I was lucky enough to sail on the maiden voyage of Celebrity Beyond, and it honestly felt like stepping into a floating boutique hotel. Everything was fresh, stylish and thoughtfully designed, with a relaxed, grown‑up feel throughout.

I stayed in an Infinite Balcony cabin and absolutely loved it. The huge floor‑to‑ceiling window meant I woke up to full ocean views every morning, and with the push of a button the top half dropped down so the whole space turned into an open‑air balcony. The cabin felt bright, modern and cleverly laid out, with plenty of storage and a very comfy bed facing the sea. It is a brilliant option for couples who love natural light and that indoor‑outdoor feeling.

One of my real highlights was dinner at Le Petit Chef. It felt like a little bit of theatre on my table: tiny animated chefs were projected onto my plate, “cooking” each course in front of me, and as the story finished the real dish arrived, beautifully presented and genuinely tasty. It is playful, different and perfect for a special night on board.

The outdoor areas are a big part of what makes Celebrity Beyond feel like a resort at sea. The main pool deck feels more like a chic beach club than a traditional cruise ship, with wide open spaces, plenty of loungers and daybeds, and a lovely buzz on sea days. There are quieter corners too, where you can curl up with a book, watch the wake or simply enjoy a drink in the sunshine without feeling crowded. I really liked how easy it was to find both atmosphere and calm, depending on your mood.

The Magic Carpet quickly became one of my favourite spots. This bright orange platform is suspended over the side of the ship and moves between decks, transforming from relaxed lounge to bar to part of the embarkation area. Sitting out there with a drink, looking straight out over the ocean, feels very special: you are close to the water, with uninterrupted views, and it is a fantastic place for sailaways and sunsets. It is one of those features that really gives the ship a “wow” factor and is lovely to talk about with clients.

I also fell in love with the Sunset Bar at the very back of the ship. It has a gorgeous, open‑air, layered terrace design that makes the most of those aft views, and it is exactly where you want to be as the sun goes down. There is a relaxed, holiday feel here: soft lighting, sea breezes, and that gentle wake trailing behind the ship. It is a perfect spot for pre‑dinner drinks or a lingering nightcap, and a place I would definitely recommend to clients who enjoy a beautiful setting and a good cocktail.

Inside, the ship carries on that same stylish feel, with elegant bars and lounges, modern artwork and lots of glass to keep you connected to the sea. There is always something happening, from live music to evening shows, but it never felt hectic or over the top.

I would happily recommend Celebrity Beyond to anyone who enjoys modern surroundings, great food and a few standout experiences like Le Petit Chef, the Magic Carpet and the Sunset Bar, all wrapped up in a relaxed but premium atmosphere. It is a fantastic choice for couples, friends or anyone who wants that boutique‑hotel‑at‑sea experience.