Celebrity Cruise Ship Apex: A Luxurious Voyage
By David Powell
OVER RECENT YEARS the idea of mini-cruises from the UK have become a popular holiday trip for tourists across the country; perhaps due to financial circumstances or they want to sample what cruising is all about. Myself and my wife recently decided to embark on such a trip onboard Celebrity Apex travelling from Southampton, before travelling to Zeebrugge (for Bruges) in and then right into the heart of Amsterdam (The Netherlands).
The Celebrity Apex ship is one of the Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series and launched in 2020 with the 130,818-ton vessel able to accommodate approximately 2,910 passengers. It offers an elegant, high-end experience with cutting-edge design, diverse dining options, and superb entertainment. With its innovative spaces, including the Magic Carpet and Infinite Veranda staterooms, it redefines the traditional cruise experience, blending contemporary luxury with a laid-back, sophisticated atmosphere. So what makes Celebrity Apex stand out?
Ship Design and Atmosphere:
The ship boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with a focus on open spaces, natural light, and great design. It’s interiors were designed by renowned British designer Kelly Hoppen, who is known for her known for her contemporary / inviting style, and a neutral colour palette (blues, greys and soft earth tones) further gives a boutique hotel feel.
One of the most striking features is the Magic Carpet, which is a cantilevered platform that moves up and down the ship’s exterior; serving different purposes at different levels. It transforms into an al fresco dining area, a lounge, or an embarkation platform, depending on its position. This innovation not only adds to the ship’s futuristic look but also enhances the overall passenger experience.
The Resort Deck features the ship’s main pool, martini glass-shaped hot tubs, and a solarium for all to enjoy in a beautifully designed space with plenty of room. Meanwhile the Rooftop Garden is a lush, plant filled retreat and is perfect for enjoying cocktails in the sun; this area being one of our favourite places given the recent warmer weather.
Accommodations: The Infinite Veranda and Suites
Celebrity Apex’s accommodations set a new standard for cruise ship cabins and its most notable innovation is the Infinite Veranda staterooms; which replace traditional balconies with floor-to- ceiling glass doors that can be opened at the touch of a button and essentially merges the balcony with the cabin’s interior. This design creates more space and creates an indoor-outdoor experience that was highly enjoyed by us both!
For those visitors seeking a more exclusive experience, The Retreat offers suite guests a private, all-inclusive experience with personalised butler service, a private restaurant (Luminae), and a secluded sundeck.
Dining:
Dining on Celebrity Apex is a cruise highlight with a selection of twenty-nine restaurants, bars, and lounges offering a wide selection of cuisine. The ship features four complimentary main dining rooms called Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus; with each one having a distinct theme and specialty dishes. Instead of a traditional single main dining room, this setup offers more variety and a restaurant-like atmosphere.
The Oceanview Café is the buffet area which provides a vast selection of food and room service is also available 24/7. There is also specialty dining options including Le Petit Chef; which was a whimsical, animated dining experience where a tiny chef “prepares” meals before the actual dish is served and the table is turned into a 3D cinema screen where the little chef entertains throughout your meal.
Fine Cut Steakhouse (a classic steakhouse offering premium cuts) and Eden Restaurant (a multi-sensory dining experience in a botanical-inspired setting) were both lovely places to eat; as was Raw on 5 (a sushi and seafood restaurant with ocean views and a fresh raw bar selection). There was further Le Grand Bistro, which proved to be a charming French bistro serving classic Parisian fare.
Entertainment and Activities:
Celebrity Apex offers a wide entertainment line-up with theatre shows being held at their state-of-the-art facility featuring productions and aerial acrobatics; although visitors are asked to check out the daily newsletter for the shows and timings throughout their trip. Meanwhile Eden is a multi-use venue offering intimate performances and live music in a stunning garden-inspired setting.
The Club is also used as a versatile venue that hosts everything from silent discos and live bands to trivia / game shows; whilst the ship has a modern Vegas-style casino with slot machines, blackjack, poker, and roulette. The Spa offers an impressive range of treatments, including a seaweed wrap, cryotherapy facials, and a thermal suite with steam rooms / saunas. The Fitness Centre is fully equipped with Peloton bikes, yoga classes, and personal training options.
Conclusion:
With its stunning design and unique accommodations to gourmet dining and high-tech entertainment, Apex offers a top of the range cruise experience. Whilst it may not be the best fit for families with young children, it is perfect for travellers looking for a sophisticated and relaxed voyage whilst discovering a great choice of worldwide destinations.
From my initial phone booking to sailing onboard, Celebrity Apex offered a friendly and professional cruising experience. From restaurant waiters to housekeeping and concierge staff, both my wife and I found the service exceptionally good. Readers can find out more information by visiting: www.CelebrityCruises.com
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PICTURED BY DAVID POWELL: Celebrity Apex is a 130,818-ton vessel that is able to accommodate approximately 2,910 passengers.
