Celebrity Beyond Review

5.0 / 5.0
160 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
5.0
Excellent
Overall
Chris Gray Faust
Executive Editor, U.S.

Celebrity Beyond is Celebrity Cruises' third Edge-class ship, and, normally, you wouldn’t expect a lot of change from one ship to the next. But so many improvements have been made to the 3,260-passenger vessel, including adding length as well as an extra deck, that the Celebrity Beyond experience does, in fact, surpass its predecessors.

The most popular areas have been redesigned. More and different types of suites have been added, with enlarged and improved amenities. Bars and theaters have been added and upgraded. The ship features more stylized design from names such as Kelly Hoppen and Nate Berkus; a new menu and better entertainment in the unusual Eden space and a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, his first at sea.

It all adds up to an onboard experience that is sophisticated, chic and adult-focused with a bit of flash; while Celebrity does allow children onboard, the vibe is not family forward. Think chic and urbane, with a raft of inclusions -- drinks, tips and Wi-Fi -- meant to make an upscale vacation at sea a no brainer.

The Celebrity Beyond Deck Plan Includes More Outdoor Areas, More Bars

With an additional 65 feet of space, Celebrity Beyond's deck plan has more room in exactly the right areas. The ship's buffet, the Oceanview Cafe, has an enlarged bakery and a bar convenient to the pizza, as well as two additional food stations.  Seating areas created by British designer Kelly Hoppen have been added at the ship's main pool, the Resort Deck, and the for-fee cabanas there now face the right direction: the pool where the action is.

Other outdoor areas where you'll notice more space than on Beyond's sister ships include the Rooftop Garden, which has become more usable, with more arty coverings to protect loungers from the elements. You'll find two plunge pools in this area, although be warned that these are not hot tubs and also give people walking by a distorted full body view of those swimming, not unlike a fun house mirror.

The Sunset Bar at the back of the ship is the most notable renovation on Celebrity Beyond. American designer Nate Berkus has transformed the space into a terraced, two-deck area heavy on Moroccan and Mediterranean influences. It's a fabulous place to linger, not just at sunset but even during the heat of the day, as there is plenty of shaded seating.

Inside the ship, the deck plan around the central Grand Plaza has been altered slightly to make room for a new bar, World Class, which features craft cocktails. The Martini Bar and the large chandelier that flashes and plays music has also been centered within the Grand Plaza, allowing more people to enjoy the "flair" of the talented bartenders. Fine Cut steakhouse no longer has an outdoor area; instead the specialty restaurant has more seating, including in "wine barrels" that overlook the Grand Plaza action, as well as supersized window seats for romantic sea views at dinner.

Celebrity Beyond Rooms Include New Suites with Expanded Retreat, Watch for Overhang

If you're looking for the suite life, Celebrity Beyond has more choices than before, and the amenities are also upsized. Highlights include the 1,892-square-foot Iconic Suite, where you're treated the same views as the bridge with a ton of private outdoor space. There's also a two-story Edge Villa that has fantastic design by Hoppen, as well as its own cute plunge pool.

That said, be careful with where you book your suite, or room, particularly if you're a sun lover. Because the top deck on Celebrity Beyond stretches a bit over the ship itself, many of the rooms on the higher deck don't get any sun on their balconies (infinite or otherwise). If you like to sit outside on your own deck for sun, you'll want to avoid these, as well as the rooms that sit underneath the Magic Carpet.

And to be honest, sun in your room might not matter, as the Retreat area for suite guests has an extra deck and more space, as well as a larger lounge. Luminae, the suite restaurant, is also nicer and larger, with better views.

AquaClass lovers also have a new choice in rooms, with Sky Suites that combine the spa amenities of the category with Retreat access and personal concierge service. Still, we were surprised that the AquaClass upgrade didn't come with any changes to Blu, the dedicated restaurant. It's still walled off, without windows and a lot of natural light.

The Infinite Verandas that debuted on Celebrity Edge remains a staple of Celebrity Beyond. We're still fans, although we don't love the layout that puts the bed so close to the closet. Check your cabin against the ship's deck plan carefully, and choose the layout that puts the beds closer to the balcony, if possible.

If you are a light sleeper, do not book any of the aft-facing cabins on decks 7 or 8. These are above Eden, and you absolutely will hear and feel the music while you are in your cabin.

Food on Celebrity Beyond: Lots of Choices, Daniel Boulud's Le Voyage is a Winner

Like other Edge-class ships, Celebrity Beyond has four smaller main dining rooms that are included in the fare, as opposed to a large, traditional main dining room. This set up means that eating out always feels intimate and less "banquet-hall" than on some other cruise lines.

The Oceanview Cafe buffet also has plenty of choices, at all hours of the day; the new bar at the pizza area, plus the proximity to the Sunset Bar makes it a nice choice if you want to stay casual. The Sunset Bar also has a new menu of $8 eats, such as hummus and flatbreads, for afternoon noshes. You have to search to find some venues; the Mast Grill is particularly hard to find on the Resort Deck, and many people forget about that healthy choices are available at both the Solarium and the Eden Cafe.

Specialty restaurants on Celebrity Beyond abound, from sushi at Raw on 5 to upscale outdoor at the Rooftop Grill. While the Fine Cut steakhouse has served as a traditional date night splurge, we prefer Eden, which has a new menu from Celebrity's own Cornelius Gallagher centered around seafood and fresh ingredients. The dishes here appear as works of arts, and the cocktails are no slouch either.

The star of Celebrity Beyond's dining is Le Voyage, the first restaurant at sea from Daniel Boulud (who has his own Michelin stars). It's a stunning space, with dishes inspired by Boulud's international travels; the French menu has Thai, Brazilian and other global touches. You'll feel like you're in a fancy land restaurant -- our meal lived up to the $75 price tag.

Pros

Enhanced Retreat suite area; new Daniel Boulud restaurant; more outdoor space and even better design.

Cons

Overhang from expanded top deck means many cabins don't get sun

Bottom Line

Third Edge-class ship wows with jaw-dropping artwork and design, sophisticated dining and entertainment options and a better-than-ever suite experience.

About

Passengers: 3260
Crew: 1400
Passenger to Crew: 2.33:1
Launched: 2022
Shore Excursions: 436

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • Meals in the four main dining rooms, the Oceanview Cafe buffet, Continental breakfast room service and select other eateries

  • All theater shows and most entertainment options

  • Most daily activities, unless otherwise noted

  • Use of the fitness center

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • Automatic gratuities for beverage, mini-bar, spa and salon purchases (20 percent for all)

  • Mini-bar purchases

  • Bottles of wine

  • Meals at several specialty restaurants and snack venues; room service

  • Spa treatments

  • Most fitness classes and all personal training sessions

  • Access to the ship's Sea Thermal suite (except for people staying in AquaClass staterooms, for whom entry is free)

  • Activities like alcohol tasting events

  • Shore excursions

  • Photographs and artwork

Fellow Passengers

Who Is Onboard Celebrity Beyond?

Celebrity Cruises has gone out of its way, more so than any other premium cruise line, to promote diversity. Recently the line held a photo shoot on Celebrity Beyond showing under-represented groups enjoying a cruise on the ship, led by photographer icon Annie Leibowitz. Meet-ups for solos and LGBTQ+ passengers take place daily, and a Pride Night is held every cruise.

Gender equality is also a hallmark of Celebrity, and no one is a better personification of that than Captain Kate McCue, who helms Celebrity Beyond. With large followings on TikTok and Instagram, McCue has made sure that the officers on her bridge are 70% female.

You'll find Americans and Brits as the primary passengers on Celebrity Beyond, although the ship does draw from a diverse international base. Couples and groups of friends are the norm, although you might find Gen Xers traveling with their Gen Z adult children. While families aren't discouraged on Celebrity Beyond, the ship doesn't have waterslides or other attractions that might attract younger children.

Find a Celebrity Beyond Cruise from $603

Any Month

More about Celebrity Beyond

Where does Celebrity Beyond sail from?

Celebrity Beyond departs from Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Rome, Civitavecchia, and Miami

How much does it cost to go on Celebrity Beyond?

Cruises on Celebrity Beyond start from $603 per person.
Celebrity Beyond Cruiser Reviews

Quality and Food choices have declined

I have taken several cruises on Celebrity and Celebrity Beyond but this cruise was a Big disappointment. The checkin was smoothed and the Sunset Veranda Sky Suite was an excellent room.Read More
User Avatar
Jeff M

many10+ Cruises

Age 65s

Loved our experience on the Beyond

Next time, I'll try to be more proactive in booking excursions through Celebrity. We will definitely be looking at cruising on the Beyond on our next cruise. We loved it.Read More
User Avatar
JuneBug54

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 70s

Second time on the Beyond

I have been on 20+ cruises, mainly Celebrity and RCCL and the Beyond was by far the Best. In fact this was our second cruise on the Beyond which is by far my favorite boat.Read More
User Avatar
davebuck

many10+ Cruises

Age 60s

Beyond, our grandest expectation

Beautiful ship, boarding Celebrity cruises is breeze, people are friendly, welcoming, helpful.Read More
User Avatar
Relaxed at Sea 127

few6-10 Cruises

Age 59s

Celebrity Cruises Fleet
Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Summit
Celebrity Xpedition

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.