The spectacular new Celebrity newbuilding Celebrity Edge, to be followed by Celebrity Apex in 2020 and two more in 2022, is recognizable from afar by the orange structure that hangs from her side. This is as Richard Fain, CEO of Royal Caribbean had specified: “our new vessel needs to be recognized from as far away as possible”. So this is the reason for the orange colour of the Magic Carpet, as it is called. It is a steel platform weighing 9 tons and it can move between the top deck and the waterline, fulfilling several roles. When connected to Deck 2, it serves as an embarkation platform, and higher up, it can be used as a restaurant with dramatic views. Magic Carpet has about the size of a tennis court and was originally conceived as just a tender platform making it easier to board or disembark tenders providing more space. But new ideas popped up during the design phase and the list of possible uses started to grow.
For example, when it is at Deck 5 it serves as an entrance to Raw on Five, the next level of well-known Sushi on Five venues which are already present on all Celebrity ships. Raw on Five offers seafood lovers lobster, crab, oysters but also Sushi and Sashimi, and caviar. When used as a lounge Magic Carpet seats 100 passengers who can enjoy a la carte food while listening to live music. When docked at Deck 14, Magic Carpet functions as an extension to the sun deck/ pool area, and twice every cruise when connected to Deck 16, brunch (for $50) or “Dinner at the Edge ($7y5) is served, focusing on the food of the cruising region. The roof of the Magic Carpet has LED lights that change color to enhance the experience.
For safety reaons it does not relocate when in use and it’s position is showed on a display in the ship’s elevators. Celebrity has used the Magic Carpet possibilities to improve the tendering experience, the original use foreseen for this unique feature. It is docked at Deck 2 level then, and being just above the water line Magic Carpet is a very comfortable way to (dis-) embark the ship’s tenders: large LED screens provide port-of-call information. Celebrity Edge’s tenders are far more luxurious compared to those of other Celebrity ships: they offer 20 percent more leg room and have double the window size.
A second important novelty on Celebrity Edge is the Eden lounge which doubles as a lounge/ restaurant and spans three decks. It is situated aft and has an atmosphere maybe which may not be to the liking of every guest. It is safe to say that this is probably the most unconventional public space afloat momentarily. Artificial plants and dimmed lighting, clouds of mist and sitar music, or performances by cavemen, jesters or nymph-like dancers. Comparisons have been made with Cirque du Soleil performances. Add to this the mystical, a bit mysterious atmosphere. Celebrity states that this space, with it’s 270 degree floor to ceiling windows has more windows than any other room afloat. The Eden restaurant serves 5-course dinner prepared in it’s open kitchen and the complimentary Eden Café offers drinks and pastries.
But there are other spots on Celebrity to enjoy good food. The buffet style Oceanview Café on Deck 14 opens until late at night offers ethnic food like Italian, Asian or Indian dishes apart form the usual pizza, burger or salad. Celebrity Edge has four main dining-rooms, Tuscan, featuring black and white pictures of moviestars like Sophia Loren and city views, giving it an Italian flair. And there is Normandy, with its Art Deco Lalique glass panels that were originally installed in the 1930’s French Line ocean liner Normandie, the most famous French liner of all times. Both these restaurants are on Deck 3. But, one deck up, on Deck 4, two more are available, Cyprus and Cosmopolitan restaurants. Cyprus has a Mediterranean-Greek atmosphere while in Cosmopolitan more standard, straightforward food is served. Most dishes (about three quarters of the choices available) are served in all four restaurants and as seating for 350 guests is provided, this makes them quite intimate. Apart from first and second seating, passengers can sign up for the Celebrity Select option, which allows you to have diner anytime between 6 and 9.30 PM in the restaurant of your choice. But there are yet more eateries to choose from: French restaurant Le Grand Bistro is available for pastries, sandwiches and crepes. Underlining the boutique-character of this venue, carrat muffins, turkey baguettes and choclate croissants are also offered.
Guests are particularly surprised by the one of a kind four course Le Petit Chef dinner ($55). Like on other Celebrity ships, it features a colourful digital animation show projecting on your table and plate a little character which “prepares”every dish before it is actually served… According to Celebrity it took a decade (!) to develop this. In Fine Cut Steakhouse which just like Le Grand Bistro overlooks the Grand Plaza atrium and also has an outdoor terrace lined with hedges.
The Grand Plaza is the food hub of the vessel. It houses The Café al Bacio, The Grand Plaza Café and the Martini Bar in its center which is lit by a 7000kg chandelier made of 765 illuminted blades and rising three decks!
Godmother of the Celebrity Edge is Malala Yousafzai, winner the Nobel Peace Prize. Her picture graces the wall in the guest relations lobby on Deck 3. She became known worldwide as an activist fighting for women’s rights to get an education. She was shot by the Taliban but she survived. Celebrity Cruises – by having this young lady as godmother to the Celebrity Edge– shows that they support this worthy cause. Celebrity Cruises has announced a two-year partnership with Malala Fund.
Staterooms onboard are revolutionary, especially the Infinite Veranda category. There are 528 staterooms of this category of which 16 for single use. Folding glass doors can be closed to separate the balcony from the inside part of the stateroom space and then by pressing a button the glass lowers which then essentially merges in- and outdoor space, effectively connecting your living space to the outdoors.
These staterooms are 25 percent larger than verandah staterooms on the Solstice-class ships. In total 80% of the staterooms are veranda cabins (80% of 1467). Staterooms onboard Celebrity Edge have been designed by Kelly Hoppen, a London-based interior designer, who also designed the Retreat Lounge and restaurant and Sundeck. Other members of the design-team are star designer Nate Berkus who has been appointed Edge Ambassador for this new class of ships promoting their cutting-edge interiors. Internationally acclaimed architect Tom Wright of WKK designed the outdoor spaces, he has over 30 years’ experience and is the designer of the world-famous Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Hotel amongst others.
Summing it all up, it can’t be said much clearer than as Celebrity states on their website:
“A ship designed to leave the future behind. Celebrity Edge marks a turning point in our approach to ship design. From the very first sketches to experiencing those designs in a virtual reality setting, every step was done in 3-D. From the incredible new Magic Carpet to the private plunge pools in our new 2-story Edge Villas, we could design the most refined ship at sea. The unique outward facing design breaks from traditional ship design. Aboard, you’ll feel more connected with the sea and the places you’ll visit in a variety of spaces ranging from our Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas”.
Celebrity has created with Celebrity Edge a vessel with an urban atmosphere and so it seems the Edge aims at younger passngers instead of the somewhat older regular Celebrity cruisers, as quiet sophistication has shifted to an upbeat atmosphere. However, its groundbreaking design e.g. the staterooms, the spectacular Magic Carpet and mysterious Eden lounge and the bundance of greenery onboard make Celebrity Edge a unique vessel that will certainly attract a loyal following.
