SECRET SPOTS on the Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship

[@erikaborsos3731]

I just returned home April 15th (2023) from a 7 day cruise on Celebrity Apex which is an elegant, peaceful & beautiful high end ship! Three ports were visited: San Juan, PR; Tortola, BVI & St Kitts, West Indies ---> LOVED ALL OF THEM!!! After docking at 3:30 PM, we walked around Old San Juan near the port. We took no excursions on San Juan as we arrived late. I have been to SJ before and had already visited El Cristobal Fort & El Morro then both are highly recommended as excursions. In Tortola, we took the Town & Country Tour including one hour at Cane Garden Bay Beach, then we returned going around Tortola from another direction (3.5 hrs). We saw amazing views of Roadtown & our ship, plus many jaw dropping views of various islands & landscapes. Our driver & tour guide was Kumba and he was fantastic. St Kitts was our third island, where Century Apex & three other ships docked, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, a Carnival ship & Marella Explorer 2. Needless to say, the area outside the gate was crowded with people milling about trying to find their line for the booked excursions. Royal Carribean passengers were most numerous as their ship was huge. We took the "Scenic island cruise and beach tour" (3.5 hrs). A boat took us away from the pier and we viewed several islands at a leisurely pace while heading toward the most beautiful view in the distance, the island of Nevis. We had one hour to enjoy Lime Beach (part of Pinney's beach) near the Four Seasons Hotel [edited name of hotel]. Then qe returned by boat to the marina. The ship Celebrity Apex was *ASTONISHING*. The Theater entertainment was *PHENOMENAL* with singing, dancing, & acrobatics included in highly creative programs!!! Also, individual singers on specific nights were extraordinairily talented!!! Everything was memorable about the Celebrity Apex! Not enough space here nor enough time to describe what was so great & why it was so memorable & enjoyable!

[@pickard72]

I was on the Celebrity Constellation then, and we saw the Apex in the same port in San Juan, PR! The Apex seemed huge compared to our Constellation! After seeing the Apex in port, we decided to book our next cruise on the Apex!

[@erikaborsos3731]

@@pickard72 I remember seeing the Constellation in SJ. I think you were already there and left not long after we arrived. You will be astonished at the beauty and interior design of the Apex. Everything about it is impressive. We did not go to any specialty restaurants. We went to dinner at the assigned restaurant most evenings. We had all our breakfasts & lunches at the World Marketplace buffet which had enough variety & choices to satisfy anyone. Had a few dinners there too. I think you will be impressed with the Apex and enjoy it very much. Their Main Plaza seems smaller than it should be but given several levels have seating above it with views (restaurants, bars & lounges), it works out.

[@JoeyFazio]

We totally enjoyed your very thorough and informative tour of the Celebrity Apex cruise ship. Your enthusiam through out the tour made the time fly by and we also enjoyed the way you broke the video into sections so we could go rewatch the parts we wanted to know more about. Keep up the good work!

[@abrahamj.roberts9697]

Hi Nick! I'm in the middle of enjoying this awesome review but I wanted to say thank you for your loving energy and enthusiasm. You are so blessed to have your parents by the way. Unfortunately my mother died a while back so I'm a loner outside of church and work. I'm really hoping to cruise with Celebrity very soon and Apex seems to be fantastic for me - especially as a solo traveler.

[@RunTravelSleepRepeat]

Nick, you are endlessly watchable.

[@nickgray]

You are so kind!! Thanks for leaving a comment

[@garypetermeier3865]

Funny you mentioned the escargot. I was on the Edge in January 2023. I had the escargot every time I could and lobster! The Eden lobster cassarole was AMAZING!!

[@LovaLova808]

Nick, this is the best overall Apex review on KZbin. Thank you!

[@nickgray]

Jennifer thank you so much! That really means a lot to me. I make these videos for fun and comments like what you shared make it all worth it.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Thanks. Glad you found your ship. But it's not everyone's unfortunately. Where is the lounge for forward sea views? Where is the dedicated lounge for dancing like a Rendezvous Lounge? Where is the card room? Where is the library? Where do comedians perform? The Club? This ship is for some type of cruisers like those that like the newest class in the fleet, like the shows in the theater, like to try different specialty restaurants for type of food and ambiance; like a ship with the foyer as the hub of the ship, shopping, deck areas and spas, and a buffet. If you like Eden, a sort of interactive show and gathering place on multi-levels in the back with occasional dancing, this is for you. But what if you like to play cards in a dedicated spot? What if you like to choose between lounges for what's going on in there and each one having their own ambiance? Truth of the matter, the Edge class doesn't have options there. They have different bars, but not lounges. The coffee bar and sports area you can lounge, and there is occasional music available, but where do you dance? I guess on deck or in that small area of the martini bar. And yes, the Club. But that's a nightclub and a different vibe/ambiance than say a Wheelhouse Bar on Princess or BB Kings on HAL. I just think the HAL and Princess ships are more complete in what they offer to various types of cruisers. And let's provide for all types of cruisers, not just some. Another issue with Edge class is that not everyone likes the infinite verandas. And then there is the whole retreat area that takes up prime real estate on the ship. I think this is an incomplete ship for some long-time Celebrity cruisers and this has been voiced on Celebrity boards. It's also not totally loved by veranda lovers. I think Celebrity made some mistakes in this cruise class that with some changes and inclusions rather than deletions, would appeal to more types of cruisers from Celebrity and other lines. Personally, I'm fine with the 4 dining rooms. In fact, two of them remind me of the DRs on the Zenith and Horizon. I love the theater. I love some of the deck spaces. So the ship has positives for sure. But it also has some holes in what it offers people are glossing over.

[@nickgray]

This is the most informed, well-considered comment I think I've gotten! I can tell you know a lot about cruising and have your own preferences. I respect that!! Not all ships are perfect. What's your favorite ship by HAL and Princess btw?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@nickgray Thanks. From the old HAL, it was the Rotterdam of 1959. From the current HAL, it's harder to say but I do like the Pinnacle class ships since they're an evolution of the Statendam class. I like the Royal Class Princess ships, again very evolutionary. I did like the 1989 Crown and later Regal Princess for their dolphin like shape which seemed modern at the time. The Dome area was a hit, the observation lounge area on that ship. They weren't originally built for Princess but served well as Princess ships. I believe the two ships are scrapped now.

[@MsCoco2323]

Thanks for the tour. We leave next thursday on the Apex!

[@nickgray]

I LOVED THE APEX!! My favorite ship from the past year or two. It really is super nice. Don't forget to try the escargots on Celebrity with dinner. Have a great trip and thanks for the comment.

[@nigelsknowledge]

Hi like your video. Just a remark on the hand waving for the toilet doors, as a wheelchair user this facility is brilliant and means I don’t need to ask a stranger to help with the doors.

[@nickgray]

It's genius and I think it should be everywhere!!

[@myhome4707]

Hi Nick you missed the main part in the bathroom / roll in shower room the seat in the shower area this is important to people who require this type of cabin do you have a video showing the seat. Thanks

[@madysmom]

Do you need reservations for the 4 main dining rooms?

[@thadshingleton3932]

Great review Nick! Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips on the Apex. I am booked for this coming March and am excited about sailing on this ship. I appreciate your insights and fresh takes on the ship.

[@nickgray]

thanks so much Thad! I saw someone else here in the comments who is also going in March. I imagine the weather then will be lovely. The Apex really is the nicest ship I've been on, especially RE: common areas and interior design. Have a great cruise and thanks again for the nice comment

[@stevesimonetti9669]

I love your free form style of doing this. Nice format!

[@jimbreen7009]

Nice tour Nick we are going with the family for a Christmas cruise this year! We are concierge class suite do we get the nice dining and spa?/

[@kellym8987]

Thanks for the video! On the Apex in a few weeks, will try the escargot!

[@nickgray]

Kelly thank you so much for making it to the end to my secret bonus content!! 😂 But seriously I love the escargot. Thanks for saying Hi and have an awesome cruise

[@apprenticechump]

Thanks for this. Apex booked for august. I will have a try of the escargot 😅

[@nickgray]

Yes, you should definitely try it!

[@raymondlyons8492]

Well done great review, of a beautiful ship as you have shown, so professional.

[@gizza1958]

Great video, Nick, thanks for sharing it. We have booked onto the Apex for next year, having preferred our first Celebrity cruise on the Silhouette in 2018 to the more recent Royal Caribbean cruises we've been on. This ship looks amazing, much more to our taste.

[@TomOrbach]

Lol, this is so good I immediately bought the cocktail party book on Amazon

[@nickgray]

Tom!! Are you serious?? THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I can't tell you how much that means to me, and I hope you get some value out of it. Tell me if you accept the challenge at the end of Chapter 1, to set a date

[@pickard72]

I also order the escargot on Celebrity almost every evening; their preparation and recipe is excellent and consistent. But if it's the best you have eaten, you need to get out more! One of the things I love about France is there are so many different ways each chef will prepare and spice up the escargot.

[@robertfisher2844]

What a great ship I've been on a lot of cruises but i must say this is going to be on my list next .

[@travelbug.shutterbug]

You are so hilarious! Great tour with so much personality! Can’t wait to watch your other videos!

[@MarilynLurie]

I am also a fan of escargots and will definitely indulge! Interested in your book and possibly hosting a party on a future cruise!

[@nickgray]

TEAM ESCARGOTS!! It is really nice to have always on the Celebrity cruise ships. Sorry that I did not reply sooner. If you get my book The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, tell me if you accept the challenge at the end of Chapter 1, to set a date. I will help you with it. This will be fun.

[@lynns5675]

Great video, thank you! I'll be on this ship in a few weeks and looking forward to it. :)

[@petrblecha4466]

Cool ship Tour! :) Especially admiration to your camera-girl - your mum ROCKS !!! Makes it so much cooler - many greetings to her!

[@Animalcarericky]

Thank you, fantastic video. We’re on board apex in April. Love the detail of what is included.

[@nickgray]

You are very welcome, my dude! Have fun!!

[@vacation13]

I don't usually comment on cruise videos...I've been on the Edge. Sky suite. It doesn't get any better, and this from a cruiser that has been on 40 HAL cruises, including 3 World Cruises. Love your enthusiasm. Wish Celebrity would do longer cruises. I will definitely will follow you from now on. BTW we are in our mid 70's.

[@colinbudd6126]

Love your enthusiasm! You are showing me everything I wanted to see. Thanks

[@kentd5241]

Thanks for the tour! Love your energy!

[@belikechi]

Great video I am going next year. Quick question do the cabin rooms have privacy that glass window seems weird in the bathroom 😮Can you close it?

[@johnnyrocco3]

Absolutely the best ship video tour ever! Liked and subscribed to your channel. Great job Nick and thanks!

[@nickgray]

JOHNNY ROCCO!! Thank you so much, this comment really made my evening. And I'd like to apologize in advance if you see me posting a lot about hosting meetups and parties, since that's what my book is about 😅 Thanks for watching my video and leaving a comment. Can't wait to cruise again soon so I can make another video.

[@LovaLova808]

Great video. So excited for my Caribbean cruise Jan 2024 on Apex!!

[@silvialeon3408]

Excellent review... going in March on the Apex with my husband and 20 YO daughter.

[@nickgray]

thank you so much Silvia! you're going to have a GREAT cruise. The Apex is a fantastic ship and I bet that the weather in March is going to be lovely.

[@jodiewen9452]

I loved it. Just booked for a Scandinavian cruise in 2024 given the semi annual 75% off 2nd Guest Sale! And, going on The Beyond this year. I did NOT think this was too long. I love that you parsed it out and I can grab content info along the way! Wonderful job! And, thank you!

[@nickgray]

Hey Jodi, the Scandinavian cruise in 2024 sounds awesome! What a great deal that you got, too. Thank you so much for watching it and your comment. Also I just looked it up and Celebrity Beyond is nearly brand new - just built in April 2022, wow!! You're going to have a great time. Let me know if the layout is similar to Apex, I bet it is.

[@ComiendoFeliz]

very good video , thank you so much ,😉😉😋😋😍😍😍😍😍😍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@clairean1849]

Amazing video!!! Thanks for the tour 😊

[@ladyquietly]

Thanks for your great review. Going on our first cruise and picked the Apex without knowing anything about it! I’m so excited now!! I noticed that you wore long sleeve shirt and shorts… was it hot or cold?

[@nickgray]

Hi!! You're going to have a great cruise and thanks for your comment! We cruised in late December 2022, so it was a bit chilly outside. That's why I was wearing warmer clothes. Inside it was pretty fine? Perhaps a bit chilly, so you could bring a sweatshirt or something if you get cold? But it wasn't bad. Mostly just chilly outside and it was nice inside.

[@divox9pqr]

As a single solo cruiser, I look for great experiences. The infinite veranda that I have seen is not for me. I need that balcony to step out and get that experience. Not to mention that some problems have come up with the window opening and closing mechanism in the infinite veranda cabins.

[@AllanKleiman-s4d]

Thanks very much. I'm on the Apex next week on a carter.

[@faithmartin1115]

Great review. Very thorough

[@nickgray]

Thanks so much for watching it Faith! I really loved the ship, I think Apex is my new favorite

[@rjpfbangkok]

Hi Nick....you entertained us here in Thailand with your enthusiastic and great video as we prepare to go to Europe and on Apex in June to the Fjords. I just wish you were on the ship with us as it would be hilarious! My partner has never been on a cruise ship before so is cautiously optimistic but I cruised many times in a dark ages when Celebrity was called Chandris Cruises mostly out of Piraeus ,Greece when cruising was in its infancy...so it will be aninteresting experience for both! Look us up in Amazing Thailand!

[@janehuesman9530]

Thanks for this great video, I have cruised with celebrity but was not convinced to book on Edge class- you changed my mind-really thorough tour- thanks for the detail of showing USB outlets by bed. There is no power next to bed on the other celebrity ship classes, which was a bit annoying! I am so appreciative of your enthusiasm! Really great job!

[@camillecara00]

My husband and I are sailing next month. Your video was so helpful & fun to watch! 😊

[@patbotelho1771]

We’re going on Apex I. 2 weeks. I think you have to pay for the fruit shakes at the Solarium cafe

[@patbotelho1771]

Loved your review. You have so much energy. I also love the Eden area. 😊❤😊

[@HotSauceStain]

Wow so excited! This looks like a 5 start hotel. Except I’m doing the opposite, I’m treating my parents to a free vacation! After the many they’ve paid for in my life it’s the least I can do while they’re still around.

[@nickgray]

This is AWESOME! What a nice treat for your parents. I think they're going to love it. The Apex is an excellent ship. My favorite Celebrity ship and perhaps one of my Top 3 ships overall. It'll be great. Thanks for checking out my video and for leaving a comment.

[@deeelisa1890]

This was a great video

[@nickgray]

Thank you Dee Elisa!! I had fun making it (and boy I miss that ship now).

[@williamumbach592]

Escargot rocks!

[@nickgray]

heck yes! I really only ever have it on the cruise ship and honestly have it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

[@Surfinmars]

Thanks for the video..I actually watched the whole thing since the wife and I are booked on the Apex at the end of February. I didn't see you review the casino...Is it decent?

[@nickgray]

Hey Mars I’m jealous of your cruise! So the casino was fine- perhaps a bit smaller than others I’ve seen? But it all seemed top notch, new equipment, it was nice. Apologies for not including it!! Will do on my next one, good idea.

[@LovaLova808]

That inside cabin is so spacious!

[@abrahamj.roberts9697]

I too am not too crazy about Italian food but I LOVE escargot!! You are scaring me! #twinsies

[@RobertMiami305]

Fantastic Review. Just booked for 12/16/23 👍🏼

[@patbotelho1771]

Loved your review. Can’t wait for our Apex cruise😊😊

[@abrahamj.roberts9697]

I've reached your Eden segment - I too share appreciation for details like beautiful furniture - especially green chairs and sofas. LOL! & green is not even my favorite color.

[@donnamanitu8673]

Loved the video and I subscribed but please upgrade your microphone for windy areas.

[@LovaLova808]

Can't believe Gelato is extra.

[@PiaAdora]

One of the most entertaining ship tours I’ve ever watched here on YT. (Btw, will check out the audiobook; I’m hosting an event on a cruise in two weeks!)

[@johnsykes1004]

I'm an Escargot every night person also --- good overall review -

[@nickgray]

my first escargot comment! dang, John- now you're making me miss it. I have not had escargot since this cruise and suddenly I find myself wanting those buttery snails with some bread as an appetizer.

[@LouisFormica1]

Nick when did your cruise start. In Dec? I am told the buffet has changed effective Jan 1 and if you started in January, then it may not be true.

[@nickgray]

hello Louis! my cruise started approx December 23, 2022.

[@estherespina774]

loved this! where was everyone?

[@abrahamj.roberts9697]

LOL! FYI - I always wear long sleeve shirts - even when working out.

[@Diehappppy]

Awesome video! You are very entertaining

[@nickgray]

Thank you so much 😁 I had fun on this cruise (but let’s be honest: I love almost all cruises haha)

[@abrahamj.roberts9697]

"Art gallery - kinda a scam". HAHAHAHAHA

[@kylestephens260]

Is there pool times? Or the selerium times? Or are they 24/7? I go on apex feb 11

[@LovaLova808]

Hello. How did you get into the Retreat??

[@LovaLova808]

"Parents got the upgrade"

[@michelleb749]

I have read they reduced the dinner buffet since Jan 1st, 2023

[@tinadevi1390]

never enough ocean!

[@davidmarsden305]

Hi, Nick, very informative video, thank you, can I just mention, the word handicap has been replaced with disabled or accessible, no cruise company would ever describe a cabin as a handicapped room, must be an American thing, because I've heard another reviewer using it too? Besides that issue, thank you for the great walk through

[@nickgray]

oh thank you! I was unaware of that, I will be more mindful and use disabled or accessible in the future.

[@vwupr]

Man why people is so sensible here

[@vwupr]

Cute guy 😘

[@nickgray]

THANK YOUUU

[@CarolynHagaman]

Thanks for the tour. We are sailing in the retreat in a few weeks and it is a bit unsettling that you were able to have such access to the retreat areas even though you are staying in an inside room. I understand that your parents were staying in the Retreat, but you should not have access to an area that we are paying much more to stay in. I would never consider allowing friends/family not staying in the Retreat access.

[@nickgray]

Hi! My parents paid extra for me to have access to the Retreat. It was perhaps $100 extra per day? This included access to the special restaurant, too.

[@janiellenathan]

hello

[@petervogel8015]

Just FYI, they’re decks, not floors 😉

[@nickgray]

good catch- thank you Peter! Different decks on the ships, not floors. I will note that for my next ship tour!

[@femmedenise3598]

🙄

[@vwupr]

Rude

[@mumblic]

8:45 Surprised by the bathrobe but not with the shoes in the closet. That's strange??

[@nickgray]

I personally love bathrobes! Makes me feel fancy. So I'm always happy to see them on a ship where they can be rare.

[@alana6806]

The largest pool ? You mean the only pool

[@Tynancom]

Great review, but way too long. 20 minutes max. Where did you book the cruise?

[@nickgray]

Thanks for your comment even though you felt it was too long! I booked my cruise via www.cruisesheet.com which is an aggregator and scanner for discounts

[@abrahamj.roberts9697]

@@nickgray Not too long at all! I enjoyed every second!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Really? There are almost 2 hour reviews on ships from some travel agents.

[@hallawayjoe]

Enjoyed the video and your Ted talk.

[@leols1729]

I really enjoyed your video. Can't wait to go in December.

[@nickgray]

You are going to love it! I miss this ship. I am currently on another Celebrity ship and it is much smaller. Not as good.

[@leols1729]

@@nickgray My wife and I went on 4 Solstice Class ships,twice on Solstice,Eclipse,Reflection and Silhouette. We enjoyed each time and we are looking foward to go on the Apex.😎