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11th Sep 2027 | 14 nights | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Apex
Why do we love this cruise holiday? Sip cappuccinos by the sea, relax under the warm Mediterranean sun, and enjoy spectacular sunsets in this iconic region. From its golden shores to vibrant coastal towns, the Mediterranean is the dream destination you’ve always imagined. Explore charming landscapes, indulge in mouth-watering local cuisine, and immerse yourself in centuries of history and culture. With Celebrity Cruises’ All Included package, you can unwind knowing that unlimited drinks and Wi-Fi are built into the price, adding even more value and convenience to your holiday.
What’s Included:
Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:
All-Inclusive Norwegian Fjords Explorer
14th Aug 27 | 7 nights
Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Apex
from £1473.00
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Located on the south coast of England, Southampton served as the historic ocean liner gateway for the British Empire and the intense North Atlantic passenger trade to the U.S. and Canada. Today it is the U.K.'s - and indeed Europe's -- leading cruise port.
Best known as the homeport of Cunard's Queen Mary 2, Southampton now hosts a wide variety of cruise ships in the booming European cruise market with the principal lines being Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises and Saga Cruises.
For most cruise passengers, it's the first and/or last port on a European cruise or Atlantic crossing. But New York it ain't, and the first thing you see as you approach is not the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, but a giant IKEA.
A pleasant, bustling city of around a quarter of a million inhabitants, Southampton has several areas of interest, though much of its historic medieval character was destroyed during World War II. In 1620, the Mayflower left from just outside the existing city walls, and the waterfront recalls this historic voyage. From Mayflower Park, you can enjoy watching the container ships pass en route to and from the freight terminal beyond the Western Docks, cruise ships departing from three separate locations, and excursion boats and cross-harbour ferries flitting around the port. Today, it is a modern shopping destination, business centre and university town (the University of Southampton is a major British research university; among its well-known alumni is QM2 designer Stephen Payne with a large commercial port in addition to its year-round cruise operations.
It's not somewhere you want to hang around (unless you want to pick up some flat-pack furniture), and most visiting cruise passengers will use Southampton as a gateway to nearby London (an hour and 10 minutes away by train). It is also a good starting point for the Isle of Wight (reachable by ferry) and the surrounding county of Hampshire and Wiltshire, with their numerous attractions.
Capital of sun-soaked Sardinia, visit Cagliari's sandy beaches, explore its cluster of museums or walk around the cathedral and charming piazzas in its medieval centre, enclosed within old city walls.
The capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is
today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and
inspiring ancient sites. At the same time, it's alive and vibrant in a
21st-century way. It's an unforgettable city to visit, and we'll warn
you right now that once you've experienced it, you'll want to go back
for more.
One of our favorite things to do there is walk and ogle. On a recent
visit, we took one day to do the route from Vatican City and St. Peter's
Basilica -- with its jaw-dropping art, statuary, and religious
significance -- to Via del Corso, where our quest for the latest Italian
fashions was more than fulfilled amidst the well-dressed crowd of Roman
shoppers. The next day, we went on an ancient history quest past ruins
and columns, traversing the same streets Julius Caesar strode (and rode)
to the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Walking on, we were
awed by the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient symbol of Rome and now a
great hangout spot.
First-time visitors, many envisioning Rome as big and congested, will be
surprised by the scenic layout, with its famous seven hills and the
Tiber River running through the city. (Cleopatra famously made her grand
entrance from the river.) And the senses may be shocked by the general
energy, hustle and bustle. With cars, taxis and scooters roaring here
and there, crossing the street can be a challenge. (Don't worry; there
are quiet piazzas aplenty with lovely cafes where you can get away from
it all and unwind.)
The food is, of course, wonderful -- we can't eat enough pasta -- and
the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. Whenever we do such
a quest in Rome, we do regular gelato stops (try the yummy pine nut
flavor) or coffee breaks. And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci,
Armani and more. (High style can be found in more affordable brands
like Furla, as well.) What could be better than that?
No question, Rome has one of the world's most important collections of
once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter's Basilica and the
Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and on and on
and on. And for those historic monuments alone, the city is worth a
visit.
But if you're on an itinerary where Rome is just a port of call for the
day, you won't see everything. Either resign yourself to that fact, or
book a tour that will at least drive you by the main sights. Be aware
the port for Rome, Civitavecchia, is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city.
(There is decent train service.) If you're beginning or ending your
cruise there, plan to stay at least a couple of nights to explore the
Eternal City; it's likely to steal a piece of your heart. Make sure to
drop a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is said to assure you'll come back
again.
Poor Cannes, so underappreciated.
Gertrude Stein once said of Oakland, California: "There's no there there." Cannes, sadly, seems to suffer from a similar character flaw. Consider this arch comment from travelmeister Rick Steves: "Cannes has nothing unique to offer the traveller, except a mostly off-limits film festival. You can buy an ice cream cone at the train station and see everything before you've had your last lick."
Clearly, Steves has no affinity for Cannes' je ne sais quois -- insisting the French Riviera resort offers little to visitors apart from luxury brand shopping and a day at the beach. But given a chance, Cannes does deliver. Granted, the Palais des Festivals, which houses the International Film Festival, looks like a no-name warehouse, and its signature red carpet is absent except during the festival's annual 10-day run in May, so there is a sense of a let-down. But dig deeper and you'll uncover some rich history, fabulous food, a modest and sweet Old Town called Le Suquet, and La Croisette, a glitzy palm tree-lined boulevard that makes up for the missing red carpet.
Vive Cannes!
The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is one of the country's -- maybe even Europe's -- most beautiful and vibrant places. A city of contrasts, it is like no other in Spain; this is most evident in its architecture, a marriage of Gothic spikes and modern curves. (One name to keep an eye out for is Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's most famous architect.) Barcelona is also a city of distinct neighbourhoods. The old city -- Ciutat Vella -- is the heart of everything, with museums, shopping and cafes. Then there's the port area, Port Vell, which features bars, restaurants, shops, an IMAX theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. (Port Vell is different from the working port area where cruise ships dock, but it's not too far away.) Enchanting and ancient, the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is the centre of the old city and brings together the best of Barcelona in a series of narrow streets, shops, cafes and magical corridors. One of Barcelona's best attributes is that while it seems large and spread out, its neighbourhoods are surprisingly walkable and easily accessible by bus, metro or even on foot (in comfortable shoes). Don't miss a stroll along Las Ramblas, replete with produce and flower stands, a historic opera house and maybe even a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe calling to you from the balcony of the Erotica Museum. Just be sure to rest your feet now and then over a few plates of tapas (which are meant to be shared, but we won't tell if you don't) and an ice-cold pitcher of sangria or a bottle of cava, the region's sparkling wine.
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, Cadiz was founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 B.C.E. Today, you can find elements of its Phoenician, Roman, Arab and Christian past in spots throughout the city. Omnipresent are the massive 16th-century stone walls, built to protect the city after Sir Francis Drake sacked it. The city's design inspired many Latin American city designers. In particular, the similarity to Havana, with its long sea wall and landscaped parks, is so pronounced it has stood in for the Cuban city in several Hollywood movies, including the Bond film, "Die Another Day." Cadiz is comfortably walkable and offers up lots of pretty squares, shopping and live music played alfresco during the warmer months. And don't forget Cadiz is part of the province of Andalusia, the birthplace of flamenco.
Seville, capital of Andalucia, lies on the mighty Guadalquivir -- one of Spain's longest rivers -- and is an enchanting city of leafy parks, mosaic-paved riverside promenades, winding medieval streets and grand squares lined with spectacular buildings and studded with fragrant orange trees. It also has a history that dates back 2,000 years and is displayed in a dazzling array of buildings from Roman ruins and Moorish minarets to magnificent Baroque palaces, Gothic and Renaissance churches and more recently constructed futuristic extravaganzas. For although it is proud of and eager to preserve its past, modern-day Seville -- which gained eight new river bridges, super-fast rail links and a vast international fan base after hosting the 1992 World Expo -- looks forward as well as back. The city has bike-sharing, a tram and underground metro links, as well as more high-speed train services and even an electric car program. A major upside has been fewer traffic fumes, more pedestrianized streets and cleaner buildings. But that's not all that recommends this fabulous city. For us, what makes Seville really memorable is its quintessential Spanishness. Heartland of the flamboyant Flamenco and -- more controversially -- the bloody sport of bullfighting, Seville is also notable for the spookily spectacular religious processions which take place during Semana Santa (Holy Week), when living tableaux re-enact the Easter story, elaborate statues are carried from churches and sinister-looking white-hooded "penitents" process through crowded streets. A rather more joyful festival takes place after Easter, when the Guadalquivir's west bank plays host to the Feria de Abril (April Fair, which oddly enough is sometimes held in May). This weeklong funfest involves around-the-clock feasting and dancing. Then in June the locals deck the streets with flowers and whoop it up again to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. And if you love tapas, those tasty tidbits that go down so well with a glass or two of ruby Rioja, Sevilla (as the Spanish know it) will be your idea of seventh heaven. Most cruise passengers get to Seville on a day trip from the nearby big-ship port of Cadiz. Smaller ships can navigate up the Guadalquivir -- a fascinating journey past basking fishing boats, lush vineyards, cotton fields and olive and citrus groves. Another tip; join a cruise which stays here overnight if you can, as Seville is just delightful in the evening when the tapas bars which line its narrow streets fill with relaxed and stylish locals. Grab a glass of wine, chilled sherry or ice-cold beer; whistle up a few plates of tasty local delicacies like Jamon Iberico, olives, salty anchovies and puntillitas (fried squid) and then lap up the atmosphere of this lovely city.
Located on the south coast of England, Southampton served as the historic ocean liner gateway for the British Empire and the intense North Atlantic passenger trade to the U.S. and Canada. Today it is the U.K.'s - and indeed Europe's -- leading cruise port.
Best known as the homeport of Cunard's Queen Mary 2, Southampton now hosts a wide variety of cruise ships in the booming European cruise market with the principal lines being Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises and Saga Cruises.
For most cruise passengers, it's the first and/or last port on a European cruise or Atlantic crossing. But New York it ain't, and the first thing you see as you approach is not the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, but a giant IKEA.
A pleasant, bustling city of around a quarter of a million inhabitants, Southampton has several areas of interest, though much of its historic medieval character was destroyed during World War II. In 1620, the Mayflower left from just outside the existing city walls, and the waterfront recalls this historic voyage. From Mayflower Park, you can enjoy watching the container ships pass en route to and from the freight terminal beyond the Western Docks, cruise ships departing from three separate locations, and excursion boats and cross-harbour ferries flitting around the port. Today, it is a modern shopping destination, business centre and university town (the University of Southampton is a major British research university; among its well-known alumni is QM2 designer Stephen Payne with a large commercial port in addition to its year-round cruise operations.
It's not somewhere you want to hang around (unless you want to pick up some flat-pack furniture), and most visiting cruise passengers will use Southampton as a gateway to nearby London (an hour and 10 minutes away by train). It is also a good starting point for the Isle of Wight (reachable by ferry) and the surrounding county of Hampshire and Wiltshire, with their numerous attractions.
Celebrity Apex ship is part of the current revolution for Celebrity, which for years has pushed the bar when it comes to design and delight. For the second of its Edge-class ships, the cruise line partnered with some big-name designers -- including Kelly Hoppen and Jouin Manku -- to bring an airy, modern feel to every space onboard, inside and out. And while the 2,910-passenger ship is fancy, it's not stuffy – there's a relaxed vibe throughout.
The Celebrity Apex Deck Plan Promotes Both Peace and Adult-Centric -Fun
Celebrity Apex shines when it comes to dining and nightlife, striking the right balance between fun, flair and familiar. The quality of food, no matter the restaurant, will make every passenger happy, whether you're seeking simple buffet fare or elaborate fine-dining.
Likewise, the nightlife ranges from quiet corners to full-on participatory performance in the spectacular Eden complex – a gorgeous, window-filled space that feels both relaxing and evocative.
Apex also excels at innovation, with unique features like the heralded Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that juts from the side of the ship and can move up and down depending on its use. At the lowest deck, it serves as a gateway to ports, making embarkation and debarkation easy. On other decks, it's a restaurant or bar space with unparalleled views.
Passengers looking for features like waterslides or climbing walls will have to look elsewhere, and while Apex is open to families -- even offering a solid kids club and programming -- it's not designed with activities aimed to thrill children.
Infinite Verandas are a Highlight of Celebrity Apex Cabins
The ship also offers infinite verandas, staterooms that have a modified approach to the traditional balcony. This gives passengers more internal square footage while offering a more customisable balcony experience. Apex is also notable for its exceptional offerings to suite guests. The Celebrity Apex Retreat experience encompasses private and exclusive dining, a lounge and splendid sundeck, aimed at giving suite passengers seclusion and comfort. It's the perfect balance between luxury and big ship cruising.
Daytime Fun
Celebrity Apex has a lovely, long main pool with a number of padded lounge chairs surrounding it. We like that there's a wade-in area -- with lounge chairs in the water -- so you can cool off without taking the plunge. Two martini-glass hot tubs flank the pool. A large swath of the pool deck, on the starboard side, is committed to the ship's cabanas. Cabanas are available for rental, and can accommodate up to six guests. Be forewarned: While they're beautiful, they aren't private. If you're looking for something a little quieter, the solarium is your spot. This indoor space offers a thalassotherapy pool and hot tub, and it's open only to adults. You won't get the sunshine, as the space is indoors, but windows open to offer fresh air, and it's a nice respite from the constant action at the main pool.
At Night
Celebrity Apex was built for nightlife, with several lounges that combine a bar with entertainment. You'll have plenty of options beyond the main theatre, though you won't be disappointed in the shows there, either. We love that you'll find live music pretty much where ever you go, and if it's not live, a DJ performs an admirable job keeping the joint jumping, often till late.
**The Theatre** Simply called The Theatre, this state-of-the-art theatre serves as the most traditional spot for nightly entertainment. That doesn't mean the entertainment is traditional, though. The large stage -- nearly in-the-round-- is backed by a 180-foot-wide LED screen that becomes an integral part of the show. Pieces of the stage and screen move up and down, back and forth to put the entertainment even closer to the audience. The Theatre offers several stage shows every cruise, including the ambitious "Tree of Life", which features singers, dancers and acrobats, along with a giant tree featuring LED leaves. When a production show isn't on offer, you'll catch solo musicians, magicians and comedians at The Theatre. *Tip: While there isn't really a bad seat in The Theatre, it's worth showing up early if you want to sit close. The upper level is reserved for Retreat guests.
**The Club** One of the really cool spots on Apex, The Club pretty much has activities going on all day long, from trivia to escape room fun. But it really shines at night. That's when the live music is jamming and the dance floor hops. Don't be surprised if an acrobat or two shows up. And if you see "Caravan" on your daily planner, make sure you catch it at least once. The cabaret show has a circus theme that will have you mesmerized throughout. This show runs several times over the length of your cruise, so don't worry if you miss it the first time around.
**Eden** Entertainment at Eden begins around 6 each night and continues till midnight or beyond. Each night features a different theme: Night of Dreams or Night of Enchantment, for example. Some nights are more subtle, while others scream the theme, with shows designed to match. If you're only going to one, make it Night of Dreams, which features performers in elaborate Alice in Wonderland inspired costumes. It's a joy! *Tip: Each theme night features a specific themed cocktail, which are consistently innovative and tasty.
**Casino** The casino sits midship on Deck 4, tucked onto the port side. It offers the usual slot machines, as well as a surprisingly large variety of table games.
Bars & Nightlife
Activities on Celebrity Apex go well into the night, and you'll find everything from quiet corners to heart-pounding dance floors.
Our Picks
**Heart of the Action:** Without a doubt, the Grand Plaza is the place where it all happens. This immense space takes up the midship of decks 3, 4 and 5. A huge grand chandelier, replete with LED lights, is the centrepiece, hanging over the ship's bustling martini bar. Here, you can catch live music, watch the flair bartenders put on a show and enjoy great martinis (or whatever your choice) until the wee hours of the morning.
**For Live Music:** Head to The Club, a two-level bar with a big dance floor and lots of seating -- so you can join the action or simply spectate.
**For Beer and a Game:** Craft Social is your spot if you fancy a pint and whatever sport is on TV. The bar offers a decent selection of beer, with a couple of craft options (and some mega priced rare bottles as well).
**For Something Different:** Head to Eden, for smoky cocktails and libations served in beakers. Plus, there's a different theme every night, and acrobats, aerialists and other performers might make an appearance.
Spa
The spa on Celebrity Apex is nothing short of impressive. It is large enough to accommodate plenty of passengers at a time with a wide variety of treatment options. Massage, of course is the biggie, and Apex offers everything from a standard Swedish treatment to an uber-relaxing zero-gravity massage, using a special table that takes pressure off the body. Facials are also offered, along with medi-spa treatments. The spa complex also hosts a sizeable salon for hair and nails, and a separate barber shop for men. The best part of the spa, though, is the Sea Thermal, the ship's thermal suite. Available only to AquaClass passengers and those who purchase weeklong passes, this area is as beautiful as it is serene, with lots of windows, modern, sleek décor and soothing colours. Guests can relax in the heated ceramic loungers, visit the crystal therapy room or spend time in the infrared sauna, among other options. This is a spot you'll want to spend hours enjoying. *Tip: Look for spa deals when the ship is in port.
Fitness
You'll find the fitness centre all the way forward, on Deck 15. The gym has everything you'd need to keep fit while on vacation, offering an impressive array of Technogym machines as well as free weights and even a Smith weight machine. You'll also find a solid number of cardio machines, including treadmills, bikes and ellipticals. Apex even offers four coveted Peloton bikes. There are also two large fitness rooms for group classes (fees apply for many of these) including Ryde, boxing and HIIT sessions. You can also do a self-led class: You'll find workouts of the day on TV screens in the gym. Celebrity Apex (and sister Celebrity Edge) have our favourite running tracks on the waves. Both ships offer two-level running tracks that wrap the resort deck, taking you up and down mild hills, through the lovely Rooftop Terrace and around the martini-glass hot tubs. You'll hit a mile at 4.5 laps. Tip: If you want to get your workout done in your own stateroom, you can follow along to the interactive options on your TV. There are many to choose from, and they will get you sweating.
Celebrity Apex dining options are top notch. You can elect to dine at nothing but the included restaurants and be totally satisfied with your meal in terms of selection and quality. Specialty restaurants, ranging from a French bistro to superb steakhouse, are certainly worth trying though. There are Celebrity Apex drinks packages with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Free Restaurants on Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship
The ship offers four smaller dining room options, rather than the traditional cruise ship approach of one main dining room, which helps meals feel a little more intimate. You can choose from Tuscan, Cyprus, Cosmopolitan and Normandie. Each serves the same varied menu as the others each night, with a small selection of dishes exclusive to that restaurant. Guests can pick a set dining time or elect to dine on a flexible schedule. Dinner is served in all restaurants, while lunch and breakfast options depend on the day. Light bites are available at various venues throughout the day, including our favourite cruise ship coffee shop, Café al Bacio, and the Spa Café. Eden Café is a quiet, hidden gem tucked into the corner of the massive Eden complex. It's open for breakfast and lunch, offering items like muesli and egg sandwiches or salads and wraps. The best part is the outdoor seating, which is quiet and filled with art; it's a feast for the senses. Once a cruise, on the last sea day, Celebrity Apex will go all out, serving dishes native to the places the cruise visits. So a sailing from Greece will feature traditional dishes from the home country, with options in every restaurant at lunch and dinner. It's a true dining takeover that cruisers really embrace.
Oceanview Café Buffet
Celebrity Apex's buffet, Oceanview Café, is a light and bright space offering multiple stations. Choose from build-your-own salads, an extensive carving station, a huge pasta section and more desserts than you could get through in a whole cruise. Self-service isn't permitted; crew serve you at each station. Drinks are ordered and delivered tableside.
Blu for AquaClass
Available exclusively to guests booked in AquaClass cabins or those in suites, Blu offers healthier dishes, emphasizing simple yet tasty ingredients.
Luminae for Suite Passengers
Luminae is open only to Retreat passengers. The menu is fairly small, but passengers here can order from the menu in the main restaurant as well. Look for dishes from renowned chef Daniel Boulud. **Tip:** Menus for every restaurant are available on the Celebrity app, so you can get a sneak preview to help you pick which venue you'd like to try.
For-Fee Restaurants on Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship
Whether you're craving sushi, steak, or something more fanciful, you'll find it at Celebrity Apex's specialty, for-fee restaurants. If you think you'll want to try more than one specialty restaurant, look into Celebrity Apex's dining packages, which could save you a little money. **Tip:** Visit Raw on 5 for lunch rather than dinner. The menus are pretty much the same, but you won't battle for reservations the way you might at night. Also, look for days when the Magic Carpet is on Deck 5 as an extension of the restaurant for an expanded menu and world-class views.
Dinner on the Edge $$$$
This is a once-in-a-cruise kind of meal, where passengers can dine on the Magic Carpet as it's positioned on Deck 14. Don't expect a set menu. Instead, you'll get a spectacular spread of whatever the chef fancies. Think whole lobster and pasta or upscale gyros, all as part of the same meal. The sunset views are not to be missed. You'll need reservations.
Le Petit Chef at Le Bistro $$$
Maybe the best way to describe the experience at Le Petit Chef is "whimsical." This restaurant offers a whole experience, as the menu is set to coincide with a full-on animation show that plays out on your table and plate. Watch as Le Petit Chef prepares a course, which is then served to you -- looking remarkably like it did in the animation -- in real life. This is a fun one for both kids and adults. For the best experience, you should stick with the set menu, but if you have allergies or preferences that prohibit that, you'll still enjoy yourself. Expect a meat course, a pasta course and dessert. Several different shows are offered, so if you really love it, you can see it another night and not catch a repeat.
Eden Restaurant $$$
Wake views abound at Eden, which serves contemporary dishes next to an open-air kitchen, so you can watch as chefs prepare your meal, which might include slow-cooked halibut or a yogurt and beet bowl, served with fresh, hot pita. The restaurant is part of the Eden complex, so you can catch glimpses of the entertainment going on without being distracted by it, because you're seated a level below.
Fine Cut Steakhouse $$$
So. Much. Meat. And it's all well-prepared and seasoned, from the petite filet mignon to the ribeye and the New York strip. There’s also a selection of fish and chicken. Fine Cut is located just off the Grand Plaza, the ship's heartbeat at night, but it's surprisingly quiet for dinner. Still, you can hear the action and jump away to join in if you wish.
Rooftop Garden Grill $ (lunch), $$ (dinner)
This under-the-radar spot offers barbecue-style foods in an open-air setting. The venue itself is gorgeous, located on Deck 15 at the back of the ship. Tables are surrounded by greenery and subtle windscreens designed to keep your salad from flying off your plate mid-meal. Menu options include racks of ribs, loaded fries and chicken wings.
Raw on 5 $
This Japanese restaurant has a high-level seafood game. You can choose from sushi and sashimi, noodle bowls and towers of seafood, meant to be shared. The sushi chef prepares rolls in an open kitchen, so you can watch the artistry. Talk to guest services, your concierge or your Retreat Host to find out when the Magic Carpet will be located on Deck 5, next to the restaurant. It serves as an extension of Raw on 5, offering a slightly enhanced menu. Prices are à la carte.
Le Bistro $
This French-themed bistro is only open for lunch, at night, Le Petit Chef takes over. If you want all the bread, mounds of fries, delicate mussels and a variety of fresh-made sandwiches (think brie and apple), this is the spot for you.
Our Favourite Restaurants on Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship
Fine Cut is our favourite onboard because the menu is varied, steaks are consistently perfect and sides and desserts are excellent accompaniments. If you've got kids, Le Petit Chef is sure to be a hit. And if you want a casual meal in the open air, with a little bit of romance as the sun sets, pick Rooftop Garden Grill.
Celebrity Apex offers a variety of contemporary staterooms, from inside cabins all the way up to massive suites.
Infinite Verandas Provide a Unique Balcony Approach
Worth noting is the ship's "infinite veranda" approach, which strays significantly from the traditional balcony you might be expecting. Most of the ship's balconies are infinite verandas, which essentially operate as large windows, where the top drops down at the push of a button to provide unobstructed ocean views. Folding doors can be shut behind the veranda space, providing the feel of a typical veranda. We're fans of these balconies, but some traditionalists miss the true veranda experience, which offers more of the outdoors. All solo cabins feature infinite verandas and run about 130 square feet.
Celebrity Apex Cabins are Beautifully Modern, With Some Quirky Design Choices
Cabins run smaller than you might find in a standard hotel room, but they're on the upper end of industry standards for big cruise ships, in part because the infinite veranda provides a little bump in indoor space. Most standard cabins run about 200 square feet, while suites start at 298 square feet for the entry-level Sky Suite, and range all the way to 1,892 square feet for the top-end Iconic Suites.
All cabins come with two twin beds that can be combined to form a queen-sized bed, nightstands, interactive TV, closet, safe, refrigerator, desk and chair, sofa, dresser, and power and USB outlets -- U.S. and European. Bathrooms have amenities in large bottles -- lotion, shampoo and conditioner -- as well as bars of soap. They also have decent-sized showers. One thing we found lacking overall was sufficient space for hanging wet clothing and towels; we could have used more hooks.
Cabins are beautifully designed and feel modern and fresh. We're gaga about the desk found in most cabins, which can be slid into the adjoining dresser to give you more space.
Our biggest nit to pick -- and it's a pretty minor one for these otherwise breathtaking staterooms -- is some design choices favor form over function. For example, rocking chairs in some suites have a large footprint that can cause tripping among even the most sure-footed guests, and oddly placed bathroom telephones that hang the cord over the toilet paper roll.
You'll find 25 accessible cabins onboard, across multiple cabin categories.
Celebrity Apex Inside Cabins are Good Budget Options
The Apex's inside cabins offer a nice bang for your buck. You’ll miss out on the ocean views from your stateroom, but these interior rooms feel spacious and thoughtfully designed.
Sky Suites and Edge Villas are Splurge-Worthy on Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex's 146 Sky Suites are perfect for those who want to dip a toe into suite life. While these don't have living spaces separated from the bedroom (you'll have to upgrade to the Celebrity Suite to get that), they are plenty spacious, have beds that face the water, ample balconies and big bathtubs.
For something really special, the ship's six Edge Villas are two-level suites that accommodate four and feature beautiful balconies with jetted pools. Our favourite part: You have direct access to The Retreat Sun Deck.
Exclusive Perks for Retreat-Level Cabins
The Retreat is an exclusive area for suite passengers only. It takes up a solid chunk of prime real estate at the front of the ship, on decks 15 and 16. The most gasp-worthy area is the gorgeous sundeck, replete with sunbeds, cabanas, loungers and rocking chairs. Sun-lovers and shade-seekers will find their spot no matter the time of day, thanks to the myriad nooks and crannies throughout. It's serene yet humming with energy.
The Retreat also includes a small pool (and three adorable swing chairs if you just want to dip your feet in) as well as a hot tub. A small bar and dining area are available for passengers looking for a tipple or a bite (you won't find a better burger onboard). Servers cater to your every whim, delivering drinks and icy-cold towels as needed.
The Retreat Lounge, on Deck 15, is busier from tea time on, offering grab-and-go drinks (like sparkling water or soft drinks) in small coolers, or a full bar with anything you could want. At happy hour, you will find snacks, including a delicious charcuterie board. Hosts are available full time to help with dinner reservations or shore excursion needs for example.
In addition to The Retreat spaces, suite passengers also get exclusive access to the restaurant Luminae, open for breakfast and dinner every day.
Passengers staying in Sky Suites and above get access to The Retreat and its various perks. It's not cheap -- you'll pay about double what you'd pay for a veranda cabin -- but the inclusions and amenities are exceptional. In addition to the access mentioned above, all Retreat passengers have personal Retreat Hosts (butlers) who will take care of anything and everything -- escorting you to the Destination Gateway for shore excursions, handling laundry and pressing needs, escorting you off the ship and just generally making your experience onboard hassle-free.
Guests also get upgraded to the premium drink package, get faster Wi-Fi, onboard credit and a shore excursion credit, along with premium reserved seating for shows.
Our Favourite Cabins on Celebrity Apex
**For Solo Travelers** Single travellers can take advantage of the ship's solo accommodations. All solo cabins feature infinite verandas and run about 130 square feet. It feels a lot like a regular infinite veranda cabin, just a little more compact.
**For Travelers On a Budget** Celebrity Apex's inside cabins offer a nice bang for your buck. If you don't mind missing out on the ocean views from your stateroom, book an inside cabin, which feels spacious and thoughtfully designed.
**For Travelers Looking To Splash** Pick the ship's AquaClass cabins. They're the same size as the standard balcony cabins but come with a host of pretty great perks, including access to the ship's indulgent Sea Thermal spa area, exclusive access to the restaurant Blu for breakfast and dinner, upgraded shower amenities, yoga mats for use while you're onboard, and water refreshed daily.
**For Travelers Looking To Splurge** Go for the Sky Suites. You'll get beds that face the water, ample balconies and big bathtubs. Plus, you get all the Retreat guest access, including butlers.
**For Families** Celebrity Apex offers 178 adjoining cabins throughout the ship. We love the variety: You can connect a Sky Suite to a Sunset Veranda, for example, to accommodate up to six passengers. If you're on a budget, your best bet is probably two interconnected Ocean View Staterooms, which can fit up to four passengers.
Modern types who prefer a whimsical approach to onboard dining, drinking, décor and entertainment
Anyone scared off by being trendy; boisterous families; cruisers who want dining variety without paying extra
Celebrity draws a broad range of travellers, most attracted by the cuisine, unusual entertainment and creative itineraries. Passenger ages typically average in the 50s, with family groups more visible in the summer and during school vacations. The longer and more exotic cruises usually host an older demographic, and the passenger mix varies with the port of embarkation but most are from North America, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
Yes and no. The norm on most Celebrity sailings is smart-casual, but in the Galapagos, attire is casual. Despite the daytime casual vibe, you won't find T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps or swimwear in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. Formal nights (held once on cruises six nights or shorter, twice on longer itineraries) have been replaced by Evening Chic, where anything from cocktail attire to formal wear is appropriate. The dress code also extends to the theatre on those evenings.
No. The cruise fare for a Celebrity cruise covers dining in several complimentary venues, including the Main Dining Room, Oceanview Café buffet restaurant, Spa Café, Mast Grill (on most ships) and Seaside Grill. Room service is also complimentary, except for the period between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Passengers staying at certain suite levels have additional complimentary dining privileges, and those staying in AquaClass rooms can dine in the Blu restaurant without charge. Water, basic coffee and tea, and certain juices are provided free of charge, but unless you're booked in certain suite categories, you'll have to pay extra for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The extensive entertainment from Broadway-style theatre to circus shows, comedy, magic, dance and live music is all available without charge. The kids' program is also free, though you'll pay extra for babysitting. Shore excursions are not covered by cruise fares, nor are gratuities, spa and salon services and some fitness classes. There is also a fee for Wi-Fi and laundry services.
On ships with the Lawn Club, hanging out on the grass, whether playing bocce or just relaxing and reading, is one of the most popular activities for Celebrity cruisers. Other popular things to do on these ships is lounge in the adults-only Solarium, hit the Canyon Ranch Spa or participate in wine tasting. Some ships also offer hot glassmaking demonstrations and classes; sign up early for the classes because they fill up fast. On ships without a Lawn Club, relaxing by the pool or in the Solarium is popular, as are the once- or twice-per-cruise Rooftop film and dinner events. At night, Celebrity showcases everything from Vegas-style production shows to comedians and cabaret, drawing a crowd each time. The ships have a robust program for kids, a lot of it centred on edutainment. Many of the activities are offered courtesy of partners like Anturus, Lonely Planet, Xbox, Fat Brain Toys and Budsies.
