The newest Celebrity cruise ship, Celebrity Apex, joined its sister ship, Celebrity Edge, the leading Edge-class ship, in the Bahamas in the fall of 2020 — but the ship’s arrival was slightly delayed.
Celebrity Apex was originally scheduled to set sail in March 2020, debuting in Southhampton, complete with passengers, but the ship’s Caribbean sailings were put off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While a virtual celebration took place earlier in the year, it wasn’t until Fall 2020 that Celebrity Apex finally made its way to the Bahamas, where it was greeted by not only Celebrity Edge, but also Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Summit. A naming is scheduled for October 2020 in Fort Lauderdale.
If you’ve had your eye on this cruise ship for a while, and can’t wait to sail aboard Celebrity Apex once the ship finally does open for passenger sailings, here’s everything you need to know.
In This Article:
1. Celebrity Apex Size and Capacity
Celebrity Apex offers 16 guest decks over its 1,004 feet of length and gross tonnage of 130,818 GT. It offers a maximum capacity for 3,405 guests, though that number is 2,910 at double occupancy, and it holds a crew of 1,320 individuals.
All this considered, Celebrity Apex is not notable for its size. While many cruise lines are constantly trying to build the next biggest thing as they release new ships, that’s not what Celebrity has done here. In fact, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge both tie for the 50th-largest cruise ships in the world currently — hardly anything groundbreaking.
No, instead of focusing on overall sheer size of the ships, Celebrity focused on modern amenities and luxurious experiences when it came to Celebrity Apex. So, if you’re looking for the biggest and grandest cruise ship, this one is not for you; however, if it’s modern luxury you’re after, keep reading.
2. The Edge Class
Celebrity Apex is currently the middle sibling in the Edge class, preceded by Celebrity Edge, and to be followed by Celebrity Beyond, which is currently under construction and scheduled to appear sometime in 2022 (this is following COVID-related delays that pushed the arrival from the originally intended Fall 2021 date).
Edge-class ships purportedly cost $1 billion each, though Celebrity Beyond will certainly cost more, as the ship is planned to be about 10,000 GT larger than its siblings.
No other ships in the Edge class have been announced, but two other unnamed ships are supposedly under order, for 2022 and 2024 arrivals.
3. Special Edge-Class Features
The Edge class comes with a range of new amenities, tech and features that are sure to wow cruisers.
Firstly, there’s the Retreat, which is open to suite guests. The Retreat, which includes an open-air sundeck, a private lounge with concierge service and snacks and a private restaurant with an exclusive menu, is being rolled out across Celebrity’s entire fleet, as part of The Celebrity Revolution initiative.
While it may take a while, however, for you to see The Retreat aboard some of Celebrity’s older ships, you can experience it all right now, on either Celebrity Edge or Celebrity Apex.
Related: 12 Things to Do on a Celebrity Edge Cruise
Then, there’s the Edge-class Magic Carpet, which debuted on Celebrity Edge first. The deck is cantilevered off the side of the ship and moves up and down, to the various decks. Depending on the deck it’s stopped at, the Magic Carpet serves different functions. The relatively small deck that seats 100 sometimes acts as an open-air dining space, and then also as a party spot.
4. Apex-Only Features
Of course, Celebrity Apex comes with a few new features all its own. Going above and beyond what Celebrity Edge offers, it also brings to the table a new bar, Craft Social, for craft beers from around the world; a new Eden dinner menu and programming; a new theater with lots of fancy tech, like a 110-foot 4K LED screen; and new spa experiences.
5. Staterooms
When it comes to staterooms aboard Celebrity Apex, don’t expect traditional dark and dingy cruise ship staterooms that you might be more used to on older ships from well-established cruise lines.
This ship’s staterooms are far more luxurious, and give the feel of a luxury hotel, rather than a cruise ship, with plush bedding, neutral color palettes with pops of color, lots of storage space, plenty of room and loads of natural light.
There are 1,467 staterooms on the ship, and 81% of those staterooms feature a veranda, while 10% feature an ocean-view only. Only 9% of the staterooms are interior. There are additionally 176 suites to choose from, and 178 connecting staterooms to choose from, both perfect options for groups of travelers or families.
If you’ve traveled on one of Celebrity’s Solstice-class ship before, you’ll immediately notice that all of the veranda staterooms are 23% larger on Apex than they are on Solstice-class ships, including 10% more space in the staterooms’ bathrooms. Infinite Veranda staterooms are particularly eye-catching, as the design works to bring the outdoors in, for a very roomy experience.
For the ultimate in space and luxury, cruisers can book an Iconic Suite, which offers more than 5,000 square feet of space, forward-ship views, two bedrooms each, balconies, cabanas and hot tubs. The Edge Villa is likewise spectacular, with two stories of living area, private plunge pools and direct access to The Retreat.
Special all-over stateroom amenities include cashmere bedding and in-room automation, which gives cruisers the power to change the lighting, temperature, shades and other aspects of their stay via a touch screen device. The staterooms also feature mobile locks, which allow you to unlock your door with your phone.
6. Outdoor Space
Some new outdoor spaces are debuting on Celebrity Apex as well. For example, the new Rooftop Garden is basically a hybrid of Celebrity’s older Lawn Clubs and Rooftop Terraces. The space features lots of plants, shady spots, sculptures and space for activities, from outdoor yoga to games, as well as dining on occasion.
The Solarium is adults-only, just like on all Celebrity ships, and features its own pool and hot tubs. Other outdoor spaces include the main pool on Deck 14. However, unlike on some other cruise ships, you’ll find that water features are not a main concern aboard Celebrity Apex.
7. Dining Options
You’ll find the same dining options on Celebrity Apex as you will on Celebrity Edge. These include nearly 30 different options, both complimentary and for-a-fee.
The main dining rooms are split over four separate spaces, each with their own vibe and experience, which is a nice change from the traditional one or two bland, same-ol-same-ol main dining rooms that you might find on other, older cruise ships.
For-a-fee dining includes the Fine Cut Steakhouse, for an upscale experience and a classic steakhouse menu; Le Grand Bistro, for a French-inspired dining experience; Le Petit Chef, for a technology-infused dinner; Raw on 5, a sophisticated sushi eatery; the Rooftop Garden Grill, for barbecue in the great outdoors; and Eden Restaurant, for an unprecedented experience in an equally unprecedented atmosphere.
Complimentary dining includes Eden Cafe, for casual daytime eats in a bright, vibrant space; the spa cafe; the Oceanview Cafe, for just that — stellar ocean views; and Mast Grill, for casual, poolside bites.
Bars and lounges are also identical to what’s on Celebrity Edge, except for the addition of the new Craft Social Bar, with its sports bar-style environment, craft beer and upscale pub food.
Otherwise, you can find The Martini Bar, for upscale martinis and tinkling piano tunes; Cafe al Bacio, for specialty drinks and sweets; The Sunset Bar for outdoor views; The Club, for conveniently located drinks in the hub of everything; and bars in the Eden area, in the Retreat Lounge and at the pool.
8. Entertainment
Entertainment slated to appear on Celebrity Apex once it does begin sailing include musical shows, like Rockumentary, which features hit classics from the history of rock n’ roll, as well as Tree of Life, which features ballet and aerialists. A cabaret-style show takes place in The Club.
Other than the “big” theatrical performances like these, you can expect plenty of your standard cruising favorites, like live music throughout the day, opportunities for dancing and karaoke, and all the fun games and activities lead by the enthusiastic crew throughout the daytime hours.
9. Fitness and Relaxation
There is, of course, a fitness center, but the Celebrity Apex fitness center is larger than what you’ll find on Celebrity Edge. Enjoy all your favorite ways to work out, with classes and the latest in exercise equipment.
The spa and wellness center gets a bit of a reboot over the Celebrity Edge offerings as well, with new programming, including spa-centric dining options that differ according to the cruise itinerary you happen to sail. Choose from more than 120 different treatments, enjoy a treatment with views of the ocean and then stop by the spa’s Persian Garden and thermal suite for further relaxation opportunities.
Worth Reading: 10 Things to Do on the Celebrity Eclipse Cruise Ship
10. Children’s and Teen Programming
Expect the same renowned children’s and teen programming on Celebrity Apex that you find throughout Celebrity’s other ships. However, because Celebrity Apex’s godmother is the founder of Girls Who Code, that means there will be additional STEM classes and Girls Who Code-related programming available for kids.
Otherwise, accompany your youngest children to the Toddler Time space (parents must be present) and then send the older kids off to Camp at Sea. Children are split into groups, ages 3 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 to 12.
Activities range from entertaining to educational, but all are sure to please your globetrotting young ones. The teen space, Teen Club, offers lots of group activities, social events and games.
Celebrity Apex Prices
Thinking of Taking a Celebrity Apex Cruise?
When choosing an upcoming cruise for the 2021 or 2022 season, you can hardly go wrong with Celebrity Apex. This brand-new ship certainly stands apart from many of Celebrity’s older vessels, but then also comes with unique features that you won’t even find on the still-new Celebrity Edge.
FAQ:
Celebrity Apex offers 16 guest decks over its 1,004 feet of length and gross tonnage of 130,818 GT. It offers a maximum capacity for 3,405 guests, though that number is 2,910 at double occupancy, and holds a crew of 1,320 individuals. All this considered, Celebrity Apex is not notable for its size.
While many cruise lines are constantly trying to build the next biggest thing as they release new ships, that’s not what Celebrity has done here. In fact, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge both tie for the 50th-largest cruise ships in the world currently — hardly anything groundbreaking.
There are three pools on Celebrity Apex, as well as five hot tubs. The adults-only Solarium features a pool and two hot tubs; there’s the large main pool on Deck 14; a private pool for suite guests-only is hidden in The Retreat, which also offers three hot tubs.
While Celebrity as a cruise line does appeal more to adult travelers, from young adults to seniors, it does offer plenty for families and children to enjoy as well.
Accompany your youngest children to the Toddler Time space (parents must be present) and then send the older kids off to Camp at Sea. Children are split into groups, ages 3 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 to 12. Activities range from entertaining to educational, but all are sure to please your globetrotting young ones. The teen space, Teen Club, offers lots of group activities, social events and games.
