9 ways the new Celebrity EDGE ship will change the way you cruise

Eat. Drink. Sunbathe. Repeat. To the uninitiated, that sums up a cruise vacation. In reality, it’s so much more. Die hard cruise aficionados know these floating vacations are about waking up each morning in a new country, becoming fast friends with travelers from around the world and, importantly, infinite explorations aboard the ship. That’s why Celebrity Cruises has unveiled its new Celebrity EDGE, a forward-thinking vessel taking to the Caribbean high seas in 2018 (and bookable now). This cutting-edge ship of the future is poised to revolutionize the industry with a whole host of previously unseen bells, whistles and jaw-dropping features. Here are 9 reasons why the Celebrity EDGE will definitely float your boat.

RELATED: 23 essential cruise tips everyone needs to know

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Board the Magic Carpet
No wishing or genies required to enjoy this innovative new perk. Climb aboard Celebrity’s first-of-its-kind Magic Carpet, a cantilevered and floating platform for dining, imbibing and live music that changes functions as it floats from one level of the ship to another. At Deck 2, for example, the Carpet makes embarking easier; a few levels higher and it adds elbow room to the main pool area; while at a jaw-dropping 13 stories above the sea, limited guests can enjoy a private dinner. Aladdin and Jasmine are gonna be so jealous.

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Take a bite out of Eden
Imagine a room so intoxicating that all who enter would be tempted to commit original sin. Meet Eden, a lush new play space wrapped in glass and connected to art and nature that transforms itself from morning to noon to night. Follow the horizon in the AM with a cup of java while being hugged by ocean views; return to Eden after a day at shore and find a room abuzz with bar chatter; and at night a heady mix of culinary offerings, live entertainment and performance art. We think Adam and Eve would approve.

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Plunge into an Edge Villa
Goodbye cramped stateroom, hello spacious living! These first-of-their-kind 950-square foot villas have it all, as in two full stories complete with bedrooms that are separate from the living area, two bathrooms, two stories of windows with oceanfront views, private decks outfitted with lounge furniture, lush greenery and, yes, private plunge pools. You’ll be just like a teenager again in that you’ll never ever want to leave your room.

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Be transported to the Destination Gateway
It sounds like something straight out of some cool sci-fi film, doesn’t it? In actuality, Destination Gateway is an ultra-modern, multi-purpose space designed to serve passengers in numerous ways. Imagine large LCD screens that transport you to beautiful Antigua just moments before you disembark onto the island, a gathering place for teens for gaming tournaments and activities or a place to host up to 100 guests for a gathering or meeting of your own. The Destination Getaway is all this and more.

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Get soaking wet on the Resort Deck
Every cruise ship has one, but none quite like this. Designed by noted architect Tom Wright, the Celebrity Edge Resort Deck gives a jolt of energy to an area many passengers typically take for granted. Imagine an outward-facing design boasting an asymmetrical pool deck featuring all kinds of jaw-dropping perks like a poolside gallery stocked with gigantic art installations, two-story martini hot tubs, the requisite jogging track, private cabanas with high ceilings and an adults-only solarium. You’ll basically never want to leave.

ALSO: Don’t miss the boat! Sign up for Orbitz Rewards today and start earning Orbucks!

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Booze and bake in the Solarium
What is it, you ask? It’s a glassy, indoor pool area that filters in a ton of sunlight (perfect for tanning) and is customary on Celebrity cruise ships. But the Edge version ups the ante with a completely modern design including a three-dimensional art wall that replicates the movement of the ocean. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the Celebrity tradition of offering the Solarium as an adults-only playground. Rest, tan and drink all day sans rugrats.

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Sea the world on the Infinite Veranda
We’ve all heard of infinity pools. Can guestrooms create the same illusion? With the touch of a button, the new Edge Staterooms actually can. These luxury class rooms are 23% larger than Solstice Class staterooms, can connect with other Edge Staterooms for those traveling with friends and family, and 99% of them include a king bed with cashmere bedding and handcrafted Italian mattresses. As for the veranda, just push a button and—voila!—the entire living space becomes a veranda allowing you to walk right to the water’s edge.

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Go green at the Rooftop Garden
Audrey Hepburn once said that, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” If the lush and future forward new Rooftop Garden atop the Edge is any indication, it would seem Celebrity agrees. Imagine dancing the night away, watching a movie under the stars, playing a giant chess game, noshing on burgers, brisket and barbecue, or just falling into a comfy chair and staring out at the sea while surrounded by lush flora and fauna courtesy of architect Tom Wright. Welcome to an urban playscape where anything is possible.

Photo courtesy of Celebrity

Retreat to an exclusive haven
Snap your fingers and a pool butler will be ready to take your drink order, sway to a gentle ocean breeze in your own private hanging chair, or snuggle up with someone in a private, shaded cabana. The Retreat Sundeck for suite guests boasts all the same frills and thrills of a high-end resort including the Retreat Pool and Retreat Pool Bar, a hot tub, 240-degree forward facing ocean views, and the Retreat Lounge where a concierge is available to plan new adventures both on and off ship. Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher crafts the menu at the Retreat’s restaurant Luminae.

Tagged: Cruise