Sailing Through Magic: Our 13-Day Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Circle Cruise on Celebrity Apex

There are journeys that leave footprints on your heart — and then there are voyages like ours aboard the Celebrity Apex, where every moment felt like a dream wrapped in velvet and kissed by Arctic air.

For 13 unforgettable days, we sailed through Norway’s majestic fjords and crossed into the Arctic Circle, cocooned in the elegance of the Iconic Suite. Perched directly above the ship’s bridge, this two-bedroom sanctuary is the largest suite on board — over 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space that feels more like a private residence than a stateroom. With expansive living and dining areas, two full bathrooms, and a sprawling terrace that wraps around the bow, the suite offered uninterrupted views of the sea and sky. It was a floating penthouse, a place where luxury met landscapes in perfect harmony.

🌟 Service That Transcends Expectations

From the moment we stepped aboard, we were enveloped in warmth. Our dedicated butler didn’t just meet our needs — he anticipated them. Whether it was a perfectly timed glass of champagne, a surprise treat after a chilly excursion, or arranging private touches that made us feel truly seen, his care elevated our stay to something deeply personal.

The entire staff mirrored this excellence. Smiles were genuine, conversations heartfelt, and every interaction felt like a celebration of hospitality. It was luxury, yes — but luxury with heart.

🎭 Onboard Magic & Moments

When we weren’t gazing out at snow-dusted peaks or emerald fjords, we immersed ourselves in the ship’s vibrant entertainment. The thermal suite became our sanctuary — a warm, aromatic escape from the brisk Nordic breeze. Evenings sparkled with Broadway-caliber performances, witty comedians, and spellbinding magicians who made us forget we were at sea.

We tried our luck in the casino, where the hum of anticipation and clinking chips added a dash of excitement to our evenings. Dining became a daily indulgence — we visited every specialty restaurant, many more than once, savoring everything from expertly prepared sushi to prime steaks and exquisite seafood, all presented with artistry and flair. Between courses and cocktails, we wandered through lounges and open-air decks, drawn by the sounds of talented musicians whose performances added a soulful rhythm to our journey.

Trivia games brought laughter and camaraderie, while the silent disco turned strangers into dance partners, each person lost in their own rhythm and joy.

🧭 A Glimpse Behind the Helm

One of the most memorable privileges of our voyage was the opportunity to tour the bridge — the nerve center of the Celebrity Apex. Standing above the sea we gained a profound appreciation for the precision and expertise required to navigate a vessel of this magnitude. The sheer scale of the ship, paired with the narrow fjords and shifting Arctic conditions, made the Captain and other officers’ work nothing short of masterful. Over the course of the journey, we had the pleasure of speaking with them on several occasions, each conversation revealing not only their technical brilliance but a deep passion for the sea. It was humbling to witness the quiet confidence behind the helm — a reminder that true elegance often lies in the unseen effort.

🌌 Northern Views from a Private Haven

But the pinnacle of our experience? Watching the northern lights shimmer overhead while soaking in our private hot tub. The contrast of steaming water and Arctic air was exhilarating — a sensory symphony of warmth, chill, and wonder. Wrapped in robes, sipping wine, and witnessing nature’s light show from our upper-level suite felt like a secret shared between us and the universe.

🍾 Fjordside Gatherings & Culinary Indulgence

One afternoon, as the ship glided silently through a tapestry of fjords, we invited a few friends to share in the splendor of our suite. The butler, ever attentive, orchestrated an elegant gathering: champagne chilled to perfection and a variety of curated charcuterie boards.  As conversation flowed and laughter mingled with the soft hum of the sea, the panoramic windows framed a living masterpiece of cliffs, waterfalls, and mirror-like waters. It was a celebration of place, of people, and of the rare privilege of experiencing Norway from such a sublime vantage.

Norway in Stillness and Splendor

Each port brought new stories: cascading waterfalls, quaint villages, and landscapes that defied description. But it was the way we experienced them — from the comfort of our suite, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, or with wind tousling our hair on the balcony — that made them ours.

This wasn’t just a cruise. It was a love letter to Norway, to luxury, and to the kind of travel that stirs the soul. If you ever get the chance to sail the Arctic aboard the Celebrity Apex, do it from the Iconic Suite. It’s not just a room — it’s a front-row seat to magic.