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Written by Andrea Trevisan - Bancosta Cruise
THE NAMING CRUISE OF THE LATEST SHIP OF CELEBRITY CRUISES
I was reaching Port Everglades from Miami on a sunny Friday morning. The I95 was not busy and I found myself singing happy songs with my entertaining Uber driver, I was already in a weekend mood.
Few weeks ago, the charters team of Celebrity kindly invited me to attend the naming cruise of their latest flagship Celebrity Beyond and I was excited that was finally time for it.
When we were about to reach Port Everglades Terminal 25 (T25) I could see already the Beyond splendid silhouette, with the characteristic beautiful blue hull of Celebrity and you could not miss the orange “Flying Carpet” along the ship starboard side which is a sort of trademark of the Celebrity EDGE Class.
My Uber driver sounded excited as I was and he stated, “this is a cool ship hermano!” I had to enthusiastically agree with him.
"Celebrity Beyond went 'beyond' my expectations"
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE CELEBRITY BEYOND
With her Gross Tonnage of 140.600 and length of 327m/ 1073 ft, The Celebrity Beyond is slightly bigger, about 21m / 69 ft, than the first two sister ships of the Edge Series, the Celebrity Edge (2018) and Celebrity Apex (2021). She was built by the renowned shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire in France and delivered in April 2022. The estimated building cost for the ship amounts to USD 900ml.
The Beyond will be followed by the last ship of the Edge series, the Celebrity Ascent with planned delivery towards the end of 2023. She can carry 3260 guests in double occupancy and 1416 crew.
SMOOTH BOARDING
My boarding slot was 11-11.30am, I reached the terminal just before 11am and the boarding procedures were extremely smooth. I presented my check in proof via a bar code which I could download to my iPhone apple wallet. I did check in few days before via the efficient Celebrity app and within 5 minutes I was thru the security checks and ready to board: impressive.
I would like to take the chance to give a compliment to all terminal staff at T25 and the security team that day, everybody was smiling! I had to wait about 30’ as the boarding did not start yet and finally I boarded the Beyond and I was so happy to see all crew finally not wearing masks and proud to show their best smiles again.
INFINITY VERANDA AND AN EFFICIENT SAFETY DRILL
My stateroom was located on deck 7, an infinity Veranda. It was comfortable, well decorated. The infinity veranda features a sort of patio with a button which can rise or lower a glass window making it a of balcony area and increasing of about 20% the cabin area. It was my first experience with an infinity veranda and I am not sure yet if I like or not compared to a balcony cabin. I would say it is a cleaver feature. Celebrity claims in fact to have the best veranda ratio, 80%, compared to a same size of vessel. I could control the temperature, the lights and the blinders with an efficient digital pad control, everything was of high quality and high tech with some interesting details.
Shortly after reaching my cabin, I have fulfilled the safety drill mandatory requirements which were extremely smooth. It was in a form of check list in my Celebrity app downloaded in my iPhone with a short video of how the wear a lifejacket, a ship emergency whistles simulated sound to be listened thru the app. Finally, I just had to check were my master station was, in my case on deck 4 by the Cyprus restaurant and the cruise staff could tick off digitally my last item of the check list, very efficient.
THE NAMING CEREMONY
I attended to the naming ceremony looking at the large screen located on the spectacular Roof Top Garden which for me is a real gem, with beautiful plants and chill out areas. I loved spending time there, even for some work with my laptop, one of my favorite places on the Beyond. I also enjoyed during the cruise relaxing and catching up some work at the Sunset bar which is located on deck 15 aft. To be noted that I had the premium wi-fi package and it worked very well also for streaming. I was working on closing a contract during the mini-cruise and I could work seamlessly when I needed.
The naming ceremony was enjoyable and tasteful. The Godmother of the Beyond was Simone Biles one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, 19 -time World Champion and 7-time Olympic Medalist . Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises described Simone Biles as the G.O.A.T. for her accomplishments as gymnast but also for her ability to help and inspire others in sport and in life. British global singing sensation Leona Lewis has been performing some of her best songs during the naming ceremony.
EMOTIONAL SPEECHES
Celebrity Cruises President and CEO and Royal Caribbean Group CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and Jason Liberty delivered some emotional and beautiful speeches which I sincerely appreciated.
Mr. Richard Fain, Chairman of the Royal Caribbean Group was also attending at the ceremony. I have always admired Mr. Fain very much for his incredible innovative view of the cruise industry and for his inspiring video’s he recorded during the darkest moments of the pandemic period.
Capt. Kate McCue, Master of the Celebrity Beyond and also a “celebrity” as the world most famous mariner and the first woman in Command of a large cruise ship was also attending to the Ceremony and I must say that for the guests on board attending to the naming she was super-popular.
After her lovely speech, as for maritime tradition, Simone Biles activated remotely the release of the champagne bottle which broke along on the bow section of the ship hull in a fashionable way. The Beyond was officially named between the excitement of the fans and guests on board, the ship whistles were commemorating the epic moment, it was the perfect day to celebrate in Fort Lauderdale!
ANIMATED DINNER
At dinner, I was invited by my fabulous Celebrity friend Clem Galindo to the French specialty restaurant Le Grand Bistro’ for a dinner show called “Le Petit Chef” where some remarkable 3D stories were projected in our dining table and plates during dinner explaining in an amusing way the story of the dishes being served. An experience I never had before. It was entertaining for our table of 4. Something fun to do with a group. Along with the show, the food was tasty and well presented.
SATURDAY MORNING RUN WITH A VIEW AND AN ESPRESSO "AL BACIO"
I woke up quite early at 06:30 as I was still jet lag as I was coming from Europe. I felt like a run, and I was delighted use the spectacular interrupted jogging track on deck 15-16.
I have never seen such a well-designed jogging track on a cruise ship, the feeling to run in the ocean at the sunrise it was simple wonderful.
After the run, I had my morning espresso and al “'Café Al Bacio”. My macchiato was excellent, served as if I was in a good bar in Italy, I am originally from Italy and we say "Al Bacio" when something is very good, so the perfect name for the venue. I was finally awake and I had the best start for a Saturday morning!
A BUFFET TO BE REMEMBERED
I had breakfast and lunch at the Ocean View Café buffet. If you are a buffet lover like me, the Beyond’s Ocean View buffet is simply going to surprise you.
When I entered the Ocean View buffet from the bakery area, I saw some smiling bakers and pastry chefs working on the dough of fresh-made croissants and bread: WOW! The almond croissant was like if it was made in a small village bakery in France: outstanding! For lunch the food selection was something which was impressive.
My friends at Celebrity explained me that their buffet has been awarded with several prices and now I understand why. I am sure I am forgetting something but on Saturday for lunch there were sections of Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Indian, Asian, Latin, Mexican, Peruvian Ceviche, American, a Grill with fresh fish and meat, a gluten free section, a pizza station a Fromagerie with a selection of high quality cheeses and cured meat, a gluten free section, a fresh pizza station, and an area where you could taste 3 types of smoked salmon hand cut to perfection, and better not to mention the desserts and ice station…
I enjoyed the high ceilings and the way and most of the food stands were cleverly placed in the central place of the buffet, there was a good flow and plenty of sitting places also for if you were dining on your own as I was.
THE RETREAT AND SOME AMAZING SUITES
In the afternoon I was lucky to visit some amazing suites. The Beyond featured a suites area called Retreat with its own restaurant, bar, pool and butler service. A small ship within the ship.
I was absolutely impressed by the spectacular Edge Villas and the Iconic Suite! The Edge Villas, a two-story suite with a private terrace and a plunge pool. The Iconic Suite is truly amazing with its 1.892 sq.ft. inside and 689 sq.ft. private veranda, you could even host spectacular parties for your friends on board.
THE MAGIC CARPET
I was also curious to take a view from the Magic Carpet which is a unique feature of the Edge class Celebrity ships.
The Magic Carpet is designed with comfortable seating, a full bar, and space for live music performances, so it truly is a destination itself. Depending on the positioning, its mood and function changes. Ideal for taking your meeting or event to the next level with this innovative and transformative space that accommodates up to 100 guests. At the very top of the ship, the Magic Carpet becomes a high venue, a stunning extension of the main pool area. Then at the bottom on Deck 2, the Magic Carpet becomes an extension of luxury at The Destination Gateway.
When I visited the Magic Carpet was on deck 14 and the ship was sailing, and I can say it provided some spectacular views and connection with the sea while being a sort of suspended, it was special. I was also impressed by the large main pool area next to the Magic Carpet.
THE THEATER: EXCITING SHOW!
In the evening, just before dinner I have attended at The Theater to a spectacular high energy show called “Stage Door”. The show went beyond the classic Broadway/West End show, with filmed commentary on the musicals before numbers and captivating clips of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. in the background as the music was performed. The Theater impressed me for the beautiful high tech 20-foot-tall 4K LED surrounding screen. The show was exciting, I enjoyed the music very much, the energy, the dancing: so cool! I think the entertainment on the Beyond would impress any type of group event.
A LOVELY DINNER AT RESTAURANT CYPRUS
Thereafter I dined at the restaurant Cyprus, one of the 4 main complimentary restaurants. In the Edge Class like the Beyond there is a very interesting system where guests rotate every evening to one of the 4 main restaurants. The Cyprus (Mediterranean), the Cosmopolitan (Classic), Tuscan (Italian) and Normande (French). In all restaurants there is a core classic menu which is the same for all, and a menu which is specific of such restaurants. This is very clever as if you are a foodie, during a 7 day cruise you can taste many dishes. I truly enjoyed the quality of the food and service overall
THE IMPRESSIVE EDEN LOUNGE
After dinner I took a look at the silent disco activity in the spectacular multi-functional and multi-level lounge Eden, it was a lot of fun and quite busy! I found the Eden lounge, which is another trademark of the Edge class, another mind-blowing venue. The lounge is designed to indulge every sense in a transformative atmosphere that changes from chillful mornings to playful afternoons to wonderful evenings.
The Eden lounge embraces the concept of outward facing spaces designed to build a greater connection between you and the sea. It’s three levels of sensory experiences completely wrapped in glass. Three stories of windows that look out to the ocean, with two areas of al fresco seating on both sides of Eden for breathing in the refreshing salt breezes. With over 11,800 square feet of event space, Eden is the ideal location to host engaging business luncheons, magical wedding celebrations, inviting reunions, and any event you can dream up.
"SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" AT THE CLUB
Thereafter I went to "The Club” lounge where the excellent DJ was pumping up the party. I was very impressed as well by the multi-level Club, there was a great vibe, and high energy. I am a kind of “early bird”, and I left around 12.30am (for me felt already quite late) and it was getting busier and busier in the dance floor. Some friends told me that up to 3am the Club was “packed”. To be noted that during the day the Club is used for various functions and events during the day, so it is multi-functional venue.
It was time for a short sleep. I disembarked the ship around 7:30 am on Sunday carrying my own luggage and also the disembarkation process was smooth and efficient. Within 10’ from when I left my cabin I was out of the terminal. To be noted that the T25 had the latest technology facial recognition systems at custom and immigration. Such advanced technology speeded up the procedures, basically there were no lines.
OVERALL
Overall, the Celebrity Beyond went “beyond” my expectations. Two days were just enough to get an impression, but I can say that the service, the food and the ship were great. I would certainly recommend the Celebrity Beyond for group charters but also for large events. The ship was also fitted with two well equipped meeting rooms. There were several lounges and restaurants, and all interiors were of high quality and luxury standards also in the details.
Many Thanks to the Celebrity Charters Meeting and Incentive team for this fantastic opportunity and I truly hope to be back on the Beyond soon.