Australian cruise enthusiasts are rediscovering the luxury and innovation of Celebrity Edge as the groundbreaking vessel continues its third season in local waters. The ship, which first made waves with its Australian debut two years ago, maintains its position as a standout option for travellers seeking close-to-home adventures without compromising on sophistication.
Setting Sail from Sydney Harbour
The journey begins at Sydney's iconic Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, where the sail-away provides one of cruising's most spectacular experiences. Despite a brief delay due to a medical emergency, the ship departed at 5pm, heading 218 nautical miles south toward its first port of call in Eden.
As the Opera House and Harbour Bridge faded against the city skyline, passengers witnessed the beautiful emerald canopy of the Royal Botanic Garden emerging on the horizon in the muted evening light. The five-night itinerary combines days at sea with strategic stops at regional points of interest, eliminating the need for lengthy flights.
Eden Exploration and Onboard Excellence
The morning arrival in Eden revealed a charming bayside hamlet perched high above the wharf, offering scenic outlooks across picturesque Twofold Bay. The town, which recently welcomed its 200th cruise ship, impressed with warm hospitality and rich historical sites.
Key attractions include an exquisitely refurbished building from 1904 housing Hotel Australasia and two fascinating museums. One museum focuses on killer whales with its centrepiece attraction "Old Tom," while the other explores Saint Mary MacKillop's connections to Eden following her mother's drowning off the coast.
Back onboard, the ship's design continues to impress with its overtly non-traditional, "edgy" aesthetic. The vessel boasts design credentials from Tom Wright, lead designer of Dubai's Burj Al Arab Hotel, and multi-award-winning interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
Dining and Entertainment Highlights
With 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges available, Celebrity Edge offers exceptional culinary diversity. The complimentary dining options include four main restaurants, with Cyprus restaurant emerging as a clear winner for its outstanding lamb shank paired with cabernet.
Specialty dining venues deliver memorable experiences, particularly Japanese diner Raw on 5, where dishes like shrimp tempura (rated 10/10) and melt-in-the-mouth nigiri selection showcase culinary excellence. Fine Cut Steakhouse also impressed with succulent cuts of meat, including a perfectly cooked tomahawk steak.
Entertainment featured English "pop princess" Alexa Jayne delivering powerful vocals and effortless versatility, covering hits by ABBA, Adele, Elton John, and paying emotional tribute to Olivia Newton John. Her husband, multi-instrumentalist Hayden Smith, also delivered a brilliant headline show featuring The Beatles, Neil Diamond, and Andrea Bocelli.
Innovative Spaces and Design Marvels
Two venues particularly demonstrate the Edge class's design prowess: Eden and the Magic Carpet. The three-level Eden spans 1100 square metres with an architectural wraparound glass perimeter and forest-style interior by acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola, creating a strong connection with nature.
The Magic Carpet, an orange cantilevered platform on the ship's starboard side, serves multiple practical functions from pool deck extension to open-air dining venue and boarding platform. Designed to accommodate up to 100 patrons for dining, this innovative space represents the ship's commitment to reimagining cruise ship design.
Other notable spaces include the asymmetrical main pool area, the "urban playscape" style Rooftop Garden, and the popular Martini Bar at the Grand Plaza with its chiselled ice-shaped roof that flashes shards of white and yellow lights in sequence.
Accommodation and Technology
The Kelly Hoppen-designed Infinite Veranda cabins provide spacious 26.5 square metre accommodations with luxury features including a standalone shower, generous storage, and comfortable king-size bed. The innovative push-button system lowers the top half of the window for open-air access, departing from conventional balcony designs.
Technology enhancements include excellent Wi-fi speeds via Starlink by X and a convenient pre-departure check-in process through the Celebrity app, allowing passengers to schedule boarding times and book shore excursions and specialty restaurants in advance.
Wellness and Demographics
The ship caters comprehensively to wellness with extensive spa treatments, thermal suites including eight different spaces, and fitness facilities. The passenger demographic skews toward mostly Australian travellers aged 30-plus, with noticeable numbers of multigenerational families, particularly those with teenage children.
Entertainment options range from free activities like trivia and games to paid experiences such as yoga classes and the fascinating two-hour Behind the Scenes ship tour costing $171. The ship also boasts an impressive collection of over 4000 artworks valued at up to $US10 million.
As Celebrity Edge continues through its 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 Australian seasons, the vessel maintains its appeal with itineraries ranging from four to sixteen nights exploring Australia's Wine Country, the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Fares start from $879 per person for four-night Tasmania cruises, offering accessible luxury for Australian travellers seeking memorable seafaring adventures close to home.
