Today in Cruise Port St. Maarten: Celebrity Beyond
As one of the three largest cruise ports of the Caribbean, there is interesting vessels docking in St. Maarten every week. Todays highlighted ship is Celebrity Beyond. Here are some fun facts about this impressive ship if you are going to gaze in amazement from Great Bay Beach, or if you are a cruise visitor of Celebrity yourself spending your day on island!
1. Maltese by Flag, French by Birth
Though today the ship is officially Maltese and mostly touring the Caribbean, Celebrity Beyond was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Steel cutting of the 3937 passenger ship commenced here on January 28, 2020. It made its maiden voyage on April 27, 2022, from Southampton to Barcelona.
2. The Biggest of the Sisters
Together with Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond makes up the “Edge” class of the Celebrity Cruises fleet. It is not just the tallest, but also the longest of the three.
3. Hotel Inspired Designs
Many well known designers worked on Celebrity Beyond like Kelly Hoppen, Nate Berkus and Tom Wright. In the design, the theme “hotel” returns in various ways:
a boutique-hotel vibe, very different from traditional cruise décor.
“The Retreat” – A Resort-Within-a-Ship: an exclusive area for suite guests that includes a private sundeck, lounge, and Luminae, a private restaurant with cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.
The main pool deck has modern art sculptures, a 25-yard lap pool, and luxurious cabanas. It’s designed more like a chic Miami resort than a traditional cruise ship deck.
4. Celebrity Beyonds “Magic Carpet”, the World’s First Floating Platform
One of the standout features is the Magic Carpet – a cantilevered platform that moves up and down the side of the ship. It serves as a lounge, restaurant, or embarkation point depending on its position. The platform moves along the ships characteristic orange squares in the middle.
5. Improved ecology
Celebrity Beyond uses advanced fuel-efficiency technologies and is part of Celebrity’s commitment to sustainability with reduced emissions and waste. In addition, it has its own mini-park. The Rooftop Garden is an outdoor space with real greenery, offering live music, movie nights, and beautiful sea views.
6. Christened by an Athlete
The ship was officially christened by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles on November 4, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale.
7. A Famous Captain: Kate McCue
Kate McCue became famous as the first American woman to command mega-cruise ships. As of its inception, the already famous “Captain Kate” McCue captained Celebrity Beyond, mostly together with her cat Bug Naked, until 2025.
Did you miss Celebrity Beyondtoday? Check out the St Maarten cruise ship schedule when it is back in the St Maarten cruise port again!
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