BEYOND cruising Celebrity Cruises delivers relaxed luxury in an LGBTQ+ welcoming environment By Michael Westman Not sure cruising is for you? Might not feel comfortable on a cruise unless it is an all-LGBTQ+ voyage? Well, Celebrity Cruises may just have you rethinking all of that! After sailing on the newest ship in the Celebrity fleet, the 140,600-ton Celebrity Beyond, I will quote the words of a passenger who was asked if they were converted to cruising? The response was, “No. I’m converted to cruising on Celebrity.” The new Celebrity Beyond, the third ship in their Edge Series, is aptly named for a reason, it is simply ... BEYOND. This ship (whose godmother is Simone Biles, 19-time World Champion Gymnast and seven-time Olympic Medalist) was built with more attention to detail than any other in the fleet – longer and taller, with wellness and relaxed luxury at its core. Kelly Hoppen’s exquisite style “changed how cruise ships are designed,” says Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity. Once on board, you enter the Grand Plaza with its Martini Bar. “We built this space to be reminiscent of a European piazza - with live DJs, specialty restaurants, bars and lots of energy,” proudly reveals Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Brian Abel. The chandelier show must be seen to be believed. Beyond lives up to its name in accommodations, destinations, design, culinary delights, and wellness. From two-story villas with their own outdoor jacuzzi, to world renowned Chef Daniel Boulud’s only restaurant at sea - Le Voyage, with over 400+ bottles of 46 | GEDMAG.com
wine in their collection, to the theater’s 112-foot LED panels, this ship blends technology and innovation. Adjacent to the rooftop garden with two cantilevered plunge pools, sits the Sunset Bar - a Moroccan inspired multi-level bar on Deck 15 of Beyond, designed by Nate Berkus. The attention to detail is noticeable and appreciated - giving the same relaxed luxury vibe … from the furniture, plantings, barware - and of course the incredible view from the stern of the ship. A live DJ brings chill beats to accompany your afternoon sail-away cocktail, and at this time of year in the Mediterranean, the sun doesn’t set until 9:30pm, so relax and enjoy! The first-rate retail experience at sea for men - Mankind, has apparel, leather items, watches, jewelry, and more – all expertly curated for the male shopper. Healthy smoothies and bites weave in the wellness experience even without you knowing. Fitness (F45) and spa programs and products (Goop from Gweneth Paltrow) are available and at your fingertips throughout the day. In the Spa, there is an unbelievable menu of services. Two of my favorites are the BIOTEC Super-Charger for Men – this facial helps de-stress, deage and de-fatigue the complexion. A triple hit of ultrasonic peeling, steam and galvanic current delivers a deep clean, simultaneously exfoliating and powering up antiwrinkle proper-
