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.
Set amidst the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini beckons with its legendary tales of volcanic eruptions and ancient civilizations. Its iconic whitewashed buildings perched atop dramatic cliffs paint a picture of timeless beauty. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination for sun-seeking travelers. Escape the tourist crowds by exploring charming villages like Oia, where narrow streets wind through traditional Cycladic architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the island's famed Assyrtiko wine, cultivated from grapes grown in volcanic soil, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor profile.
Day 3
Kusadasi
Welcome to Kusadasi, where the sands of time reveal tales of ancient civilizations and maritime adventures. Here, amidst the gentle Mediterranean climate and azure waters, cruise lines dock to unveil the treasures of this historic port city. Kusadasi offers an authentic escape from the typical tourist traps, with its winding streets, bustling markets, and welcoming locals. As a showcase for the real Turkey, Kusadasi boasts a rich culinary scene, where traditional Turkish delights tantalize the taste buds. And did you know? Kusadasi is home to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, attracting travelers from far and wide to marvel at its majestic ruins.
Day 4
Mykonos
The island of Mykonos, where the mythic winds were said to be tamed by Apollo himself, is a destination that cruise lines like Celebrity and MSC expertly highlight for its serene beauty and vibrant local life. With a climate that blesses the island with sun-drenched days and cooling breezes, it is perfect for those who wish to explore at a leisurely pace. This place escapes the usual clamor of mainstream spots, offering an unspoiled glimpse into the lifestyle that has been preserved over the ages. Unique to Mykonos are the iconic windmills from the 16th century, standing as silent sentinels over the town, providing a picturesque backdrop that is as photogenic as it is historic.
Day 5
At sea
Day 6
Valletta
Perched majestically on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Valletta beckons with its timeless charm and centuries-old history. Home to the Knights of St. John, its streets whisper tales of valiant knights and grand sieges. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, creating an inviting atmosphere year-round. Unlike typical tourist traps, Valletta offers an authentic glimpse into Malta's soul, where locals mingle with visitors in bustling markets and quaint cafes. As the smallest capital in the EU, Valletta boasts one of the highest concentrations of historic sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, adorned with Caravaggio's masterpieces.
Day 7
At sea
Day 8
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.
Set amidst the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini beckons with its legendary tales of volcanic eruptions and ancient civilizations. Its iconic whitewashed buildings perched atop dramatic cliffs paint a picture of timeless beauty. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination for sun-seeking travelers. Escape the tourist crowds by exploring charming villages like Oia, where narrow streets wind through traditional Cycladic architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the island's famed Assyrtiko wine, cultivated from grapes grown in volcanic soil, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor profile.
Welcome to Kusadasi, where the sands of time reveal tales of ancient civilizations and maritime adventures. Here, amidst the gentle Mediterranean climate and azure waters, cruise lines dock to unveil the treasures of this historic port city. Kusadasi offers an authentic escape from the typical tourist traps, with its winding streets, bustling markets, and welcoming locals. As a showcase for the real Turkey, Kusadasi boasts a rich culinary scene, where traditional Turkish delights tantalize the taste buds. And did you know? Kusadasi is home to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, attracting travelers from far and wide to marvel at its majestic ruins.
The island of Mykonos, where the mythic winds were said to be tamed by Apollo himself, is a destination that cruise lines like Celebrity and MSC expertly highlight for its serene beauty and vibrant local life. With a climate that blesses the island with sun-drenched days and cooling breezes, it is perfect for those who wish to explore at a leisurely pace. This place escapes the usual clamor of mainstream spots, offering an unspoiled glimpse into the lifestyle that has been preserved over the ages. Unique to Mykonos are the iconic windmills from the 16th century, standing as silent sentinels over the town, providing a picturesque backdrop that is as photogenic as it is historic.
Perched majestically on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Valletta beckons with its timeless charm and centuries-old history. Home to the Knights of St. John, its streets whisper tales of valiant knights and grand sieges. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, creating an inviting atmosphere year-round. Unlike typical tourist traps, Valletta offers an authentic glimpse into Malta's soul, where locals mingle with visitors in bustling markets and quaint cafes. As the smallest capital in the EU, Valletta boasts one of the highest concentrations of historic sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, adorned with Caravaggio's masterpieces.
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.
Unwind in stylish accommodations, including Concierge Class and our spa-inspired AquaClass® with exclusive dining at Blu. And, the ultimate in luxury, exclusive sanctuary, The Retreat® which includes 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!
