Celebrity Apex

Daytime Fun

Celebrity Apex has a lovely, long main pool with a number of padded lounge chairs surrounding it. We like that there's a wade-in area -- with lounge chairs in the water -- so you can cool off without taking the plunge. Two martini-glass hot tubs flank the pool. A large swath of the pool deck, on the starboard side, is committed to the ship's cabanas. Cabanas are available for rental, and can accommodate up to six guests. Be forewarned: While they're beautiful, they aren't private.

If you're looking for something a little quieter, the solarium is your spot. This indoor space offers a thalassotherapy pool and hot tub, and it's open only to adults. You won't get the sunshine, as the space is indoors, but windows open to offer fresh air, and it's a nice respite from the constant action at the main pool.

At Night

Celebrity Apex was built for nightlife, with several lounges that combine a bar with entertainment. You'll have plenty of options beyond the main theater, though you won't be disappointed in the shows there, either. We love that you'll find live music pretty much where ever you go, and if it's not live, a DJ performs an admirable job keeping the joint jumping, often till late.

The Theatre
Simply called The Theatre, this state-of-the-art theater serves as the most traditional spot for nightly entertainment. That doesn't mean the entertainment is traditional, though. The large stage -- nearly in-the-round-- is backed by a 180-foot-wide LED screen that becomes an integral part of the show. Pieces of the stage and screen move up and down, back and forth to put the entertainment even closer to the audience.

The Theatre offers several stage shows every cruise, including the ambitious "Tree of Life", which features singers, dancers and acrobats, along with a giant tree featuring LED leaves.

When a production show isn't on offer, you'll catch solo musicians, magicians and comedians at The Theatre.

Tip: While there isn't really a bad seat in The Theatre, it's worth showing up early if you want to sit close. The upper level is reserved for Retreat guests.

The Club
One of the really cool spots on Apex, The Club pretty much has activities going on all day long, from trivia to escape room fun. But it really shines at night. That's when the live music is jamming and the dance floor hops. Don't be surprised if an acrobat or two shows up. And if you see "Caravan" on your daily planner, make sure you catch it at least once. The cabaret show has a circus theme that will have you mesmerized throughout.  This show runs several times over the length of your cruise, so don't worry if you miss it the first time around.

Eden
Entertainment at Eden begins around 6 each night and continues till midnight or beyond. Each night features a different theme: Night of Dreams or Night of Enchantment, for example. Some nights are more subtle, while others scream the theme, with shows designed to match. If you're only going to one, make it Night of Dreams, which features performers in elaborate Alice in Wonderland inspired costumes. It's a joy!

Tip: Each theme night features a specific themed cocktail, which are consistently innovative and tasty.

Casino
The casino sits midship on Deck 4, tucked onto the port side. It offers the usual slot machines, as well as a surprisingly large variety of table games.

Bars & Nightlife

Activities on Celebrity Apex go well into the night, and you'll find everything from quiet corners to heart-pounding dance floors.

Our Picks

Heart of the Action: Without a doubt, the Grand Plaza is the place where it all happens. This immense space takes up the midship of decks 3, 4 and 5. A huge grand chandelier, replete with LED lights, is the centerpiece, hanging over the ship's bustling martini bar. Here, you can catch live music, watch the flair bartenders put on a show and enjoy great martinis (or whatever your choice) until the wee hours of the morning.

For Live Music: Head to The Club, a two-level bar with a big dance floor and lots of seating -- so you can join the action or simply spectate.

For Beer and a Game: Craft Social is your spot if you fancy a pint and whatever sport is on TV. The bar offers a decent selection of beer, with a couple of craft options (and some megapriced rare bottles as well).

For Something Different: Head to Eden, for smoky cocktails and libations served in beakers. Plus, there's a different theme every night, and acrobats, aerialists and other performers might make an appearance.

Celebrity Apex dining options are top notch. You can elect to dine at nothing but the included restaurants and be totally satisfied with your meal in terms of selection and quality. Specialty restaurants, ranging from a French bistro to superb steakhouse, are certainly worth trying though. There are Celebrity Apex drinks packages with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Free Restaurants on Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship

The ship offers four smaller dining room options, rather than the traditional cruise ship approach of one main dining room, which helps meals feel a little more intimate.

You can choose from Tuscan, Cyprus, Cosmopolitan and Normandie. Each serves the same varied menu as the others each night, with a small selection of dishes exclusive to that restaurant. Guests can pick a set dining time or elect to dine on a flexible schedule. Dinner is served in all restaurants, while lunch and breakfast options depend on the day.

Light bites are available at various venues throughout the day, including our favorite cruise ship coffee shop, Cafe al Bacio, and the Spa Cafe. Eden Cafe is a quiet, hidden gem tucked into the corner of the massive Eden complex. It's open for breakfast and lunch, offering items like muesli and egg sandwiches or salads and wraps. The best part is the outdoor seating, which is quiet and filled with art; it's a feast for the senses.

Once a cruise, on the last sea day, Celebrity Apex will go all out, serving dishes native to the places the cruise visits. So a sailing from Greece will feature traditional dishes from the home country, with options in every restaurant at lunch and dinner. It's a true dining takeover that cruisers really embrace.

Oceanview Cafe Buffet

Celebrity Apex's buffet, Oceanview Cafe, is a light and bright space offering multiple stations. Choose from build-your-own salads, an extensive carving station, a huge pasta section and more desserts than you could get through in a whole cruise.

Self-service isn't permitted; crew serve you at each station. Drinks are ordered and delivered tableside.

Blu for AquaClass

Available exclusively to guests booked in AquaClass cabins or those in suites, Blu offers healthier dishes, emphasizing simple yet tasty ingredients.

Luminae for Suite Passengers

Luminae is open only to Retreat passengers. The menu is fairly small, but passengers here can order from the menu in the main restaurant as well. Look for dishes from renowned chef Daniel Boulud.

Tip: Menus for every restaurant are available on the Celebrity app, so you can get a sneak preview to help you pick which venue you'd like to try.

For-Fee Restaurants on Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship

Whether you're craving sushi, steak, or something more fanciful, you'll find it at Celebrity Apex's specialty, for-fee restaurants. If you think you'll want to try more than one specialty restaurant, look into Celebrity Apex's dining packages, which could save you a little money.

Tip: Visit Raw on 5 for lunch rather than dinner. The menus are pretty much the same, but you won't battle for reservations the way you might at night.

Also, look for days when the Magic Carpet is on Deck 5 as an extension of the restaurant for an expanded menu and world-class views.

Dinner on the Edge

$$$$
This is a once-in-a-cruise kind of meal, where passengers can dine on the Magic Carpet as it's positioned on Deck 14. Don't expect a set menu. Instead, you'll get a spectacular spread of whatever the chef fancies. Think whole lobster and pasta or upscale gyros, all as part of the same meal. The sunset views are not to be missed. You'll need reservations.

Le Petit Chef at Le Bistro

$$$
Maybe the best way to describe the experience at Le Petit Chef is "whimsical." This restaurant offers a whole experience, as the menu is set to coincide with a full-on animation show that plays out on your table and plate. Watch as Le Petit Chef prepares a course, which is then served to you -- looking remarkably like it did in the animation -- in real life. This is a fun one for both kids and adults. For the best experience, you should stick with the set menu, but if you have allergies or preferences that prohibit that, you'll still enjoy yourself. Expect a meat course, a pasta course and dessert. Several different shows are offered, so if you really love it, you can see it another night and not catch a repeat.

Eden Restaurant

$$$
Wake views abound at Eden, which serves contemporary dishes next to an open-air kitchen, so you can watch as chefs prepare your meal, which might include slow-cooked halibut or a yogurt and beet bowl, served with fresh, hot pita. The restaurant is part of the Eden complex, so you can catch glimpses of the entertainment going on without being distracted by it, because you're seated a level below.

Fine Cut Steakhouse

$$$
So. Much. Meat. And it's all well-prepared and seasoned, from the petite filet mignon to the ribeye and the New York strip. There’s also a selection of fish and chicken. Fine Cut is located just off the Grand Plaza, the ship's heartbeat at night, but it's surprisingly quiet for dinner. Still, you can hear the action and jump away to join in if you wish.

Rooftop Garden Grill              

$ (lunch), $$ (dinner)
This under-the-radar spot offers barbecue-style foods in an open-air setting. The venue itself is gorgeous, located on Deck 15 at the back of the ship. Tables are surrounded by greenery and subtle windscreens designed to keep your salad from flying off your plate mid-meal. Menu options include racks of ribs, loaded fries and chicken wings.

Raw on 5

$
This Japanese restaurant has a high-level seafood game. You can choose from sushi and sashimi, noodle bowls and towers of seafood, meant to be shared. The sushi chef prepares rolls in an open kitchen, so you can watch the artistry. Talk to guest services, your concierge or your Retreat Host to find out when the Magic Carpet will be located on Deck 5, next to the restaurant. It serves as an extension of Raw on 5, offering a slightly enhanced menu. Prices are a la carte.

Le Bistro

$
This French-themed bistro is only open for lunch. (At night, Le Petit Chef takes over.) If you want all the bread, mounds of fries, delicate mussles and a variety of fresh-made sandwiches (think brie and apple), this is the spot for you.

Our Favorite Restaurants on Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship

Fine Cut is our favorite onboard because the menu is varied, steaks are consistently perfect and sides and desserts are excellent accompaniments. If you've got kids, Le Petit Chef is sure to be a hit. And if you want a casual meal in the open air, with a little bit of romance as the sun sets, pick Rooftop Garden Grill.