Living on the Edge: Celebrity Cruises' new offering

With Australia rivalling the US for increased uptake of cruising holidays, it's no surprise that we're champing at the bit to get onto Celebrity Cruises' gorgeous new Celebrity Edge.

"Celebrity Edge is already hugely popular with Australians. With thousands already booked for her Europe and Caribbean sailings, Australia is now the third highest source market for this ship," says Susan Bonner, vice-president and managing director, Celebrity Cruises Australia and NZ. She predicts the game-changing ship will also attract a new set who've never considered cruising before.

Why all the excitement? The 2918-guest wonder, created via a collaboration of top-name architects and designers, has set new standards, surpassing the cruise line's Solstice, known as Australia's favourite ship, the class of which set its own bar in 2008.

A decade later, Celebrity Edge is the harbinger to a new era, with three more sister ships coming on line by 2023.

Highlights include a "design breakthrough" enabling a closer connection to the ocean. The new Edge Stateroom with Infinite Verandah give guests open-air access to the sea via the touch of a button. They can also personalise everything from lighting, shades and temperature via touch control as well.

The design adds 23 per cent more space to staterooms and with a range of suite options, including six split-level Edge Villas with private plunge pools, there are experiences within the experience, depending on your level of desire for exclusivity and luxury.

Celebrity's signature rooftop garden remains a feature but the big ticket new attraction is the Magic Carpet. Cantilevered from the side of Celebrity Edge and the size of a tennis court, it scales the 16 decks through the day and evening, positioning at four, transforming into a new experience at each one, from specialty restaurant for 90 guests up high, to embarkation station down below.

Celebrity Edge is homeported in Fort Lauderdale and its itineraries include the Caribbean and Mexico. See celebritycruises.com/edge