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Reviews 2.9.

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Poor guest experience , request for items ignored in drive to streamline

Recent 4 day cruise with celebrity fell way below expectations. When you book a holiday and pay for food and drink , you would hope that the staff would provide what had been paid for,. Sadly my recent experience was not anywhere near what i had hoped. I consistently {multiple times daily ) had to return drinks as what i ordered was not provided. This does not make for a very relaxing holiday as staff are clearly trained to just give you cheaper alternatives and management hope you don't notice. The staff work very hard and it must be as difficult for them as it is annoying to the guest. Its just a shame that guests preferences are washed away by the need to strip the bones of service to the point of ignoring what guests ask for.

Date of experience : 24 August 2024

Absolutely amazing cruise with great service

Absolutely amazing cruise with service being great. We had many employees on board going out of their way to help. Cannot mention them all but would like to say thanks to Aries and his team in the restaurant and Trace and Krishna in the Passport bar. Have travelled with Celebrity a few times and have never been disappointed.

Date of experience : 12 April 2024

Not impressed

We haven't actually embarked on our Norway cruise for mid May but as we were given very little advanced information we have discovered all the restaurants included in our package are booked out. We therefore have to pay to eat. We ended up paying for WiFi when we didn't need to and drinking is prohibitively expensive. The lack of information is shocking

Date of experience : 03 February 2024

Terrible Service

Cruise from Singapore through Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia on the Celebrity Millenium. On arrival found the floor of the cabin covered in masses of blond hairs, reported this and was immediately hoovered. This is after an email that the ship was undergoing a deep clean due to some previous passengers suffering from gastroenteritis. Queuing hours just to get onboard the ship, seemed to be the norm for the next 12 days queuing for everything, meals drinks etc. When complaining the excuse was, its because the ship is full. Ship is now very tired, in the 12 days onboard were never able to get a sunbed, always busy. Paid $140 for an indian night, should of gone to the self service restaurant, indian food is much better there. If you like queuing for everything and being ripped off on trips this is the ship for you.

Date of experience : 18 January 2024

Sailed on the Apex what an amazing…

Sailed on the Apex what an amazing experience the staff, ship, entertainment and food was absolutely marvelous. This was my fourth Celebrity cruise and honestly cannot fault them in any way

Date of experience : 23 September 2023

Autistic son assaulted by Staff

Impossible to contact Customer Services. Drinks package a scam as most drinks over the $9 limit. Wifi package a scam as it doesn't work. Gratuity package a scam as some individuals actively ask for tips. Water supply to room costs 7$ a day when it 'appears' to be free. Demand payment of account prior to disembarking even though they have debit cards on file. My autistic son assaulted by staff.

Date of experience : 30 May 2022

Iv read a lot of the reviews and they…

Iv read a lot of the reviews and they quite often mention booking through celebrity cruises and there customer service and problems with them. We booked through an independent travel agent and the experience was first class.I would 100% recommend celebrity cruises,we went on celebrity silhouette round the Caribbean,the ship was stunning,the crew couldn’t do enough,the food was top notch,the entertainment was brilliant.I would say don’t blame the ship and crew when having problems with customer service.

Date of experience : 30 March 2022

They saved our bacon

We have recently returned from Silhouette cruise to Canaries, having booked through Miles. This is not about the cruise itself, which was up to expectation, especially the courteous staff, cabin service, and restaurant staff. (Lee, in Customer service, spent a longtime getting my wife’s iPad onto the internet. Thank you Lee.) Having disembarked, and collected our car, we discovered that we had left our spare car and house keys in the cabin. We drove back to the ship, by now receiving the next batch of guests, and my wife went back in. They were absolutely helpful. After a short wait, yes, they were in the cabin, and they would be sent down! Phew! A good holiday was not ruined.

Date of experience : 20 October 2022

Celebrity silhouette cruise to Iceland

Celebrity silhouette cruise to Iceland, left 29/08/22 All the staff were very helpful and welcoming. The food was excellent. It was my first cruise, and as it turns out cruising is not for me. Have just returned from SA on S—t Airways ( laughing British favourite airline. BA could learn about costumer’s services

Date of experience : 29 August 2022

DO NOT BOOK WITH RAZIA BEATIE

DO NOT BOOK WITH RAZIA BEATIE. The celebrity edge experience is exceptional however dealing with Razia was an absolute nightmare who actually ripped us off by offering us multiple facilities. When asked when the additional facilities were not mentioned on the invoice she said that it would be in booking notes. Long story short. We board the ship and come to know that we never given those facilities. Beware of booking anything with her. She is rude and never replies when you contact her with any queries.

Date of experience : 14 July 2022

No refund after 5 months

Originaly a fan of Celebrity. But when my cruise was cancelled due to Covid the deposit refund was agreed 5 months ago. Still no deposit refunded and in order to talk to them its 7p a min, or visit FAQ which say nothing. Cruise date has come and gone and their only comment is that they are "very busy". However their financial systems can handle large numbers of new bookings in seconds if the money is coming in. Very poor communication and definately seeing Celebrity in a new (darker) light. All my other deposits with airlines, theatres etc refunded almost immediately. Celebrity's reputation is shot to pieces with me and will definately go elsewhere when cruising recommences

Date of experience : 16 July 2020

Non existent customer service

We have travelled with celebrity for many years and have always had excellent service. However, when you do need help, their customer service team is very disappointing. An hour long wait on a phone line I am being charged for and emails that are not answered, has left us wondering if we will ever book with them again.

Date of experience : 23 May 2022

Great staff with wonderful service

Great staff, wonderful service. The ship (silhouette) was stylish and well kept. We had an extremely nice holiday. We loved the choice of food in the buffet and the food was very good. Had some issues with disembarkation via tender with a 2 hour wait. At times we couldn't find a table to sit at in the buffet at lunch.

Date of experience : 13 July 2023

Celebrity Equinox Caribbean Cruise

Just come back off a cruise around the Caribbean on the Celebrity Equinox cruise ship and I cannot praise the ships crew enough. From captain right down to the cleaning staff they worked hard to make sure everyone had a good time. Nothing was too much trouble for them. There was a wide range of good food, fantastic entertainment to suit everyone. I would strongly recommend Celebrity Cruises to anyone.

Date of experience : 24 December 2021

Celebrity service standards

like many others I love Celebrity Cruises and woulld choose them over all others. However their service standards have slipped to a new low. onboard ship I expect it to be a fabulous experience but if you have a problem before the cruise the ability to contact them is practically zero. Just had a cruise cancelled and need to have a conversation with them - spent 90 miniutes on the phone and simply gave up. no e-mail address I just don't know how you are supposed to have a meaningful conversation with them if you cannot contact them

Date of experience : 17 April 2022

Hooray, 2022 Celebrity does it again!

I've just returned from a second Caribbean cruise with Celebrity. The ship was the Equinox. Companies often ask how they could improve their customer service.Well, based on my experience, I really don't see how they could do any better. Embarkation at Fort Lauderdale after a pre cruise overnight in Miami, was speedy, organised, well staffed and welcoming. Verandah stateroom was perfect and kept spotlessly clean as was entire ship. Food.....spoilt for choice in every food outlet.The cafeteria had a vast choice of quality food all day and the more formal Silhouette Restaurant offered haute cuisine with exemplary service.Facilities throughout the ship, first class including the well equipped gym.Entertainment was satisfactory with a couple of exceptionally good acts, like the Tina Turner tribute singer, the Elysium modern dance and the ship's superb band. Hate to include the cliché 'something for everyone' but there really was. I am an older lady with a young attitude.I travel solo by choice and can't wait for my next Celebrity Cruise.

Date of experience : 08 March 2022

My wife had $100 cruise credit…

My wife had $100 cruise credit (confirmed in writing), but on her return she was charged $152 instead of $52. No cruise credit allowance. Issue raised by telephone, email and letter. No response from Celebrity. A court claim has now been issued to recover the money. What a hassle!

Date of experience : 31 August 2023

CUSTOMER SERVICE AT A NEW LOW

CANCELLING THE BOOKING BECAUSE OF COVID 19 IS ONE THING. TRYING TO GET THE PROMISED FUTURE CRUSE CREDIT IS ANOTHER ISSUE TWO PROMISED DATES BEEN AND GONE DESPITE TO QUOTE THE COMPANY ' IT HAS BEEN ESCALATED'. TIME ELAPSED 11 WEEKS. PS ...THEY CHARGE YOU TO PHONE THEM???!

Date of experience : 12 June 2020

Can you get through to Celebrity Cruises???????

Having booked a cruise on line Trying to get in touch is IMPOSSIBLE! E mails no response Call wait a hour the get cut off Eventually get through can’t help u They offer a “ We have got your back” if u book your flights with them Let’s hope the potential issues at Amsterdam do not come to fruition!! In the alternative we booked a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line.. called them… answered in minutes and now have a direct line and email to an agent responsible for our booking Celebrity get your act together How do you survive in customer driven market in the USA!!!!!

Date of experience : 08 August 2022

Family cruise.…

Went with family on Silhouette to Norway, the youngest being 18 months.The facilities for this age were not as advertised as we were shown to a room with lots of chairs and he was given a ball and one book to play with.Surely some plastic slides or kitchen costing peanuts in Argos should have been provided,so I would not recommend this ship for toddler. My next disappointment was the library which in the ships advertisement showed many shelves filled with numerous books.however Most shelves were empty and books that were available were in German.,so I advise everyone to bring their own reading material. The in house entertainers left a lot to be desired, but all guest artist were excellent. All the staff were very obliging and friendly. All in all I feel the standards of Celebrity have slipped since our last cruise. Will I cruise with them again? Not sure.

Date of experience : 25 July 2022

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Celebrity Beyond

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises |

Find a Cruise on Celebrity Beyond

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 234 guests have reviewed Celebrity Beyond , giving it a rating of 4.5 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Another cruise

Sep 10th, 2024

We had a great time. Went in beginning of September so very few children. Staff was nice. Entertainment was sporadic. I do wish there was more live music at the pool deck, less DJ, but that's just me. It was nice that there was no "sexy leg/belly flop, etc contests" at the pool. It's definitely for a more mature crowd. Although I was disappointed there was no towel animals. :)

Traveler Type

Cruise was good but not happy with end results

Over all was good. Ended up getting Covid from the cruise. Also very disatisfied overall with them double charging me $2500. $5000 in total. and now the are saying its 3-5 days to get it resolved. Which now my bank is -$2500 and I cant get any groceries for when we got back to the house. Never will use Celebrity ever again and Will not recommend it to anyone.

1 cruise (first)

Unforgettable vacation

Sep 8th, 2024

Aruba tour with Eagle beach was amazing. Interesting informative tour and the best Caribbean beach in one day!

4-6 cruises

Fabulous Cruise to the ABC Islands

Sep 7th, 2024

Awesome cruise experience! Definitely recommend sailing on Celebrity Beyond ~ it is truly a fun adventure.

Singles/Friends

Beautiful cruise

Sep 5th, 2024

I have done many cruises and I can easily say this trip has been one of the best with no issues whatsoever. My family and I had an amazing time. Staff on the ship are very attentive and want you to have a great time. Entertainment was wonderful. Being able to grab a slice of freshly made pizza at midnight was cool. Definitely recommend it.

Family (older children)

Wonderful cruise

Sep 4th, 2024

It was a wonderful cruise. I will travel again Celebrity/Beyond.

2-3 cruises

Fantastic Caribbean Cruise

Celebrity is truly a Class A+ cruise line! We have cruised on many other cruise lines and Celebrity outshines all of them. The ship, the food, the crew, the entertainment, the itinerary, ALL FANTASTIC!

This crew and ship is truly Beyond.

Sep 2nd, 2024

I've been on 6 cruises. This one was way above anything I've ever experienced on a ship. Beyond was the best name for it.

Relaxing and truly enjoyable cruise!!

A very relaxing cruise with four sea days, which is really amazing. Generous port time and a nice ship.

A Marvelous Relaxing Cruise

Aug 30th, 2024

Definitely Celebrity Beyond is in my heart and will not hesitate to boar her again and mostly I don't cruise the same ship again, but this one is different and not only for Captain Kate which was my dream to speak to her and have a photo, it just everything in the ship, the personnel, the food, the experience overall is something to never forget

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Celebrity Edge cruise ship review: A guide to Celebrity’s original Edge Class ship

TPG's Kristy Tolley accepted a free trip from Celebrity Cruises to cruise on Celebrity Edge for its inaugural Alaska sailing. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

Celebrity Edge, the first of Celebrity Cruises ' Edge Class fleet, created a lot of buzz when it debuted in 2018. Designed to upend previous notions of cruising, the ship showcased groundbreaking technology with industry-first elements like its Infinite Veranda cabins and moveable, cantilevered lounge called the "Magic Carpet." Additionally, Celebrity created an upscale resort at sea teeming with contemporary art and sophisticated decor.

Families are welcome on board, but you won't find a theme park-style top deck brimming with waterslides and play areas. Celebrity Edge is meant to appeal to Gen Xers and older cruisers, yet it also appeals to millennials and families with kids in grade school and beyond.

If you're new to cruising and aren't sure it's right for you based on cruise ship stereotypes, Celebrity Edge could be the vessel to sample.

Here's everything you need to know about cruising Celebrity Edge.

Overview of Celebrity Edge

The 2,918-passenger, 130,818-ton Celebrity Edge kicked off the line's Edge Class series in 2018, launching a fresh crop of industry firsts in technology and design.

Innovative concepts that debuted on Edge include Infinite Verandas, which Celebrity only offers on Edge Class ships. A design idea borrowed from river ships, Infinite Veranda cabins feature a glass wall that slides down at the touch of a button, creating a balconylike space within the cabin (rather than exterior to the ship). Passengers sailing in cabins with an Infinite Veranda can enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery, no matter the weather.

Edge was also the first ship to feature the Magic Carpet, a 90-ton platform cantilevered over the side of the vessel that can move between decks. It can be used as a bar, restaurant or tender launching point.

Live plants, floral patterns, contemporary design and colorful artwork throughout the ship create an upscale and understated woodland fantasy vibe, especially in the Eden bar and restaurant and top-deck lounge spaces. The passenger demographic on my weeklong Alaska cruise skewed 30-ish and older, with a few families with kids. (Our sailing was fully booked, and there were just 74 kids on board.)

A nice touch on Celebrity Edge that I haven't seen on other lines was the captain's birthday wish announcements. Each day, he shared a celebrity birthday, followed by the names of passengers and crew members also celebrating a birthday. It was a sweet way to make a big-ship experience seem more intimate.

What I loved about Celebrity Edge

Infinite verandas give cabins more usable space

As previously mentioned, Infinite Veranda cabins debuted on Celebrity Edge and make up about 63% of the ship's cabins. They offer a contemporary alternative to standard balcony cabins and provide countless ways to enjoy the passing scenery through their glass exterior walls.

I've always enjoyed a balcony cabin with direct access to fresh air and a semi-private terrace. But in regular cruise ship balcony rooms, when you're not outside on the veranda, that outdoor space is underutilized (except, perhaps, as a bathing suit drying area).

An Infinite Veranda provides the best of both worlds because you make use of the balcony space regardless of whether you're inside your climate-controlled room or taking in fresh air with the window rolled down. A folding door separates your room from the "balcony" space; close it to create a self-contained veranda, or leave it open and the window closed to create a seemingly larger cabin. Also, since you can open your balcony window without closing the folding doors, you have a third option of bringing the sea breezes into your entire cabin.

Main dining venues feel more like specialty restaurants

Instead of one or two expansive dining venues, Celebrity Edge features four complimentary main dining rooms that feel more like restaurants than banquet halls. The smaller size and intimate atmosphere made the venues feel more upscale and less like the "mass dining" I've experienced on other cruises. The noise level of each venue was lower than what I've experienced in large two-story main dining spaces, and I appreciated being able to converse with my tablemates without shouting. It felt as if I were eating at a specialty dining restaurant.

Although several of the menu items are available across all four restaurants, each restaurant offers a handful of dishes exclusive to its menu. That variety gave me a reason to try each main dining room, and dining never got dull because I could eat somewhere new every night.

Public restrooms are lovely

This might seem like an odd thing to call out, but Celebrity Edge's public restrooms were some of the loveliest I've ever encountered. Public restrooms on other ships have been cramped, lackluster and utilitarian. However, the ones on Celebrity Edge were spalike, with a frosted-glass automatic door gliding open at the wave of your hand. The restrooms also feature floral-themed art, including "floating" roses in the sink created by some kind of light projection. Small towels for hand-drying are neatly rolled and stored above the sinks with hampers to drop them into when you finish.

What I didn't love about Celebrity Edge

In-cabin safes are too small

My cabin safe wasn't large enough to store my 13-inch laptop. I realize most passengers on board are likely vacationing laptop-free, but plenty of people bring computers on cruises for nighttime Netflix bingeing, photo uploads or work needs. Although it was annoying, I stored my laptop in the closet and never worried that it would be stolen.

You can't book reservations for main dining restaurants through the Celebrity Cruises app

Celebrity Cruises' app is one of the most robust cruise line apps I've used. Like other cruise lines' apps, it allows you to choose activities and add them to your app's calendar, book spa treatments and make reservations for specialty dining. What sets it apart is functionality that allows you to control cabin lights, blinds, the thermostat and the TV from anywhere on the ship. Within the Celebrity fleet, that feature is only available on Edge Class ships.

When you book your cruise, you can choose your dining times for included-in-fare restaurants and reserve your tables. If you don't do that before you board, you must reserve in person at the host stand at the entrance of each restaurant or call from your cabin.

I didn't secure my dining before my sailing, and I attempted to book in person a few times. When I called guest services, I received an automated message instructing me to go to the restaurant to make the reservation. When I attempted to book at Cosmopolitan, I was told it was full and I could be accommodated as a walk-in. My quandary was that the time they recommended was during the show I wanted to see.

It didn't make sense to me that included restaurants could be fully booked — or, at least, impossible to dine at during peak times without advance reservations.

It was a good lesson for me to make sure to choose dining times and confirm restaurant bookings before I step on board. However, it would be nice to have a similar setup as the Carnival Hub app, where you can check in for walk-up seating and receive a notification when your table is ready.

Celebrity Edge cabins and suites

Cabins on Celebrity Edge include a few windowless inside cabins, outside cabins with windows that don't open and balcony cabins (regular balconies and Infinite Verandas). Splurge on one of Edge's upscale accommodations like Concierge Class, which provides access to personal concierge services, and AquaClass cabins, which feature wellness amenities like complimentary fitness classes, unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite and complimentary dining at Blu restaurant. Guests in The Retreat, the line's exclusive seven-suite area, have access to a private dining room, a sun deck and a lounge, among other perks.

I stayed in an Infinite Veranda cabin, a faux-balcony room style that debuted for the cruise line on Celebrity Edge. The line reimagined the concept of a balcony from a separate structure external to the ship to a windowed indoor space that can either be incorporated into the rest of the cabin or separated off and the window opened to create a verandalike sitting area.

The concept rests on two key components: expansive glass windows that you can open or close with the push of a button to let in fresh air and a pair of folding doors you can slide shut to close off the veranda section of your room.

I enjoyed the airy atmosphere and extra space, so I left the doors open for the entire voyage. I lowered my glass windows several times during our colder-temperature sailing and found the chilly air refreshing.

Inside the cabin, my bed was incredibly comfortable, and I cocooned myself with the four fluffy but firm pillows. Two narrow but usable nightstands flanked the bed, each with two open shelves. These made a convenient spot to stash my laptop when I was finished watching my bedtime Netflix shows.

Beside my bed, a sleek-looking couch was a comfortable spot to stretch out and work on my laptop with fantastic views out of my floor-to-ceiling Infinite Veranda windows. Across from the sofa was a chest of drawers, a cabinet with a minifridge and a desk connected to it. If you don't need the desk (or want extra floor space), you can push it into the cabinet, revealing unobstructed access to a full-length mirror behind it. The TV was mounted on the wall opposite my bed and offered around 10 channels of news, movies and sports, as well as some Celebrity-sponsored channels. When I first entered my cabin, it was tuned to a channel of waves, which was a nice initial cruise cabin experience.

I had ample outlets throughout my cabin. A decorative power box on the desk area offered access to two North American-style 110-volt outlets, one European-style 220-volt outlet and two USB power plugs for smartphones. An additional 110-volt outlet and two USB plugs were located on one side of my bed. The bathroom also had one 110-volt outlet by the vanity.

My cabin also featured a wall-mounted touchscreen to control lights, curtains and the thermostat — with presets for morning, evening and night. The thermostat was easy to switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit.

My bathroom was lovely, with faux marble walls and floors. Shelves flanked the mirror, keeping all my toiletries off the vanity, which held a bar of soap and a full-size bottle of body lotion. The glass-enclosed shower was incredibly roomy, with full-size shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Additionally, the rainfall showerhead offered four different settings, providing a spalike experience. I've been known to shower in the women's locker room of ships to avoid a cramped cabin shower, but that was not necessary on this sailing.

The well-thought-out cabin layout made the best use of limited space. Corner cabinets were almost imperceptible, blending in seamlessly with the design. Clever cabin storage might have been too clever in the bathroom (for me, at least). I scoured the room in search of a hair dryer to no avail. My friend in the cabin next door popped over to show me the camouflaged drawer under the sink, revealing a full-size hair dryer. Sneaky!

Accessible accommodations are available across all categories on Celebrity Edge. Those cabins have wider doorways (32 inches), ramped bathroom thresholds, lowered sinks, higher toilets and other features.

Other accessibility considerations on Celebrity Edge include a lift at the main pool and the Solarium hot tub, wheelchair-labeled seating in dining and bar venues and lower playing tables in the casino.

Related: The best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility

Celebrity Edge restaurants and bars

Celebrity Edge is home to 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, including a solid selection of included-in-the-fare dining and upscale and exclusive added-fee restaurants. The bar scene is lively but never felt raucous. The Martini Bar and Eden Bar draw the biggest crowds. Also, thanks to Celebrity Edge's four main dining venues, I never felt like I was being "corralled" into the main dining space, as I've experienced on other ships.

Restaurants

Celebrity Edge has replaced the typical huge multilevel main dining room found on most large ships with four smaller venues: Tuscan (Italian), Normandie (French), Cyprus (Mediterranean) and Cosmopolitan (New American with global influences).

The menus are the same in all four, with the exception of a small section that's exclusive to each one, based on the restaurant's culinary focus. The exclusive menu and the main menu do not change daily; however, each restaurant menu features a signature dish that does change nightly.

I'm not a huge fan of mass dining experiences, so I loved this concept. Each meal felt like I was dining in a specialty restaurant. Service was attentive yet unobtrusive in all four restaurants. For example, I drink a lot of water, and the servers would refill my glass without my noticing and always before it was empty.

I chose to dine at Tuscan on the first night of my cruise because I was drawn to the restaurant's sleek design and bold black-and-white color palette with pops of yellow. The menu featured Tuscan exclusives like creamy Tuscan shrimp soup and a slow-roasted, herb-crusted pork chop with broccolini. I kicked my meal off with rich, garlicky escargot, and the butter pools were perfect for dipping the fresh bread I selected from the basket our waiter brought to our table. I also enjoyed the seared salmon with mashed potatoes, grilled squash and sauce vierge.

Of the four restaurants, Cosmopolitan was my favorite (in both atmosphere and food) — so much so that I ate there twice. Its blush and cream decor, anchored by dark wood trim, created an upscale environment. Distinct dishes on the Cosmopolitan menu included a cauliflower flan and oxtail royale.

For lunch, I enjoyed a flavorful seafood brochette (shrimp and scallops) with saffron rice and pesto vinaigrette. At dinner, my broiled lobster tail was cooked perfectly — tender with just the right amount of seasoning. My kale salad with roasted squash, dried cherries and caramelized pecans tossed in a lemon vinaigrette dressing was light and refreshing. I was tempted to add a second lobster tail for $17.

Serene Cyprus calms the senses with its sea of blue carpeting and crushed velvet seating. Diners can choose from Cyprus-only dishes like the Greek mezze board (tzatziki, hummus, dolmas and taramasalata) and homemade kordelia pasta. I've only ordered grilled octopus a handful of times in my life — including at Bobby Flay's Gato restaurant in New York — and Cyprus delivered one of the best versions I've had. The roasted trout over cauliflower and sauteed spinach was a worthy follow-up.

Normandie's marmite dieppoise, with shellfish and creme fraiche in a seafood broth, was delightful. The baked brie (with caramelized apples and port wine syrup) was incredible.

I was impressed with the quality and variety of dishes offered in Oceanview Cafe, Celebrity Edge's buffet-style venue on Deck 14. In fact, the salmon I ate from the buffet was tastier than the salmon dish I ordered at Tuscan. I wasn't surprised that the buffet was bustling every time I visited, with passengers sometimes circling like sharks outside the ropes while staff members filled up the stations.

You could easily eat every meal here and be satisfied. For breakfast, there were made-to-order omelets, Benedicts, pastries, cereals and fresh fruit to start your day. Grilled meats and vegetables, Indian dishes, salads, sandwiches and desserts were available for lunch and dinner.

The dessert displays were so lovely; they blew me away. It all tasted as good as it looked, too. My favorites were the Boston cake and the pistachio cake.

Just a few steps from Oceanview Cafe, the walk-up pizza venue served fresh wood-fired pies like Margherita, vegetable and pepperoni, among others. On the other end, near the entrance of Oceanview Cafe (by Il Segundo Bacio), a walk-up ice cream counter serves a variety of ice cream and sorbets that won't cost you extra.

Other complimentary dining on Celebrity Edge includes Mast Grill (Deck 14 near the pool bar) for a quick burger or hot dog. Spa Cafe and Juice Bar (Deck 14 by the Solarium pool) serves healthy bites like homemade energy bars, wraps and salads. Smoothies and fresh-pressed juices are available but cost extra.

Eden Cafe is the spot for a light breakfast or lunch. You can feel good about your choices when you select oatmeal with honey and quinoa, turkey and egg white wraps or build-your-own salads.

Guests staying in The Retreat or AquaClass cabins have exclusive dining privileges at Luminae (Retreat) and Blu (AquaClass). Choose from Blu's signature entrees like phyllo-crusted chicken paillard and creamy wild mushroom risotto or "clean cuisine" menu items such as a plant-based Beyond burger and roasted sweet potatoes with charred sugar snap peas. Crafted by renowned chef Daniel Boulud, Luminae's menu changes daily and offers items not served in any other restaurant on board, including duck leg confit char sui and chilled corn soup with prawns.

Room service is complimentary if you choose to order continental breakfast dishes (such as coffee, juices, cereal, fruits and bakery items like bagels, toast, English muffins and croissants). You can order a premium breakfast for a $9.95 service fee (with an additional automatic 20% service charge). Premium breakfast selections include egg dishes and omelets, pancakes and French toast, and sides like bacon, sausage and breakfast ham.

I ordered room service one morning in port and was impressed with the service. I received a courtesy call to let me know my meal was on the way and a follow-up call to ensure my items were to my liking and to ask if I needed anything else.

The coffee arrived in a carafe, so I could enjoy more than one cup. It arrived hot, but I took my time savoring my refills and the carafe didn't keep the temperature. (To be fair, I'm a slow coffee drinker, and this was over the course of about an hour.) I'm not a huge breakfast eater, so the fruit plate, fresh croissants and coffee were exactly the right amount to get me going.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

In addition to a bevy of fare-included dining options, Celebrity Edge offers a nice selection of added-fee restaurants worth checking out.

Eden is a cool venue and (in my opinion) worth the $85 per person fee. It's on the first level of an expansive three-level space. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and is, hands down, one of my favorite cruise ship dining spaces. You don't just eat a meal here; you experience it.

The "Journey to Eden" art installment/walkway to the restaurant sets the stage for the unique experience you'll have in Eden. All Edge Class ships feature this installment, but they are different on each ship.

Once your dinner begins, innovative cocktails (the Shaman is a must-try), creative and beautifully presented dishes and Instagram-worthy desserts come together in a way that makes you feel like you're on an excursion to an edible art gallery. I sampled branzino in crispy bread, Aegean Sea ceviche, a jumbo lump crabcake and truffled huitlacoche risotto. Every bite was a chef's kiss.

Eden costs $85 per person to order from the main menu and $120 per person for tasting menus paired with wine.

Le Grand Bistro (on Deck 4) serves French cuisine in a casual yet sophisticated setting. I dined here for lunch ($30 per person), and all the dishes I tried were top-notch. I sampled the wild mushroom tart, the baby arugula salad and the lobster bisque with puff pastry. The tart and bisque were both rich and savory, and the salad was simply dressed with toasted pine nuts and balsamic vinaigrette, a perfect backdrop for the balls of fried goat cheese that topped the salad.

My lemonade Provencal cocktail ($12) was delightfully refreshing. It was a blend of fresh lemon juice, gin, lavender, rosemary, thyme and sage. The drink was very lavender-forward, which I loved, but others might find off-putting.

Daily rotating dishes include a bouillabaisse with sauteed lobster, shrimp, scallops and other seafood in a broth and a slow-braised lamb shank in a red wine jus served with potatoes and mushrooms. Le Grand Bistro also serves breakfast ($15 per person). Additionally, you can walk up to the pastry counter and purchase a variety of baked goodies a la carte to enjoy anywhere on the ship.

In the evening, Le Grand Bistro becomes Le Petit Chef, a for-fee ($60 per person) dining experience. The animated chef prepares your dish through innovative projections before servers bring out your actual meal.

Other specialty restaurants include Raw on 5, which serves sushi and sashimi and an abundant spread of fresh seafood. It's open for lunch and dinner, and a la carte pricing ranges from $7 (for spicy ahi tuna) to $90 (for the imperial tower that includes lobster tail, lobster and crab salad, chilled shrimp, oysters, king crab legs, crab claws and sea bass ceviche). Also, Fine Cut Steakhouse (open for dinner) offers upscale steak and seafood in an intimate setting ($79 per person; open for dinner). The alfresco Rooftop Garden Grill on Deck 15 serves flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, salads and grilled dishes for lunch ($25 per person) and dinner ($45 per person).

Cruisers seemed to gravitate toward Celebrity's signature Martini Bar throughout the day, likely thanks to its central location midship on Deck 3 and an open atrium extending two floors above. The bar is crowned with a soaring LED display that synchronizes with music a couple of times each night.

I loved the liveliness and quality of the drinks at the Martini Bar. However, it wasn't ideal for conversing with shipmates when it was busy. A couple of times, our group started in the Martini Bar but moved to Eden Bar because we couldn't hear one another due to the noise level. If you just want to drink epic martinis, listen to live music and enjoy an occasional flair performance from the bartenders, this is your spot. Martinis are $17, or you can sample a flight of six for $40.

On the second level of Eden, Eden Bar invites you with ample, plush seating areas, soaring windows and a striking Library of Plants living wall where fresh ingredients and garnishes are hand-picked for artisanal cocktails that range from $15 to $45. My favorites were the Shaman (rum, Manzanilla, apricot liqueur, dry vermouth and a garnish of a smoldering stick of dried sage), the Pea (gin, basil soup, amontillado sherry, lime juice, blanched spring peas, virgin olive oil and aquafaba) and the Planter (mezcal, cardamom syrup, lime juice and curacao).

You can't sail an Edge Class ship without spending time at the Magic Carpet that juts out over the edge of the ship. With cozy couch-style seating and incredible views from any vantage point, the Magic Carpet is a hot spot for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. When the movable lounge is positioned on Deck 5, it becomes an extension of Raw on 5, creating a hip open-air dining experience. You can also reserve a table when it becomes Dinner on the Edge on Deck 14 (Dinner on the Edge is also available during lunch). The a la carte menu features items like cod fritters, slow-roasted chateaubriand and pan-seared branzino.

The Sunset Bar on Deck 15 is a casual spot to enjoy a cocktail as the ship pulls out of port. Other venues for a refreshing cocktail include the Pool Bar, the Casino Bar and The Club, a games and activities space by day and a nightclub at night.

On Deck 4 overlooking the Martini Bar, Cafe al Bacio is a popular spot for coffee cocktails ($12 or $17), specialty coffees ($4 or $5), teas (around $5) and some complimentary pastries and baked goods. The cafe was perpetually buzzing with passengers sipping coffee over a game of cards or while people-watching. I enjoyed more than one nearly flawless cappuccino here. Although there was usually a line to order, I never waited more than a minute or two for my drink.

The second Cafe al Bacio location (Il Segundo Bacio) is right by the entrance of the Oceanview Cafe buffet area. The line seemed to move more slowly at this location. Also, you won't find the specialty baked goods available at the main Cafe al Bacio, which I didn't mind as there were ample pastries and snacks at the Oceanview Buffet.

Celebrity offers drink packages if you wish to pay a flat daily rate to save money if you drink a lot or want a worry-free inclusive experience. I had the premium drink package, which covered my drinks at Cafe al Bacio and the cocktails I ordered. For that package, expect to pay $56 to $129 per person, per day ($67.20 to $154.80 with gratuity).

Related: Celebrity Cruises drink packages: Cost, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Celebrity Edge activities

Celebrity Edge offers a good variety of daily activities on each voyage. Cruisers might head to the smoke-free casino, enjoy a martini tasting, participate in a group competition, attend a seminar or sign up for a fitness class.

I checked out trivia competitions and a game show, which were held in The Club on Deck 4 near The Theatre. All were well attended, and by the end of the games, it was often standing-room-only. For trivia, you could test your knowledge on subjects like '80s music, pop culture and general knowledge trivia. The Club was also the spot for dance lessons and scheduled guest events during the day. In the evening, it hosted live music and karaoke.

I found a variety of fantastic live music sets throughout the ship each night. One singer in the Martini Bar even walked around the deck above with her guitar throughout her set.

My Edge sailing was a colder-climate itinerary in Alaska, so the main pool on Deck 14 didn't teem with sunbathers during my cruise. I did see a handful of passengers swimming laps at various times throughout the week. Two martini glass-shaped hot tubs with excellent views of the pool and the sea beyond grace each end of the pool a level up.

Passengers can rent one of the comfy outward-facing cabanas that surround the pool. A split cabana accommodates two people and costs $150. A full cabana accommodates four guests and costs $300. With it, you get a bottle of Champagne or liquor, fruit, lunch and drinks.

The ship's indoor (and heated) Solarium pool saw more traffic, and the window-facing loungers surrounding the pool were a hot commodity the entire week. The Solarium hot tub was popular, too. Note that while the Solarium is an adults-only area, the Solarium pool is open for families (and kids) from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. Suite Class guests will enjoy their own pool, hot tub and deck area on Deck 16 in the rear of the ship. Also, those in Edge Villas have private plunge pools on their balcony.

On Deck 14, the 22,000-square-foot spa is a serene escape. Conceived by renowned designer Kelly Hoppen, The Spa was inspired by nature, with calm lighting, soothing wood tones and a gorgeous crystal installation. Guests can choose from more than 124 treatments like the thousand flower detox wrap, a zero-gravity wellness massage and a poultice-powered muscle release. The Spa also features a Kerastase salon for haircuts and styling. Men can opt for a traditional hot shave and trim at The Barber at The Spa.

The spa's SEA Thermal Suite is complimentary for all AquaClass guests, but you can purchase a day pass for $69 per person, per day or $219 per person for the week. In addition to a traditional steam room and sauna, guests can achieve an even higher level of tranquility in the spa's hammam Turkish bath, salt room, float room and crystalarium. Take in sea views between snoozes on heated tile loungers, or invigorate yourself in the rainfall water therapy room.

Related: The 7 best cruise ship spas

Celebrity Edge's spacious fitness center is well equipped with Peloton bikes, treadmills, elliptical and rowing machines, stationary bikes, stair climbers, plyometric jump boxes, free weights and kettlebells. Additionally, two studios are dedicated to (extra-fee) fitness classes like boxing TRX, barre and spin sessions that you can view and reserve on the Celebrity app.

The ship's running/walking track was my choice for exercise. Spanning two decks (15 and 16), it features a clear lane direction for both walkers and runners. Unlike many ships' simple circle tracks, this one provided an incline with a bit of a varied route, which I enjoyed. One mile equals 4.5 laps.

As previously mentioned, there weren't a lot of kids on my sailing, and Celebrity cruises, for the most part, attract older cruisers, couples and friend groups. That doesn't mean younger cruisers are left out of the fun, thanks to the line's Camp at Sea program and kids clubs.

On Celebrity Edge, the teen space (dubbed The Basement) is on Deck 2, while Camp at Sea for the younger set is on Deck 3. Young cruisers are organized into groups — Teens (ages 13 to 17), Captains (ages 10 to 12), Cadets (ages 6 to 9) and Shipmates (ages 3 to 5) — and youth staff lead age-specific activities to entertain and educate. Celebrity Edge is one of two Celebrity ships (Celebrity Equinox is the other) that offers the STEM at Sea program, with exclusive activities and events centered around marine wildlife, nautical exploration and ecological conservation.

Camp at Sea is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and there's no fee for kids to attend. A slumber party from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. is offered nightly on a sign-up basis for a fee of $6 per hour, per child. Activities run the gamut from arts and crafts to karaoke.

Celebrity Edge shows

Celebrity Edge's entertainment in The Theatre really wowed me with its contemporary mix of impressive acrobatics, singing and dance. The performers were incredibly talented. We also had the unique pleasure of experiencing two separate casts, as one group ended their contract and another one began halfway through our sailing. The Theatre was filled at every performance, which was a testament to the quality of the shows.

The show "Kaleidoscope" featured a string of dynamic dance and vocal performances with aerialists. It was fantastic, though a bit challenging for me to know where to look because I didn't want to miss anything. "Feel the Funk" showcased the singers and a live band, which included a 19-year-old drummer who slayed the house down.

The Theatre also hosts headliner comedians, game shows and the line's "Beyond the Podium" talks, which provide a preview of upcoming ports of call. You can find live music just about anywhere on the ship — including the Martini Bar, Eden Bar and The Club. Additionally, Eden Bar is home to musical and aerial acts.

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Celebrity Edge itineraries and pricing

In May 2024, Celebrity Edge sailed its maiden voyage in Alaska with a seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary. The round-trip sailing from Seattle features stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia, in Canada. Alaska sailings will run from May through September in 2024 and 2025. Fares start from $905 per person for an inside cabin.

Edge will also sail three- to five-night Australia and New Zealand itineraries in November 2024, January and April 2025 and January 2026. Ports of call include Hobart, Tasmania, Eden and Sydney in Australia. Fares start from $363 per person.

Additionally, 11-night round-trip Great Barrier Reef sailings are available in October and November 2024, March and April 2025 and February 2026. Featured stops include Brisbane, Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island in Australia. Fares start from $1,313 per person for an inside cabin.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

U.S. citizens on a cruise that begins and ends in a U.S. port must have a current passport or an official copy of their birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A passport card is also acceptable.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure.

Passengers need an Australian visa for cruises that visit Australian ports. For details, check with Celebrity Cruises or your travel agent when you book your sailing.

Important note: The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. We recommend you check Celebrity Cruises' website before you sail for the most recent updates on requirements.

Celebrity automatically adds a service gratuity of $18 to $23 per person, per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is automatically added to spa and salon purchases, and a 20% gratuity is also automatically added to specialty dining, beverage, beverage package, room service and minibar purchases.

If you aren't satisfied with the service you received, you can adjust the amount at the Guest Services desk before you disembark. You can also give an additional tip for exceptional service you received during your sailing.

Related: 7 people you should always tip on a cruise

Celebrity Cruises uses Starlink as a provider for internet service on Celebrity Edge. I had no issues with connectivity during my sailing and was able to work online, post videos on my social platforms and text my family.

If you book the cruise-only fare, you can purchase Wi-Fi separately on board the ship at $20 per day, per device for a Basic plan, which lets you browse the web, send and receive emails and text via messaging apps. The Premium plan costs $35 per day, per device and adds the capability for live streaming, video chats and more. With either plan, you can save 10% if you buy it before your cruise.

If you choose the all-inclusive cruise price, your fare includes a Classic Drinks Package (with nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages), Basic Wi-Fi access and gratuities. AquaClass cabins always have Basic Wi-Fi included in the fare, and suites in The Retreat include complimentary Premium Wi-Fi. If you have Basic Wi-Fi included in your cruise fare, you can upgrade to the Premium Package for $9.99 per day.

Celebrity's loyalty program, Captain's Club, includes Wi-Fi discounts and perks at various membership levels. For example, Classic-level members get 10% off a Wi-Fi package, and Zenith-level guests receive a complimentary Premium Package.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests can bring personal wine on board, but it's limited to one 750-milliliter bottle per guest of drinking age. You must pack it in your carry-on instead of your checked luggage. If you consume your wine in one of the ship's restaurants, bars or dining venues, you'll pay a $25 corkage fee for each bottle.

Smoking policy

Passengers can only smoke in designated outdoor areas on Celebrity Edge, which are found on Deck 15 near the Sunset Bar and the Pool Bar near the Mast Grill. Smoking rules apply to e-cigarettes, too.

Celebrity ships do not feature self-service laundry facilities. However, you can send clothes out for full-service laundry, pressing or dry-cleaning for a fee. If you're in a rush, opt for the same-day service for an additional 50% surcharge.

Since I managed to pack for a seven-night Alaska cruise in one carry-on bag (for which I deserve an award), I used the laundry service on the fourth day of my cruise.

The laundry bag and form were tucked away in the corner storage cabinet by the bathroom door. I placed my clothes in the bag, filled out the form and left it in my cabin for my steward. I sent out a T-shirt ($4) and two pairs of leggings ($8 each), and they were returned the next day in pristine condition. Prices for laundry range from $3 (for underwear and socks) to $19 (for suits). Dry cleaning is also available and ranges from $6 (for ties and vests) to $18 (for dresses). Pressing-only services run from $4 (for shorts) to $15 (for suits).

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

As previously mentioned, all Celebrity Edge cabins have North American-style 110-volt outlets, European-style 220-volt outlets and USB plug sockets. Bring a power strip (without a surge protector) if you need more than that.

Related: Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board

The currency used on Celebrity Edge is the dollar. However, the ship operates on a cashless system, so you'll receive a SeaPass card you can use to make charges. (This same card also gets you into your cabin and serves as your onboard ID.) Any purchases you make on the ship will automatically post to your onboard account, which will be charged to your credit card on file.

Drinking age

Passengers must be at least 21 to drink alcohol on Celebrity Edge.

During the day, Celebrity Edge does not suggest a specific dress code, but passengers lean toward casual resortwear. Our sailing was an Alaska itinerary, so passengers typically wore jeans or leggings and long-sleeved or flannel shirts.

If you sail to warmer regions on your Celebrity Edge itinerary, beach or casual resort attire will be the norm for sea days, and if you plan to spend your day on the top deck, dress in T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (wear a cover-up when inside). Note that swimsuits, see-through cover-ups or robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts and baseball caps are not permitted in main or specialty dining venues.

At night, smart casual attire (a dress, a skirt, long pants or jeans and a stylish top or button-down, but no shorts or flip-flops) is required for entry to main or specialty dining venues and the Celebrity Theatre.

Depending on the length of your cruise, you might have one or two formal nights called "evening chic" (think: cocktail dresses, skirts, slacks, an elegant dress top or blazer). I didn't pack a fancy dress and felt comfortable in my slacks and sweater even though other passengers chose to gussy up on those nights.

Bottom line

Celebrity Edge is a gorgeous and contemporary ship. It's sure to deliver a fantastic cruise vacation for couples and friend groups who appreciate the ship's contemporary atmosphere and a not-your-typical-cruise-ship design. Families with kids who prefer less frenetic and more hands-on activities can enjoy their time on board as well.

Planning a Celebrity cruise? Start with these stories:

• The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries
• 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained
• The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Celebrity Cruises ship
• Everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises cabins and suites
• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

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This Beloved Luxury Cruise Ship Is Back on the Water — With a Nobu at Sea, a Gorgeous Pool Deck, and a Slate of Epic Itineraries

Beloved brand Crystal Cruises came to an ignominious end during the pandemic. Now, new leadership has revived the line and aims to make it better than ever.

Bars and Restaurants

Where serenity sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Spending a week on Crystal Serenity feels like staying at a resort that families have been visiting for 20 years. On a July cruise in the Mediterranean Sea, most of the passengers I met had sailed on Serenity many times before. Veteran Crystal cruiser Keith Steiner regaled me with stories of the paddle tennis tournament he plays in every year, alongside the crew, on the line’s world cruises. Linda Glenn, who has been on 130 Crystal cruises, promised to show me the beautiful ring her husband, Stanley, commissioned from the jeweler who supplies Serenity ’s boutique. And the Glenns' grandson, Tate, has been sailing on Crystal Serenity since he was two. He’s 19 now.

What’s strange about all this is I met these folks on Crystal Serenity ’s inaugural journey. 

Crystal Serenity

• Crystal Cruises has the only Nobu restaurants at sea. On Serenity, Umi Uma, a Japanese-Peruvian spot by chef Nobu Matsuhisa is one of the best restaurants on board.
• The 740-passenger ship has all ocean-view rooms — and most have balconies — plus 24/7 butler service.
• Crystal Cruises is known for its exceptional world cruises, and Serenity embarks on its first around-the-world tour in 2024.

Here’s what happened: Crystal Serenity first launched in 2003. To put a time stamp on that, Julie Andrews was named the godmother of Serenity , and “The Princess Diaries” had come out two years before. Fast forward 19 years and Crystal went bankrupt in fairly spectacular fashion in early 2022. Seventeen months later, the brand is known simply as Crystal and is a part of A&K Travel Group, the holding company backed by travel luminaries Geoffrey Kent, of Abercrombie & Kent, and Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the onetime chairman of Silversea. Since taking the helm, A&K has invested $150 million in Crystal, giving Serenity and sibling ship Crystal Symphony stem-to-stern overhauls. Both ships returned to service in the summer of 2023.

Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

“It’s Crystal enhanced,” Steiner told me, as we sailed from Corsica to Barcelona on a particularly rocky day on the Mediterranean. The retired telecom executive has been on 120 Crystal cruises with his wife, Anne Marie. “Every person we've spoken to would say, from the moment they came on, it feels, it looks, it smells like Crystal. It is Crystal.”

That’s largely because 80 percent of the Crystal Serenity ’s crew is back on board. My butler, Jijo, who had been with Crystal for 17 years before the bankruptcy, knew every one of his guests on that first sailing — I was his only newcomer. Jijo unpacked my suitcase, handled my laundry and my airport transfer, routinely surprised me with an afternoon iced tea, and accompanied me to the IT office when my Wi-Fi went out. When I wasn’t feeling well, he brought me several rounds of chicken consumé, toast, and mint tea as I watched “Top Gun: Maverick” while hiding under Jesurum 1870 bedding. It was, due respect to my husband, even better care than I would’ve gotten back home. 

Here, everything you need to know about the new and improved Crystal Serenity — and what it was like to be one of the first on board.

My 430-square-foot Sapphire Veranda Suite — where I enjoyed my daily iced teas on the balcony, slept phenomenally well on the custom Jesurum 1870 bedding, and reveled in the spaciousness of the shower — was gutted in 2023 and completely redone by cruise ship designer GEM. But A&K, committed to keeping the returning guests happy, left some Sapphire Veranda Suites as they were — including the room Linda Glenn has booked since 2009.

There are no inside accommodations on the 545-room Crystal Serenity — even the entry-level offering has an ocean view. The smallest rooms, at 215 square feet, are the doubles with an ocean view, singles with an ocean view, and doubles with a veranda. Every accommodation comes with 24/7 butler service.

The most luxurious of Serenity' s 377 suites is the 1,275-square-foot Crystal Penthouse. The bathroom — with a full peachflower marble tub — is exquisite, as is the plentiful balcony space. And while most guests get only one reservation at each of the specialty restaurants, Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio, reservations for the penthouse guests are unlimited, and they can order from both directly to their room.

Linda, like most Crystal die-hards, still accidentally calls the Italian restaurant, Osteria D’Ovidio, by its old name, but says the space, overhauled by Tillberg of Sweden, feels completely different. "I think the food's even better," Stanley adds. Umi Uma — one of two Nobus at sea, the other on Crystal Symphony — has brand-new interiors, too. The Umi Uma menu hasn’t changed, which is a relief, because it turns out nothing bonds two people on a ship quite like a shared affinity for Nobu’s black-miso cod and decadent sashimi.

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure 

With one coveted culinary name already, Cristina Levis, A&K and Crystal Cruises CEO, told me she’s working to “bring home another celebrity chef” for Osteria. (Though, even without a Michelin-touted chef at the helm of Osteria, I loved the lobster acquasale and gnocchi blanketed in porcini mushroom ragout.) The best Italian export on board, however, is served six decks above Osteria at the gelato bar, Scoops. Levis is from a family of gelato makers, and it shows; the stracciatella and coffee gelato I savored on a poolside couch as we sailed from Portofino, Italy, was better than the cone I had in port. 

I also grew very attached to the buffet at Marketplace — it is truly next-level, with a carving station, a great salad bar, some excellent Indian food (who knew you could find phenomenal butter chicken on an Italian-owned ship?), and fresh seafood. I had terrific moules-frites one afternoon, with Rotterdam-sourced mussels in a delicate, garlicky cream sauce, seated outside in the sun, with a beautiful view of Cannes. This is not your average buffet. There’s also the main dining room, Waterside, open for three meals a day; Tastes Kitchen & Bar, with a lovely indoor-outdoor terrace that makes you feel like you’re on the corner of a charming European street; and a grill that does burgers and sandwiches for lunch — and excellent pancakes in the morning.

As for bars, I was partial to the Avenue Saloon — where Joel Spire plays piano every night and there’s a great Manhattan menu. Worth noting, there’s also an extensive non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktail menu at Avenue Saloon, for those looking for booze-free nightlife.

In 2023, Serenity will sail in North America, along the New England coast in the fall and into Canada, exploring Quebec’s Saint Lawrence River. In the winter, the ship will cruise the Caribbean, stopping in ports like St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Looking ahead to 2024, the ship will begin a five-continent world cruise — the first since A&K bought Crystal — cruising French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, South America, and in Europe, winding up in the Mediterranean Sea again next summer. The 2025 lineup was just announced, too; learn more about the sailings here .

As Crystal becomes more ingrained in the A&K family, “we will bring to Crystal what A&K does best, which is the excursions,” Levis said. Starting in 2025, the cruise line intends to roll out packages that let travelers leave the ship for a few days, knock out a once-in-a-lifetime tour, and then hop back on board.

While I had slight FOMO just hearing about travelers slipping off to Machu Picchu for an A&K adventure before rejoining the cruise in Lima, my travel envy dissipated as soon as I went on my first excursion. When we docked in Livorno, Italy, I joined a small group on a truffle-hunting excursion, following a sweet pup, Bianca, through a cluster of oak trees at Vialto Farms, a 1,000-year-old farmhouse in Tuscany. After glasses of cold vermentino, we dug into pasta in a light cream sauce topped with freshly grated truffles, followed by a truffle-covered fried egg. A few days later, on Corsica, a bus whisked a group of us to Domaine Orsini, for a wine tasting and a relaxing stint on the covered patio overlooking the island. And before I disembarked the ship in Barcelona, I crashed an evening excursion to the trendy El Born neighborhood, where our 10-person group shared a barrage of Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas , and croquetas at Tapeo.

The pool deck — in close proximity to the gelato bar – on deck 12 feels like a relaxed, exclusive Mediterranean beach club. One deck up, there’s a fitness center with Technogym equipment and workout classes, plus pickle ball and paddle tennis courts close by. The spa has a gorgeous, light-wood sauna with a picture window — perhaps my favorite place to watch the world go by — and an extensive treatment menu. I was extremely impressed with my dynamic biotech resurfacing facial and noticed the effects of the healing LED blue-light mask, which dissolves dead skin, for a full week after the treatment.

As for the entertainment, while I didn’t stray much from Pete’s piano in the Avenue Saloon, there are standup comedy and musical theater shows at the Stardust Club, Galaxy Lounge, and the Hollywood Theater. Crystal Cove bar is a great spot to catch live music (classical, jazz, piano, and even the occasional rock moment).

Also of note are the educational seminars, held daily, with guest speakers who lecture on upcoming destinations and give in-depth talks into their industries — whether that’s sports, media, or “even the occasional astronaut,” per Crystal’s website.

There is certainly a kids’ club on Serenity and children are welcome. In fact, children grow up on this ship, coming on the holiday cruise every year, and making lifelong friends — as I learned from my friend Tate. Waves and Fantasia are the kids’- and teens’-only spaces on board. Personally, though, I would come on Crystal with a spouse, longterm travel partner, grown-up family members, close friends, or even solo. 

There are eight ADA rooms on Crystal Serenity — some aquamarine veranda suites and some aquamarine ocean-view suites. According to a Crystal spokesperson, the ADA suites "are designed to accommodate guests with additional needs or who are wheelchair bound. The furniture can accommodate a wheelchair or scooter, there is extra space between beds, more room in the living area for easy movement, and the bathroom is larger with a roll-in shower, fold-down shower bench, and easy-to-reach shower head and sink faucet. Additional equipment is available upon request, such as rubber shower mats, shower stools, and a shower bench."

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