For many guests, it felt like only hours had passed since the Celebrity Apex set sail from Fort Lauderdale. After an introductory stop at the quirky city of Key West, we navigated west across the Caribbean. This voyage gave us a leisurely day at sea brimming with over 60 activities, not to mention the casino, gym, shops, and spa.
Day 4 found us anchored off Belize, enticing us with a plethora of excursions. We could explore the ruins of the vast Mayan empire that once spanned much of Central America. Early risers took tenders to a crystal cave tubing and lagoon adventure, while others opted for zip-lining through Belize’s lush jungles or driving an ATV at Jaguar Paw Outpost.
A tour of Belize City highlighted the country’s colonial history. Formerly British Honduras and now part of the Commonwealth, Belize still features the British Monarch’s head on its currency. The tour included a stop at a distillery to sample Belizean rum or blackberry and cashew wine. Another adventure, the Old River expedition, offered sightings of manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas, and various aquatic birds.
Our next stop was Cozumel, a 30 by 10-mile paradise island located about a dozen miles off Mexico’s Mayan coast. There were ample activities to choose from: snorkeling with stingrays, off-roading through the jungle, swimming in the natural cenotes of the Jade Caverns, or indulging in chocolate making and tequila tasting.
Cozumel gained fame when underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau shared his discoveries with the world. Guests could explore his world by booking a spot on the Ocean View Explorer, which has an underwater viewing area providing 360-degree views of coral and marine life on Paradise Reef.
Tequila tasting in Cozumel debunked the myth of salt-crusted glasses and lime juice, a recent tradition used to mask ethanol’s burn. Instead, sipping aged, artisanal tequila, sometimes enhanced with almonds, proved to be a smoother experience. Another excursion included a tour of Cozumel, stopping at a beach club for a leisurely lunch and swimming in the Caribbean’s warm, azure waters.
On Grand Cayman, a panoramic tour of the island included a visit to the memorial site of the 1794 Ten Sail Wreck. This event, where a storm drove ten ships onto East End’s rocks, ultimately shaped Grand Cayman’s future. King George III, grateful for the rescue of his son from the wreck, granted the island tax exemption. Remembering this in the 1970s, the Cayman government developed it into a tax haven, with Georgetown now hosting branches of 280 banks.
Yet, Grand Cayman’s most iconic attractions remain Stingray City and Seven Mile Beach. The island is also home to Hell, a bizarre landscape of jagged rocks, complete with a quirky shop selling Hell-themed souvenirs.
Our day at sea, as we sailed east and passed south of Cuba, offered another chance to relax and recharge. The shops hosted the Captain’s Clearance event, while the Grand Finale Art Auction took place at noon. Following art seminars throughout the week, bidders had acquired some helpful knowledge.
Fitness enthusiasts attended a Burn Fat Faster session, or met Dr. Siu, a face and skin expert. The Resort Deck buzzed with activities, including officers vs. guests’ volleyball and a quarterback challenge at the pool.
For our final dinner, many guests tried a new restaurant from the ship’s extensive selection of 29 bars, cafes, and eateries. Popular choices included Finecut Steakhouse, Le Grand Bistro, Raw on Five, and The Rooftop Grill. The evening’s entertainment featured shows in Eden and The Nightclub, with the highlight being two performances of Rockumentary, using a 110-foot wide, 17-million-pixel screen to chronicle rock history from the 60s to the early 80s.
The Celebrity Apex offers a 7-night cruise starting November 25 from Fort Lauderdale, visiting Key West, Belize, and Grand Cayman. With a special offer of 75% off the second guest, prices begin at £1,309 for the first guest and £396 for the second, including $100 per person onboard spending money for those sharing an ocean view stateroom.
For those interested in exploring European waters, the Celebrity Edge departs on May 13 from Rome, visiting Corsica, Portofino, La Spezia, Cannes, and Palma de Mallorca. Similarly, with 75% off the second guest, prices start at £1,594 for the first guest and £404 for the second for an inside stateroom, also including $100 per person onboard spending money. Flights from London Gatwick can be added for an additional £99 per person, though transfers cost extra.
On the last day, the Future Cruises desk was bustling as guests booked their next voyages. Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, a major draw for many returning travelers. American guests, in particular, look forward to visiting European ports aboard a luxury but relaxed Celebrity ship.