With the launch of Celebrity Cruises' first new ship in a decade, Celebrity Edge, the hype and excitement has been focused on new hi-tech capabilities and innovative design features that stand out as cruise industry firsts.
Sure, the Magic Carpet floating deck on Celebrity Edge and the cruise ship app that allows passengers to use their phones as a room key and to control the blinds, lights and temperature in their cabins are exciting new features.
But I'm here to take a look at the fitness center, which also is a cut above your average cruise ship facility. The gym on Celebrity Edge offers a large amount of space, as well as the most modern and popular equipment for cruisers who want to try something new or stick with their training methods and classes that they enjoy back home.
In addition to the gym's dozens of pieces of cardio equipment, such as treadmills, rowing machines, ellipticals, stair climbers and stationary bikes, Celebrity edge offers an area outfitted with kettlebells and plyometric jump boxes for more sport-specific training and explosive workouts.
All of this stuff is fantastic and gives the gym on Celebrity Edge the feel of a top-notch land-based fitness center. Even the most avid workout fanatics will have little problem finding a way to keep up with their training regimens.
Yeah, right.
Instead, the tracks typically prove to be frustrating. The laps are too short, but even more problematic are the layouts. I mean jogging tracks that trace their routes through busy areas with people pulling loungers out onto the running space or past designated smoking spots.
Not on Celebrity Edge. The ship's running track is an innovative design, spanning two decks on 15 and 16. The layout is such that it is never crowded, offers a clear lane direction and paths for both runners and walkers. Furthermore, you get a little bit of hill work with the course gradually and gently sloping from Deck 16 back down to its starting area on Deck 15 before another stretch of incline that takes you back up to Deck 16. The route also is varied and curving, not a simple mind-numbing circle. It's 4.5 laps per mile.
Overall, Celebrity Edge is a great ship if you are a traveler in search of a nice wellness vacation or are someone who really strives to keep up with your workouts whether at home or away.
Thanks for reading, and always travel fit!
Cheers,
JR