Celebrity Cruises “The Retreat”: Everything You Need to Know
What is The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises
The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises is a premium suite experience designed as a private, all-inclusive area reserved exclusively for guests staying in suites. It includes access to exclusive areas such as Luminae restaurant, a private lounge and, on newer ships, a dedicated sundeck with a pool and bar. It is generally only available to suite guests and includes perks such as a drinks package, WiFi, butler service and priority boarding, creating a more luxurious and private cruise experience.
Rather than being a single cabin category, it is a collection of luxury suites combined with exclusive spaces and elevated service that together create a more refined and intimate cruising experience.
Guests staying in The Retreat can enjoy all the facilities of the wider ship while also having access to a quieter, more personalised environment. It is often described as a “ship within a ship” because of the way it separates suite guests from the rest of the onboard experience, offering dedicated dining, relaxation areas and enhanced service.
What is Included in The Retreat
The Retreat entrance on Celebrity Beyond. Image: Kathy Taylor, Cruise Lowdown
Booking a suite within The Retreat unlocks a range of premium inclusions that go far beyond a standard cruise fare. All guests receive a dedicated butler who can assist with everything from unpacking luggage to arranging dining reservations and in-suite service.
Dining is centred around Luminae at The Retreat, a private restaurant exclusively for suite guests. The menu is more refined than the main dining room and changes daily, offering a quieter and more elevated dining experience.
Guests also have access to The Retreat Lounge, which is a comfortable space for relaxing throughout the day. It typically offers complimentary drinks, light bites and concierge services.
On many ships, there is also a Retreat Sundeck. This is a private outdoor space with comfortable loungers, attentive service and in some cases a pool and bar. This area is one of the standout features on newer ships and significantly enhances the overall experience.
In addition to these exclusive spaces, The Retreat includes a premium drinks package, WiFi, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and enhanced room service. These inclusions mean that much of what would normally be considered an extra cost is already covered.
Which Celebrity Ships Have The Retreat
Aerial view of The Retreat on Celebrity Solstice. Image:. Celebrity Cruises
The Retreat is available across the Celebrity Cruises fleet, although the experience varies depending on the ship class.
The most complete and impressive version of The Retreat can be found on the newer Edge Series ships. These include Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Xcel. On these ships, The Retreat has been designed as a true private enclave with a large sundeck, its own pool area, dedicated bar and a modern, resort-style feel.
The Solstice Class ships also offer The Retreat, although the experience depends on whether the ship has been refurbished. Ships such as Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Solstice feature Luminae and a dedicated lounge, with some ships also offering an upgraded sundeck.
On the older Millennium Class ships, including Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Infinity, The Retreat is more limited. Guests still benefit from suite perks, Luminae and a lounge, but there is usually no dedicated sundeck, which makes the experience feel less exclusive overall.
How Much Does The Retreat Cost
The Retreat does not have a fixed price because access is tied to booking a suite. Prices vary widely depending on the ship, itinerary and time of year.
Entry level suites, such as the Sky Suite, typically start from around two thousand to four thousand pounds per person for a seven night cruise. Mid range suites can cost between four thousand and eight thousand pounds per person, while top tier options such as Penthouse or Iconic Suites can exceed ten thousand pounds per person.
Although this is significantly more expensive than a standard balcony cabin, it is important to consider what is included. Drinks, WiFi, speciality dining and premium service are all part of the fare, which reduces the amount you would otherwise spend onboard.
Exception
Non-suite guests may be able to purchase a "Retreat Privilege Pass" for access to the Retreat Lounge, Deck, and Luminae restaurant, often priced around $100–$159 per person, per day. These are very limited, must be booked in advance for the entire cruise, and do not include the premium beverage or Wi-Fi packages.
How to Access The Retreat
Book a suite to access The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises showing seating pictured Edge Villa. Image: Celebrity Cruises.
Access to The Retreat is straightforward. Guests simply need to book a suite category, starting from a Sky Suite and above.
Once booked, all suite guests automatically receive full access to The Retreat spaces and benefits.
Differences Between Ships
The biggest difference in The Retreat experience across the fleet is the presence and quality of the sundeck. On Edge Series ships, this area is expansive and designed as a luxury outdoor retreat with a pool, bar and attentive service. On older ships, the absence of a dedicated sundeck makes the experience feel less immersive.
Design is another key difference. The newer ships have a contemporary, high end feel with open spaces and modern finishes, while older ships retain a more traditional cruise aesthetic.
Suite variety also varies. The Edge Series offers more innovative and spacious options, including two storey villas and panoramic suites, while older ships have a more limited range of suite categories.
Overall, the sense of exclusivity is strongest on the newer ships, where The Retreat feels like a fully separate luxury environment. On older ships, it is better described as an enhanced suite experience rather than a completely distinct area.
Is The Retreat Worth It
The Retreat is best suited to travellers who value space, privacy and a higher level of service. It works particularly well for couples, special occasions and those who prefer a quieter, more refined atmosphere onboard.
For those who plan to make full use of the private spaces, premium dining and included extras, it can represent good value despite the higher upfront cost. However, travellers who are less concerned with exclusivity or who spend most of their time exploring the ship may find that a standard cabin offers better value.
The Lowdown
The Retreat is Celebrity Cruises’ premium suite experience, combining luxury accommodation with exclusive spaces and enhanced service. While it is available across the fleet, the experience is at its best on the newer Edge Series ships where the concept is fully realised.
For travellers looking to elevate their cruise without stepping into ultra luxury pricing, The Retreat offers a compelling middle ground with a strong focus on comfort, privacy and personalised service.
FAQs: Celebrity Cruises The Retreat
What is The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises?
The Retreat is Celebrity Cruises’ premium suite experience, offering exclusive access to private spaces such as Luminae restaurant, a dedicated lounge and, on many ships, a private sundeck. It is only available to guests staying in suite categories.
Is The Retreat all inclusive?
The Retreat includes a premium drinks package, WiFi, butler service, priority boarding and access to private dining and lounge areas. While most key extras are included, some specialty experiences and excursions still cost extra.
Which Celebrity ships have The Retreat?
The Retreat is available across the fleet, including Edge Series ships such as Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Ascent, as well as Solstice and Millennium Class ships. The experience varies depending on the ship.
How much does The Retreat cost on Celebrity Cruises?
Prices vary depending on the suite type and itinerary. Entry-level suites typically start from around £2,000 to £4,000 per person for a 7-night cruise, with top suites exceeding £10,000 per person.
Can you buy access to The Retreat without booking a suite?
No, access to The Retreat is only available to guests who book a suite. It cannot be purchased as an add-on.
Is The Retreat worth it on older Celebrity ships?
The Retreat is still a premium experience on older ships, but it is more limited. Ships without a dedicated sundeck offer fewer exclusive spaces, which can make it feel less immersive compared to newer ships.