Decadently using the Celebrity App from our bed, we raised the stateroom blind to discover that, as it was Wednesday, we had docked in Mexico. Tuesday was Belize, Thursday would be Grand Cayman.
Our port-of-call was Cozumel which, translating as the land of the swallows, is designated as Mexico’s Island of Peace. A little slice of tropical island paradise, 30 miles long by 10 miles wide, sunbathing in the Caribbean. Cozumel is a dozen miles from the Mexican riviera.
Again, Celebrity Apex presents some difficult excursion decisions. Do we snorkel with stingrays? Off-road through the jungle? Swim in the natural cenotes of the Jade Caverns? Take a chocolate-making masterclass? Or board the Ocean View Explorer and head below deck to an underwater viewing area to enjoy 360-degree views of the sea life and vibrant corals that make up Paradise Reef?
No. We opted for a tour that takes in some culture, geography, history – and tequila. Forget all notions of primeval ‘ter-kill-yer’ firewater, where salt-rimmed glasses and lime are used to mask an ethanol burn. That is a fake tradition. Instead, we are taught how to inhale yoga-style and sip slowly, to make the most of a smooth connoisseur’s vintage that has aged in barrels for many years. No bravado downed shots at this distillery.
As we continued our island tour our guide confided, “Everything in Cozumel small. Me too.” Though he tells us that around 400 crocodiles on the island, originally introduced for movie scenes, have thrived and are far from small.
Continuing, he explained how, in the 16th century, the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadores and European diseases significantly reduced Cozumel’s population. A leisurely lunch at a beach club, sun-loungers on powdery white-sand, looking out across azure and turquoise gently lapping waves, was a highlight of the day.
Back on board and it was time for a pre-dinner beer at Craft Social, an American style sports bar featuring 50 hand-crafted beers, whose large screens also show cricket and rugby union as well as baseball and NFL.
Heading past Grand Plaza, we caught the last few songs of house band The Cardinals’ soft-rock set, and a spectacular juggling and choreography show from the bartenders at the Martini Bar. They seem to have ambitions to make Martini-pouring an Olympic sport.
Then it was dinner in one of Apex’s speciality restaurants, Raw on Five, a restaurant on Deck five that specialises in imaginatively presented sushi. Other speciality restaurants include The Fine Cut SteakHouse, Le Grand Bistro and up on the top deck, The Rooftop Garden Grill.
Uniquely, The Magic Carpet is a platform on the side of the ship whose day job is to help passengers embark and disembark. When the ship’s at sea, The Magic Carpet transforms into an open-air casual dining venue. We timed our departure from dinner to catch magician Jessica Jane performing in the theatre.
Another day, another island, and this time it was Grand Cayman. The island’s renowned affluence results from a historical accident. Way back in 1794, ten ships, that were part of a convoy sailing from Jamaica to the United States, were blown onto the rocks off the East End of Grand Cayman. When King George lll’s son was rescued from the wrecks he gave tax-exemption to the island.
Fast-forward to the 1970s and the island, which has the British monarch’s head on its dollars, decided to take advantage of the gift. Today, capital Georgetown’s steel and plate-glass corporate HQs house branches from over 280 banks. Throw in
7 Mile Beach and you have one of the Caribbean’s most alluring islands.
After three countries in three days, it was time to relax with a day at sea. Or perhaps not. Fitness options include the morning stretch, indoor cycling, F45 training and the health education of an ‘Eat more to weigh less’ seminar plus ‘Footprint and posture analysis’. Alternatively, you could find a seat in the casino, indulge in a spa treatment or visit the last day of the cruise sales in the shops.
Most guests head for an early dinner before a spectacular finale of evening entertainment. The theatre’s 20-foot-tall 4K LED screen, comprised of 17 million pixels, curves 110 feet around the stage, presenting a nostalgic backdrop for the Rockumentary show.
It pays tribute to Pat Benatar, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Suzi Quatro and other epic rock legends from the 60, 70s and 80s. But this is only the beginning, head to sophisticated Eden and its Night of Enchantment where DJs keep everyone dancing in The Club until late, very late.
As we disembarked the next morning, after our seven-night cruise, to take the 50-minute bus transfer back to Miami airport, we felt that we might have made the wrong choice. Instead of going through US immigration, some guests were taking the left-hand channel for their next Celebrity Cruise.
Factbox
For more details of Celebrity Cruises holidays visit celebritycruises.com
Celebrity Apex departs on a seven-night sailing on 25th November 2023 from Fort Lauderdale, calling into Key West, Belize and Grand Cayman. With Celebrity’s current biggest offer of the year with 75% off the second guest, prices start at £1,309 for guest one and £396 for guest two, based on two people sharing an ocean view stateroom, and includes $100 per person onboard spending money.
For those looking to experience Celebrity luxury in European waters, Celebrity Edge, sister ship of Celebrity Apex, departs on 13th May from Rome (Civitavecchia), calling into Corsica, Portofino, La Spezia, Cannes and Palma de Mallorca. Again, with Celebrity’s biggest offer of the year currently running, there is 75% off the second guest.
Prices start at £1,594 for guest one and £404 for guest two, based on two people sharing an inside stateroom. This offer includes $100 per person onboard spending money. Plus, for an extra £99 per person, flights from London Gatwick can be added (transfers are an additional cost).
