Celebrity Apex has reached another milestone following the completion of sea trials off the coast of France.

The trial, which took place earlier this month [February] in the Bay of Biscay near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, was overseen by more than 50 crew members, including engineers and nautical experts.

The first Celebrity Cruises ship to be launched in the UK in over a decade, Celebrity Apex will begin her inaugural season from Southampton on 1 April 2020, with a mini-season of five sailings to Northern Europe destinations before spending the summer sailing seven-to-12-night itineraries throughout the Mediterranean.

In November, the ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a winter season of week-long Caribbean sailings.

Celebrity Apex includes many of the features found on Celebrity’s first Edge-class ship, Celebrity Edge, including the Magic Carpet cantilevered off the ship’s side, the all-exclusive experience for suite guests in The Retreat and Edge Villas with their own private terrace and plunge pool.

The ship does, however, include some upgrades, such as expanded staterooms with infinite verandas as well as new culinary, spa and wellness, and entertainment features.

Celebrity Cruises recently revealed that Reshma Sujani, author, founder and CEO of international non-profit Girls Who Code, will be godmother of Celebrity Apex.

The line’s president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo: “The purpose of a sea trial is to test the functionality of the ship, but this wasn’t just any sea trial – and Celebrity Apex isn’t just any ship.

“In typical Edge Series-fashion, the ship absolutely exceeded our expectations, performing perfectly in line with our above-and-beyond operating standards.”

Celebrity Apex captain Dimitris Kafetzis added: “It was an absolute honour to stand at the helm of Celebrity Apex for her highly successful first sea trial. Celebrity Apex is truly a beautiful and highly advanced vessel.”