A SHIP for all people
One cruise, multiple ways to enjoy yourself. Here’s what the team from Hearst UK, publisher of GH, loved about the new Celebrity Beyond
If you’re going away with family – or even just your partner – it can be hard to find a destination to suit everyone. Will there be enough to keep the children entertained? Is there somewhere to relax yet also plenty of sightseeing? Can you afford to eat somewhere different each night? Cruises tick all these boxes as there’s so much to do both on and off board. So, earlier this year, our team set sail from Southampton on the new Celebrity Beyond to put its offerings to the test…
A PLACE TO RELAX
‘My favourite spot on board? The spa, of course! I could have spent all day relaxing on the heated loungers with a panoramic view while dipping in and out of the SEA Thermal Suite with its hammam, crystalarium, infrared sauna and salt and steam rooms. There are 120 treatments and Gwyneth Paltrow, Celebrity’s wellbeing adviser, has selected the Goop products on sale. I disembarked feeling revitalised.’
Sarah Tomczak, Red editor
FABULOUS FOOD AND DRINK
‘I sat, cocktail in hand, at the Sunset Bar, deciding what and where to eat: Daniel Boulud’s Le Voyage; seafood at Greek eaterie Cyprus; or fresh pasta at Tuscan. I chose finest French fare at Normandie, then a nightcap at the glitzy Martini Bar. A feast for the senses.’ Jo Checkley, Prima editor
PARADISE FOR KIDS
‘On this incredible ship I felt like a big kid – there’s a “magic carpet” attached to the side that can move up and down 13 decks, and a space-like infinity mirrored gallery with bronze sculptures. Actual kids can join the Camp at Sea for three- to 12-year-olds, which has more than 500 activities; plus there are silent discos and game nights for teens. It’s amazing how much is on offer for all ages on board.’ Emma Justice, GH deputy editor
A LUXURY TREAT
‘The Retreat is a secluded pool, two-storey sundeck, bar and lounge at the top of the ship. Guests who stay in this “resort within a resort” enjoy exclusive spaces designed by Kelly Hoppen CBE and can dine in their own private restaurant, Luminae. Plus, shop in a Stella Mccartney boutique and buy a Picasso on board.’ Jacqueline
Euwe, chief luxury officer
WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT
‘The shows on Beyond are all West-end standard. The state-of-the-art theatre includes a 110ft screen incorporating visuals into three original shows: Arte, which immerses you in iconic works of art; Elements, which includes some spectacular acrobatics; and Stage Door, featuring songs from my favourite musicals. All deserved a standing ovation.’ Gaby Huddart, GH editor-in-chief
HEALTH AND HEDONISM
‘An early-morning high-intensity F45 class followed by a massage in the spa, a cocktail at dusk, dinner in one of the
14 restaurants, then singing karaoke with a live band in a packed nightclub – Celebrity Beyond satisfied the wellness-obsessed part of me as well as the party girl. It’s the perfect ship for health and hedonism.’ Claire Sanderson, Women’s Health editor-in-chief
GET ON BOARD Celebrity Cruises (celebritycruises.com) offers a seven-night Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Beyond from Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Plata, St Thomas and St Maarten from £824pp, departing 2 April 2023. Or next summer, on 16 June, the ship will cruise the Mediterranean on a 10-night Italy, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro sailing, from £2,105pp. Based on two sharing an Oceanview stateroom with wi-fi, drinks and service included; flights extra.