Celebrity Apex: Holiday on the High Seas.

Sunset view from my Veranda stateroom No. 11218 Celebrity Apex, December 2021

I quite literally just had the time of my life. Sailing on the brand-new Celebrity Apex on a Christmas cruise was exactly what me and my family needed to end off this challenging year. Im sure you’ve been hearing about some of the issues with cruising right now but we felt so safe and well taken care of on our sail knowing every precaution to prevent an outbreak was taken. Mandatory vaccinations, negative testing before boarding as well as all crew were required to wear masks as were passengers who went on shore for excursions. Masks on board were not mandatory for passengers but we, along with many others, chose to wear them on elevators and while watching shows in the theatre.

Hanging around at the exclusive Retreat Pool, Celebrity Apex

The second in the Celebrity Edge series, The Apex resembles her sister the Edge but has many of her own unique characteristics. As much fun as my 14-year-old son, along with 120 other youngsters had, the Apex is designed for luxurious relaxation. No water slides, basketball or tennis courts on this ship, but there is plenty of lounge space, swimming pools, cocktail bars and an epic spa. My husband and I both enjoyed deep tissue massages on our first day and I treated myself to a Christmas morning pedicure. This however was no ordinary pedi, with a stunning view of the aquamarine sea and a massage chair I was happier than any kid opening presents from Santa.

Stairwell connecting Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, Normandie and Tuscan dining rooms on Celebrity Apex

For us eating new and fabulous food is always expected on a holiday but I had no idea what a culinary experience we were embarking on (no need to excuse the pun) With an extensive buffet (my son’s favorite) and four themed main dining rooms Mediterranean, French, Italian and classic American there was never a lack of options. There were also several specialty restaurants we had the pleasure of dining at: Raw on 5, a raw seafood and sushi bar, Le Petit Chef a French Bistro with an interactive animated presentation and our personal favorite Eden which has an ethereal vibe and overlooks the aft (back of the ship) The cuisine was Moroccan inspired and had incredible presentation. Needless to say we looked forward to every meal with great anticipation.

Sailing from St Thomas to St John, US Virgin Islands. Dec 2021

We sailed seven days through the eastern Caribbean with stops in Puerto Rico, St Thomas and St Kitts & Nevis. We are an adventurous family so of course we got off at each Port of Call and enjoyed a designated excursion such as sailing, snorkeling, city tours or just a relaxing day at a beach club. We loved all the destinations, but the colorful charm of San Juan stood out to us as a place we would like to return to one day.

Taking in all the colorful beauty and charm of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dec 2021

Carambola Beach Day In #StKitts December 2021

On the Magic Carpet watching the sun set over Basseterre, St Kitts  December 2021

All vacations are wonderful in their own way whether they are inspiring, educational, relaxing or adventurous. If I had to use one word to describe this cruise it would undoubtedly be FUN! I have to give so much praise to our cruise director Lauren and her team who had every moment of every day organized with activities for everyone. There was incredible nightly entertainment, musical acts, comedy shows, dancing, pool games, ping pong competitions you name it, there was never a dull moment, but if I had to name my favorite moment on the cruise it had to be the ABBA trivia and dance night in The Club. The music of this 70s Swedish quartet brings so much joy to people of all ages and I even got my husband and son on the dance floor to boogie along to Dancing Queen. Side note: the winners of the name-that-tune competition were millennials reinforcing the timelessness of their music.

Docked in the port of San Juan, Puerto Rico. December 2021.

I was a reluctant cruiser before my first sail almost 8 years ago but I cant tell you how enriching it is to sail the seas and explore new places, it’s also an amazing way to meet new people. I befriended a fabulous fella from Vietnam who lives in Texas and we bonded over our mutual passion for fashion, love for cooking, gardening and home décor.  I cant wait to get back on board Celebrity Apex again and hope to bring my mom, dad and brother along on the next one because cruising is definitely a family affair!

Thanks for riding along, xo ~Zia

 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO CELEBRITY CRUISES FOR HOSTING ME & MY FAMILY ON THIS DREAM VACATION