Does Celebrity Cruise Lines Have Arcades Golf Bowling Basketball Courts

Celebrity Cruise Lines does not offer traditional arcades, golf, bowling, or basketball courts across its fleet, focusing instead on upscale, resort-style amenities like pools, spas, and live entertainment. However, some ships feature virtual golf simulators and interactive gaming zones for a modern twist on classic activities—perfect for casual fun without the full-scale facilities.

Key Takeaways

• Arcades available: Yes, most Celebrity ships feature modern arcades for all ages.
• Golf options: Enjoy mini-golf or golf simulators on select ships.
• Bowling: Only Celebrity Edge class offers onboard bowling lanes.
• Basketball courts: Full courts available on larger ships like Celebrity Solstice.
• Ship matters: Confirm amenities by ship, as offerings vary widely.

Does Celebrity Cruise Lines Have Arcades, Golf, Bowling, and Basketball Courts?

When planning a cruise vacation, entertainment and recreation options are often top priorities. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike want to ensure their time at sea is packed with activities that cater to all ages and interests. Among the premium cruise lines, Celebrity Cruises stands out for its modern luxury, innovative ship designs, and commitment to delivering an unforgettable onboard experience. One common question potential cruisers ask is: Does Celebrity Cruise Lines have arcades, golf, bowling, and basketball courts? The answer is nuanced, as the availability of these amenities depends on the specific ship, itinerary, and year of construction. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly what Celebrity Cruises offers in terms of arcades, golf facilities, bowling, basketball courts, and other recreational activities, helping you determine whether these features align with your vacation goals.

From high-tech gaming zones to mini-golf courses and sports courts, Celebrity Cruises has evolved significantly over the years to meet the demands of modern travelers. While it may not offer traditional full-sized bowling alleys or 18-hole golf courses, it compensates with creative, space-efficient alternatives that deliver fun and excitement. Whether you’re a parent looking for arcade games to keep the kids entertained, a sports enthusiast eager to shoot hoops, or a golfer wanting to practice your swing, Celebrity Cruises has something to offer. This article dives deep into the recreational landscape of Celebrity ships, highlighting what’s available, where to find it, and how to make the most of your time onboard. Let’s explore the world of onboard entertainment with Celebrity Cruises.

Arcades and Gaming Zones: Fun for All Ages

Dedicated Arcades on Celebrity Ships

Celebrity Cruises understands that gaming is a universal pastime, and many of its modern vessels feature dedicated arcades designed to appeal to both children and adults. These gaming zones are typically located in the youth or family areas of the ship, often near the pool deck or in the main atrium. Ships in the Edge Series (such as Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent) feature the Camp at Sea program, which includes a vibrant arcade section equipped with the latest video games, air hockey tables, racing simulators, and classic arcade cabinets.

For example, the arcade on Celebrity Apex includes over 20 games ranging from Dance Dance Revolution and NBA Jam to Time Crisis and Pinball. The space is brightly lit, air-conditioned, and staffed with youth counselors during designated hours, making it a safe and supervised environment for younger cruisers. Parents can enjoy a cocktail at the nearby Martini Bar while kids play for hours.

Interactive and Virtual Gaming Experiences

In addition to traditional arcade games, Celebrity Cruises has embraced interactive and virtual gaming through partnerships with leading technology providers. On select ships, you’ll find VR (Virtual Reality) gaming pods and motion-based simulators that allow guests to experience everything from roller coasters to deep-sea diving—all without leaving the ship. The iLounge, available on most Celebrity ships, also offers gaming stations with popular titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, and FIFA, often with multiplayer capabilities for group fun.

Pro Tip: Check the daily Celebrity Today program for special gaming events, such as Family Game Night or Teen Tournament, where players can win prizes like gift cards or free arcade credits. Some ships even offer gaming passes for unlimited access during your cruise—ideal for families with multiple kids.

Arcade Accessibility and Pricing

Arcade games on Celebrity Cruises operate on a pay-per-play model, with most games costing between $1 and $3 per play. You can purchase game credits at the arcade counter or through the Celebrity Cruises app, which allows you to load funds to your onboard account. For families, a $50 gaming package is often available, offering a set number of credits at a discounted rate.

Accessibility is a key feature—most arcades are wheelchair-friendly, and staff are trained to assist guests with special needs. Additionally, many games are designed to be inclusive, with adjustable controls and visual/audio cues.

Mini-Golf and Golf-Related Activities

Onboard Mini-Golf Courses

While Celebrity Cruises doesn’t offer full-sized golf courses—due to the physical constraints of cruise ships—it does provide mini-golf courses on select vessels. These 9-hole or 18-hole putting greens are cleverly designed to maximize space and incorporate nautical themes, such as lighthouses, anchors, and ship wheels. The mini-golf course is typically located on the top deck, adjacent to the jogging track or pool area, offering panoramic ocean views.

For instance, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Eclipse both feature a well-maintained mini-golf course that’s open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. The course is free to use, and clubs and balls are provided at no extra cost. It’s a popular spot for families, couples, and solo cruisers looking for a relaxed, low-key activity with a competitive edge.

Golf Simulators and Practice Facilities

For serious golfers, Celebrity Cruises offers golf simulators on certain ships, particularly in the Solstice and Edge classes. These high-tech simulators use advanced software to replicate famous courses around the world, such as Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, and TPC Sawgrass. Guests can practice their swing, work on their short game, or even play a full 18-hole round with friends.

The simulator on Celebrity Edge is located in the Spa & Fitness Center and can be reserved for private sessions (typically $45–$75 per hour). It includes a driving range, putting green, and video analysis tools to help improve your technique. Some itineraries even feature shore excursions to golf courses in ports like Barbados, Hawaii, and Portugal, allowing cruisers to play real rounds on championship greens.

Golf Tips for Cruisers

• Pack your clubs? While you can bring your own golf clubs, Celebrity recommends using their onboard equipment to avoid baggage fees and damage. Storage is available for personal clubs.
• Book early: Golf simulator slots fill up quickly, especially on sea days. Reserve your session via the Celebrity app as soon as you board.
• Take a lesson: On select sailings, Celebrity partners with PGA-certified instructors to offer 30-minute clinics ($25 per session).

Bowling Alleys: The Surprising Truth

Lack of Traditional Bowling Alleys

Here’s the reality: Celebrity Cruises does not have traditional bowling alleys on any of its ships. Unlike some competitors (such as Royal Caribbean’s Bowling Alley on Harmony of the Seas or Carnival’s SkyRide with integrated bowling), Celebrity has chosen not to include full-sized lanes due to space limitations and operational costs. A standard bowling alley requires a large, flat deck space, specialized flooring, ball return systems, and significant maintenance—all of which are challenging to implement on a moving ship.

Alternative Bowling Experiences

While there are no physical bowling lanes, Celebrity Cruises offers virtual and interactive bowling games through its arcade and VR systems. For example, the VR gaming pods on Celebrity Beyond include a realistic bowling simulation that tracks your arm motion and provides instant scoring. It’s not the same as rolling a real ball, but it’s a fun, engaging alternative for casual players.

Additionally, some ships host bowling-themed trivia nights or family bowling challenges in the theater or atrium, using digital screens and motion sensors to simulate the experience. These events are free and open to all ages.

Shore Excursions for Real Bowling

If you’re eager to play real bowling during your cruise, consider booking a shore excursion in port cities with bowling alleys. For example:

• In Honolulu, Hawaii, you can visit Aloha Bowl, a family-friendly alley with cosmic bowling on weekends.
• In Barcelona, Spain, Bowling Barcelona offers modern lanes and a full-service bar.
• In San Juan, Puerto Rico, Strike 10 is a popular spot with themed nights and arcade games.

Most excursions include transportation, shoe rental, and one or two games, priced around $60–$80 per person.

Basketball Courts and Sports Facilities

Full-Size and Half-Court Basketball Courts

Yes—Celebrity Cruises does have basketball courts on many of its ships! These courts are typically half-court designs, located on the top deck near the sports zone. They are marked with regulation lines and equipped with backboards, hoops, and nets. The court on Celebrity Equinox is one of the most popular, often hosting pickup games, three-point contests, and youth basketball tournaments.

The basketball court is free to use and open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. Basketballs are available for checkout at the sports desk, and staff often organize daily challenges with prizes like T-shirts or drink vouchers. On sea days, you’ll find the court busy with families, teens, and sports enthusiasts.

Other Sports and Fitness Activities

Beyond basketball, Celebrity Cruises offers a wide range of sports and fitness facilities:

• Jogging Track: A 1/4-mile track encircles the top deck, with distance markers and water stations.
• Tennis & Pickleball: Select ships (e.g., Celebrity Reflection) have tennis courts that double as pickleball courts. Rackets and balls are provided.
• Rock Climbing Wall: Available on Solstice-class ships, this 40-foot wall offers routes for beginners to advanced climbers.
• Fitness Center: State-of-the-art gym with cardio machines, free weights, and group classes (yoga, spin, HIIT).

Pro Tip: Join the Daily Sports Challenge for a chance to win a free massage at the Canyon Ranch Spa. Challenges include free-throw shooting, dribbling drills, and endurance runs.

Youth and Teen Sports Programs

For younger cruisers, the Camp at Sea program includes organized sports activities such as:

• 3-on-3 basketball tournaments for teens (ages 12–17)
• Mini-Olympics with relay races and obstacle courses
• Dance-offs and fitness games in the sports zone

These programs are led by certified youth counselors and are included in the cruise fare.

Other Recreational Amenities and Tips

Pool Decks and Water Activities

Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its luxurious pool decks, which often include:

• Main Pool: A large saltwater pool with adjacent whirlpools.
• Solarium: A serene, adults-only area with a heated pool, cabanas, and spa services.
• Water Slides: Available on Edge-class ships (e.g., Celebrity Edge has a 123-foot slide).
• Splash Zone: A splash pad for young children with fountains and interactive features.

On select itineraries, Celebrity also offers water sports platforms in calm bays, where guests can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling.

Entertainment Beyond Sports

While arcades, golf, bowling, and basketball are key attractions, Celebrity Cruises excels in live entertainment and cultural experiences:

• Theater Shows: Broadway-style productions, comedy acts, and music revues.
• Live Music: Jazz, classical, and pop performances in lounges and bars.
• Art Auctions & Galleries: Works by renowned artists, with guided tours.
• Enrichment Programs: Cooking classes, wine tastings, and destination lectures.

Maximizing Your Recreational Time

To get the most out of your Celebrity cruise, follow these tips:

• Download the Celebrity app: View daily schedules, book activities, and check wait times.
• Arrive early: Popular activities (e.g., basketball games, VR sessions) fill up fast.
• Ask about family packages: Some ships offer bundled deals for arcades, mini-golf, and fitness classes.
• Check the daily program: The Celebrity Today newsletter lists all events and locations.

Data Table: Recreation by Ship Class

Ship Class	Arcade	Mini-Golf	Bowling	Basketball	Other Sports
Edge Series (e.g., Edge, Apex)	Yes (with VR)	No	No (VR only)	Yes (half-court)	Rock climbing, water slides
Solstice Series (e.g., Solstice, Eclipse)	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Tennis, rock climbing
Reflection	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Tennis/pickleball
Millennium Series (e.g., Summit, Infinity)	Limited	No	No	Yes (smaller court)	Jogging track, fitness center

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Onboard Recreation

So, does Celebrity Cruise Lines have arcades, golf, bowling, and basketball courts? The answer is: Yes, but with nuance. While you won’t find full-sized bowling alleys or traditional golf courses, Celebrity Cruises delivers a well-rounded, modern recreational experience that emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and luxury. From high-tech arcades and VR bowling to mini-golf with ocean views and active basketball courts, there’s no shortage of ways to stay entertained.

Celebrity’s strength lies in its ability to blend physical activities with digital enhancements, offering something for every age and interest. Whether you’re a gamer, a golfer, a basketball fan, or simply looking for family-friendly fun, Celebrity Cruises provides a balanced mix of options—without sacrificing its signature elegance. By understanding what’s available on your specific ship and planning ahead, you can ensure your cruise is as active and enjoyable as you’ve imagined. So pack your sneakers, grab your putter, and get ready to play, relax, and explore the high seas in style with Celebrity Cruises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Celebrity Cruise Lines have arcades on board?

Yes, many Celebrity Cruise ships feature modern arcades with a variety of games, including classic arcade machines, air hockey, and interactive video games. These are typically located in the youth or family zones of the ship.

Are there golf facilities on Celebrity Cruise Lines?

Celebrity Cruise Lines offers golf lovers a mini-golf course (putt-putt) on select ships, along with golf simulators in the fitness centers for virtual rounds. Note that full-sized golf courses are not available onboard.

Can I go bowling on a Celebrity Cruise?

Bowling is not a standard offering across the Celebrity fleet, but a few ships—like the *Celebrity Edge* and *Apex*—feature a multi-sport court that may include bowling. Check your specific ship’s deck plan before booking.

Does Celebrity Cruise Lines have basketball courts?

Yes, several Celebrity ships have multi-sport courts that can be used for basketball, volleyball, and soccer. These are often located on the top deck and are open during scheduled hours for all ages.

Are there recreational activities like arcades, golf, and bowling on Celebrity Cruise Lines?

Celebrity Cruise Lines includes a mix of recreational activities such as arcades, mini-golf, and multi-sport courts (for basketball and occasional bowling). Availability varies by ship, so review your itinerary’s amenities list.

Is there a dedicated kids’ arcade on Celebrity Cruise ships?

Most Celebrity Cruise ships feature a dedicated arcade area for kids and teens, equipped with age-appropriate games and prizes. These arcades are often part of the larger Camp@Sea youth program.