In summary, we did not find this to be an exceptional experience across many elements of the cruise. We have cruised nearly 20 times and were very excited about the prospect that the Edge class ships with Celebrity would bring. Actually, we had a cruise in UK this summer on the exact same ship, the Apex. We were so disappointed that we canceled it mid-cruise and will book Oceania, where you are treated better and the food is exceptional.
If you are an average cruiser, you will probably like the Celebrity. If you have experience in other higher ships, you won't.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Very smooth and on time. No issues, no crowds.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
This was one of the more disappointing elements of the cruise, We have come to find, based on multiple Celebrity cruises, that food was always exceptional. Not so on this cruise. We ate at 2 paid restaurants, Garden Grill and Eden. Both failed miserably on execution. Neither knew how to cook a steak (failed twice at both places). Service was also mediocre. The main dining area had better quality but selection was limited. You could NEVER order off the menu. For example, the only steak they had as a standard was a NY Strip. I won't even eat that at home. Service by most staff seemed forced. They definitely did not go out of their way to please or exceed expectations. They were there to do there job and that's it.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Nothing exceptional or unique. The daily activities guide look enormous but when you really went through it, it was filled with retail sponsored events (chance to sell you) or half effort lectures or programs.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
This was one of the strongest elements of the ship. Although they did have person billed as a magician who performed failed tricks for comedy. This was in the main theatre which was ridiculous. Don't know how this dude got passed the Cruise director on this one.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
As mentioned above, this was very average. I would not have expected this on Celebrity. Most people, with exception of those in the Retreat lounge, were just there doing their jobs. Nothing more. I suppose I have gotten accustomed to high service on other liners such as Regent and Oceania.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
It was very clean and seemed new. My biggest issue with the ship design is the lack of quite and classy lounges just to sit and talk. Sure, they had Eden, where you could order a $20 drink but not any real nice sitting areas other then the Retreat Lounge.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Not great. Closest were small and poorly located too close to the bed. Bed was very comfortable. No seating in the sitting area other then a very hard couch which we did not use due to how uncomfortable it was. I don't know why they call this a Sky Suite.
Ship tip
For those willing to listen, pay attention to this. Just because you get a suite and have exclusive access to the Retreat area, don't get your expectations up. The pool area is very crowded. Simply put, its a small space for alot of people. In fact, many would go up early in the morning and through items on chairs and loungers. The lounge itself was good, but the pool area not so much.
I spoke to someone in the excursion area to ask about Belize City. They were very clear to me. Do not leave the port area and walk into the city itself. It was unsafe. Which begs the question: why in the world do cruise ships choose to go to places that their own employees say are unsafe. Belize is not a pretty place. We had to tender miles away from the port which meant for a very long tender ride. Really bad.
I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to cruise 30 plus years ago when the main dining room exceeded what today is a specialty extra charge. When service was Key and the experience unforgettable.
Thank You for Sharing
I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to cruise 30 plus years ago when the main dining room exceeded what today is a specialty extra charge. When service was Key and the experience unforgettable.
Thank You for Sharing
Celebrity is not a luxury line. Comparing it to other luxury lines is hardly a fair comparison. It is a step up from RCL or NCL, but definitely not the same as Oceana, Regent, etc.
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