3 days ago
Inside Celebrity Edge cruise: What to expect
For years, I have been curious about cruising but never took the leap of faith until recently, when I hopped on a Celebrity Edge cruise – and let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.
I opted for a three-day trip from Sydney to Eden on the NSW south coast as a taste test.
I'll be honest — I did not expect it to be so lush and swanky inside. In my mind I associated cruises with having super old decor, a few average restaurants and a couple of facilities like a swimming pool.
But the moment I stepped foot inside, I was blown away by its sheer size. It had everything from designer shops, a massive gym, swimming pools, including an exclusive retreat, fancy restaurants and modern decor. The one thing I wasn't expecting was a thermal spa – the ship was honestly like a floating five-star hotel.
However, before we get into all that. First things first – we did not get to dock in Eden due to crazy swells. I won't sugar coat it – I was nursing a bad headache for a few hours due to the rough seas but thankfully I stocked up on meds including sea sick pills. It also helped there was plenty to do and see on the ship as we had to spend two days at sea.
Seamless check-in process
I have to commend the staff on the seamless check-in process. It was quick, efficient and took about 15 minutes in total including passing security.
I was a bit reluctant to hand over my suitcase because it sounded too good to be true. 'Hi Miss, we can take that for you and have it taken to your room'.
They gave me a tag and that was it – in about two hours I was reunited with my bag in my room. Not having to lug your suitcase around was a huge bonus.
The ship itself is huge with 14 decks. It was overwhelming at first given its sheer size, but I became a pro in navigating my way around in no time.
The highlights for me were my super impressive room, the spa facilities which helped during some pretty rocky moments, and the food, especially the Japanese restaurant Raw on 5 – my favourite of the 29 eateries and bars.
Room
It was like I had checked into a fancy hotel. It was nothing like I pictured it to be. It had classy decor, ample storage space, a huge bathroom (considering it's a ship) and a comfy double bed.
I was in the Infinite Veranda room and when they say it 'takes you right to the water's edge', they weren't lying. With the touch of a button (can confirm the novelty did not wear off) it gives you open air access to the sea.
We were docked at Sydney Harbour and let me tell you, despite being an Aussie from Sydney – the view of the Opera House never gets old, especially when you get to appreciate it from a totally different setting – aka my bed.
If you want specifics, the total living space is 22.5-square metres and the veranda 4-square metres – not bad at all.
Food
Given the ship has a capacity of 2,918 passengers, there's a lot of people to feed.
But there was no shortage of options with 29 food and beverage experiences including five speciality eateries. It was truly something else to be able to hop from one restaurant to another whether it be for a light feed, knock back a few cocktails or indulge in five-course meal. And not just that, they each have such a unique fit-out.
Take Eden Restaurant for example – it acts as a restaurant, bar and entertainment venue, with floor to ceiling windows over three levels. It's located at the back of the ship and happened to be the first restaurant I dined at, which was pretty special given the sun was setting as we pulled further away from the Harbour Bridge.
It's a relaxing, tranquil space living up to its name 'Eden' and happens to be 'by far the grandest space we've ever designed that purposefully connects you to the sea' – I'm told.
It costs extra (it's not included in the food and drinks package) but for around $65 you're getting five courses that will have you leaving full and satisfied given the generous portions.
Mydishes included the Mulligatawny soup with coconut and dhana dahl and the Atlantic salmon with apple, asparagus, croissant, pistachio and port wine jus.
Fine Cut Steakhouse was another winner. I do love my steaks and went straight in for the ever so tender Certified black angus Tomahawk. This restaurant was super fancy with its rich ruby, amber, and gold design elements.
But the ultimate winner was Raw on 5. The vibe, fresh seafood, service, view – it all played a huge role.
The menu is crafted by expert sushi chef Yoshikazu 'Yoshi' Okada, originally from Japan, with now a restaurant in Hollywood.
Everything I ordered was impressive from the assorted sashimi and sushi, lobster tail and crab salad.
Every other restaurant is complimentary so you can basically just waltz on in and order whatever you like.
The gym
I don't think I've seen a bigger gym on land. This one was massive and located at the front of the ship so you're working out with the best view.
There's a free weights area and endless cardio and weights machines. They also do classes and have a dedicated stretching area.
Now this space was truly something else and so unexpected. As a first time cruiser I really did not expect it to have such lush facilities. It was decked out with a hammam, crystalarium, salt room, steam room and infra-red sauna. I spent a lot of time here. The approximate cost for a day pass is $106 plus a 20 per cent gratuity.
Things to do
I was worried I was going to get bored but there was plenty going on, whether it was a show in the theatre or (my fave) music you feel like spending, there's a casino and fancy shops board too.
Verdict
At first, I was sceptical but luckily I was on a cruise that offered plenty to do and see – otherwise it would have been tough given the wild weather conditions.
Am I willing to extend further than three days? If it's got facilities like Celebrity Edge, then definitely because the food and activites really made it (especially if things don't go to plan, like not docking at Eden).
Aussies are obsessed with cruising
I had a quick chat to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director in Australasia Joel Katz, and he told me Aussies love to cruise – and I finally understand why.
'Well over one million Australians take an ocean cruise each year, which is almost 5 per cent of our population and one of the highest rates in the world,' he told me.
'Once people have taken their first cruise, they often come back again and again. Our surveys show around 80 per cent of people who have cruised previously plan to cruise again in the future.'
Yes, I am going to be one of those people (surprisingly) given I had no desire previously.
'Younger generations are heading to sea in increasing numbers,' he said.
'Almost one third of Australian cruisers are aged under 40, with Millennials and Gen Zs showing some of the strongest interest in cruising.
'Cruising has always had a very broad appeal, but I think in recent years we've seen some of the stereotypes put aside as people realise there are different styles of cruise to suit different tastes.'
(This is me).
'Cruising has always offered excellent value, but people are especially conscious of this right now. A cruise includes your travel, accommodation, dining, activities and live entertainment, all in the one fare.'
The cost
The cost for the three-night Eden cruise is roughly $1,225 per person in a balcony/stateroom, with the next short trip a five-night sailing through Eden and Tasmania in November from $1945, in a veranda, twin share.
Premium beverage and Wi-Fi packages can be added for approximately an additional $130 per person per day for local AUNZ itineraries
Mr Katz said at a time when some parts of the world have become expensive to visit and exchange rates are unfavourable, a cruise offers good value and you know the cost upfront.
'Cruise lines have invested billions of dollars in new ships, new technologies and new on-board innovations, and there's more to come.'
I now understand why people love to cruise.
