CELEBRITY CRUISES' REVOLUTIONARY SHIP CELEBRITY APEX® HOMEPORTS IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR FIRST-EVER SEASON FROM THE UK

Rhea-AI Summary

Celebrity Cruises' innovative ship, Celebrity Apex, launches its first-ever season from Southampton. Starting May 15, 2024, the ship will offer an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise. Celebrity Apex, part of the Edge Series, features an outward-facing design, enhanced food and drink options, spa amenities, and high-energy entertainment. This vessel will sail from Southampton to various destinations in Northern Europe and the Canary Islands through October 2024. Key highlights include the Magic Carpet venue, The Retreat, Infinite Veranda staterooms, and 29 diverse dining and lounge options. Performances on board include three exclusive shows and intimate cabaret experiences.

Positive

• Celebrity Apex is the first Edge Series ship to homeport in the UK, potentially attracting more UK-based customers.
• Offers a variety of itineraries from May to October 2024, enhancing customer choice and potentially boosting bookings.
• Features innovative design elements like the Magic Carpet and The Retreat, setting it apart from competitors.
• Enhanced food and beverage options with 29 distinct restaurants, bars, and lounges.
• High-energy entertainment and exclusive shows could elevate guest experience and satisfaction.

Negative

• Seasonal operation to May through October 2024 might restrict revenue opportunities.
• High operational and maintenance costs for the state-of-the-art facilities and entertainment may impact profitability.
• Dependent on the UK and European travel market, which can be affected by geopolitical or economic instability.

Beginning today, guests can experience an elevated cruising experience directly from Southampton

MIAMI, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Setting sail today for her debut season from Southampton, Celebrity Cruises^®' award-winning ship, Celebrity Apex^®, is turning heads as she becomes the first ship in the revolutionary Edge^® Series to call the United Kingdom home.

Celebrity Apex will kick off her European season from Southampton with an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise. This serene sailing will visit idyllic locations across the region's much-loved destinations, including calls to Bruges, Belgium, also known as 'the Venice of the North', where travelers can stroll along canals and romantic cobblestone alleys; Geiranger, Norway, home to the beautiful Geirangerfjord which boasts dramatic scenery where waterfalls cascade into deep-blue water and snow-capped mountains tower around the ship; and Kristiansand, Norway, the waterfront town nicknamed 'Summer City' with sandy beaches, world-class shopping, and an exciting cultural scene.

Celebrity Apex, the second ship in the game-changing Edge Series, modernizes the way guests see the world, featuring an innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces that stand apart from anything else at sea. Onboard, Celebrity Apex takes elevated cruising to a whole new level, with enhanced food and drink offerings, sought-after spa and wellness amenities, and high-energy entertainment that rival performances on land.

"We're bringing one of our most innovative ships, Celebrity Apex, to Southampton, providing guests the opportunity to sail in style directly from the UK," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. "It's an exciting time as we elevate cruising from the region, enabling our guests to explore and restore with premium facilities, elevated food and drink experiences, and exciting activities and entertainment." 

With itineraries covering stunning destinations from Northern Europe to the Canary Islands, the premium cruise line's state-of-the-art ship will cruise from Southampton from May through October in 2024. Throughout the summer season, travelers can experience a variety of exciting four-to-13-night sailings including the 12-night Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle cruise, where guests will revel in the region's breathtaking natural beauty. Guests can also take advantage of enhanced destination choices from Southampton. In addition to exploration across Northern Europe, sailings take in the breathtaking island of Ibiza where guests are invited to immerse themselves in delicious cuisine at local foodie hotspots, party at vibrant beach clubs and bask in the sunshine on the Mediterranean Sea.

Distinctive features set Celebrity Apex apart, showcasing the contemporary design elements that are a favorite of Celebrity's Edge Series ships. Celebrated experiences include the cantilevered multi-purpose venue 'The Magic Carpet^®' which invites guests to eat, drink and soar over the sea while discovering the greatest views that Europe has to offer; The Retreat^®, complete with a private restaurant, Luminae, lounge area and sundeck exclusive to its guests; dramatically expanded Infinite Veranda staterooms; soothing escapes at the Rooftop Garden; and, magnificent two-story Edge Villas, each with their own private terrace and plunge pool.

With 29 distinct restaurants, bars, and lounges to explore onboard, Celebrity Apex boasts a distinct food and beverage journey, where guests can try delicious, globally inspired menus. From Fine Cut Steakhouse to Raw on 5 and Eden, guests can discover a range of worldly culinary delights offering mouth-watering flavors in a truly elevated specialty dining experience.

Endless vibrant entertainment offerings can also be found onboard, including three exclusive stage shows in The Theatre. Relive the dramatic performances that have defined entertainment decade after decade with Rockumentary, experience an uplifting journey through the seasons of life and the moments that bring us all together with Tree of Life, and enjoy electrifying pop violin music, mesmerizing choreography and aerial acrobatics with Crystallize. The entertainment doesn't stop there as guests are drawn into an intimate cabaret show in The Club, along with a variety of themed experiences and activities throughout the ship.

For more information on Celebrity Apex offerings and destinations, and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, please visit www.celebritycruises.com, contact a trusted travel advisor, or call Celebrity Cruises at 1-888-751-7804.

About Celebrity Cruises 
Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium vacation experience across their fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. Uniquely offering the intimate feel and thoughtful service of small ships, with the variety and excitement of bigger ones – guests can explore the world or get away from it for a little while. With every detail elevated beyond expectations, guests will never want to vacation any other way. An industry pioneer for 35 years, each Celebrity vacation offers experiences you won't find anywhere else aboard ships which continue to shatter industry expectations with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel arriving Fall 2025.

Celebrity Cruises is headquartered in Miami and is one of five cruise brands owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). Visit www.celebritycruises.com for more information, and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. 

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SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

FAQ

When does Celebrity Apex start its season from Southampton?

Celebrity Apex starts its season from Southampton on May 15, 2024.

What is the first itinerary for Celebrity Apex from Southampton?

The first itinerary is an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise.

How long will Celebrity Apex operate from Southampton?

Celebrity Apex will operate from Southampton from May through October 2024.

What unique features does Celebrity Apex offer?

Celebrity Apex offers the Magic Carpet venue, The Retreat, Infinite Veranda staterooms, and a wide range of dining and entertainment options.

What are some key destinations Celebrity Apex will visit?

Celebrity Apex will visit destinations including Bruges, Belgium, Geiranger and Kristiansand in Norway, and Ibiza.