Celebrity Apex Review
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Wanted to check out Celebrity (1st time with them) and had the opportunity to cruise on their newest ship - Apex. Ship has a very chic, unique layout, with smaller spaces for shows, entertainment, events. Ship is beautiful, but you still get the same average service, food, entertainment, excursions, etc. that you get on most cruise ships. Downside of Apex is the smaller spaces, i.e. small theatre, clubs, outside deck space with lounge chairs, and specialty dining.
I got the soda package. All soda is in a can (no fountain). Tip - there are no self laundry, so you have to pay $50 a bag ($40 if pre-paid); it takes 2 days to get back your washed and folded clothes. Laundry bag is 1/2 the size of a standard pillow case.
Service, food, and shows are not any better than you see on other cruise ships (RCL, Princess). We had 2 nights of dress up, with lobster served on the second night (Thursday at sea day). All shows are 45 minutes. Most evening activities are at either 7, 9, or 10.
Cabin Review
Infinity verandas are weird for most. Talked with others who said they miss the traditional veranda. I had a sunset veranda (for the 1st time). It was nice, but rarely used it. If you like sitting on veranda, the sunset veranda is a very nice option. My best views were when we were in port, with 180 degree views.
Port Reviews
San Juan
Not much to see if you want history or culture. Tours just drove us around to see the fort, plus condos and hotels. Best thing to do is tour the fort at the entrance to the harbor. Not many restaurants within walking distance of the pier. Few shops near the pier for souvenirs.
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
Like many other ports in the Caribbean, you have some nice hotels (i.e. Marriott Villas / hotel) and local business and housing. Many shops within 3 blocks of the pier to do some shopping. A nice area by the pier.
Tortola
They built a shopping center at the pier which has many shops. You can walk into town, but there is only local stores and no shopping spots for cruisers. Most popular tour was a bus to one of the beaches (Cane Garden Bay). Beautiful cove with 1 mile beach, and some bars (Myette’s was the most popular). Not much to tour on the island.
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
A nice, new cruise terminal. The day we embarked and then disembarked there were 5 other cruise ships in port, but we had no traffic problems getting around. Reminder * if you are flying home at FLL you cannot check your luggage until 4 hours before your flight departs. There is no seating, food, or services outside of security, so don’t hurry to the airport if your flight is 4+ hours away.