Celebrity Beyond in “The Retreat”
The view from the water. Seeing the Celebrity Beyond from the tender really puts its sleek design and scale into perspective. A stunner on the high seas.
The "ship within a ship" concept is often promised in travel marketing. It is rarely executed perfectly. Celebrity Cruises, however, has nailed it with The Retreat, their suites-only enclave on the ship. We sailed on the Celebrity Beyond, one of the newer Edge-class ships, and found it to be a fascinating hybrid experience.
On one hand, you are sailing on a massive and vibrant vessel with nearly 3,300 other passengers. You have access to big-production shows, a buzzing casino, and endless bar options. On the other hand, you have a keycard that grants you access to a private world. This make it feels closer to a luxury hotel than a cruise ship.
For us, this offers a compelling solution to a common travel problem. We love the energy and variety of a big ship, but we generally dislike the crowds (and people who claim pool loungers all day for the 30 minutes they use them). The Retreat allows you to balance both. You can tap into the energy when you want and then retreat to a sanctuary where you never have to fight for a deck chair. It really is the best of both worlds.
Here is our deep dive into the experience.
The Cruise Line & Stateroom
Before we get to the Celebrity Beyond, it helps to understand where Celebrity Cruises sits in the travel landscape. It is what the industry calls a "Premium" line. This means it occupies the sweet spot between mass-market lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian and ultra-luxury lines like Regent or Oceania (which are smaller and much quieter). You will not find go-karts or roller coasters on a Celebrity deck. Instead, you find interesting art installations, martini bars, and a heavy focus on culinary experiences. It feels more upscale than a traditional large cruise ship. It is designed for adults who want the energy and variety of a big ship but crave a bit more polished and sophisticated atmosphere with a little better service standards.
"Ship within a Ship" Positioning: The Retreat isn't just a room category, it’s an entire ecosystem. Guests in suites within The Retreat enjoy exclusive access to three key areas. These include Luminae (a private restaurant), The Retreat Lounge (a 24/7 living room), and The Retreat Sun Deck (a private outdoor pool area). These spaces are strictly reserved for guests of The Retreat. This means they remain quiet and uncrowded even on the busiest sea days.
The Service Style: Celebrity excels at a more approachable style of luxury. We found the crew to be warm and genuinely friendly instead of stiff or overly formal. We will be the first to admit that we did not utilize our butler very often, but having that direct contact is a huge perk if you need things handled behind the scenes. It results in a relaxed and effortless atmosphere that we absolutely loved.
The Seasickness Factor: One practical benefit of choosing The Retreat on an Edge-class ship is stability. If you are very prone to motion sickness, a larger vessel like the Beyond handles rough seas much better than the smaller luxury yachts. You get the stability of a big ship with the exclusivity of a small one.
The Suites: The suites on Edge-class ships are stunningly modern. They were designed by Kelly Hoppen (go-to British designer for many famous people’s homes like David Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow as well as British Airways' First Class cabins). The aesthetic features clean lines and neutral tones. Unlike the standard cabins which feature "infinite verandas" (essentially drop-down windows which people either love or hate), the suites in The Retreat feature traditional, spacious balconies with actual sliding glass doors.
The Perk: Every suite in The Retreat comes with a personal butler. They are there to pack and unpack your luggage, handle your laundry, or arrange a private dinner on your balcony. It adds a layer of ease to the trip that makes you feel genuinely spoiled.
The Bathroom: This was a highlight for us. The bathrooms are huge. They feature both a bathtub and a separate shower. In the accessible suites, the design is thoughtful with roll-in showers, built-in benches, and ample turning space. It felt like a luxury hotel bathroom that happened to be accessible. It was actually better and roomier than many hotel bathrooms on land.
Waking up here for a week wasn't difficult. This modern and spacious accessible suite in The Retreat sets a high standard for cruising.
The Culinary Highlights
We often describe dining on the Beyond as a “ Retreat” guest as having two distinct personalities. You have the exclusive, quiet world of Luminae for Retreat guests, and then you have the vibrant culinary playground of the specialty restaurants. To really understand this ship, you need to experience both.
Luminae at The Retreat Think of this as your private club. For Retreat guests, there is no bill at the end of the meal here, yet it delivers the polish and space of a top-tier specialty venue. Located at the very front of the ship, the room is elegant and quiet. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the horizon perfectly. Because it is exclusive, the tables are spaced a bit more widely apart. This is a luxury on any ship. It’s like eating in a specialty restaurant every night but the servers learn your preferences, which makes dining even more very comfortable.
The Food: The dinner menu changes nightly and features dishes by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud. We loved that we could order a perfectly executed Filet Mignon or Halibut poached in olive oil without needing a reservation. And we found that you could order “off-menu” as well, if it was something they could get on the ship.
Eat This: The lunch menu (served on sea days) has a secret weapon. It is the Luminae Burger. It is juicy, perfectly seasoned, and arguably the best burger on the ship.
Drink This: The sommelier was fantastic. By night two, they remembered our preferences and was ready the moment we sat down.
Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud This is the headline specialty restaurant on the Beyond and Chef Boulud’s first signature restaurant at sea. This is also the first (and currently only) restaurant at sea that has earned a 5-star rating from Forbes. From the moment you walk through the automatic glass doors into the soft, gold-lit room, you know this is different. It feels intimate and miles away from a typical cruise ship dining hall. The service flow is flawless. It mimics a high-end night out in New York or Paris. There were literally only a dozen or so tables and there were only two other couples the night we went.
Eat This: The Tamarind and Peanut Crusted Prawns were a standout. They offer a complex balance of sweet and savory that we are still thinking about.
Fine Cut Steakhouse Sometimes you just want a classic steakhouse dinner, and Fine Cut delivers exactly that. It sits right off the Grand Plaza, so you get the buzz and energy of the atrium while dining in a dark, moody, upscale space. It is probably the best steakhouse we have encountered at sea.
Eat This: Forget the ribeye. The move here is the Filet Mignon. It was incredibly tender and cooked perfectly to temperature.
Surprise Hit: The Lemon Poached Lobster Tail. It comes with melted leeks and lobster ravioli. It is rich, decadent, and absolutely amazing. Pair it with the truffle fries and creamed spinach for the perfect meal.
Eden Restaurant Located at the back of the ship in a massive three-story glass venue, Eden is the most experimental restaurant on board. You walk through the "Garden of Eden" lounge to get there, which immediately sets a mood. The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs work against the backdrop of the ship's wake.
The Vibe: The menu is sensory and modern. Think smoke, unique textures, and plating that looks like art. It is a bit of a show, but the flavors back it up. We found it to be the perfect spot for a romantic date night because the pacing is slower and the atmosphere is mesmerizing.
Advisor Note: It is important to know that most specialty restaurants (like Le Voyage, Fine Cut, and Eden) carry additional cover charges, even for guests in The Retreat. The only exception is if you book a "Royal Suite" category or higher. In that specific case, specialty dining is included. For everyone else, be prepared for the extra cost. We think they are absolutely worth it for the variety and quality, but the bill can add up if you eat out every night.
Dinner at Fine Cut steakhouse with an ocean view, does it get any better than this?
The Ship
While the Celebrity Beyond is a massive vessel, it manages to feel intimate because of how the spaces are designed. Here is how the key areas stack up.
The Retreat Sun Deck This is arguably the best perk of the entire experience. While the main pool deck can be loud with DJ music, The Retreat Sun Deck is pure zen. It is strictly for suite guests. It spans two levels on the Beyond and features a dedicated pool, two hot tubs, and incredibly plush loungers.
The Value: It is never crowded. You never have to fight for a chair or wake up at dawn to "reserve" a spot with a towel. We loved the hanging pod chairs, perfect for relaxing. There is a dedicated bar and a team of pool butlers who circulate with towels and drinks. You can even order lunch from a limited Luminae menu delivered right to your chair. Honestly, having access to this space is almost worth the additional cost of the suite alone.
The Retreat Lounge This 24/7 private lounge became one of our favorite spots on the ship. It has floor-to-ceiling windows and incredibly comfortable seating that feels like a high-end living room. It is the perfect place to relax with a book or catch up on work because it is generally very quiet.
The Perks: There is a dedicated concierge team here who can handle everything from shore excursions to dinner reservations. It saves you from ever standing in line at Guest Services. We also loved the self-serve fridges stocked with premium water and sodas that you can grab and go.
The Reality: They offer an afternoon tea service here. It is self-serve and not really that great compared to the white-glove service you find on lines like Oceania. It is fine for a quick scone, but do not have high expectations if you like an “afternoon tea'“ service. Stick to the evening cocktails and the coffee here.
The Main Pool Deck Even if you spend most of your time in The Retreat, you have to appreciate the main pool deck. It is very stylish. It features a massive 25-yard lap pool and iconic "Martini Glass" hot tubs that tower over the deck. It feels more like a stylish resort in Vegas or Miami than a cruise ship. The asymmetrical design creates lots of little nooks and crannies to sit. Even when it is busy, you can usually find a spot.
The Theater Celebrity has drastically elevated its entertainment game. The main theater on the Beyond is one of the best we have ever seen on a cruise ship. It features a massive 110-foot curved screen and movable stage platforms that rotate and lift.
The Entertainment: The production shows are high-energy and visually striking. The talent level is incredibly high. You will see powerhouse vocalists and impressive aerialists who fly out over the audience. The technology is used to enhance the performance rather than hide a lack of talent. We found the entertainment to be genuinely entertaining, probably only the Disney ships do it better. We have found that most cruise ship entertainment is lacking so this was a pleasant surprise.
The Magic Carpet This is one of the coolest engineering feats at sea. It is a cantilevered platform the size of a tennis court that moves up and down the side of the ship. When it is on the top deck, it is a stunning bar with orange furniture that feels like you are floating over the ocean.
The Logistics: While it serves as a bar on upper decks, its best use is on "tender days." It lowers to water level to become a stable and spacious launchpad for the tender boats. This makes getting on and off the tenders significantly easier and safer for everyone.
Pool deck perfection. We loved the layout here with plenty of space to lounge, great art installations (yes, that is an elephant!), and a vibe that feels more 'resort' than 'cruise ship'.
The Essentials
Value & Inclusions for The Retreat
What’s Included: Retreat guests automatically get the "Premium Beverage Package" and "Premium Wi-Fi." This covers almost all top-shelf spirits. It creates a near all-inclusive feel onboard. It removes the stress of paying for every latte or glass of wine and brings the experience a bit closer to the ultra-luxury cruise lines.
The "Tips" Change: Celebrity used to include daily gratuities in the Retreat fare. Unfortunately, they dropped that perk recently. Now you will likely see a daily service charge on your bill unless you catch a specific promotion. It is a real bummer. The drink and Wi-Fi packages still offer significant value but it’s always disappointing when a perk is dropped.
The Private Lounge: The Retreat Lounge is open 24/7. It offers complimentary continental breakfast, limited afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with canapés. The dedicated concierge team there is fantastic at handling any request. They handle everything from shore excursions to dinner reservations. You never have to stand in line at Guest Services.
Accessibility: The Good & The Reality
The Good: The Celebrity Edge-class ships are some of the most accessible cruise ships we have been on. You can tell they put a real focus on it. There are ramps everywhere. The pools have lifts. The automatic doors throughout the ship make navigation effortless. We even noticed open spots next to the rounded bench seating area on the pool deck. These were obviously left open specifically for a wheelchair user to sit next to their friends and family.
The Theater Perk: One of the best secrets for Retreat guests is the reserved seating in the main theater. The hosts hold a prime section for suite guests. Crucially, this includes reserved accessible seating. You do not have to show up 45 minutes early to fight for a spot. You just walk in, show your card, and get the best view in the house.
The Magic Carpet: As mentioned, this is a game-changer for tender ports. It opens up destinations that might otherwise be difficult for wheelchair users or other guests with mobility challenges to access.
The Reality: The sheer size of the ship means there is a lot of walking or rolling involved. It can be a long trek from your forward suite to the aft dining rooms. Plan your "commute" time accordingly.
The perks of The Retreat. We spent so much time in this lounge, it’s quiet, exclusive, and has some of the best views on the ship.
The TudorTravels Perspective
Of the large cruise ships we’ve sailed on, Celebrity is our clear favorite. It hits a specific luxury tone that others miss, in ambiance, service and food.
The onboard atmosphere is more elegant. It feels closer to a smaller luxury line, but it still has that hum of energy you only get on a massive vessel. It feels alive without feeling chaotic. We also think the food consistently punches above its weight. In our opinion, it easily beats out other large-ship competitors. Whether it is a burger at the Luminae lunch or a filet at Fine Cut, the quality is there.
Overall, this is why we love The Retreat. You get the intimate and private luxury experience of a small ship, but you do not lose the amenities of a large ship. You still get the Broadway-style entertainment, the lively bars, and the variety of dining options that make big ships fun. It is the ultimate compromise. For us, it’s a great way to travel.
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