Celebrity Apex: A Luxurious Mini Cruise Experience

Mini cruises from the UK have become increasingly popular, offering travelers a chance to experience life at sea without committing to a long voyage. For those new to cruising, these short getaways provide the perfect introduction. One such journey, departing from Southampton, takes passengers to Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and directly into the heart of Amsterdam aboard the Celebrity Apex—a ship that redefines modern cruising with its sophisticated design, exceptional dining, and high-end entertainment.

A Ship Designed for Modern Luxury

As part of Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, the Celebrity Apex was launched in 2020 and offers a blend of contemporary elegance and innovation. Weighing in at 130,818 tons and accommodating around 2,910 passengers, the ship is designed for those seeking a premium cruising experience.

The vessel’s interiors, designed by renowned British designer Kelly Hoppen, exude a boutique hotel ambiance. A neutral color palette of blues, greys, and earthy tones enhances the modern and inviting aesthetic, creating a sense of understated luxury throughout the ship.

One of the ship’s most unique features is the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves up and down the exterior of the ship, transforming into an embarkation platform, a chic al fresco lounge, or an intimate dining space depending on its position. This innovative concept not only enhances the ship’s sleek, futuristic appearance but also adds versatility to the onboard experience.

The Resort Deck offers a well-designed main pool area, complete with martini glass-shaped hot tubs and a tranquil solarium. The Rooftop Garden, a lush open-air space filled with greenery, provides a peaceful retreat perfect for relaxing with a cocktail under the sun.

Innovative Accommodations: The Infinite Veranda & Suites

A standout feature of the Celebrity Apex is its Infinite Veranda staterooms, which take traditional balcony cabins to the next level. Instead of a standard outdoor balcony, these rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that can be retracted at the push of a button, seamlessly merging the indoor and outdoor spaces. This design provides more living space and an enhanced ocean view experience, making it a favorite among passengers.

For those seeking an exclusive, all-inclusive experience, the ship’s Retreat Suites offer personalized butler service, access to a private restaurant (Luminae), and an exclusive sundeck. This premium accommodation option caters to guests who want a more intimate and luxurious stay.

A Culinary Journey: Dining on Celebrity Apex

Dining is a highlight of the Celebrity Apex experience, with an impressive 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges offering a diverse range of global cuisine.

Instead of a single main dining room, the ship features four complimentary themed restaurants:

• Normandie – French cuisine with a modern twist
• Tuscan – A classic Italian-inspired dining experience
• Cosmopolitan – Contemporary American dishes
• Cyprus – A celebration of Mediterranean flavors

Each restaurant provides a unique atmosphere and menu, offering guests more variety and a refined dining experience.

For casual dining, the Oceanview Café offers a buffet with a vast selection of international dishes, while 24/7 room service ensures that gourmet options are available at any time.

For those willing to explore specialty dining, Le Petit Chef stands out as an interactive experience where a 3D-animated tiny chef “prepares” meals on the tabletop before the actual dish is served. Fine Cut Steakhouse provides premium cuts of meat, while Eden Restaurant offers a multi-sensory dining experience set in a lush, botanical-inspired venue. Other options include Raw on 5, a sushi and seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views, and Le Grand Bistro, serving classic French fare.

Entertainment & Activities: A Cruise Experience Like No Other

Celebrity Apex offers a dynamic lineup of entertainment and activities to suit a variety of tastes.

The state-of-the-art theater at the front of the ship showcases high-tech productions, live performances, and aerial acrobatics. Eden, a visually stunning multi-use venue, hosts intimate shows and live music in a setting inspired by nature. The Club transforms from a trivia and game show venue during the day to a silent disco or live music lounge at night.

For those feeling lucky, the ship features a Vegas-style casino complete with slot machines, poker, blackjack, and roulette tables.

Guests looking to unwind can visit the spa, which offers a range of luxurious treatments including seaweed wraps, cryotherapy facials, and a thermal suite with steam rooms and saunas. The fitness center, fully equipped with Peloton bikes, yoga classes, and personal training, ensures that passengers can maintain their workout routine while at sea.

A Refined and Relaxed Cruising Experience

From the initial booking process to stepping onboard, Celebrity Apex delivers a seamless, welcoming, and professional cruising experience. The staff across all departments, from waiters to housekeeping and concierge services, provide top-tier service, ensuring a memorable and stress-free journey.

With its cutting-edge design, innovative accommodations, gourmet dining, and world-class entertainment, the Celebrity Apex is ideal for travelers seeking a sophisticated and modern cruise experience. While it may not be the best fit for families with young children, it is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and groups looking for a luxurious, relaxing getaway while exploring exciting destinations.

For those considering their first cruise or looking for a premium mini-cruise experience from the UK, Celebrity Apex sets a new standard in contemporary cruising.