Review of the Celebrity Apex

In February, I had the pleasure of sailing through the Caribbean aboard the fabulous Celebrity Apex. It was my second time on this ship—my first voyage was in September 2023, cruising from Athens to Israel, Egypt, and back. (Luckily, we departed Israel just seven days before the Hamas attack!).

Launched in 2021, the Celebrity Apex is the second of four ships in the innovative Edge Class, celebrated for its bold design and distinctive features.  Holding about 3000 passengers and 1300 crew members she is not the biggest ship on the block but certainly one of the most original.  Ships in the Edge Class include the Edge, Apex, Beyond and Ascent.  The newest member to join this class is the Xcel due to be launched in late 2025.

Factoid:  What does a ship’s “class” mean?  A ship's class refers to a group of ships that share the same general design, structure, and specifications. In cruising, it’s a way for cruise lines to standardize shipbuilding while creating distinct "types" of ships with common features, layouts, and amenities. Cruise lines often change each new ship in the class slightly, adding innovations or refinements while maintaining the core experience.

Unique to the Edge Class is the Magic Carpet which is an (orange) platform located on the outside of the ship that moves up and down and can serve as a bar lounge area, a dining venue or a tender embarkation point. Believe me, there’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled glass of Prosecco, suspended over the ocean watching the world quietly drift by.

Another interesting feature, spanning three decks at the aft (back) of the ship is Eden. This space evolves throughout the day, offering guests an experience that blends unusual design, cuisine, and entertainment.  During the daytime, the space is serene and contemplative with the ambiance enhanced by spectacular ocean views, a myriad of live plants and uniquely designed furniture and art installations.  It is a great place to enjoy a morning coffee or read a book in peace. Later in the day, when the bar opens, guests can order unique organic drinks with fresh ingredients supplied by the nearby (interior) vertical garden.

On sea days, Eden features a cozy dining area offering a curated lunch menu with fresh salads, made-to-order gourmet sandwiches, and yummy baked treats. Come evening, the space transforms again as mellow piano and acoustic guitar give way to jaw-dropping aerialist performances. Just a tip-- seating is limited, so arriving early is key to snagging a good spot.  Also tucked within Eden is its signature specialty restaurant, where fresh seafood and hearty steaks are expertly prepared to order (note: there is an additional charge). That said, I did find Eden surprisingly quiet during the day—why, I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it’s the tucked-away location or its serene, almost meditative atmosphere. At times, it felt like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered… or perhaps, depending on your perspective, an underused space that doesn’t quite live up to its potential.

Perhaps recognizing a gap in guest experience, Celebrity’s parent company has evolved the concept found in Eden into The Bazaar on the soon-to-be launched Xcel. The Bazaar is marketed as a “multi-level venue designed to blur the lines between ship and shore, The Bazaar transforms daily with destination-inspired experiences to showcase the culture of the ship’s current destination through live music, dance, food, and craft events”.  The Bazaar will also introduce new culinary experiences, including Mosaic, an open-kitchen restaurant; Chef’s Table at Mosaic; the hands-on Chef’s Studio; and Spice, a more casual, globally inspired dining option.   It will be interesting to see how guests respond to The Bazaar and how it measures up to the Eden experience. Time will tell! 

One of the most talked-about innovations on this class of Celebrity ships is the replacement of (most) traditional balconies with the modern Infinite Veranda—a design element that’s sparked plenty of positive and negative conversation among cruise enthusiasts. 

While most cruise ships offer the traditional, classic balconies—private outdoor spaces separated from the stateroom (your personal cabin or "hotel room" at sea) by sliding glass doors—Celebrity’s Edge Class takes a different approach with its innovative Infinite Veranda. Instead of a distinct balcony, the stateroom extends all the way to the ship’s edge, framed by a floor-to-ceiling glass window. With the push of a button, the top half of the window lowers, transforming the end space of the room into an open-air veranda. This design certainly expands the interior living space, but I’ll admit—it’s not my favourite. One thing to note: when the window is open, the air conditioning shuts off unless you close the frosted glass doors separating the “veranda” from the “main cabin”. While this keeps the cool air in, it also makes the space feel a bit confined. Additionally, for safety reasons, the captain has the authority to disable the window controls or close open windows remotely. There is a motorized blackout shade that provides great coverage, but it’s a bit slow and makes more noise than you'd expect. All that said, I enjoy the Edge Class experience so much that I’m usually happy to trade the charm of a traditional balcony for the modern vibe of the Infinite Veranda. It’s a small compromise for everything else this class of ship has to offer.  However, for guests who are set on having a traditional balcony experience aboard Edge Class ships, there are still a couple of solid options—book a suite or select an aft-facing stateroom, where classic balconies are still available.

Some of my other favourite features on the Apex include the vibrant Martini Bar on Deck 3 considered the social heartbeat of the ship.

If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar, you’ll be treated to a high-energy flair bartending show, complete with music and theatrics, happening twice nightly. The atmosphere only gets better as the house band takes over, playing crowd-pleasing dance favourites well into the evening.  The Martini Bar’s menu is impressively extensive, featuring timeless classics alongside inventive new creations. My personal go-to’s? The Passionfruit Martini and the always-refreshing Lemon Drop. But if you’re in the mood for something sweet to cap off your evening, don’t miss the Snowflake Martini—it’s like a tropical coconut dream in a glass. Just above, on Deck 4, you’ll find Café al Bacio, the ship’s cozy coffee haven. It’s the perfect spot to sip your favourite espresso or tea while indulging in a tempting selection of freshly baked treats—all with a view of the lively scene below.

Speaking of food, Celebrity Apex delivers with a wide range of dining options to suit every taste. Guests staying in suites or AquaClass enjoy exclusive access to their own specialty restaurants. Suite guests dine at Luminae, a refined venue offering dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meanwhile, AquaClass guests can enjoy Blu, known for its health-conscious cuisine served in an elegant setting.

If it’s a quick serve-yourself meal you are after, the Oceanview Café on Deck 15 is the ship’s buffet—and honestly, I feel it’s one of the best at sea. The selection is vast, with something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegan options. Seating is just as varied, with indoor areas and a lovely outdoor section at the aft of the ship for al fresco dining with ocean views. If you prefer a sit-down meal, Apex offers four main dining rooms, each with a distinct culinary theme and ambiance, plus a shared menu of signature dishes. Cyprus focuses on Mediterranean flavours, Normandie serves up rich French cuisine, Tuscan highlights Italian favourites, and Cosmopolitan offers contemporary American classics. For an elevated dining experience, you can indulge in a variety of specialty restaurants for an additional fee—ranging from a classic steakhouse and fresh seafood spots to a charming French bistro and a relaxed rooftop grill.

Ready to soak up the sun, take a dip and participate in pool games? The pool deck on Apex—and all Edge Class ships—is spacious by cruise ship standards, with a large central pool and ample lounge chairs spread across multiple tiers, perfect for sunbathing or people-watching. And if you're in the mood to unwind, how about a soak in one of Apex’s two Martini glass–shaped hot tubs? Elevated above the deck, they offer great views and a stylish spot to relax.

Rounding out the Apex experience is a smoke-free casino, upscale retail shopping (Cartier, anyone?), and a well-equipped gym located at the front of the ship—complete with a multi-level outdoor walking and running track. Guests can also unwind in the serene, full-service spa, offering everything from massages to holistic wellness therapies.

And for evening entertainment, the ship’s innovative theatre features a rotating 360-degree screen that enhances every performance while delivering an immersive experience from every seat.

All in all, I have to say—I genuinely love sailing on Celebrity’s Edge Class ships. The experience strikes a perfect balance of elegance and sophistication, all wrapped in a relaxed, upscale vibe that never feels stuffy or uptight.