Ship Comparison
Celebrity Beyond vs Celebrity Apex
For a refined escape, Celebrity Beyond offers an enhanced, spacious evolution of modern luxury, while Celebrity Apex delivers a consistent, sophisticated Edge-class experience with innovative design at its core.
The verdict
Choosing between Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex truly comes down to a preference for subtle enhancements versus the established, award-winning formula. Beyond, as the newest Edge-class ship, takes the successful foundation of Apex and expands upon it, offering more spacious public areas, additional suite options, and exclusive culinary partnerships like Daniel Boulud's Le Voyage. While both ships provide an elegant, adult-focused atmosphere with exceptional dining and entertainment, Beyond leans into a grander scale of luxury, with its extended deck space and re-imagined venues. Apex, however, remains a strong contender, delivering a consistently sophisticated experience that has earned its high ratings, making it a superb choice for those who appreciate its proven blend of style and comfort without needing the very latest iterations.
Choose Celebrity Beyond if…
Travelers seeking the very latest in Celebrity's modern luxury, appreciating expanded spaces, exclusive culinary partnerships, and a slightly grander scale of sophisticated design.
Best for
- Discerning luxury travelers seeking the newest and most spacious Edge-class ship.
- Foodies eager to experience Daniel Boulud's first restaurant at sea.
- Guests who prioritize enhanced outdoor spaces and sophisticated design.
Avoid if
- Budget-conscious travelers, as the added luxury comes at a premium.
- Light sleepers considering aft-facing cabins on decks 7 and 8 due to potential noise from Eden.
- Sun-worshippers who desire constant direct sun on their balcony, as some higher decks have overhang.
Choose Celebrity Apex if…
Guests who value the well-established, award-winning Edge-class experience, with a focus on innovative design, diverse dining, and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Best for
- Travelers seeking a consistent, award-winning modern luxury experience.
- Families looking for robust, well-rounded kids' programming and autism-friendly initiatives.
- Guests who appreciate innovative ship design and diverse dining options.
Avoid if
- Those seeking the absolute newest and largest ship in the Edge series.
- Travelers prioritizing high-thrill activities like waterslides or climbing walls.
- Guests who prefer a strictly traditional cruise experience over modern design.
Overall Vibe
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond, launched in 2022, is the third iteration in the Edge-class series, building upon its predecessors with an expanded footprint. This vessel offers a distinctly sophisticated and chic ambiance, emphasizing an outward-facing design that continually connects guests with the sea. With added length and an extra deck, Beyond feels more expansive, providing a fresh take on modern luxury. The ship’s design, influenced by talents like Kelly Hoppen and Nate Berkus, creates an urbane, upscale environment where every corner feels thoughtfully curated, setting a tone that is both relaxed and quietly luxurious.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex, launched in 2020, stands as the second ship in the revolutionary Edge-class series, defining modern luxury with its innovative design. The ship's atmosphere is sophisticated and relaxed, striking a balance between adult-centric fun and culinary excellence. It embraces an outward-facing design, creating visionary spaces that distinguish it from traditional cruise liners. Apex maintains a premium experience without feeling stuffy, offering a refined environment for its guests. The overall feeling is one of contemporary elegance, where thoughtful design and comfort are paramount throughout the vessel.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond cultivates a sophisticated and adult-focused atmosphere, appealing to guests who appreciate chic surroundings and a refined social scene. Carrying 3,260 passengers, the ship manages to feel spacious due to its thoughtful design and expanded outdoor areas. The crew of 1,400 maintains an impressive guest-to-crew ratio of 2.33:1, contributing to a high level of attentive service without feeling intrusive. While family-friendly programming is available at Camp at Sea, the ship's core vibe is geared towards an urbane, upscale experience, ideal for couples and discerning travelers.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex offers a modern, sophisticated, and relaxed atmosphere, catering to 2,910 passengers. The vessel maintains a commendable guest-to-crew ratio of 1.89:1 with its 1,536 crew members, ensuring attentive and personalized service. This ship strikes a fine balance, offering family-friendly programming through Camp at Sea while largely appealing to an adult crowd seeking culinary excellence and innovative design rather than high-thrill activities. Public spaces, including the expansive Grand Plaza, encourage social interaction, yet there are ample quiet corners for relaxation and unwinding.
Dining
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond elevates its culinary offerings with an impressive array of choices. Included options range from the Mediterranean-inspired Cyprus Restaurant, Italian-focused Tuscan Restaurant, and French-themed Normandie Restaurant, all offering intimate main dining experiences. The Oceanview Cafe buffet is brighter and more varied, featuring an extra bakery and Indian selections. For a fee, guests can savor Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud's first restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, offering an intimate global tasting menu. Eden Restaurant provides an upscale date-night experience with innovative dishes and wake views, while Fine Cut Steakhouse is expanded with more seating.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex boasts a diverse and high-quality dining scene. Its four main dining rooms—Tuscan, Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, and Normandie—each offer unique, intimate experiences with specialized menus included in the fare. The Oceanview Cafe provides a bright, light-filled buffet with crew-served food and tableside drink service. AquaClass and suite guests enjoy exclusive access to Blu and Luminae, respectively, with Luminae featuring dishes from Daniel Boulud. Specialty venues, available at an additional cost, include the refined Fine Cut Steakhouse, the whimsical Le Petit Chef at Le Bistro, and the Japanese-inspired Raw on 5, which can also be experienced on the Magic Carpet.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond's entertainment is truly enhanced, featuring a technologically advanced Theatre with all-new production shows like 'Elements,' 'Arte,' and 'Stage Door,' utilizing a 20-foot tall 4K LED screen and floor projection technology. Eden offers saucy, Berlin cabaret-style performances and a silent disco. The Grand Plaza remains a buzzing hub with the Martini Bar's flair shows and live music, while the new World Class Bar provides expertly crafted cocktails. The Casino offers slots and table games in a smoke-free environment, ensuring a sophisticated yet lively nightlife for adults.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex offers a vibrant and engaging entertainment lineup. The Theatre, with its nearly in-the-round stage and 180-foot LED screen, presents ambitious productions such as 'Rockumentary,' 'Tree of Life,' and 'Crystallize,' alongside guest performers. The Club transforms from a daytime gathering space with trivia into a dynamic nightclub featuring live music, acrobats, and cabaret shows like 'Caravan.' Eden provides evocative evening entertainment, transforming with different themes nightly. The Grand Plaza, with its Martini Bar and spectacular chandelier, is a central social hub, complemented by the Craft Social bar for a more relaxed pub vibe and a midship casino.
Cabins & Suites
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond features 1,646 cabins, with 81% being the innovative Infinite Verandas, which transform the living space into a balcony with a touch of a button. Standard cabins, starting at 181 sq ft, include comfortable king-sized Cashmere Mattresses and modern bathrooms. The ship notably offers 179 additional rooms, including 22 more suites and 32 solo infinite veranda cabins, expanding accommodation choices. The Retreat's top-tier suites, such as the two-bedroom Iconic Suite (1,892 sq ft interior, 698 sq ft outdoor with hot tub) and two-story Edge Villas, provide expansive luxury. It's worth noting some higher deck balconies may have less sun due to overhang, and aft cabins above Eden might experience noise.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex provides a range of contemporary staterooms, with most featuring the signature 'infinite verandas' that blend indoor and outdoor living. Standard cabins are around 200 sq ft, equipped with king-sized Cashmere Mattresses, modern bathrooms, and in-room automation for lighting and temperature control. Solo cabins, at approximately 130 sq ft, also include infinite verandas. The Retreat offers 146 spacious Sky Suites (298-319 sq ft) with large bathtubs and balconies. The six unique two-story Edge Villas boast plunge pools and direct access to The Retreat Sundeck, providing an elevated, private experience for up to four guests.
Service & Onboard Style
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond exudes an elevated sense of service and style, reflecting its status as the newest Edge-class ship. The overall design, with contributions from Kelly Hoppen and Nate Berkus, creates a refined and sophisticated aesthetic throughout. The passenger to crew ratio of 2.33:1, with 1,400 crew serving 3,260 guests, ensures attentive and personalized service. Suite guests benefit from dedicated butler service, a Destination Experience Specialist, and priority embarkation. The attention to detail extends to amenities like premium bath products and exclusive sleepwear, reinforcing a luxurious, well-cared-for experience.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex maintains a high standard of service that is both intuitive and personalized, supported by its 1,536 crew members catering to 2,910 passengers, resulting in a favorable 1.89:1 ratio. The ship's onboard style is modern and sleek, reflecting its innovative Edge-class design. Guests in The Retreat enjoy dedicated butler service, a pre-cruise concierge, and priority boarding. All staterooms feature in-room automation, allowing guests to control various comfort features with a simple touch. The overall ethos is one of sophisticated comfort, where guest needs are anticipated and met with efficiency and warmth.
Best Itineraries
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Beyond is positioned for itineraries that highlight its expansive outdoor spaces and refined ambiance, often sailing to destinations like the Caribbean. Its enhanced Resort Deck, larger Sunset Bar, and the unique Magic Carpet experience are perfectly suited for scenic routes and warmer climates where guests can fully appreciate the ship’s outward-facing design. The inclusion of Perfect Day at CocoCay for the first time further enhances Caribbean sailings, offering a blend of beachside relaxation and active island exploration, making it ideal for those seeking a mix of sophisticated shipboard luxury and exciting port adventures.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex is well-suited for a variety of itineraries, particularly those in regions like the Caribbean, where its innovative design and diverse onboard offerings can be fully enjoyed. The Magic Carpet, a standout feature, seamlessly adapts to different port experiences, whether it's a tender platform or an al fresco dining spot with ocean views. The ship’s robust Camp at Sea program and autism-friendly initiatives make it an excellent choice for families, while its sophisticated dining and nightlife cater to adults. Destinations that allow for a balance of relaxation and cultural exploration would best complement Apex's modern luxury ethos.
What reviewers say
Celebrity Beyond
5/5Third Edge-class ship wows with jaw-dropping artwork and design, sophisticated dining and entertainment options and a better-than-ever suite experience. The Celebrity Beyond experience does, in fact, surpass its predecessors.
Celebrity Apex
5/5Celebrity Apex redefines modern luxury cruising, blending innovative design with a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. It excels in diverse dining, vibrant nightlife, and unique features like the Magic Carpet, offering a premium experience without being stuffy.
Itineraries to compare
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Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Apex
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Celebrity Beyond: A New Era of Modern Luxury Cruising
Discover the third Edge-class ship, renowned for its jaw-dropping design and enhanced suite experience.

Ship Guide
Experience Modern Luxury on Celebrity Apex Cruises
Indulge in a premium cruise experience with diverse dining, vibrant entertainment, and refined service aboard the Celebrity Apex.
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