Celebrity Edge, When It All Comes Together

Dec 15, 2018

A travel experience needs to be positive but also moving and exciting. Celebrity Cruise Line has broken the rules and actually surpassed my expectations on its new Edge. I have sailed on Celebrity five times and loved the ship size, design, service, and cuisine. Now with the

Edge, they are in new territory uncharted by any ocean line, mass market, premium, or even luxury. No one has the versatile infinite verandas, the three-story Eden, the innovative Magic Carpet, or the impressive immersive entertainment.

As with any big change, you are taking chances. If you are a cruise traditionist with visions of a walk around ship veranda, a mass main dining room, or shortened show presentations of “My Fair Lady,” this is not the ship for you. If you want smaller included main dining venues, a large garden casual dining area, an almost-theater in the round, and many open and non-commercial sitting areas, theEdge may be for you. The specialty restaurants are numerous and varied.

I felt at home as soon as I walked on board. The 3,000 temporary guests quickly scattered, and you never felt crowded or had to wait. There were so many dining venues that I never made it to all of them. A major spa, a high-up gym with a spectacular view, exclusive suite lounging and dining venues with butler service, and two beautiful pools were just part of the mix. The staterooms were generally well designed except for a hidden switch or two, and the beds were extremely comfortable. That was validated by us sleeping until after 10 a.m. one morning.

The design mate, Celebrity Apex, will be out in 2020, and there are two more after that. I have cruised many times, but few ships have given the inspiration that the Edge has to return to her. Celebrity has changed its style and now will take that Edge feel to its older vessels over time. They are on the right track and should be seriously considered in the future.

Aside from all the hype, a serious side came on Dec. 4 at the Edge naming ceremony. Malala Yousafzai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and human activist, became the ship‘s godmother. It was a moving ceremony befitting Celebrity Cruises, which has promoted human rights and diversity for over 15 years.

For regular cruise passengers as well as those who feel the big lines are outdated, your ship has come in. Please contact us for the latest information on Celebrity as other ships that may fit your needs.

Hilton Smith