Celebrity Apex Cruise: 4 to 7 days – Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and a day at sea /

To most guests, it seemed like only a few hours since Celebrity Apex left Fort Lauderdale. First we docked in Key West for an introduction to one of the craziest cities in the US. Then we had sailed west through the Caribbean.

That gave us a day at sea with over 60 activities plus all the usual allure of the casino, gym, shops and spa.

Belize

It was already day 4 and we were moored off Belize, tempted by an extensive choice of excursions. Including the chance to visit ruins of the once all-powerful Mayan Empire that ruled much of Central America.

The tenders departed early, taking adventurers on an excursion of crystal caves and lagoons. Also, Belize’s intensely lush jungles challenged guests to zipline high above the canopy. Another option was driving an Alternative Terrain Vehicle at Jaguar Paw Outpost.

A tour of Belize City reveals the small country’s colonial past. Once British Honduras and now a member of the Commonwealth, Belize has the head of the British monarch on its dollars. The tour stops at a distillery to sample Belize rum or blackberry and cashew wine. Or both.

An Old River Expedition looks out for manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas, and many species of waterfowl.

Cozumel

This 30-mile-by-10-mile island paradise, a dozen miles off the Mayan coast of Mexico, has plenty to keep Celebrity guests entertained all day.

They can snorkel with stingrays, off-road through the jungle, swim in the natural cenotes of the Jade Caverns, make chocolate or taste tequila.

Cozumel’s fame grew after underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau shared his experiences with the world. Cruisers can visit Cousteau’s world by booking a seat on the Ocean View Explorer and going below deck to an underwater viewing area
for 360 degree views of coral and se-life on Paradise Reef.

Tasting tequila on Cozumel reveals a fake tradition. Salt-crusted glasses of lime juice served with “ter-kill-yer” firewater shots is actually a recent tradition, adopted to mask ethanol burns. Drinking aged craft tequila is a smoother experience overall, especially when almonds are added to the mix.

Another excursion, a guided tour of Cozumel, translated as the Land of Swallows, stops at a beach club for a leisurely lunch and the chance to swim in the warm azure seas of the Caribbean.

Big Caiman

The Grand Cayman Island Panoramic Tour stops at the site that commemorates the 1794 Ten Sail Wreck.

Sailing from Jamaica to the US, a storm blew ten ships against the rocks off East End Grand Cayman. Although the ships’ timbers have long since decayed, the event ultimately changed Grand Cayman’s fate.

In 1794, in gratitude for rescuing his son from the wreck, King George III granted tax exemption to the island. When the Grand Cayman government remembered this in the 1970s, it decided to develop its status as a tax haven. Capital Georgetown now hosts branches of 280 banks.

Still, Stingray City is probably Grand Cayman’s most famous attraction, next to the appeal of Seven Mile Beach. More eccentrically, Grand Cayman also hosts Hell, a barren terrain of jagged rocks celebrated by a wacky store selling Hell souvenirs.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

If you are reading this article anywhere other than A Luxury Travel Blog, chances are this content has been stolen without permission.

Please note the web address above and contact A Luxury Travel Blog to notify them of this issue.

Thank you for helping us fight content theft.

A day at sea

As the ship heads east and passes the south of Cuba, a day at sea gives cruisers another chance to relax, rest and re-energize.

In the shops, there is the Captain’s Clearance event while the Grand Finale Art Auction is scheduled for noon. After art seminars throughout the week, potential buyers will have a little more wisdom in making their bids.

There are more opportunities to gain wisdom with a Burn Fat Faster session at the F45 Studio and a chance to meet Dr Siu, a face and skin expert.

As always it’s a busy day on the Resort Deck. At the pool there is officers v guest volleyball and the quarterback challenge.

The last dinner is the time to try a new bar or restaurant. It would be quite an achievement to tick off all 29 bars, cafes and restaurants on a seven-night cruise. Many guests book for a specialty restaurant they have yet to try: Finecut Steakhouse, Le Grand Bistro, Raw on Five or perhaps The Rooftop Grill.

While it’s a busy night of entertainment at Eden and The Nightclub, Rockumentary’s two performances are the main draw. A 35-meter-wide wraparound screen with 17 million pixels helps singers and orchestra tell the history of rock in the 60s, 70s and early 80s.

Costs

Celebrity Apex departs Fort Lauderdale on November 25 on a 7-night sail calling at Key West, Belize and Grand Cayman. With Celebrity’s biggest offer of the year, 75% off the second guest, prices start at £1,309 for guest one and £396 for guest two. This is based on two people sharing an ocean view stateroom, and includes $100 per person spending money on board.

Some guests wish to explore European waters and Celebrity Edge, sister ship to Celebrity Apex, will depart Rome (Civitavecchia) on May 13 and call at Corsica, Portofino, La Spezia, Cannes and Palma de Mallorca. Once again taking advantage of Celebrity’s biggest offer of the year with 75% off the second guest, prices start at £1,594 for guest one and £404 for guest two. This is based on two people sharing an inside cabin, and includes $100 per person spending money on board. In addition, for an additional £99 per person, flights from London Gatwick can be added (transfers are an additional cost).

The final verdict

On the last day, the five Future Cruises counters are busy while guests book their next cruise. Celebrity has built a reputation for serving some of the best cruise food on the high seas. This is sure to be a big draw for guests booking future cruises.

Many of the Americans who book are eager to visit European ports of call, from a Celebrity ship that offers luxurious yet relaxed cruising.

Disclosure: Our cruise was sponsored by Celebrity Cruises.