If you are a cruise fan, you probably already know about the amazing suites on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge. You may already be on a waiting list or if you are lucky, have one booked. At prices that can run over $10,000 per night, if you say, that’s like those suites where celebrities and billionaires stay in at 5-star luxury hotels, you’re right. One goal for these Kelly Hoppen designed mini-palaces is to entice first-time cruisers who regularly vacation at the likes of Four Seasons, St. Regis, Rosewood, Ritz-Carlton and other high-end luxury hotel brands.
The concept of grand suites on ocean liners dates back at least to the RMS Titanic when White Star Line decided to entice the super rich it would offer multi-room accommodations with private toilets and baths designed to mirror the mansions and estates where the super rich of the day lived. Even today, the Queen Mary 2, which plies the same Southampton to New York route as her ill-fated cousin, offers a host of ritzy oversize suites. When Regent Seven Seas Explorer’s debuted in 2016 her Regent Suite included its own spa, grand piano and personal car, driver and guide for each port.
With the launch of Celebrity Edge, there’s a new contender in the best suite category, and also a category we’ll call “perfect for romance and honeymooners.” The two Iconic Suites and six Edge Villas aboard Celebrity Edge are stunning, and we give you an insider’s preview here.
Iconic Suites
You may think billionaires and the super rich can be found on their yachts, and while that’s true, regulations keep all but a handful of the largest megayachts from hosting more than a dozen guests when they sail. This means that when the ocean-loving super-rich are looking for a good venue to have a large family gathering, they often choose a cruise.
A new Edge-exclusive suite class category, the two Iconic Suites are each more than 2,500 sq. ft. and split the width of the ship situated above the bridge. Both of the Iconic Suites offer breathtaking views with 82 linear feet of panoramic glass walling the entire dining room, living room and bedroom. Each 700 sq. ft. veranda is situated atop a wing of the ship’s bridge, so you are literally floating above the ocean.
One of the two suites (12101) features an al fresco hot tub and both have their own resort-style cabanas, plush lounge chairs and daybeds to catch some rays, enjoy the views both at sea or in port as your butler keeps your favorite drinks freshened and brings you whatever you want from any of the ships 29 restaurants and bars. There’s also a 199 sq. ft. marble bathroom with deep bathtub, walk-in shower, separate dressing area and walk-in closet.
There are an in-suite pantry and dining table that seats eight making the Iconic Suite perfect for dinners or parties or to serve as a home base if you have a group of friends and family aboard. Iconic Suite 12100 connects to an adjacent Royal Suite so you can create your own mini-compound.
Every suite is fitted with king-sized cashmere mattress handcrafted in Italy by artisanal bed maker Matermoll which has been creating luxury bedding for more than 60 years. As you would expect, each mattress is hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, eucalyptus-treated, and of course, made with the highest-grade cashmere.
As a suite guest, you also get access to your own private restaurant (Luminai @ The Retreat), a club lounge, and a private sundeck, pool, and bar area forward on Edge’s top deck providing similar spectacular outdoor views. You may never get there. You’ll probably not want to leave the Iconic Suite.
Edge Villas
Sexy is back and it’s called the 951 sq. ft. Edge Villas. Channeling a mix of Malibu chic and South Beach hedonism, the duplex villas are a perfect perch for honeymooners and romantic getaways. The private plunge pools provide views comparable what you would expect from hideaway atop a Greek island. The design provides you total privacy shielded from prying eyes. You also get direct access for an upper-level door directly to The Retreat Sundeck, sort of like those beachfront estates with their hidden entrances right out to the sand. You literally never have to change out of your swimsuits.
Best of all, with two stories of windows in the two-level atrium stairway that look out over the terrace, you can enjoy both ocean views or have the best views in the city, wherever Edge docks. On your private 211 sq. ft. terrace is your own private plunge pool. Your private butler can bring you a fresh bottle of champagne every so often. We’ll see you at the end of the cruise.
If Your Budget Is Limited
If you budget is limited, don’t worry. One of the innovations aboard Edge is its Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda. While balconies have become commonplace on cruise ships over the past 10 years, research by Celebrity showed that they were only used 10-15% of the time.
Aboard Edge, these guestrooms have a floor to ceiling outer window that with a touch of a button opens up the top half so you can enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine. Where the stateroom would normally end, there are glass doors that can be kept open creating 23% more space than a typical cabin. Or if you close them, you can create a standard cabin with balcony. The new design also allows for king beds and a bathroom that’s 10% larger, very noticeable in both the shower and toilet areas.
Like the suites, the Hoppen designed Infinite Veranda staterooms have a modern, residential feel and provide more storage space than your typical cruise ship cabin. There are also nice touches like a jewel box that serves to hide the plugs for all of those must-have electronic devices we take on vacation.
If you do want to sail like a billionaire in an Iconic Suite or create your next big love story in an Edge Villa, you probably need to act fast. Many of Edge’s sailings for next year have those two categories of suites already sold out.
