Celebrity Apex Returns to Southampton: Luxury Voyages Set Sail for Summer 2025

Source: Celebrity Cruises

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

April 13, 2025 — Luxury cruising in the UK enters a new chapter this weekend as Celebrity Apex®, one of the most acclaimed ships in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge® Series, officially returns to Southampton for her second consecutive summer season. With sailings running through October 2025, the state-of-the-art vessel will offer discerning travelers a collection of hand-curated four- to 14-night itineraries to destinations across Northern Europe, Portugal, Spain, and the Canary Islands—including the cruise line’s highly anticipated President’s Cruise through the Norwegian Fjords.

Celebrity Apex sets sail today, April 13, from Southampton with an 11-night journey bound for Portugal and the Canary Islands. The itinerary includes stops in Lisbon—where travelers can explore centuries-old tiled streets—and Gran Canaria, a volcanic isle famed for its diversity of natural wonders. Designed for travelers seeking serenity, sun, and cultural depth, this inaugural sailing kicks off a robust season of luxury escapes departing directly from the UK.

As the second ship in the Edge Series, Celebrity Apex delivers a next-generation approach to luxury cruising. Its outward-facing design, pioneered to deepen guests’ connection with the sea, is complemented by architectural showpieces like the Magic Carpet®—a cantilevered floating platform that transforms from bar to restaurant to open-air viewing deck.

The ship’s Infinite Veranda® staterooms expand traditional balconies into the living space with a touch of a button, while Edge Villas offer two-story accommodations with private plunge pools and sweeping ocean views. For guests of The Retreat®, an exclusive suite-class enclave, private dining at Luminae, a dedicated sundeck, and elite concierge services offer unmatched privacy and indulgence.

A pinnacle moment this summer will be the President’s Cruise, departing May 17, 2025. Hosted by Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, the itinerary charts a course through the majestic Norwegian Fjords. Guests will enjoy a week of surprises, shore excursions curated by the Celebrity team, and special appearances by the brand’s global culinary ambassador, Chef Daniel Boulud, who will host culinary events onboard.

This sailing also offers Captain’s Club℠ members the rare opportunity to connect directly with Celebrity’s executive team, while enjoying bespoke entertainment, exclusive receptions, and elevated enrichment experiences.

With 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges, Celebrity Apex continues to position itself at the forefront of cruise dining. Options include refined steakhouse fare at Fine Cut, pristine seafood at Raw on 5, and immersive multi-sensory meals at Eden. Each venue blends global culinary influences with meticulous presentation and world-class service.

The entertainment onboard is equally ambitious. The Theatre hosts original productions such as Rockumentary, Tree of Life, and Crystallize, each blending live music, acrobatics, and sophisticated storytelling. At The Club, guests can experience intimate cabaret performances, DJ-led dance parties, and a variety of themed pop-ups designed for immersive nightlife.

Whether chasing the midnight sun in Norway, uncovering coastal charm in the Mediterranean, or simply lounging poolside beneath the open sky, Celebrity Apex brings a new dimension to cruising from the UK. With every itinerary departing from Southampton, there’s never been a more seamless way to experience European luxury travel by sea.

Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium vacation experience across their fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. Uniquely offering the intimate feel and thoughtful service of small ships, with the variety and excitement of bigger ones – guests can explore the world or get away from it for a little while. With every detail elevated beyond expectations, guests will never want to vacation any other way. An industry pioneer for more than 35 years, each Celebrity vacation offers experiences you won't find anywhere else aboard ships which continue to shatter industry expectations with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel® arriving Fall 2025.