I made it to Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday — on my original connecting flight from Atlanta, with about five minutes to spare. With my suitcase 🙂 . It was indeed a happy day.
We boarded the Celebrity Edge around noon yesterday, and while the line of cars getting into the Port Everglades Cruise Port was daunting, once we arrived at Terminal 25, a new cruise terminal designed for the Edge, embarkation was the easiest I’ve ever seen.
Now, more than 24 hours on the new Celebrity Edge ship, what do I think?
Well, I’d say my feelings and reactions are mixed — and everyone we’ve talked to thinks the same thing. The ship is innovative. Cutting edge, and so its name is appropriate.
A large part of the Edge is dedicated to “The Retreat.” Read — a space reserved for high end suite passengers ONLYÂ — at the expense of public spaces everyone loved on the Solstice Class ships.
What’s missing on the new Celebrity Edge?
- The Library: Gone
- The Hideaway: Gone
- The Game Room: Gone
- Sky Observation Lounge — bar with a panoramic view on the front of the ship: Gone
- The Lawn Club: Gone
- The Sunset Bar: VERY cramped and unappealing
- The Martini Bar: Missing its frosty bartop, and smushed into the new, somewhat loud atrium space — missing the intimate design we all liked.
- Cellar Master’s Wine Bar: Gone
Last night, my whole group of friends was feeling a little grouchy about all of the missing spaces onboard The Edge. I’ve talked to a lot of people over the last 24 hours. And all of them are sharing the same thoughts. At this point, we are really all wondering why anyone would pay a premium price to sail on this new ship over any of the Solstice Class ships in Celebrity’s fleet.
Today, my friends and I are starting to find spaces on this new ship that fit what we need. Frankly, what we expect.
This afternoon, I am writing to you from Eden — a large, deep, 3 level space on the stern of the Edge that answers many of the needs previously filled by the Hideaway, Library, Game Room, AND Sky Observation Lounge. I am currently sitting in a nook near the stern of the ship — with great internet connection.
And you know . . . we have an entirely new ship to explore and learn to use. I’ll be reporting more as we go further into the cruise.
Thank you for your journal. We are Celebrity cruisers and have been curious about the Edge. I read some unflattering comments on one website so look forward to your observations.
Hi Janine, well, we are settled into the ship and we are certainly enjoying the cruise. I like the ship, and will be writing more and sharing more photographs — but for me, I prefer the Solstice Class
I was a little concerned with the comments that started this article but with finding the Eden there may be hope for this Cruse .can’t wait to hear more about this new boat .