Since my first cruise with Celebrity in 2013, I have always been pleasantly surprised by the class of their ships and the very good quality of service in general. The launch of a new generation of ships, the Edge class, obviously caught my attention, and very quickly made me want to try, it seemed so innovative. And what better choice than a long transatlantic (15 nights) to have time to appreciate all the nooks and crannies of Celebrity Edge? The itinerary: Fort Lauderdale, King’s Wharf (Bermude, overnight), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Lisbon, Bilbao, Le Havre, Southampton.
Even if there are some classics onboard Celebrity Edge that made the success of the previous generation (Celebrity Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette and Reflection), the concept has evolved significantly with some unique innovations!
The Infinite Veranda is a new type of cabin with balcony. Instead of the very classic balcony outside the cabin (where do you want it to be?), the designers incorporated it into the rest of the room. It becomes modular, either by forming an integral part of the cabin (a motorized window completely closes the balcony), or a little old-fashioned (the balcony, open, is separated from the cabin), or a mixture of the 2, balcony both open to the bedroom and to the sea. Apart from the slowness of the opening and closing sequence (which can be a bit noisy too), the idea still wins support. This makes it an even nicer cabin.
A characteristic common to all the cruises that I have been able to do with Celebrity (this was my 5th), is that I have each time chosen an “Aqua Class” cabin. These are cabins with balconies, having an included access pass to the spa, and which also offer a few “detox” drinks each day. They also have their own restaurant (the Blu) whose menu guarantees a selection of more healthy dishes …
The Edge spa contrasts with those of its predecessors, both in size (much larger) and in the grade of the different places that compose it. The changing rooms are modern, bright and spacious. They open directly onto the thermal part (the one to which access is therefore included in the price of the Aqua Class cabin). Divided into several themes, this part is dedicated to calm and relaxation. There are the classic dry saunas, hammam and themed showers (in the form of tropical rain, autumn drizzle, etc.) and ideal seats for resting. Adjoining the spa, a well-equipped gym is easily accessible.
The other novelty brought by the Edge is the “magic carpet”. It is a bar, suspended on one of the ship side and which can go up or down to position itself at the level of the different decks. It moves throughout the day, sometimes a bar near the swimming pool on the upper deck, sometimes close to restaurants and other bars in the center of the ship… This platform can also descend to the water level, where it becomes a pier from which the shuttles can embark and disembark passengers, as easily as from a real wharf. The Celebrity Edge also offers one of the best-thought-out boarding rooms (called Destination Getaway).
The pool could be called a “real” pool. Unlike the small water holes that can be found on the majority of ships, in which swimming is illusory, this one is long enough to make real lengths. And like on most Anglo-Saxon ships, going there at dinner time (from 6.30 p.m.) is almost a guarantee of having the pool to yourself!
The swimming pool is overlooked by 2 Jacuzzis shaped like glasses of champagne. A rather original and varied jogging track makes a wide turn and goes from one bridge to another. The walkers appreciate their tour here. A private door (reserved for passengers in the suites) gives access to The Retreat, a luxurious place, littered with deckchairs, cabanas, jacuzzis and with a small swimming pool (a water hole this time!). A lounge serves drinks and snacks depending on the time of day.
Aft, on this upper deck, is the Sunset Bar, another company classic. You can have a drink there in peace, with a view of the ship’s furrow. Quite magical too. Right next door, you can get lost in secret in the Rooftop Garden, by sitting in one of the benches in the middle of the vegetation (real vegetation). We stay close to civilization, however, with a giant screen that broadcasts images of magnificent landscapes or, sometimes, a movie. Obviously, there is a restaurant not far away, the Rooftop Garden Grill, ideal for eating out, when the weather permits!
Hey Jean-Philippe! Great read on the EDGE. Kim and I are doing a TA with my parents on the APEX October 28th…… Have you been on that one?
Better yet, JOIN US!!!! Would love to see you again
I replied via email !
[…] access to the spa and the dedicated restaurant, the Blu. Only good memories, such as during my transatlantic on the Celebrity Edge, or more recently, a week in the […]