Cruise News - Maritime News

Richard Fain, chairman and managing director of Celebrity Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruises' parent company, joked that his hand trembled every time he signed one of the $ 1 billion ships. "It's scary," he laughed.

In a special ceremony in Saint-Nazaire, France, Celebrity Cruises also unveiled the “exciting” entertainment concepts on Celebrity Apex - including a tree that will be the focus of one of the three new shows on board.

The 1.4-ton, 20-foot structure will have 3,000 LED color changing sheets to illuminate the theater stage in Tree of Life. Two other shows, Crystallize and Rockumentary, will also use a 110-foot LED panel with 12 panels and 17 million pixels, said Lisa Lehr, vice president of entertainment for Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Apex also offers all-inclusive services for suite guests with drinks, tips, and WiFi. The offer is valid for the predecessor Celebrity Edge and every ship that has a retreat area for suite guests.

Like its predecessor, Celebrity Edge, Apex will have the Magic Carpet venue moving up and down the side of the ship, as well as cabins with infinite balconies.

It also offers the three-story Eden venue, outdoor plunge pools with 270-degree views, an outdoor roof garden, and 29 restaurants and bars. Many areas were designed similarly by the former Dragons' star Kelly Hoppen.

On April 1st, Celebrity Apex starts the first of five departures from Southampton to Northern Europe. 

Then the ship sails for a summer season in the Mediterranean, where 7-12 day cruises are on the program . 

On August 26,  Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow brings her wellness brand Goop  on board from Barcelona to offer guests three sessions in which they can train body, mind and soul

In November, Celebrity Apex crosses the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale for a winter season with one-week Caribbean runs.

After Celebrity Beyond, two more ships have been ordered for the Celebrity Edge class, which are to be delivered in 2022 and 2024.