Table of Contents
Imagine setting sail on a vessel where luxury meets adventure, and every moment is a new horizon of excitement. Welcome to the world of Celebrity Beyond Cruises for 2024—a nautical wonder that promises to redefine your cruising experience. In this review, we'll take you on an honest voyage through the ins and outs of this iconic cruise, offering insights and experiences that every luxury travel enthusiast, adventure seeker, and cruise lover needs to know.
My past Celebrity cruises have been amazing, and this one is not any different., except I am not in it. As I am a travel agent, I book many people on cruises. I have never been on Beyond, but a good friend was on it, and these are her pictures, and I typed up her review of it after she flew back home. I will say I was envious watching her Facebook page every day on the cruise when she was posting many fun photos.
Discovering the Celebrity Beyond Cruises for 2024
The Celebrity Beyond isn't just a ship; it's a masterpiece of modern maritime engineering. Standing tall with sleek design and state-of-the-art features, it represents the pinnacle of luxury travel. The moment you step aboard, you're enveloped by an aura of elegance and sophistication that sets the tone for your entire voyage.
Each deck of the Celebrity Beyond is a treasure trove of unique offerings. From the open-air Rooftop Garden to the serene Retreat Sun Deck, there's something for everyone. Imagine strolling through decks adorned with stunning art installations or indulging in exquisite cuisine at one of the many world-class dining venues. The ship boasts an impressive array of amenities, ensuring that every moment spent on board is nothing short of exceptional.
One of the standout features is the Magic Carpet, a floating platform that transforms from a cocktail lounge to a restaurant and more. Whether you're savoring gourmet delights or enjoying breathtaking views, the Magic Carpet is an experience in itself. Additionally, the luxurious spa and wellness center provide the perfect sanctuary for relaxation, making your cruise truly rejuvenating.
As of right now the Celebrity Beyond is located in Fort Lauderdale, but in May of 2025 its home port will be Miami for the foreseeable future. All cruises are in the Caribbean, either Eastern Caribbean with stops in the Bahamas and more like St Thomas and St Maarten. Or Western Caribbean with stops in Cozumel Mexico and a few other places. Also, there are cruises the Southern Caribbean where the stops are at the ABC Islands (Aruba Bonaire, and Curacao). Many times, during the year, you might get a stop in western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean on the same cruise. There are a few cruises on the Celebrity Beyond that travel to the Panama Canal.
Transportation
Transportation from Fort Lauderdale airport to Port Everglades is short. If you book a hotel beforehand you can find shuttle services from hotels for $12 or less per person. But if you would like private transfer for a group, it is cheaper to rent through Viator. My group of 3 in the past used Uber and it was under $24 from the Hyatt near Convention Center to Celebrity Cruise Terminal. From Airport should be under $30 on Uber.
Basic Ship Info
Length 1072 Feet or 327 Meters
Gross Tonnage 140,600
Cruising Speed of 22 KTS
Built in 2022- basically a new ship
3950 Passengers on board
1400 members of the Crew
16 Decks
Number of Decks with Cabins is 10
Considered the Edge Class of Ship
Sister ships: Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Ascent, and Celebrity Xcel
1646 cabins
Building cost of $900 Million
Did you know that Simone Bile was the person to first Christen the ship. They actually refer to her as the Godmother.
Captain Kate McCue is the First Woman American cruise captain.
Deck Plans
Deck 2: Medical Facility and Destination Gangway
Deck 3: Cabins, bottom level of Theater, Normandie Restaurant, Tuscan Restaurant, I-Lounge, Guest Relations, Martini Bar, Camp at Sea and Grand Plaza (FYI The Grand Plaza is 3 levels 3,4,5, great place to people watch)
Deck 4: The Second level of the Theater, an overlook into the Grand Plaza, several cruise shops, Casino, Future Cruise desk, The Club, The Meeting Place, Shore Excursion Desk, Photo Gallery, Photo Studio, Le Grand Bistro, Le Voyage, Cafe Al Bacio, Craft Social Bar, Cosmopolitan Restaurant, Cyprus Restaurant and the Eden Restaurant.
Deck 5: Third Level of the Theater, The Captain Club and Concierge, Raw on Five, Steakhouse, another overlook of the Grand Plaza below, World Class Bar, Art Gallery, more shops, Blu, and another level of the Eden Restaurant called the Eden Cafe and Eden Bar.
Deck 6: Basically, all cabins except a ramp at the back of the ship to the Eden area below.
Deck 7, 8, 9, 10: All decks are cabins
Deck 11: The Bridge, and more cabins
Deck 12: All of this deck is cabins
Deck 14: Spa, Sea Thermal Suite, Relaxation Room, Barber, Salon, Treatment rooms, The Spa Cafe and Juice Bar, The Adult Solarium with a pool and 2 hot tubs, Mast Grill, Pool Deck with a large main pool for a cruise ship and a Pool Bar, Il Secondo Bacio, and Ocean Cafe which is the Buffet.
Deck 15: At the Front of the ship is the Fitness Center, Motion Studio A and B and the Retreat. At the Aft (back) of ship is the jogging track, Rooftop Garden, Rooftop Garden Grill, and Sunset Bar.
Deck 16: 6 Cabin, Luminae at the Retreat, Mast Bar and a Hot Tub
Deck 17: Retreat Sundeck, Retreat Pool, Retreat Bar, with 2 hot tubs.
You might be thinking while reading this, that I skipped deck 13. I didn't, all cruise ships tend to skip deck 13, part of an old superstition or Triskaidekaphobia. “The Fear of the number 13” This is common in hotels and many other buildings. The Fear started in the Middle Ages.
Ship Restaurants, Bars and more
Many things are separated by class on the Celebrity cruise lines ships, like Concierge Class or AquaClass for example. Some different class levels will give you different areas of the ship to eat or explore. This can be confusing if you are not familiar. In the upcoming 2 sections, I will explain them more. I will also be breaking down in this section what is complimentary (free) or what will have an extra charge.
Complimentary Dining (Free)
Cypress Restaurant (Mediterranean),
Tuscan Restaurant (Italian),
Normandie (French),
Cosmopolitan Restaurant (American),
Eden Cafe Breakfast and lunch treats, like salads, Paninis and wraps.
Oceanview Cafe is the buffet on the cruise ship, known to have plenty of options from around the world, but also inspired by destinations being traveled to on the cruise. You will be highly impressed with the food quality on the buffet.
The Spa Cafe and Juice Bar for a healthy treat. Try a Smoothie when you stop by. There is a little noodle dish that is great.
The Mast Grill located by the pool is known for hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, but you can order other sandwiches. On my cruise the Mast burgers were great, and quick eats.
Specialty Restaurants that do have a fee.
Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, this is Daniels first restaurant at sea, and you will see many dishes from around the world.
Fine Cut Steakhouse is an elevated steakhouse experience. Lauren Loved this specialty dining experience. Her group of 2 split a tomahawk steak.
Le Grand Bistro is French, at night it becomes Le Petit, and your tables come to life, so you can watch something while you eat.
Raw on Five is Japanese with sushi and other dishes. But the best thing is the seafood platters with oysters, crab and lobster.
Magic Carpet is a true experience where you can also get the same raw seafood platters that you would at Raw on Five, but you can get salads and many other items on the Magic Carpet. This restaurant/bar moves on the side of the ship, a neat experience.
Rooftop Garden and Grill with seasonal food, elevated barbecue, seafood kabobs and more.
Eden is basically 2 different restaurants in one. During the day it is more of a lounge with some great food, but at night it becomes elegant with a different menu and great cocktails.
Blu is a special restaurant, but only guests who stay in the AquaClass Staterooms are allowed to eat there.
Luminae is a special restaurant for the people who are staying with access to the Retreat. With Suites or Villas. I will have a breakdown on the Retreat shortly.
Bars and Lounges
Cafe al Bacio, is the perfect morning spot for coffee and some sweet treats. Remember this the coffee is not free, but the sweets are.
World Class Bar, Is great place for a unique drink crafted by the expert mixologists.
Sunset Bar, perfect place to take in the best views of a sunset while drinking a refreshing mojito. The comfortable sitting area and there is a relaxed atmosphere. There can be live entertainment or a DJ here too.
The Magic Carpet has to be mentioned again, because it is more than just a place to get some food. This is a one-of-a-kind place, hanging off the side of the ship that moves.
Craft Social would remind you of a pub, and they even have bar bites to eat there also. A great place for those beer drinkers onboard.
Martini Bar, of course it makes the perfect martini. They have specialty Martini's too. Visit here for some fun interaction.
Mast Bar makes the best refreshing drink when you are near the pool, mojitos are great here also. It overlooks the pool deck, making for great people watching.
Eden Bar, as mentioned earlier you can get food here during the day, but at night it becomes a little bit more upscale with music and dancing.
Il Secondo Bacio is another place for coffee and tea located inside the Oceanview Cafe (buffet area)
Pool Bar, is yet another place to get a refreshing poolside drink while people watching on the pool deck
Remember at the bars and lounges you can pay by the drink, or if you purchased the alcohol package drinks are included. It is best to purchase the alcohol and wifi at the time you purchase the cruise. You can add it on later, but it usually is not as good of a deal as the time you purchase the cruise. You can get WI-FI in this package too. If you do not drink a lot, I don’t recommend this package, but if you can be a daily drinker of a few drinks then this package will be beneficial for you.
Classes of Staterooms
The array of accommodations caters to all preferences, from lavish suites to cozy staterooms with stunning ocean views. Each room is thoughtfully designed, boasting modern comforts and elegant decor. The attention to detail in every aspect of the ship reflects Celebrity's commitment to providing an extraordinary experience.
The Retreat
Exclusive area for Retreat guests. These rooms use this 2-level area of the ship Including the Luminae Restaurant. This area is rich, staff wait on you hand and foot, but you pay a premium with this amount of luxury. Infinity Pools, hot tubs, cabanas, and the retreat lounge area is a great place to relax. Guests of the retreat will be treated like royalty and are not nearly as crowded as the rest of the ship. You do pay a premium.
Here are the names of the staterooms in the area
Iconic Suite, the top suite on this cruise ship. Located above the Bridge, 2500 square feet, with private outdoor space with hot tub and cabana
Penthouse Suite, This 2-bedroom, with 2 bathrooms, with a large living room and dining room. Also has outdoor space to enjoy.
Edge Villa with private plunge pools, these Villas are 2 story staterooms 950 Square feet total.
Royal Villa Has a separate living room and dining area off from the 1 bedroom. Bathroom has the soaker bathtub along with separate shower.
Celebrity Suites are also a part of the Retreat area, they may be a bit smaller, 1 Bedroom and separate living room area and of course a bathroom, you will still feel elite if you book this stateroom,
Aqua Sky Suite allows you to still take part in the Retreat area but gives focus to health and well-being with the spa services.
Sky Suites, last but not least. This is the most affordable option usually, if you want the elite access to the retreat area. These are still considered a significant upgrade to the cabins on the rest of the ship. This was the area my friend Lauryn stayed in.
All suites have a butler, and they can be contacted basically anytime. They can help you pack and unpack your clothes, help with room service, or whatever you need. Someone used the butler to escort them to dinner. Room Service is free when you book the suites. You can contact your butler with the WhatsApp and they leave their info in the room for you to reach them.
AquaClass Staterooms
Aquaclass is another amazing level that gives you the ability to visit the restaurant called Blu. These rooms have beautiful walk out balconies. You get access to the Sea Thermal Suite and Complimentary Fitness Classes.
Concierge Class Stateroom
Has an amazing balcony room with the infinite veranda stateroom that let the outside in. It's basically a balcony, but a fancy new style of balcony. It does give a different type of room feel. With Concierge you get binoculars to use from the balcony and an umbrella to us if it is raining one day of your cruise. Did you know there are some solo cruising cabins that are part of this class of ship with these cool balconies.
Other Cabins
Next, I will just touch on this, because this is what we are all more familiar with. Regular Balcony Rooms that they call Veranda staterooms, Oceanview Staterooms, and Interior Rooms. These are still some of the largest in the cruise ship industry.
Personally, I have only stayed 1 time in a class of staterooms higher than these. These are more budget friendly, and I promise you will still have a wonderful time.
Living the Experience
Day one sets the stage with a grand welcome as the ship departs from the bustling port. The excitement in the air is palpable, and passengers quickly settle into their sumptuous accommodations. The first night is all about mingling with fellow travelers and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
As the days unfold, each port of call becomes a new adventure. From the sun-kissed beaches of Cozumel to the vibrant culture of the Bahamas, there's no shortage of exploration opportunities. Onboard activities range from enriching workshops to thrilling entertainment, ensuring you'll have your hands full of memorable experiences. Play Bingo, Deal or no Deal, or even trivia.
Each evening presents a culinary journey unlike any other. With a variety of dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries, your taste buds are in for a treat. And as the sun sets, the ship comes alive with dazzling shows and live performances that captivate the senses.
Luxury thrives in every corner of the Celebrity Beyond. The dedicated staff ensures that your every need is met with a smile, making you feel like royalty. From personalized concierge services to exclusive access to The Retreat, the level of pampering is unparalleled.
Entertainment options abound, with Broadway-style performances, live music, and enriching lectures. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, there's an activity tailored to your desires. For those who appreciate fine dining, the ship's culinary offerings are a gastronomic delight, featuring diverse cuisines that tantalize the palate.
Comparisons, Insights plus Pros and Cons
For seasoned cruisers, the Celebrity Beyond stands as a testament to innovation and excellence. Compared to its predecessors, it raises the bar with its unmatched luxury and cutting-edge technology. The ship's spacious design and thoughtful layout enhance the overall experience, offering a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication.
Drawing insights from other luxury cruise experiences, the Celebrity Beyond shines as a front-runner in the industry. Its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices resonates with conscientious travelers. The integration of smart technology ensures efficiency and convenience, allowing passengers to focus solely on enjoying their voyage.
Every voyage has its highs and lows, and the Celebrity Beyond is no exception. Among its many strengths are its opulent accommodations, world-class dining, and exceptional service. The itinerary offers a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, catering to a wide range of interests.
However, some may find the bustling atmosphere overwhelming, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, while the luxurious amenities are a highlight, they come at a premium price. Potential travelers should weigh these considerations when planning their dream cruise experience. There can be long lines at peak times, for example the buffet at peak eating times can be very busy, or long lines for coffee in the mornings.
Voices of Experience Testimonials and Reviews
Real-life testimonials from fellow travelers paint a vivid picture of the Celebrity Beyond experience. Passengers rave about the impeccable service, describing it as attentive and personalized. The diverse range of activities and entertainment earns accolades, ensuring there's never a dull moment on board.
Public reviews echo these sentiments, with many highlighting the ship's stunning design and luxurious offerings. The camaraderie among passengers fosters a sense of community, creating lasting memories and new friendships. These collective experiences provide a comprehensive view of what awaits you on the Celebrity Beyond.
Lauryn Simmons Cruise Review: A Personal Journey
Lauren Simmons recently embarked on the Celebrity Beyond from September 29th to October 5th, visiting the enchanting ports of Cozumel, Nassau Bahamas, and Bimini Bahamas. She was scheduled to visit Grand Cayman instead of Nassau, but the cruise ship needed to change ports. Her account provides a firsthand look at the cruise's highlights and hidden gems.
Lauren's adventure began with a warm welcome and seamless check-in process. She marveled at the ship's elegance and spent her days exploring each port's unique charms. From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to savoring local delicacies, her itinerary was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Her evenings were filled with captivating entertainment and gourmet dining experiences. Whether it was indulging in delectable cuisine or dancing the night away, each moment added to the tapestry of her unforgettable cruise.
Here are some of the most memorable things Lauryn mentioned.
Boarding was extremely quick because she had a Sky Suite booking.
Try the BBQ short ribs with Pomegranate seeds at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant were great, and the Normandie and Tuscan Restaurant was wonderful.
Luminae Restaurant as part of the Retreat was great and ate there for breakfast, lunch and dinner some days. Check out the picture of the eggs on top of waffles with sausage picture.
Specialty restaurant Fine Cut Steakhouse, the Tomahawk steak for 2 was great.
Specialty restaurant Rooftop Garden has an amazing cookie dessert and a filet mignon.
Coffee was not free at Cafe al Bacio, but the sweets and treats were. So, grab a croissant, patisserie, or piece of cake.
Rooftop garden was great for watching a movie, and they even show 1 NFL game on the big screen.
Martini Bar was her favorite bar, with choices like the Espresso Martini, Snowflake Martini and many more. The crew in this area was very interactive with the guests. Juggling, and Ice tricks. A very fun bar to visit.
Theater was large, and as part of the Retreat they had a special section they could sit in, its first came first serve. They started to watch the show called The Element, which is amazing, but the stage broke. This is a 2-million-dollar stage, and other guests said it broke on their last cruise too.
Lauren loved the Comedian, but felt his family friendly show was funnier than the adult show.
Spa is amazing, she recommended the 75-minute hot stone massage and aromatherapy. She said hers was great. They try to sell lots of services there, but she enjoyed taking the tour and learning more about what they offered with their treatment rooms and all.
Grand Cayman Port was canceled so they went to Nassau Bahamas instead. But what she learned but didn't get to use is the tender boats you have to use when you go to Grand Cayman, you exit through the Magic Carpet at a lower level of the ship.
Cozumel Mexico shore excursion was to Nachi Cocom Beach Club. This beach club is not the party spot, and limits 100 people to their area. Enjoy the beach, pool, food and drinks with plenty of places to sit, relax and enjoy the day.
Bimini Bahamas shore excursion was a stay at the Beach club by Resorts World. Resorts World is known to have great hotels and attractions, and this beach club was very nice.
Nassau port day she did not do a special shore excursion, just did some walking in the city on her own.
Overall, Lauryn loved this cruise and would cruise Celebrity Cruise Line again. She was also very excited to win $800 in the casino and her travel mate won in Bingo. Although she loved having a suite and being able to take part in the Retreat area due to this, she would still do any Celebrity cruise in any of the more budget friendly staterooms. I will agree with her on this, as my time on a Celebrity cruise back in June was wonderful.
If you would like to read my review of the Celebrity Reflection, click here.
Sailing Toward New Horizons Conclusion
In conclusion, the Celebrity Beyond Cruises of 2024 offer a luxurious escape that transcends ordinary travel. From the ship's breathtaking design to the immersive experiences at each destination, it sets the stage for an extraordinary adventure. For luxury travel enthusiasts and cruise lovers alike, this voyage promises memories that will last a lifetime. This is the best ship of the Celebrity fleet.
If you're ready to set sail on your own adventure, consider the Celebrity Beyond as your gateway to the world. Share your own experiences and thoughts, and let's continue to celebrate the joy of exploration and discovery.
This blog contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
I went on a Celebrity cruise over 10 years ago, so sounds like they've kept up their awesome service and luxury style. Definitely a highly recommended line. I love that you included others' experiences too very helpful!
That's a very thorough breakdown that'll surely help anyone looking to book a cruise! Great job :)
Wow! This sounds like an amazing cruise experience. We have never cruised with Celebrity, but that might change now!
You got me on 'where luxury meets adventure' - I would love to be pampered and not bother too much about food and drinks. I have never been on a cruise and have been researching lately, hoping to garner up the courage to go on one next year. Celebrity Beyond Cruises sounds fab and I will definitely go for one of my favourite relaxation treatments at the Spa - the 75-minute hot stone massage. Great article with a lot of helpful tips about what to expect aboard Celebrity Beyond.
We love Celebrity Cruise Line and can't wait to sail on Beyond one of these days!