WORLD’S MOST INNOVATIVE CRUISE SHIP
As new figures reveal that 1.9m Brits holidayed on the ocean last year, we look at the liner promising to revolutionise the maritime experience
tHE British have always been a seafaring nation, from defeating the Spanish Armada to establishing colonies in the New World, and it seems nothing has changed. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, a record 1.9million holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took cruises last year and from next year they’ll be able to do so on the most high-tech ship that has ever been launched.
A big ahoy there, then, to Celebrity Edge, the first new ship launched by the Celebrity line for a decade, which will be taking to the high seas – or more specifically the Caribbean – in 2018.
Holding nearly 3,000 passengers, who can expect to pay upwards of £2,689 per person, the £4billion liner will be taking her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean towards the end of next year and can boast any number of firsts on her way.
She is the first ship ever to have been designed in 3-D and at the launch last week, when details were unveiled, guests wore 3-D goggles in which they could test the view from any chair on board.
Her designer is innovative architect Tom Wright: “We put a strong spine down the middle of the ship so we could get rid of the bulky metal exoskeleton that limited views and space,” he told Architectural Digest. “People can move closer to the edge near the water.”
Interiors are designed by Kelly Hoppen, a favourite (and friend) of the Beckhams and famous for her taupe, Far Eastern-influenced interiors. Exteriors will be designed by Nate Berkus.
BUT it is that spine that has dictated Celebrity Edge’s guiding principle, which is to bring passengers far closer to their external surroundings than most ships would allow. For a start it boasts a unique feature called the Magic Carpet, which is actually a giant platform that can move up and down between Deck 2 and Deck 16. At sea level it will allow passengers to walk straight on to tenders rather than clambering down ladders or ramps, while at other times it will nestle alongside Deck 5 as part of a raw bar and restaurant, Deck 14 for happy hour and parties and Deck 16 as an alternative restaurant.
There will of course be a spa, a pool flanked by trees and a roof garden, boasting sculptures of trees that can double as seats for musicians. But it is the accommodation that will take the breath away. There will be 918 Infinite Veranda cabins, including 16 for single travellers, with bifold doors that can open up to turn the whole room into an open-air balcony, or left closed with access to a real veranda outside.
There will be two Iconic Suites, of 5,000sq ft each, with two bedrooms, butler’s pantries and 700ft balconies with their own private Jacuzzi and cabana. There will also be six two-storey villas with private plunge pools and access to a suites-only area called The Retreat, with a private pool, sun deck and restaurant.
Passengers may never wish to come ashore again.