A Guide: Celebrity Cruise Excursions Good for Families

(Last Updated On: July 16, 2023)

When it comes to planning a family vacation, Celebrity Cruise excursions offer a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly programming. Catering to travelers of all generations, Celebrity Cruises has curated a wide range of activities and amenities to ensure an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Celebrity Cruise excursions have long been synonymous with luxury and sophistication, attracting a mature and discerning crowd. However, the cruise line has successfully maintained its high standards while also catering to families, providing customized kids’ programs and family-friendly facilities.

What sets Celebrity Cruise excursions apart from other cruise lines is their dedication to offering unique and engaging opportunities for children. From flexible dining options to a variety of youth programs and access to expansive decks and lush grass lawns, there is something to captivate every family member.

Embarking on a Celebrity Cruise excursion is not just a voyage; it’s a personalized experience where staff members address you by name, and personal attendants cater to your every need. This attention to detail ensures that families feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout their journey.

Celebrity Cruise Excursions Good for Families

When it comes to selecting celebrity cruise excursions that cater to families, several essential factors should be taken into consideration. To ensure you make the right choices, here are some invaluable tips:

1. Thoroughly Research the Array of Excursion Options

Begin by conducting comprehensive research into the wide range of excursion options available through Celebrity Cruises. Focus on identifying excursions explicitly labeled as family-friendly or suitable for all ages. Such excursions typically feature activities that appeal to both children and adults alike.

2. Consider the Age Appropriateness of the Excursions

It’s crucial to take into account the age range of your family members. Certain excursions may be more suitable for younger children, while others could be better tailored to teenagers or mixed-age groups. Seek out activities that strike a harmonious balance between entertainment and engagement for all participants.

3. Embrace Educational and Cultural Experiences

Celebrity Cruises often present excursions that offer educational and cultural enrichment. Look for opportunities to immerse your family in experiences that allow for learning about the local history, wildlife, or culture of the destination you’ll be visiting. These types of excursions can be highly rewarding for both children and adults, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around us.

4. Seek Out Adventure and Recreational Ventures

Many families relish excursions that provide a dash of adventure and recreational pursuits. Look for options such as snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, kayaking through picturesque waterways, zip-lining across breathtaking landscapes, or hiking along scenic trails suitable for various fitness levels. Ensure that the excursions prioritize safety measures and provide appropriate equipment, especially if younger children will be participating.

5. Delve into Reviews and Recommendations

Dive into the wealth of reviews and recommendations shared by other families who have embarked on similar cruises or excursions. Explore online forums, travel websites, and social media groups dedicated to family travel, as they serve as invaluable resources. Pay special attention to the experiences of families with children of similar ages to yours, as their insights can offer valuable guidance in making informed choices.

6. Consider Duration and Timing

Give due consideration to the duration of the excursion and how it aligns with your cruise schedule. Younger children may have less stamina compared to older kids or adults, making shorter excursions or those with breaks more suitable. Additionally, ensure that the excursion aligns with the ship’s arrival and departure times to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

7. Assess the Availability of Child-Friendly Facilities

If you have younger children, it’s prudent to inquire about the availability of child-friendly facilities during the excursions. Confirm with the cruise line or excursion provider if amenities like changing stations, child seats, or strollers are provided if needed. Ensuring the presence of such facilities can greatly enhance the comfort and convenience of your family’s experience.

8. Foster Family Bonding

Prioritize excursions that foster family bonding and create opportunities for shared experiences. Seek out activities like beach outings where you can build sandcastles together, nature walks that encourage exploration and discovery, or sightseeing tours that invite awe and wonder. These activities cultivate interaction and quality time among family members, creating lasting memories.

9. Ship Specifications

The history of Celebrity Cruise excursions dates back to 1989 when it was founded and marketed by the Chandris Group in Greece. In 1997, the cruise line became a sister company of Royal Caribbean after being acquired by the renowned cruise operator. Since then, Celebrity Cruise excursions have expanded their fleet to a total of 10 ships, ranging from smaller vessels to newer, larger ones.

With a fleet that boasts 122,000 tonnes of ships, excluding the Carnival Dream, Celebrity Cruise excursions offer spacious accommodations for passengers. Despite accommodating up to 2,500 passengers, the ships are thoughtfully designed to create an ambiance that never feels crowded or overwhelming. Lines and overcrowding are rare, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for families.

One of the standout vessels in the Celebrity Cruise excursion fleet is the Celebrity Expedition. This small ship, weighing 2,329 tonnes, offers an intimate and exclusive experience, catering to just 98 passengers. The Celebrity Expedition is perfect for families seeking a more secluded and personalized adventure.

10. Ports and destinations

When it comes to ports and destinations, Celebrity Cruise excursions truly have a global reach, with 190 ports worldwide. While they explore popular regions like Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, they also venture into lesser-explored destinations such as the Panama Canal, South America, Canada, and New England. For the adventurous, there are even “drive-by” excursions to Antarctica.

Homeports in the United States include New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, San Diego, and Seattle. Vancouver serves as a major Canadian port. The Caribbean is a popular destination for families, with Celebrity Cruise excursions visiting over 35 ports, including enchanting locations like Shangri-La, Antigua, and Paradise Beach on Cozumel Island.

The allure of Celebrity Cruise excursions extends beyond the Caribbean. Alaska’s Inside Passage, renowned for its breathtaking glaciers, is best experienced through a cruise. Passengers have the opportunity to explore Denali State Park and Brooke Falls, getting up close and personal with majestic wildlife such as bears and orcas. Celebrity Century, Infinity, and Millennium offer Alaskan adventures between May and September, departing from Seattle or Vancouver.

For a truly unique experience, the Celebrity Expedition Ship offers year-round travel to the captivating Galapagos Islands. Celebrity Cruise excursions are the only large ship line permitted to explore these pristine islands, ensuring an exclusive and unforgettable journey.

Cruising across the Atlantic is another option for travelers seeking a transatlantic adventure. Celebrity Equinox offers voyages to Israel, providing an opportunity to explore two exotic destinations in one trip. This unique itinerary sets Celebrity Cruise excursions apart from other cruise lines, offering families the chance to embark on an extraordinary travel experience.

11. Celebrity Youth and Family Programming onboard

When it comes to catering to families, Celebrity Cruise excursions excel in providing exceptional youth and family programming onboard. The cruise line has divided its complimentary youth programs into five age-appropriate categories:

1. Toddler Time (under 3 years old)
2. Shipmates (3 to 5 years old)
3. Cadets (6 to 8 years old)
4. Ensigns (9 to 11 years old)
5. Teens (12 to 17 years old)

The Fun Factory, open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, serves as a haven for children aged 3 to 11. Designed with young cruisers in mind, it offers a wide range of engaging activities such as gaming stations equipped with Xbox consoles, movie screenings, sports activities, adventure science programs, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, theme parties, and karaoke.

For parents in need of some alone time, Celebrity Cruise excursions offer late-evening activities for a nominal fee, allowing kids to enjoy supervised group activities while parents enjoy some peace and relaxation. The cruise line has also partnered with Autism on the Sea, earning the distinction of being an Autism Friendly Cruise Line, ensuring inclusivity for children with autism and developmental delays.

Teenagers aged 12 to 17 can hang out at the X-Club Teen Entertainment area, where they can enjoy gaming consoles, participate in social events, play sports, and watch movies under staff supervision. The Open Canyon Ranch Spa even offers a special Teen Bliss Spa menu, providing a touch of pampering for young travelers. Aspiring young directors can join the free iTech Program, where they can learn to shoot and edit videos using state-of-the-art technology, available in the Celebrity EyeLounge on all ships.

12. Family travel at Celebrity Cruise excursions

Family time is cherished during Celebrity Cruise excursions. Families can bond over swimming in pools, enjoying water play areas, playing basketball, engaging in boxing and cricket matches, and even attending cooking classes together. Celebrity Cruise excursions provide ample opportunities for families to create lasting memories.

While the children are engaged in their activities, parents can indulge in adult-focused amenities and experiences. Celebrity Cruise excursions are renowned for their outstanding service, and above-average dining options make them ideal for parents seeking a memorable date night. The cruise line offers a wide range of activities for adults, including fitness classes, dance lessons, food and wine pairing workshops, chef-guided tournaments, expert speaker presentations, art exhibits and auctions, and even daytime language classes.

Evening entertainment on Celebrity Cruise excursions is nothing short of spectacular, with Broadway and West End tribute shows, aerial acrobatic performances, live musical acts, and renowned celebrities gracing the stages. From comedy jugglers to mesmerizing magicians, the onboard entertainment caters to the diverse interests of guests.

13. Dining

Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted with the focus on the culinary arts during Celebrity Cruise excursions. Michelin-star chefs curate world-class dishes inspired by local ingredients, ensuring a gastronomic journey for passengers. The cruise line offers two dining styles: Main Dining, which follows a fixed schedule in the main restaurant, and Celebrity Select Dining, which allows travelers to dine at their leisure. Casual dining options, such as Café Al Bacio and Gelateria, outdoor grills, and international markets, are perfect for families looking for a more relaxed dining experience.

When it comes to dining, Celebrity Cruise excursions have undergone a gastronomic overhaul, offering a variety of culinary options to satisfy every palate. With at least 10 high-quality restaurants on each ship, families can embark on a culinary adventure during their voyage. Even the youngest members of the family will find dining options tailored to their preferences.

Casual dining is particularly appealing to families, with options such as Café Al Bacio and Gelateria, outdoor grills, and international markets. The marketplace, in particular, offers an assortment of culinary delights, including a pasta station, a late-night pizza area, and a delectable dessert station—a true buffet paradise for kids.

14. Fun for adults at Celebrity Ships

While parents are relishing their vacation, Celebrity Cruise excursions ensure that adults have ample activities to enjoy. From the well-equipped fitness centers and dance lessons to food and wine pairing workshops and chef-guided tournaments, there is no shortage of adult-focused entertainment. Expert speakers deliver captivating presentations, art exhibits showcase talented artists, and language classes provide an opportunity to learn something new while on board.

Evening entertainment on Celebrity Cruise excursions is a spectacle not to be missed. From Broadway and West End tribute shows to mesmerizing aerial acrobatic performances, live musical acts, and appearances by renowned celebrities, the cruise line offers a diverse array of performances to cater to the interests of guests. Jugglers, magicians, and comedians keep the audience captivated and entertained throughout their journey.

In addition to the remarkable dining options, Celebrity Cruise excursions offer a plethora of activities to keep families entertained. One unique feature is the Lawn Club, spanning a significant portion of the deck and providing a half-acre of real grass—a country-club environment perfect for family picnics and games like croquet and bocce. This one-of-a-kind amenity adds a touch of greenery to the cruise experience, making guests feel as if they are enjoying a day at the beach for an extended stay.

For families who enjoy game shows and interactive experiences, Celebrity Cruise excursions organize trivia contests and offer a range of interactive video games. Sports enthusiasts can participate in basketball, ping-pong, and golf competitions, while art lovers can attend captivating exhibits and art auctions. The onboard boutiques provide an opportunity for guests to shop for unique souvenirs and mementos.

The Fun Factory, a designated area for children up to the age of 5, ensures a safe and engaging space filled with toys and activities. Open from 9 am to 10 pm daily, the Kids Center offers children aged 3 to 17 an array of fun and educational activities. From science adventures to video production, the Summer Camp for Kids program keeps children entertained while ensuring they learn and explore. For children under the age of three, parental supervision is required in the Fun Factory.

15. Accommodations

The newer ships in the Celebrity Cruise excursion fleet, such as Solstice and Equinox, take dining to the next level with themed dining experiences, such as an Asian-fusion restaurant and an Italian steakhouse. For those who prefer a more traditional dining experience, Celebrity On 25 offers a flexible dining program that allows travelers to pre-book their dining options online or before the cruise. Additional formal dining experiences are also available, allowing families to enjoy dressing up for a special evening. Room service is available, including breakfast served on the spacious stateroom balcony from 6:30 am to 10 pm, catering to dietary preferences and offering low-sugar or gluten-free options.

Celebrity Cruise excursions provide a wide array of stateroom options, ensuring families have comfortable and well-equipped accommodations. Stateroom amenities typically include telephones, cleanliness, hairdryers, mini-bars, and twin beds that can be converted into a larger bed if needed. Each room is equipped with a close-circuit movie television and a Sony video game console. Families seeking balcony rooms will find them available, and the Millennium-class vessels even offer family ocean-view staterooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, a second bedroom with a small bed for kids, a trundle bed, and porch seating.

16. Amenties

For parents in need of some alone time, Celebrity Cruise excursions offer babysitting services. Parents can enjoy a romantic evening together while their children are supervised by trained staff. The cost for babysitting services is $6 per hour per child, with slumber party options available during port days. The service is available from 10 am to 1 pm in both Fun Factory locations.

Children’s Camp A-C STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) provides engaging and educational programs with projects, creative arts, culinary activities, and recreational opportunities. The whole family can come together and enjoy the pools, water play areas, basketball courts, and cricket courts. Celebrity Cruise excursions even offer cooking classes for families to bond over shared culinary experiences.

17. Adventure cruises

In 2017, Celebrity Cruise excursions introduced new itineraries and exclusive voyages, including adventure cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Led by expert naturalists, these 10- to 15-night voyages offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for families. The newly launched Expeditions and Xpedition ships, upgraded with millions of dollars’ worth of enhancements, provide an unforgettable journey through this unique and biodiverse destination.

Accommodations on Celebrity Cruise excursions are designed with guest comfort in mind. Staterooms are equipped with telephones, cleanliness amenities, hairdryers, mini-bars, and twin beds that can be converted into a larger bed if needed. Each room features a close-circuit movie television and a Sony video game console. Families seeking balcony rooms will find them readily available. Additionally, the Millennium-class vessels offer family ocean-view staterooms, which include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, a second bedroom with a small bed for children, a trundle bed, and porch seating.

Laundry services are available for an additional fee, ensuring families can have their clothing cleaned during the voyage. Suites offer additional amenities, including DVD players, whirlpool baths, and private butler service. All staterooms include bathrooms, with suites offering additional perks such as priority luggage service, enhanced bed coverings, and furnished balconies.

Final thought

Remember to book your chosen excursions well in advance, as popular options tend to fill up quickly. By thoughtfully considering these factors and tailoring your choices to align with your family’s preferences and needs, you can ensure that the celebrity cruise excursions you select will be enjoyable and suitable for every member of the family.