Celebrity Beyond: Guide and Review

The Crew are Superstars

No matter the ship, the thing that really shines on Celebrity is the crew and the service. After a long day of exploring a port of call, I was welcomed back to the ship with chilled towels and cucumber water before stepping on board. My stateroom attendant left chocolates on the pillows when they turned down my room (I even told them I preferred dark chocolate and they were happy to oblige.) In the dining rooms there were sommeliers to recommend wines for my dinner. One of the bar supervisors, Kadesha, and I became fast friends over the cruise and they were always around to make sure I was taken care of. Every single crew member I encountered, from the bartenders and cleaners to the officers, were friendly and committed to making sure that guests were having a great vacation.

Setting the Bar for Cruise Food

The food on Celebrity Beyond exceeded expectations for cruise ship food. Instead of a large single dining room, Beyond and her Edge-Series sisters feature four restaurants, each with unique dishes as well as the standard rotating menu of the traditional dining room. Normandie, featuring French fare; Cosmopolitan, with modern American dishes; Tuscan, with traditional Italian cuisine; and my personal favorite, Cyprus, with Greek dishes, as a nod to Celebrity’s heritage. Standout dishes for me were the Coquilles Saint Jacques at Normandie. The Grilled Octopus at Cyprus, and the Roasted Lamb, also at Cyprus.

For more casual options, or for a snack between meals, you have the Oceanview Cafe, a Buffet and Quick service spot with a variety of food, including Fantastic curries, made-to order pasta, sandwiches, and a salad station. (Pro tip, ask for a custom-made pizza. The crew are happy to provide a whole pizza with anything you want on it, provided they have it on hand.) Also, by the pool is the mast grill, serving up burgers, hot dogs, and fries right by the pool.

Celebrity Beyond also features a few specialty restaurants at an additional charge. While I did not eat at all of them, I have to highlight one in particular. Eden Restaurant features creative dishes with a global influence. Meaty crab cakes, huitlacoche risotto, and a branzino with tamarind sauce were highlights of the menu.

Other premium dining experiences include Raw on 5, an à la carte raw bar and sushi restaurant, Fine Cut Steakhouse, and Le Voyage, a first on Celebrity's fleet, by Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boloud.

Built to Unwind

I found every space aboard Celebrity Beyond to be well designed, spacious, and perfect for relaxation. some spaces encouraged socializing with your guests, and others were perfect for a quiet afternoon of lounging or reading while taking in the views.

My favorite spot on the ship was the martini bar, in the center of the Grand Plaza, the hub of activity on board, with a dizzying array of martinis on the menu, (and off. don’t be afraid to ask for your favorite martini.) With flair bartenders who juggle bottles and shakers while mixing drinks, and frequent live music performances, this quickly became a favorite spot of mine, and I’d be there after dinner most nights.

At the rear of the ship is Eden; The multipurpose space that houses Eden Bar, the Eden restaurant, and hosts performances throughout the day. Filled with plants, wood accents, and plenty of natural light, this space is a favorite for many who come on board.

Of course, what is a cruise ship without space to enjoy the sunshine? Celebrity Beyond has plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. On deck 14 is the main pool, as well as the 16+ solarium (Although kids are rarely as much of a concern on Celebrity as they are on other lines.) These spaces were rarely overcrowded, and I only had minimal trouble finding a lounge chair right after lunchtime on our sea days.

Deck 15 features two glass plunge pools against the side of the ship; the rooftop garden, a multi use space that would often host pickleball, or show movies or sporting events on a large screen; the rooftop garden grill, an al fresco dining option at an extra charge; and the sunset bar at the very back of the ship, with a moroccan theme, refreshing cocktails, and some of the best views on the ship. This was a favorite of many guests for sailaways, and also where the daily LGBTQ+ gatherings were hosted. A great touch of inclusion for Queer guests, which helped me meet friends who I would spend time with throughout the cruise.

Rooms

After the events of the day I headed back to my cabin, which was without a doubt my favorite cruise ship cabin I’ve ever had. The bathroom and shower were spacious. The bed was so comfortable, I had a large amount of storage. This cabin was a “Deluxe porthole view with Veranda,” the lowest veranda category aboard the Beyond. Even this one afforded me a good amount of privacy and great views from the veranda (If slightly obstructed by the window washing apparatus.)

The vast majority of the veranda cabins aboard beyond features Celebrity’s “infinite veranda,” a new concept that extends the usable space of the cabin by using a sliding window instead of the traditional open balcony; this also allows for more privacy, and more expansive views from your cabin.

For more luxurious options, Celebrity has a few options: Concierge Class, which features a lot of additional amenities, including access to an onboard concierge, a pillow menu, and daily sparkling wine and treats delivered to your room on request. Aqua Class, with complimentary access to the thermal suite onboard, and exclusive access to Blu, a clean cuisine restaurant for Aqua-class guests, as well as other wellness-focused amenities. And finally, for those who want the greatest onboard experience, there is the Retreat. Celebrities Suite experience, with a private lounge, sundeck with pool, butler service, and exclusive, upgraded dining at Luminae, a restaurant exclusive to guests in Suites.

So, who is Celebrity Cruises for? There were a big variety of people onboard, from newlyweds in their twenties to Parents traveling with their adult children, to couples who have been together for decades. There were first time cruisers, and seasoned sailors alike. For those who want to budget ahead of time, Celebrity also offers an all inclusive package that includes many drinks and basic wifi, as well as the option to upgrade to premium drinks and wifi after booking. What Celebrity offers is a Luxurious, but unpretentious and relaxed environment at sea. If you like good food, great service, and relaxation, but still want to have the amenities and entertainment larger cruise ships can offer, then celebrity is perfect for you.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel via Cruises. In need of further inspiration? Check out Kenneth Green’s guide, Things to Do when Cruising with Celebrity Cruises.