Whenever someone asks me, “Hey, want to go on a Celebrity cruise?” my response is somewhere between a dramatic swoon and a full-on cartwheel. Well, maybe not REAL cartwheels, I mean I’m 71, so I don’t think I can do them anymore without hurting myself. I mean, do I want to cruise with Celebrity? That’s like asking if I want bottomless mimosas at brunch or if I’d like a puppy to come sit in my lap and for my husband to keep telling me I look thin today. YES. YES, I DO.
In fact, I’ve got one coming up next week with my cousin, and we’ve already started coordinating outfits and pre-selecting spa treatments (stay tuned to Instagram for photos). And let’s not forget the December cruise with Mr. S, who is happy he doesn’t have to get on a plane (he hates to fly), so as always, he is totally on board (literally) once we hit the ship and he finds the casino and the pool deck loungers. The second we’re on Celebrity in international waters, I know JUST where to find him (I just follow the sounds of “BUFFALO”).
So, if you see me out here grinning like I’ve just been handed a free upgrade to The Retreat (which I am FINALLY going to experience this year), it’s because I’m in full cruise mode. Passport? Packed. SPF? Layered. Bathing suit? Questionable decision, but packed anyway. I am READY.
It’s Not Just a Cruise—It’s a Lifestyle (Mine)
Celebrity Cruises is not your average sail-and-snorkel kind of trip. It’s bougie but approachable. Glamorous but not snobby. It’s like the floating version of that friend who has the best skincare routine, knows the latest wine trends, and still loves a karaoke night. In other words: my kind of people.
The ships are like luxury boutique hotels that somehow float and smell like eucalyptus and piña coladas had a lovechild. From the moment I step on board, it’s all “Welcome back, Ms. Sandler!” and I’m like, “Oh stop… but seriously, I have returned.”
This Summer’s Hotter Than a Pool Deck in July
Celebrity Cruises is bringing the heat this summer with a promotion so good it almost makes me suspicious (like, what’s the catch?). But nope, it’s real:
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Up to 75% off the second guest (Mr. S just perked up) through July 28
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Up to $400 off per stateroom
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AND on select sailings—drumroll please—the third, fourth, and fifth guests might cruise FREE
Look, I’m not saying you should round up your entire book club, your pickleball crew, and that friend from high school who still texts you cat memes—but I’m not not saying it either.
Where to Go? Depends on Your Mood.
Celebrity’s got summer itineraries to suit every vibe. Feeling flirty and beachy? Caribbean. Moody and mysterious? Alaska. Sophisticated and slightly smug about your wine knowledge? Europe. Let’s take a peek:
🌴 Caribbean Queen
If I’m craving a little sand, sun, and sea breeze through my hair (and by hair I mean the wide-brimmed hat I’m using to avoid SPF smudges), then I’m hopping aboard the Celebrity Reflection for a weekend escape (I’ll be on her next week). Or I’m counting the minutes until the debut of Celebrity Xcel this fall, which I’ve already mentally moved into.
The Caribbean isn’t just a vacation—it’s a vitamin D infusion, a playlist of steel drums, and an excuse to live in caftans and flip-flops. It’s also the only place where it’s perfectly acceptable to have a frozen drink at 10:00 a.m.
❄️ Cool as Alaska
Alaska is where I go when I want to feel small in the best possible way. Towering glaciers, whales flipping their fins at me like I’m the guest of honor—it’s a big, beautiful show, and the Celebrity Edge has front-row seats.
And if you’re like me and want a side of drama with your scenery, don’t skip the Cruisetour options. It’s like nature’s Broadway show—with bears.
🏛️ Europe on a Silver Platter
Eight Celebrity ships are sailing around Europe this summer. Eight! That’s like being invited to eight fabulous garden parties and not knowing which one to choose. Celebrity Ascent is high on my list—it’s all clean lines, moody lighting, and swoon-worthy restaurants.
Add in overnight stays in dreamy cities and you’ve got my version of heaven. Venice at night? Yes. Lisbon till dawn? Pass the Vinho Verde. I’ve even practiced looking casually fabulous while exiting a gondola. (Spoiler: not easy.)
🌍 Go Big or Go Grand: 110-Night Grand Voyage
Now, listen. I may not be able to commit to a 110-night, 55-destination, 15-country journey (YET), but let me tell you, this Grand Voyage on Celebrity Solstice is bookmarked, vision-boarded, and maybe even prayed over.
Imagine: no repeated ports, endless champagne, and the same cozy bed every night. I’d need to pack 15 caftans and an extra-large suitcase for souvenirs. And possibly a collapsible steamer.
Why Cruising With Celebrity is My Love Language
Sure, there are other ways to travel. You could drag your suitcase through six airports, book five hotels, and argue over dinner reservations every night. OR, you could get on a Celebrity cruise, unpack once, sip rosé poolside, and have someone serve you crème brûlée while you watch the ocean sparkle.
Here’s why Celebrity and I are in a committed relationship:
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No Stress, All Sass: From the second you board, everything is handled. Your biggest worry is whether to nap by the pool or in The Retreat Lounge.
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Culinary Heaven: I’ve had meals on Celebrity that made me want to write the chef a love letter (special thanks to Daniel Boulud)
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Spa Days & Sea Breezes: I live for a salt stone massage followed by a nap in the solarium…AquaClass here I come (next week)
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Entertainment that Pops: From dancing the night away to aerialists that defy gravity (and reason), the shows are amazing.
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My People: The staff remembers your name, your drink, and that weird inside joke you made on day two. They’re magic.
Ready to Set Sail? Me Too.
If you’re sitting there wondering whether this is your sign to book a cruise—baby, it is. The savings are sizzling, the itineraries are dreamy, and the ships? They’re floating five-star resorts. I’ll be on board next week, probably Instagramming my martini and pretending I didn’t eat three desserts at Luminae.
If you want in on the fun, grab your besties, your boo, your adult kids, or just yourself (solo cruising is a VIBE), and snag that stateroom while the deals are hot. And if you see me on board? Say hi. I’ll be the one doing an interpretive dance of joy at the gelato bar.
Bon voyage, you beautiful wanderlusty humans. Let’s cruise like the fabulous creatures we are. 🛳️🌴💃🥂
- Check out their special summer offers at Celebrity.com, and you might even run into me at the sail-away party.
