From Royal Caribbean Convert to Celebrity Cruise Enthusiast: Luke’s First Premium Cruise Experience
Picking a cruise line can feel a lot like choosing a favorite coffee shop. You have your go-to, the one with the familiar buzz and that perfectly frothed latte. But then, whispers of a new place with artisanal blends and a chic ambiance reach your ears. Do you stick with your tried-and-true, or venture into uncharted territory? That’s the dilemma we faced. I’ve dipped my toes into the waters of various cruise lines, but my husband, Luke, has always been a die-hard Royal Caribbean aficionado. But after one too many so-so voyages, we decided to heed the siren call of something different: Celebrity Cruises’ shiny new Celebrity Apex.
First Impressions of Celebrity Apex
Stepping onto the Celebrity Apex was like trading in a well-worn pair of boat shoes for sleek Italian loafers. Luke, a man who appreciates a good aesthetic, was immediately taken with the ship’s modern design and upscale vibe. Gone were the sprawling, sometimes chaotic, spaces of Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships, replaced with a more intimate, boutique hotel atmosphere. The Apex, while still a considerable vessel, felt refreshingly manageable, offering plenty to do without ever feeling overwhelming.
“It’s like night and day,” Luke remarked, gesturing towards the sleek lines and sophisticated color palette of the Apex’s central atrium. “This feels much more our speed.” Indeed, the ship’s ambiance was a far cry from the boisterous energy of Royal Caribbean’s more family-centric offerings. Here, a sense of refined tranquility prevailed, and Luke, it seemed, was already onboard (pun intended).
One of Luke’s biggest concerns with venturing away from the familiar shores of Royal Caribbean was the potential loss of amenities. He needn’t have worried. The Apex, despite its more manageable size, was teeming with enticing options. From the cantilevered pool deck overlooking the ship’s wake to the serene spa and state-of-the-art fitness center, the Apex proved that good things come in perfectly proportioned packages.
“I was worried about it feeling too small,” Luke admitted, “but honestly, this is perfect. It’s got everything we could want without feeling like we’re constantly navigating a crowd.”
Culinary Delights Onboard Celebrity Apex
Let’s face it, food is an integral part of the cruise experience. It’s right up there with breathtaking ocean views and lounging by the pool with a good book. Luke, a self-proclaimed foodie, approaches cruise dining with the zeal of a culinary explorer embarking on a gastronomic adventure. And the Celebrity Apex did not disappoint. Even the buffet, often a point of contention on even the most luxurious ships, exceeded expectations.
The Oceanview Cafe, the ship’s main buffet restaurant, was a revelation. Gone were the tired, lukewarm trays of yesteryear, replaced with an array of fresh, flavorful options that wouldn’t be out of place at a trendy market. From made-to-order pasta dishes to a tantalizing selection of international cuisines, the Oceanview Cafe was a far cry from your average cruise buffet.
But the culinary highlight for Luke, the experience that truly cemented his conversion to Celebrity Cruises, was our evening at the Rooftop Garden Grill. Picture this: a warm summer evening, the setting sun casting an ethereal glow over the ocean, and the aroma of sizzling steaks and grilled seafood wafting through the air. That was our reality at the Rooftop Garden Grill. The ambiance alone, with its twinkling lights and lush greenery, was enough to impress, but the food, oh, the food, elevated the experience to another level. Luke, a man of few words when a perfectly cooked steak is placed before him, simply uttered, “This is amazing,” between bites.
While the Rooftop Garden Grill stole the show, not every dining experience on the Apex was a home run. Raw on , the ship’s dedicated sushi restaurant, fell a bit flat. The sushi, while fresh, lacked the finesse and flavor complexity we’d hoped for. It wasn’t bad, per se, just a tad underwhelming compared to the culinary symphony we’d experienced elsewhere on board.
However, the Main Dining Room, a staple of any cruise experience, consistently delivered. With its elegant ambiance and attentive service, the Main Dining Room was our go-to for a more formal dining affair. The menu, while not as adventurous as some of the specialty restaurants, offered a solid selection of classic dishes, all expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Luke particularly appreciated the consistency of the service. Our waiter, a charming gentleman with a knack for remembering names and preferences, made us feel like valued guests rather than just another table number.