celebrity apex

Stepping Aboard Celebrity Apex: My Honest Review

Laura Whetton on 29 May 2026

I recently had the chance to spend time on board Celebrity Apex, one of Celebrity Cruises’ beautiful Edge‑class ships and, I have to say, I was genuinely impressed. From the moment I stepped on board, this felt more like entering a stylish spa hotel than a traditional cruise ship. If you're curious about a modern, relaxed yet luxurious cruise experience, this will give you a feel for what Celebrity Apex is really like and whether it could be the right ship for your next holiday.

First Impressions: Light, Space and Style

The overall atmosphere on Celebrity Apex is chic, airy and very grown‑up.

  • Beautiful public spaces: The central atrium and lounges feel spacious rather than crowded, with plenty of quiet corners as well as livelier spots for a pre‑dinner drink.
  • Connection to the sea: There is glass everywhere and lots of outdoor areas, so you are constantly reminded you are at sea. It feels more like a contemporary resort that happens to move.
  • Relaxed, premium feel: The ambience is calm and sophisticated, ideal for couples, friends and solo travellers who enjoy great food, stylish bars and quality entertainment without anything feeling stuffy.

Walking around, it was easy to imagine sea days just drifting between cafés, lounges and sun decks, stopping wherever the mood took you.

Eden on Celebrity Apex

 Cabins & Suites: Contemporary Comfort

I viewed a range of cabins and suites during my visit, which gave a very good sense of what staying on board would feel like.

  • Infinite Veranda staterooms: These are a clever design where the balcony space can become part of your cabin. They are bright, contemporary and perfect if you love natural light and sea views.
  • Suites & The Retreat: The suite categories feel genuinely luxurious, with larger bathrooms, higher‑end finishes and more of a “hotel suite” feel. Guests in suites have access to The Retreat, an exclusive area with its own sun deck, lounge and restaurant, which is a real treat if you like privacy and upgraded service.
  • Overall comfort: Corridors and cabins felt thoughtfully designed and easy to navigate, with a focus on comfort and style rather than gimmicks.

If having a calm, modern space to come back to each day is important to you, Celebrity Apex delivers that very well.

 Celebrity Apex Suite

Dining: Choice Without Chaos

Even on a short visit, it was clear that dining is a real strength on Celebrity Apex.

  • Main dining & casual options: The main restaurants and buffet have a fresh, contemporary look. There is plenty of choice, but the spaces feel organised and relaxed, not hectic.
  • Speciality restaurants: The speciality venues feel like destination restaurants in their own right, ideal for a romantic evening, a special celebration, or food‑loving guests who want to try something different.
  • Bars & cafés: From elegant cocktail bars to relaxed cafés, there is somewhere to match every mood during the day and into the evening.

If you enjoy good food, interesting menus and a smart bar scene, this ship is likely to suit you very well.

 bakery

Entertainment, Pool Deck & Relaxation

Celebrity Apex balances big‑ticket entertainment with plenty of quieter spaces.

  • Theatre & shows: The main theatre is modern and impressive, with a real “wow” factor. If you love live productions and music, you will have plenty to look forward to in the evenings.
  • Pool deck & outdoor areas: The main pool area has a stylish, resort‑like feel, with comfortable loungers and attractive design touches. It is perfect for lazy sea days with a book and a drink in hand.
  • Spa & fitness: The spa and wellness areas are ideal if you like to combine your holiday with some pampering or fitness. The atmosphere is calm and indulgent, rather than clinical.

There are also more innovative spaces on board that offer something a little different, creating lots of variety throughout your cruise.

 pool deck

Who Celebrity Apex Is Perfect For

Based on my time on board, here is who I feel Celebrity Apex is especially well suited to:

  • Couples and friends who enjoy stylish hotels, great food and a refined bar and lounge scene.
  • Guests who have cruised before and are now looking for a more modern, premium experience.
  • Food and wine lovers who appreciate quality and variety in their dining.
  • Travellers who prefer a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere rather than a very family‑focused or party‑heavy environment.

Families are welcome and there are facilities for children, but I would particularly recommend Celebrity Apex for adults and older teens who will really appreciate the design, ambience and overall vibe of the ship.

pool deck

My Verdict: Modern Luxury at Sea

Spending time on Celebrity Apex has confirmed for me that this is a ship I am very comfortable recommending to the right guests. It combines:

  • Elegant, contemporary design.
  • Strong dining and bar options.
  • A relaxed but premium atmosphere.

Most importantly, seeing the ship in person means I can now match it much more carefully to the people and itineraries it will suit best.

If you’re considering a cruise on Celebrity Apex, or would like to explore similar modern luxury ships and itineraries, I’d be delighted to help. I can talk you through the cabins, advise on the best time of year and routes, and tailor everything to what you personally enjoy on holiday.

If this sounds like your kind of cruise, get in touch with me today to start planning your perfect voyage.

 

 eden

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