Behind the Scenes at Sea: A Visit to Queen Anne and Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Apex: Chic, Contemporary Resort At Sea

Celebrity Apex, part of Celebrity Cruises’ Edge class, feels like a stylish boutique hotel blended with a modern resort. From the moment you step on board you are met with sleek design, bold art, and spaces that feel fresh and contemporary rather than a traditional cruise.

 Design Highlights

·        The Infinite Veranda: This is the ship's signature cabin feature. Instead of a traditional balcony, the entire wall of the stateroom is a floor-to-ceiling window. With the touch of a button, the top half slides down, and the room itself becomes the veranda. It’s a game-changer for clients who want to maximize their living space.

·        The Rooftop Garden: This is a lush, living urban park at sea. It features dramatic sculptures, live music, and a massive LED screen for "A Taste of Film" experiences. It feels more like a chic rooftop lounge in Manhattan or London than a cruise ship deck.

·        The Grand Plaza: Designed to be the heart of the ship, this three-story space is inspired by the piazzas of Italy. It’s anchored by the Martini Bar, where the bartenders are known for their high-energy, choreographed performances. It’s the perfect spot for pre-dinner socialising.

·        Modern Luxury Interior: The decor is curated by world-class designers, moving away from the "glitter and gold" of older ships toward a sophisticated, neutral palette with bold, artistic accents. 

Dining & Bars

Celebrity is known for its food, and Apex continues that reputation with:

·        Multiple complimentary main restaurants, each with its own decor and subtle culinary focus

·        A wide choice of speciality venues for more immersive evenings, ideal for foodies who see dining as a key part of the holiday

·        Stylish bars and lounges, from buzzing evening venues to quieter corners for a pre-dinner drink

This variety works well for guests who like flexibility rather than a fixed routine.

 Accommodation

Cabins feel contemporary and cleverly designed, making excellent use of space. Highlights include:

·        Infinite Veranda staterooms which blur the line between balcony and cabin, ideal for those who want more usable indoor space but still love fresh air and sea views

·        A range of suites with enhanced service and access to exclusive areas like The Retreat, perfect for clients wanting a more private, high‑touch experience without losing the energy of a larger ship

 Entertainment & Facilities

On Apex you will find:

·        High‑tech theatre productions and immersive shows

·        A quality spa and fitness centre, appealing to wellness‑minded guests

·        Pool areas that feel like a smart resort rather than a traditional cruise deck

The ship is designed for people who enjoy stylish surroundings, good music, and a sociable but not rowdy environment.

 Who Is Celebrity Apex Best For?

Celebrity Apex is ideal for:

·        Modern luxury seekers: Guests who love chic hotels, smart city breaks and stylish beach resorts.

·        Couples & friends: Especially in their 30s to 60s, who want great food, bars and contemporary entertainment.

·        Sophisticated first‑time cruisers: Those who like the idea of cruising but worry it might feel too traditional or formal. Apex feels fresh, relaxed and design‑led.

·        Suite guests looking for “ship‑within‑a‑ship”: The Retreat offers a more exclusive environment, with all the facilities of a larger ship at your fingertips.

 

Queen Anne: Classic Ocean Liner Elegance With A Modern Twist

Queen Anne is Cunard’s newest ship and brings the brand’s iconic heritage into the present day. it has the poise of a classic ocean liner with modern design touches, creating a sense of occasion that Cunard loyalists love. 

Design Highlights

·        The Grand Lobby: This is the ship's architectural centerpiece. It’s designed to be a dramatic, multi-level space that serves as the social hub. It is the ultimate "Gala Evening" backdrop, where the sense of occasion is palpable, and the design encourages guests to see and be seen.

·        The Mareel Spa: Visually, this space is a masterclass in tranquility. It moves away from the clinical look of many ship spas, using soft textures, calming lighting, and a design flow that feels like a high-end land-based wellness retreat. It is designed to be a sanctuary from the bustle of the ship.

·        Signature Venues Reimagined: You will find the classic Cunard staples—the Afternoon Tea service and the formal dining rooms—but they are housed in spaces with updated, stylish décor. The design allows for the traditional ceremony of these events while feeling fresh and uncluttered.

·        Artistic Flourishes: The ship is filled with curated art and design details that pay homage to Cunard’s history without feeling like a museum. The use of light and space creates a sense of "unparalleled comfort," making the ship feel intimate despite its 113,000-ton size.

 Dining & White Star Service

Cunard’s famous White Star Service is at the heart of Queen Anne. On board you can expect:

·        Elegant main dining rooms aligned to stateroom category, with a sense of occasion at dinner

·        Formal and semi‑formal evenings that many guests really look forward to as part of the Cunard experience

·        Afternoon tea, speciality dining and a more traditional approach to service, where staff quickly get to know guest preferences

For clients who enjoy dressing up and being looked after in a very classic way, this is a huge plus.

Accommodation & Grills Experience

Accommodation ranges from well‑appointed standard staterooms to the renowned Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites. Key points:

·        Staterooms are tastefully designed, combining comfort with a timeless feel

·        Grill suites come with exclusive restaurants and lounge areas, elevating the experience into true luxury

Overall layout and design suit guests who value sanctuary and quiet as much as public spaces

 Enrichment, Entertainment & Traditions

On Queen Anne the experience extends beyond shows into enrichment and tradition:

·        Enrichment programmes, lectures and cultural activities play a significant role

·        Classic venues such as the ballroom, stylish bars and lounges, and dedicated quiet spaces like libraries

·        Opportunities to enjoy traditional pastimes on sea days, perfect for those who relish slower, more refined travel

Who Is Queen Anne Best For?

Queen Anne is ideal for:

·        Lovers of classic style and tradition: Guests who enjoy formal evenings, ballroom venues, and a strong sense of occasion.

·        Mature couples and solo travellers: Typically those who appreciate slower‑paced luxury, attentive service and a calm onboard vibe.

·        Cultural and enrichment‑focused clients: People who relish lectures, talks, music and a more cerebral approach to days at sea.

·        Past Cunard guests and discerning cruisers: Those who already know they enjoy traditional cruising or want to experience a “true ocean liner” style voyage. 

Final Thoughts

 Both Celebrity Apex and Queen Anne deliver premium experiences, but in different ways:

Vibe

·        Apex: Chic, contemporary, resort‑style energy.

·        Queen Anne: Refined, elegant, classic.

Dress Code & Formality

·        Apex: Smart‑casual with the option to dress up.

·        Queen Anne: Embraces formal and gala nights as a key part of the experience.

Cruiser Personality

·        Apex: Suits style‑conscious couples, friends and younger‑minded travellers who love modern hotels, cool bars and great food.

·        Queen Anne: Suits clients who value heritage, ceremony and understated luxury with strong, traditional service.

First‑Time vs Experienced Cruisers

·        Apex: Often easier for first‑time cruisers who are moving from land‑based premium resorts.

·        Queen Anne: Perfect for clients who either already enjoy more traditional cruising or are actively looking for that grand liner feel.

Having toured both ships, I was struck by how complementary they are rather than competitive. They occupy different lanes within the premium cruise space, which is good news for you as a traveller: it means you can choose a ship that truly reflects your personal style.

Whether you picture yourself sipping cocktails on a sleek contemporary deck as the sun sets on Celebrity Apex, or dressing for a gala evening and enjoying white‑glove afternoon tea on Queen Anne, there is a ship and a style to suit you.

If you would like help deciding which of these ships is the right match for your next holiday, I can talk you through the itineraries, cabin options and onboard experience in more detail, then tailor a sailing to perfectly suit your tastes.