The Celebrity Edge debuted in Australian and New Zealand waters over the weekend, marking the first visit by the Celebrity Cruises Edge-Series ship to the region.
The arrival also marked a significant milestone as the Celebrity Edge became Australia’s first cruise ship to be recommended by the Forbes Travel Guide.
Setting sail from Sydney, the vessel has embarked on a 12-night journey exploring the coastlines, fjords and cities of New Zealand.
The itinerary is packed with highlights, including an overnight stay in Auckland, wine tasting near Napier’s vineyards, the scenery of Dunedin, and the Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds in New Zealand’s South Island.
The inaugural voyage is the first of 12 planned itineraries from early December through April 2024.
These itineraries aim to immerse guests in the beauty of Australia’s coastlines, neighbouring New Zealand and the tropical South Pacific.
Guests have the flexibility to choose from a range of six- to 13-night itineraries, covering a collection of 22 ports.
Departures are available from both Sydney and Auckland.
Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge said the ship’s arrival Down Under “is a moment of celebration not just for Celebrity Cruises, but for guests as well”.
“Celebrity Edge is widely regarded as one of the most innovative cruise ships on earth, shattering perceptions of cruising with a number of firsts on board for a cruise ship,” she remarked.
“There’s no better way to experience what this region has to offer, and we’re so excited to bring such a special holiday experience Down Under.”
Celebrity Cruises Vice President and Managing Director of Australia and APAC, Tim Jones said the vessel offered “a remarkable experience that stands apart from anything else at sea”.
“After much anticipation, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived!” he stated.
“With its contemporary interior and outward-facing design, travellers will have unparalleled views of the sea and the destinations they’re visiting, as they immerse themselves in this beautiful part of the world.”
Guests on Celebrity Edge can expect:
- Accommodation: Modern villas, two-story options, and staterooms with Infinite Verandas offering open-air sea access. All rooms feature Celebrity’s eXhale bedding.
- The Retreat: An exclusive space with a private restaurant, lounge and sundeck for suite guests. A dedicated team is available 24/7.
- Food and beverage: A culinary adventure with 29 restaurants and bars, including menus by a Michelin-starred chef that aim to connect guests to world flavours.
- Unique spaces: The Magic Carpet – a floating platform above the sea – and Eden, three levels of sensory experiences in glass surroundings, offering a mix of dining and entertainment.
- Wellbeing: The One Spa World spans 22,000 square feet, with the SEA Thermal Suite offering different rooms for relaxation.
Highlights of the 2023-24 season include:
- Exclusive gin adventure: A special sailing to Tasmania with Four Pillars Gin, Australia’s leading craft distillery.
- Kangaroo Island Discovery: A new port visit to Kangaroo Island, known for its nature reserves, beaches, and restaurants.
- Overnight Stays: Opportunities to stay overnight in Cairns, Hobart and Auckland, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the energy and nightlife of these cities.
- New Zealand Wonders: All New Zealand itineraries explore the North and South islands
- South Pacific Bliss: A sun-filled 10-night South Pacific itinerary, visiting islands like Fiji, American Samoa, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Mystery Island.
- Australian Wine Cruise: A 9-night cruise through Australia’s iconic wine regions, featuring tastings of reds in the Barossa, chardonnay in the Yarra Valley and sparkling wines across the Bass Strait in Tasmania.
- All Included Option: Guests can opt for the All Included package, bundling Wi-Fi and drinks to simplify their premium holiday experience.
The Celebrity Edge arrived at the Darwin Cruise Ship Terminal on 2 December to kick off the ship’s first stop in Australia.
Last month, Celebrity Cruises’ named its newest Edge ship Celebrity Xcel.
