Experiencing Celebrity Apex: From Lisbon City Break to Stylish 3‑Night Sailing

A Perfect Pre‑Night in Lisbon

Our adventure began with an overnight stay in Lisbon, checking in to the Lisbon Marriott Hotel. It is a comfortable base in the city and only a short transfer to the cruise port the next day, which makes it ideal for a stress‑free start to a fly‑cruise.

Having a day to enjoy Lisbon felt like a real treat. The city has such a lovely energy:

• Beautiful old streets and viewpoints
• Great shopping
• Fantastic food and wine
• And of course, a must‑visit to the famous Time Out Market to graze your way through the different food stalls

Building in a pre‑night like this really helps guests adjust, unwind and soak up a new city before they even step on board.

First Impressions of Celebrity Apex

Our sailing was a 3‑night segment of a longer transatlantic cruise that had started in Florida and was finishing in Southampton. As we approached the port and caught our first glimpse of Celebrity Apex, the excitement really started to build. The ship has a striking, modern profile and you can tell immediately that a lot of thought has gone into the design.

Check‑in was smooth and efficient. Once we had completed the muster point check and formalities, it was time to head straight to our home for the next few nights: an Infinite Veranda stateroom.

Living Space Redefined: The Infinite Veranda

The Infinite Veranda cabin concept is a real highlight. Instead of a traditional step‑out balcony, the balcony space is incorporated into the cabin itself, with a large floor‑to‑ceiling window that can be lowered halfway at the touch of a button.

The result is:

• A bright, airy cabin with more usable living space
• A flexible area that can feel like either an indoor sitting room or an open‑air balcony
• Modern, thoughtful design and a spacious bathroom

It feels contemporary and cleverly laid out, ideal for couples and very easy to keep tidy thanks to all the smart storage.

Style, Cleanliness and Service

The first thing that really struck me about Celebrity Apex was how beautiful and well maintained the ship is. Every space felt stylish yet welcoming, and everything was spotless. The second stand‑out feature was the friendliness and professionalism of the crew. From housekeeping to bar staff, everyone was warm, attentive and genuinely proud of the ship.

We were lucky enough to meet Neil from Celebrity at the central plaza, right by the spectacular Martini Bar. He hosted us for a private tour of the ship, which was a fantastic way to understand the layout and experience the different venues through a guest’s eyes.

Dining: So Much More Than “Cruise Food”

Dining is a huge part of any cruise, and Celebrity Apex really delivers. There are four main restaurants that are available to all guests, with open seating rather than fixed dining times, which gives a more relaxed, holiday feel.

On top of this, there is a selection of speciality restaurants at an additional charge, which can be pre‑booked. We were able to try Eden and it was honestly one of the best dining experiences I have ever had at sea (or on land!).

Eden sits at the back of the ship with a stunning, light‑filled setting and beautiful views. The food was outstanding, the presentation immaculate and the service flawless. It felt special, intimate and very “grown‑up cruise” in the best possible way.

Pools, Relaxation and The Retreat

For those who love time by the pool, Celebrity Apex does not disappoint. There is:

• One of the longest outdoor heated pools at sea, with whirlpools dotted around
• An indoor Solarium with its own pool and two jacuzzis, providing a calm, weather‑proof retreat
• The exclusive Retreat area, with additional pool space and facilities reserved only for guests staying in The Retreat suites

Whether you want a lively poolside atmosphere or a quiet corner with a book and a sea view, there is a space to match.

Entertainment, Wellness and Those Extra Touches

The entertainment on board Celebrity Apex is fantastic and incredibly varied. There is a lively casino, a full programme of shows and live music, theatre productions, martini cocktail shows in the central plaza, quiz nights and much more. Whatever your mood, there really is something for everyone.

The spa area is stunning, with a wide selection of treatments and massages, plus a hair salon for both ladies and gents. It feels very much like a high‑end hotel spa and is a lovely space to unwind on sea days.

I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday on board and I have never had such a fuss made over me. From surprise cakes to constant well wishes from the crew, it felt incredibly special. If you are celebrating a birthday or any big occasion on board, I would definitely recommend wearing a badge or headband so the staff know – they will make it a celebration to remember.

For those who like to stay active, I loved the walking and running track on the top deck, as well as the huge selection of quiet chill‑out areas dotted all around the ship. One of the most original features is the Magic Carpet, unique to Celebrity: an open‑air platform that hangs over the side of the ship where you can sit, enjoy a drink or something to eat, and feel as though you are hovering above the sea.

There is also a good range of shops on board, from essentials to more indulgent purchases, which adds to the overall “floating resort” feel.

Built‑In City Breaks: Extended & Overnight Stays

One of the things Celebrity are particularly known for is their extended port days and overnight stays in key cities such as Istanbul, Reykjavik, Barcelona and Lisbon. These longer calls can almost feel like a city break built into your cruise, with plenty of time to explore by day and enjoy the nightlife in the evening.

On selected itineraries, the gangway remains open late into the night (and sometimes all night), so guests can come and go as they please and really make the most of each destination.

Why It Works For My Clients

This short fam trip has given me a completely different level of confidence when talking about Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Cruises in general. Having walked the decks, slept in an Infinite Veranda, dined in the restaurants and experienced the service first hand, I now fully understand why so many guests rebook again and again.

For the right client, Celebrity Apex offers:

• A very stylish, contemporary ship
• Excellent dining and bar experiences
• Flexible, modern accommodation
• Superb service and attention to detail
• Itineraries that can easily be combined with pre‑ or post‑cruise city stays, like our night in Lisbon

If you enjoy quality hotels on land, good food and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, this is the sort of ship that can really convert you into a cruise lover.

This cruise line really impressed me from start to finish. If you would like to find out more about Celebrity Apex or any other Celebrity Cruises itinerary, or if you are ready to start planning your own sailing, please get in touch and I would be delighted to help.

Experiencing Celebrity Apex: From Lisbon City Break to Stylish 3‑Night Sailing

There are some work trips that remind you exactly why you love what you do. My recent fam trip, combining a pre‑night in Lisbon with a 3‑night sailing on Celebrity Apex, was definitely one of those.

A Perfect Pre‑Night in Lisbon

Our adventure began with an overnight stay in Lisbon, checking in to the Lisbon Marriott Hotel. It is a comfortable base in the city and only a short transfer to the cruise port the next day, which makes it ideal for a stress‑free start to a fly‑cruise.

Having a day to enjoy Lisbon felt like a real treat. The city has such a lovely energy:

• Beautiful old streets and viewpoints
• Great shopping
• Fantastic food and wine
• And of course, a must‑visit to the famous Time Out Market to graze your way through the different food stalls

Building in a pre‑night like this really helps guests adjust, unwind and soak up a new city before they even step on board.

First Impressions of Celebrity Apex

Our sailing was a 3‑night segment of a longer transatlantic cruise that had started in Florida and was finishing in Southampton. As we approached the port and caught our first glimpse of Celebrity Apex, the excitement really started to build. The ship has a striking, modern profile and you can tell immediately that a lot of thought has gone into the design.

Check‑in was smooth and efficient. Once we had completed the muster point check and formalities, it was time to head straight to our home for the next few nights: an Infinite Veranda stateroom.

Living Space Redefined: The Infinite Veranda

The Infinite Veranda cabin concept is a real highlight. Instead of a traditional step‑out balcony, the balcony space is incorporated into the cabin itself, with a large floor‑to‑ceiling window that can be lowered halfway at the touch of a button.

The result is:

• A bright, airy cabin with more usable living space
• A flexible area that can feel like either an indoor sitting room or an open‑air balcony
• Modern, thoughtful design and a spacious bathroom

It feels contemporary and cleverly laid out, ideal for couples and very easy to keep tidy thanks to all the smart storage.

Style, Cleanliness and Service

The first thing that really struck me about Celebrity Apex was how beautiful and well maintained the ship is. Every space felt stylish yet welcoming, and everything was spotless. The second stand‑out feature was the friendliness and professionalism of the crew. From housekeeping to bar staff, everyone was warm, attentive and genuinely proud of the ship.

We were lucky enough to meet Neil from Celebrity at the central plaza, right by the spectacular Martini Bar. He hosted us for a private tour of the ship, which was a fantastic way to understand the layout and experience the different venues through a guest’s eyes.

Dining: So Much More Than “Cruise Food”

Dining is a huge part of any cruise, and Celebrity Apex really delivers. There are four main restaurants that are available to all guests, with open seating rather than fixed dining times, which gives a more relaxed, holiday feel.

On top of this, there is a selection of speciality restaurants at an additional charge, which can be pre‑booked. We were able to try Eden and it was honestly one of the best dining experiences I have ever had at sea (or on land!).

Eden sits at the back of the ship with a stunning, light‑filled setting and beautiful views. The food was outstanding, the presentation immaculate and the service flawless. It felt special, intimate and very “grown‑up cruise” in the best possible way.

Pools, Relaxation and The Retreat

For those who love time by the pool, Celebrity Apex does not disappoint. There is:

• One of the longest outdoor heated pools at sea, with whirlpools dotted around
• An indoor Solarium with its own pool and two jacuzzis, providing a calm, weather‑proof retreat
• The exclusive Retreat area, with additional pool space and facilities reserved only for guests staying in The Retreat suites

Whether you want a lively poolside atmosphere or a quiet corner with a book and a sea view, there is a space to match.

Entertainment, Wellness and Those Extra Touches

The entertainment on board Celebrity Apex is fantastic and incredibly varied. There is a lively casino, a full programme of shows and live music, theatre productions, martini cocktail shows in the central plaza, quiz nights and much more. Whatever your mood, there really is something for everyone.

The spa area is stunning, with a wide selection of treatments and massages, plus a hair salon for both ladies and gents. It feels very much like a high‑end hotel spa and is a lovely space to unwind on sea days.

I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday on board and I have never had such a fuss made over me. From surprise cakes to constant well wishes from the crew, it felt incredibly special. If you are celebrating a birthday or any big occasion on board, I would definitely recommend wearing a badge or headband so the staff know – they will make it a celebration to remember.

For those who like to stay active, I loved the walking and running track on the top deck, as well as the huge selection of quiet chill‑out areas dotted all around the ship. One of the most original features is the Magic Carpet, unique to Celebrity: an open‑air platform that hangs over the side of the ship where you can sit, enjoy a drink or something to eat, and feel as though you are hovering above the sea.

There is also a good range of shops on board, from essentials to more indulgent purchases, which adds to the overall “floating resort” feel.

Built‑In City Breaks: Extended & Overnight Stays

One of the things Celebrity are particularly known for is their extended port days and overnight stays in key cities such as Istanbul, Reykjavik, Barcelona and Lisbon. These longer calls can almost feel like a city break built into your cruise, with plenty of time to explore by day and enjoy the nightlife in the evening.

On selected itineraries, the gangway remains open late into the night (and sometimes all night), so guests can come and go as they please and really make the most of each destination.

Why It Works For My Clients

This short fam trip has given me a completely different level of confidence when talking about Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Cruises in general. Having walked the decks, slept in an Infinite Veranda, dined in the restaurants and experienced the service first hand, I now fully understand why so many guests rebook again and again.

For the right client, Celebrity Apex offers:

• A very stylish, contemporary ship
• Excellent dining and bar experiences
• Flexible, modern accommodation
• Superb service and attention to detail
• Itineraries that can easily be combined with pre‑ or post‑cruise city stays, like our night in Lisbon

If you enjoy quality hotels on land, good food and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, this is the sort of ship that can really convert you into a cruise lover.

This cruise line really impressed me from start to finish. If you would like to find out more about Celebrity Apex or any other Celebrity Cruises itinerary, or if you are ready to start planning your own sailing, please get in touch and I would be delighted to help.