Celebrity Cruises has built a loyal following for its contemporary approach to premium cruising, combining the sophistication of small ships with the variety of experiences offered by larger vessels. The line's design-led fleet boasts a "boutique resort at sea" vibe that maintains a casual feel. And with sailings to nearly 300 destinations across all seven continents, finding the perfect Celebrity Cruises voyage is a breeze.
Amidst the sun-kissed shores of Messina lies a tapestry of history woven with tales of ancient civilizations and legendary events. Its storied past, marked by encounters with Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, echoes through its cobblestone streets and majestic architecture. The Mediterranean climate here offers a balmy embrace, perfect for leisurely exploration and al fresco dining. Beyond the bustling ports, Messina unveils hidden gems, from charming cafes to vibrant markets, where travelers can savor authentic Sicilian flavors and immerse themselves in local traditions. As the gateway to Sicily, Messina beckons cruisegoers with its rich heritage and timeless allure, promising an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.
Day 8
Naples
Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.
Day 9
Civitavecchia
Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.
Day 10
La Spezia
Enter the maritime gateway of La Spezia, where the whispers of ancient maritime trade still echo in the harbor. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, this coastal gem offers a respite from the bustling cities, inviting cruisegoers to bask in the warmth of the sun-kissed shores. Dive into the vibrant local scene, where quaint villages and hidden coves beckon explorers seeking an authentic Italian experience. La Spezia's strategic location has made it a haven for sailors and merchants throughout history, while its stunning vistas of the Cinque Terre coastline captivate travelers with their rugged beauty, a testament to nature's artistry.
Day 11
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer exudes an enchanting charm steeped in maritime history. Its azure waters have witnessed the passage of ancient mariners and modern-day adventurers alike. Bask in the Mediterranean climate, where gentle sea breezes mingle with the scent of citrus groves, offering respite from the bustling city life. This idyllic haven provides a gateway to the authentic essence of France, with its quaint cobblestone streets and colorful waterfront cafes. As cruise lines dock in its picturesque harbor, Villefranche-sur-Mer unveils its hidden treasures, inviting travelers to savor its culinary delights and immerse themselves in its vibrant local culture.
Day 12
At sea
Day 13
Barcelona
Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.
Amidst the sun-kissed shores of Messina lies a tapestry of history woven with tales of ancient civilizations and legendary events. Its storied past, marked by encounters with Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, echoes through its cobblestone streets and majestic architecture. The Mediterranean climate here offers a balmy embrace, perfect for leisurely exploration and al fresco dining. Beyond the bustling ports, Messina unveils hidden gems, from charming cafes to vibrant markets, where travelers can savor authentic Sicilian flavors and immerse themselves in local traditions. As the gateway to Sicily, Messina beckons cruisegoers with its rich heritage and timeless allure, promising an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.
Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.
Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.
Enter the maritime gateway of La Spezia, where the whispers of ancient maritime trade still echo in the harbor. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, this coastal gem offers a respite from the bustling cities, inviting cruisegoers to bask in the warmth of the sun-kissed shores. Dive into the vibrant local scene, where quaint villages and hidden coves beckon explorers seeking an authentic Italian experience. La Spezia's strategic location has made it a haven for sailors and merchants throughout history, while its stunning vistas of the Cinque Terre coastline captivate travelers with their rugged beauty, a testament to nature's artistry.
Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer exudes an enchanting charm steeped in maritime history. Its azure waters have witnessed the passage of ancient mariners and modern-day adventurers alike. Bask in the Mediterranean climate, where gentle sea breezes mingle with the scent of citrus groves, offering respite from the bustling city life. This idyllic haven provides a gateway to the authentic essence of France, with its quaint cobblestone streets and colorful waterfront cafes. As cruise lines dock in its picturesque harbor, Villefranche-sur-Mer unveils its hidden treasures, inviting travelers to savor its culinary delights and immerse themselves in its vibrant local culture.
Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.
Set sail on a vacation aboard Celebrity Infinity® and discover an unforgettable journey to the most exciting destinations in the world. Relax and feel at home in our accommodations that include Concierge Class and our spa-inspired AquaClass® with exclusive clean cuisine dining at Blu. And, guests of The Retreat® experience the ultimate in luxury, which includes exclusive private restaurant dining and 24/7 lounge.
I could not fault this cruise from start to finish. The Celebrity Apex is a wonderful ship, my favourite cruise line so far. The Fjords are truly breath taking and I would recommend this ship and itinerary.
Mini cruises from the UK are very popular and if you haven’t cruised before a great way to see what cruising is all about! My wife and I embarked on such a cruise from Southampton visiting Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and then right into the heart of Amsterdam onboard Celebrity Apex.
The Celebrity Apex ship is one of the Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series. It launched in 2020, and this 130,818-ton vessel accommodates approximately 2,910 passengers offering an elegant, high-end experience with cutting-edge design, diverse dining options, and superb entertainment. With its innovative spaces, including the Magic Carpet and Infinite Veranda staterooms, Celebrity Apex redefines the traditional cruise experience, blending contemporary luxury with a laid-back, sophisticated atmosphere.
So what makes Celebrity Apex stand out:
Ship Design and Atmosphere
The ship boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with a focus on open spaces, natural light, and great design. The ship interiors were designed by Kelly Hoppen, a renowned British designer known for her contemporary and inviting style. The neutral colour palette—blues, greys, and soft earth tones—gives the ship a boutique hotel feel. One of the most striking features is the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves up and down the ship’s exterior, serving different purposes at different levels. It transforms into an al fresco dining area, a lounge, or an embarkation platform, depending on its position. This innovation not only adds to the ship’s futuristic look but also enhances the overall passenger experience.
The Resort Deck, featuring the main pool, martini glass-shaped hot tubs, and a solarium, is a beautifully designed space with plenty of room. The Rooftop Garden, a lush, plant filled retreat was one of our favourite places to relax in the sun, perfect for enjoying cocktails!
Accommodations: The Infinite Veranda and Suites
Celebrity Apex’s accommodations set a new standard for cruise ship cabins. The most notable innovation is the Infinite Veranda staterooms, which replace traditional balconies with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that can be opened at the touch of a button, essentially merging the balcony with the cabin’s interior. This design creates more space and creates an indoor-outdoor experience, we loved it!
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, The Retreat offers suite guests a private, all-inclusive experience with personalised butler service, a private restaurant (Luminae), and a secluded sundeck.
Dining
Dining on Celebrity Apex is a cruise highlight, with 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges offering a wide selection of cuisine.
The ship features four complimentary main dining rooms—Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus—each with a distinct theme and specialty dishes. Instead of a traditional single main dining room, this setup offers more variety and a restaurant-like atmosphere.
The Oceanview Café is the buffet area which provides a vast selection of food. Room service is also available 24/7
Specialty dining options include:
• Le Petit Chef – We experienced this one evening and found it really good fun. A whimsical, animated dining experience where a tiny chef “prepares” your meal before the actual dish is served and your table is turned into a 3D cinema screen where the little chef entertains throughout your meal
• Fine Cut Steakhouse – A classic steakhouse offering premium cuts
• Eden Restaurant – A multi-sensory dining experience in a botanical-inspired setting.
• Raw on 5 – A sushi and seafood restaurant with ocean views and a fresh raw bar selection.
• Le Grand Bistro – A charming French bistro serving classic Parisian fare.
Entertainment and Activities
Celebrity Apex offers a wide entertainment line-up,
• Theatre Shows – The state-of-the-art theatre at the front of the ship features productions and aerial acrobatics. Check out the daily newsletter for the shows and timings
• Eden – This is a multi-use venue offering intimate performances, and live music in a stunning garden-inspired setting.
• The Club – A versatile venue that hosts everything from silent discos and live bands to trivia and game shows.
• Casino – A modern Vegas-style casino with slot machines, blackjack, poker, and roulette.
The Spa offers an impressive range of treatments, including a seaweed wrap, cryotherapy facials, and a thermal suite with steam rooms and saunas. The Fitness Centre is fully equipped with Peloton bikes, yoga classes, and personal training options.
Conclusion:
From my initial booking which I made over the phone to sailing onboard, Celebrity Apex offered a friendly and professional cruising experience. From restaurant waiters to housekeeping and concierge staff, we found the service exceptionally good.
With its stunning design and unique accommodations to gourmet dining and high-tech entertainment, Apex offers a top of the range cruise experience. Whilst it may not be the best fit for families with young children, it is perfect for travellers looking for a sophisticated and relaxed voyage whilst discovering a great choice of worldwide destinations.
We were totally blown away by the beauty of the Norwegian Fjords. They definitely stole a piece of my heart and I will be booking to go again. The itinerary with Celebrity cruises was amazing and the highlight was the stop in Olden where the scenery was magical. The Flam Railway was another highlight of the trip with the stop at the waterfalls being mesmerizing. Celebrity cruises are class. They are the nest cruise line we have travelled with.
Fantastic wildlife, fabulous scenery and quiet little towns cut off from the rest of the World. What a great way to spend seven days. Glaciers, bears, whales, Tingit culture and more combined with the comfort of a modern cruise ship. Top trip !
Lovely cruise from Rome around Italy and France. Bid for a room upgrade which we got, a balcony was nice as weather was good. The room was a family room but was only just big enough for 2 people so I don’t know how you would have fitted children in .Staff were all so lovely . The final invoice was for tips which was quite a lot 190 dollars per person per day, so 380 dollars. Also charged for drinks in mini bar which we didn’t have , 1 bottle of water and 1bottle of prosecco which was supposed to be complimentary . No response from query from final bill.
Overall a lovely cruise
Celebrity Millennium may be one of the smaller, older ships but it packs a punch in friendliness of the crew, and the most delicious food. In fact, 'delicious' became our word of the cruise - there wasn't a single meal where we weren't spoilt for choice, and when we couldn't choose, our waiter just brought us everything we fancied!
The entertainment was also great - the three production shows in The Theatre were fabulous, and the music around the ship was perfectly pitched for everyone on board.
The activity staff we met were friendly and enthusiastic - as we were cruising around Japan, there were several origami sessions which were great fun!
We had a balcony cabin on Deck 9 - great position for going up to the Oceanview Cafe or Spa Cafe for breakfast - or to the pool, which was the perfect temperature for a proper swim! Or how about watching a film outdoors, under a fleecy blanket to keep warm.
One of my favourite places on any Celebrity ship is Cafe al Bacio on Deck 5 and it was as inviting as ever on Celebrity Millennium - how the crew remember your drink of choice after just one visit always amazes me!
Our 12-night cruise sailed from Yokohama,Tokyo and visited Shimizu, Osaka (overnight), Kochi, Hiroshima, Busan, Hakodate and Aomori - the only thing that could have improved it would be to have a couple more sea days (we had 3) as it's a full-on itinerary and we needed to recharge our batteries!
We did everything on our own - Japan is exceptionally clean and very easy to navigate by public transport, which is cheaper than we are used to in London - and the Japanese people are incredibly welcoming to tourists. It definitely wasn't necessary to book any ship excursions.
So, my abridged version of my review would be... book it, the ship is great and Japan is a wonderful country to visit!
