We, my wife and I, took a back to back cruise to the western and eastern Caribbean on the Celebrity Beyond in a Celebrity suite, embarking on February 26th and disembarking on March 12th. We experienced the innovative design accompanied by modern engineering, a superb staff in every venue, and clearly demonstrated emphasis on passenger safety and health.

Innovative design: The design features experience started in our cabin. Card key entry, followed by electronic lighting and drapery controls, although not real new, were easy to use. Temperature controls were separate for the bedroom and the rest of the cabin leading to better sleeping and living comfort. A sliding translucent panel separated the bed area from the living area saving space and protecting privacy. A lighted fold up make-up table allowed for both make up and desk functions. The bathroom featured a low step-in tub and shower, a real useful safety feature for people with mobility issues. The shower controls were unique, so unique we had to have the room steward show us how to operate them. They worked well. Celebrity solved the big, room filling rocking chair problem with a new, smaller and functional rocking chair unlike any we had ever seen. A central desktop unit with controls for device charging included USB and AC outlets so multiple devices could be controlled simultaneously. Handy. A lot of storage space was included with three closets and lots of drawers. Pictures capped off the design.

Ship design features started with elevator up-down colored light door frames that were easily seen and fast elevators, the fastest, we have experienced in numerous cruises. The Oceanview café (buffet), featured significantly more seating making the rush to find a table much less onerous. The Luminae restaurant was expanded and moved to the front of the ship to be part of the Retreat that includes the restaurant, an elegant large lounge and a sundeck, all designed to accommodate the added suite guests. Four concierges provided assistance. TV channels included a business channel, a rarity on many cruise ships. The Space X internet system was our first experience with the new system. It was okay, not spectacular. The centrum area was expanded around a very large chandelier and central bar with a large amount of seating and extended seating for two extra decks to become a central and well used area with live music and activities for passengers throughout the day and evening. Significant and expensive art was present at every turn. Photographs, paintings, sculptures were in every venue including the art vendor’s area with an art museum feeling. Read more