big, Fun, and Action-Packed
- Ships: Royal Caribbean boasts some of the biggest cruise ships in the world
- Vibe: High-energy with lots of entertainment
- Who It’s For: Families, groups, and adventure-seekers love Royal Caribbean’s entertainment amenities and itineraries
- Onboard Activities: Waterslides, zip lines, surf simulators, live shows
Celebrity Cruises: Sleek, Relaxed, and Upscale
- Ships: Celebrity Cruises uses smaller, more elegant design
- Vibe: Calm, sophisticated, premium feel
- Who It’s For: Couples, adults, and travelers looking for a luxury experience
- Onboard Features: High-end dining, spa treatments, live music, exclusive lounge areas
So even though Royal Caribbean owns Celebrity, the cruises themselves are quite different.
Celebrity targets a more niche and specific market.
It promises the perfect cruise experience for adults, couples, and solo travelers seeking a relaxed and upscale venture out at sea.
Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, treats a more general crowd of families, friends, and thrill-seekers who prefer a more vibrant, lively cruise experience.
Are Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Ships the Same?
Does Royal Caribbean own Celebrity?
Yes, it does.
However, their ships couldn’t be more different.
As mentioned earlier, Royal Caribbean hosts huge ships stocked with exciting activities.
Celebrity Cruises prefers smaller, sleeker ships that are designed more for luxury and comfort.
Even the entertainment options onboard are different.
Royal Caribbean entertains passengers with Broadway-style shows, themed nights, and lots of thrilling rides.
Choices on Celebrity Cruises involve live music, wine tastings, and relaxing spa experiences.
As for dining, Royal Caribbean has always prided itself on a diverse menu made of both casual eats and high-end dining.
But on Celebrity ships, gourmet dining with premium food and drink options reign supreme.
So even though Royal Caribbean does own Celebrity, the brands serve very different types of travelers.
What Other Cruise Lines Does Royal Caribbean Own?
Royal Caribbean Group owns several cruise brands.
Each one serves different markets.
Royal Caribbean International
- The largest brand in the group
- Known for huge ships, exciting activities, and family-friendly experiences
Celebrity Cruises
- Focuses on luxury cruises
- Offers modern ships, great food, and upscale service
Silversea Cruises
- A high-end luxury cruise line
- Offers all-inclusive pricing with smaller, more intimate ships
TUI Cruises (Joint Venture)
- Primarily serves the German market
- A mix of premium and family-friendly cruising
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (Joint Venture)
- Hapag-Lloyd offers bilingual cruises focused on expedition and luxury
- Small ships, exclusive destinations, and personalized service
Royal Caribbean Group also used to own Azamara Cruises but sold it in 2021.
Should You Book Royal Caribbean or Celebrity?
Does Royal Caribbean own Celebrity?
Yes.
But since both offer very different cruise experiences, which one would be best for you?
It truly depends on your preference.
You should book a Royal Caribbean cruise if you want:
- A big ship with non-stop entertainment
- An active, high-energy atmosphere
- Lots of family-friendly options
- Affordable fares with extra add-ons
But a Celebrity cruise might be better if you prefer the following.
- A quieter, more refined cruise
- Luxury dining and premium service
- A modern ship with an upscale feel
- More inclusions (like drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities on some cruises)
Again; even though Celebrity is underneath the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella, they are two vastly different cruises.
Planning a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise?
So now that you know the answer to, does Royal Caribbean own Celebrity Cruises, you have a better idea of how to compare the two.
The next step is simply choosing the right cruise for you.
At Team Thompson Travel, we can help you find the best cruise based on your budget, preferences, and travel style.
Whether you want a thrill-filled Royal Caribbean trip or a relaxing Celebrity cruise, we can take care of all the details.
No catches and no extra fees.
Just a fun and stress-free vacation experience.
Contact us today to start planning your perfect cruise!