Celebrity for a week!

First impressions of Edge-class design, onboard experience, and seakeeping performance

As a marine consultant, I spend much of my time around ships in a professional context, so taking a cruise is always something of a busman’s holiday. That said, my recent voyage aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge offered not only a welcome break, but also a fascinating opportunity to experience a new generation of passenger vessel firsthand.

Our itinerary was a classic Australian loop: departing Sydney, calling at Hobart, Adelaide, and Melbourne, with a planned stop at Kangaroo Island cancelled due to sea state and tendering safety concerns. Even with that adjustment, the voyage offered ample opportunity to observe Edge in various operational scenarios.

A Design That Works—On Many Levels

I boarded with a fair degree of scepticism. As a long-time admirer of Cunard’s traditional style and seakeeping pedigree, I wasn’t sure how an Edge-class ship would compare. But from embarkation onward, Edge proved both surprising and impressive. With a capacity of nearly 2,900 guests, you might expect congestion—but there was none. Passenger flow is clearly something the designers have modelled well, with thoughtful spacing of public areas and a variety of venues absorbing foot traffic effectively. The result is a ship that never feels full.

The Infinity Verandah stateroom deserves special mention. It’s a novel layout—essentially integrating the balcony space into the cabin with a retractable window system. I approached the idea with suspicion, but it works. It gives a strong sense of openness and flexibility while offering excellent climate control and acoustic insulation. We weren’t too sure about the Infinite Verandah at first—it felt like it might be a bit of a gimmick—but we ended up loving it. Being able to open up the space with the push of a button and enjoy the fresh sea air whenever we wanted was a really nice touch, and it made the room feel bigger too. The ensuite bathroom was another highlight: modern, spacious, and thoughtfully laid out. And best of all, no shower curtain battles—just a proper walk-in shower that actually felt like something you'd find in a boutique hotel.

Technical Observations – A Well-Balanced Platform

Alongside at Sydney's Circular Quay Celebrity Edge awaits her guests. © Justin Merrigan

Professionally, the ship is a pleasure to observe. The parabolic bow, while striking in profile, clearly pays off in terms of hydrodynamic performance and seakeeping quality. We encountered moderate swells on a few legs—particularly south of Tasmania and across the Bass Strait—but Edge exhibited minimal pitching and very little vibration.

Her azipod propulsion system, in tandem with advanced dynamic positioning and automation, was clearly evident in her manoeuvring. Edge is impressively quiet under way and smooth through transitions—dockings were clean and confident. Unfortunately, despite these capabilities, sea conditions at Kangaroo Island were simply too challenging for safe tendering—a reminder that even cutting-edge tech has its limits when safety’s concerned.

Onboard Life – Highlights and Lessons

Entertainment is an undeniable strong point. The scale and professionalism of production shows and live music would not be out of place on a West End or Broadway stage. One of the standout experiences was an alfresco dinner during Adelaide sailaway—a perfect fusion of setting, ambiance, and service.

World Class performances on board Celebrity Edge © Justin Merrigan

Dining, however, was a mixed bag. Across the four main dining rooms, we encountered a recurring issue with overcooked proteins. The response from crew was swift and attentive—offers of replacements were generous—but at that point the moment had usually passed.

By contrast, the Specialty Dining venues were excellent. We dined at Raw on 5, Rooftop Garden Grill, Eden and Le Grand Bistro—each one delivering in both quality and service.

Eden was a real standout for us—more than just a restaurant, it felt like an experience. The atmosphere was something special: lush, relaxed, and a little bit whimsical, with those floor-to-ceiling windows giving a stunning backdrop at any time of day. One of the highlights was the open galley; watching the chefs work with such calm precision was like poetry in motion and added a whole new appreciation for the meal. The menu was creative without being over-the-top, and every dish we tried was beautifully presented and full of flavor. The service hit that perfect balance too—attentive, warm, and knowledgeable without ever feeling overbearing. It was the kind of place we kept thinking about long after we left.

For our final night, we chose the Fine Cut Steakhouse, hoping to end on a high note. Sadly, the steaks were so over-salted as to be inedible. A replacement was offered and accepted, but this too was overcooked. Still, the chef visited our table personally to apologise—an appreciated gesture handled with professionalism and sincerity.

Not forgetting The Oceanview Café, Celebrity Edge’s take on the classic cruise buffet, impressed us. It was bright, spacious, and well laid out, which helped avoid that usual crowded, cafeteria feel. There was a great variety on offer—from fresh salads and international dishes to made-to-order stations—and everything we tried was fresh and well-prepared. It was an especially great option for breakfast, with plenty of choices whether you wanted something quick and simple or a full cooked meal to start the day. We also appreciated how clean and well-managed it stayed throughout the day, and it was easy to find a table with a view. For a casual meal or a quick bite between activities, it really hit the spot.

Without a doubt, our favorite dining experience on Celebrity Edge was the Rooftop Garden Grill. There was just something magical about dining under the open sky, surrounded by greenery and soft lighting, . The food was fantastic—hearty, flavourful, and beautifully cooked, with a menu that felt indulgent without being overly complicated. But what really elevated the experience was the service: warm, genuine, and effortlessly attentive. Every visit felt relaxed and special, and it quickly became the place we looked forward to most. If there’s one spot we’d call a must-do, this is it.

One of the most iconic features of Celebrity Edge is the Magic Carpet — a cantilevered, multi-purpose venue that moves vertically along the ship’s starboard side. This striking orange platform serves different functions depending on its position, transforming into a relaxed lounge, a stylish dining venue, or an extension of the embarkation area. When stationed on Deck 5, it acts as an alfresco extension of Raw on 5 restaurant; on Deck 14, it becomes a sleek bar with sweeping ocean views. The sensation of being suspended over the open sea adds a touch of thrill to the experience, making the Magic Carpet a genuine standout in modern cruise design and a perfect symbol of the ship’s bold innovation.

Located in the Grand Plaza, the Martini Bar is a glamorous social hub at the heart of Celebrity Edge. With its stunning chandelier centerpiece and dramatic flair bartenders who perform impressive cocktail-pouring theatrics, the bar exudes energy and sophistication. Guests gather here before dinner or linger into the night, drawn in by live music and an expertly curated selection of martinis and classic cocktails. Whether you're sipping a signature cucumber martini or people-watching beneath the glittering lights, the Martini Bar captures the ship’s chic, cosmopolitan spirit.

Edge as a Class Leader

Dining inconsistencies aside, Celebrity Edge delivers a thoroughly modern and refined cruise experience. She combines innovative design, strong seakeeping, and a thoughtful guest experience that balances style and substance. From a marine operations perspective, there is much to admire.

So much so, in fact, that we’ve already booked a New Zealand cruise aboard Edge next year. For fellow professionals curious about where cruise ship design is heading, I’d suggest: take a look at Edge. She’s not just form—she’s function, too. And the evolution doesn’t stop here. With Celebrity Xcel, the fifth Edge-class ship currently under construction and set to debut in 2025, it’s clear that Celebrity Cruises is doubling down on this forward-thinking design language. If Edge is any indication, the future of cruising is looking smarter, sleeker, and more passenger-focused than ever.

The Celebrity Edge illuminated at night, showcasing its iconic and sleek funnel design against a dark sky,. © Justin Merrigan