Passengers have been raving about a new “luxury” cruise liner that cost billions to build – and it has a distinctly Australian feature.
An Australian fitness chain has opened a gym on board a new $1.7 billion cruise ship in a “first-of-its-kind” collaboration that sees its training studios opened at sea.
F45 first launched in Sydney back in 2013 but now boasts over 1750 studios in 45 countries across Australia, North America, South America, Asia, Europe and Africa.
However, the brand’s most recent location may be its most exciting yet, after it swung open the doors to a new studio on board Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship Celebrity Beyond.
The new workout studio hosts its famous 45-minute classes multiple times a day, but unlike its other gyms, it has a jaw-dropping floor-to-ceiling view overlooking the ocean that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Passengers can swing kettle bells, lift dumbbells and burpee to their heart’s content as part of the 17-deck ship’s wellness offerings that also includes access to Peloton bikes, yoga classes and a huge 24-hour gym.
After working out, guests can refuel with healthy menu offerings from a “clean” restaurant on-board, or grab a nutritionally balanced smoothie – such as Gwyneth Paltrow’s favourite green juice, available as part of Celebrity’s partnership with her wellness brand Goop.
“Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy at Celebrity Cruises, that we continue to build and grow a truly special on-board experience where it is woven into every aspect of the guest journey from the stateroom to the spa,” Celebrity Cruises president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said.
“And, because we’re doing all of this at sea, which is incredibly therapeutic in itself, it becomes a wonderful wellness journey unlike anything in the world.”
Insane spa facilities
If your idea of wellness on holiday is a cheeky trip to a spa (we feel you), then you’re in luck as the ship boasts having “the most indulgent spa escape at sea”.
Adding credibility to the claims, the spa has more than 120 different treatments, and a designated area that “encourages relaxation” to enjoy before and after using the facilities.
Inside the special relaxation “suite” are eight distinct spaces, including a steam room infused with different aromatherapy oils and my personal favourite, the “water therapy room”, which comes complete with those fancy rainfall showers. I also loved the heated lounges, a nice place to nap post-massage.
A foodie dream
Since its maiden voyage in April, guests have been raving about the “luxury” ship on social media, many sharing photos of the “delicious” food served on board and the “next level” restaurants of which there are 15 on board.
A standout would definitely be Le Voyage, the first restaurant at sea for renowned French chef Daniel Boulud, whose New York restaurant currently has two Michelin stars.
Dining at Le Voyage comes with an additional $US139 [$A204] fee, but the steak was melt in your mouth good – and my pavlova dessert was an actual piece of art as well as delicious. It’s worth noting that the menu is set and changes regularly.
The bars on board are also super fun and dotted around in various locations – including “Sunset Bar” located with a prime viewing spot on the top deck and “Martini Bar” in the hub of the ship that serves up delicious cocktails. (Get the lychee martini – you won’t regret it.)
Of course, no cruise ship is complete without a buffet, and the one on Beyond is a sight to behold.
Unlike a tired hotel buffet though, this one feels more like a high-end food hall, and has the extra bougie touch of the fact you don’t serve yourself. Each station is instead staffed and they will dish up whatever you ask for, a new move implemented as a result of Covid.
Real celebrity on board
While the ship can hold 3260 passengers at capacity (and 1400 crew members) – there’s one famous influencer who is always on board, Bug Naked.
The hairless cat – who boasts almost 60,000 followers on Instagram – is the right-hand kitty of Beyond’s Captain Kate McCue.
Many passengers take great delight finding the feline, sharing their snaps of the not-so-fluffy creature on social media. So definitely keep your eyes peeled.
The journalist travelled as a guest of Celebrity Cruises
