Sailing on Celebrity Apex: Sam’s First-Hand Experience at Sea

Our journey began early with a 6:30 am LNER train to London. A slight delay made our connection a bit rushed, but we made it just in time! Travelling the day before would have been less stressful.

Check-in at Southampton was seamless, with luggage taken immediately and embarking hassle-free. From the moment we stepped onboard, we were impressed by the ship’s stylish design, friendly crew, and welcoming atmosphere.

After lunch at the buffet, we spent the afternoon exploring the ship and enjoying cocktails before relaxing in our modern, spacious AquaClass Infinite Veranda Suite. Dinner at BLU was outstanding, and we rounded off the night at The Club with karaoke and a Mamma Mia! singalong, the perfect end to our first day.

After the previous day of travel, we took things easy. Breakfast at BLU was another highlight, with an excellent selection served with great attention to detail.

With poor weather outside, we relaxed in the adults-only Solarium, enjoying the pool, hot tubs, and attentive bar service. Lunch at the Mast Grill was a winner; the burgers were so good that we went back every day.

That afternoon, we made the most of the AquaClass spa, with its nature-inspired thermal rooms and tranquil Persian Garden. Dinner at BLU was outstanding once again, followed by drinks at the Martini Bar and a fun-filled silent disco, one of our favourite evenings of the trip.

We docked in Rotterdam and, after a late breakfast at the buffet, headed out to explore. The walk into the city centre took just 15 minutes and was a lovely start to the day. Our first stop was the famous Blaak Market, a huge indoor food hall packed with international flavours.

From there, we visited the quirky Cube Houses, enjoyed a riverside coffee, and did a little shopping along the high street before heading back to the ship to relax in the Solarium.

That evening, we returned to BLU for another fantastic dinner, followed by the sparkling Shine the Night party at the Martini Bar. With dazzling costumes and lively performances, it was the perfect way to end the day.

Instead of heading to Bruges, we chose to visit the seaside town of Blankenberge, just a short tram ride away (€9 each for a day ticket). The beachfront was wide and sandy, though it did remind us a little of Blackpool with its busy seafront restaurants. Still, we enjoyed tasting traditional Belgian waffles, picking up chocolates as gifts, and wandering through the town before heading back to the ship.

Back onboard, the sun had come out, so we spent some time on the main pool deck before finding a quieter spot on the upper level near the hot tubs, perfect for relaxing and a bit of people-watching.

That evening, we watched Rockumentary in the theatre, a high-energy show celebrating legendary rock artists, which was excellent. We then enjoyed one last dinner at BLU before ending the night at The Club with a pub quiz and game show.

Disembarkation was seamless and stress-free. With our cases collected the night before, all we had to do was enjoy one final breakfast before leaving the ship at our allocated time of 8:40 am. Everything ran smoothly, and we were soon on our way home by train, taking nothing but happy memories with us.

This trip is well-suited to a wide range of travellers. Celebrity Cruises is an excellent choice for both first-time cruisers and seasoned cruise-goers, striking the perfect balance between comfort and variety. The ship is large enough to offer plenty of venues and activities, without ever feeling overwhelming.

The four-night itinerary works beautifully for families, couples, and solo travellers alike, with something onboard to appeal to every age group.

WHO WOULD THIS TRIP BE SUITED TO?

This balance of contemporary luxury and relaxed comfort makes Celebrity Apex an ideal choice for clients seeking a premium cruise experience without an overly formal feel.

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT VISITED AND WHY?

BLU was a real highlight of our dining experience. The menu changes every evening, something we were told is unique to this restaurant, which kept each visit feeling fresh and exciting.

Guests can also order dishes from other onboard restaurants if they wish. The food was consistently excellent, beautifully presented, and paired with attentive, professional service, truly enhancing the overall dining experience.

GENERAL COMMENTS AND TIPS:

I recommend purchasing the premium drinks package in advance. Without it, the cost of drinks on board can quickly add up: cocktails average $23, beers average $14, and soft drinks average $6.

We secured our package at 40% off before sailing, bringing the cost to around £60 per day. It offered excellent value for money and provided real peace of mind when ordering drinks throughout the trip.

CRUISE COMMENTS:

Onboard Celebrity Apex, there was a great mix of guests, from first-time cruisers to seasoned travellers, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere throughout the ship.

What truly sets Apex apart is its design. The interiors are stylish, modern, and thoughtfully crafted, with impressive attention to detail throughout. From the dramatic Grand Plaza and its iconic Martini Bar to the peaceful Solarium and innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms, the ship feels both sophisticated and inviting.

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

The highlight of this FAM trip was the freedom to explore the ship without a set itinerary. This allowed us to experience Celebrity Apex exactly as a guest would, wandering, discovering, and enjoying each space at our own pace.

It gave us a genuine sense of the ship’s layout, flow, and overall atmosphere, making it easy to understand what guests can expect during their own cruise.