Celebrity Edge: Ship Inspection

celebrity edge suite

#cruise #Celebrity #EDGE #RCL #RoyalCaribbean #Cruising #Cruiseship #CruiseSale #Cruiselife

What is Celebrity Edge?

Celebrity X is a Premium Cruise brand offered by Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) and their Edge ship is amongst the newest in their fleet and the newest ship to sail Australian Waters as of 2025.

It’s a Premium Product, aimed at the 40+ end of the market, with an emphasis on adult activities and entertainment compared to Royal Caribbean which is heavily family/kids focussed.

Whilst it’s not Adult Only (such as Virgin Voyages or Viking) – there is a kids club and the kids will be entertained, you won’t find any waterslides or go karts on Celebrity.

Jumpt to a section:

What is it like, onboard Celebrity Edge?

When RCL built Celebrity Edge, they wanted to escape the perception of cruising is for oldies with big noisy chaotic dining rooms and instead present new, fresh and elegant foodie experiences.

It’s a big ship, with a small ship feel. Each guest area, is designed to seat approximately 300 at a time, and with multiple dining and entertainment options you’ll find there’s always somewhere to discover, drink or dine or hang out without being stuck in your room.

There is a small casino between the main atrium and Eden if that’s your thing, but that’s plenty of outdoorsy areas including a covered pool and spa area (which is where you’ll find the juice bar) so even if it’s raining, you can still enjoy a dip.

The rooftop garden (plastic plants because of Australia/New Zealand strict bio-security laws) also features a bar and a casual restaurant with sharable (think sliders and wedges) and is a great spot to get some fresh air, enjoy a snack and watch a movie.


Staterooms

The are four main categories of staterooms onboard Celebrity Edge – Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Suite.

Inside cabins feature a lounge area and private facilities but with no windows.

Book Inside Stateroom →

Oceanview staterooms feature a window so you can see outside and get natural light. The price varies depending on which deck and which area of the ship the cabin is located. The facilities remain the same, though the room size can vary slightly.

Book Oceanview Stateroom →

Veranda Staterooms feature a floor to ceiling window/door which can open to the outside for fresh air. They are larger than an Oceanview and price/size can vary depending ship location.

Book Veranda Stateroom →

Suite

Booking a Suite on Celebrity Edge may seem like an indulgence but when you factor in the space, additional room features like dining area, multiple bathrooms, private hot tubs, double sized veranda areas, exclusive dining options (Blu, Luminae), personal butler service, priority boarding/disembarkation plus more, the benefits really outweigh the costs.

If you’re travelling with extended family, a group of friends or just want more space to relax away from the crowds, then a Suite onboard Celebrity Edge is for you. There’s even two bedroom/two storey suites with direct entry to The Retreat deck and pool area so you never have to mingle with the commoners.


Dining

Eating onboard Celebrity Edge will easily fill a two week itinerary. Menu’s change daily, there’s multiple dining options included in the standard cruise fare, though one observation was mostly it was Westernised with few Asian options (you can get stir fries and more in the buffet), however, our host mentioned there were also themed nights e.g. Mexican but regardless, you won’t ever go hungry.

Each of the specialist dining areas offer unique foodie experiences, along with fan-favourites that are the same across the ship; so if you had a dish you loved in one restaurant, there’s a chance you can easily find it in another restaurant.

However, there are unique cocktails, matched wines (you’ll find Italian wines in Tuscany and French wines in Normandie) and regional specialities in each restaurant that will encourage you to try each of the dining options.

Celebrity Edge is ‘Dine Aware’ so if you suffer allergies or intolerances, gluten free, lactose free, vegan or vegetarian, low sugar or a prefer extra protein, you will find plenty of options available and wait staff will look after you.

Note: All specific mentioned menu items are a sample only and are a subject to change, may not be offered on all cruises or itineraries or may not longer be offered.

Eden

Eden is a new concept in shipboard dining with fresh salads, clean and vegan cuisine along with tasty grills in a plant-filled atrium lounge with floor to ceiling windows and yes, there’s also a bar and live music nightly.


Tuscan

Tuscan restaurant features a head chef from Italy with their own family recipes (part of the hiring process for Celebrity Edge) and is also where you’ll find the Olive Oil tasting experience. Expect fresh pastas, succulent seafood dishes and exciting new Italian flavours.

Normandie

Normandie features French inspired dishes such as baked brie cheese with caramelised apples or escargot.

Cyprus

In Cyprus you’ll find mediterranean-inspired eats – think char-grilled octopus or slow-braised lamb shank, alongside a Greek-style Mezze board with tzatziki/hummous/dolmas/tarmasalata/olives & feta and pita bread.

Cosmopolitan

Offers a mix of all your favourite menu options from speciality dining establishments including Normandie, Cyprus, Tuscan plus unique Cosmopolitan options such as Salmon Gravalax.


Our Dining Experience

Whilst onboard, we enjoyed a hand-picked specialty menu where I had:

Ceasar salad as a starter, followed by grilled salmon and finished off with apple pie and ice-cream.

Three things I noticed was even though the restaurant was full, we didn’t need to shout to hear each other to enjoy a normal conversation. There was background music but it felt intimate, without feeling awkward.

The meal serving size was enough to fill me for lunch, but by 5:30pm, I was hungry again which is exactly what you want on a cruise. Not so full that you don’t want dinner, but full enough that you don’t have to go snacking at 3pm.

Lastly, the timing between courses allowed us to savour each dish, with time to chat, without feeling they were trying to get rid of us, (even though we had to be off the ship by 2pm).

The Caesar was light, with just the right amount of mayonnaise and parmesan cheese. My first impression was it could have done with some bacon or chicken but after salmon and dessert, I realised – that would have been too much.

The grilled salmon was crispy which I love, without being dry. It was juicy, boneless and silly me forgot to take a photo of the menu so I knew what the salmon was served with but it was a garlic mash and the sauce was delicious – I remember that!

The Apple Pie was freshly baked, warm but not too hot. The ice-cream (of which there’s unlimited ice-cream upstairs next to the buffet) perfectly complimented the Carmel sweetness of the pie-without taking over.


Other dining establishments

If you’re after a morning coffee treat or afternoon snack – Cafe Al Bacio (deck 4) above the Grand plaza offers a plethora of cookies, cakes, mini-sandwiches and slices – all included.

Opposite is the French-inspired Le grand Bistro (which offers up barista coffee, baguette sandwiches, French pastries and tarts along with Steak Frites or Croque Monsieur and is not included in your standard cruise tariff – hence why each item has a price (USD).


If it’s steak and grilled meats you desire, then you’ll find your fix at
Fine Cut Steakhouse (deck 5, additional charges apply) which is smaller than some of the other restaurants so expect to make a reservation. Here you can choose your cut – Ribeye/Sirloin/Brisket/Rib or Tomahawk along with 7 different sauces to choose and a plethora of sides. There is also a 7 course tasting menu with matched wines.

The Magic Carpet is a unique venture for any cruise ship which is a moveable deck, which hangs completely outside of the ship. Like a giant elevator, it can move from the top deck, down to sea-level – depending on the requirements of the day.

If you wish to dine on the Magic Carpet, make a reservation before sailing as it books out every cruise. When it’s not set up for dining, it is used as a poolside bar and easy-access for tender ports. Before you ask, no you can-not ride the Magic Carpet when it’s in motion.

Several smaller eateries include the buffet which features a ridiculous amount of fresh-food and cooked to order stations, a pizza station on the back deck, an ice-cream bar which new flavours daily, toppings and unlimited servings, not to mention the pool-side Mast grill, juice bar and Rav on 5 – plus room service – you won’t go hungry on Celebrity Edge.

Exclusive Eateries

Blu is exclusively for Suite guests and offers fresh, clean, healthy eating including plant-based alternatives alongside custom cocktails and wines to match.

Luminae is exclusively for Retreat guests only and is a Michelin starred restaurant offering next level service. Tucked away on Deck 12, expect waiters to know your drinks order, remember your favourite dishes and the head chef is offering up scrumptious treats. Custom cocktails and paired wines complement the gourmet journey at Luminae.


Entertainment

From The Club which is a multi-use room (from Karaoke, to live music to quiz shows) and broadway-esque theatre shows alongside movies on the top-deck, you won’t be bored.

There’s live music every night in multiple bars and comedy shows, game shows and more.

If it’s all too much, then the television in your room, showcases movies and some of the onboard entertainment.

Shopping

When you’re not eating, being entertained or lazing about – there’s plenty of onboard shopping to keep you occupied. Most of the shops erred towards the high-end market including Blvgari, an Apple Store alongside clothing and jewellry stores. There’s of course a Celebrity souvenir shop and a mini-mart style shop selling those little forgotten items. As we were in-port, none of the shops were open so I was unable to explore but there was enough shops dotted about you could easily fill a few hours window shopping.


Day Spa and Beauty

Relax and get pampered in the large Day Spa and Beauty area which includes massage, manicure/pedicure, barber and hair salon, plus a range of treatment rooms including sauna, salt room, dry desert sauna, crystalarium (imagine a sauna but you sit around a large crystal) and hydrotherapy. If you’re feeling tired or hungover, they offer IV services to revitalise you. Nearby you’ll also find the gym with fitness classes including yoga.


The Retreat

The Retreat on Celebrity Edge is an exclusive, Adults Only area of the ship for Suite guests. Simply book a Sky Suite, Magic Carpet Sky Suite, Aqua Class Sky Suite, Sunset Sky Suite, Celebrity Suite or Royal Suite and enjoy exclusive access to:

  • Private pool and spa deck area at the front of the ship
  • Exclusive lounge area serving gourmet tea and coffee, drinks and snacks
  • Access to Luminae – Michelin starred restaurant only for The Retreat guests with menu items you won’t find elsewhere
  • Dedicated butler service available
  • Complimentary mini-bar
  • The Retreat guests can expect Premium drinks and wifi package
  • Plus more services and ammenities!

Browse Suites including The Retreat:


Snapshot/FAQ’s:

Who is Celebrity Edge for? 35+ age group, it’s more upmarket than P & O or Royal Caribbean, but not quite Silversea or Regent.

How big is Celebrity Edge? The ship is 306m long (1004ft) and features
1467 staterooms spread across 14 decks which includes 183 suites and 48 solo cabins. The maximum passenger capacity is 2918 guests with 1320 crew.

How many restaurants are there on Celebrity Edge? There are Eleven (11) restaurants on Celebrity Edge plus Ten (10) bars/lounges.

Where does Celebrity Edge go? – From October – March it sails Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. The rest of the year it’s cruising Alaska.

How long are Celebrity Edge Cruise itineraries? Typical itineraries range from 10 – 14 days however in-between there are some 4-5 day itineraries so that longer cruises capture key holiday dates like Christmas and New year. A short itinerary is a great way to test out cruising to see if you like it, but with many repeat cruisers travelling every year – be warned, you could become addicted to cruising!

How much does Celebrity Edge Cruises cost? – The price varies depending on your chosen cabin type, the length of your cruise and the destinations (port taxes vary).

However cabins on Celebrity Edge range from $1150pp (inside cabin, short cruise) up to $13,000pp (suite, longer cruise). A typical Balcony Stateroom on Celebrity Edge, averages $3500pp – $5500pp for a 10-12 Day cruise itinerary.

Should I book Celebrity Edge in advance or close to departure? – If there’s an itinerary you like, book a cruise on Celebrity Edge in advance to guarantee your preferred cabin type and ship location. If you wait till the cruise is about to depart, it may be booked out and you may miss out entirely.

What cabin type should I book on Celebrity Edge? – It depends on your budget and preferred space. Many cruise guests prefer a Balcony or Veranda cabin as it offers a private outdoor area if you wish to sit outside and have a drink at sunset, without being surrounded by hoards of other people. Suite guests also have extra dining privileges including Blu and Luminae.

If your budget it tight, but you still want to experience cruise life, then an inside cabin might suit you, if you plan on spending more time in the common cruise ship areas on Celebrity Edge rather than in your room.

There are several varieties of Veranda cabins and suites – the higher the cost, the more space you have and the better position on the ship.

Where on the ship should I book a cabin? Front, middle or back? – Left side is Portside, Right side is Starboard, Front is For and rear is Aft.

Some cruise guests prefer a cabin in the middle of the ship (less movement), whilst others prefer to be near the stairs (for/aft). Before choosing a cabin, check the deck plan and always look at what is above and around your cabin.

If there’s a nightclub, gym or pool above your cabin – there might be additional noise. However you might prefer to have easy access to the bar or restaurant so you don’t have to go up and down multiple stairs.

The choice is yours which cabin type you book, but no matter where on the ship you are – you still have access to all regular cruise facilities including the restaurants, bars, pools, entertainment and theatre.

Have more questions? Ask us.


Our Verdict

Initially I was put off by the size of the ship, however once onboard, each area felt intimate and as most dining areas had limited seating, it meant, you will never feel like you’re on a big massive cruise ship.

I was surprised by the low noise levels, the entry level veranda staterooms had a seperate corridor, away from the main bars and shops and carpeted hallways meant sound was muffled and the rooms felt quiet.

Having viewed almost every category stateroom from the highest Suite to an inside stateroom the biggest difference was space. The more you pay, generally the more space you have – which makes sense.

Do you really need a 3 bedroom, lounge area with private kitchen and dining for 6 adults with your own private hot tub – when it’s just two of you travelling? Probably not but with a group of friends or for a birthday celebration then that is appealing.

Most regular cruisers opt for a Balcony which presents your own private outdoor space, however, some of the veranda’s are enclosed, so the outdoor area is essentially inside, though you can still open the window.

Don’t get too caught up with the ship locations, the biggest choice will be window, balcony or suite. Then choose a location that is convenient for you without breaking budget. The itinerary is the biggest factor that affects the price followed by the room type then location.

Even if you choose an inside cabin, you still get access to all the standard dining options, entertainment and outside deck areas so this can be a great option for budget travellers.

The variety of dining options included was the standout for me, I’ve been on several cruises and usually there’s something you crave that you have to pay extra for like pizza or ice-cream but not on Celebrity Edge. Even if you wanted to try all the dishes, I think you’d be hard pressed to eat so much in a 2-week cruise. There were quick and easy eateries, or slower long-lunch restaurants depending on what you had planned for your day.

The outdoor areas were mostly on the upper decks due to the huge number of veranda staterooms but with multiple pools and seating areas, you’ll easily find somewhere to chill out, and get some fresh air.

My only disappointment was the library which is often my favourite part of a ship because usually it’s empty, the air-con is extra cold and it’s quiet. However on Celebrity Edge, the library had enough seating for 2 people, was in an open-air extension of Eden and barely had enough books to fill a shelf. It felt more like an afterthought. Still, with Staterooms featuring multiple seating areas and outdoor lounge chairs, I’m sure you could easily find somewhere quiet to read a book.

After spending 3-4 hours exploring the ship, I had done over 11,000 steps so even though you might think you’ll put on weight with all the food, you can easily burn through your calories just exploring all the entertainment, shopping and dining options.

Overall, I would definitely book a cruise on Celebrity Edge – for the food, the live music and the shows – plus the ports wherever the itinerary goes.

Are you convinced to book a cruise on Celebrity Edge?

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