Categories: Cruise News

Celebrity Cruises’ new ship Celebrity Apex completes first set of sea trials

Celebrity Apex is back at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, following her first set of sea trials.

The trial, conducted from February 4th to the 8th in the Bay of Biscay near the shipyard, was overseen by more than 50 crew members, including engineers and nautical experts.

Despite the optimal trial conditions, including strong winds and waves, the second-in-series ship showcased a superior level of comfort and fuel efficiency thanks to the revolutionary design of the Parabolic Ultrabow, the cruise line said in a statement.

Celebrity Apex returns to shipyard following sea trials

RELATED: New Celebrity Apex perfectly suited to Middle East passengers says cruise line

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“The purpose of a sea trial is to test the functionality of the ship, but this wasn’t just any sea trial – and Celebrity Apex isn’t just any ship,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “In typical Edge Series-fashion, the ship absolutely exceeded our expectations, performing perfectly in line with our above-and-beyond operating standards.”

“It was an absolute honor to stand at the helm of Celebrity Apex for her highly successful first sea trial,” said Celebrity Apex Captain Dimitris Kafetzis. “Celebrity Apex is truly a beautiful and highly advanced vessel.”

Celebrity Apex features the transformational look and feel of the line’s first Edge-class ship, Celebrity Edge, with distinctive features like the floating Magic Carpet cantilevered off the ship’s side inviting guests to eat, drink and soar up to 16 decks above the sea.

The Magic Carpet restaurant aboard Celebrity’s Edge-class ships

RELATED: Celebrity’s new Celebrity Apex, will homeport in Southampton in 2020

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She also features the all-exclusive experience for all suite guests in The Retreat; dramatically expanded staterooms with Infinite Verandas; soothing indoor and outdoor garden escapes; the magnificent two-story Edge Villas with their own private terrace and plunge pool; and high-style spaces throughout public areas, keeping focus on the contemporary design elements that are a highlight of the Edge Series of ships.

But Celebrity Apex adds new culinary, spa and wellness, and entertainment features and experiences, she will also debut new, all-inclusive amenities and pre-cruise concierge services in The Retreat for all suite guests.

Celebrity Apex will begin her inaugural season on April 1st, 2020, with a mini-season of five sailings to Northern Europe destinations and then spend the summer sailing seven-to-12-night itineraries in the Mediterranean.

In November, Celebrity Apex will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a winter season of week-long Caribbean sailings.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

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