Celebrity Apex is the second vessel in the company's Edge class of ships, following her sister ship Celebrity Edge. She is a new luxury ship, which sets sail and kicks off inaugural Caribbean season from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
The Ship's Godmother, Rashma Saujani led the festive naming ceremony. She is a founder of the international non-profit organization Girls Who Code and author of the international bestseller, "Brave, Not Perfect." The Chairman and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group Richard Fain and Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo joined her on stage on this celebratory ceremony. Hundreds of other guests attended this ceremony, including local dignitaries from the City of Hollywood and City of Dania Beach; representatives from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, Broward County Sheriff's Department, and Broward County Fire Rescue, as well as media and invited guests.
“We are elated to welcome Celebrity Apex to our family of magnificent vessels that push the boundaries of what’s possible on a cruise ship,” said Richard Fain. “As we welcome guests back to the seas aboard the newest Edge class ship, we are excited to deliver the very best vacation experience that is the hallmark of every Celebrity cruise.”
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo pointed out the happiness of much anticipated arrival of this luxury beauty thanks to the pandemic. "Celebrating Celebrity Apex is certainly long overdue and it's a day I have been waiting to celebrate for quite a long time - 581 days, to be exact. This stunning ship truly represents a new standard in new-luxury travel, and we can't wait for our guests to finally experience it for themselves," she said. "As we say in our new brand campaign, we know guests will not only, 'Journey WonderFULL,' aboard this beautiful ship, but that she will also be the industry's most talked about new ship."
On Nov. 4, the ship begins sailing rotating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries right after the naming ceremony, including Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Belize, Grand Cayman, and others.
The new ship features innovative outward-facing design; cantilevered Magic Carpet®; unique two-story villa accommodations and staterooms with infinite verandas®; 29 distinct restaurant bars and lounges; unmatched spa and wellness programs designed by industry experts; new luxury retail boutiques at sea from Montblanc, Bvlgari, Cartier and more.
This event is a milestone for the brand, since the vessel for the first time, after the short run of Greek Island sailings, now embarks from U.S. shore, so the guests can enjoy the sun on the faboulous sunny islands and ports on the Caribbean.
Lutoff-Perlo explains why is Reshma Saujani chosen to be the Godmother of this second for her vessel: "I can't think of anyone better to serve as Godmother for this ship than the incredible Reshma Saujani," continued Lutoff-Perlo. "Reshma is a visionary, leading the charge to challenge stereotypes and inspire a whole new generation of girls and women to bravely pursue tech jobs; just as Celebrity is working to close the gender gap at sea, growing our percentage of women serving as bridge officers to 30 percent in an industry where the average is 2 percent. It is Reshma's game-changing spirit that makes her the perfect Godmother for a game-changing ship like Celebrity Apex."
