On board the game-changing cruise ship built for $1.6 billion

The ship: Celebrity Edge

• Built 2018
• The cruise Sydney to South Pacific (14 days)
• Passengers 2918
• Crew 1320
• Passenger decks 14; 1467 staterooms
• Length 306 metres

Life on the (Celebrity) Edge.

The cruise

A 14-day South Pacific cruise from Sydney stopping at Noumea, Suva, Lautoka, Mystery Island (Vanuatu) and Lifou (Loyalty Islands, part of New Caledonia). A planned stop at Port Vila is cancelled after the recent earthquake. This is Celebrity Edge’s second summer season based out of Sydney, with itineraries through Australian and New Zealand waters as well as the South Pacific.

The ship

Built at a cost of $US1 billion ($A1.6 billion), Celebrity Edge was somewhat of a cruising game-changer when it launched in 2018, with industry firsts including an outward-facing design to maximise ocean views, fully automated staterooms and a multi-purposed cantilevered floating platform called the Magic Carpet. The result is a ship that feels modern, playful and luxurious without a hint of stuffiness.

The Magic Carpet on a New Zealand cruise.

Boarding

A major appeal of cruising is the ease of embarkation, with Celebrity’s online check-in via the Celebrity app expediting the process. We arrive at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal well before our designated boarding time, but are able to drop our luggage and have coffee with friends before being whisked through immigration within minutes. Having viewed the mandatory safety briefing online enroute to the cruise terminal, we’re free to start exploring – first stop the upper-deck Sunset Bar to toast the always magnificent departure through Sydney Harbour.

The design

To break with traditional concepts of cruising, Celebrity employed a team of designers new to the cruising industry. This fresh perspective shows: The Edge wows with its interior spaces, from the sunlit three-storey oasis Eden at the stern of the ship – a collaboration between architect Scott Butler and interior designer Patricia Urquiola – to the cavernous Grand Plaza, dominated by a chandelier featuring 170,000 LED lights. Meanwhile, renowned designer Kelly Hoppen was charged with designing the ship’s suites, creating beautiful urban apartment-like spaces with the world’s best views.

The spaces

Grand Plaza.

It’s a choose-your-own-adventure, with guests having endless nooks to call their own. While sun-worshippers sizzle on the main resort deck, adults can escape to the indoor Solarium, or find a seat with infinite ocean views on the upper level of Eden. The ship’s most distinctive feature is the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that doubles as a bar when not in service as a tender launch pad. It only moved twice during our journey (no passengers allowed when in operation), spending most of the time on the top deck as a floating bar – a lovely place to drink in the sunset. Also popular with Aussie guests is Cafe al Bacio for morning caffeine fixes, while I loved the Spa cafe for fresh juices and a light breakfast. Guests staying in suites also have access to their own private sanctuary, The Retreat, with an exclusive sundeck, pool, hot tub and bar as well as a tranquil clubhouse lounge.

The stateroom

Staterooms and public areas offer a fresh perspective on cruise design.

I’m staying in an Infinite Veranda Stateroom, so-called due to another unique design feature – floor-to-ceiling windows that slide down at the touch of a button to create an in-room balcony, allowing you to travel with the soothing sound of waves and fresh ocean air if so desired. While there is plenty of hanging space and shelving for clothing, our lounge soon becomes a dumping ground for suitcases due to limited floor space. The bathroom, however, is surprisingly spacious, with a curved shower allowing some wriggle-room. Everything from lighting to air-conditioning is controlled on a touch-screen pad; while my daughter is particularly enamoured with the makeup-mirror lighting around the desk, a thoughtful touch when two women are vying for bathroom time.

The food

Raw on Five restaurant.

With 29 food and beverage experiences, it’s little wonder much of our time is spent pondering dinner options. There are four complimentary main restaurants, each with unique menu items as well as ones across the board; while the buffet at Oceanview Cafe is surprisingly good, with different cuisines on offer every night and stations where stir-fries and pastas are whipped up before your eyes. The Eden Cafe is our favourite lunch pick for toasties and healthy salads; while a hidden pizza station hits the spot for post-excursion or late-night munchies. For those who don’t mind paying extra for even more variety, there are several specialty dining options, including delicious sushi at Raw on 5 and innovative plant-based options at Eden. An experience not to be missed is Le Petit Chef, where the meal is choreographed with a whimsical 3D animation projected onto the table, presented by a little French chef explaining the history of food, art, love and French techniques.

Oceanview Cafe... surprisingly good.

Wellness

As the first itinerary post-festive season, it seems everyone on board has fitness on their minds. The well-equipped gym is constantly packed, fitness and dance classes are at capacity, while the walking track on the upper decks takes a pounding. The Spa also does a roaring trade (despite hefty prices in US dollars, surely a deterrent to Australian travellers who are the majority on this cruise). There are 120 treatments on offer including Elemis Biotec facials, zero gravity immersion massages and IV therapies. Post treatment, you can relax in the SEA Thermal Suite that includes a Turkish hammam, salt and crystal rooms, an infrared sauna, rain showers and heated tile loungers – complimentary for AquaClass guests, with passes otherwise available to buy. Note that Pilates and yoga classes incur an extra fee of $US20 ($31.50) a class.

Poolside during a Sydney farewell.

Entertainment

With an enthusiastic first-time cruiser in tow, and plenty of sea days (nine out of 14 days) to fill, we launch into Celebrity Edge’s entertainment program with gusto, from the fun and silly (high-energy musical theatre dance classes, axe throwing, silent discos) to the soporific (art auctions and jewellery lectures with the distant possibility of prizes for our time and efforts). “What’s next?” is my daughter’s mantra, with the sensible caveat that if we don’t like what’s on offer, we leave. We also attend most of the shows in the theatre (there are two sessions every evening), with acts including Australian comedians and musicians as well as performances from the house band and dancers.

Oceanview cafe.

The crew

They’re a cheerful lot, these hard-working cruise employees, always polite and never showing signs of fatigue. The enthusiasm for their job starts at the top, with Captain Matt Karandreas a ubiquitous presence, attending theatre performances and providing stand-up comedy like a pro. Our cabin steward is a fairy godfather who appears from nowhere to sort out our mess; while several baristas soon learn my coffee order, which is a nice touch.

The verdict

Celebrity Edge is a class act, with all the good things about American hospitality including impeccable service, cheerful crew, endless entertainment options and a slick, modern feel. The downside is that all added extras – from shore excursions to drinks packages – are in US dollars - a rude shock for Australian travellers under the current exchange rate.

The details

The next 14-night Fiji & Vanuatu itinerary on Celebrity Edge departs Sydney on March 29, 2026, as part of her 2025/2026 Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific season. From $3885. See celebritycruises.com/au

Our rating out of five

★★★★½

Swell
Don’t fear the buffet – its food offerings are well above your standard food court and a welcome change from the formal restaurants.

Not so swell
Make sure you pack every pharmaceutical in your arsenal. A visit to the medical centre will set you back $US250 ($403) for the consultation alone. This is America, after all.

The writer was a guest of Celebrity Cruises.