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14th Dec 2024 | 7 nights | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Apex
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.
