Excitement, anticipation, and awe. These three words captured the feeling of passengers and onlookers as Celebrity Apex, the world’s most anticipated new-luxury cruise ship, sailed out of the Port of Athens (19 June 2021),  to begin her maiden voyage and first summer season in the Aegean.

The much-anticipated sailing marks an historic moment for the company, which had originally planned to introduce its newest ship in late March, 2020. Guests and fans of the brand have waited ever-since with huge anticipation to experience the fleet’s new flagship.

That moment came as Celebrity Apex sailed gracefully out of port at 8:30pm Eastern European Summer Time, ushering in not only an important return to European sailing, but a new standard of luxury travel.  With the vivid and vibrant backdrop of the azure Athens sky, Celebrity Apex, the second ship in the brand’s transformational, multi-award-winning Edge Series, set sail on a seven-night cruise of the Aegean, delighting those who have waited with patience for more than 15 months to explore the world by sea. 

The company’s return to the Aegean is all the more poignant given Celebrity Cruises’ proud Greek heritage. Founded in 1988 by the Chandris family of Greece, the company later became a part of the Royal Caribbean Group. Celebrity Cruises is still rooted in its Greek origins today, with 70% of marine officers across the fleet, hailing from Greece with more than 40 Captains and Chief Engineers, including the Captain of Celebrity Apex, Dimitrios Kafetzis.

Guests travelling on the Greek Islands and Cyprus itinerary will have the chance to visit the ancient city of Rhodes, with its stunning classical Acropolis and unparalleled Medieval architecture; the beauty and mythology of Mykonos; the incredible island of Santorini, a world heritage site and bucket list destination famous for the colourful blue and white palettes that pepper the architecture of this fascinating and historical coastal town. And finally, Limassol. Tucked away on the southern coast of Cyprus, it exemplifies all that is great about the unique island culture – with heavy influences from eastern neighbours, Turkey and Egypt.