Celebrity Edge arrived at Southampton on Monday in advance of a summer season sailing in Europe.
The vessel boasts suites by interior designer Kelly Hoppen featuring open-air plunge pools and 270-degree views. There is also a rooftop garden and the ship has a platform, dubbed the Magic Carpet, which moves up and down the hull.
Guests will embark and disembark using facial recognition software that uses a selfie uploaded to a mobile app, which Celebrity claims will mean passengers no longer have to queue when they check in for their sailing.
“Celebrity Edge is redefining the cruise experience and today she makes her exciting debut in the UK, a really significant market for us,” said Lisa Lutoff Perlo, Celebrity Cruises’ president and chief executive.
“The ship’s transformative design, spaces, technology and so much more, create a holiday like no other – and we can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction. Edge is changing how people view a cruise vacation, especially for those who are new to cruise/first-timers.”
Jo Rzymowska, Celebrity’s vice president and managing director, UK, Ireland and Asia, said: “Ever since Celebrity Edge launched at the end of last year to international acclaim, customers and our travel agent partners have been clamouring to see her up close for themselves. Now she has come to the UK, we know they are not going to be disappointed.”
Celebrity Edge will next year be joined by sister ship Celebrity Apex, which will launch and be based at the port for a mini season in spring 2020.