Cruise enthusiasts have a new exciting reason to set their sights on the open sea – and beyond! At the christening ceremony of the newest vessel in Celebrity’s fleet, the Celebrity Beyond, Simone Biles introduced the world to a new level of luxury and class. The third ship in the revolutionary Edge Series connects guests to the sea like never before, with open-air terraced seating and cantilevered float pools overlooking the endless ocean.

Simone Biles: A Golden Godmother of Celebrity Beyond

Godmother of the Celebrity Beyond, 19-time World Champion and seven-time Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, christened the ship on November 4 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. As the most decorated female gymnast in world championships history, Biles has also become known as an outspoken mental health advocate, and was an inspired pick by Celebrity to lead the occasion. In the time-honored maritime tradition of blessing the ship, Biles broke a bottle on the ship’s hull, bestowing it with good luck before it began its winter season of Caribbean sailings. The event included musical performances and was a night of great celebrations.

Celebrity Beyond’s Captain Kate McCue

Not to be outdone, the captain who will lead the Celebrity Beyond in its initial voyages is a bit of a trailblazer herself. Known for being the first female captain of a large cruise ship, captain Kate McCue fell in love with cruising at a young age and has dreamt of being in the cruise industry from the age of 12. Pushed by her father to set her sights even higher, McCue attended the Maritime Academy at California State University where she earned a degree in business administration.

After college, Kate McCue began working as a deckhand aboard a catamaran. She applied to every cruise line she could until she earned herself an entry level position and began her climb beyond the glass ceiling and straight to the captain’s quarters. Throughout her time in the industry, she has sailed across the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and all over the Pacific, from Alaska to Asia and Australia.

Aboard the Celebrity Beyond 

Described by Celebrity as having an international beach club ambience, Celebrity Beyond takes innovative outward-facing design further than ever with multi-award-winning designer Kelly Hoppen. With many more open spaces and a seemingly endless supply of balconies and terraces, the stunning ocean horizon may as well be a guest seated beside you at dinner. Celebrated designer Nate Berkus, Global Culinary Ambassador Chef Daniel Boulud, and Well-being Advisor Gwyneth Paltrow have also added their time and talents to this monument of rest and relaxation.

The deck of the Celebrity Beyond boasts several serene areas where guests can sip cocktails and bathe in the sun. The quiet rooftop garden sits right in the middle of the ship and is punctuated by float pools facing toward the ocean, allowing for boundless views of sunsets and sunrises. The resort deck offers even more luxurious space centered around a 25-yard lap pool. Establishments like the Sunset Bar and The Magic Carpet seat guests on open-air terraces while providing world-class cuisine and refreshment.

But beneath the boards of the top deck, there is just as much opulence to enjoy. The extravagant grand plaza shimmers with gold from floor to ceiling, centered around a circular martini bar. The state-of-the-art theater is the setting for sensational multi-sensory performances that combine live performers with a digital backdrop such as Elements, Stage Door, and Arte. Head to The Club for live games and DJ performances for a new experience every night. The three-story Eden is a playful and colorful venue that is the cherry on the top of Celebrity Beyond’s outward-facing design.

---

Can’t wait to set sail on the Celebrity Beyond? Visit Cruises.com — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying Celebrity offers, plus all of the Captain’s Club loyalty benefits.

Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.