Celebrity Apex: A Modern Marvel of Sea Travel

Welcome aboard a journey to discover one of the most talked-about ships on the water today. The Celebrity Apex represents a new era of cruising, blending sophisticated design with innovative technology and world-class service. If you’re dreaming of a vacation that combines relaxation, adventure, and luxury, this guide will show you why the Celebrity Apex might be the perfect choice for your next getaway. We’ll explore everything from its groundbreaking features to the incredible destinations it visits, giving you a complete picture of life on this magnificent vessel.

Key Takeaways

• The Celebrity Apex is part of Celebrity Cruises’ revolutionary Edge Series, known for its modern design and advanced features.
• Unique onboard experiences include the Magic Carpet, Eden, and The Rooftop Garden, which set it apart from other cruise ships.
• Dining is a culinary adventure, with 29 distinct venues offering a wide range of global cuisines.
• Accommodations are designed for comfort and luxury, with options like the Infinite Veranda staterooms blurring the lines between indoors and out.
• The ship offers a variety of itineraries, primarily sailing through Europe in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter.

What Makes the Celebrity Apex Special?

The Celebrity Apex is the second ship in the highly acclaimed Edge Series from Celebrity Cruises. Launched in 2020, it was designed to challenge traditional cruise ship architecture and elevate the guest experience. Its outward-facing design philosophy aims to connect passengers more closely with the sea and the destinations they visit. This is evident in features like the expansive glass windows, the unique Infinite Veranda staterooms, and the iconic Magic Carpet.

Beyond its stunning appearance, the ship is a hub of comfort and entertainment. It offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, making it suitable for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. The crew on the Celebrity Apex is known for providing exceptional, personalized service, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and cared for from the moment they step on board. This commitment to excellence is a core part of the experience.

The Groundbreaking Edge Series Design

The design of the Celebrity Apex is truly what sets it apart. The ship was created using 3D technology, which allowed designers to craft spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The goal was to break away from the classic, inward-facing cruise ship layout. Instead, the focus is on the world outside. Public spaces feature vast, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking ocean views, making the sea a constant, calming presence throughout your voyage. This design approach creates a sense of openness and connection to your surroundings that is rare on a large ship.

Unpacking the Onboard Experience

Life on the Celebrity Apex is anything but ordinary. The ship is packed with unique venues and activities designed to entertain, relax, and inspire you. Whether you want to lounge by the pool, enjoy a world-class show, or participate in an engaging workshop, there is always something happening.

The Magic Carpet: A Venue That Moves

One of the most iconic features of the Celebrity Apex is the Magic Carpet. This incredible engineering feat is a cantilevered platform, about the size of a tennis court, that hangs off the side of the ship. What makes it so unique is its ability to move between decks, changing its function and atmosphere as it goes.

• Deck 16: At the very top, it acts as a specialty restaurant, offering a unique “Dinner on the Edge” experience under the stars.
• Deck 14: It becomes an extension of the main pool area, providing a lively bar with stunning high-altitude views.
• Deck 5: It serves as an open-air extension to the raw bar and seafood restaurants, creating a delightful al fresco dining space.
• Deck 2: It transforms into a luxury tender platform, making the process of getting on and off the ship in port seamless and comfortable.

The Magic Carpet is more than just a gimmick; it’s a dynamic space that provides some of the best views on the entire ship, making it a must-visit spot on your cruise.

Eden: A Multi-Sensory Wonderland

Another signature venue on the Celebrity Apex is Eden. This massive, multi-level space at the aft of the ship is a true architectural marvel. Wrapped in 7,000 square feet of glass, it offers panoramic views of the ocean. During the day, Eden is a peaceful oasis where you can read a book, grab a coffee, or simply watch the world go by.

As evening approaches, Eden transforms. The atmosphere becomes more playful and mysterious. Edenists, a troupe of performers, move through the space, interacting with guests through artistic and ambient performances. It’s not a traditional show but an immersive experience that unfolds around you. The venue also features a specialty restaurant and a bar where mixologists craft artisanal cocktails, making it a complete destination for a memorable evening.

The Rooftop Garden: Your Park at Sea

For those who love the outdoors, The Rooftop Garden provides a whimsical escape. This living urban playscape is filled with real greenery, stylish sculptures, and comfortable seating. During the day, it’s a perfect spot to relax in the sun or play giant chess. In the evening, the space comes alive with live music and outdoor movies shown on a large screen, creating a magical “A Taste of Film” experience where food and cinema are paired. It’s a wonderfully designed area that feels like a chic city park floating on the ocean.

A World of Flavors: Dining on the Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex is a paradise for food lovers. With 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges, the culinary options are vast and varied. The ship moves away from the traditional single main dining room concept. Instead, it offers four complimentary main dining restaurants, each with its own distinct decor, ambiance, and menu.

Guests can choose to dine at a different restaurant each night or stick to a favorite. In addition to these, there are numerous specialty restaurants that offer elevated dining experiences for an additional charge. From the high-tech Le Petit Chef animated dinner to the Fine Cut Steakhouse, there is something to satisfy every palate. You can find more details on global travel trends and culinary explorations on platforms like World Updates.

Staterooms and Suites: Your Private Sanctuary

Your stateroom is your home away from home, and on the Celebrity Apex, comfort and style are paramount. The accommodations were designed by world-renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen, featuring a soothing neutral color palette and thoughtful details.

The Revolutionary Infinite Veranda

One of the most talked-about accommodation types is the Infinite Veranda stateroom. These rooms revolutionize the concept of a balcony. With the touch of a button, the entire outer wall of your room opens up, transforming your living space into a seamless veranda. This allows you to bring the fresh sea air and stunning views right into your room. When you want a more traditional, enclosed space, you can close the bi-fold doors to separate the veranda area. It’s a flexible design that gives you more space and a closer connection to the ocean.

The Retreat: Ultimate Luxury

For those seeking the highest level of luxury, The Retreat is an exclusive, all-suite experience on the Celebrity Apex. This “ship-within-a-ship” concept includes stunning accommodations, such as the two-story Edge Villas with private plunge pools. Guests of The Retreat also have access to a private sundeck, a private lounge, and a private restaurant called Luminae. A dedicated team of butlers and concierges ensures that every need is met, providing a truly unparalleled level of service and exclusivity.

Entertainment and Activities for Everyone

The entertainment on the Celebrity Apex is as innovative as its design. The main theater features a 20-foot-tall 4K LED screen that curves 110 feet around the stage, allowing for dynamic and immersive productions. Shows here combine powerful vocals, dazzling choreography, and stunning visual effects to create performances unlike anything else at sea.

Beyond the main theater, you can find live music in various lounges, engaging trivia contests, and informative talks. The ship also has a state-of-the-art fitness center, a serene spa offering a wide range of treatments, and a beautiful resort-style pool deck with a large main pool, two “martini glass” hot tubs, and plenty of comfortable loungers. For shoppers, there are several high-end boutiques offering fashion, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Destinations: Where Does the Celebrity Apex Sail?

The Celebrity Apex splits its time between two of the world’s most beautiful cruising regions.

European Summers

During the summer months, the ship typically sails through Europe. It offers a variety of itineraries that explore the breathtaking coastlines of the Mediterranean, visiting iconic ports in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia. Some voyages also head north to explore the majestic Norwegian Fjords or the charming cities of the British Isles. Cruising through Europe on the Celebrity Apex allows you to experience ancient history and vibrant cultures from the comfort of a modern luxury ship.

Caribbean Winters

When winter arrives, the Celebrity Apex relocates to the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it offers itineraries that explore the Eastern and Western Caribbean. You can expect to visit sun-drenched islands like St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and Grand Cayman. These voyages are perfect for a winter escape, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and tropical beauty.

Final Thoughts

The Celebrity Apex is more than just a cruise ship; it’s a destination in itself. With its visionary design, innovative features like the Magic Carpet, and a world-class culinary program, it truly redefines what a modern luxury cruise can be. It offers an experience that is sophisticated yet comfortable, exciting yet relaxing. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or new to the world of sea travel, the Celebrity Apex delivers a memorable vacation that will leave you with lasting impressions and a desire to return.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the dress code on the Celebrity Apex?
A1: The dress code is mostly “smart casual.” This means you’ll be comfortable in polo shirts, blouses, slacks, or nice jeans for most evenings. There are also “Evening Chic” nights on every cruise, which are your opportunity to dress up a bit more. This is less formal than a traditional “formal night” and can mean a cocktail dress, skirt, or pantsuit for ladies, and a jacket with nice pants for men.

Q2: Is the Celebrity Apex a good ship for families?
A2: Yes, the Celebrity Apex is family-friendly, though its sophisticated atmosphere may appeal more to families with teens than with very young children. The ship has a “Camp at Sea” kids’ club that offers a wide range of supervised activities for different age groups.

Q3: What is included in the cruise fare?
A3: Celebrity Cruises often offers an “All Included” pricing model. This typically includes your accommodation, meals in the complimentary dining venues, select drinks (soda, juices, coffee, tea, and some alcoholic beverages), Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Always check the specifics of your booking to confirm what is included.

Q4: Do I need to book specialty dining and shows in advance?
A4: It is highly recommended to book specialty dining restaurants, spa treatments, and popular shore excursions in advance through the cruise line’s online planner. While you can sometimes make reservations on board, popular options fill up quickly. Shows in the main theater are generally first-come, first-served and do not require reservations.