Imagine setting sail from Sydney, the iconic Opera House shrinking on the horizon, as you embark on a luxurious journey to Auckland aboard the Celebrity Edge. Three days at sea with 2000 fellow adventurers might sound crowded, but let me take you through my top five havens where tranquillity and awe-inspiring views are abundant.
Not many ships have a full size horse on board!
1. The Sunset Bar: A Rooftop Retreat
Perched at the ship’s stern, the Sunset Bar is more than just a place for a drink; it’s a rooftop sanctuary. Picture yourself lounging in its comfy seats, gazing at the vast ocean stretching behind us. Even as the ship slices through breezy winds, this cozy nook offers shelter. It’s a social hub but with enough space to find your own peaceful corner, cocktail in hand, as the horizon glows with the day’s last light.
Sunset Bar
2. Eden: A Serene Oasis
Eden is the ship’s hidden gem, a multi-level lounge nestled at the aft. Its design is a marvel, with winding floors leading to secluded spots framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a place to curl up with a good book or scan the sea with binoculars on a rainy morning, enveloped in the tranquil ambiance of Eden.
3. Café al Bacio: The Mezzanine Marvel
Looking down at the Martini Bar from Cafe Al Bacio
Located on level four, Café al Bacio is the perfect perch for people-watching and escaping the buzz. Overlooking the lively Martini Bar, it offers a serene contrast. Here, the music is a soft backdrop, and the coffee aromas blend with the subtle excitement from below. It’s the spot for a peaceful afternoon, savouring expertly crafted cocktails and the gentle hum of conversation.
4. The Magic Carpet: Floating Elegance
The Magic Carpet is a marvel of modern cruise engineering, a movable platform offering breath-taking views. When at anchor, it facilitates smooth shore excursions. But on sea days, transformed into a sky-high bar, it’s where you truly feel the essence of the ocean. Suspended off the ship’s side, this spot offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the vastness of the sea in undisturbed serenity.
Magic Carpet
5. The Rooftop Pool Under the Stars
Discover the magic of the rooftop pool by night. As the ship’s heartbeat shifts to dining and entertainment, the pool area becomes an exclusive escape. We swam under a canopy of stars and unwound in one of the 12-person whirlpools, the ship’s lights twinkling like distant constellations. It felt like we had the entire ocean to ourselves, a truly unforgettable moment.
While the Celebrity Edge buzzes with around 100 daily activities and a plethora of entertainment options, these secret spots offer a blissful escape for those moments when you crave solitude amidst the sea’s vast beauty. So, set sail and discover these hidden gems, each offering a unique perspective of life at sea.
