In This Guide: Edge Class Ships +

Edge Class Ships

Celebrity's most innovative ships — and what makes them different.

The Edge Class (Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel) represents Celebrity's most significant architectural and design leap in the line's history. Every design element was reconsidered — the veranda, the connection to the sea, the entertainment spaces, the dining. The result is a class of ships that feel genuinely unlike anything that came before them.

If you're considering Celebrity for the first time, an Edge Class ship is the place to start.

The Five Ships

Celebrity Xcel℠

Launched 2024

Newest and most venue-rich. Forbes 5-star Le Voyage restaurant. Bora (alfresco top-deck dining). Mosaic (destination-inspired). The Bazaar (festival concept). Most distinctive dining lineup in the class.

Celebrity Ascent℠

Launched 2023

Near-identical to Beyond with Daniel Boulud's culinary partnership. Full suite of Edge features. Deploys in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Celebrity Beyond℠

Launched 2022

First ship with Daniel Boulud's Le Voyage. Kelly Hoppen-designed Rooftop Garden. Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar. A design milestone.

Celebrity Apex®

Launched 2020

Second Edge Class ship, refined from original Edge. All core features present. Slightly different venue mix than the newer ships but the essential Edge experience is identical.

Celebrity Edge®

Launched 2018

The original. Named one of Time's World's Greatest Places in 2019. Introduced the Infinite Veranda and Magic Carpet to the world. Still an excellent ship.

Signature Features

Infinite Veranda®

The floor-to-ceiling glass wall of every Edge Class cabin opens fully — no traditional separate balcony, instead a seamlessly integrated indoor-outdoor space. The room expands into fresh air at the push of a button. Named one of Time's Best Inventions in 2018.

Pro tip: The 'no real balcony' concern almost always disappears within the first day onboard. The openness of the cabin makes the experience feel more connected to the sea, not less.

Magic Carpet®

A cantilevered platform on the hull of Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent that rises 13 stories and serves different functions at each level: an extension of the main pool deck, a restaurant, a bar, and an embarkation platform for tenders. A literal floating deck extended off the side of the ship.

Pro tip: The Magic Carpet is most dramatic at its highest position — excellent for cocktails at sunset. Check the app for its schedule each day.

Eden

A three-deck living garden built into the aft of every Edge Class ship. During the day it's a bar and lounge — lush greenery, natural light, and a sense of quiet unlike anywhere else on the ship. In the evening it transforms into one of the most theatrical dining experiences at sea: ambient performers, a distinctive menu, and an atmosphere that builds through dinner.

Pro tip: Book Eden for dinner early — it sells out on almost every 7-night sailing. Lunch is often walk-in friendly.

The Retreat Deck

On Edge Class ships, The Retreat deck is positioned forward with panoramic views. Private bar, dedicated attendants, and far fewer guests than the main pool deck. One of the strongest arguments for a Retreat suite on an Edge Class ship specifically.

Edge Class vs. Solstice / Millennium Class

Choose Edge Class if:

  • → It's your first Celebrity sailing
  • → Design and innovation matter to you
  • → You want Eden + the newest dining
  • → You're booking a Retreat suite (best deck)
  • → You want Infinite Veranda

Older ships still shine for:

  • → Murano (fine dining, not on Edge Class)
  • → Itinerary (older ships often sail more unique routes)
  • → Solstice Class: slightly larger pool deck
  • → More traditional balcony if Infinite Veranda isn't appealing
  • → Sometimes lower fares on equivalent cabin categories

Frequently Asked

Which Edge Class ship should I choose? +
Xcel (2024) is the newest with the most venues including Bora, Mosaic, and Le Voyage. Ascent (2023) and Beyond (2022) are near-identical to each other with Daniel Boulud culinary partnerships. Apex and Edge (2018–2020) introduced the platform and are excellent but have slightly fewer venues. For first-timers, any Edge Class ship is a strong choice — the class differences are smaller than the similarities.
What is the Magic Carpet? +
The Magic Carpet is a cantilevered platform that moves up and down the side of Edge Class ships (except Xcel, which has a modified version). It sits 13 stories above sea level at its highest and serves as a bar, dining venue, or embarkation platform depending on its position. It's both functional and one of the most visually distinctive features at sea.
Is the Infinite Veranda claustrophobic without a separate balcony? +
The most common concern from skeptics — and the most consistently contradicted by actual guests. The floor-to-ceiling opening glass wall makes the cabin feel significantly larger and more open than a traditional balcony setup. The trade-off is you can't stand outside in rain without getting wet, and some guests miss the 'enclosed outdoor room' feel of a traditional balcony.
Do all Edge Class ships have Eden? +
Yes — Eden is a core feature of all five Edge Class ships. The execution varies slightly ship to ship (Xcel has a modified version called 'The Bazaar' with festival experiences), but the three-deck living garden concept is present on all of them.

Ready to Book?

Get expert guidance from a Virtuoso Travel Advisor — same price as booking direct, with real human support.

Plan My Voyage
Chat with Bestmates