Celebrity Goes Virtual:
In what may be the first virtual delivery of a cruise ship, Celebrity Cruises executives accepted official command of Celebrity Apex March 27, the second ship in the line’s highly acclaimed Edge Series, via video conference with officials from Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.
In keeping with tradition, Captain Dimitris Kafetzis ordered the exchange of the French and American flags, while each country’s national anthem played in the background.
“Every delivery is unique just as every ship is unique. While the circumstances are quite unique right now, it’s fitting that such an innovative ship as Celebrity Apex would have a digital-age delivery,” said Lisa Lutoff Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “The day is every bit as meaningful because I know the dedication and commitment from the shipyard team, the onboard crew and our Celebrity shoreside team that went in to bringing this ship to life. Celebrity Apex is a magnificent ship and I am so proud to welcome her into our family.”
“We had the honour of building the first Edge Series ship, Celebrity Edge, and so many wonderful ships throughout our partnership over the years. Celebrity Apex is exceptional, and we know she will be well-received and enjoyed for many years to come,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
“I look forward to calmer waters when we can welcome guests aboard the newest addition to our beautiful fleet. I have great anticipation for her first sailing out of Barcelona on May 20,” Lutoff-Perlo added.
Apex feature several innovations debuted by its sister, Celebrity Edge, launched in 2018, including the distinctive floating Magic Carpet cantilevered off the ship’s side inviting guests to eat, drink and soar over the sea up to deck 16; The Retreat, an all-exclusive experience for all suite guests; expanded staterooms with Infinite Verandas; indoor and outdoor garden escapes; two-storey Edge Villas with their own private terrace and plunge pool; and high-style spaces throughout public areas.
“Celebrity Edge changed the cruise industry and raised the standard for modern luxury vacations,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “Celebrity Apex goes even further. It takes every onboard experience to the very peak of what’s possible at sea.”
Apex debuts new entertainment offerings, including three new stage shows in The Theatre; an intimate cabaret show in The Club; along with a variety of themed experiences and activities throughout the ship.
Widely regarded as the most unique space on any cruise ship, Eden indulges every sense with a variety of entirely new experiences that creatively transform the environment throughout the day from morning, noon to night. An eclectic afternoon tea party morphs into a wonder-filled journey in a “Night of Dreams,” complete with live performances and audience interaction; a daytime guided meditation becomes the ultimate ultra-lounge in “Night of the Chill;” and interactive art experiences by day lead into “Night of the Arts,” celebrating the arts through interactive experiences and performances.
Evening entertainment can also be found at The Club, with the debut of Caravan, a more intimate and alluring evening cabaret-style production featuring new takes on classic circus acts with aerial acrobatics, acts of balance and precision, and more. Also fully programmed during the day, The Club offers a variety of activities from video dance classes to archery to karaoke with a live band and full production support.
Celebrity Apex takes to the sea with a new spa management collaboration with OneSpaWorld and new wellness programming throughout the spa and sanctuary from acclaimed British interior designer Kelly Hoppen. Highlights include a first-at-sea offering of F45 Training, one of the fastest-growing fitness networks in the world. These unique 45-minute, station-based, heartrate monitored functional team training workouts will be offered in a notably larger Fitness Center onboard Celebrity Apex.
