Is it Upgrading to AquaClass for a Celebrity Cruise Worth It?
Published: September 10, 2026 | Last Updated: September 10, 2026
Author: Lindsey Markwood VTA, MCC
In June, I sailed in an AquaClass stateroom aboard Celebrity Silhouette during an incredible Iceland Intensive cruise. For comparison, my last Celebrity cruise I was in a standard Veranda stateroom, which is their ocean view balcony. After experiencing the AquaClass cabin, I honestly do not think I can go back to a standard Veranda and here is why.
Exclusive Dining at Blu Restaurant
Guests who book an AquaClass stateroom or suite enjoy exclusive dining access at Blu, a private neighborhood restaurant reserved solely for AquaClass guests. This is my favorite dining venue onboard. Not only did the chefs plate the food beautifully, but the flavors went above and beyond my expectations. I am a foodie. I love to try new things and get bored with repetitive options on a menu. The culinary experience here was consistently outstanding. Blu features a spa inspired menu that changes nightly throughout the voyage. I feel like if you are dining in Blu, you don’t need to make reservations at any of the specialty restaurants. Pro tip: When you dine in Blu, you also have access to the menu at the Main Dining Room. My travel clients agree that another major benefit of Blu is flexible dining with zero advance reservations required. There are no rigid seating times when you dine at the restaurant. I loved that we could simply walk up whenever we felt ready to eat. In full disclosure, most of the time we would eat early, but not always. After a full day excursion in Ísafjörður, Iceland we got back to the ship as dinner had started. (For more highlights, read my article on my 7 Unforgettable Firsts in Iceland.) However, we had zero pressure to rush to dinner since there were no assigned dining times.
The service I received at Blu was exceptional. I was thoroughly impressed when, within a few days, the hostess greeted us by name and remembered our preferred table area. That small detail is a big deal for guest experience. In my professional opinion as a travel advisor, dining at Blu alone justifies the cost of the AquaClass upgrade.
Unlimited Access to the Thermal Suites (Persian Garden & Sea Thermal Suite)
If you follow Markwood Magic, you know how much I love heated thermal loungers. After an excursion, I wish I could express how relaxing it was to just unwind for a bit, soaking up the feeling of warmth beneath me. It was a great way to unwind before getting ready for dinner. When time allowed, I put on my bathing suit to take full advantage of the aromatherapy steam rooms, sensory rainfall showers, and relaxation spaces. The specific spa facilities depend on the ship layout and class of ship you are on. For example, Solstice Class ships like Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Silhouette feature the Persian Garden, while Edge Class ships like Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Apex feature the expanded Sea Thermal Suite.. I especially like that It is capacity controlled with a limited number of guests who can purchase a pass. Guests in an AquaClass stateroom or suite receive complimentary, unlimited access through the voyage.
In Room Wellness
When Markwood Magic reserves your AquaClass stateroom, the wellness experience extends right into your room. The shower, and more specifically the shower panel was a wonderful surprise. It featured six adjustable body jets for a targeted hydrotherapy massage to use after a day exploring the ports or attending the fitness classes. The toiletries were also upgraded. There was a pillow menu, yoga mats, and complimentary bottled water daily from our room steward.
Prior to sailing, you can customize your room through the Celebrity wellness menu. You can request items like acupuncture mats, stretch bands, foam rollers, weights, and a meditation pillow.
Priority Spa & Fitness Privileges
AquaClass guests also enjoy a dedicated Spa Concierge, priority spa treatment scheduling, and complimentary access to onboard fitness classes.
If you are deciding if you should upgrade from a Veranda to an AquaClass cabin, my answer is a resounding yes. However, designing that perfect vacation involves far more than picking which cabin category is best. When you partner with Markwood Magic, I will curate every layer of your journey. Not only will I match you with the perfect ship and itinerary, but I also arrange your port excursions and design your pre- and post-cruise extensions. Ready to experience a seamless, elevated voyage? Schedule your complimentary travel consultation with Markwood Magic here.
About Lindsey Markwood
Lindsey Markwood is the founder and principal travel advisor at Markwood Magic, a boutique travel agency based in Marietta, Georgia. Specializing in ocean, river, and expedition cruising, Lindsey crafts seamless, highly personalized itineraries for travelers who value comfort, authentic cultural immersion, and stress-free planning.
