Ship Comparison
Celebrity Apex vs Celebrity Edge
For those seeking the pinnacle of modern luxury at sea, Celebrity Apex refines the Edge-class experience, while Celebrity Edge remains the groundbreaking pioneer.
The verdict
Choosing between Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge truly comes down to a nuanced preference within the same innovative family. Celebrity Apex, as the newer vessel launched in 2020, builds upon the foundational design of its predecessor, offering a slightly more refined and polished take on the Edge-class concept. It's ideal for guests who appreciate subtle enhancements and a focus on adult-centric relaxation and culinary diversity, especially with its unique 'Poolest Day Ever' program in the Caribbean. Celebrity Edge, launched in 2018, retains its status as a trailblazer, having introduced many of the 'outward-facing' design elements that define the class. It has a spirited, lively atmosphere and a broader global itinerary reach. Both ships excel in sophisticated dining and high-tech entertainment, making them excellent choices for contemporary travelers who value design and unique experiences over traditional cruise thrills. Ultimately, Apex offers a slightly more evolved interpretation of luxury, while Edge proudly stands as the original innovator.
Choose Celebrity Apex if…
Travelers who appreciate a refined evolution of modern luxury, enjoy diverse culinary experiences, and seek innovative, sophisticated spaces with a relaxed atmosphere, particularly keen on Caribbean itineraries.
Best for
- Modern luxury seekers desiring refined experiences
- Guests who appreciate innovative design and outward-facing spaces
- Foodies looking for diverse and high-quality dining options
- Adults and families seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere
- Cruisers prioritizing wellness and spa amenities
Avoid if
- Families expecting extensive thrill-based kid activities like waterslides
- Travelers seeking a very traditional cruise experience
- Budget-conscious travelers, as many unique dining experiences are extra
- Those preferring small, intimate ships over larger vessels
Choose Celebrity Edge if…
Contemporary cruisers drawn to groundbreaking design and a lively, adult-focused ambiance, who value diverse global itineraries and a wide array of innovative dining and entertainment options.
Best for
- Contemporary travelers seeking groundbreaking ship design
- Guests who enjoy a lively and adult-focused social scene
- Culinary adventurers willing to explore diverse specialty dining
- Travelers interested in a wide range of global itineraries
- Those valuing high-tech entertainment and immersive shows
Avoid if
- Traditional cruisers who prefer classic ship layouts and activities
- Families with very young children needing extensive kid-specific amenities (e.g., kiddie pools)
- Guests sensitive to noise, especially from cabins located near public areas
- Travelers strictly adhering to fixed dining times and tablemates
Overall Vibe
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex, launched in 2020, is the second ship in the revolutionary Edge Series, embodying a refined sense of modern luxury. With its innovative outward-facing design, the ship seamlessly connects guests with the sea. It has earned a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating, reflecting its commitment to sophisticated experiences. The vibe here is one of relaxed elegance, where guests can enjoy visionary spaces like the multi-deck Eden complex and the cantilevered Magic Carpet, offering a distinctively upscale yet approachable cruising environment. This 2,910-passenger vessel across its 14 decks feels spacious and thoughtfully designed for contemporary tastes.
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge, launched in 2018, was the inaugural ship of the Edge Series, marking a significant turning point in cruise ship design. Recognized with a Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Rating, it pioneered the unique outward-facing concept. The ship's atmosphere is lively and contemporary, appealing to travelers who seek innovative and artfully designed spaces. Features like the movable Magic Carpet and the urban-chic Rooftop Garden set it apart, challenging traditional cruising expectations. Carrying 2,918 passengers and 1,320 crew, Celebrity Edge delivers an edgy yet sophisticated experience that prioritizes connection with the ocean and destination.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex cultivates a modern, sophisticated, and relaxed atmosphere. It strikes a fine balance between adult-centric enjoyment and thoughtful family-friendly programming, without focusing on high-thrill activities. With a guest capacity of 2,910 and a dedicated crew of 1,536, the ship maintains a comfortable and attentive environment, boasting a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1.89. This allows for a more personalized service touch, contributing to a calm yet engaging onboard experience where culinary excellence and innovative design are at the forefront for a discerning crowd.
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge offers a lively, sophisticated, and distinctly contemporary atmosphere that is generally adult-focused. Its innovative design attracts a crowd appreciative of modern aesthetics and unique experiences. Carrying 2,918 passengers and supported by a crew of 1,320, the ship has a crew-to-guest ratio of about 1:2.21. While sophisticated, the ship maintains an energetic pulse, particularly in its vibrant social hubs. It's a place where guests engage with cutting-edge entertainment and design, creating a dynamic and social environment, though it might be less suited for those seeking constant quietude.
Dining
Celebrity Apex
Dining on Celebrity Apex is a diverse and refined affair, featuring four complimentary main dining rooms—Tuscan, Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, and Normandie—each offering unique ambiance and exclusive menus, from Italian homemade pastas to Greek seafood. The Oceanview Cafe provides a light and bright international buffet with crew-served food and tableside drink service. For a more intimate experience, AquaClass guests enjoy Blu's clean cuisine, while Retreat guests have exclusive access to Luminae, featuring dishes by Chef Daniel Boulud. Specialty options like Fine Cut Steakhouse, Eden Restaurant, Raw on 5, and the whimsical Le Petit Chef offer varied culinary journeys, along with the unique 'Dinner on the Edge' experience on the Magic Carpet.
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge boasts an extensive and innovative culinary landscape. Its four complimentary main dining rooms—Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus—each offer distinct themes, from French elegance with authentic S.S. Normandie panels to a chic Italian setting. The Oceanview Cafe is a bright, spacious buffet with high ceilings and diverse international stations, including Asian stir-fry and a fresh bakery. Exclusive dining at Blu caters to AquaClass guests with spa-inspired cuisine, and Luminae offers suite guests a menu curated by Chef Daniel Boulud. Specialty venues like Fine Cut Steakhouse, Raw on 5, Le Grand Bistro, and the engaging Le Petit Chef provide premium experiences, complemented by the unique 'Dinner on the Edge' on the Magic Carpet and casual bites at Eden Cafe and Grand Plaza Cafe.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Celebrity Apex
The nightlife on Celebrity Apex is both vibrant and varied, centered around innovative venues. The Theatre is a high-tech marvel with a nearly in-the-round stage and a 180-foot LED screen, hosting ambitious production shows like 'Rockumentary,' 'Tree of Life,' and 'Crystallize,' featuring singers, dancers, and acrobats. The versatile 'The Club' transforms from daytime trivia to a lively dance floor with live DJs and cabaret shows like 'Caravan.' Eden offers an ever-evolving, sensory experience with different themes nightly and unique cocktails. The Grand Plaza, with its Martini Bar and flair bartenders, serves as a bustling hub, while the Resort Deck introduces the 'Poolest Day Ever' program for Caribbean sailings, adding a festive, island-inspired vibe.
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge's entertainment and nightlife are designed to be dynamic and immersive. The Theatre is a technological showpiece with four stage areas and massive projection screens, presenting high-energy production shows such as 'Kaleidoscope,' 'Colours of Life,' and 'A Hot Summer Night's Dream.' The Club is a transformative space, hosting games and art hours by day before evolving into a lively late-night disco with DJs, acrobats, and intimate shows like 'Undercover.' Eden, a three-deck spiraling venue, shifts from a playful daytime lounge to an intimate evening space with performance artists and craft cocktails. The Grand Plaza serves as a central hub with live music at the Martini Bar, and the Rooftop Garden hosts live music and movies under the stars, providing diverse options for sophisticated evenings.
Cabins & Suites
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex offers a wide array of accommodations, including 25 accessible cabins across multiple categories. The ship's signature 'infinite verandas' define most standard staterooms, functioning as a customizable balcony with a drop-down top and folding doors, blurring indoor and outdoor spaces. These standard cabins are approximately 200 sq ft, with solo options around 130 sq ft. Suites, ranging from 298 sq ft Sky Suites to the expansive 1,892 sq ft Iconic Suites, provide elevated luxury. The six two-story Edge Villas feature private plunge pools and direct access to The Retreat, an exclusive area on decks 15/16 for suite guests that includes a private sundeck, pool, bar, and the Luminae restaurant, all complemented by personalized butler service and premium amenities.
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge features diverse cabins, with 12% being suites designed by Kelly Hoppen. The majority of staterooms are the innovative 244 sq ft 'Infinite Verandas,' which act as a hybrid balcony by converting the entire living space into an open-air veranda with a touch of a button, though the A/C shuts off if the window and bifold doors are open. There are also 16 single-accommodation Infinite Verandas at 131 sq ft for solo travelers. Suite guests enjoy perks like dedicated butlers, access to Luminae, and The Retreat area. While offering modern amenities like bedside USB charging and in-room automation, some standard cabin designs prioritize aesthetics, and potential noise from public areas on Deck 3 should be considered.
Service & Onboard Style
Celebrity Apex
On Celebrity Apex, the service ethos is deeply integrated with its modern luxury positioning. The ship's Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating underscores a commitment to high-quality, attentive service. Suite guests benefit from a dedicated butler service, a Destination Experience Specialist for excursions, priority embarkation and departure, and reserved theatre seating, ensuring a highly personalized journey. The staff-to-guest ratio, with 1,536 crew serving 2,910 passengers, contributes to a feeling of being well-cared for without feeling intrusive. The overall onboard style is sophisticated yet warm, fostering an environment where every detail is considered for guest comfort.
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge sets a benchmark for contemporary service and style, reflected in its Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Rating. The crew, including notable figures like Captain Kate McCue (the first American female to captain a major cruise ship), are integral to its lively and innovative atmosphere. While the crew count of 1,320 for 2,918 passengers is respectable, the focus is on intuitive, modern service rather than traditional formality. Suite guests receive dedicated butler service and exclusive access to The Retreat's amenities. The ship's pioneering design extends to its service, offering a polished yet approachable style that aligns with its 'edgy' and forward-thinking appeal.
Best Itineraries
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex is particularly well-suited for guests looking to explore the vibrant regions of the Caribbean. The ship enhances these sun-drenched voyages with its unique 'Poolest Day Ever' program on the Resort Deck, offering Caribbean-inspired live music, DJ sets, guided meditations, dance classes in the pool, and exclusive tropical treats. This dedicated programming makes Apex an exceptional choice for those seeking a modern, luxurious, and culturally infused Caribbean cruise experience, blending relaxation with lively island vibes directly onboard.
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge offers an expansive array of global itineraries, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of explorers. Guests can embark on journeys to the majestic landscapes of Alaska, the diverse cultures of Europe, the exotic allure of Asia, the stunning coasts of Australia (including overnight stays in Sydney), or the vibrant shores of South America and the Caribbean. This broad offering means that travelers can experience the ship's innovative design and sophisticated amenities while discovering some of the world's most captivating destinations, catering to those with a keen interest in varied cultural and scenic exploration.
What reviewers say
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.
Celebrity Edge
4.5/5Celebrity Edge is a hip-at-heart ship that challenges traditional cruising expectations with its innovative design and contemporary appeal. It offers outstanding accommodations and extensive dining choices, making it a favorite for adults seeking a sophisticated yet lively experience.
Itineraries to compare
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Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Edge
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

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.

Ship Guide
Celebrity Edge: Innovative Design & Modern Luxury Cruises
Experience a ship that redefines cruising with contemporary style and a lively adult-focused atmosphere.
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