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Apex is homeported in Southampton for its 4th season, offering voyages to the Arctic Circle and Norwegian Fjords. Retail offerings were enhanced with luxury brands including Hublot (Swiss watches) and Shinola (watches, jewelry, leather goods). Staterooms were upgraded with eXhale bedding (premium cashmere mattresses) and Unli Slots Casino high-tech features such as RFID door locks, Bluetooth capabilities, and Xcelerate Wi-Fi Internet. These new experiences were introduced in 2019, starting with Celebrity Summit, Equinox, and Millennium.
Just know that the entertainment here complements the cruise; it doesn’t dominate it. However, the storytelling and overall pacing can feel a bit uneven. Whether it’s jazz in the Ensemble Lounge, acoustic sets at the Sunset Bar, or pop vocals in the Grand Foyer, the quality of musicianship is consistently excellent (I have great admiration for cruise ship entertainers). It’s quirky, fun, and makes for great people-watching, although it can feel super weird and awkward.
They’ve done a great job preserving the ship’s upscale feel without it seeming tired or neglected. From the staterooms to the public spaces, everything feels clean, cohesive, and thoughtfully updated. If you’re sailing Celebrity and have a choice between departing from Port Everglades or another home port, the boarding experience at Port Everglades is one of the smoothest in the mainstream cruise world. I was surprised by how much the embarkation experience shaped my first impression of the cruise.
It features six sections (news, marketing, sales, learning, and training), accessible via personalized logins. On October 4, 2018, the company launched "Celebrity Central"—a dedicated website for travel agents. To better serve multi-generational travelers, Celebrity has expanded her family programs to include trained staff for onboard kids’ and teen centers that offer enrichment and educational activities. Michael Scheiner is the company's Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and Tim Jones is the VP and Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific region. Celebrity also offers "Family Cruises" during holiday seasons (especially on voyages from the USA to the Caribbean and Bermuda) and "Seniors Cruises" (on European and South American itineraries).