UNDER the lights of the shimmering chandelier, the mixologist at the Martini Bar hands me a perfectly crafted Cosmopolitan co*cktail.
At the centre of the three-storey Grand Plaza onboard the new Celebrity Beyond cruise ship, the bar is buzzing and I can’t resist taking a quick pic for Instagram.
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But this is not a guilty pleasure.
I don’t have to worry about the bill for that chilled treat, or about the cost of the wifi I’ll need to show it off on social media.
I don’t even need to tip the fantastic bartender, currently juggling co*cktail shakers and spirits with aplomb.
Because on Celebrity, the drinks, wifi and even service charges are always included.
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The third of Celebrity’s Edge-class ships, Beyond takes everything great from the first two ships, Edge and Apex, and ramps up the opulence and the glamour a notch.
It is taller, longer and has a host of new spaces.
And while this luxury comes at a higher price, you can chill from the minute you board, knowing all the key things are already paid for.
Beyond promises relaxed luxury with unique celebrity tie-ins, from interiors designed by Kelly Hoppen to wellness programmes and products from Gwyneth Paltrow’s company Goop.
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With a chic beach-club vibe on deck and quirky modern art on every one of its 17 decks, this is a long way from the formal, stuffy cruising high-end liners are sometimes known for.
Like its sister ships, Beyond has some unique cruise firsts
Most noticeable is the Magic Carpet, a bright-orange, tennis court-sized cantilevered deck that juts out over the edge of the ship and can be raised and lowered.
With a bar and stylish seating, it is a fab place for a co*cktail when it sits on deck 14 and offers extra al fresco dining for the Luminae restaurant on deck 16 and the Raw On 5 seafood bar on deck five.
But it also serves as a quick and easy way to access tenders on deck two when Beyond calls at ports where it can’t dock.
With windows soaring three storeys high, Eden is another Celebrity special.
By day, admire the sea views and stunning living wall in the cafe or bar.
At night, there is top-notch cuisine coming out of the intimate restaurant’s open kitchen, as well as immersive shows and even a silent disco in the vast space above.
For a ship that will sail the Med by summer and Caribbean this winter, the Resort Deck is perfect for soaking up rays.
Relax in a cabana by the main pool, catch the latest movies in the Rooftop Garden or chill with a co*cktail at dusk in the Sunset Bar.
If the wind chills, head to the covered Solarium for a dip in toasty temperatures.
Celebrity’s infinite veranda staterooms are also unique.
With the touch of a button, the glass balcony becomes a sealed window, so fold back your balcony doors and the whole space centres on the sea.
CUTTING-EDGE EFFECTS
I was also impressed with the roomy rainfall shower in the bathroom, copious amounts of storage and comfy cashmere kingsize bed.
Beyond has a new class of these cabins — Aqua — which come with yoga mats and access to the ship’s impressive spa as well as dining in Blu, with healthier choices alongside regular items from filet mignon to lobster tail.
For your evening meal you can ditch the dinner jacket and full-length gown — the dress code is evening chic.
But you’ll want to make an effort when you discover the amazing spaces onboard.
Even that cruise ship staple, the buffet restaurant, has an upmarket feel.
The Oceanview Cafe is lofty and spacious and on the menu expect little luxuries from smoked salmon to steak grilled to order.
Four included main restaurants offer French, Italian, Cypriot and American fare.
Other speciality dining onboard include Michelin-starred French chef Daniel Boulud’s first restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, and the whimsical Grand Bistro, where cutting-edge special effects are projected on to your table.
But the traditional cruise highlights haven’t been forgotten.
The theatre features a stunning hi-tech screen for immersive shows.
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The Club promises late-night speakeasy vibes and even the kids can join in on the fun with their own Camp At Sea.
Celebrity Beyond delivers its promise of relaxed luxury — and for a special occasion or bucketlist trip, I can’t think of a better ship.
GO: Celebrity Beyond
SAILING THERE: A six-night cruise on Celebrity Beyond starts from £837pp on the Bimini, Mexico and Grand Cayman cruise departing Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 2023.
Includes full board, drinks, wifi and service charges but NOT flights.
Nine-night Italian Riviera and France sailings this summer from Barcelona cost from £1,321pp.
Flights are extra.
See celebritycruises.com.
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