Concierge Class vs. AquaClass vs. Celebrity Retreat: Which is right for you?

If you’re looking at upgrading your Celebrity cruise experience, choosing between Concierge Class, AquaClass and The Retreat can be confusing, as they each have their unique offerings. 

Concierge Class is essentially an enhanced veranda experience with added service and convenience. AquaClass is designed around wellness and includes some of Celebrity’s most valuable dining and spa benefits. The Retreat is Celebrity’s suite experience with larger accommodations, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, elevated service, and access to exclusive restaurants and venues.

The best choice is not necessarily the highest category. It comes down to choosing the one with benefits you’ll value the most and use. 

Here’s a quick run down

Choose Concierge Class when you want a veranda stateroom with a few additional conveniences and the fare is not significantly higher than a regular veranda.

Choose AquaClass if you’d like a wellness oriented vacation with premium dining at Blu and using the ship’s thermal spa facilities.

Choose The Retreat when you want a ‘ship within a ship’ type experience, with a spacious suite, more personalized service, and access to exclusive dining at Luminae, as well as the Retreat private lounge and pool area.

A regular veranda may still be the best value, and then you still tailor your cruise paying a la carte for spa access or specialty restaurants.  

Concierge Class vs. AquaClass vs. Celebrity Retreat at a glance

	Concierge Class	AquaClass	The Retreat
Main benefit	Added convenience and service	Blu and thermal-suite access	Larger suite, personalized service, and exclusive venues
Best for	A modest upgrade	Food and wellness-focused couples	Travelers seeking privacy, service and a suite experience
Accommodation	Enhanced veranda stateroom	Wellness-focused veranda stateroom	Suite
Dining	No extra perks	Blu, plus main dining access	Luminae, Retreat Lounge
Wellness	No extra perks	Included thermal facilities, fitness classes and spa concierge	Varies by suite; Aqua Sky Suites and higher suites
Service	Personalized concierge	Dedicated spa concierge	Butler, Retreat concierge and Destination Experience Specialist; Priority boarding and debarkation
Exclusive spaces	None	Blu	Retreat Lounge and Retreat Sundeck where available
Drinks and Wi-Fi	Bottle of sparkling wine	Bottle of sparkling wine	Premium drink package, bottle of sparkling wine, complimentary stocked minibar
Other perks	daily treats, exclusive embarkation day lunch	Bottled water, yoga mats	Sparkling wine, Premium bath amenities, Royal Suites and above have additional benefits.

Exact facilities, accommodations and inclusions vary by ship, suite category and fare. Always compare the specific sailing rather than relying on the category name alone. Also note that some amenities are not included if you use the MoveUp program from a non-suite stateroom. 

What’s included in Concierge Class 

Concierge Class is basically an enhanced veranda category with a few perks. Its value comes mainly from personalized concierge assistance, an exclusive embarkation-day lunch and a collection of extra conveniences. It does not include any exclusive dining venues or ship spaces.

The Concierge Class benefits include:

• Personalized concierge service

• An exclusive embarkation-day lunch

• Main and specialty restaurant seating-time preferences

• An exclusive destination seminar

• Daily treats delivered to the stateroom

• Pillow selection upon request

• Priority waitlists for dining

• 24-hour room service, with applicable charges depending on the order

The concierge can help with onboard arrangements and questions, which may be particularly useful for first-time Celebrity guests.

However, dining-time preferences are not the same as guaranteed reservations, and Concierge Class does not include a private restaurant, thermal-suite access, a dedicated lounge or a private sundeck.

Who is Concierge Class best for?

Concierge Class may suit:

• First-time Celebrity cruisers who want added assistance

• Couples who want a veranda with a few additional services

• Travelers who value convenience but do not need spa access

• Guests who would enjoy an easier start to the cruise with the embarkation lunch

Is Concierge Class worth it?

If Concierge Class is only around $100-200 extra compared with a regular veranda stateroom, I would consider it. But if it’s more than that, I would probably pass. 

What’s included in AquaClass 

AquaClass is also based around a veranda stateroom, but its benefits have a much greater effect on the onboard experience.

The two main features are:

1. Exclusive dining at Blu

2. Unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite or Persian Garden, depending on the ship

AquaClass also includes spa concierge services for assistance with bookings, fitness benefits, an expanded breakfast offering and wellness-focused stateroom amenities.

Why Blu is often the deciding factor

Blu is the dedicated restaurant for AquaClass guests, serving breakfast and dinner.

Its appeal is not just its wellness-inspired menu. Blu provides a smaller, quieter and more intimate alternative to the main dining room. For couples who enjoy relaxed dinners and more personalized service, this can be the most noticeable AquaClass benefit.

AquaClass guests also retain the option to dine in the main dining room and other venues, so choosing AquaClass does not mean you must eat at Blu every night. The category also includes an expanded room-service breakfast menu and healthy room-service choices.

The thermal-suite benefit

AquaClass guests receive unlimited access to Celebrity’s thermal facilities.

On Edge Series ships, that means access to the SEA Thermal Suite, which has eight distinct spaces. On Millennium and Solstice Series ships, AquaClass guests use the Persian Garden.

These facilities are not identical, so the specific ship can make a considerable difference to AquaClass value.

AquaClass is often most appealing on:

• Cruises with several sea days

• Cooler-weather itineraries

• Sailings where relaxation is a major priority

• Ships with more extensive thermal facilities

It may be less valuable on a port-intensive itinerary when you expect to spend most days ashore.

AquaClass spa and fitness benefits

Celebrity’s AquaClass includes:

• A dedicated spa concierge and personal consultation

• Priority spa reservations

• Complimentary fitness classes

• Spa treatment package discounts, with additional charges potentially applying

• An exclusive welcome reception

• Two yoga mats

• In-room fitness amenities

• Wellness programming available on the television

• Staterooms generally located close to the spa

The spa concierge can assist with customized treatment schedules, massages and salon appointments.

The number or type of complimentary fitness classes may vary according to the cruise length.

Who is AquaClass best for?

AquaClass is particularly well suited to:

• Spa and wellness travelers

• Guests who prefer a smaller, quieter dining room

• Travelers who will use the thermal facilities frequently

• Guests interested in fitness classes and spa planning

• Those seeking a meaningful onboard upgrade without moving to suite pricing

Is AquaClass worth it?

If AquaClass costs around $300-400 per person or less, then it might be worth considering if you value the above listed amenities. Note that you can also usually purchase a thermal spa pass for the week, and there may be special offers prior to the cruise. Dynamic pricing applies so pricing can vary from as little as $120 USD per person, up to $300 USD or more.   

AquaClass is not primarily a larger-room upgrade. Travelers wanting materially more space should consider The Retreat.

What’s included in The Retreat 

The Retreat is not simply another upgraded veranda category. It is Celebrity’s suite experience. Some would call it a ‘ship within a ship’ experience. While it gives you extra options for relaxing and dining, the rest of the Celebrity cruise ship is so elegant that the transition from one space to the other is seamless. 

Retreat guests receive larger suite accommodations, access to Luminae and The Retreat Lounge, dedicated service, and access to The Retreat Sundeck on ships where it is available. Qualifying Retreat fares also generally include premium drinks and Premium Wi-Fi for one device per guest.

The greatest value comes from how the benefits work together:

• More spacious accommodations

• Exclusive dining

• Private or less-crowded spaces

• Premium fare inclusions

• Dedicated butler and concierge support

• A more personalized experience ‘ship within ship

Luminae at The Retreat

Luminae is the private restaurant for Retreat guests.

It serves breakfast and dinner, with lunch offered on embarkation day and sea days. Hours vary by itinerary. Its menus include dishes not served elsewhere onboard, including complimentary signature dishes created by Celebrity’s Global Culinary Ambassador, Daniel Boulud.

Luminae’s value comes from both the cuisine and the environment. It generally offers a quieter setting and more personalized service than Celebrity’s larger dining rooms.

Retreat guests may invite friends or family members who are not staying in a suite to dine at Luminae for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Unlimited specialty dining is not included with every Retreat suite. It is reserved for higher-level suites, discussed below.

The Retreat Lounge

The Retreat Lounge is open to suite guests 24 hours a day, although staffed service hours vary.

Guests can use the lounge for:

• Complimentary beverages

• Light bites

• Afternoon tea

• Concierge assistance

• A quiet place to read or relax

• Meeting friends or unwinding before a show

On Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Reflection, the equivalent venue is Michael’s Club.

The Retreat Sundeck

Where available, The Retreat Sundeck provides a private outdoor area with loungers, service from Retreat attendants, drinks and snacks.

Facilities vary significantly by ship. Some sundecks have a pool, hot tub or bar, while others are more limited. Celebrity’s current materials state that the Retreat pool is available only on Edge Series ships. Some Celebrity ships do not currently offer a dedicated Retreat Sundeck at all. I recommend confirming the exact facilities on your ship before booking.

Personalized Retreat service

All Retreat suites include dedicated butler service. Guests can contact their butler through Butler Chat using a personal device.

Butlers may assist with:

• Packing and unpacking

• Dining reservations

• Spa appointments

• Shore-excursion arrangements

• In-suite dining requests

• Suite-to-car escort for Celebrity Private Journeys excursions

Retreat guests also have access to:

• A Retreat concierge

• Retreat attendants

• A Destination Experience Specialist for shore planning

• A dedicated shore-excursion departure lounge

• Priority embarkation and departure at most destinations, including many tender ports

• Reserved theater seating on specified show nights

• Complimentary shoeshine service

These benefits make The Retreat’s service considerably more extensive than the assistance provided in Concierge Class or AquaClass.

Retreat dining, drinks and in-suite amenities

Benefits listed for Retreat guests include:

• Premium drinks 

• Premium Wi-Fi for one device per guest 

• A minibar stocked on embarkation day

• Water replenished daily

• Full in-suite breakfast, lunch and dinner service

• Daily in-suite treats

• Afternoon tea in The Retreat Lounge or Michael’s Club

• A welcome bottle of sparkling wine

• A premium Cashmere mattress

• Exclusive Retreat bedding

• A pillow menu

• Premium cotton towels and bathrobes

• Premium bath and body products

Note that premium drinks and Wi-Fi may not be included with certain special fares or MoveUp upgrades from a non-suite stateroom. I recommend checking the rate details before booking.

Not every Retreat suite includes every perk

Some perks are limited to specific suite categories.

Additional benefits in an Aqua Sky Suite

Aqua Sky Suites combine the wellness benefits of AquaClass with The Retreat.

They include:

• SEA Thermal Suite or Persian Garden access

• A spa concierge and personal consultation

• Priority spa reservations

• Complimentary fitness classes

• Spa treatment package discounts

• An exclusive wellness reception

• Two daily bottled waters

• Two yoga mats

• In-suite fitness amenities

• Premium bathroom amenities

• Plush slippers and cotton robes

• All standard Retreat services and exclusive spaces

An Aqua Sky Suite can therefore be a strong option for someone who wants both the suite experience and AquaClass wellness benefits.

Additional benefits in Royal Suites and above

Celebrity’s materials identify the following as top-tier suites:

• Royal Suite

• Signature Suite

• Penthouse Suite

• Edge Villa

• Reflection Suite

• Iconic Suite

These categories receive additional benefits such as:

• Unlimited specialty dining for dinner and sea-day lunch

• Two complimentary bottles of premium spirits or wine

• A personalized minibar stocked daily with water, soda and beer

• Premium in-suite coffee

• Complimentary daily laundry

• Unlimited pressing

• Complimentary sleepwear

• SEA Thermal Suite or Persian Garden access

• Extend Your Stay in select ports, allowing guests to remain onboard until mid-afternoon and have lunch at Luminae before leaving

Specialty-dining inclusions may exclude à la carte items, tasting menus, chef’s tables and special events.

This distinction matters: an entry-level Sky Suite does not automatically receive every benefit associated with The Retreat’s most expensive suites.

Who is The Retreat best for?

The Retreat may be the right choice for:

• Those who want a more luxurious, intimate experience without giving up the entertainment and variety of a larger ship

• Those who want more poolside lounging options, which is especially convenient on busy sea days

• Couples celebrating a milestone

• Travelers who value extra room and privacy

• Guests who want premium drinks and Wi-Fi bundled into the experience

• Travelers who appreciate attentive, personalized service

• Guests who want quieter dining and exclusive spaces

• Travelers taking cruises with enough sea days to use the amenities

Is The Retreat worth it? 

The Retreat may be harder to justify when:

• The itinerary is extremely port intensive, and you plan to spend time all of the ports

• You will spend little time in the suite or exclusive areas

• You do not plan to use Luminae or the lounge

• The fare difference is unusually high

• The selected ship has a limited Retreat setup

• AquaClass already provides the dining and wellness experience you want

• You are comparing an entry-level suite with advertising based on top-tier suite perks

The five differences that matter most

Long lists of amenities can make the three categories appear more similar than they really are. These are the differences most likely to affect your vacation.

1. Dining

Concierge Class guests use Celebrity’s standard included dining venues.

AquaClass guests gain access to Blu while retaining the option to use the main dining room.

Retreat guests gain access to Luminae, with higher-level suites also receiving unlimited specialty dining.

For food-focused couples, the difference between Blu and Luminae may matter more than small stateroom extras.

2. Wellness

AquaClass offers the clearest included wellness experience through thermal-suite access, fitness classes, a spa concierge and in-room wellness amenities.

Concierge Class does not include those benefits.

Most standard Retreat suites do not automatically receive the full AquaClass wellness package. Aqua Sky Suites combine both experiences, while Royal Suites and higher categories receive complimentary thermal-suite access.

3. Accommodation and space

Concierge Class and AquaClass are generally veranda stateroom categories.

The Retreat consists of suites, but the amount of additional space varies considerably. Some Sky Suites are studios with a sitting area, while higher categories may have separate bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, dining spaces or very large terraces.

Travelers seeking more room should compare the exact suite layout, not simply the Retreat name.

4. Service

Concierge Class adds personalized concierge assistance.

AquaClass adds wellness-oriented help through a dedicated spa concierge.

The Retreat provides a much broader service team, including a butler, Retreat concierge, Destination Experience Specialist and attendants in exclusive spaces.

5. Exclusive spaces and inclusions

Concierge Class does not include private dining or exclusive ship areas.

AquaClass adds Blu and the thermal suite.

The Retreat adds Luminae, the Retreat Lounge and participating Retreat Sundecks, along with premium drinks and Wi-Fi on qualifying fares.

For travelers who value quieter spaces and a more inclusive experience, this may be the most significant difference.

Do you need to upgrade from a regular veranda?

Not necessarily.

A well-located standard veranda can be the best choice for travelers who want a comfortable room and private outdoor space but do not place a high value on having exclusive venues. 

I recommend comparing these upgraded categories with booking a regular veranda, and then possibly adding on a drink package, specialty restaurants, or spa services. You can tailor your experience to what you value the most. 

It’s also worth noting that Celebrity has one of the lowest passenger count to ship size ratios, so the ship often doesn't feel as crowded as others. The premium cruise line is renowned for its elegant, modern luxury design, as well as its excellent cuisine, so the regular stateroom experience is considered to be a notch above other contemporary cruise lines.  

Final verdict

There is no universal winner between Concierge Class, AquaClass and The Retreat.

Concierge Class is the best modest upgrade when the price is close to a standard veranda and you value added assistance and convenience.

AquaClass often offers the best balance of benefits and price for travelers who enjoy dining, wellness and a quieter onboard atmosphere.

The Retreat provides the most elevated overall experience for those who value a larger suite space, premium inclusions, personalized service, and exclusive venues.

The most important question is not which category has the longest list of perks. It is which benefits will make a noticeable difference to the way you want to spend your cruise.

Frequently asked questions

Is AquaClass better than Concierge Class?

AquaClass provides the more substantial experience upgrade because it includes Blu, thermal-suite access, fitness classes and wellness benefits. Concierge Class may still offer better value when it costs only slightly more than a standard veranda and you would not use the AquaClass facilities.

Does AquaClass or The Retreat include a drink package?

AquaClass does not automatically include a drink package; it depends on the fare booked. Qualifying Retreat bookings generally include premium drinks and Premium Wi-Fi for one device per guest. Certain special fares and MoveUp upgrades may have different inclusions.

Does every Retreat suite include thermal-suite access and specialty dining?

No. Aqua Sky Suites include AquaClass wellness benefits. Complimentary thermal-suite access and unlimited specialty dining are also included with Royal Suites and higher categories, but they are not standard benefits for every entry-level Retreat suite.

Does the experience differ by Celebrity ship?

Yes. Thermal facilities, Retreat Sundecks, pools, lounges, cabin designs and suite layouts vary by ship. Always compare the exact vessel and accommodation category before booking.