It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Edge Series, and new ship Celebrity Beyond didn’t disappoint when I stepped onboard in April.
With an outward-facing design, countless innovative spaces and 32 drinking and dining venues, the 3,260 passenger ship Celebrity Beyond, sister ship to Celebrity Edge and Apex, is cool, contemporary and oh-so stylish. At the helm is an extremely media-friendly female captain, Kate McCue, whose sailing companion is her pedigree cat Bug Naked (which we totally love her for).
While there is a lot that’s the same, including the already iconic Magic Carpet floating platform, there are also some improvements to note. For starters, the ship is actually bigger on paper, and it’s all thanks to an additional 20 metres. The extra length, ahem, really makes a difference, both in passenger capacity and space. In a nutshell, the ship feels spacious and airy, and has a most agreeable ‘flow.’
So what else has been improved and where should you be hanging out on Beyond? We break down the key spaces onboard Celebrity Beyond and reveal exactly why they are so great…
The Grand Plaza
This is the beating heart of the ship, and I’m going to be honest and say that it’s one of only a handful of cruise ship atriums I am happy to spend extended time in.
You’ll love hanging out here, not only for the nightly chandelier shows in which the lights above the bar beat in time to the music and the bartenders show off their impressive Tom Cruise cocktail shaking and juggling skills, but for the banging Cosmopolitans and other drinks served at the Martini Bar.
The sunken space on Beyond is even airier than Edge, with more plush seating and a really expansive feel.
The Retreat
The Retreat is Celebrity’s ‘ship within a ship’ concept for guests in suite accommodation. And on Beyond, this means even bigger and better Retreat facilities than before, including a 40 per cent larger sundeck, as it’s now spread over two levels for twice the luxury and tranquility. Of the spaces onboard Celebrity Beyond, this is one you don’t want to miss.
So what exactly is the Retreat experience like? You’ll need to upgrade to find out: all suite guests are able to use these excellent facilities; perks include personal Retreat Hosts (butlers) and access to the exclusive enclave at the front of the ship featuring a sundeck, cabanas, a bar, a pool with swing chairs and hot tub.
There’s also a lounge serving drinks, snacks and afternoon tea, and Luminae, an exclusive restaurant which is open for breakfast and dinner daily.
Once you’ve been ‘Retreated’ there’s no going back to standard accommodation. If you’re anything like me, you won’t want to leave. Ever.
Luminae
In keeping with the enhanced Retreat offerings on this groundbreaking ship, the private suite class restaurant Luminae has also expanded and is nearly twice the size as the one on Apex.
Exclusively for guests of the Retreat, the kitchen serves signature dishes by Daniel Boulud – we found the food and service still well above par, and your butler will always be able to get you a last minute table.
It’s also open for breakfast, and although we didn’t start our day there during our cruise, we heard great things about it.
Sunset Bar
This is a newly enhanced feature on Edge class ships, and one which seems to already be a huge hit with passengers. 180 per cent larger and 200 per cent chicer than the previous sunset bar and occupying a prime position at the aft of the ship, the terraced, open air bar/lounge has Moroccan-Inspired decor and brings all the beach club vibes.
Grab a seat at sunset (of course) and try one of the spice-infused cocktails which are innovative and artisan; although if you have the cash to splash, you could always treat yourself to the most expensive bottle of wine on board which is $4,500.
The Spa
Wellness is one of Celebrity Cruises’ key focuses, and Goop founder and candle lover Gwyneth Paltrow has been brought on board as Celebrity’s Wellbeing Advisor. The wellbeing programme spans everything from crystal healing to Goop chlorella smoothies and a line up first-at-sea wellness treatments, plus F45 fitness classes and Peloton cycling.
The treatment menu is on a par with the other two ships: I tried the ‘Zero Gravity’ massage paired with a muscle-penetrating Himalayan salt stone, along with a spot of meditation in the crystal healing room.
It may have been my imagination, but my fuzzy cocktail head gained by staying in the Martini bar a little too long the previous night, felt a little clearer after my time in this five-star spa.
Thinking about dipping your toe in the cruise water? This trailblazing ship offers guests a heady combination of designer style, sophistication and modern luxury – it’s certainly above and beyond anything I had hoped for. If these spaces onboard Celebrity Beyond have you longing for a getaway, check out the offer below that you don’t want to miss.
A 12-night Israel & Mediterranean cruise from Rome round trip, 5-17th October 2022, costs from £1,422pp. celebritycruises.com
