Six amazing spaces on Celebrity Beyond 

Celebrity Cruises’ most luxurious vessel made its debut last month and is sailing in the Mediterranean this summer. Charlotte Cullinan looks at some of the most eye-catching areas onboard

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Billed as Celebrity Cruises’ most luxurious vessel, Celebrity Beyond made its debut in April and is the line’s third Edge-class ship, after Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex.

It’s longer and taller than its predecessors, allowing for an additional 179 suites and staterooms, alongside new restaurants, bars and lounges.

The 3,260-guest ship is sailing in the Mediterranean until October, before heading to the Caribbean. Here are six of the most eye-catching spaces to be found on board.

The Retreat

As Celebrity’s exclusive enclave for suite guests, The Retreat has been stylishly expanded on Beyond. It includes the beach club-style Retreat Sundeck, crafted by designer Kelly Hoppen. It’s 50 per cent larger than on Edge and Apex, and is now spread over two decks, where guests can recline in a chic cabana, or sink into one of the supremely comfortable loungers with a drink from The Retreat Bar. They can then meander over to the two hot tubs or pool.

The Retreat Lounge is a serene hideaway just below, which is 25 per cent larger than before, and offers a personal concierge service, alongside drinks and delicious nibbles. It’s perfect for afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks.

Having previously been separate, The Retreat’s elegant restaurant Luminae is now adjacent to the sundeck and lounge.

Le Voyage

With a soft pink and gold colour palette, gently glowing glass panels and intimate seating cocoons, the 50-seat Le Voyage restaurant is the most sophisticated space on board. It’s the first signature restaurant at sea from Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, and was designed by architectural studio Jouin Manku, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

There’s a cover charge of $75pp, or $125pp for the six-course tasting menu. Encourage guests to reserve a table when the booking system opens, as demand is high.

As the line’s global culinary ambassador, some of Boulud’s signature dishes can also be savoured in the ship’s other restaurants.

AquaClass SkySuites

Celebrity introduced these plush suites following customer and agent feedback, combining the amenities, services and space of a suite with the line’s existing wellness-themed AquaClass stateroom experiences.

There are 20, each sleeping two and featuring cashmere mattresses, a pillow menu and yoga mats. Hoppen has worked her magic again on the interior design, which includes floor to ceiling windows, a seven square metre veranda and a spa-like bathroom.

Guests can use The Retreat and have unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite in The Spa. Recommend the Rainfall Water Therapy room, the Desert Infrared Sauna and the Crystalarium. They’re also invited to Blu, a clean cuisine and plant-based restaurant.

The Rooftop Garden 

The Rooftop Garden is full of inviting spots to recline with a book, listen to live music or enjoy a movie on the giant screen. There are two cantilevered float pools that extend over the edge of the ship, comfy seating – which is tucked into nooks surrounded by lush greenery – and the alfresco Rooftop Garden Grill. Don’t miss the fun outdoor games, which are perfect for all ages.

The space has been reimagined from Edge and Apex thanks to Hoppen and Tom Wright of WKK Architects, and exudes calmness, with mellow colours and stylish sculptures.

Grand Plaza 

Having established itself as the Edge series’ social hub, the Grand Plaza on Beyond has been transformed and enlarged by Jouin Manku. The circular Martini Bar is now in the centre of the Plaza, underneath an enormous LED chandelier.

Look out for regular light shows, where the chandelier twinkles to pumping tunes, while bartenders perform ‘flash flair fusion performances’. They’re fantastically flamboyant, so expect a bartender to juggle bottles while balancing a brimming martini glass on his forehead, while another dances on the bar, pouring cocktails to a cheering crowd.

The Magic Carpet

Providing a vibrant pop of orange to the side of Celebrity Beyond, The Magic Carpet is a hallmark of the Edge series, crafted by Wright. The suspended platform is the size of a tennis court and floats between decks (although guests can’t ride on it while it’s in motion).

On deck two it serves as a tender platform, transforming into a cocktail and sushi venue on deck five. Clients can enjoy Dinner on the Edge on deck 14, and up on deck 16 attentive bartenders serve cocktails alongside stunning ocean views.