At the end of October, Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, arrived in New York City for its North American debut, beginning its inaugural U.S. season. I had the opportunity to tour the ship while it was docked in Bayonne, New Jersey, and to learn more about this transformative new vessel, captained by Kate McCue, the line’s first American female captain.
Captain McCue commands a crew of more than 1,400. After a season of European sailings, Celebrity Beyond now operates a range of Caribbean itineraries with calls that include St. Thomas, St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Grand Cayman and other popular destinations.
© Kimberly Krol Inlander
“Today marks the start of a game-changing couple of weeks for our brand. Our newest, most awe-inspiring and expectation-defying ship, Celebrity Beyond, is making her North American debut in the Big Apple today; and next week we will officially name her with the amazing Simone Biles as the ship’s godmother,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “This ship is at the forefront of travel innovation—it’s a luxury resort, spa retreat and culinary destination combined into one exceptional ‘Journey WonderFULL.’ There has never been a better time to explore the world aboard one of the world’s finest ships.”
A team of prominent designers and culinary leaders contributed to the ship’s look and offerings. The design roster includes British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE, American designer Nate Berkus, Paris-based studio Jouin Manku, British architect Tom Wright, Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow.
© Kimberly Krol Inlander
Highlights of the spaces and amenities aboard Celebrity Beyond include:
- Le Voyage, a first-at-sea fine-dining restaurant by Chef Daniel Boulud, among more than 30 food and beverage venues on board.
- The Retreat, a resort-within-a-resort for suite guests featuring a two-story Retreat Sundeck, the private Retreat Lounge and the exclusive restaurant Luminae.
- Two-story Edge Villas with outdoor plunge pools for a private, elevated experience.
- The 1,900-square-foot Iconic Suites, the largest accommodations in the fleet.
- A Rooftop Garden that complements the Resort Deck’s cantilevered float pools and sunken seating areas.
- The multilevel Sunset Bar, designed by Nate Berkus, which offers international beach club vibes and sweeping views.
- New AquaClass SkySuites that include complimentary access to the ship spa’s Thermal Suite and wellness amenities.
- The Grand Plaza, an expansive social hub that spans three decks at the ship’s center.
- State-of-the-art entertainment offerings, including the production Elements, which incorporates advanced theatrical technology.
- The Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves above the sea and provides a dramatic signature experience.
Together, these elements create a refined onboard environment that blends luxury, wellness, culinary excellence and innovative design. Whether guests seek relaxation, gastronomic exploration or immersive entertainment, Celebrity Beyond aims to deliver a memorable cruise experience tailored to modern travelers.