Celebrity Beyond: A Luxurious Voyage Through the Caribbean

Traveling with my family, including our little one, added a layer of delight to the journey. From the comfort of The Retreat suites to the exquisite dining and entertainment aboard, every detail was tailored to enhance our experience. The blend of luxurious amenities and personalized service on the Celebrity Beyond created a seamless, stress-free vacation, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of each destination.

In this blog, I’ll take you on a journey through the highlights of our southern Caribbean adventure. We’ll explore the hidden gems of each port, from the enchanting streets of Cartagena to the serene waters of Bonaire. Along the way, I’ll share personal insights, travel tips and recommendations that made this cruise not just a trip, but a truly memorable experience. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or new to the high seas, I hope this guide inspires your next adventure in the Southern Caribbean.

The Retreat experience:

Both of our rooms were in The Retreat, the exclusive suite and concierge section of Celebrity Beyond. We opted for a sky suite and a royal suite, each offering a unique blend of luxury and comfort. The royal suite, in particular, came with a host of additional amenities that truly elevated our experience. This suite included a dedicated personal butler, in-room bottle service, unlimited dining, laundry and even personalized monogrammed pajamas.

Our butler, Peter, was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we boarded, he anticipated our every need with an impressive array of thoughtful touches. Peter went above and beyond, providing extra food for our baby each morning and a bottle of milk just in case. He kept our suite perfectly stocked with bottled water for the adults and ensured our Baby Brezza formula pro was seamlessly integrated into our stay. The formula machine and supplies fit perfectly on the bar in our Royal Suite, making baby care effortless throughout our cruise.

One of the standout perks of staying at The Retreat is the exclusive embarkation day lunch at Luminae, the retreat's private restaurant. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the lobster roll — it might just be the highlight of your cruise culinary experience! And for a daily indulgence, the cheeseburger is simply outstanding.

The Retreat areas on the Celebrity Beyond are truly unmatched, with staff that set the gold standard in service.

From day one, Luminae welcomed us warmly, making special accommodations for our stroller and ensuring we had a prime spot for every meal. The team was exceptional, always having our drinks ready before we even took our seats. They were genuinely excited to see our baby each day and handled her occasional squeals and joy with grace. Every meal was a delightful experience for our group of five, with not a single disappointment.

Our go-to sanctuary beyond the suite was The Retreat Lounge. This area, revamped from its predecessor on the Celebrity Edge, now features a full bar — a significant upgrade from the self-serve option on the earlier ship. The attentive concierges, bartenders and waiters made each visit a pleasure. We especially enjoyed exclusive Retreat events like the silent disco, which was a hit with everyone, including our baby. We even had the chance to meet the renowned Captain Kate McCue, who charmed us with a warm hug and kind wishes for our little one. The Retreat staff’s management of these events was superb.

Image 1: Captain Kate with baby ; Image 2: Menu on Retreat Sun Deck

The Retreat Sundeck also saw enhancements, with a two-level layout that expanded lounging space and comfort. The deck features a pool, which, while needing a bit of upkeep, was complemented by hot tubs and a full bar with shaded tables for lunch. I took full advantage of this space during the baby’s nap times, catching up on work while my husband enjoyed the cool air conditioning in our room.

Embarkation and accommodations:

As you step into The Retreat on Celebrity Beyond, the experience begins with an exclusive touch. At the terminal, you are ushered into a private check-in area, where a selection of snacks and refreshing drinks await. The attentive staff handles your passports and boarding details with effortless grace, ensuring a seamless transition from the terminal to your suite.

Our journey started with a warm welcome as we were swiftly escorted onboard. One of the ship’s jewelry store managers guided us directly to our Royal Suite, setting the stage for a memorable stay. The Royal Suite exceeded our expectations in every way. This elegant, modern sanctuary featured two generously sized rooms and a bathroom that was nothing short of magnificent.

The suite's layout was thoughtfully designed with a six-person dining table and a chic dry bar. The living area was spacious, enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows that replaced the balcony typically found in standard rooms. These expansive windows offered breathtaking views and flooded the space with natural light. The bedroom was equally impressive, comfortably accommodating a pack-and-play for our baby and featuring access to the balcony, as well as a dedicated makeup vanity.

The highlight of the Royal Suite was the bathroom, a luxurious haven complete with a full-sized bathtub, sleek modern double sinks and a separate, discreetly designed shower equipped with a soothing rainfall showerhead. Every detail, from the plush towels to the elegant fixtures, was crafted for an indulgent experience.

In contrast, the Sky Suite, while slightly smaller, still offered ample space — about 50 percent more than a standard balcony room. The standout feature was its spacious bathroom, featuring a half tub/shower combo with glass doors, a large sink and a makeup vanity. This suite was perfect for our family, offering enough room for us all to gather comfortably while our baby enjoyed her playtime on the floor.

Overall, both suites provided an unparalleled level of comfort and sophistication, making our stay truly unforgettable.

On-and off-the ship adventures

On our 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise, we explored five vibrant ports and enjoyed four leisurely sea days. With our little one in tow, we approached each port with a blend of excitement and practicality, carefully selecting excursions that balanced the thrill of exploration with the needs of traveling with an infant.

A highlight of our cruise was the indulgence in spa services. My husband opted for two ELEMIS pro-collagen grooming treatments with shave, a treatment he swears by for its exceptional results. His first session was scheduled right after lunch on embarkation day, while I had pre-booked a pedicure. Despite being pre-paid and checked in well ahead of time, both of us experienced delays. This wasn’t an isolated incident — Celebrity has a tendency to experience scheduling hiccups. Pro tip: To avoid such delays, try to book your spa treatments for the first evening or later in your cruise rather than embarkation day.

My in-laws were thrilled with their behind-the-scenes ship tour. Although they missed out on seeing the galleys due to maintenance, they were graciously invited back to view that area on a different day. They found the tour fascinating, particularly the insight into the laundry operations, where both crew and guest laundry are meticulously handled. The highlight of their tour was the bridge visit, where they were treated to breathtaking views and a chance to meet Bug, Captain Kate McCue’s charming hairless cat. Bug roams freely on the bridge, adding a touch of whimsy to the navigation experience.

Our chosen excursions offered a mix of panoramic views, local sights and rich history, all while accommodating our baby comfortably. We relied on a BabyBjorn front carrier for navigating various modes of transportation. Although some tours would have allowed us to bring the stroller, the carrier proved to be more convenient. It allowed our baby to nap peacefully against me or gaze out at the passing scenery when she was awake.

Traveling with an infant presents unique challenges, but with careful planning, you can still savor every moment. For this 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise, we selected excursions that balanced adventure with practicality, ensuring our little one’s needs were met while maximizing our time in each port. Most of our tours ranged from two to four hours, providing ample opportunities to explore the cities we visited. I found the BabyBjorn front carrier indispensable — it allowed our baby to nap peacefully or gaze curiously at the surroundings while we traversed various modes of transportation. While strollers were an option on some tours, the carrier proved to be more convenient and versatile.

George Town, Grand Cayman

West Bay and Seven Mile Beach bus tour, rum factory and beach: Our Grand Cayman excursion was a delightful exploration of the island. The tour guide was exceptionally accommodating, ensuring our needs were met throughout the trip. We started at a local rum factory, where we witnessed the fascinating process of crafting fresh rum cakes. Our next stop was Hell, a unique volcanic rock formation that stretches endlessly. The tour concluded with a visit to a public beach, where we enjoyed some delicious local street food and a refreshing dip in the ocean. Though the beach was crowded and the sand somewhat coarse, making it less comfortable for extended stays, we decided to head back to the ship early. The driver, whose contact information we had, made this transition seamless.

Pro tip: Grand Cayman has three cruise terminals. Be sure to confirm where your ship docks and where your tour will pick you up to avoid any confusion.

Cartagena, Colombia

Destination highlight: A Taste of Cartagena: Cartagena’s charm lies in its rich history and stunning architecture. Our bus tour featured a multilingual guide who brought the city’s past to life, taking us through historical sites, old forts and the walled part of the old town. We marveled at the beautiful churches, plazas and colonial buildings. The tour’s meeting point was Mister Emerald, a captivating jewelry store with an array of emeralds and a fascinating backstory. Though the relentless street vendors were a downside, the store provided a welcome respite with air conditioning and a bathroom.

Pro tip: Just a short walk from Mister Emerald, there’s a coffee and chocolate shop in a small mall, called Coffee And. It’s an excellent spot for authentic Colombian coffee and souvenirs.

Oranjestad, Aruba

Sights, scenes and tastes of Aruba: Aruba’s overnight port stay offered a perfect opportunity to explore. My husband and I walked south toward Surfside Beach, eager to experience the island’s crystal-clear waters. Post-Easter, many locals were still enjoying their beachside camps, but we found a quiet spot to take a dip. We then visited the West Deck, where high-top seating provided an excellent view of the ocean. The local seafood was a highlight, and the leisurely walk back to the ship was a pleasant way to digest our meal. The area is dotted with souvenir shops, perfect for picking up mementos.

Our tour took us to natural landmarks, the old gold ruins and the California Lighthouse. We enjoyed local snacks and photographed the iconic Fofoti Tree. We also saw preserved turtle nests and received local patties and hot sauce as souvenirs. The tour allowed some free time at the beach, adding to the day’s enjoyment.

Willemstad, Curaçao

Willemstad tour by trolley: A trolley tour in Curaçao is an excellent way to get an overview of the city. The tour, starting from the port, included a quick taxi ride over the island’s waterways to the floating market, where Venezuelan boats deliver fresh produce and souvenirs. The trolley ride offered insights into Dutch colonial architecture and history. Afterward, we walked back to the ship, enjoying the shopping and dining options along the way.

Snorkel Caracas Bay: This expert-led snorkel excursion was a highlight. We explored a snorkel area near a decommissioned oil rig and marveled at the vibrant marine life. An inspiring moment was snorkeling alongside Barbara, an 85-year-old seasoned snorkeler making her return after a long break. The crew were incredibly supportive, ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment. After snorkeling, we sipped rum punch and admired the mansions of famous Americans residing on the island.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Exclusive sailboat snorkel: Our small-group sailboat tour with Blue Bay Sailing Tours was a standout experience. We sailed out to Bonaire Marine Park, where we snorkeled among abundant coral, fish and turtles. The sail back was exhilarating, providing a perfect end to a day filled with natural beauty and adventure. The combination of a serene snorkeling session and the thrill of sailing made this tour unforgettable.

Exploring the ship: A journey beyond

Even though we spent a significant amount of time in The Retreat, we made sure to explore other parts of the ship to fully experience all that Celebrity Beyond had to offer. Here’s a guide to some of the ship’s unique features and our favorite spots for entertainment, food and relaxation.

The jogging track: A scenic workout

Unique to the Celebrity Beyond and other Edge Class ships, the jogging track spans two decks, offering a unique elevation challenge as you jog or walk. As you make your way around the track, you’ll pass the famed Magic Carpet. This versatile bar and restaurant, which can be found on decks 16, 14 or five depending on its location, hangs over the side of the ship and provides breathtaking views and a distinctive dining experience.

Rooftop Garden Grill: A hidden gem

On deck 15, at the aft of the ship, lies the Rooftop Garden Grill. We stumbled upon this delightful spot and quickly fell in love with it. Open for lunch and dinner, the Grill features an open-air kitchen where you can order grilled favorites, fresh salads, sandwiches and flatbreads made to order. It became one of our favorite dining spots, and we wished we had discovered it sooner. Adjacent to the Grill is the Sunset Bar, a perfect place for happy hour. With its lounges and infinity pools, it’s a popular spot, so be sure to grab a seat early. Also on deck 15 is the Rooftop Garden, an outdoor theater where you can enjoy movies and sports amid lush greenery — a tranquil place to unwind.

Deck 14: Relaxation and refreshments

Deck 14 houses a variety of amenities, including the spa, the main pool and cabanas available for half or full-day rentals with bottle service. The Solarium, an indoor adult pool area, provides a serene retreat and the Oceanview Café offers a buffet with a wide selection of dishes. Nearby, you’ll find the Mast Grill, perfect for quick bites like burgers and hot dogs. Don’t miss the ice cream shop to the right of Oceanview Café, where you can enjoy daily flavors. Seating in this area can be in high demand on hot days, so plan accordingly. Notably, the cabanas have been repositioned from their debut on Celebrity Edge to face the starboard side for easier access to deck amenities.

Entertainment and dining venues

The theater on board is spacious, and if you’re staying in a concierge room or above, you’ll enjoy priority seating. Our butler, Peter, was instrumental in keeping us informed about the best shows and ensuring we had excellent views of the stage.

The Captain’s Club and concierge area were incredibly helpful in managing our loyalty status, consolidating accounts and matching sailings for my husband.

On deck five, The Club offers a lively entertainment experience with shows and dance parties featuring various themes. The Grand Plaza, overlooking the center martini bar, is surrounded by a selection of bars and restaurants, including the World Class Whiskey bar, Raw on 5, Fine Cut Steakhouse and boutique shops. We were consistently impressed by the freshness of the seafood and the richness of the steaks at these venues.

Eden: A sensory delight

Walking toward the back of the ship, you'll encounter Eden, a dining and entertainment space surrounded by lush foliage. The menu, which has evolved since our last Edge Class sailing, now offers a-la carte options instead of a tasting menu. The staff, often of Serbian descent, were exceptionally warm and inviting. The Eden Bar and dining area offer a unique experience, enhanced by the artistic touches and immersive environment designed by Captain Kate.

Deck four: Shopping and dining

Deck four feels like a bustling shopping mall with its array of shops, the photo gallery, excursion desk, café, bars, casino and main dining rooms. For a quieter dining experience, don’t miss Le Grand Bistro for lunch. It’s a favorite spot for staff and offers a chance to enjoy French-inspired dishes with minimal crowds. At night, Le Petit Chef transforms the Bistro into an interactive dining experience with animated visuals guiding you through the meal preparation. Though the menu is limited, it’s worth trying at least once.

Craft Social provides elevated bar food at reasonable prices, which can be a lifesaver when other eateries are closed. Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, a specialty fine dining option, offers a memorable meal with exceptional service.

The Martini Bar in the Grand Plaza is a lively spot where you might witness spectacular performances, including Captain Kate serving martinis with flair.

Pro Tip: There’s a staircase in the Grand Plaza to the left of the Piano that leads down to the destination gateway. Using this staircase can help you avoid long elevator lines, especially during peak times when returning to the ship.

Among all the ships I’ve sailed on, the Beyond stands out as my favorite. The thoughtful enhancements made after the debut of the first Edge Class ship have refined the experience, and Captain Kate’s influence is evident throughout. I look forward to returning, especially to the top suites that cater to every desire.

Ready to embark on your own unforgettable Southern Caribbean adventure? Dive into the enchantment of the region with a cruise on the Celebrity Beyond, where luxury meets discovery at every turn. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant cultural experiences or world-class amenities, this cruise promises to exceed your expectations.

Don’t just take my word for it — experience it for yourself! Reach out to me to start planning your dream getaway, and let’s make your next vacation one for the books. Your Southern Caribbean escape awaits, and I’m here to ensure every moment is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s get started on crafting your perfect cruise experience today!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to the Caribbean. In need of further inspiration? Check out Kendal Brock’s guide, The Dutch Caribbean: Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao.