Earlier this month, nine FROSCH team members and five Valerie Wilson Travel team members attended Celebrity Cruises’ inaugural naming ceremony of their newest and latest vessel, Celebrity Apex, in Fort Lauderdale. After waiting 581 days, it was an emotional ceremony and succession of events to kick off the Apex’s cruising season.
In line with President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Lisa Lutoff’s, words during the ceremony, “Our comeback will be stronger than our setback.” The festivities did not disappoint!
The ship was christened by its Godmother, Reshma Saujani, the inspiring founder of the non-profit Girls Who Code, followed by memorable personal enhancement talks led by world-renowned speakers on nutrition, yoga, and meditation on day two.
The two-night trip aboard Celebrity Apex gave incredible insight into the strong spirit behind Celebrity Cruises and what clients can expect with a cruise on this innovative vessel.
First Thoughts
Upon boarding Celebrity Apex, there were three checkpoints where required documents were required. The lines flowed if you had your passport, Covid-19 vaccination certificate, and negative COVID-19 test completed 48 hours before boarding.
Celebrity gave clear and specific instructions allowing guests to prepare for these boarding requirements properly.
Booking any suite on the ship is worth it for the embarkation process alone. Suite guests check in at a separate area from the rest of the passengers at port. The process is quick and easy. You will be on the ship in less than fifteen minutes.
Ship Overview
The ship is sophisticated in design, with stunning art displays. It has a modern chic vibe where every art piece, chair, plant, and lighting work together elegantly. All agreed that the Apex has the most beautiful artwork we have seen at sea.
The Apex is LARGE but has intimate areas that make it feel cozy. You will find plenty of private nooks for drinks and conversation.
The color scheme throughout the boat was warm and muted, which felt comfortable and relaxing, yet sophisticated and elegant. The pool is fantastic, with a spacious deck.
Accommodations
Celebrity Apex offers the broadest range of staterooms in the Celebrity fleet. From Single Staterooms to the large Iconic Suite, rooms are equipped with newly designed living areas for a more spacious and efficient layout in addition to adjustable comfort features using state-of-the-art technology. 99% of rooms offer king-size beds, and the bathrooms felt very large.
The ship offers over 178 possible options for connecting rooms when traveling with friends and family. One of the most extensive options can comfortably sleep ten guests. The infinite veranda allows the stateroom to feel more spacious as guests have a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
The Retreat
The added amenities and inclusions of The Retreat make it great value overall and worth the upgrade. Review all The Retreat suites with your travel advisor, as the Sky Suite is not much larger than Deluxe Balcony staterooms. The difference between these room categories is the bathroom and the balcony. We recommend the larger suites for those needing more space.
Rooftop Garden
Many of us were impressed with the Rooftop Garden, so make sure to experience this. It is a lovely, carefully curated space that might become your favorite spot on the ship. Be on the lookout for special events in the Rooftop Garden. The Mad Hatter Tea Party is great fun!
Entertainment Onboard
Celebrity Apex offers an abundance of entertainment and performances, whether you are watching an immersive show in The Theatre, up close and personal with the Celebrity cast of the “Caravan” circus show or jamming out to live DJ performances in The Club.
The first night of the trip, “Crystalize” was a show to remember. Set in The Theatre, acrobats and visuals made for a fully immersive experience that was just a clue into the caliber of performances offered onboard.
Another notable highlight was attending Soul Night in The Club with live bands and music. The live music scattered throughout the boat always drew a crowd and made for a fun and inviting ambiance.
Dining Delights
Celebrity Apex offers a whopping twenty-nine distinct food and beverage experiences, including the two exclusive restaurants for The Retreat and AquaClass guests. It is a true culinary journey.
One notable highlight was the beautiful Eden Bar which used an abundance of live plants and flowers to fully encapsulate the themes of air, wind, sun, and sea.
The main dining option was executed wonderfully. Instead of one large dining room, there are four smaller dining rooms with a more intimate feel. Each dining room has standard menu offerings in addition to options that are unique to that specific restaurant – each plate delectable and photography worthy!
If you like buffets, head to The Oceanview Café. They had a beautiful cake display one day at lunch. The floor-to-ceiling windows are truly amazing, and this design truly brings the outside in.
You also have many choices among specialty restaurants. Le Petit Chef and Family is especially cute. Your dining experience comes alive when the plain white table turns into a colorful show. Watch as a young couple prepares a meal and enjoys daily life. It is hard to believe until you see it.
Do not be afraid of the sushi onboard. It is delicious. You can find it at the specialty restaurant Raw on Deck 5. The menu is also available at the Magic Carpet.
Best Exercise Facilities at Sea
The gym and spa areas are the nicest we have seen at sea. The gym is state of the art with any exercise equipment you could want. Celebrity Apex is also the first cruise ship to offer an F45 studio. The HIIT classes will challenge even the fittest cruiser. The staff can also design a personal fitness program customized to your specific needs.
The walking/jogging track is the best we have experienced on any ship. Instead of a simple round track, it spans two decks. You will have no excuse to skip your exercise routine while on vacation!
Final Thoughts
There is an air of sophistication and class aboard Celebrity Apex, unlike any other. Passing through the high-end shops of Montblanc, Bulgari, and Cartier, you can’t help but feel the grandeur and lifestyle that the ship represents.
Luxury, innovation, and relaxation will be the heartbeat of your sail on Celebrity Apex. Without being too over-the-top, the ship masters the delicacies of fine cruising making for a perfectly balanced trip.
Our Favorite Travel Tips
Download the App!
One highly recommended tip to anyone considering sailing the Celebrity Apex is to use the Celebrity Cruises app. In addition to letting users familiarize themselves with the boat and onboarding procedures beforehand, the app allows guests to see an overview of all the activities going on onboard so they can plan out a day-by-day itinerary in advance. The app syncs with your calendar and will send helpful notifications when something is coming up. The ship does still offer paper agendas for people who prefer physical information.
Your Stateroom Matters
Let your travel advisor know if you have mobility issues or trouble walking long distances. Be aware that there are no mid-ship elevators. Additionally, some rooms only offer Juliet balconies, and others have obstructed views. Your FROSCH travel advisor will listen to your needs and preferences to find the best stateroom to suit you.
Best Places for a Cocktail
The cabanas with bottle service are close enough to the pool and the Magic Carpet to enjoy in a comfortable, beautiful setting. Have a specialty cocktail at the Eden bar (try “The Forbidden”) and enjoy the atmosphere. For live music, consider the Martini bar or the Magic Carpet.
What to Know if Traveling with Kids
The Celebrity Apex offers programs for kids, but it is not as extensive as other cruise lines. This cruise might not be the most suitable for families traveling with young children.
Perfect for Groups
A large ship like Celebrity Apex is excellent for groups. There is something for everyone on board. The Aqua Class is perfect for a girlfriend getaway or wellness retreat. The upgraded amenities and unlimited access to the thermal spa, and the clean dining restaurant, Blu, make it ideal for this type of group.
Begin the Planning Process Now
The Celebrity Apex is receiving quite a bit of buzz! The higher room categories will sell out first. If you are interested in sailing the Celebrity Apex, reach out to us to start the planning process now.
A huge thank you to our featured contributors for sharing their insight and insider tips about the Celebrity Apex experience!
Featured Contributors for this article are as follows:
Bryan Leibman, FROSCH President & CEO
Marc Kazlauskas, FROSCH President, Leisure Division & US Branch Operations
Jennifer McGuigan, FROSCH Vice President, Leisure Development & Support
Mary Clifford, Valerie Wilson Travel, Director Marketing
Kim Stewart, Wayland Travel, a FROSCH Company, Leisure Manager
Ken Heit, FROSCH Independent Travel Advisor
Diane Brock, FROSCH Independent Travel Advisor
Judy Jacobson, FROSCH Independent Travel Advisor
Jennie Cartwright, FROSCH Independent Travel Advisor
Raye Said, FROSCH Classic Cruise & Travel, Travel Advisor
Imelda Leoncio, Valerie Wilson Travel Silicon Valley, Travel Advisor
Rachel Crowe, Avondale Travel, A Valerie Wilson Travel Affiliate, Travel Advisor
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