ArcaMax

One plus of the new Camp at Sea programming: Youth counselors (they must have at least a bachelor's degree and two years of experience working with children), added Thompson-Foley, "have the freedom to change the program every cruise, to do activities that they feel are right for the kids onboard."

That includes kids who have special challenges and dietary needs, said Clare Bronson, a longtime youth counselor, who adds that it is very helpful if parents are forthcoming with the staff. (Though programming starts at age three, in-room babysitting is available for younger children at an additional price.)

There's also a series of new family activities -- Laser Maze, Family movie nights on Rooftop Garden, Creation Stations for art projects and more.

Everyone's interested in food and arrives with higher expectations, at least according to Cornelius Gallagher. He's a longtime chef and dad recruited to oversee food and beverages for the 10-ship cruise line. Gallagher has worked for the past four years to bring new culinary experiences to those onboard the Edge, including the effort to locally source foods and "experiential" dining experiences like Le Petit Chef. Tiny animated chefs from France, Italy, Spain and Japan prepare your dishes as you watch on your specially designed tables just before the real food is brought. "Better than Disney," crows Gallagher.

There are 29 places to eat and drink whether you want barbecue, a steak, Indian curry or a lobster roll. Try sunset "Dinner on Edge" on the "Magic Carpet," the first cantilevered floating platform that juts out over the starboard side. The platform moves to allow for different vantage points.

While the tab for specialty dining can be steep (as much as $75 per person) there are four complimentary dining rooms (most ships have one) with varying décor and menu -- Mediterranean, New American, Italian and French.

And kids always love the buffet. This one offers everything from pizza and burgers to Thai dishes; sandwich and salad fixings to made-to-order pastas, Latin dishes and all varieties of desserts, including "Scoops," for ice cream.

Just don't expect a trip on The Edge to come cheap. "Higher than other Celebrity ships, around $1,500 per person on the low end," said travel agent Paul McNeil, an executive with Interliner. On the high end, suites can be as much as $50,000.

The Celebrity team is betting that passengers, whatever their budgets, will find Edge a special experience -- even those who have always thought cruising isn't for them, said Lutoff-Perlo. "We hope this ship will change their minds."

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