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HomeLifestyleA Luxurious Journey at Sea Aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Ship Apex

A Luxurious Journey at Sea Aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Ship Apex

Discovering the Celebrity Apex: A Mini Cruise Experience from the UK

Words by David Powell

Mini cruises from the UK have surged in popularity, offering a convenient way to dip your toes into the cruising lifestyle. Recently, my wife and I embarked on a miniature adventure, sailing from Southampton to Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and then on to the vibrant heart of Amsterdam aboard the Celebrity Apex.

Ship Overview: The Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex, part of Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series launched in 2020, is an impressive 130,818-ton vessel that can accommodate around 2,910 passengers. It stands out as a high-end ship, blending contemporary luxury with an atmosphere of relaxation. Renowned for its cutting-edge design, the Apex features diverse dining options, superb entertainment, and a variety of innovative spaces, transforming the traditional cruise experience.

Ship Design and Atmosphere

Stepping onboard the Apex is like entering a luxurious boutique hotel. The ship features an elegant design crafted by the well-known British designer Kelly Hoppen, whose touch is evident in the ship’s contemporary interiors. The neutral color palette—blues, greys, and soft earth tones—contributes to a calming ambiance.

One of the ship’s most eye-catching features is the Magic Carpet. This cantilevered platform glides up and down the ship’s exterior, serving various functions depending on its height. When elevated, it becomes an al fresco dining area; when lower, it serves as a lounge or an embarkation platform. This innovative feature not only enhances the ship’s futuristic appeal but significantly enriches the passenger experience.

Furthermore, the Resort Deck, with its main pool and martini-glass-shaped hot tubs, provides a luxurious outdoor oasis for relaxation. The Rooftop Garden, filled with lush greenery, became a favorite retreat for us to enjoy cocktails under the sun.

Accommodations: The Infinite Veranda and Suites

Celebrity Apex redefines cruise accommodations, notably with its Infinite Veranda staterooms. These rooms replace traditional balconies with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that can be opened at the touch of a button, melding indoor and outdoor spaces effortlessly. This innovative design not only maximizes space but also creates a refreshing indoor-outdoor experience, something we loved during our stay!

For guests seeking an elevated level of service, The Retreat offers a private, all-inclusive experience, complete with a dedicated butler, a private restaurant (Luminae), and an exclusive sundeck for suite guests.

Culinary Delights: Dining Options

Dining onboard the Celebrity Apex is truly a highlight, offering an impressive array of 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges. The culinary experience begins with four complimentary main dining rooms—Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus—each boasting distinct themes and specialty dishes, which adds a unique flair to each meal.

The Oceanview Café serves as the buffet area, providing an extensive selection of food, while room service is available around the clock. For a more unique experience, we dined at Le Petit Chef, where a whimsical animated chef ‘prepared’ our meal, making dining feel like a fun performance.

Specialty dining also includes the Fine Cut Steakhouse, known for its premium cuts, and the Eden Restaurant, featuring a botanical-themed multi-sensory dining experience. Other options include Raw on 5, a sushi and seafood restaurant, and Le Grand Bistro, which serves classic French cuisine.

Entertainment and Activities

Entertainment aboard Celebrity Apex is diverse and engaging. The state-of-the-art theatre presents captivating productions and aerial acrobatics, while the daily newsletter keeps passengers informed about showtimes. The Eden venue offers intimate performances in a stunning, garden-inspired setting, and The Club hosts everything from silent discos to live bands and trivia games.

For those feeling lucky, the Vegas-style casino features a variety of games, including blackjack and roulette. The Spa provides an array of treatments—from seaweed wraps to cryotherapy facials—ensuring relaxation after a day of exploration. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the fully equipped fitness center with Peloton bikes and various exercise classes.

Service and Experience

From the initial booking over the phone to our time onboard, Celebrity Apex delivered an exceptionally friendly and professional experience. Every member of the staff, from waiters to housekeeping and concierge personnel, provided outstanding service, adding to the overall enjoyment of our journey.

With its stunning design and luxurious accommodations, combined with gourmet dining and tech-savvy entertainment options, the Apex sets a high bar for cruise experiences. While it may not cater specifically to families with young children, it is perfect for travelers in search of a sophisticated and laid-back voyage, making it ideal for exploring a range of remarkable destinations.

Factbox

For more information, visit celebritycruises.com.

Photography courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

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