Wonderful Onboard Experience

Celebrity Apex Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5
Verified Review
Celebrity Apex

7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 03, 2024

Ship: Celebrity Apex

Cabin number: 11174

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 10 months ago

Review summary

The Apex is stunning, especially the Retreat areas. The art alone is a reason to book. Luminae food was delicious, as always. Service was impeccable. Downside: all port excursions were canceled on this journey without notice until the last minute and without compensation. These excursions were the reason for booking this trip. As the ship had several very large parties aboard (one had 1500 members and one other 500), all common areas were far overcrowded, loud and without seating. Chair hogs were out in force. I was informed that cabins were overbooked and many had 4 occupants. Buffet requires a complete overhaul as the food was of low quality and for the most part, inedible. Celebrity truly needs to stop their over-profiting and return to the quality cruise line they were until last year.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Embarkation was a breeze. As Retreat guests, the dedicated terminal lounge took care of all formalities and within 10 minutes, we were onboard and having lunch in Luminae.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Luminae was excellent as usual. The Oceanview buffet leaves little to be desired. Most food was either too salty, overcooked, tasteless and/or of very low quality. Buffet lines were long and sanitation appeared non-existant. Wouldn't eat there again. Retreat room service came straight from the buffet and was lousey.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Didn't participate in any activities but they appeared plentiful albeit crowded.

Entertainment

Did't watch shows on this trip.

Children's Programs

No Childrern

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
As always, Celebrity shines in all service areas. Shoutouts to our Somm, Carlos, in Luminae and to Andrea, Retreat Lounge concierge.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Edge class ships are beautiful with well-designed and spacious cabins as well as ample gathering spaces.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We stayed in a Magic Carpet suite for the first time. The balcony is very large with an extra side window to enjoy the water views. The bathroom is laid out well with a separate vanity. Would't hesitate to book this suite again.

Ship tip

Take a stroll around all common areas and hallways as the art is spectacular.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida Did not visit port

I live in Florida ;)

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

2 out of 5
Excursion was canceled so strolled around the port which is small and with little to do other than shop and eat. Enoyed the welcome to Roatan entertainers in the port.

Belize City, Belize

2 out of 5
Once again, all excursions were canceled with the only option available was port shopping in a contained area.

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
Again, excursions canceled. Sr. Frog's was entertaining.

George Town, Grand Cayman Did not visit port

Port was closed due to previous storm damage.

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
Chaotic with pushing, shoving and overstuffed elevators with no sanitation.
Was this review helpful? 25

8 Comments

Lounray     10 months ago

Thanks for sharing.

javawoody     10 months ago

Thanks for sharing your experience

IzzyW     10 months ago

We were on the same cruise. I agree with you. Our excursions with Celebrity were not cancelled (atv and mangrove in Roatan, tubing in Belize). Not our best cruise, very boring.

michelleb1127     10 months ago

Sorry, that your cruise wasn't what you were hoping for.

MikeNCcruiser     10 months ago

We were on the Apex about a month ago and for the most part very much enjoyed our cruise. I agree with you about the Ocean view buffet. We were not impressed with the selection or quality of the food either.

AuntPinkie     10 months ago

Appreciate your detailed feedback. I’ve never heard about all excursions being canceled. What an awful experience. Sorry. When big groups take over a ship, it ruins your experience. Unfortunately, there is no way to know ahead of time. Glad you managed to enjoy your cruise.

Gwbigdog     10 months ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

Lounray     10 months ago

Thanks for sharing.

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