The 3 Most Iconic Celebrity Cruises Commercial Songs That Defined The 'Nothing Comes Close' Era

The music of a vacation is just as important as the destination itself, and Celebrity Cruises has mastered the art of sound-branding their luxury experience. As of December 2025, the cruise line continues its successful "Nothing Comes Close" campaign, relying on a carefully curated soundtrack to evoke feelings of renewal, wonder, and sophisticated travel.

The songs chosen for Celebrity Cruises’ advertisements are more than just background noise; they are emotional anchors designed to connect the feeling of a new beginning with the unparalleled experience of their Edge-series ships, such as the upcoming Celebrity Xcel. From indie-pop anthems to psychedelic rock classics, here are the most iconic and current songs that have defined the modern era of Celebrity Cruises commercials.

The Definitive Soundtrack: Three Songs That Define Celebrity's Modern Luxury

Celebrity Cruises has employed a handful of memorable tracks over the past few years, each aligning with a specific campaign message. While many smaller, regional spots use various licensed music, three songs stand out as the pillars of their global marketing efforts, particularly those promoting the revolutionary Edge Series fleet.

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1. "Brand New" by Ben Rector: The Anthem of the 'Nothing Comes Close' Campaign

The undisputed star of the current marketing push is the uplifting track "Brand New" by American singer-songwriter Ben Rector. This song is the central musical theme for the long-running and highly successful "Nothing Comes Close" campaign, which is still prominently featured in late 2025 and early 2026 spots promoting the upcoming Celebrity Xcel.

The Meaning Behind the Choice

The lyrics of "Brand New" perfectly capture the feeling of transformation and excitement that a luxury cruise promises. Lines like, "I feel like brand new glasses / On a brand new face / I feel like brand new shoes / In a brand new place" directly translate to the experience of seeing the world with a fresh perspective from the deck of a stunning ship like the Celebrity Beyond or Celebrity Apex.

• Artist: Ben Rector
• Song Title: Brand New
• Album: Brand New (2015)
• Campaign Association: "Nothing Comes Close" (Current as of 2025/2026)
• Topical Authority Entity: The song’s optimistic, piano-driven pop style is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with the modern, aspirational luxury of the Celebrity brand.

The song’s consistent use across various "Nothing Comes Close" spots—from Cyber Week sales to general destination advertisements—solidifies its role as the official musical signature of Celebrity's modern era.

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2. "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane: The Controversial, Psychedelic Deep Cut

In a surprising and bold move, Celebrity Cruises once used the iconic 1967 psychedelic rock track "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane in a major commercial. This choice stood out dramatically from the more typical, upbeat cruise music, creating a significant buzz and a touch of controversy.

The Unconventional Message

"White Rabbit," written by Grace Slick, is famously one of the first pop songs to openly discuss the experience of hallucinogenic drugs, with its lyrics drawing heavy inspiration from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The line "Go ask Alice, when she's ten feet tall" is a clear reference to the mind-altering effects of psychedelics.

Using this counter-culture anthem to sell a high-end, mainstream vacation was a risk. The commercial’s imagery, however, focused on the surreal and transformative nature of travel, suggesting that the cruise itself is the "trip" to a "wonderful world" of luxury and escape. It was a clever, if slightly provocative, way to target a more sophisticated, experience-seeking traveler who appreciates a deeper cultural reference.

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• Artist: Jefferson Airplane
• Song Title: White Rabbit
• Album: Surrealistic Pillow (1967)
• Campaign Association: Select high-concept, older campaigns (Pre-Edge Series launch)
• Topical Authority Entity: This choice highlights the cruise line's willingness to use culturally significant, even controversial, music to break through the noise of traditional cruise advertising.

3. "What A Wonderful World" by Reuben and The Dark x AG: The Haunting Cover

Another memorable musical moment came from the "Isn't It Time?" campaign, which often overlapped with the "Journey Wonderful" theme. The song featured was a haunting, stripped-down cover of Louis Armstrong's classic, "What A Wonderful World," performed by the Canadian indie-folk band, Reuben and The Dark, in collaboration with AG.

A Modern Twist on a Classic

Unlike the original's bright, brassy optimism, the cover version is slow, ethereal, and deeply emotional. This arrangement perfectly matched the commercial's visuals, which showcased the quiet, reflective, and breathtaking moments of a Celebrity cruise: a couple watching a sunset, a lone figure gazing at the ocean, or the serene beauty of the ship's modern architecture.

The song's use positioned the cruise not just as a party or a destination check-off, but as a profound, introspective journey—a moment to truly appreciate the "wonderful world" in a luxurious, uncluttered setting. The powerful, almost cinematic rendition created an immediate, emotional connection with the viewer, contrasting the high-energy feel of the Ben Rector track.

• Artist: Reuben and The Dark x AG
• Song Title: What A Wonderful World (Cover)
• Campaign Association: "Isn't It Time?" and "Journey Wonderful" (Recent campaigns)
• Topical Authority Entity: The use of an indie-folk cover demonstrates Celebrity's focus on a modern, curated, and emotionally resonant travel experience, appealing to a younger, luxury-minded demographic.

The Strategic Role of Music in Celebrity's Branding

The selection of these diverse songs—from Ben Rector's accessible pop to Jefferson Airplane's psychedelic rock—is a deliberate marketing strategy. Celebrity Cruises aims to position itself as a premium, modern, and distinct alternative to mass-market cruise lines, a philosophy embodied by their "Nothing Comes Close" slogan.

The music supports the brand's core pillars:

• Modern Design: The sophisticated, often indie-leaning music complements the contemporary, clean lines of the Edge Series ships (Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond).
• Emotional Connection: Tracks like "Brand New" and the "Wonderful World" cover tap into universal desires for escape, renewal, and a fresh start.
• Sophisticated Audience: Using artists like Ben Rector and referencing classics like Jefferson Airplane appeals to a discerning, well-traveled audience who value quality and cultural depth.

By constantly refreshing its soundtrack while maintaining an overall tone of modern luxury and aspirational travel, Celebrity Cruises ensures its commercials remain relevant and emotionally engaging. Whether you're hearing the hopeful notes of "Brand New" or the provocative chords of "White Rabbit," the music serves as a powerful reminder that a Celebrity cruise is designed to be a transformative, one-of-a-kind experience.

The next time a Celebrity Cruises commercial appears on your screen, pay close attention to the music. It’s not just a song; it's a carefully chosen piece of art designed to transport you to your next "brand new" voyage aboard the most modern fleet at sea.