Review: Celebrity Apex

What is the line? Celebrity Cruises

Name of ship? Apex

Passenger occupancy? Around 3,000

Itinerary? Athens, Greek Islands, Croatia, back to Athens

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Celebrity Cruises differs from other big ship cruise lines in that it tends to kick things up a notch in the style and quality departments. The price tag remains in the middle of the pack, but its new line of Edge Class ships has propelled Celebrity forward to represent a new level of cruising. Celebrity has succeeded in appealing to every segment of traveler with its inclusive and forward-thinking new ships.

Tell us about the ship in general:

Setting off for the first time in 2020 with enough cabins for around 3,000 passengers, this is the second in the new Edge class of ships for Celebrity. Like sibling Celebrity Edge, this ship has the famous Magic Carpet bar that rises up and down the side of the ship like an elevator—plus a rooftop garden and grill. There are a few subtle differences though, which include the first Montblanc luxury store at sea, unique art and sculpture pieces around the ship, and a slightly redesigned Solarium area. The ship's chic interior and exterior design are the handiwork of celeb names like Nate Berkus and design maven Kelly Hoppen.

Who is onboard?

A sophisticated crowd, some cruising for the first time, and others who have sailed before but wanted to upgrade to a more modern ship. My Mediterranean sailing brought a mix of European and American guests—the ship has so much public space that it rarely felt crowded despite being completely full.

Describe the cabins.

I was lucky enough to stay in The Retreat, a discreet hideaway at the front of the ship with its own private pool, whirlpool, sun decks, restaurant, and private lounge for complimentary drinks and all-day snacks. For those that want to feel as if they are on a yacht rather than a large ship, The Retreat is for you.

The cabins have designer touches with bright colors and padded mattresses topped with duvets. The bathroom was rather spacious in my cabin with a glass shower stall, C.O. Bigelow toiletries from eco-friendly pump bottles, and a wide vanity.

I’m a big fan of Celebrity’s new Infinite Veranda staterooms, which swap the traditional balcony design for a larger cabin. By making better use of space, the original balcony area becomes part of the cabin’s living area. When you want fresh air, the touch of a button electronically lowers a window panel that makes the entire room a balcony of its own. Transparent panels can also slide closed to recreate the traditional balcony for those who want it. Edge class staterooms on the ship, although slightly smaller, have the same Infinite Veranda concept. In fact, the majority of cabins on Apex have some type of balcony. AquaClass cabins, which are not part of The Retreat, still offer an upgraded experience thanks to a private restaurant and free access to the spa and thermal suite.

Tell us about the crew.

The ship's crew hail from all around the world and speak multiple languages. The Retreat's staff were quick to remember my name and personal preferences. Overall, everyone working on board was very friendly and diligent at tidying the ship.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Like on Celebrity Edge, the main dining room option included in the cruise fare is divided into four separate restaurants with themed menus that rotate regularly. This gives passengers the chance to experience a different setting and menu each evening without spending anything extra.

Oceanview Cafe, my personal favorite, is set up like a buffet with various islands featuring a dozen different styles of cuisine, from Indian and Mexican food to traditional salad and pasta bars. Since my sailing was departing from Greece, there was always a colorful smorgasbord of local olives, cheeses, dips, and vegetables. Kudos to Celebrity’s Edge class of ships for making the traditional cruise buffet feel like an upscale food hall. After piling my plate high, I would head to the back patio (close to the fresh pizza oven) to dine in privacy and watch the waves flow behind us.

A swipe of your card opens up the dozen-plus specialty dining options with dishes designed by Daniel Boulud, Celebrity’s Global Culinary Ambassador. These include a sushi bar and raw grill (loved my dinner here), a French bistro with animated tabletop display called Le Petit Chef, plus a steakhouse and rooftop garden grill preparing burgers, steaks, and salads. Eden is a dinner favorite for its live performances in the cocktail lounge and the creative menu of international dishes, including numerous plant-based options. Not all specialty options have a fee. Eden Cafe has some grab-and-go bites like paninis and salads; and Mast Grill has burgers and fries by the pool.

On Celebrity Apex, bars abound. Perhaps the most spectacular is the martini bar. This is a lively spot in the central atrium where the bartenders are more like jugglers and magicians pouring, serving, and stacking drinks to great applause beneath a gigantic LED chandelier. Sunset Bar in the back of the ship is another go-to place for the views, and late-night hours in the disco keep the party fueled up. At least once during the sailing, it’s worth riding The Magic Carpet with a cocktail in hand while perched along the edge of the ship (I was especially jealous of those that opted to do so while in Santorini). Despite all the nightlife action, there is very little noise disturbance when you’re in your stateroom.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The Thermal Suite in the spa was exactly where I wanted to be while winding down my initial jet lag upon boarding in Athens. The heated daybeds facing the windows were pure therapy for my body, especially after spending time in the sauna, steam areas, salt room, and crystalarium (where Amethyst crystals help to detox the skin and body). Toward the end of my cruise, I booked a hydrafacial to help unravel the sun’s effects on my face after ten days in the Greek and Croatian islands. The gym on Apex is a bit larger than the one on Edge, but I prefer walking along the exterior jogging track to take in the views.

What about activities and entertainment?

With a rounded stage and wrap-around seats, the theater aboard Celebrity Apex is a game changer. For guests staying in the Retreat cabins, there is a reserved section on the mezzanine—but there are really no bad seats either way. During every performance, the 180-foot LED screens pumped visual energy throughout the space, and can even open up to reveal additional stage areas for theatrical performances.

Concerts by the pool, in the nightclub, or at the rooftop garden provided alternative diversion day and night. Live music fills almost every space on the ship during the evening hours, which encourages bar-hopping from the brewery, to the wine bar, and the Eden lounge. Drinks on Celebrity Apex are not included, but there are beverage packages that can ease the pain on your wallet if you enjoy a good tipple. The nightclub space doubles as a meeting venue during the day, but also hosts entertainment like an escape room or game show events, too.

How was the experience for families?

Kids can participate in organized activities depending upon their age, although some families choose to spend time together playing basketball, table tennis, splashing in the pool, or competing over video games. There are no waterparks or waterslides on Apex, which helps to keep the atmosphere calm and scream-free. You won’t find the ship to be jam-packed with young children although that can vary by the itinerary.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

The gorgeous Greek islands were a highlight of the sailing with fairly priced walking tours and cooking lessons available as excursions. The famous sail-in to Montenegro was enthralling as the ship weaved through the mountain-lined landscape, and Dubrovnik, Croatia is always a personal favorite.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Celebrity is zeroed in on a no-waste footprint, and on my ship, 85% of the waste is recycled or reused. The ship also plugs into shore power in most ports. The Edge class of ships uses 20% less fuel than older ships, and Celebrity Apex is part of a trial that uses a biofuel blend (using oils and fats with fuel) to reduce carbon emissions.

Anything we missed?

The godmother of Apex is the founder of Girls Who Code, which is focused on empowering young girls to follow their passions, especially in the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). I was impressed with the STEM programming available for kids on the ship. Celebrity also has an Autism Friendly Certification from Autism on the Seas.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

Celebrity Apex may not have the largest slide, the biggest room count, or challenge-inducing surf lessons or race cars, but it does take cruising to the next level in its own sophisticated way. This is one of my favorite ships at sea.