We enjoy sailing the Celebrity line and after sailing both Edge and Apex, it was time to experience Beyond. We sailed the week of 5 March 2023 with about 3200 fellow passengers. Celebrity Beyond lives up to its name. Its design and service goes beyond earlier Edge and Apex ships. As we were sailing primarily to enjoy the ship, the previously visited ports of St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata DR worked well. At first glimpse, Beyond fixes some of the “nits” that Edge and Apex rolled out with. For example, the Martini Bar is positioned in the center of the atrium (unlike Edge & Apex), making it a focal point while adding more seating; the Sunset bar was given a "make-over" to give a Moroccan feel with various levels of seating on the aft starboard edge; and most noticeable for Retreat members, there’s an additional deck that features a bar, pool, and two hot tubs. In fact the Retreat area is spread over three decks forward of the ship and encompasses Luminae on deck 16 between the Retreat lounge (15) and the Retreat pool deck on 17. The space made for very inclusive service space for sun, water, bar, lounge and restaurant.

We were pleasantly surprised with the port area at Puerto Plata DR. The most developed port area we've seen in the Caribbean featuring not only nice bars, restaurants and air-conditioned shops, but a complimentary pool and lazy river and lounge chairs on a well groomed sand area. Definitely worth getting off the ship for that stop.

I would gauge Beyond the nicest in the Celebrity fleet at this time. Outshines Edge and Apex. Service was superb. I don’t think the food is at the same level as experienced prior to Covid (menus are weaker). But I believe that’s probably across lines and ships. I would sail Beyond again and look forward to Ascent. Read more