Cruise Trade News travelled to France this week for a sneak peak at Celebrity Edge.

The ship, the first in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class, launches in November and has a range of interesting and striking features, including the Magic Carpet, a multi-functional venue on the side of the ship that can move between decks.

We spoke to some of those in attendance at the shipyard tour to find out what they thought of Edge.

Robbie White, head of cruise product, Travelbrands

This ship has blown me away and she definitely justifies the enormous hype.

From the theatre concept of rotating platforms and staircases, the infinite verandas, the gorgeous restaurants, the innovative Grand Plaza, the multiple-level Eden, the double-deck windows on the port side of the Ocean View restaurant and, of course, the unforgettable Magic Carpet.

I love the idea that Magic Carpet has a different function on multiple decks; whether it be a platform for The Destination Gateway on deck two, then ascending to be an alfresco dining area on deck five, moving up to become a poolside bar on deck 14 and finally Dinner on the Edge on deck 16.

One element that I really like is how proud Celebrity is of the ship as a whole. The exposed steel structure  that’s visible behind some of the modern architecture shows that, even though guests are holidaying in luxury, they are still at sea, sailing on an incredibly impressive vessel. 

Anna Perrott, head of cruise, Travelbag

The ship is stunning – absolutely lovely. I think it’s a game changer and it’s the attention to detail that stands out. The infinite balconies are unbelievable. It’s kind of brought a river cruise concept to an ocean ship.

There’s a lot of space and the ceilings are high, so you don’t feel as if you’re on a ship.

It’s bringing a five-star hotel concept to the ship. If you can get new-to-cruise customers to see this, they’ll see it’s something a little different.

Jason Peters, director, Creative Cruises

I think it is a ground-breaking ship. Without doubt I think it will change the industry. I love the mind set behind the design and everything on the ship.

You have the new innovation, and lots of different designers working together. I wasn’t sure about the Magic Carpet at first, but now I’ve seen it, I think it will work.

I’m also really pleased the Celebrity Apex is coming to Southampton. It gives great confidence in the British economy. To base one of these vessels in the UK market is a great tribute to what we’ve done.

Celebrity has watched the market grow. From what I can see, we’ve been rewarded by having one of these fantastic ships in Southampton.

Rachel Brinkley, cruise development manager, Fred. Olsen Travel

I really liked the Magic Carpet and the Grand Plaza.

There are so many options with the Magic Carpet and it adds different experiences, and that’s what people are going to like.

There’s a lot of innovation and new ideas here.

In addition, it’s really exciting to have Apex in Southampton. To have one of the new ships in the UK market is a big thing for us.