Celebrity Beyond Magic Carpet is a unique and innovative concept pioneered by Celebrity Cruises. It is a significant addition to their fleet of luxurious ships. This revolutionary technology is designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience while onboard. The Magic Carpet is a cantilevered platform that features several functions, including a lounge, a restaurant, and a tender platform. It is truly a multi-purpose venue that can be positioned at various levels of the ship, enhancing the overall onboard experience. This platform can move up and down the side of the ship, providing guests with breathtaking views of the sea and ports of call.
This platform can move up and down the side of the ship, providing guests with breathtaking views of the sea and ports of call. One of the key features of the Celebrity Beyond Magic Carpet is the Sunset Bar situated on the cantilevered platform. This stunning bar offers guests the opportunity to enjoy delicious drinks while witnessing picturesque sunsets and panoramic views.
Review: Celebrity Beyond
From the seemingly small details—the plushness of the carpets, the thoughtful amenities in the cabins—to the ones you can’t miss—the friendliness of the staff, the incredible food and drink offerings—the experience on Celebrity Beyond is, well, truly beyond.
Tell us about the ship in general:
Standing 17 decks tall and a breathtaking 1,073 feet in length, Beyond is the third (and largest) ship in Celebrity’s luxury Edge Series. And let me hold no punches here, she’s incredible. The ship holds 3,260 guests and features 1,646 staterooms, with more restaurants, bars, and lounges than either ship before it. One of the surprises aboard Beyond was the enviable art sprinkled throughout every nook and cranny. A truly global showcase of talent, I often found myself thinking I would absolutely have that in my home. Lastly, it would be remiss not to mention that Celebrity Beyond is captained by Kate McCue, the first American female cruise ship captain.
Who is onboard?
The typical guests were generally older couples, average age somewhere around 55-65, peppered here and there with larger groups of friends or families. There were very few children on the ship, and myself and my husband (both 35) were one of the few “younger” couples onboard.
Describe the cabins.
I was extremely impressed with our AquaClass Sky Suite, an unbelievably spacious room featuring a king-size bed and a sitting area, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that opened to reveal a generously sized terrace and an even more generous ocean view. The bathroom had two large sinks, a waterfall shower, and a delightful soaking tub that offered unobstructed views straight to the water. Also worth noting is the in-room tech, which allows you to adjust everything, from your shades to your lighting to your AC, straight from your phone. At 319 sq. feet, our cabin was frankly larger than a number of NYC hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. And if 319 sq. feet isn’t big enough for you, you can also book one of their two-story villas with its own private plunge pool. Important perk: no matter which stateroom you book, drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips are always included.
Tell us about the crew.
The friendliness of the crew was among the top highlights of the entire sailing experience on Beyond. With over 1,400 crew members, there was always a willing hand near-by with a greeting or offer of assistance. Walking the ship, the service was warm and friendly whereas the wait staff in the dining spaces edged closer to formal, though not stuffy. If you book an AquaClass Sky Suite, you also get a personal butler who comes in handy for dinner reservations. Finally, the crew came from over 60 different countries and they all wore their home country on their name tag which made for some great conversation starters.
What food and drink options are available on board?
With 15 restaurants, five cafes, and 12 bars and lounges on the ship, I happily gorged myself on every cuisine: from Mediterranean to Indian, from Italian to good ol’ fashioned American. And many, many in-betweens. The ship’s crown jewel is Le Voyage, a first-ever Daniel Boulud fine-dining restaurant at sea. Be prepared to spend money here as it’s not included in any package ($75/person for dinner or $125/person with wine pairing), but if you’re looking for a fancy treat, this is a good bet. Pro tip: don’t skimp on the pre-dinner bread offerings. You can thank me later. The appetizers and entrees mostly feature meat (primarily seafood) and the meal is served course-style—you actually can’t order a la carte. And while this meal was certainly a great experience, you can’t leave Beyond without having eaten at Eden. A three-story venue wrapped in panoramic views, the setting is as breathtaking as the food — and the food is incredible. Whatever you do, order The Pea for your cocktail and the risotto as one of your coursed meals. Plus, be prepared to order every dessert on the menu because you simply can’t choose just one.
When it comes to drinks, there are three can’t-miss bars: the Sunset Bar, World Class Bar, and the Martini Bar. The latter is located in the center of the ship and truly serves as the heartbeat of Beyond. Offering an impressive selection of martinis, the space was built to feel like a European piazza where you’ll often find live entertainment, excellent people watching, and a number of featured restaurants and coffee shops on its outer perimeter. The Sunset Bar offers a very different vibe via the spirit of an international beach club. Located on the aft of the ship, you get beautiful open water views with (you guessed it) great sunsets. Designed by Nate Berkus, it features two open-air decks and a pergola covered entrance that makes you feel like you could be summering in Mexico or Morocco. Lastly, and my personal favorite, is the World Class Bar. Less flashy than the other two, the beauty of having a drink here is the craft. With true mixologists behind the bar, I had some of my best cocktails sitting at this chic, velvet-and-glass space. While everything I sipped here was a delight, if you’re looking to be truly impressed, order the Banana Republic featuring Don Julio Repasado tequila, ripe charred bananas, Amaro, and cold brew.
Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?
Wellness is an important pillar of the experience on Beyond, and their spa is an all-encompassing space that really drives this home. You’ll find a robust fitness center and salon, and of course an exhaustive list of facials, massages, body therapies, and speciality services. I booked their Swedish massage, and I say this with no exaggeration, it was in the top three best massages I’ve ever had (and I’m no amaetur). However, what was most exciting about the onboard spa was the SEA Thermal Suite. Complimentary for AquaClass guests and included with a Thermal Suite pass, this is a dedicated quiet space with six distinct experiences that you can wander through at your leisure: a Crystalarium, heated sauna, Hammam, salt room, rainfall water therapy, and a mist aroma room.
How about the activities and entertainment?
There is no shortage of entertainment onboard. With two pools, multiple hot tubs, and two smaller infinity plunge pools, your water activities are many. There is also a two-story theater with entertainment every night, offering a variety of shows from dance to concerts, from Broadway-like performances to magic shows. If shopping is more of your thing, you’ll find a number of retail options featuring fine jewelry, watches, items inspired from the varying ports of call, and even a dedicated men’s store.
How was the experience for families?
I could count on one hand the number of children I saw onboard. However, that being said, Beyond did offer some family-friendly services that are worth noting. Most useful is their Camp at Sea program which is open every day and offers fun games, outdoor activities, video game tournaments, and slumber parties for children ages 3-17. There are also autism-friendly initiatives for families, including sensory-friendly films and toys, dietary menu options, and autism-friendly training for Camp at Sea employees. In terms of dining, kids can also experience Le Petit Chef, an immersive fusion of entertainment and dining utilizing augmented reality to present a four-course meal. Animated characters appear beside a child’s plate and prepare each course right in front of them before they’re served the actual dish. Apparently, it’s a blast for the parents as well.
Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?
I was lucky enough to be on the inaugural voyage of Beyond, which included a 10-night Western Europe sail visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; Bilbao, Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona, Spain. While a majority of these destinations are relatively easy to get to sans-ship, they’re all topnotch cities and worth exploring no matter how you get there. Speaking of exploring, there are a number of bookable excursions at every port—from cultural to culinary—to help you do just that.
Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?
When comparing to Celebrity’s previous ships, Beyond is equipped with several features that reduce fuel consumption by an additional 20 percent: a redesigned bow that aids in fuel efficiency, an emissions purification system helping to eliminate sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 100 percent, and an Air Lubrication System, which coats the ship’s hull with millions of tiny bubbles to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Anything else we should know?
You can’t talk about the Celebrity Edge series without giving a shout out to the Magic Carpet. Debuting first on Edge and back again on Beyond, the Magic Carpet is a tennis-court sized platform nestled against the side of the ship, literally floating above the ocean. On the Magic Carpet, you can have food and drinks with the truest of uninterrupted views. Plus, did we mention it moves deck levels? As its position changes throughout the sailing, you’ll find new, distinct experiences at every turn.
The combination of the unique location and the stunning vistas creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Additionally, the platform also serves as a specialty restaurant called "Dinner on the Edge." This exclusive dining experience gives guests the chance to savor delectable cuisine while enjoying the ultimate view. The restaurant offers a diverse menu prepared by top chefs and promises an extraordinary culinary adventure. Another vital function of the Magic Carpet is its role as a tender platform. This allows guests to easily embark and disembark the ship when it is anchored at a port without a dedicated docking area. The platform smoothly extends to the required level, ensuring convenient accessibility for guests. The Celebrity Beyond Magic Carpet is a game-changer in the world of cruising, elevating the onboard experience to new heights. Its versatility and innovation set it apart from traditional cruise ships. Celebrity Cruises' commitment to providing guests with extraordinary experiences is evident in this unique feature. In conclusion, the Celebrity Beyond Magic Carpet is a remarkable addition to the world of cruising. Its awe-inspiring design, multi-functionality, and stunning views make it a standout feature of Celebrity Cruises' fleet. Guests will undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience as they indulge in the luxurious amenities and breathtaking vistas offered by this innovative concept..
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