Every time a new cruise ship is announced some new innovation has been added and Celebrity Cruises are following the trend. Celebrity Edge has taken cruising to a new level with their incredible Magic Carpet, a cantilevered floating platform, the size of a tennis court, on the side of the ship that will move between decks 2 and 16 high above the ocean to the private plunge pools of the new ‘Edge Villas’. 
The Magic Carpet is multi-purpose. At deck 2 it’s a walk through for passengers embarking and disembarking tenders, when not in use for this purpose it becomes an al fresco extension to a bar/restaurant on deck 5, for happy hours or late night parties it ascends to deck 14 and as an alternative restaurant at dinner time to deck 15. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your view point, passengers will not be allowed to ride the Magic Carpet whilst transiting between decks.
At 117,000 gross tonnes Celebrity Edge, due to launch in late 2018, will be followed by sister ships all being constructed at France’s STX shipyard. Whilst the second of the sisters, Celebrity Beyond, is due to launch in Spring 2020 the others are yet to be named but will launch in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Capable of accommodating 2,900 passengers in a variety of cabins from the well-appointed inside no view to the 2 Iconic Suites. The latter boasting over 5,000 sq. ft. with 700 sq. ft. balconies featuring their own jacuzzis and cabanas. Another first are the 6 Edge Villas spanning decks 14 and 15. Enjoying an ‘Upstairs’ bedroom, 2 bathrooms and balconies with private plunge pool guests will benefit from direct access to The Retreat sundeck, part of the suite only complex.
A feature adopted from some river cruise ships is the Infinite Veranda, 918 of them, including 16 for the solo traveller, a first for Celebrity. Featuring a glass enclosed area forming part of the main cabin increases the usable space by over 20% thus allowing balcony use in inclement weather but still allowing balcony style exterior views. Fronted by bi-folding glass doors the area can be transformed into a traditional balcony when weather permits. Another new feature will allow guests to unlock their cabin doors with a phone App thus avoiding the problem of key cards becoming de-magnetised.
Deck 14 designated ‘Resort Deck’ has been designed by the architect Tom Wright. Retaining the Lawn Club from Solstice Class and the Rooftop Terrace from Millennium Class it features a large pool, jacuzzis that overlook deck 13 and 6 large for rent private cabanas. This deck will also feature the ‘Rooftop Garden’, an area with live greenery and sculptured trees housing the Rooftop Garden Grill serving burgers during the day and transforming into an upmarket barbecue at night.
Celebrity Edge will be home ported in Fort Lauderdale with itineraries alternating between Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings beginning December 2018. Eastern Caribbean voyages will visit San Juan, Tortola B.V.I and Phillipsburg St. Maarten whilst Western Caribbean cruises will take guests to Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and George Town Grand Cayman.
Celebrity Edge – watch the video
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