Sailing Beyond Expectations: My Journey on Celebrity Apex

When booking a holiday, we all have our non-negotiables: impeccable service, world-class entertainment, dreamy destinations, next-level cuisine, and luxe accommodation. Celebrity Cruises doesn’t just tick these boxes—it elevates them. My recent voyage aboard the Celebrity Apex, one of the line’s revolutionary Edge-class ships, proved this in every way.

Life Aboard Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Apex is a marvel of modern cruising. Built in 2020 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, the ship stretches over 306 meters with 14 passenger decks and can host nearly 3,000 guests. Its design blends cutting-edge technology with contemporary elegance.

Highlights include:

Grand Plaza: a soaring social hub with live music and chic bars.

Magic Carpet: a cantilevered platform that transforms from tender embarkation space to floating restaurant.

Eden & Rooftop Garden: lush, immersive venues for relaxation and entertainment.

Multiple restaurants and bars offering everything from Michelin-inspired dining to casual bites.

Behind the scenes, the ship is a floating city. I toured the galley, where chefs prepare meals for thousands daily, including a dedicated kitchen for allergy-sensitive guests. The laundry runs 24/7, processing mountains of linens, while the recycling plant embodies Celebrity’s Blue Green Promise℠, ensuring sustainability sails alongside luxury. Standing on the bridge with officers, gazing at the horizon, was the ultimate reminder of the precision and passion that keep this vessel running flawlessly.

Gran Canaria, The Gateway

Our journey began in Gran Canaria, often called “the continent in miniature” for its diverse landscapes—from golden dunes at Maspalomas to lush ravines and volcanic peaks. With a climate nicknamed “eternal spring,” the island offers year-round sunshine. Its capital, Las Palmas, blends historic quarters like Vegueta with vibrant beaches. Boarding Apex here felt like stepping from one paradise into another.

Lisbon, Layers of History

Our final stop was Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1200 BCE, it flourished under the Romans as Olissipo, endured Moorish rule, and became the launchpad of the Age of Discovery. Exploring Lisbon meant riding the iconic Tram 28, wandering cobbled alleys, and savouring pastéis de nata. The city’s azulejos (ceramic tiles) and panoramic viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte revealed a capital that balances nostalgia with vibrancy.

Porto, A City of Enchantment

Docking in Porto, Portugal’s northern jewel, was like entering a living storybook. The UNESCO-listed historic centre dazzles with tiled facades and Baroque churches. Porto is also a literary muse: J.K. Rowling lived here in the 1990s, drawing inspiration from Livraria Lello’s winding staircases and the Majestic Café’s Belle Époque charm. Even the name Salazar Slytherin echoes Portugal’s past. Beyond literature, Porto is the birthplace of Port wine, cultivated in the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards since Roman times. Cruising the Douro River on a traditional boat once used for wine barrels connected us to centuries of maritime heritage.

Culinary Magic Onboard

Evenings aboard Apex were unforgettable. At Le Petit Chef, a speciality dining experience, animated projections told whimsical stories of food preparation while four exquisite courses were served. It was a feast for both palate and imagination—proof that dining can be theatre at sea.

Final Thoughts

From Gran Canaria’s sunlit shores to Porto’s literary echoes and Lisbon’s historic grandeur, every port added depth to the journey. Yet it was the Celebrity Apex itself—its innovation, sustainability, and hospitality—that transformed this cruise into something extraordinary. Luxury here isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about connection—to people, places, and the planet.