Discover a resort at sea aboard the Celebrity Beyond By Marguerite Cleveland
Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, takes cruising to a whole new level with its resort-at-sea concept, with high-end touches and clever design that makes the space feel more like a resort than a ship. Nothing epitomizes this more than the astounding venue, Eden. With three levels and almost 12,000 square feet, this transformative atmosphere ebbs and flows from morning to night with unique experiences. Located at the back of the ship, the space feels wrapped in glass and connects each guest with the sea surrounding the ship. The sheer size is mind-blowing, and the décor is a sensory experience with textures, colors, vibrant plants and unique seating.
The Celebrity Beyond is an elegant ship with artistic outdoor spaces as well, from the only jogging track at sea with a hill to the Magic Carpet—a floating platform with seating and a bar, where guests can be up to 13 stories above sea level off the starboard side of the ship. Even at full capacity of 3,260 guests, it never feels crowded. There are a surprising number of private nooks to find a quiet space whether indoors or outdoors.
Insider Tip: Select a cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale. Both Alaska Air and Delta Air Lines offer nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale from Seattle. The airport is just a short 10-minute drive to the port. Book an Eastern Caribbean cruise which gives you more days at sea. With a new ship you will want the extra time to enjoy all the features.
Stay There is a variety of accommodation available on the Celebrity Beyond. The Edge Series ships have set a new standard for cruise cabins with innovative features such as in-room automation that allows you to adjust shades, lighting and temperature from your phone. Every stateroom features a king-sized bed with eXhale bedding and Cashmere mattresses. For those on a budget, the inside cabins provide comfortable lodging and access to all the included features on the ship. One of the most popular cabins aboard is the innovative Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda. These spacious rooms bring the outside in with a floor-to-ceiling window that opens at the touch of a button to become a balcony, allowing fresh sea air into the room and gorgeous views. It also allows the veranda, which has solid side walls, to become part of your stateroom, adding an additional 42 square feet.
For a splurge, the Retreat gives new meaning to the word luxury. In addition to spacious suites such as the mind-boggling two-story Edge Villa with outdoor plunge pools, or the Iconic Suites which sit about the bridge for panoramic views, the Retreat is filled with lavish amenities. Guests of the Retreat have their own two-level sundeck, where you can blissfully lounge poolside while sipping cocktails or soak in one of the two hot tubs. Floor-to-ceiling views greet you when you enter the Retreat Lounge, where guests can nibble on gourmet bites, sip a complimentary beverage, or have a concierge make arrangements for dining, spa appointments or excursions. Indulge in signature dishes found only at Luminae, the exclusive restaurant for guests of the Retreat.
Eat Dining onboard the Celebrity Beyond is a culinary delight, offering 32 distinct food and beverage experiences on the ship. All the dining options are fresh and reimagined. The décor, artwork and colors all reflect the theme of each space and enhance the dining experience. Instead of having large main dining rooms, guests will enjoy four boutique dining rooms, each with its own theme. Normandie offers a contemporary take on French cuisine, while Tuscan offers Italian inspired cuisine. Cosmopolitan has a global spin on new American cuisine, and Cyprus offers Mediterranean cuisine with homage to the Greek heritage of the Celebrity Line. In addition to the main dining rooms, you’ll find four casual dining venues around the ship, all included in your fare.
For foodies, the Specialty Dining restaurants are worth the extra expense. Le Voyage is Celebrity’s newest specialty restaurant and currently only available on Celebrity Beyond. It is Chef Daniel Boulud’s, Global Culinary Ambassador, first signature restaurant at sea. His skills really shine with the menu he developed for Le Voyage and in the training of the culinary staff. With a name like Le Voyage, travel is the inspiration and is reflected in the global flavors throughout this eclectic menu.
Another must-do dining experience is the Eden Restaurant, located on the lower level of Eden. Floor-to-ceiling windows three stories high create a breathtaking atmosphere. The restaurant's theme is rooted in nature with a garden feel and featuring a globally inspired menu. The open-kitchen concept allows diners to see their meals being prepared. Watch chefs put the finishing touches on their culinary creations, each a work of gastronomic art. Dishes such as Aegean Sea Ceviche, Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Gnocchi, Fresh Red Snapper, and Nova Scotia Lobster Casserole will make it tough to choose.
Insider Tip: Make sure to have a pre-dinner drink at the Eden Bar, which sets the standard for craft cocktails. Each drink is creative and served with stunning and unique presentations.
Do There is so much to see and do aboard the Celebrity Beyond that one cruise may not be enough to experience it all. For a day at sea, start off with a sunrise walk on the ship’s jogging track, where only five laps equals a mile. It weaves its way through two decks with lots to see along the way—including the gorgeous pink, yellow and orange hues of a beautiful sunrise. Guests can actually book excursions that take place on the ship, such as a behind-the-scenes tour or a bridge tour, where you may luck out and meet the famous Captain Kate McCue, Celebrity’s own Instagram celebrity. Book these early, as they sell out quickly. Enjoy relaxing spa treatments, and take advantage of the thermal suite—before or after—in this luxurious sanctuary.
Celebrity Beyond offers traditional shore excursions, but if you are not into large groups they now have some great options. At least 21 days out from your cruise you can work with the private journey team to craft a special trip just for you and those traveling with you. Unlike booking on your own, you have the guarantee the ship will wait for you if your tour runs late. Small Group Discoveries are limited to 24 guests and are thoughtfully created and locally inspired. Many are community tourism, which helps support the locals such as a coffee tour in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic that brings local farmers together with tourists. Other examples include making pasta in Florence with the Marinelli family or touring UNESCO sites. Develop a deeper appreciation of your destination through the eyes of a local guide.
The Celebrity Beyond is cruising Europe and the Caribbean during 2023, and the Celebrity Ascent launches in November 2023. Celebrity offers specials throughout the year. Book well in advance if you want to stay in the Retreat, as the suites sell out first. Celebrity Beyond - CelebrityCruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-beyond
Opmerkingen