I’ve sailed many cruise lines over the years and one of my favorite cruise memories was on Celebrity Constellation sailing Turkey and Greece. Staff exceeding expectations is an understatement. One night, the maître d saw me and remarked that I wasn’t booked for dinner (not many solos onboard plus I was younger than the demo so I stood out). I told him I was tired of the extravagant meals and craved something simple I make at home and described the meal. He convinced me to come to dinner that evening and join the group. When the main entrees arrived, we were all surprised to see my dinner – it was exactly as I described – pasta, grilled chicken and asparagus in a red sauce. This was one of many “wow” moments that made Celebrity one of my favorite cruise lines.
So imagine my surprise when Celebrity announced their new ship, Celebrity Edge, would have (single) solo balcony cabins. It’s a start for solo travelers, like me, who enjoy luxury cruises. With the ship in Europe for its inaugural season, I’ve not had a chance to sail yet but my UK friend, Amy Stanning, did have a preview press and trade sailing in the UK recently and shares her initial review of Celebrity Edge with photos below.
But first….the teaser video by Celebrity (I’ve watched many times). This looks like a boutique hotel resort at sea! The design of the roof garden, the many retreat outdoor spaces as well as the spa and indoor spaces don’t look like any cruise ship I’ve sailed in the past. If this video doesn’t tempt you well I don’t know what to say because I’m ready to experience the new Celebrity Edge!
Review: Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship
The Edge of Luxury at Sea by Amy Stanning
The CEO of Celebrity Cruises said “when you walk on board it should feel brand new”. When you walk on board The Celebrity Edge yes it’s new, but WOW! When you board on deck 5 the first thing you see is “Raw on 5” the most tempting and delicious looking shellfish selection I have ever seen. Beautifully presented “Raw on 5” sets the scene for the whole ship and its elegant design and luxury all the way! I love cruising and am used to established standards but Celebrity Edge takes luxury in design to another level.
Edge Balcony Stateroom (Infinity Verandah)
The Celebrity Edge staterooms were designed by Kelly Hoppen, an award winning British designer, and are unlike anything else you’ve seen on a cruise ship. The bed has been created exclusively for Celebrity Cruise Line with a cashmere mattress and eXhale bedding program. First on Edge, it is expected to roll out on other ships in the future. The bathroom is said to be 10% larger than most and included a bathrobe and slippers.
The “WOW” moment is when you see the balcony (Infinite Verandah), its part of the room! So much light and space, the Ocean feels part of the room! The killer feature is a drop-light window which, at the touch of a button, descends to mid-level to open up the whole room to the sun and sea. If a “traditional” balcony is needed simply extend the folding glass doors if not – enjoy the light, sea and air through your stateroom.
Celebrity Edge Magic Carpet
One feature that has been featured as ground breaking is the “Magic Carpet”, an innovative feature on the port side which is used as a bar, restaurant and tender stage. The “magic” is being movable between deck 2 and 14 (sadly no guests are allowed inside when moving!). Being connected to the sea is a theme across the ship and enjoying a drink on deck 14 directly over the sea is quite incredible!
Deck 14 also has the outdoor pool, solarium with indoor pool and resort decks with private cabanas, quiet spaces and incredible artwork installations.
Celebrity Edge Entertainment
The Theatre is state of the art with the first “stage in the round” (almost) I’ve seen at sea. With a video wall right around which would do well in Time Square – it’s an incredible venue. I experienced the music show with live band performing original material and cover versions of many standards – including Queen and Elton John. Highly engaging and dynamic performances making full use of the theatre capabilities and I would love to see the show again!
The “Club” venue hosted comedy and late night dancing – which seemed to go on long after my bedtime! It’s a comfortable venue with bar and many cozy places to sit and enjoy as well as a highly inviting dance floor! “Eden” is another “club-type” venue, with a unique tropical jungle feel to it. The music and dance was exotic and engaging. A highlight was the performances among the crowd which made for quite the interactive experience. Eden is spread out among three levels and features a slowing walkway around the venue with lots of opportunity for great views.
Edge Dining Options
I was booked to eat in both the ‘Cosmopolitan’ (main dining room) and “Luminae” (suite class dining room). In Cosmopolitan I ate alone and was perfectly comfortable with a discrete table. In Luminae we had a small group sat privately to enjoy the experience. Cuisine was everything you would expect and service so much more engaging and empathetic than I’ve seen before. What marked the experience in both restaurants was the quality of service and presentation.
Much less “mass catering” than on other cruise lines. I enjoyed steak in both – sirloin in Cosmopolitan and Filet in Luminae , both beautifully cooked (medium) as I asked for. Luminae is reserved for guests staying in Suite Class so this was indeed a treat. I do though prefer a more hearty meal and found the “taste experience” portions served in Luminae were wonderful but left me hungry. So my preference would be the main dining rooms (there are another three dining rooms complimentary). Celebrity Edge offers seven “Premium” (additional charge) restaurants although sadly time didn’t allow me to enjoy!
Celebrity Edge Solo Friendly?
What were the downsides? Only one of significance – I love to cruise Solo and yes Celebrity Edge has Single Balcony Staterooms specifically for Solos (Celebrity calls it Single Infinite Verandah). Just as impressive as the regular sizes with design and features, albeit smaller (202 sq. ft. vs. 131 sq. ft.) and without a sofa, there are only a handful (16) of single staterooms available. So if you want one, make sure you book early! I asked about Solo traveller activity – this seemed a bit hit and miss and guest initiated – that’s a gap against other Cruise companies intent on capturing the valuable and growing Solo market.
[PhilaTravelGirl Note: I’ve read reviews that Deck 6 may have potential obstructions so choose carefully. Also, when I sail solo, I always join the Cruise Critic roll call boards and Facebook groups to meet folks ahead, join private tours and meet/greet events]
Review Celebrity Edge – Final Thoughts
The Celebrity Edge is a wonderful ship – more an “experience”. If you’re in the market for a total luxury cruise this is the most amazing ship you will have the opportunity to enjoy. Celebrity Edge is in the Eastern Med this summer, sailing the Caribbean for the winter and back to the Med in spring 2020. It’s a premium cruise experience offering a standard of environment, features and service that exceed “mass market” cruise ships. Worth the extra money? Depends on your perspective, but if you are looking for an “up-market” experience away from the mass – it’s certainly worth trying!
Amy Stanning travelled on Celebrity Edge’s European Preview in May 2019 as guest of Celebrity Cruises. All Celebrity Edge photos included in Amy’s review were taken by her and shared as a courtesy.
Thanks to Amy for sharing her initial thoughts, experiences and photos on the Celebrity Edge ship sailing in the Med this summer. I can’t wait to experience the ship myself – I love the solarium, spa menus and wow that roof garden looks like a great escape to read a book in the sun with a slushy cocktail! If you have already sailed on Edge, comment below on what you liked, didn’t like and recommendations for others considering this ship.