One of the benefits of attending Cruise Planners’ Annual Convention is it’s usually tied to “test driving” a new cruise ship. It’s even more so when a cruise line is introducing a new class of ship, like the Celebrity Edge, the company’s first new ship in 6 years. Celebrity Cruises wowed the industry in 2008 with the Celebrity Solstice, the first ship to bring Modern Luxury feel to the Premium cruise segment. The Celebrity Edge is definitely a game changer and might not appeal to who is now a Celebrity cruisier (heads up they have the fleet scheduled to get “Edge” updates). I will preface that unlike a lot of new ships that launch in the spring and spend the summer in Europe, the Celebrity Edge came directly across the Atlantic, so I was on one of the first sailings with passengers.
Suites- the Celebrity Edge introduces an exclusive area for suite guests called The Retreat with a pool, pool bar and Retreat Sundeck. The suites have been designed by renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen, with a feel of a boutique hotel. Celebrity has kept the suite only restaurant Luminae from their other ships. I toured all the suites and they are amazing.
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Living area of Iconic Suite |
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| Retreat |
Staterooms- Celebrity Edge introduces the Infinite Balcony, a design cue from Avalon Waterways Panorama Suite ships on Europe’s rivers. This extends the size of the room and gives you more room and a better view with the floor to ceiling window that can be opened. I think anytime you get more inside space in a stateroom it’s a plus. Also the Edge has the popular Celebrity Aqua & Concierge Class staterooms featuring the infinite balcony.
Dining-Celebrity Edge does not have one huge main dining room, but 4 separate ones. This in my mind makes them less “cruise shippy” and more like a restaurant on land. They are slightly different themed, with specialty dishes, but also anytime favorites and Celebrity signature dishes. My suggestion to clients consider this ship would be to do “open dining” to try all 4 instead of set dining. There is also a selection of specialty dining restaurants onboard. I have heard many comment about Celebrity’s food, I felt the quality was what I expect from a premium brand.
Entertainment- I think this is where it gets “Edge-y”, as Celebrity created 5 production shows for this ship. No Broadway show or your standard cruise ship production numbers. The theater is in the round, so not a traditional stage. As I was only onboard for 2 nights, we saw the Jewelry Box and Hype, which the Jewelry Box being a combination of song, dance and Cirque and a story line that was somewhat hard to follow. Then there is Eden, a beautiful 3 story location in the aft of the ship. In the evening the show is very performance art, with the actors interacting with the audience. The Camp at Sea for kids and teens features interactive experiences and amazing learning opportunities with their STEM program.
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| Eden |
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| Theater |
The Magic Carpet- This is a platform that moves alongside the ship. It can be an open air extension of Raw on 5 and what I find unique is it is also the tender dock when moved down. With the large Destination Getaway opening up to the Magic Carpet and the ability to dock 2 tenders this is definitely going to speed up off loading at tender ports. Plus the tenders for the Edge don’t require tall people to crunch down, they have real seats, not benches and they are air conditioned! Trust me this is huge if you sail her in the Mediterranean in summer, personal experience in Santorini
Who’s a good candidate to sail on the Celebrity Edge- If you are a traditional cruiser this ship is probably not your cup of tea, especially if you like Celebrity’s sister brand Royal Caribbean or other lines in the contemporary category. With my 38 years of cruising experience, this ship is definitely the next step in the evolution of the modern cruise ship. I believe Celebrity is trying to reach sophisticated travelers who are non-cruisers with the Edge and upscale multigenerational family groups, that might not find their favorite luxury line the best fit for a trip with the grandchildren, which has been a great niche for Celebrity. I think those clients will really be wowed with the Retreat area and the variety of suites.
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| Solarium |
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| Rooftop Garden |
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