MY VIRTUAL VACATIONS
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Alaska Inside Passage
    • Arizona: Scottsdale and Sedona
    • Mid-Atlantic Region >
      • Baltimore, MD
      • National Harbor, MD
      • Philadelphia, PA
      • Richmond, VA
      • Washington D.C.
    • Bay Area, California
    • Florida >
      • Boca Raton
      • Fort Lauderdale
      • Key West >
        • Key West Excursions
      • Miami
      • Orlando
    • Bermuda
    • Eastern Caribbean
    • Western Caribbean
    • Bahamas
  • Ships
    • Celebrity Cruises >
      • Celebrity Cruises Fleet
      • Celebrity Equinox
      • Celebrity Reflection
      • Celebrity Silhouette
      • Celebrity Solstice
      • Celebrity Summit
      • Celebrity Constellation
    • Crystal Cruises >
      • Crystal Cruises Fleet
    • Princess Cruises Fleet
    • Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
    • River Cruises >
      • American Cruise Lines
      • Victory Cruise Lines
    • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  • Cabins
    • Celebrity Cabins >
      • Deluxe Staterooms
      • Sky Suite
      • Celebrity Suite
      • Royal Suite
      • Michael's Club
      • Celebrity Cruises Stateroom List
    • Crystal Cabins
    • Princess Cruises
    • Royal Caribbean Cabins
    • Holland America Cabins
  • Dining
    • Hotels and Restaurants
    • Celebrity Dining >
      • Celebrity Specialty Dining >
        • Luminae >
          • Luminae for Alaska on Celebrity Solstice
        • La Petite Chef
        • Ocean Liners/Murano
        • The Porch
        • Sushi on Five
        • Tuscan Grille
        • Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria
        • Lawn Club Grill
        • Blu
        • Edge Class Dining
      • Menus
      • Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
      • Celebrity Cruises Room Service
    • Crystal Dining
    • MSC Menus
    • Oceania Menus
    • Princess Dining
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity Entertainment >
      • Celebrity Cruises Canyon Ranch Spa Services
      • The Alcoves
      • Celebrity Today's
      • Celebrity Cruises for Kids
      • Celebrity Cruises Exclusive Perks
    • Crystal Entertainment
    • Princess Entertainment
    • Royal Caribbean Entertainment
    • Holland America Entertainment
  • Quick Tips
    • FAQs
    • What to Pack for a Cruise
    • Which Cabin is Best for Me?
    • Favorite Travel Products
    • Excursions
    • Cruising with Groups
    • Celebrations
    • Tipping
    • Beauty Tips
    • Quiz
    • Celebrity Cruises Luggage Valet Service
    • Budgeting for Vacation
    • Travel Tip Tuesdays

An Exploration of Dining on Celebrity Apex

3/24/2023

0 Comments

 

Know Before You Go! Where to Dine on Celebrity Apex.

After being onboard the stunning Celebrity Apex from March 11th through 18th, 2023, I've provided a detailed review below of the many exclusive Celebrity Cruises dining experiences we enjoyed. You'll find an honest account, tips and tricks, and dining pictorials of various food items and menus.

Let's get on board! Port Everglades Terminal 25

If you have the opportunity to enjoy a suite in The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises, you are in for a treat! You'll start out with a very easy and personal boarding experience in the Terminal 25 suite lounge at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Not only are there comfortable lounge chairs and tables, but you'll also find a terrific spread of savory and sweet snacks, along with sodas, water, coffee and tea. It's a truly luxurious experience and the best way to start off your Celebrity Cruises vacation in suite style.
Port Everglades Terminal 25 Suite Lounge
Port Everglades Terminal 25 Suite Lounge

Luminae

We stayed in The Retreat so our assigned restaurant was Luminae. After looking back, besides from a few really special experiences, I probably would suggest to use Luminae every night. It's truly a specialty restaurant among itself. ​​The Sommelier was top-notch and did a perfect job matching savory and sweet food selections with wines. You'll find the complete menus by clicking here. See below for a few of the choices you'll find. ​​
Breakfast at Luminae
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises Breakfast
Huevos Rancheros
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises Breakfast
Eggs Benedict with Spinach Florentine
Amuse Bouche at Dinner
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Ham and Cheese Croquette
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Marinated Shrimp
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Beet Tartare
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Whipped Burrata
Appetizers in Luminae
Picture
Smoked Salmon Salad
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Risotto
Entrees in Luminae
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Turbot (heavenly!)
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Mushroom & Truffle Fettuccini
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Rib Eye (Evening Chic #1) and better than Fine Cut!
Luminae Lunch on Celebrity Cruises
Butternut Squash Lasagna (Embarkation Lunch)
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Lamb Chops
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Butter Poached Lobster (Evening Chic #2)
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Cod with Crispy Rice (Evening Chic #1)
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Cobb Salad (Embarkation Lunch)
Desserts in Luminae
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Dark Chocolate Cake
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Baked Alaska (Evening Chic #2)
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Mascarpone Cheesecake
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises Dessert
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Ricotta Cheesecake (I look forward to this every cruise!)
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Chocolate Soufflé (Evening Chic #2)
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Chocolate Mousse Palet (with real gold!)
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises Menu
A Few Favorite Cocktails and Dessert Wines at Luminae
Wines in Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Moscato recommended with cheesecake and fruit desserts
Cocktails in Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Ultraviolet
Wines in Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Port recommended with chocolate desserts
Cocktails in Luminae on Celebrity Cruises
Spicy Passion

The Retreat Deck

Lunch is available poolside on Celebrity Cruises' The Retreat Deck during specific hours. From the Retreat Deck pool menu, I would recommend the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. The Caesar Salad Dressing on Celebrity Cruises is one of my favorites on land or sea.
However, drinks are available pretty much all of the time. You can order them at the bar or they will come and find you anywhere you choose to lounge. Also, in the mornings, they often come around The Retreat Deck with fresh fruit skewers (usually around 10:30 AM) and in the afternoon (usually around 2:30 PM) they'll arrive with a small cup of gelato. We loved the Butter Pecan and Pistachio flavors. Amazing! ​
The Retreat Deck on Celebrity Cruises
The Retreat Deck on Celebrity Cruises Sunscreen
The Retreat pool deck menu on Celebrity Cruises
The Retreat Deck on Celebrity Cruises
Pro Tip Not to eat, but you'll find complementary various strengths (30 SPF and 50 SPF) of sunscreen, aloe vera after-sun, and even SPF-40 sunglasses on The Retreat Deck. They provide small, eco-friendly cardboard dishes to dispense the products in to apply at your seat. Plus, don't forget an icy cold towel to cool off.

The Retreat Lounge

Our family always enjoys The Retreat Lounge throughout the cruise. We tend to meet and gather here prior to dinner for a cocktail and hors devours. Look out for special events that might happen here during your cruise. We enjoyed live entertainment and a Senior Office Meet and Greet. 
On Celebrity Apex The Retreat Lounge, you'll find a Bartender, as well as a few Retreat Attendants to serve you drinks, snacks, tea, and more. 
You'll also find the Celebrity Cruises Retreat Concierges here. If you have any kind of an issue or question (i.e., dining, onboard charges) during your cruise, they are more than willing to spend the time with you to figure it out. ​Your butler can do this too. If you aren't sure what a butler can do, see here for some great and unique ideas.
The Retreat Lounge Snacks
Seasoned chips (crisps) and spicy pecans for a pre-dinner snack
Breakfast at The Retreat Lounge on Celebrity Cruises
If you don't want a full sit-down breakfast, stop by The Retreat Lounge in the mornings
The Retreat Lounge Celebrity Cruises
The Retreat Lounge bartenders make an incredible extra-dirty martini
The Retreat Lounge Celebrity Cruises
Fantastic live performances are often arranged exclusively for The Retreat guests

Craft Social

Craft Social is a casual and fun spot with an amazing selection of bar food, draft and bottled beers, and wines, all while watching sports or other popular events on the many televisions. Craft Social is one of only two spots onboard Celebrity Apex where they serve a selection of draft beer. The other is at The Sunset Bar.
Pro Tip Craft Social on Celebrity Apex is a very small space, so you'll want to get there during an off time to secure a seat. ​
Craft Social Menu on Celebrity Cruises
Many of the small bites at Craft Social are top picks from other specialty restaurants. This is a great chance to either enjoy more of them or take the opportunity to try them for the first time.

Dinner on the Edge (Magic Carpet Experience)

One of the best experiences onboard! If you have the opportunity to dine on the Magic Carpet Dinner on the Edge, I highly recommend it. The only downfall is that you will not know which night this will happen until you are on board. If you already have a Celebrity Cruises specialty restaurant or excursion planned (if a port at night) you will need to change it at the last minute and a substitution unfortunately may not be available. But you won't be sorry! Between the view, the service, and delicious food, Dinner on the Edge on the Magic Carpet was a highlight of our cruise. 
As you are dining on the tangerine Magic Carpet at Dinner on the Edge, all of your photos will have a mysterious orange glow about them. You'll notice this on my photos below, but that's what makes it fun!
We found out only once onboard Celebrity Apex that our Dinner on the Edge was scheduled for the fourth night of Tortola. This was surprising because we would be at sea. I had wrongly assumed that it would be held the first port day of San Juan since we were docked until late night.
​Dinner reservations for the Magic Carpet were assigned to everyone at 7:00 PM. We had a party of six and they generously gave us 3 of everything to easily share between our table-mates.
Magic Carpet Dinner on the Edge Menu
Magic Carpet Dinner on the Edge
Burrata is always a treat for me. This one was truly fresh and delicious.
Magic Carpet Dinner on the Edge
A lovely charcuterie board with a perfect assortment of cured meats and cheeses.
Magic Carpet Dinner on the Edge Meal
Grilled Lobster, Bronzino and Chateaubriand. You do have the option of how you'd like the Chateaubriand cooked. As long as you have a table-mate who enjoys the same, it works out.
Magic Carpet Dinner on the Edge Dessert
Decadent Guava Tarts (filled with a guava jam and a whipped cream cheese filling) and AMAZING chocolate cigar filled with chocolate mousse. One of our favorite desserts of the cruise!

Fine Cut Steakhouse

It may not be a popular opinion, but as much as I had wanted to like it, Fine Cut Steakhouse was not one of my favorites. I didn't think the service was spectacular and the steaks didn't have much taste. The only piece of meat that was a hit in my family was the Prime Rib my son ordered. I was truly disappointed afterwards because I had originally also ordered it, but I somehow let the waiter talk me out of it. ​You'll find the complete menu by clicking here.
Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Cruises
Never mind the food, the views at Fine Cut can't be beaten.
Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Cruises
Signature Crabcake. It wasn't the kind of crab cake that I was used to, but it was tasty.
Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Cruises
Prime Rib Eye, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Bernaise Sauce
Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Cruises
Brownie dessert
Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Cruises
The Ice Cream Sundae for dessert was my highlight!

Rooftop Garden Grill

A really delicious meal with outdoor seating, The Rooftop Garden Grill is a fun experience. The food is unique to traditional Celebrity Cruises food, but that's a good thing! It's casual (although disappointing they still require long pants for men, it can get quite hot outside on the top deck of the ship) with typically American-style food. However, not all choices at Rooftop Garden on Celebrity Apex are going to be fan favorites. Our party of six found the burgers to be a top pick, although the ribs were dry and flavorless. For dessert, it's tough to choose between the warm cookie and Mason Jar S'mores. So why not get them both?! ​You'll find the complete menu by clicking here.
Rooftop Garden Grill on Celebrity Cruises
The Rooftop Garden is a beautiful space any time of day
Celebrity Apex in Puerto Rico
A gorgeous view during dinner while docked in San Juan, PR.
Rooftop Garden Grill on Celebrity Cruises
I'm still dreaming about these Train Wreck Fries. Don't miss them! (Calories don't count when you are on a cruise...)
Rooftop Garden Grill on Celebrity Cruises
The chicken wings were another favorite. They were small (which my family likes) and very flavorful.
Rooftop Garden Grill on Celebrity Cruises
A burger with onion rings on top? Yes, please!
Rooftop Garden Grill on Celebrity Cruises
Their burgers are really delicious! Probably the best one I had on the ship.
Rooftop Garden Grill on Celebrity Cruises
Rack of Ribs, Cornbread, and French Fries.
Mason Jar Rooftop Garden Grill on Celebrity Cruises
Amazing S'mores in a Mason Jar (chocolate mousse and homemade marshmallows!)
Cookie Rooftop Garden Grill on Celebrity Cruises
Warm gooey chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream.

Cafe al Bacio

Did you know they have cocktails at Cafe al Bacio on Celebrity Cruises? They are perfect to go with the complimentary pastries, cakes, and cookies. 
Pro Tip You'll notice below that all of the treats around the Celebrity Cruises ship are labeled if they contain nuts, gluten-free, etc. for those who are cruising with food allergies. 
Cocktail Cafe al Bacio on Celebrity Cruises
Cafe al Bacio on Celebrity Cruises
Cafe al Bacio on Celebrity Cruises

Raw on Five

We ate at Raw on Five twice for lunch throughout our Celebrity Apex 7-night cruise, so you know it must be good. There is an a la carte charge for everything. Although, the beverages and cocktails are still under your beverage package, if you have one. The fresh seafood tower is pricey, but it well worth it. I'm still amazed how Celebrity Cruises keeps the quality up on fresh seafood for the entire length of the cruise. I ate oysters almost every other day and they were impeccably fresh and delicious. You'll find the complete menu of Raw on Five by clicking here.
Raw on Five on Celebrity Cruises
Raw on Five on Celebrity Cruises
Raw on Five on Celebrity Cruises
Raw on Five on Celebrity Cruises

Oceanview Cafe

We dined at the Oceanview Cafe on occasion and didn't find anything lacking. The quality and selection of the food is wonderful. For lunch, they offer an international station where they feature a country's traditional cuisine. I once filled a plate with Fish and Chips, and Shepard's Pie - can you guess which country was this day? It was delicious!
Spectacular desserts are offered throughout the day. Our Celebrity Apex cruise was over March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, and the Oceanview Cafe did a phenomenal job making green treats. I'd also suggest to not miss Celebrity Cruises' pizza. They are constantly making it fresh and it's hot, cheesy, and crispy. They even offer a variety with a gluten-free crust. ​
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Have you cruised with Celebrity Cruises on Celebrity Apex yet? I'd love to hear what your favorite restaurants are!
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Reviews on family cruises and vacations

    My Virtual Vacations Blog

    MyVirtualVacations

    About the Author

    ​Thanks for cruising by! ​ Along with creating this website and blog, I work in an office full-time and as a mom to two energetic young men. With our family's busy work and school schedule, we look forward to traveling during holidays. Although it seems that our family can never agree on anything, we do when it comes to vacations. We typically travel on cruises or stay at luxury hotels while enjoying upscale dining, beautiful decor, excellent service, and spacious accommodations. However, we still need family friendly and comfortable! When we are not traveling, I enjoy dining out locally, as well as cooking and baking in my own kitchen.
    ​Virtually escape and start planning your next luxurious cruise vacation on land or sea with My Virtual Vacations. ​Contact me for any specific questions or recommendations. And don't forget to keep checking back for the latest blog posts and information. There are always more family vacations in our future!
    You'll also find me on Cruise Critic boards as​ SunnyAJ.  Let's connect! ​
    JNachman Photography

    About the Photos

    Our beautiful photographs are creatively captured by my talented freelance husband/photographer located in Baltimore, MD. Click here to explore more of his work.

    Free Download!

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Alaska
    Arizona
    Bay Area Calfornia
    Bermuda
    Caribbean And Bahamas
    Celebrity Cruises
    Cruise And Travel Tips
    Crystal Cruises
    Europe
    Fairmont Hotels
    Florida
    For Foodies
    Gaylord National Harbor
    Hilton
    Holland America
    Hyatt Hotels
    Iceland
    Kid Friendly Travel
    Kimpton
    Lago Mar Resort And Club
    Lord Baltimore Hotel
    Marriott Hotels
    Maryland
    Pennsylvania
    Princess Cruises
    Ritz Carlton Properties
    River Cruises
    Salamander Resort & Spa
    Scandinavia/Russia
    Seattle
    Sonesta
    Virginia
    Walt Disney World
    Washington D.C.
    Wedding
    Wine & Spirits

    Up Next...

    There is no stopping us! We immensely enjoyed our first Aqua Class experience on Celebrity Equinox this past spring. 
    I'm THRILLED to announce that we have booked a luxury Disney World vacation coming up! We are doing it in style at the Disney Yacht Club and visiting EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, plus attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I can't wait to virtually share our upcoming Disney vacation with you! 
    ​​If you have suggestions of places My Virtual Vacations would love, reach out to us on our Submission Form. We are always looking for new spots to feature!​

    RSS Feed

    My Virtual Vacations - Blog Directory OnToplist.com

Explore With Us

Our Blog
​
Destinations
​
Cruise Ships
​
Cruise Cabins
​Cruise Dining
Cruise Entertainment
​Quick Tips​​
​Let's Talk Cruising!
​Our Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

Connect With Us

Work With Us

Picture
Learn more!
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Alaska Inside Passage
    • Arizona: Scottsdale and Sedona
    • Mid-Atlantic Region >
      • Baltimore, MD
      • National Harbor, MD
      • Philadelphia, PA
      • Richmond, VA
      • Washington D.C.
    • Bay Area, California
    • Florida >
      • Boca Raton
      • Fort Lauderdale
      • Key West >
        • Key West Excursions
      • Miami
      • Orlando
    • Bermuda
    • Eastern Caribbean
    • Western Caribbean
    • Bahamas
  • Ships
    • Celebrity Cruises >
      • Celebrity Cruises Fleet
      • Celebrity Equinox
      • Celebrity Reflection
      • Celebrity Silhouette
      • Celebrity Solstice
      • Celebrity Summit
      • Celebrity Constellation
    • Crystal Cruises >
      • Crystal Cruises Fleet
    • Princess Cruises Fleet
    • Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
    • River Cruises >
      • American Cruise Lines
      • Victory Cruise Lines
    • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  • Cabins
    • Celebrity Cabins >
      • Deluxe Staterooms
      • Sky Suite
      • Celebrity Suite
      • Royal Suite
      • Michael's Club
      • Celebrity Cruises Stateroom List
    • Crystal Cabins
    • Princess Cruises
    • Royal Caribbean Cabins
    • Holland America Cabins
  • Dining
    • Hotels and Restaurants
    • Celebrity Dining >
      • Celebrity Specialty Dining >
        • Luminae >
          • Luminae for Alaska on Celebrity Solstice
        • La Petite Chef
        • Ocean Liners/Murano
        • The Porch
        • Sushi on Five
        • Tuscan Grille
        • Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria
        • Lawn Club Grill
        • Blu
        • Edge Class Dining
      • Menus
      • Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
      • Celebrity Cruises Room Service
    • Crystal Dining
    • MSC Menus
    • Oceania Menus
    • Princess Dining
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity Entertainment >
      • Celebrity Cruises Canyon Ranch Spa Services
      • The Alcoves
      • Celebrity Today's
      • Celebrity Cruises for Kids
      • Celebrity Cruises Exclusive Perks
    • Crystal Entertainment
    • Princess Entertainment
    • Royal Caribbean Entertainment
    • Holland America Entertainment
  • Quick Tips
    • FAQs
    • What to Pack for a Cruise
    • Which Cabin is Best for Me?
    • Favorite Travel Products
    • Excursions
    • Cruising with Groups
    • Celebrations
    • Tipping
    • Beauty Tips
    • Quiz
    • Celebrity Cruises Luggage Valet Service
    • Budgeting for Vacation
    • Travel Tip Tuesdays