Prepare to be excited, as the Celebrity Apex sets sail on its first-ever trip through the stunning Greek islands! As one of the pioneer cruise lines to resume services post the universal pause, Celebrity Cruises has implemented strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members.
With reduced capacity, mandatory vaccinations, and a host of other safety measures, this luxurious ship is ready to provide a memorable and worry-free experience.
Join me as we explore the incredible amenities, delectable dining options, and unforgettable entertainment on board the Celebrity Apex.
Key Takeaways
- Celebrity Apex made its inaugural voyage in the Greek islands with reduced capacity and strict COVID-19 protocols.
- All adult passengers and crew were required to be fully vaccinated and show a negative COVID test prior to boarding.
- Passengers were required to wear masks while onboard the ship and in public areas, and social distancing was encouraged.
- Standout spaces on Celebrity Apex include Eden, the Resort Deck, the Rooftop Garden, the main theater, and the Magic Carpet.
Inaugural Voyage Details
I had the opportunity to experience Celebrity Apex’s inaugural voyage in the Greek islands, where the ship sailed with reduced capacity and implemented strict COVID-19 protocols.
The highlights of the inaugural voyage were truly remarkable. From the moment I stepped onboard, I was in awe of the luxurious amenities and exquisite design.
One standout space was Eden, a versatile area that transformed throughout the day, featuring a specialty restaurant, Eden Café, and captivating themed performances.
The Resort Deck offered a haven of relaxation with its pools, cabanas, jogging track, and unique hot tubs shaped like martini glasses.
The Rooftop Garden and Sunset Bar provided breathtaking views, live music, and even outdoor movie screenings.
And the main theater was a visual spectacle, with its 20-foot-tall LED screen and a mesmerizing transforming Tree of Life.
Celebrity Apex’s inaugural voyage truly showcased the ship’s incredible onboard amenities.
Reduced Capacity and Safety Measures
Passenger capacity on the sailing in the beautiful Greek islands was significantly reduced, with only a fraction of the ship’s usual occupancy, while strict safety measures were implemented to ensure the well-being of all onboard. The reduced capacity had a significant impact on the passenger experience, creating a more intimate and spacious environment.
Here are some key aspects of the implementation and its impact:
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Enhanced Safety: The reduced capacity allowed for easier adherence to safety protocols such as social distancing and mask-wearing, creating a safer environment for all passengers.
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Personalized Service: With fewer passengers onboard, the crew was able to provide a more personalized and attentive service, catering to individual needs and preferences.
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Ample Space: The reduced number of passengers meant that public areas, such as the pools, theater, and restaurants, were less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
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Shorter Wait Times: With fewer people onboard, there were shorter wait times for activities, dining, and services, allowing passengers to make the most of their time onboard.
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Exclusive Experiences: The reduced capacity created opportunities for exclusive experiences, such as private events and unique performances, adding an extra touch of luxury and exclusivity to the voyage.
Overall, the reduced capacity implemented on the sailing of the Celebrity Apex in the Greek islands had a positive impact on the passenger experience, ensuring a more intimate, safe, and enjoyable cruise vacation.
Vaccination and Testing Requirements
To ensure the safety of all guests, I was required to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test before boarding the Celebrity Apex. This was part of the vaccination requirements and testing protocols implemented by the cruise line.
It gave me peace of mind knowing that everyone on board had taken these precautions. The process was seamless, with staff members checking my documents and guiding me through the necessary steps. It was reassuring to see that Celebrity Cruises prioritized the health and well-being of their passengers.
These vaccination and testing requirements were crucial in creating a safe environment onboard the ship. I felt confident knowing that everyone around me had taken the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Mask and Social Distancing Guidelines
Stepping onboard the Celebrity Apex felt like entering a world of hidden gems, with masks adding an air of mystery as guests danced and dined amidst the enchanting spaces. The ship’s mask requirements were strictly enforced, ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers. Masks were required to be worn by all adult passengers and crew members while onboard the ship and in public areas. Crew members were diligent in reminding passengers to wear masks and provided them if needed. Social distancing measures were also in place, with elevator capacity limited and seats in the main theater marked for distancing. The fitness center required scheduled time slots and limited capacity to maintain a safe environment. Despite these necessary precautions, the atmosphere onboard the Celebrity Apex remained lively and engaging, offering a memorable experience for all guests.
| Mask and Social Distancing Guidelines |
|---|
| – Masks required for all passengers and crew |
| – Social distancing measures in place |
| – Limited elevator capacity |
| – Marked seats in the main theater |
| – Scheduled time slots and limited capacity in fitness center |
Fitness Center and Spa Protocols
While onboard the ship, I had to schedule my time in the fitness center due to limited capacity and adhere to the spa protocols, which included wearing a mask during treatments.
The fitness center on Celebrity Apex was a popular spot for passengers looking to stay active during the cruise. To maintain social distancing, the number of people allowed in the fitness center at a time was limited, and reservations had to be made in advance. This ensured that everyone had a chance to use the equipment and participate in fitness classes.
As for the spa, masks were required to be worn during treatments to prioritize the safety and well-being of both guests and staff.
Despite these protocols, the fitness center and spa on Celebrity Apex provided a fulfilling and rejuvenating experience for passengers during their voyage.
Standout Spaces on Celebrity Apex
I was amazed by the versatility and unique features of Eden, the Resort Deck, the Rooftop Garden, the main theater, and the Magic Carpet on Celebrity Apex.
Eden, with its ever-changing atmosphere, truly impressed me. From its specialty restaurant and Eden Café to its themed performances, this space underwent a remarkable transformation throughout the day.
The Resort Deck, on the other hand, offered a delightful combination of pools, cabanas, a jogging track, and even hot tubs shaped like martini glasses. It was the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
The Rooftop Garden provided a serene and captivating atmosphere with its beautiful views, live music, and even a big screen for movie nights.
The main theater, with its impressive 20-foot-tall LED screen and the transforming Tree of Life, showcased breathtaking production shows.
Lastly, the Magic Carpet, a flexible deck, served as a tender platform, dining space, and even a pool deck bar. Its versatility was truly remarkable.
Entertainment and Nightlife Options
Partying on the Celebrity Apex was like being transported to a parallel universe where dance floors were never-ending and the energy flowed as freely as the drinks at the Martini Bar. The ship offered a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of live performances and onboard activities to keep passengers entertained throughout their voyage.
Here is a glimpse of the exciting entertainment and nightlife options available on the Celebrity Apex:
| Live Performances | Onboard Activities |
|---|---|
| – The Club: A late-night dance and music venue featuring DJs and live acts, including the Caravan variety show. | – Dance parties and silent disco events that kept the energy high and the dance floor packed. |
| – The Grand Plaza: An entertainment hub where the energetic cruise director, Giuseppe Moschella, engaged passengers with live music, aerialists, and acrobat shows. | – The Martini Bar in the Grand Plaza, with flair bartenders and a lively atmosphere, was the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy the entertainment. |
Whether you were in the mood for dancing the night away or enjoying a captivating live performance, the Celebrity Apex had something for everyone. The ship’s vibrant nightlife scene truly added to the overall experience, making it a voyage to remember.
Dining Experiences on Board
Indulging in the diverse dining experiences on board was one of the highlights of my time on the Celebrity Apex. The ship offers a wide range of options, from buffet-style delights to specialty restaurants that tantalize the taste buds.
Oceanview Café, the buffet-style eatery, had a tempting spread of international cuisine and seafood favorites. It was the perfect spot to satisfy any craving.
For those seeking a more elevated dining experience, Eden and the Rooftop Garden Grill were the go-to specialty restaurants. Eden not only offered a specialty restaurant with an open kitchen but also treated guests to themed performances that enhanced the overall ambiance.
Meanwhile, the Rooftop Garden Grill impressed with its menu of succulent ribs, juicy burgers, flavorful steaks, and more.
No matter what your culinary preference, Celebrity Apex had something to delight every palate.
Café al Bacio and Oceanview Café
Exploring the gastronomic delights on board, Café al Bacio and Oceanview Café offered a delectable array of culinary options to satisfy my cravings.
Café al Bacio, with its expanded space at the Grand Plaza and a second location outside Oceanview Café, was a haven for coffee lovers like myself. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I indulged in their specialty beverages, including rich espressos and creamy cappuccinos.
The Oceanview Café, on the other hand, provided a buffet-style eatery with a wide variety of international cuisine and seafood favorites. From sushi rolls to succulent shrimp, there was something to please every palate.
And for those with a sweet tooth, Scoops, the gelato and ice cream shop located outside Oceanview Café, offered a delightful selection of frozen treats.
Celebrity Apex truly exceeded my expectations with its remarkable dining options and food and beverage offerings.
Summary of Celebrity Apex Experience
Experiencing the standout spaces, entertainment, and dining options on board the Celebrity Apex was truly an unforgettable journey.
From the versatile and ever-evolving Eden, with its specialty restaurant and themed performances, to the Resort Deck, offering pools, cabanas, and even hot tubs shaped like martini glasses, there was something for everyone.
The Rooftop Garden and Sunset Bar provided a serene atmosphere with breathtaking views, while the main theater dazzled with its impressive visuals and transformative Tree of Life. And let’s not forget the Magic Carpet, a flexible deck that served as a tender platform, dining space, and even a pool deck bar.
Throughout the cruise, the entertainment options were endless, from the late-night dance and music venue, The Club, to the energetic Grand Plaza, where the cruise director engaged passengers with his charm.
The dining experiences were equally exceptional, with specialty restaurants like Eden and the Rooftop Garden Grill offering delectable menus, while the buffet-style Oceanview Café satisfied a variety of tastes.
The Celebrity Apex experience was made even more enjoyable with the strict onboard protocols, ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew.
Navigating through the various entertainment options on board the ship was like a treasure hunt, uncovering hidden gems of excitement and delight. Celebrity Apex truly stands out with its unique features, offering a range of experiences that cater to every guest’s preferences. From the versatile space of Eden, with its specialty restaurant and themed performances, to the Resort Deck, where pools, cabanas, and hot tubs shaped like martini glasses create a luxurious atmosphere. The Rooftop Garden and Sunset Bar provide breathtaking views, live music, and even outdoor movies. The main theater is a visual spectacle, featuring impressive production shows with a 20-foot-tall LED screen and a transforming Tree of Life. And let’s not forget the Magic Carpet, a flexible deck that transforms into a tender platform, dining space, or pool deck bar.
Below is a table showcasing the unique features of Celebrity Apex and its Greek islands itinerary:
| Unique Features | Greek Islands Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Eden: versatile space with specialty restaurant and themed performances | Visiting beautiful Greek islands |
| Resort Deck: pools, cabanas, jogging track, and martini glass-shaped hot tubs | Exploring the stunning scenery of the Greek islands |
| Rooftop Garden and Sunset Bar: relaxing spots with great views, live music, and outdoor movies | Enjoying the Mediterranean vibes of the Greek islands |
| Main theater: production shows with a 20-foot-tall LED screen and transforming Tree of Life | Being entertained while sailing through the Greek islands |
| Magic Carpet: flexible deck used as a tender platform, dining space, or pool deck bar | Experiencing the unique charm of each Greek island |
With these incredible features and an itinerary that takes you to the beautiful Greek islands, Celebrity Apex offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average duration of the Celebrity Apex’s inaugural voyage in the Greek islands?
The average duration of the Celebrity Apex’s inaugural voyage in the Greek islands was 7 days. Despite COVID protocols and travel restrictions, guests enjoyed a wide variety of amenities, entertainment options, and dining experiences onboard the ship.
Are there any age restrictions for passengers on the Celebrity Apex’s inaugural voyage?
There are no specific age restrictions for passengers on Celebrity Apex’s inaugural voyage. However, all adult passengers and crew were required to be fully vaccinated and show a negative COVID test prior to boarding, in adherence to COVID protocols.
Can passengers bring their own masks or are they provided by the crew?
Passengers on Celebrity Apex can bring their own masks, but the crew also provides them if needed. It’s like having a safety net – you can come prepared, but there’s always support available to ensure everyone’s safety onboard.
Are there any restrictions on the type of activities allowed in the fitness center?
There are certain restrictions in place for the fitness center to ensure COVID protocols are followed. These may include scheduling time slots, limiting the number of people allowed at a time, and possibly requiring masks to be worn while using the facilities.
Is there a dress code for the specialty restaurants on board the Celebrity Apex?
There is a dress code for the specialty restaurants on board the Celebrity Apex. During the inaugural voyage, passengers were required to adhere to a smart-casual dress code, which means no shorts, flip-flops, or swimwear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my experience on the Celebrity Apex’s inaugural voyage in the Greek islands was nothing short of exceptional.
Despite the reduced capacity, the ship’s strict COVID protocols ensured a safe and enjoyable journey.
From the stunning Eden to the luxurious Resort Deck and the vibrant nightlife options, there was never a dull moment on board.
The dining experiences, ranging from specialty restaurants to buffet-style options, catered to every palate.
As the saying goes, ‘The journey is the destination,’ and this voyage on the Celebrity Apex truly exemplified that.
Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform.
With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.
