We tested a cruise aboard the Celebrity Apex Cruises

Le Figaro's

opinion

Note ?

8.5 / 10

- Arrival at the port of Athens, the imposing stature of this ship is breathtaking. This giant of the seas with 16 bridges weighs 129,500 tons! With its 306 m long and 39 m wide, it can carry 4238 people including 1320 crew members. Despite everything, its lines are clean and its infrastructure both modern and sophisticated. Its peculiarity: its "Magic Carpet", the world's first outdoor elevator which can be transformed into a restaurant, bar, landing platform or an extension to the swimming pool throughout the day, gives it the impression of flying overhead. the big blue. On the decorative side, the fairly designer interior spaces are punctuated with works of art. As for the cabins, the suites benefit from some significant advantages. The only downside is the access to the spa (sauna, hammam, jet showers, etc.) is chargeable except for Aqua Class passengers.

But according to some cruise regulars, the Celebrity Apex appeals to all those who have traveled on it.

Literally captivated by the layout of this boat and they also salute the extreme kindness of the crew and stress that even if the price is a little more expensive than those of the competition, the services offered are well worth the expense.

The itineraries

Dubrovnik is a pearl that we visit especially for its old walled city.

Press photo

Note ?

7/10

- At each stopover, it is possible to choose between a guided tour in a group or in a small committee.

But also to discover the stopover on your own as long as you are back on board before releasing the moorings.

Note that if all the organized visits are very interesting, they are also carried out at full speed, which leaves very little time to appreciate what there is to discover, and even less time to settle in. a terrace to have a drink and contemplate the beauty of the landscape or do some shopping.

Example of stopovers for a cruise in the Mediterranean

Day 1:

arrival in Athens

Day 2:

day at sea towards Dubrovnik

Day 3:

Dubrovnik.

No organized visit, everyone is free to explore the city at their leisure and at their own pace.

Return on board before 5 p.m.

Day 4:

day at sea towards the Cyclades.

Day 5:

discovery of Mykonos, the most popular of the Greek islands, and of Delos, an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site which, according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo.

Day 6:

stopover in Rhodes famous for its ruins and for the remains of the Knights of the Order of Saint John during the Crusades.

A must see, Lindos and its Acropolis overlooking the village.

Day 7:

Santorini and its rugged landscapes, its lovely houses on the cliffs.

Direction Oia, one of the two main towns where you can get lost in the alleys in search of the best point of view before stopping for a small tasting of local wine.

Day 8:

morning arrival and disembarkation at the port of Athens.

The decor

The “Grand Plazza” was designed by the Jouin Manku studio.

Celebrity Cruises / Photo press

Note ?

9/10

- The company Celebrity Cruises has bet on chic by calling on several renowned designers.

All cabins and suites have been designed by British interior designer Kelly Hoppen.

The “Grand Plazza” was designed by the duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku.

And the restaurant "Eden" by the Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.

If the corridors exhibit series of images, some of which are signed by big names in photography, such as Sacha Goldberger, Steve McCurry or Sandro Hyams, the common areas on the various decks are punctuated by works of art by Lorenzo Quinn, Hans van Bentem, Gary Webb, Joaquin Vila and others.

A result worthy of a luxury hotel.

The cabins

The 1,467 cabins offer high-end accommodation.

Celebrity Cruises / Photo press

Note ?

10/10

- Divided into 4 categories, “Standard cabin”,

“Outside cabin”, “Balcony cabin” and “Suite”, the 1,467 cabins offer high-end and often luxurious accommodation.

In the “outside cabin”, from 18 m² to 22 m², you have the choice between three types of

cabins

 : standard, Deluxe or Panoramic.

Celebrity Cruises has planned large rooms with balconies that give way to ocean cravings.

The

cabins

are equipped with cashmere bedding.

The Celebrity Apex has seen the big picture and has created designer and spacious spaces for those who want the best.

The bathroom of the Royal Suite.

Celebrity Cruises / Photo press

The

is very spacious and comfortable.

110 m2 with a living room, a large bathroom with tub and shower, a dressing room and a bedroom with ultra-comfortable bedding.

The furniture, designed specifically for this project, is contemporary and very refined.

To contemplate the open sea, a private veranda.

And the ultimate in luxury, a butler available 24 hours a day throughout the cruise.

What to experience the crossing differently.

The height of luxury, the

is over 230 m2!

Service and equipment

The entrance to the “Elemis” spa.

Celebrity Cruises / Photo press

Note ?

9/10

- In order to protect its crew and passengers on board, the health protocol is very strict, an antigen test is imposed when arriving at the port just before boarding (

) as well as a second 24 hours before the end of the cruise.

Wearing a mask is compulsory throughout the cruise for each trip inside the boat.

Some suites benefit from a butler service whose sole purpose is to make your cruise an enchanting interlude.

Reservations at the spa, in one of the restaurants of your choice or for an excursion, you can ask him anything, he takes care of everything.

In addition, every day, he leaves you in your cabin with little gourmet touches.

Although the buffets have not disappeared, the service is nevertheless provided by the staff at the Ocean View Café (the

), a rule of thumb for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Apex has 17 restaurants and 8 bars to relax you, including the unique “Magic Carpet” and “Rooftop Garden”, very pleasant day and night.

Nap in the sun on one of the decks.

Celebrity Cruises / Photo press

The ship also has 1 solarium, 3 swimming pools, 2 of which are outdoors.

Without forgetting the “Elemis” spa with treatment cabins with sea views and equipped with Spa Wave MLW Amphibia tables, with cushions that adapt to your anatomy.

But also, a hairdressing salon, a barber for these gentlemen, a gym equipped with the latest generation equipment and a circuit on the upper deck for jogging addicts.

The Rooftop Garden regularly organizes outdoor cinema evenings.

After dinner, a different musical comedy show each evening is offered in the amphitheater.

And for the night owls, head to the disco or the casino.

At the table and at the bar

The Luminae restaurant offers a selection of dishes prepared by chef Daniel Boulud.

Celebrity Cruises / Photo press

Note ?

8/10

- There are 17 restaurants on board for a real culinary experience.

Among these, the Normandie (French), the Tuscan (Italian), the Cosmopolitan (American) and the Cyprus (Greek) are accessible to all.

They offer the same menu, but each has its own identity in terms of decoration and suggests some exclusive dishes according to its theme.

The "Little Chef and Friends" whose playful concept of animated 3D tables detailing the preparation of the dish you have just ordered until it finds it on your plate, is a must, but you must reserve.

Somewhat privileged, passengers occupying the Suites enjoy exclusive access to the Luminae, which offers a la carte a selection of dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.

But they can also be seduced by a few others who are primarily accessible to them.

Thus the Raw On 5 and its incredible platters of seafood and Japanese specialties.

Fans of meat and great wines will opt for the Fine Cut Steackhouse.

As for the more adventurous palates, they will be tempted by the Eden Restaurant and its experimental “world food” menu.

Note that depending on the category of the cabin, a little extra may be charged.

The Eden restaurant.

Celebrity Cruises / Photo press

The Rooftop Garden bar is the perfect place at sunset to sip a cocktail as you watch your daily destinations drift away.

The Martini Bar located under the incredible chandelier of the Grand Plaza designed by Jouin & Manku is one of the most spectacular places on board.

The atmosphere is very pleasant until late at night or very lively during the Silent Disco evenings.

Value for money

Celebrity Apex Cruises starts at € 825 / person for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise.

Celebrity Cruises / Photo press

Note ?

8/10

- Prices (for two per cabin with sea view) include drinks, Wi-Fi and tips in the various restaurants (as part of the Celebrity Cruises “Always Included” program)… From € 825 / person for a 7-night cruise in the Mediterranean.

The “Infinit Balcony” cabins, the novelty on the Apex, have a particularity: by simply pressing a button, they offer you a balcony allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors, or by keeping the bay window position to maximize your living space .

They are available from 2200 € / person.

"Aqua" cabins are available from € 2,550 / person.

This category gives you exclusive access to the Blu restaurant and unlimited access to the spa.

Finally, for the suites, they are offered at € 3,660 / person.

Reservations

 : celebritycruises.fr and by phone on 04 23 11 04 38.