Unforgettable Glaciers and Unmatched Luxury: Sailing the Norwegian Fjords on Celebrity Apex
Our May/June 2025 sailing on the Celebrity Apex from Southampton to the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords was nothing short of spectacular. Between the dramatic, glacier-carved landscapes of ports like Flåm and Bergen, and the cutting-edge luxury of this Edge-class ship, it was a trip that perfectly balanced rugged exploration with pure indulgence. Here is a breakdown of why this cruise experience was top-notch across the board.
The Food and Restaurants
The culinary program on the Apex is entirely in a league of its own, boasting 29 distinct food and beverage experiences. Instead of a single massive dining hall, the ship features four complimentary main restaurants—Normandie, Tuscan, Cyprus, and Cosmopolitan—each offering a uniquely immersive atmosphere and regionally inspired dishes alongside classic favorites.
For specialty dining, the Fine Cut Steakhouse delivered an exceptional, melt-in-your-mouth prime cut experience. We also loved grabbing casual bites at the Eden Cafe, which offered great morning beverages and an al fresco patio option that was perfect on the milder weather days in the fjords.
The Lounges and Bars
Every lounge on the ship felt meticulously designed, offering a different vibe depending on the time of day:
- The Grand Plaza: The true heartbeat of the ship. The dynamic lighting shifted from warm and inviting during the day to vibrant and energetic at night.
- Martini Bar: The bartenders here put on an incredibly high-energy show, shaking up classic and contemporary martinis on an ice-topped bar.
- Magic Carpet: This cantilevered, floating platform on the side of the ship provided unmatched, sweeping views of the steep Norwegian coastlines while we sipped cocktails in the open air.
Top-Notch Entertainment and Service
The entertainment perfectly matched the upscale energy of the ship. The state-of-the-art theater productions were visually stunning, and the live music scattered throughout the lounges kept the evenings lively without feeling overwhelming.
Above all, the service tied the entire experience together. Whether it was the intuitive waitstaff in the dining rooms, the attentive stateroom attendants, or the genuinely friendly faces greeting us after a long day of hiking in Stavanger or kayaking the fjords, the crew consistently went above and beyond.