The future of cruising has arrived in the form of Celebrity Cruises’ brand new ship, Celebrity Edge. As the owner of a cruise-focused travel agency, I’m always closely following the latest developments and innovations happening in the industry. And let me tell you – Celebrity Edge represents a quantum leap forward for the modern luxury cruise experience. This groundbreaking vessel is pioneering first-at-sea features left and right, from unique outward facing cabins to a movable deck-mounted platform, to take passengers’ expectations where they’ve never gone before.
In the past two years since its highly anticipated launch, Celebrity Edge has been racking up glowing reviews and awards praise as both the public and industry insiders get their first tastes of this trailblazing ship in action. As an innovator-class gamechanger, Celebrity Edge brings to life concepts never before seen on a cruise ship. So naturally my clients’ curiosity has been sky high to learn what sets this headline-dominating newbuild apart.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll take you on a virtual tour of all the jaw-dropping highlights that make Edge extraordinary based on firsthand accounts. From the stellar staterooms and Resort Deck concept to the unparalleled entertainment and cuisine, we’ll cover everything that gives Edge its industry-leading reputation. Whether you’re considering Edge for an upcoming Caribbean cruise or just want a peek at the future of cruising, you won’t find a more in-depth look at what makes this ship a benchmark for luxury travel. Let’s set sail on our tour de Edge!
Outward-Facing Staterooms: Reimagining Ocean Views
Celebrity Edge’s biggest claim to fame is definitely its innovative new cabin category called the Infinite Veranda. Edge’s designers boldly ripped up the cruising blueprint by doing away with boring interior balconies and instead creating rooms where the entire exterior wall transforms into your own private veranda at the touch of a button. With floor-to-ceiling, edge-to-edge retractable window-walls, the Infinite Veranda cabins are designed to erase the barriers between indoor and outdoor living. Passengers can let in that fresh ocean breeze, feel fully connected to sea, and wake up to a new unbeatable vista every morning right from their own bed.
According to those lucky enough to stay in Edge’s game-changing Infinite Veranda cabins, going from styling your hair to suddenly finding yourself face-to-face with a pod of dolphins frolicking by is quite the delightful shock! And cruisers say once that bi-fold veranda wall fully retracts open, you’d never know there was anything separating you from the turquoise Caribbean waters ahead. Celebrity Edge makes their competitors’ cramped balconies with obstructed sightlines feel downright archaic by comparison.
But the most envy-inducing accommodations on Edge are reportedly the ultra-luxe split-level Iconic Suites perched high atop the ship’s wings. With outward-gazing floor-to-ceiling Sea Vista glass walls impeded only by a railing waist-high for safety, occupants get views from these spacious suites that feel like floating transcendently above the sea below. Upon waking in their lofty beds, those lucky guests staying in Edge’s split-level Iconic Suites describe near 360-degree views of whichever idyllic Caribbean island or deep blue horizon lies ahead that day.
Thanks to their top-deck positioning, Iconic Suite guests also get exclusive access to their own private terraces overlooking the adults-only Solarium one level below for unparalleled perspective and photo opportunities. So if you’re seeking those quinteessential Celebrity Edge views passengers can’t stop raving about, Iconic Suites are undoubtedly the coveted lodging to book. You’ll literally feel like you’re sailing through destinations from a privileged perch above it all!
But even Edge’s standard veranda staterooms and oceanview cabins are a cut above thanks to an extravagant open concept floorplan absent of cramped halls. And cleverly placed floor-to-ceiling windows bathe every space in natural light. It’s clear when designing Edge, Celebrity refused to settle for the status quo. The emphasis here is on maximizing outward vistas, embracing sea breezes, and promoting a seamless indoor-outdoor living environment. After all, fresh ocean air and sweeping scenery are what cruising is all about!
Magic Carpet: Engineerings Marvel Earns the Hype
One of the most buzzed-about features revealed in Celebrity Edge’s pre-launch sneak peeks was an engineering first dubbed the Magic Carpet. Perched on the ship’s starboard side is this dedicated movable platform the size of a tennis court that appears to cling to Edge’s exterior as it smoothly ascends from deck 2 up to deck 16. Much speculation abounded about whether this architecturally showy appendage would turn out to be more gimmick than gamechanger. But now that passengers are getting the chance to witness Magic Carpet in motion, the consensus is clear – this feat of innovation adds even more uniqueness and versatility to Edge’s already exceptional seagoing experience.
Throughout the day and night, Magic Carpet wows guests by seamlessly transitioning to serve different purposes at different heights. As the sun sets each evening, Magic Carpet’s daily upward migration to the top decks transports it into the buzzing Magic Carpet Bar. With live music setting the mood, this space lets passengers sip cocktails while taking in the open air and spectacular harbor views from their lofty waterfront perch.
Other times when stopped on lower decks, Magic Carpet converts into an easily accessible marina platform for launching water toys or disembarking to snorkel and explore reefs on port call swim stops. And on formal nights when frantic passengers realized they forgot to pack dress shoes or a clutch to match that evening gown, Magic Carpet’s docking at deck 7 saves the day by becoming an extension of the retail shops.
But Magic Carpet’s moment to shine brightest is undoubtedly at dinnertime when positioned on deck 14. Here this architectural marvel transforms into an al fresco restaurant called Raw on 5th with a laidback yet deliciously upscale vibe. Under strands of glowing lights, guests enjoy freshly shucked oysters, vibrant crudos, and Mediterranean small plates artfully paired with wines from Edge’s impressive cellar. Thanks to Magic Carpet’s engineering feats, the entire dining room appears to float gracefully over the ship’s wake as the sea breezes flow. Based on the rave reviews about farm-to-table fare savored while watching the sunset from this one-of-a-kind waterborne venue, it’s no wonder Magic Carpet has exceeded all expectations and secured its status as a can’t miss attraction on Celebrity Edge!
Resort Deck Concept: Where Luxury Cruising Meets Island Retreat
Spanning across the top of the ship on decks 14, 15 and 16 lies another standout feature that sets Edge apart: the idyllic Resort Deck and its chic outdoor lounge spaces. As one emerges from the glass elevators into this three-story oasis, gone are cramped row queues and bustling crowds ubiquitous on other megaships. In their place, Edge’s thoughtfully designed Resort Deck instantly imparts the carefree ambiance of an upscale Miami hotel’s pool deck rather than a cruise ship’s recreation area.
Celebrity Edge cruisers looking for opportunities to relax will find endless options here. The Resort Deck’s sprawling overhangs create pockets of paradise with stylish outdoor furniture, swaying trees and topiaries, swanky cabanas, and as far as the eye can see, four crystal blue swimming pools extending outwards symmetrically on port and starboard sides. For those passengers prioritizing wellness while sailing, there are dedicated spaces for yoga andmeditation or working up a sweat in the fitness center. Travelers seeking some friendly competition can ascend to Resort Deck’s synethic grass-lined games court for a match of bocce ball as the Caribbean breeze flows by. Or join games happening in one of the temptingly cool pools complete with submerged loungers when the mid-day heat peaks.
But the Resort Deck highlight that has made headlines is its Spa Deck reserved exclusively for guests staying in Edge’s Aqua Suite accommodations. This secluded adults-only sanctuary offers private cabanas, plunge pools, and an eucalyptus-infused steam room to maximize rest and relaxation for suite guests. While Aqua Suite occupants get pampered with facial treatments from the spa menu, their companions can enjoy complimentary fitness classes or string musicians serenading from the Garden of Eden, a soothing sanctuary scientifically shown to lower heart rates. Thanks to these multi-layered escapes from reality all in one place, the Resort Deck gives travelers ample opportunity to detach from real world stresses and sink into vacation mode for the duration of their Celebrity Edge cruise.
A High-Tech Theater Rivaling Broadway’s Best
Since Edge’s blissful Resort Deck may tempt guests never to leave their scenic oceanfront perch, Celebrity pulls out all the stops to provide enticing evening entertainment options for luring vacationers back inside on port days. Without a casino onboard, Edge puts heavy focus on its state-of-the-art theater and lineup of high-tech Broadway caliber productions to wow passengers after dark.
According to those lucky enough to have experienced Edge’s entertainment offerings firsthand, the shows are visual masterpieces leveraging the venue’s advanced tech capabilities. Projection mapping, digital animation, and interactive LED screens integrate with talented singers, dancers, and aerialists to create spectacles described by patrons as “mind-bending” and “jaw-dropping”.
One not-to-be-missed performance is the imagination-defying production Into the Unknown fusing vocals and choreography with elaborate special effects straight out of sci-fi fantasy worlds. But the show that has literally stopped cruisers dead in their tracks as they enter the theater is Celestial, an aerially-focused show boasting gravity-defying feats straight out of Cirque du Soleil. Set to an ethereal soundtrack, graceful acrobatic dancers execute unbelievable mid-air pirouettes and contortions all while suspended from moving trusses and a chandelier-like aerial rig hovering above the audience. Celebrity Edge certainly raises the bar for expectations of stage caliber shows at sea!
Culinary Excellence Around Every Corner
In addition to pioneering attractions like Magic Carpet and Resort Deck, Celebrity Edge also dazzles palates with its extensive collection of 29 distinctive restaurants. Foodies will delight at eight inclusive main dining rooms spanning cuisine styles like Tuscan steakhouse, a lunchtime American BBQ smokehouse, international market buffets stocked with made-to-order paella, a cozy French bistro, an upscale sushi and seafood venue and more. No matter what fare passengers crave, Celebrity’s seasoned executive chef consistently impresses with globally inspired flavor.
But according to many Edge cruisers, the most mouthwatering dining highlight is scoring a coveted reservation at Le Petit Chef. This intimate restaurant intensity lives up to its pre-sailing hype thanks to a truly remarkable fusion of cutting-edge digital animation and haute French cuisine. Only 88 lucky diners per seating can snag a demo table for Le Petit Chef’s multi-sensory dining show where a miniature 3D-projected chef appears to cook an elaborate tasting menu right on guests’ plates. Between savoring dishes like chestnut veloute shots, butter-poached lobster with handmade spinach ravioli, Chateaubriand filet expertly carved tableside, and the mini maitre d’ himself plating flaming Spanish cocoa cigars for dessert, Le Petit Chef’s one-of-a-kind concept has secured its ranking as the #1 specialty dining experience at sea!
Insider Tips for the Best Edge Experience
When all is said done, passengers disembarking from Celebrity Edge struggle to name any area where this ship missed the mark. By continually going above and beyond cruisers’ loftiest expectations with unprecedented attractions and amenities, Celebrity Edge manages to deliver a consistent level of excellence travelers count themselves lucky to experience even once in their vacationing lives.
For those hoping to sail this industry-leading vessel themselves, here are some tips to make the most of your own Celebrity Edge cruise…
- Book one of Edge’s multi-room Iconic Suites perched high atop the ship for those postcard-perfect outward-facing vistas from your spacious private terrace.
- Reserve a table at Le Petite Chef’s Chef’s Table dinner well in advance since the exclusive experience books up extremely quickly.
- Take advantage of priority embarkation and suite guest lounges for enjoying premium embarkation service.
- Don’t assume you’ll get bored without a casino – Edge’s Broadway-rivalling theater shows are the entertainment highlight!
- Be sure to watch for special events or theme parties happening on the Magic Carpet throughout your sailing.
- Arrive early or reserve cabanas if wanting to secure Resort Deck prime poolside real estate for the day.
- Budget extra for the many specialty restaurants and make reservations in advance to sample them all.
- Consider booking back-to-back Edge sailings since repeat cruisers vow one trip is never enough!
Setting a New Bar for Luxury Travel
In my professional opinion as a travel advisor who designs countless vacations focused on crusing, I can confidently say Celebrity Edge makes the rest of the cruise industry look noticeably inferior and outdated by comparison now. This remarkable ship represents a creative reimagining of nearly every aspect of life onboard to exceed sea-goers’ loftiest expectations of modern luxury. From staterooms that figuratively float above breathaking Caribbean waves to show-stopping aerial theater over dinner, Edge excels across the board.
Best of all, while Celebrity Edge gladly carries the torch of innovation into uncharted territory, the cruise line still retains its signature sophisticated style, five-star service, standout accommodations and impressive culinary pedigree discerning travelers choose Celebrity for year after year. Except now, Celebrity has injected innovation and cutting-edge technology into the entire onboard product. The result is nothing short of extraordinary!
So for cruisers wondering whether Celebrity Edge lives up to astronomical anticipation and sky-high acclaim since launching – I’m here to say it absolutely warrants every ounce of praise. This groundbreaking ship sets such a remarkably elevated benchmarch for the cruising industry, I truly believe we are glimpsing the future of vacation travel through Celebrity Edge. Everything about this vessel delivers style and luxury not just a notch above competitors, but lightyears beyond. So do yourself a favor and move Celebrity Edge to the top of your vacation bucket list! Then be sure to call us at Cruising Duo Travel so my wife Cheryl and I can match you with the perfect Edge sailing itinerary catered to your wildest vacation dreams.
