Cruising in Style: My Review of Celebrity Beyond

Travel to Fort Lauderdale and Embarkation

We flew into Fort Lauderdale on the same day our Celebrity Beyond cruise departed. While we usually prefer to arrive early to avoid potential weather delays, we had a backup plan in case of an emergency. This included a hotel reservation that we canceled two days before the trip once we were confident in the forecast.

Fort Lauderdale makes a great pre- or post-cruise destination. With beautiful beaches, excellent hotels, and a vibrant dining scene, it's a city worth exploring. We took an Uber from the airport to the port, which was a smooth 15 to 20-minute ride. The only brief delay came at the port entrance, where identification checks are required. Once inside, the check-in process was quick and efficient. We were onboard in about 15 minutes, perfectly timed with our assigned boarding window.

Disembarkation was just as seamless. We chose the walk-off option, keeping our luggage with us and leaving the ship around 7:45 a.m. The facial recognition system made the customs process fast and easy, and we were in another Uber heading to the airport within minutes.

Dining Options

Dining on Celebrity Beyond was one of the highlights of our trip. As AquaClass guests, we had access to Blu, where the clean, wellness-focused menu offered a refreshing start and end to each day. Our first night at Blu was a little hectic, as many guests arrived at once, but the rest of our evenings there were calm and enjoyable. We also appreciated the friendly conversations with nearby tables, which added a social touch to our meals.

The four main dining rooms on board are beautifully designed and each features its own themed menu. Although we didn’t dine in them, we took the time to explore the décor and layout, which gave us a great sense of their unique atmospheres and culinary focus.

Cabin Experience

We stayed in an AquaClass Infinite Veranda cabin and appreciated the open, airy feel created by the floor-to-ceiling window. This cabin style tends to be a love-it-or-leave-it experience, but on our second stay, we found ourselves enjoying it more. The space felt like a private wellness retreat, especially with access to the Thermal Suite in the spa. Unwinding in the steam rooms and heated loungers was a favorite part of our downtime.

Onboard Entertainment

Celebrity Beyond offers a wide variety of activities throughout the day and evening. We enjoyed participating in trivia and archery, as well as attending the "Ship Experience" Wines Around the World event. The guided wine tasting, led by knowledgeable sommeliers, was a fun and informative way to spend part of our evening.

The Theater on Celebrity Beyond

The main theater shows were truly memorable. With high-energy performances and stunning visual effects, the productions made excellent use of the theater’s open design and modern technology. Each show was immersive and engaging from start to finish.

Bars and Social Spaces

The ship offers a great mix of bars, each with its own personality. Craft Social quickly became a favorite for its welcoming atmosphere and lively staff. We found ourselves returning there often and only wished the space was a bit larger.

The Martini Bar in the Grand Foyer was another standout. With bartenders performing impressive tricks and a consistently buzzing vibe, it always felt like the heart of the ship in the evenings. We also loved the Sunset Bar, where Moroccan and Mediterranean touches created a stylish setting for watching the sunset. The only minor downside was accessing it from the aft of Oceanview Café, which involved passing a designated smoking area and climbing a nearby staircase.

The Pool Bar and the more hidden Mast Bar added a nice touch to our outdoor time. The Mast Bar, tucked away and easy to overlook, became a peaceful escape with great ocean views.

Specialty Dining Highlights

Our specialty dining experiences were exceptional. Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud delivered an elegant and flavorful journey inspired by his global culinary influences. Dining at Eden felt imaginative and playful, with unique dishes and creative presentations that kept us guessing. We also enjoyed the Rooftop Garden Grill, which offered a relaxed atmosphere paired with elevated comfort food. Although a light rain interrupted part of our meal and there were no covered walkways nearby, the setting was still one of our favorites.

Shopping Onboard

For anyone in the mood for a little shopping, Celebrity Beyond offers a refined selection of luxury retailers. With brands like Cartier and Bulgari, as well as thoughtfully curated collections of Celebrity-branded apparel and seasonal travel fashion, it’s easy to find a souvenir or stylish addition to your wardrobe.

Final Thoughts

Celebrity Beyond exceeded our expectations with its thoughtful design, engaging activities, and wide range of dining options. The updates from Edge and Apex are noticeable and elevate the overall experience. The staff, especially the activities team, brought energy and warmth to every interaction. If you’re looking for a cruise that blends style, comfort, and memorable experiences, Celebrity Beyond is a ship worth sailing.