Celebrity AquaClass Guide
The wellness-focused stateroom category that unlocks Blu restaurant and unlimited spa access — is it the sweet spot between standard veranda and full suite?
What is AquaClass?
AquaClass is Celebrity Cruises' premium wellness-focused stateroom category, positioned above standard veranda staterooms but below full suite level. AquaClass staterooms look similar to standard veranda rooms but unlock two major exclusive benefits: access to Blu restaurant (private dining) and unlimited complimentary access to the AquaSpa thermal suite. For guests who prioritise healthy eating and wellness activities, AquaClass offers one of the best value propositions in premium cruising.
What's Included in AquaClass?
AquaClass staterooms include a generous bundle of wellness-focused perks at no additional charge:
| Perk | Details |
|---|---|
| Blu Restaurant Access | Exclusive access to Blu, Celebrity's private AquaClass restaurant serving clean cuisine. Open for breakfast and dinner daily, with table service and a dedicated, health-conscious menu completely separate from the main dining rooms. |
| Unlimited Thermal Suite | Complimentary, unlimited daily access to the AquaSpa thermal suite (also called the Persian Garden or SEA Thermal Suite depending on the ship). Features heated ceramic loungers, steam rooms, saunas, and rainfall showers — normally sold separately for $30–$50/day. |
| Spa Concierge Service | Access to a dedicated Spa Concierge who provides personalised wellness consultations, priority spa treatment reservations, and exclusive discounts on spa packages. |
| Enhanced Bedding | Celebrity's premium eXhale® bedding with a pillow menu — choose from soft, medium, or firm pillows to configure your ideal sleeping setup. |
| In-Cabin Wellness Extras | Two yoga mats for cabin use, an in-room fitness amenities kit, upgraded personal care products, and an expanded room service breakfast menu with additional healthy options. |
| Daily Bottled Water | Complimentary daily replenishment of premium bottled water in the stateroom — a small but appreciated touch on a long voyage. |
| Welcome Sparkling Wine | A complimentary welcome bottle of sparkling wine or champagne upon request. |
| Complimentary Fitness Classes | Discounted or complimentary access to select fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, and more) in the AquaSpa fitness studio. |
Blu Restaurant: The AquaClass Dining Experience
Blu is the centrepiece of the AquaClass experience and the primary reason most travellers choose this category over a standard veranda room. The restaurant serves what Celebrity calls "clean cuisine" — ingredient-forward, health-conscious dishes with bold, clean flavours prepared using lower-fat cooking methods and fresh, quality ingredients.
The atmosphere is significantly more intimate than the main dining rooms — typically seating 100–130 guests compared to the 800+ in the main dining room. Service is more personalised, the noise level is lower, and the pacing of the meal tends to be more relaxed.
- Open For: Breakfast (daily) and Dinner (daily). Lunch on sea days for AquaClass guests.
- Menu Style: Clean, modern dishes with emphasis on vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and minimal heavy sauces. Not exclusively "diet food" — many dishes are genuinely indulgent, just prepared with lighter techniques.
- Alternative Option: If you want a dish from the main dining room menu, your server can generally accommodate the request — useful if travelling with someone who prefers traditional cuisine.
- Exclusivity: Blu is exclusively reserved for AquaClass guests. Suite guests in The Retreat have their own restaurant (Luminae).
AquaClass vs Veranda vs The Retreat
| Feature | Standard Veranda | AquaClass | The Retreat (Suite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Restaurant | ❌ Main Dining Only | ✅ Blu | ✅ Luminae |
| Thermal Spa Access | ❌ (Paid extra) | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Butler Service | ❌ | ❌ (Spa Concierge only) | ✅ Retreat Host (butler) |
| Private Pool Access | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Retreat Sundeck |
| Yoga Mats in Room | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Premium Bedding | Standard Celebrity | ✅ eXhale® + Pillow Menu | ✅ eXhale® Premium |
| Price Premium | Base | ~£100–200/person more | ~£500–2,000+/person more |
Is AquaClass Worth the Upgrade Cost?
AquaClass is worth the upgrade if you answer yes to at least two of these questions:
- Do you value a quieter, more intimate dining experience over the energy of a large main dining room?
- Would you pay £25–40 per day for unlimited thermal spa access anyway?
- Do you prefer health-conscious cuisine or find heavy, rich sauces unappealing?
- Are you travelling as a couple seeking a more relaxed, wellness-oriented cruise?
Tip: Celebrity's "MoveUp" bidding programme allows standard veranda guests to bid for an AquaClass upgrade. If you booked a veranda, submit a competitive bid — many guests secure AquaClass for as little as £75–100 per person total, making the value proposition extraordinary.
AquaClass is not ideal if: you are travelling with children (Blu is adults-focused, and the atmosphere is calm), you prefer a lively main dining room with entertainment, or the suite-level butler and private pool are your primary goals (in which case, The Retreat is the right choice).