Ship Comparison
Celebrity Roamer vs Celebrity Apex
For a blend of intimate river charm and modern ocean luxury, consider Roamer; for a grand, innovative resort-at-sea experience with global reach, Apex shines.
The verdict
The Celebrity Roamer and Celebrity Apex, while both under the Celebrity brand, offer distinctly different cruise experiences tailored to varied preferences. Roamer is a brand-new river cruise ship, launching in 2028, designed for those who appreciate a more intimate, destination-focused journey with innovative twists from Celebrity's ocean-going Edge-class vessels. Apex, launched in 2020, is a large ocean liner, a 'resort at sea' that excels in offering a vast array of dining, entertainment, and wellness options across a much larger scale. Your choice truly depends on whether you seek the quiet, immersive charm of a river, or the bustling, expansive amenities of a modern ocean cruise.
Choose Celebrity Roamer if…
The Celebrity Roamer is ideal for the Ocean Cruiser Convert who seeks upscale, modern river experiences with familiar Celebrity touches, or the Luxury River Explorer desiring premium accommodations and bespoke services. It also appeals to the Social Epicurean keen on diverse dining and a vibrant atmosphere within an intimate setting, and the European Cultural Wanderer drawn to immersive historical and festive itineraries.
Best for
- The Ocean Cruiser Convert
- The Luxury River Explorer
- The Social Epicurean
- The European Cultural Wanderer
Avoid if
- River Scale, Ocean Expectations
- Premium Price Point
- Intimate vs. Grand Scale Dining
- Rhine-Centric Itineraries
Choose Celebrity Apex if…
The Celebrity Apex is tailored for the Modern Connoisseur who values contemporary design and diverse, high-quality culinary experiences. It's also perfect for the Luxury Retreat Seeker desiring exclusive amenities and personalized service on a grander scale, the Social & Nightlife Enthusiast looking for vibrant evening entertainment, and the Wellness & Serenity Seeker prioritizing extensive spa and fitness options. Additionally, it caters to the Modern Family Explorer with engaging, inclusive kids' programming.
Best for
- The Modern Connoisseur
- The Luxury Retreat Seeker
- The Social & Nightlife Enthusiast
- The Wellness & Serenity Seeker
- The Modern Family Explorer
Avoid if
- Lacks High-Thrill Activities
- Premium Pricing for Exclusivity
- Central Areas Can Be Bustling
- Thermal Suite Access Not Universally Included
- Absence of Traditional Kid-Thrill Amenities
Overall Vibe
Celebrity Roamer
Celebrity Roamer, set to launch in 2028, promises a fresh, modern take on river cruising. As a river cruise ship, it’s designed for a more intimate and immersive journey, allowing guests to truly settle into each destination. It aims to blend the upscale, contemporary feel of Celebrity’s ocean-going Edge-class vessels with the unique rhythms of river travel, offering light-filled spaces and a focus on outward-facing experiences. This smaller vessel emphasizes comfort and curiosity, making every mile feel like a refined adventure through Europe.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex, launched in 2020 as the second ship in the revolutionary Edge® Series, embodies a luxurious 'resort at sea' concept. This ocean-going vessel, recognized as a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rated ship, boasts an innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces. Its larger scale allows for a blend of relaxed sophistication and vibrant activity, offering guests a modern and polished ambiance that redefines the experience of cruising the open seas with its contemporary design.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Celebrity Roamer
With a capacity for just 172 passengers, the Celebrity Roamer cultivates a modern, upscale, and notably intimate atmosphere. The smaller scale encourages a close connection with fellow travelers and the passing scenery, fostering a serene yet social environment. While a specific crew count isn't provided, river cruises typically offer a high staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring attentive service. This ship appeals to those seeking a refined and relaxed journey where the destination takes center stage, rather than a bustling, activity-packed experience.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex, carrying 2,910 passengers and supported by a crew of 1,536, offers a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere. It strikes a balance between adult-centric spaces and comprehensive family-friendly programming, without focusing on high-thrill activities. The ship's innovative design, including multi-level venues like the Grand Plaza and Eden, creates dynamic social hubs for guests of all ages. It's a place where you can find vibrant nightlife or quiet relaxation, catering to a diverse crowd seeking a modern luxury ocean experience.
Dining
Celebrity Roamer
On Celebrity Roamer, guests can indulge in a diverse culinary journey across eight bars and restaurants, with complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner available. A standout feature is the unique 'Magic Edge' cantilevered dining pods, offering panoramic river views for an immersive meal. Casual fare is available at the Main Restaurant, and Cafe Al Bacio offers a relaxed café atmosphere. All guests receive a classic drink package, while suite guests enjoy a premium package and an exclusive specialty dining experience, plus 24/7 dining and room service.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex offers an extensive array of 11 dining venues. Four main dining rooms—Tuscan, Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, and Normandie—provide diverse, complimentary international cuisine. Casual options include the popular Oceanview Cafe, Cafe al Bacio, Spa Cafe, and Eden Cafe. For an additional cost, guests can experience specialty venues like Fine Cut Steakhouse, Eden Restaurant, the interactive Le Petit Chef, Raw on 5 for seafood, or the Rooftop Garden Grill. Suite guests enjoy exclusive access to Blu (AquaClass) or Luminae (The Retreat) with dishes by Chef Daniel Boulud, alongside an unlimited specialty dining package for those in Royal Suites and above, though room service generally incurs an additional fee.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Celebrity Roamer
Celebrity Roamer focuses on a more relaxed and social entertainment style, befitting a river cruise. Guests can gather at the Sunset Lounge or the Martini Bar, both familiar venues from Celebrity's ocean ships, providing a lively bar atmosphere. The emphasis is on elevated gathering spaces and enjoying the river's rhythm, suggesting evenings filled with conversation, scenic views, and perhaps live music in the lounges. It offers a sophisticated, understated nightlife experience, rather than grand productions.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex boasts a vibrant and diverse entertainment lineup. The Theatre, with its nearly in-the-round stage and 180-foot LED screen, hosts ambitious production shows like 'Rockumentary' and 'Tree of Life' featuring singers, dancers, and acrobats. The Club transforms from daytime games to a lively nightlife spot with live music, acrobats, and cabaret shows like 'Caravan.' Eden offers evolving experiences and themed cocktails, while the three-story Grand Plaza is a bustling hub with its Martini Bar and flair bartenders. Other options include the Craft Social Bar and a Casino, ensuring varied entertainment into the night.
Cabins & Suites
Celebrity Roamer
Celebrity Roamer offers a range of sophisticated accommodations, starting with River View staterooms at 157 sq ft. Balcony staterooms provide 211-225 sq ft with private verandas. The innovative Infinite Balcony staterooms, at 173-179 sq ft, feature wall-to-wall windows that lower with a button. For ultimate luxury, the 233 sq ft Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites include a ceiling window and Infinite Balcony, while the largest, 258 sq ft Vista Balcony Suites, offer separate living areas and expansive verandas. All rooms feature king-size beds, luxury linens, complimentary mini-bars, and wellness access, with suites benefiting from personalized butler service.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex features contemporary staterooms, with most offering 'infinite verandas' that blend indoor and outdoor space. Standard cabins are around 200 sq ft, while solo cabins with infinite verandas are approximately 130 sq ft. Suites are particularly luxurious, ranging from 298 sq ft Sky Suites to the expansive 1,892 sq ft Iconic Suites located above the bridge, some with private hot tubs or plunge pools. All accommodations include king-size Cashmere Mattresses and interactive TVs. Suite guests, particularly those in The Retreat, receive exclusive access to private lounges, sundecks, and butler service, enhancing the luxury experience.
Service & Onboard Style
Celebrity Roamer
The Celebrity Roamer places a strong emphasis on personalized service and an effortlessly elegant onboard style. Guests benefit from pre-travel and onboard concierge services, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish. For those in suites, a dedicated butler service is provided, assisting with everything from packing to reservations, and available via 'Butler Chat.' The ship's design focuses on airy, light-filled spaces, creating a soft, fluid sense of movement that complements the river's rhythm, ensuring a refined and attentive experience.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex provides a high level of attentive service, notably for guests in The Retreat, who receive dedicated butler service, a Destination Experience Specialist, and priority boarding. With a crew-to-passenger ratio of nearly 2:1 (1,536 crew for 2,910 passengers), the overall service is designed to be seamless and sophisticated. The ship's onboard style is modern, sleek, and design-forward, having earned a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating. Public spaces are innovative and outward-facing, creating a refined yet relaxed atmosphere throughout the vessel.
Best Itineraries
Celebrity Roamer
Celebrity Roamer is positioned for immersive European river itineraries, with its inaugural season focusing on the scenic Rhine River. This includes special sailings dedicated to visiting charming European Christmas markets and celebrating holidays onboard. It's perfectly suited for guests eager to explore historic cities and picturesque landscapes from an intimate river perspective, offering a deep cultural immersion that connects travelers directly with the heart of Europe.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex offers a wide range of global itineraries, frequently sailing to the Caribbean. A highlight of these Caribbean voyages is calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Celebrity's exclusive private island destination, offering both beach relaxation and thrilling activities. The ship's design and amenities are well-suited for ocean cruising, allowing guests to explore diverse and breathtaking destinations across the world, from sun-drenched beaches to vibrant cultural hubs, with a focus on a resort-style experience.
What reviewers say
Celebrity Roamer
The 172-passenger Celebrity Roamer, launching in 2028, is a new river ship from Celebrity River Cruises, designed to appeal to both ocean and river cruisers. It introduces innovative features like Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites and unique cantilevered dining pods to the river cruise sector.
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.
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Celebrity Roamer
Celebrity Apex
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