‘Tomorrow is Here’ on the Luxe Celebrity Edge

Sailing on the Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Edge, the first cruise ship Royal Caribbean International has leaving an American port in over 15 months, was a historic moment. After showing my original vaccination card and passport in the Port Everglades new Terminal 25, offering state-of-the-art technology and sleek design, similar to the ship, I was welcomed onboard to the most enthusiastic staff I have ever seen. They were giddy to be back to their home at sea after over a year of being on land.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

All Celebrity Cruises’ ships meet the highest standards for providing a healthy cruise experience for its guest and crew, sailing with at least 95% of guests and crew vaccinated. As of August 1, all guest ages 12 and over must be vaccinated.

Captain Kate McCue welcomed guests with her staff at the entrance of the boat. Not only is she the first and still the only female captain sailing a luxury mega-ship, she has become a social media Instagram and TikTok celebrity @captainkatemccue.

The normal guest capacity is 2,918, however on June 26, the ship sailed at 40% guest capacity with 100% of the crew vaccinated and 99% of the passengers. As part of Celebrity’s thoughtful and measured return to sailing, the Celebrity Edge sailed with reduced capacity to allow for additional social distancing.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Walking into Sky Suite 9203, a bottle of champagne chilling on ice and plate of gourmet chocolates, along with a Celebrity Cruises face mask awaited our arrival.

Celebrity Suites offer eXhale cashmere bedding, with 100% pure cotton soft sheets, and a pillow menu to custom a good night’s sleep. Premium Bigelow bath amenities in large bottles rest on the large bathtub ledge. In each closet there are plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton thick and luxurious robes.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

The Sky Suite is aptly named, as the king or twin beds face out to the extra large balcony for ocean and sky views. There is plenty of storage and spacious sitting area providing a sofa and small table, near the outdoor veranda offering lounge seating.

Suite guests have a dedicated butler, private restaurant, and exclusive lounge. Celebrity Cruises is revolutionizing suite vacations to be more luxurious, safer and attentive. Besides Sky Suites, the ship offers an Iconic Suite, the largest in the Celebrity fleet. Besides a private terrace with lounge chairs, there is a hot tub and double daybed. The above the bridge panoramic views from the floor to ceiling sliding-glass doors are throughout this suite. Guests have two bedrooms, and two full baths, plus a private butler’s pantry.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Guests may enjoy all their meals in the private Luminae, offering an elegant design and menus created by Celebrity’s Michelin-starred chef, and Global Brand Ambassador Chef Daniel Boulud or use their key card to enter The Retreat, an exclusive lounge designed by world-renowed designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE. The relaxing space offers couches, tables and chairs, and private nooks. Suite guests receive first-class service, complimentary beverages, well drinks, and gourmet bites throughout the day and evening.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Outside the The Retreat Sundeck is a luxury outdoor lounge area with a private pool, elevated hot tub, stylish and comfortable outdoor furniture and dedicated attendants available to deliver a cocktail, fresh towel or iced wash cloth to where you are relaxing.

By the end of July 2021, there will hopefully be 8 Celebrity Cruise ships sailing in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean and Galapagos Islands. Cruise right now, because “Tomorrow is Here.”