cruises on celebrity ascent

Protect Your Trip »

Celebrity ascent: the best dining, amenities and more on celebrity cruises' newest ship.

Top-notch eateries, adults-only areas and entertainment options stand out.

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois

Key Takeaways

• There are 32 different dining and drinking venues on board, from Le Voyage by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud to the line's iconic Martini Bar.
• The onboard entertainment is incredible. The "Awaken" show combines popular music with acrobatics and lasers, while Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night invites cruisers to don metallic or sequin outfits for a deck party under the stars. 
• The Solarium adults-only pool area is a relaxing spot with comfortable lounge chairs, a pool and hot tubs; head to Eden for delightful cocktails and optimal sunset views.

You can think of Celebrity Cruises as the more adult cousin of Royal Caribbean International – which makes sense, considering both cruise lines are owned by Royal Caribbean Group. With all of the recent buzz around both brands, I was excited to sail on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, in its debut month. I embarked out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023.

The 17-deck, 141,420-ton ship has 1,646 staterooms and can carry 3,260 guests at double occupancy. At 1,073 feet long and 128 feet wide, the ship has plenty of space for upscale amenities, edgy entertainment and incredible dining venues. The Edge Series ship also has more than 1,400 crew members who hail from 60 different countries around the world.

As an avid cruiser who has taken more than 50 ocean and river voyages on almost a dozen cruise lines, I found Celebrity Ascent lived up to the hype. The ship itself is stunning, and each area has a distinct vibe. I loved the ample amount of food and drink opportunities – there are 32 different venues – and the standout onboard entertainment was like nothing I had seen before on a cruise ship.

Find your perfect cruise

Celebrity Ascent itineraries

Celebrity Ascent sails around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean over the next few years. Summer 2024 brings Ascent to Mediterranean ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The Mediterranean season ends in October 2024, with a 13-night transatlantic sailing departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Late fall and winter sailings depart from Fort Lauderdale. The Caribbean season runs between November 2024 and April 2025. It includes seven- to nine-night voyages calling on ports like Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao ; Bimini, Bahamas ; Labadee, Haiti; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; and St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In late April 2025, it's back to the Mediterranean for the 2025 season between May and October. Ascent then returns to the Caribbean for sailings in late 2025; destinations include southern Caribbean locales, plus the Panama Canal and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Similar Caribbean sailings are also on sale for early 2026.

Who should sail on Celebrity Ascent?

Celebrity Ascent, like its Edge Series sister ships, caters to adults traveling together. The overall vibe of the ship is upscale and modern, with plenty of places to grab a drink, enjoy a meal and watch a show. Couples can enjoy an elevated date night in Le Grand Bistro, while the aptly named Sunset Bar – which overlooks the rear of the ship – is the spot to be with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets into the horizon. This bar was easily my favorite spot on board; I spent most afternoons here enjoying a cocktail.

The deck parties, of which Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night is the premier event, are a fun time – but they aren't so loud that guests can hear the bass thumping in the staterooms below. Shows at The Theatre are fully immersive, with incredible technology and great music that had me dancing in my seat.

If you are traveling with children, know that there aren't many places on board for kids to just hang out and be kids. The Camp at Sea kids club is crammed into a small area on Deck 3, away from the main Grand Plaza and The Martini Bar.

Cruises on Ascent can be expensive, but Celebrity often runs deals on sailings. Without any promotions, sailings around the Mediterranean in 2024 and 2025 may run between about $1,000 and $5,600 per person. In comparison, 2024 and 2025 Caribbean voyages may cost between about $2,000 and $4,400 per person before discounts. (Note: Cruise rates can change frequently, based on demand and availability.)

The stateroom

There are over two dozen different stateroom styles on Celebrity Ascent. The smallest (and usually cheapest) rooms are the Inside Staterooms, which offer between 181 and 202 square feet of space. For solo travelers, the Single Inside Staterooms offer the same amenities as a double occupancy room, but with a smaller 103-square-foot layout and no single supplement fee at booking.

Ocean View Staterooms are slightly larger, at 200 to 242 square feet. There are three different room styles; the main difference among them is the size of the window. Options range from small windows in the middle of the wall to large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Ascent's balcony cabins are quite varied, but the majority are Infinite Veranda Staterooms, where the balcony is actually a uniquely designed window that can be opened to let the ocean breeze in. There is a set of glass doors that can be drawn to make this space more private, as well.

Concierge Staterooms allow guests access to a dedicated concierge staff and exclusive onboard events. AquaClass cabins all feature the infinite balcony design, plus unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, complimentary dining at Blu restaurant, fitness classes and a spa concierge.

Celebrity Ascent's suites are all part of The Retreat, the line's ship-within-a-ship concept where cruisers have access to an exclusive restaurant, a sun deck with a pool, a lounge and a dedicated crew. Suites range in size and style, from smaller 319-square-foot studios to massive two-bedroom suites offering more than 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

When I sailed on Celebrity Ascent, I stayed in an AquaClass stateroom. The main living space had a king-size bed, which was cozy after long days of exploring the ship and nights spent on the dance floor. I found the cabin's couch a bit uncomfortable, but there was plenty of storage space in the large closet and drawers. Conveniently, the bed was high enough to fit my suitcases under.

Because this was my first time in an Infinite Veranda room, I was interested to see how the balcony actually worked. After pressing a button for the window to roll down, my room instantly filled with humid air – not the sea breeze I was expecting. The air conditioner also turns off when the window is down, so it takes a long time for the room to cool off again. I only opened the window once because of this. For me, the extra veranda space served as more of a sitting area to take in the views than a spot to enjoy the ocean breeze.

My stateroom's bathroom was spacious, with a larger-than-usual standup rain shower. I also loved the eco-friendly bath amenities, which smelled divine. I used the in-room bathrobes and slippers every day of the cruise.

I loved that my AquaClass stateroom came with some amenities that are not included in other Infinite Veranda rooms. There were two yoga mats, two bottles of water that were refreshed daily, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, an umbrella, binoculars, complimentary shoeshine service and a pillow menu. AquaClass guests also have unlimited access to the spa's thermal suite, complimentary fitness classes and a dedicated spa concierge. I went to the thermal suite daily to enjoy the heated loungers and steam rooms.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Best amenities on Celebrity Ascent

On Celebrity Ascent, you'll never be bored. Over just a few days, I was able to participate in game shows and dance parties, sit back and enjoy live music, and spend some time by the pool. While I don't gamble, the casino always seemed to be full when I walked by, and someone was always cheering about hitting the jackpot.

For live entertainment, be sure to catch Flash Flair Fusion, the nightly bartending performance at the Martini Bar. Meanwhile, the Theatre hosted three main shows during my sailing: "Residency," "Awaken" and "Bridges." (Based on my experience, "Awaken" is the production to prioritize.)

Additionally, The Club hosts most of the ship's game shows and some smaller live music events. I loved hanging out at this venue; it was never overly packed with people, and the games were pure fun. I even got called up on stage to participate in one of the games and ended up winning a Celebrity Cruises-branded hat.

For some outdoor fun, hit the onboard pickleball court. Or, head to the Rooftop Garden, where float pools face the ocean and plenty of comfy seating awaits. I loved how lush this space felt, thanks to all of the live plants surrounding the seating areas. This is also the spot to catch movies at night.

If you're looking for an even more unique place to hang out, head to The Magic Carpet. This bright orange, glass-encased bar hangs out over the side of the ship and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink. The Magic Carpet can move up and down the side of the ship, docking at select decks for a set amount of time. I loved hanging here at night as the ship was pulling out of port to see the islands light up and watch other ships pass by.

When planning out your evenings, keep in mind that it can be a trek to get from one onboard activity to the next – especially when there is very little time between many of the major scheduled events. One night, I started in The Club to watch a game show, then immediately had to get to the Theatre. After the theater performance, I had to walk the entire length of the ship and take the stairs to get to the night show in Eden. Then, after Eden, it was time for the Shine the Night deck party. By the time I got back to my stateroom, I was exhausted.

Best dining venues on Celebrity Ascent

There are 32 different spots for food and drinks on Celebrity Ascent, including four main dining rooms; four casual complimentary eateries; eight specialty restaurants; 14 cafes, lounges and bars; and two exclusive venues.

Included with the base fare are meals at the four main dining rooms, all of which serve the same menus every day, plus a small exclusive menu that's tailored to the theme of each restaurant. (For example, if you're dining in Cyprus, there is a small list of Cyprus-exclusive dishes that highlight Mediterranean cuisine, while the Normandie restaurant serves up French favorites.)

Other restaurants included in the cruise rate are Eden Cafe & Bar, which serves light bites and sweets; Mast Grill, offering burgers and salads; and Oceanview Cafe, a buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For an additional cost, head to specialty dining venues like the stunning Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, which is great for date night; Le Grand Bistro, a fun take on a classic French Bistro; or Eden Restaurant, which features an entirely plant-based menu.

My favorite specialty dining option – and overall favorite restaurant on the ship – was Raw on 5. It features stunning chilled seafood towers, fresh sashimi and hot dishes like fresh lobster and shrimp wontons. Each dish was prepared beautifully, the service was top-notch and our table next to the window offered great views.

However, one restaurant I would skip is Fine Cut Steakhouse. It is a pretty standard steakhouse, and nothing on the menu really stood out to me. The upscale ambiance was also diminished by music floating in from the nearby Grand Plaza and Martini Bar (think: everything from One Direction to Cher). While both artists are great to hear while sipping a martini in a public space, I don't want to hear them while dining at an expensive restaurant.

Best excursions on Celebrity Ascent

Travelers cruising to the Caribbean should book a beach outing. There are abundant excursion options in St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands . If you're into local brews, try the Small Group: Brewery & Beach Tour Philipsburg, St. Maarten .

On a past Mediterranean cruise, I explored both Florence and Pisa, Italy, while docked in the Italian city of Livorno. Celebrity offers a similar excursion aboard the Ascent. The day trip includes a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside; exploring Florence and seeing the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo; and a trip to Pisa to see the iconic learning tower. In Rome , consider doing an all-day tour where you can see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Square.

Regardless of where your cruise is headed, you may choose to explore ports on your own instead. If that's the case, be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship. I always try to return at least an hour before the scheduled sail away time.

Overall impressions of Celebrity Ascent

When it comes to ships that cater to a mostly adult audience, Celebrity Ascent really has it all. From stunning common areas to incredible dining and entertainment, I was never bored on this ship. What I loved most was the wide range of entertainment, from pop-up music around the ship to full-blown experiences that need to be seen to be believed. The food on the ship is a step above most other major cruise lines, and the number of dining options is great, especially for longer sailings.

While I loved my room's location and amenities as a whole, I found the Infinite Veranda design to be a bit of a waste. When I did use it, my room got hot quickly and took a while to cool back down. I would consider booking a traditional veranda cabin next time, or a stateroom with a large picture window to save some money without sacrificing the ocean views.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Megan duBois has been covering travel, cruising and theme parks for over five years. She has taken more than 50 cruises, has traveled to four continents and more than 25 countries, and has visited a dozen theme parks around the world. Her work appears online and in print in major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes and more.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• The Best Solo Cruises
• Cruise Packing List: The Essentials Chosen by Experts

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best graceland tours.

Gwen Pratesi June 5, 2024

Top Things to Do in Orange County, CA

Brittany Chrusciel and Sharael Kolberg June 4, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Arkansas

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 3, 2024

Top Things to Do in Florida

Gwen Pratesi May 31, 2024

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Timothy J. Forster and Amanda Norcross May 30, 2024

Road Trip Essentials

Alissa Grisler and Amanda Norcross May 29, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

John Rodwan and Suzanne Mason May 29, 2024

Top Pride Parades and Celebrations

Suzanne Mason May 28, 2024

The Best Underseat Luggage

Rachael Hood May 28, 2024

The Best Miami Boat Tours

Gwen Pratesi May 28, 2024

First look at Celebrity Ascent: This elegant new cruise ship is perfect for entertainment buffs and solo travelers

I'm just back from Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises ' newest ship and the fourth in its Edge Class of vessels . It's exactly what passengers have come to expect from the line, which offers a modern, edgy take on everything from food to entertainment.

The latter is truly what shines on board. The new ship stands out for its buzzworthy new theater shows, a private entertainment room and a lively after-dark deck party.

Another unrelated highlight is that the ship features twice as many cabins for solo travelers as the line's first Edge-class ship, Celebrity Edge.

Below is an outline of what's new, along with my commentary on the handful of offerings I was able to actually test out during my quick two-day voyage.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

New to the Celebrity fleet and exclusive to Celebrity Apex, The Annex is a small space on Deck 5 that offers a private area for groups of up to 15 people to sing karaoke, watch movies or sporting events, or play virtual sports like golf and dodgeball.

The room can be rented in two-and-a-half-hour increments at a cost of $150 to $375 for 10 people, depending on the package booked and whether it's a port day or a sea day. (Each additional person up to 15 people is $35.) The price includes food and drinks (including bottled water and soda) from Craft Social, the ship's pub, brought to you by a dedicated waiter. Choose from items including burgers, fries and chicken wings. (Note that alcohol is included with some packages. Otherwise, alcohol will cost extra for passengers who don't have drink packages.)

A built-in sound system allows you to play music, either from your own device or preset playlists.

When I tried my luck on the virtual golf driving range, I found that it was difficult to put the ball in a position that made sense. (Hitting from the designated spot on the green was tough. Tees were available, but because they didn't push far enough into the turf, the balls were suspended awkwardly far off the ground.)

The space is comfortable and inviting, with sports-themed seating and pillows facing a giant screen where you can either watch your game or movie of choice or select from a list of 1,000 movie titles. Overall, it's a great concept, particularly if you're traveling with a large family or a group of friends. It would also make for a fun date night activity or a celebration of a special occasion on board.

Entertainment is phenomenal on the Edge Class vessels, which strive to be funkier than the average cruise ship. When you're talking about song-and-dance performances that incorporate popular tunes throughout the ages, it's easy for the results to be cheesy.

Fortunately, that's not the case on Celebrity Ascent. Two sets of performers — the theater cast and the Eden cast — bring the productions to life with aplomb, hitting an impressive vocal range and mastering pop-and-lock routines that would make Paula Abdul jealous.

And, of course, no Celebrity show would be complete without jaw-dropping feats of contortion and acrobatics. They're offered in spades during shows that include "Awaken" and "Bridges," both hosted in the ship's main theater and "Shimmerbox," which takes place in Eden, an earthy lounge that also houses a restaurant, bar, cafe and performance space.

"Awaken" focuses on a series of fever dream-style numbers, and incorporates creative costumes and "Oh, wow!" dance steps with well-known songs. My particular favorites included one that evoked the '80s with some Bruno Mars tunes and "Stranger Things" vibes and another that's what I imagine you'd get if Janet Jackson were a character in "The Matrix." In my opinion, this is the show not to miss.

Then there's "Bridges," which takes you, through song and dance, to some of the world's most iconic bridges, including Tower Bridge in London and the Brooklyn and Golden Gate Bridges in the U.S. Numbers include slower dances and breakdancing interspersed with aerialist performances that elicit cheers from the stunned audience.

"Shimmerbox" is a more intimate, interactive experience, where the singers and dancers draw audience members onto the dancefloor to cut a rug or sing karaoke. It's fun, but I'm more of a sit-and-watch type. Worried I'd have to become a joiner, I vacated my front-row seat about 20 minutes into the performance, when the man sitting next to me was chosen to participate.

Nightclub fun

The Club, Celebrity Ascent's nightclub, is a cozy two-deck venue that's home to dance parties, as you might expect. However, it's also where you'll find daytime sporting events like street curling and "Game On," interactive gaming with an '80s theme where passengers use their bodies as controllers to manipulate projections on the floor. There are six games total, each lasting for just a few minutes. They require players to dodge enemies and defend goals.

At night, head there for "Smoke & Ivories," a new high-energy show featuring singing, dancing and acrobatics from the Eden cast.

I'll be blunt: The Club is way too small to host the show. If you don't arrive super early, not only will you not get a seat, but you won't even be able to get into the venue — on either deck. I tried standing at the back but left after five minutes because I couldn't see much. What I did catch appeared to be impressive, evoking a steamy jazz club in New Orleans.

On my voyage, "Smoke & Ivories" was on the schedule for only one performance. On a standard weeklong sailing, the show will be offered on one night at two different times, so there will be one additional chance to see it.

Shimmer party

Ain't no party like a pool deck party — especially if it's at night and involves glitter and glow wands. Celebrity Ascent's "Shine the Night" themed outdoor soiree encourages passengers to wear something sparkly in preparation for a night of dancing with a DJ set against a giant glowing light sculpture that pulsates and changes color with the music. No sparkles, no problem: Crew members hand out LED batons akin to mini-pool noodles to attendees.

The pool didn't seem to be closed during the party on my sailing, so it's unclear whether swimming will be allowed during the event.

Although clubbing isn't something I normally do, I had a good time, despite the humid Bahamas weather. It was definitely one of the most lively pool parties I've attended on a ship.

Solo cabins galore

Like many of the industry's most popular cruise lines, Celebrity has had solo cabins on its newest vessels for several years. Given their popularity, the line more than doubled the number of solo accommodations from Celebrity Edge's 16 rooms to 36 on Celebrity Ascent.

This is notable because it's the only thing different about the cabin categories on the newest ship. Rooms for one are notoriously in demand; by doubling the number available, the line has allowed more opportunity for cruisers traveling alone to sail without having to pay a single supplement for a room designed for two or more people.

Ascent's solo cabins are available as Infinite Verandas, which, instead of standard balconies, feature large glass windows that can be opened or closed with the push of a button to allow fresh air inside.

The ship's other cabins include inside cabins with no windows, outside cabins with windows that don't open and balcony rooms (regular balconies and Infinite Verandas). The vessel also boasts a selection of elevated accommodations, such as AquaClass cabins, which focus on wellness and have their own private restaurant; Concierge Class that gives access to concierge services; and The Retreat, the line's exclusive suite area, which offers seven different types of lavish cabins and gives passengers access to a private dining room, sun deck and lounge.

New dining offerings

Celebrity Ascent does not have any completely new restaurants, but there are tweaks and new additions to some dining venues.

Leading off is Le Petit Chef, a for-fee ($60 per person) dinner experience held in French restaurant Le Grand Bistro each night. Several of Celebrity's other ships have had Le Petit Chef, but now he's back with a brand-new show, "Le Petit Chef and the Magical Cooking Book."

In this one, with the help of artificial intelligence, he stumbles upon a fairy who grants him three wishes. The story plays out through projections that show up on each diner's place setting. The chef prepares each dish virtually before servers bring out the real thing for your meal.

Reservations are essential; I was unable to snag one but heard mixed reviews about both the food and the show's plot.

The next-largest culinary development on board is at Eden Restaurant, which focuses on delicious Mediterranean cuisine for $85 per person or $120 for tasting menus. It now offers a vegan tasting menu in addition to its standard one. Unfortunately, it wasn't available during my sailing when I asked, so I wasn't able to try it. However, I absolutely adored the bazaar bowl with chilled labneh, beets, cucumber, almonds and naan bread and the sheep's milk gnocchi I ordered off the standard menu.

Finally, Blu — the main restaurant for cruisers booked in the ship's AquaClass wellness-themed cabins — is now open for lunch and has outdoor seating with lovely sea views. When I asked about the alfresco dining area, I was told it wasn't available.

The ship also has four main dining rooms. The menus are the same in all four, with the exception of a small section that's exclusive to each one, based on its theme: Tuscan (Italian), Normandie (French), Cyprus (Mediterranean) and Cosmopolitan (new American with global influences). Anyone familiar with Cosmopolitan will notice that it has been redesigned with a slightly new look that features more ornate decor on Celebrity Ascent.

Other complimentary eateries include Eden Cafe for sandwiches and salads; the Oceanview Cafe buffet, offering stations with a variety of cuisines in a casual atmosphere; Mast Grill, serving hot dogs and burgers; and Luminae, the main dining room that's exclusive to passengers booked in The Retreat.

Additionally, the vessel has welcomed returning added-fee favorites: Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud, which features international fare and has been slightly redesigned from its first iteration on Celebrity Beyond; Fine Cut steakhouse; The Spa Cafe, which offers health-conscious dining options and smoothies; Craft Social for bar bites; Raw on 5, serving up fresh seafood; and the Rooftop Garden Grill, where you can dine alfresco on upscale grill fare and pizza.

In general, it was difficult to get a feel for what the restaurants would be like on a full-length voyage because my cruise was so short, and many of the specialty dining venues were offering abridged menus or family-style sharing plates not normally found on the regular menus.

Brothers as co-captains

Name one other ship helmed by siblings who will drop anchor and take passengers out for lifeboat races. I bet you can't. But that's what happened on Celebrity Ascent.

Brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis are both captains for Celebrity Cruises and with the debut of the new ship, they're trading off responsibilities every three months. The pair brings decades of maritime experience, as well as a combination of chemistry and wit that would also be well suited to a career in standup comedy.

"And now, I'm going to do something called ... a doughnut!" Captain D said while steering one of two lifeboats being used to take cruisers on my preview sailing out for a look at the ship from the water. It wasn't an idle promise, either. Soon, we found ourselves spinning in circles. (I'll admit I was briefly sorry I hadn't popped a Dramamine prior to the experience.)

After that, we lost in a race against his brother, who was driving a second lifeboat nearby. "Captain Tasos is 30 pounds lighter than me!" Captain D shouted, maneuvering us across the waves in a way that guaranteed a delightful Seaworld-like spray of water dampened everyone inside the boat through its open hatches.

Bottom line

Celebrity Ascent is a nearly identical quadruplet to its Edge Class siblings but with some minor adjustments that make it even better than previous iterations.

Although there are no major changes in cabins or dining, The Annex and all of the vessel's new productions represent an evolution of the class' entertainment offerings.

Above all, Celebrity Ascent is sure to provide a terrific vacation for everyone from fun-loving but refined couples, families, friend groups and solos, all of whom will appreciate the premium, upscale vibe and cutting-edge onboard amenities.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Review: Celebrity Ascent

Reviewed by Scott Laird

What is the line? Celebrity Cruises

Name of ship? Celebrity Ascent

Passenger occupancy? 3,260 double occupancy, 3,937 with upper berths filled.

Itinerary? Celebrity Ascent rotates between Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries. Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. All together, these make for glamorous experiences that'll leave passengers feeling like celebrities.

Tell us about the ship in general.

Celebrity Ascent is the fourth ship in Celebrity’s Edge Class since Celebrity Edge was launched in 2018. The ship is a mostly-identical copy to its immediate sister ship Celebrity Beyond , which has an extra deck of staterooms. Also new on Celebrity Ascent are a redesigned casino, expanded Rooftop Garden, a new outdoor dining option for Blu, the ship’s clean cuisine restaurant, and a new private event suite called The Annex, bookable for groups for sports simulations, private parties, sports event or film screenings, or karaoke. Like all Edge-class ships, the most notable feature is the cantilevered deck called the “Magic Carpet” which can be positioned on Deck 14 as a bar and lounge, on Deck 5 to expand the Raw on 5 sushi and raw bar, or at sea level as a tender dock.

Who is onboard?

Celebrity’s guest profile trends toward mature families with older children, adult friend groups, and a significant LGBTQ+ contingent (there are LGTBQ+ social events on every sailing). With the line's emphasis on high-quality art and entertainment, the ship understandably attracts passengers for whom such amenities would be a draw—so expect well-traveled sophisticates among the ship’s company.

Describe the cabins.

It’s really a choose-your-own adventure with cabins, ranging from inside staterooms to Infinite Verandas, which open directly to the outside of the ship with an electronic window that comes down to form the top of the balcony. Passengers who prefer a traditional-style balcony can close off a portion from the rest of the room, but Celebrity developed the Infinite Veranda in response to feedback from customers who said they wanted more flexible use of space in their cabins.

Cabins are also delightfully modern, in muted tones and an impressive number of outlets in a variety of forms (USB or universal electrical for plugs from various countries) with spacious baths with glass-walled showers. Bath amenities are graduated by room category—top-end suites have bath amenities from Le Labo.

Aqua Class is a collection of rooms and suites that includes access to the ship’s Thermal Spa and its own clean-cuisine restaurant Blu. Guests will find enhanced shower amenities, plus yoga mats. The ship's suite guests have their own restaurant, the gastronomic Le Luminae, and access to The Retreat, which offers an indoor lounge with concierge and food and beverage presentations, plus The Retreat Sundeck with a bar and plunge pool with swinging chairs suspended above. For direct access, travelers can book the two-deck Edge Villas, which offer living spaces on the first deck (complete with jetted tub on the veranda) and bedrooms on the second, which offer direct access to The Retreat Sundeck.

Tell us about the crew.

Like other Celebrity ships, the crew onboard is an international troupe, with crew members from around the world. Many of them are transfers from other Edge-Class ships, so they’re already well-familiar with the features onboard Celebrity Ascent . With a crew ratio of 1 for every 2.3 passengers, the service they provide is attentive—particularly in the bars and restaurants, which we found well-staffed for quick service.

What food and drink options are available on board?

There are 18 restaurants available on board. The ship’s four main dining restaurants can be booked for traditional fixed dining or dine anytime—each with a different theme and cuisine, although guests can order items from the other restaurants if they prefer.

Other free dining options include the expansive Oceanview Café Buffet, which sets up separate four sided “tables” instead of a long buffet line which helps reduce crowding, Eden Café for light bites (including outdoor seating), a Café (specialty coffees at a charge, but free pastries), a poolside snack bar, and the Spa Café and Juice Bar in the solarium pool. There are two free-but-exclusive restaurants: clean-eating restaurant Blu, for Aqua Class guests, and Luminae at The Retreat, a single-seating fine dining restaurant for guests in The Retreat suite categories.

For specialty dining, gastronomes will geek out at Chef Daniel Boulud’s signature Le Voyage completely redesigned in a new color palette with a private dining room. Guests here find a five-course tasting menu with delicacies like Tamarind and Peanut-crusted prawns, poached Brazilian Moqueca fish, and cardamom-infused coffee ice cream. Fine Cut Steakhouse serves up premium steaks and seafood (think gigantic lobster tails), and Le Grand Bistro is a faithful reproduction of a French bistro serving Gallic favorites like moules frites and escargots at lunch; at dinner it becomes Le Petit Chef, an animation-meets-French dining experience.

Eden Restaurant is in the multi-story glass fantail of the ship, offering inventive cocktails and global cuisine with playful twists (truffled huitlacoche risotto, anyone?). On Celebrity Ascent , Eden also introduces a large plant-based menu here—including a seven-course tasting menu.Other specialty dining outlets include the Rooftop Garden Grill (steaks and seafood), sushi and raw bar Raw on 5 (which can be expanded to include al fresco dining when the “Magic Carpet” is positioned on Deck 5).

In-room dining offers free continental breakfast–there’s a cover charge plus gratuity for hot items. Drinkers will find no shortage of places to imbibe. Eden serves up mixology masterpieces (some of them come complete with smoke, or might be served out of a treasure chest), while the Martini Bar exudes glamor, in the midst of the multi-deck Grand Plaza, capped by a new chandelier.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

There is a spa onboard, which also includes a Thermal Suite with infrared sauna, Himalayan Salt sauna, steam room, and a crystal room. The Thermal Suite is available to Aqua Class customers or to general passengers for an additional daily or full-voyage fee. There are also regular spa treatments and med-spa treatments ranging from acupuncture to IV therapies. Many of the spa services are tailored to the ship’s destination—think coconut wraps in the Caribbean and body treatments using local botanicals in the Mediterranean and Asia.

What about activities and entertainment?

There’s no shortage of those, and the ship’s almost-circular theatre-in-the-round main entertainment stage is state of the art, with multilevel panels that reveal performers or musicians at set intervals, a mechanical trap door and high gantry for acrobatic suspension work. It’s all backed by a Ultra HD 4K screen. The program consists of everything from flashy Broadway reviews to the sultry, Adults-only show Elyria.

The entertainment team also does shows in Eden (normally after the dinner hours) and The Club, a nightclub space adjacent to The Theatre. New to Celebrity Ascent is The Annex, directly adjacent The Club. It’s a private space for up to ten passengers and can be booked in two-hour blocks to watch televised sports events, host a karaoke party, have a group movie night or party, or gather around a sports simulator. The packages include food and soft drinks from the onboard gastropub Craft Social. While elevated, the ship’s entertainments and activities are largely traditional in style—casino, live theatre, nightclubs, bars, deck games—you won’t find whizbang attractions like roller coasters, skating rinks, or bowling alleys here.

How was the experience for families?

Celebrity is primarily an adult-oriented cruise experience, but still offers Camp at Sea programming for kids aged 3-17, with separate facilities for each age group. Dining rooms also have separate kids’ menus and there are changing facilities available in many restrooms. The facilities are open throughout most of the day, and are complimentary except for some periods, where there’s a nominal babysitting fee. Celebrity has also committed to providing a welcoming, autism-friendly environment on its ships, with sensory-friendly films and toys available. That said, Celebrity’s focus remains on adult cruisers, so families won’t find a lot of kid-centric entertainments beyond the kids’ centers.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

Celebrity Ascent alternates between the Caribbean and Mediterranean. In both, Celebrity’s shore excursions follow set themes. A popular theme is small group excursions rather than large, expansive bus tours—think a Farm-to-Table food tour in Barbados or Wine Tasting in Nice. Celebrity will also customize excursions exclusively for groups large and small upon consultation with travelers.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Outwardly, there aren’t a lot of noticeable sustainability programs onboard—unless guests are really keen on learning about waste disposal and fuel-burn reduction. The most noticeable green efforts are the elimination of plastic straws, and the opt-out for a second full cabin cleaning in the evening (although cabins are still cleaned and sanitized every day for health reasons).

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

In a word: the ship makes passengers feel glamorous. Celebrity Ascent ’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light, stuffed with beautiful, interesting art objects, and evoke an air of playful sophistication that make a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return to for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By CNT Editors

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Celebrity Ascent First Look: Review, Tour, & Should You Sail?

Note: Cruzely was invited for a complimentary inaugural cruise aboard the new Celebrity Ascent. Below are our thoughts about the new ship from Celebrity.

For those that have sailed across multiple cruise lines, you know that each line — and each ship — has its own unique personality. In other words, no matter how many different cruises you take, there’s always something that’s new to experience. We were reminded of this on our recent inaugural cruise aboard Celebrity Ascent.

Celebrity Ascent marks the fourth in the cruise line’s ground-breaking Edge class of ships (or “Edge series” as Celebrity calls them). And while we’ve sailed on nearly every major cruise line (including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, NCL, Virgin, Princess), one major line we had yet to experience was Celebrity. Turns out that their newest ship makes us feel like we’ve made a big mistake waiting this long to sail.

Meet: Celebrity Ascent

For those not yet familiar with Celebrity, it’s part of Royal Caribbean Group’s portfolio of cruise lines. Aimed at a more upscale experience, you can think of it in car terms to get an idea of its positioning in the market.

Just like Toyota has the upscale Lexus brand, Royal Caribbean offers the elevated Celebrity brand. But this is much different than just a “nicer” Royal Caribbean cruise ship. It’s something completely different with a different atmosphere, feel, and philosophy. It’s much more geared toward adults (though kids are welcomed!) instead of focused on everyone.

Celebrity went a new direction with its Edge class of ships, beginning with Celebrity Edge that first sailed in late 2018. Now the cruise line introduces Celebrity Ascent, the latest in the class (along with Edge, Apex, and Beyond).

If you have sailed these sister ships before, then you have a good idea of what Ascent can offer passengers. If you haven’t, or haven’t sailed Celebrity at all, then you don’t know what you’re missing.

First Impressions of the Ship

Boarding at Terminal 25 in Fort Lauderdale, Ascent makes a strong first impression. You enter near the Grand Plaza — a multi-story atrium centered around The Martini Bar. This is definitely a hotspot for the ship and during the evenings it gets busy. But it’s also a great initial introduction to the style and atmosphere of the ship.

You’ll notice the distinct asymmetrical shape of the space and bar. There are no wood tones or heavy chrome accents. The spot oozes with contemporary style. It’s wide, open, and airy. This isn’t meant to be a nice cruise ship… it’s built to be a nice resort.

In fact, walking around the ship when boarding, our first thought was if you took a spa and used that as inspiration for a ship’s design. The colors are calming. The lighting is always perfect. Even the music is a relaxing mix that provides some white noise to the ship without being intrusive.

But what really caught our attention is the space around the ship. First, it should be noted that the inaugural sailing we attended was only about two-thirds full. Even imagining most spaces with a full capacity ship still left plenty of space for everyone (the one exception is The Martini Bar area in the Grand Plaza that got very busy during the evenings).

This makes sense as based on tonnage versus passengers carried, Ascent has a space ratio of 43.1 at 100% occupancy . Anything above 40 should be considered reasonably spacious.

More than that, however, there was obviously a lot of thought put into building a ship that feels spacious everywhere. Hallways around the ship are wider, from the cabin hallways to those around the interior areas of the ship. There are also lots of spots from the Solarium to the Grand Plaza to the ship’s theater that cover multiple decks. The result makes for long sightlines and an airy feeling.

This trend even goes to the cabin doorways, which seem the width of a regular door at home instead of the relatively narrow cabin doors found on most ships.

In other words, if your biggest complaint about cruising is that it’s too crowded, this is the ship for you.

A Look Onboard

It’s hard to overstate just how nice Celebrity Ascent is unless you’ve sailed it or one of its sister ships (which are said to be similar). While pictures don’t do it justice, we have highlighted some spots with details about what to expect and some images to give you an idea.

Grand Plaza The spot to be in the evening, the Grand Plaza is a center atrium on the ship. There’s seating around the edge, bartenders that do fancy acrobatics while they mix drinks, restaurants lining the decks on both sides, and a massive light fixture in the middle.

During the evening live music is played and there’s no better spot to enjoy a fun evening out with your traveling partner.

The Theater The Theater on Ascent is a massive circular room with a stage in the middle. Five movable video boards provide backdrops while parts of the stage can raise and lower. A center section in the ceiling allows performers to drop from the roof while the lighting and sound features are world class.

The result are visually stunning shows that have to be seen to be believed.

The Retreat Like some other lines, Celebrity has their own “resort within a resort” that features higher-end rooms. Along with nice rooms is a lounge area and outdoor pool/sundeck that is only available to these guests. There is also a private restaurant for passengers in The Retreat.

Pool Area/Solarium If you want to be by the pool, you have two main options. First is the general pool deck that features a large pool, some great artwork (we love the chrome octopus), and twin hot tubs that sit up over the deck like flower blooms.

The Solarium is an amazing space that spans multiple decks with a domed ceiling. The atmosphere is calm and serene with lots of seating, its own pool and twin hot tubs.

Rooftop Garden One feature of the Edge series ships and continued on Ascent is the Rooftop Garden. This is an open space on the top deck that features seating and open space in a park-like atmosphere. There are pools nearby, but it’s more of just a relaxing spot where you can enjoy the company of who you’re traveling with. There is also a large screen that features sporting events, yoga classes during the day, and more.

Eden Another signature space in the class that’s aboard Ascent is Eden. It’s hard to describe the area as it’s somewhere to be entertained, to grab a bite to eat, or to just lounge. It’s multiple stories with lots of natural light and located aft of the ship with great outdoor views. During the day it’s relaxed and a great place to unwind. During the evening the crew puts on performances, and there’s also a high-end restaurant.

Cabins on Ascent

No matter how you want to travel, there’s a cabin that will fit. And one nice thing is that they are all nicely appointed and comfortable. The theme of space continues throughout the available staterooms. If you’re used to cramped cabins, that’s not the case here.

We mentioned more space in the doorways, but there’s simply more space everywhere. Even interior cabins feel comfy (though certainly not large, but larger than many we’ve seen).

One feature that’s different on Celebrity is the use of “infinite” balconies, although the cruise line calls them “infinite verandas.” Typically, balcony rooms have a door that leads out to a balcony that juts out the side of the ship.

With these infinite balconies, instead the far wall of the cabin is one large window. Press a button and the top half of the window slides down, essentially making the entire room a balcony. There are still bi-fold doors that can be opened and closed to separate a balcony area and a blackout shade that closes the area for sleeping.

The Retreat should also be mentioned. This is a section of suites aboard Ascent that feature access to a private restaurant, a private lounge, and sundeck. As well, you have more dedicated services, and the rooms also come with premium drinks and wi-fi.

Entertainment on the Ship

Perhaps one of the biggest misnomers when it comes to cruising is the idea that you have “hokey” entertainment with performers that couldn’t cut it anywhere else. Anyone who thinks that obviously hasn’t sailed a modern cruise ship, much less on Celebrity Ascent.

There are a number of entertainment options around the ship with everything from live music to performances in Eden. But two spots stand out as unique to this class.

First is a spot called The Club . It’s a multi-story spot, that like Eden, serves a lot of different roles. During the day, it’s a place to hang out and play games. This includes some video games, and what Celebrity calls “augmented” games that are essentially video games projected on the floor that you play with your body.

At night, it changes into more of a lounge with live music and shows, including “Smoke and Ivories” — a cabaret-style show that’s above and beyond. No matter the time of day, there will be something to do here.

But the star of the entertainment lineup is The Theater . We’ve been at sea across dozens of ships and never seen anything like it.

Instead of a traditional theater setup, Ascent features a round room with a circular stage in the middle. That alone provides more dynamic and visually interesting views, but it’s just the start. Around the back of the stage are five floor-to-ceiling screens that can also move and slide around the stage. During the shows, the visual backdrops are simply stunning, providing an amazing backdrop that just can’t be replicated with a traditional set.

In addition there are stage segments that rise and fall, a spot in the center of the ceiling where acrobats drop and swing, lights extraordinaire and so much more. Of course, all this speaks nothing of the talent of the performers themselves, who are world class.

We watched two shows (Bridges and Awaken) during our time on the ship and would not hesitate to watch them again. If you sail, consider the theater shows a “can’t-miss.”

Food Options Aboard Celebrity Ascent

Food is a major part of any cruise and that stays true for Celebrity Ascent. All told there are more than a dozen restaurants around the ship. In general, the food and restaurants tend to be more elevated. If you’re really into high-end food, you’re in luck. We will say that those with simpler tastes do have options, but you will need to look around a little more.

Free spots to eat include the Oceanview  Café , which is the ship’s large buffet with more space than we’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. It serves everything from pizza to lobster tails on the last day of the cruise. There is a small café in Eden with salad and sandwiches and light fare at the Spa  Café . You can grab a burger or sandwich at the Mast Grill if you just want something easy.

For dinner there are four main dining restaurants that are included in the fare. Each one of these ( Cyprus, Tuscan, Normandie, and Cosmopolitan ) has the same menu but has a special section of appetizers and entrees section that’s unique from the other restaurants for more variety.

You could definitely eat during your cruise without spending extra, but it will limit your options on Ascent. There are a large number of specialty restaurants and most focus on an elevated experience. This includes:

• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud
• Rooftop Garden Grill
• Le Grand Bistro
• Le Petit Chef
• Fine Cut Steakhouse

In addition, there are two restaurants Blu and Luminae that are exclusive to passengers staying in AquaClass cabins and The Retreat, respectively.

What We Liked

Overall we were extremely impressed from bow to stern with Celebrity. It is definitely a different experience if you’ve sailed larger mass market lines including sister line Royal Caribbean. Overall, it simply feels more stylish, classy, and sophisticated. You feel much more that you are at a resort than a cruise ship.

We were big fans of the décor and style of the ship. It simply felt modern, with lots of nice touches like calm music and great art pieces around the ship.

But honestly we’ve been on nicely appointed cruise ships before. So what really stood out was how the ship’s design felt so open and spacious. This is mentioned above, but from small touches like wider cabin doorways to big open rooms like the Solarium and theater, you never get that cramped feeling like on most ships.

We also have to give special mention to the large production shows. The ship’s theater is simply a technological marvel that you have to see. The shows that are on board also take full advantage of the technology to offer something to see that’s stunning.

What We Didn’t Like

We found it hard to find fault with much of anything aboard Celebrity Ascent. But if we had to find something, we will mention that a late-night party on the pool deck could be heard in our cabin on deck 10 until close to 1 a.m. If you are a light sleeper, it could keep you up. Surprisingly, we asked some other passengers staying on our deck if they heard it and they did not. It could have just been our specific location on the ship.

And while we know that a cruise line like Celebrity is going to have some fancier dining, our personal tastes are fairly basic. We like to try new dishes, but not every meal. Having a few more “comfort food” items easily available would have been nice, but this was far from a deal breaker.

Should You Sail Celebrity Ascent?

So what’s the final takeaway? Let’s say that if you have an upcoming cruise on Ascent then we’re not just confident that you’ll enjoy the ship, we are jealous that you’re getting to sail . This was our first-ever cruise aboard Celebrity and it definitely left us impressed.

Now, we will say it won’t be for everyone. If you are a family sailing with kids, it might not be the right ship. Kids are welcome and there is a kids area for them to play while parents enjoy. Outside of that, however, there isn’t a ton — especially on the pool deck. Kids won’t have a bad time, but other lines and ships would be better.

However, those wanting a more sophisticated cruise — think a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a cruise passenger who appreciates luxury — will find Ascent to be a perfect fit. And while the price tag is generally higher than other mass market lines, in our opinion it would be worth it.

More Photos of Celebrity Ascent

While we discussed a lot about the ship, there are some spots that we think are worth seeing that we didn’t get a chance to mention.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, celebrity officially welcomes its newest ship — celebrity ascent — to the fleet, celebrity’s all included offer: how it works & what to know, celebrity set to make calls on royal caribbean’s cococay for first time, celebrity cruise gratuities (tips): full guide to cost & how they work, worth it celebrity cruises drink packages explained (prices, what’s included, and more), carnival, celebrity, and norwegian raise certain shipboard prices for 2020.

I also sailed this weekend. You have written an excellent truthful review! You didn’t mention the SUNSET BAR designed by Nate Berkus of HGTV. I thought the multi leveled bar was great to watch the sunset and meet fellow cruisers. The Moroccan/Mediterranean design made you think in Spain!

You’re right. I passed through there but with so little time, I didn’t get a chance to sit and relax/enjoy it! I could have happily spend another week onboard.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

5 Easy Ways to Get to the Los Angeles and Long Beach Cruise Ports

Carnival is taking over an entire cruise line to grow even larger, i made a simple booking mistake… and it cost me my entire cruise (don’t do the same), hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

• Join Our Email List
• Already Booked?
• (877) 394-8130

Celebrity Ascent

Taking luxury sailing to new heights.

• CruiseMapper
• Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Ascent

Former name: stx france m34.

Cruise line Celebrity Cruises

• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)

Celebrity Ascent current position

Celebrity Ascent current location is at West Mediterranean (coordinates 41.36065 N / 2.17948 E) cruising en route to Barcelona. The AIS position was reported 3 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent current cruise is 12 days, round-trip Spain, Italy, France . The itinerary starts on 27 May, 2024 and ends on 08 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Celebrity Ascent

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Celebrity Ascent Itineraries

Celebrity ascent review, review of celebrity ascent.

The 2023-built Celebrity Ascent cruise ship is the fourth in a series of five EDGE-class passenger liners - with sisterships Celebrity Edge (2018), Celebrity Apex (2021), Celebrity Beyond (2022) and Celebrity Xcel (2025). All these large vessels (GT tonnage 140K) are by the shipbuilding company Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France .

The vessel (IMO number 9838400) is currently Malta- flagged (MMSI 256191000) and registered in Valletta .

History - construction and ownership

Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 as the Greece-based Chandris Line (cruise shipping operations between 1974-1996). In 1997, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) merged with "Celebrity Cruises Ltd" to become "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd" (RCCL). The "X" on ship funnels is the Greek letter chi (standing for "Chandris").

Common features of Celebrity Cruises ships include aft-located glass-walled dining rooms, signature alternate dining venues, bars and lounges, spacious Atrium lobby areas, a large number of balcony staterooms, large sundecks with swimming pools, The Retreat (adults-only sundeck with full-size swimming pool, Jacuzzi, cabanas, poolside full bar service), Rooftop Terrace (top-deck outdoor lounge-restaurant-cinema), large Spa (with Thermal Suites), premium retail shops selling top-brand merchandise.

The 3300-passenger ship Celebrity Ascent is the 4th newbuild by "Project Edge" (ship class). These new ships are bigger than Millennium-class but smaller than Solstice-class. The company advertised "small-ship itineraries with large-ship amenities", destination-rich experiences, iconic maritime architecture.

New features (Edge-Class ship design changes)

In comparison to the Edge-class sisterships Apex and Edge, Ascent is longer (20 m / 66 ft), taller (1 deck), with bigger capacity (179 more staterooms), and ~12% larger (GT 140600 tons). Celebrity Ascent also features significant design changes, with added new venues and expanded public spaces.

New venues and spaces on Celebrity Ascent include "Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud" (50-seat specialty restaurant by Daniel Boulud/celebrity chef and restaurant chain owner), redesigned Luminae (Suite-only restaurant designed by Kelly Elaine Hoppen/ South Africa-born British interior designer), redesigned Pool Deck, expanded Rooftop Garden (deck 15/with larger shaded seating areas, 2x infinity pools, bigger Rooftop Grill Bar), twice-larger Sunset Bar (aft on deck 15), larger Retreat (Suite-only bar lounge forward on deck 15).

• The Resort Deck (deck 14) was also redesigned, having a 23-m / 75-ft long lap pool (swimming pool with in-pool chaise loungers) surrounded by a terraced sundeck, The pool deck also features 2-deck high Jacuzzies (martini glass-shaped whirlpool hot tubs), sunken seating areas, a real-size Elephant statue.
• Sunset Bar (decks 15-16) is a 2-deck, Casablanca Morocco -themed outdoor bar lounge (designed by Nate Berkus and Tom Wright/WKK) with a pergola-covered entrance, cascading terraces, covered enclaves, conversation niches.
• The Retreat is a 3-deck-high exclusive (Suites-only) forward-midship located complex with The Retreat Lounge (on deck 15), Lower Sundeck (deck 16, with a glass-roof cover over The Solarium's pool/on deck 14) and The Retreat Sundeck (on deck 17). The Retreat Sundeck is an outdoor area served by The Retreat Bar and offers as amenities cabanas (available for rent), premium furniture (deckchairs, padded loungers, cushioned sofas, daybeds), a round-shaped swimming pool, two plunge pools (cantilevered hot tubs), outdoor showers, restrooms. The Retreat's Edge Villas (2-deck accommodations) were also redesigned.
• Le Voyage Restaurant (capacity 50 seats) is via partnership with Daniel Boulud - Chef-Owner of 7x NYC restaurants plus 6x in other cities. The food menu (developed by the Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud) is complemented by a premium wine selection menu and top-quality service by professional sommeliers. Le Voyage Restaurant was designed by Jouin Manku and features Intimate seating cocoons and designer lighting.
• World Class Bar (fleet's first) is via partnership with Diageo plc (1997-founded, London-based beverage alcohol company) which by annual alcohol production volumes was the world's largest distiller until 2017 (when was surpassed by China's Kweichow Moutai Co). World Class Bar is a premium wine bar and cocktail venue served by expert mixologists.

WKK Architects' Tom Wright redesigned and expanded most of the ship's outdoor spaces - including Resort Deck, The Retreat, Rooftop Garden.

Resort Deck is ~40% larger than on the ships Apex and Edge. The space also houses the "Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night" experience featuring a prism light show and live DJ music.

The 3-deck-high Grand Plaza (open-floor designed midship area) is larger which allowed the Martini Bar to be moved to the venue's center (on Lobby level/deck 2) as a full-circle bar. Grand Plaza's chandelier features a new shape and hundreds of LED lights.

New to the Celebrity cruise ship Ascent are the AquaClass SkySuites, featuring floor-ceiling views, large private terraces, premium bedding and wellness amenities. With the new ship is also introduced a new partnership with Gwyneth Kate Paltrow (1972-born American actress, model, entrepreneur, businesswoman) serving as Celebrity Cruises' "Well-Being Advisor".

Since 2022, all Celebrity AquaClass passengers (fleetwide but excluding the Galapagos boats) enjoy complimentary wellness amenities (including fitness kits from Paltrow's goop brand) and custom wellness programming part of the Celebrity's new initiative "Women in Wellness".

Decks and Cabins

Most Celebrity Ascent staterooms are Balcony rooms. Of all the 1646 staterooms, 918 are Edge Staterooms (with Infinite Verandas) and 176 are Suites. All staterooms are fitted with keyless cabin entry technology that uses digital keys (on smartphones), as well as standard keycards and RFID bands.

The boat has 16 decks , of which 15 are passenger-accessible and 10 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Celebrity Ascent ship offers 32 food and beverage serving venues, including 4 main dining rooms/MDRs and 6 new-to-Celebrity Cruises specialty restaurants. In total, the Ascent cruise ship has 15 restaurants, 5 cafes, 12 bars and lounges.

Ascent's MDR restaurants are named Cosmopolitan (contemporary American cuisine), Cyprus (Mediterranean), Normandie (French) and Tuscan (Italian). MDRs' combined menus have 84 different items/dishes listed.

Passengers in AquaClass staterooms or Suites eat at Blu Restaurant, offering lighter "spa-inspired" cuisine. The Luminae Restaurant is named "Luminae at The Retreat" and (along with Blu) is part of the private, Suite Class passengers exclusive complex "The Retreat". Suite passengers have also the option to eat in the Main Dining Rooms / MDRs (Normandie Restaurant, Tuscan Restaurant, Cosmopolitan Restaurant, Cyprus Restaurant). These 4 complimentary restaurants serve menus inspired by the itinerary/destinations visited. Each restaurant offers regional wines and themed cocktails, dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, also a rotating menu of Signature dishes for dinner (changing every evening) and a Classic dinner menu. The ship's main restaurants are served by dedicated to each table wait staff (sommelier, assistant waiter, head waiter). Passengers are assigned to one of the 4 MDRs but still have the option (upon request) to dine in the other 3.

Celebrity Ascent offers the company's traditional "Celebrity Select Dining" (your-time dining for dinners) option, which is renamed to "Celebrity Select Dining Plus". Passengers can make reservations in any of the 4 MDRs if they know they want to eat at a specific restaurant and dinner time, or they can simply show up and enjoy dinner on their own time.

In addition to the 4 MDR restaurants, there are plenty of complimentary dining venues, such as Oceanview Cafe (live cooking stations, bakery), Mast Grill (poolside), Spa Cafe & Juice Bar (healthy food and beverages), Eden Cafe (wide variety of breakfast and lunch items). The ship also has two outdoor alfresco seating venues.

The ship has a total of 11 bars and lounges, including Eden, Cafe al Bacio, The Club, Sunset Bar, Theatre Bar, Casino Bar, Martini Bar (at Grand Plaza), Pool Bar, Il Secondo Bacio, The Retreat Bar, The Retreat Lounge.

The ship has a number of for-fee restaurants (at surcharge per person), including Qsine (USD 45 pp), Tuscan Grill (Italian steakhouse, USD 45 pp), Murano (French, USD 45 pp), Lawn Club Grill (DIY steaks, USD 40 pp), Bistro on 5 (creperie, USD 10 pp), The Porch (USD 5 pp, panini restaurant open for breakfast and lunch). At Qsine, passengers can order on iPads, then waiters bring the food in the order of choosing.

Chef's Table is a VIP/private dining room available for rent. Chef's Table's capacity is 6 seats and offers a multi-course dinner with premium wine pairings.

Craft Social Bar (debuted on Celebrity Apex) features large selections of premium wines (sold by the glass), craft cocktails and craft beers (50+ brands, including several of the world's rarest). Craft Social Bar is served by certified beer sommeliers. Unlike the sisterships, Ascent's Craft Social has two barrels of hand-selected WhistlePig whiskey - "Special Single Barrel Aged 10 Years" and "Special Bespoke Barrel Aged 12 Years". WhistlePig whiskeys can be ordered a la carte or as part of a whiskey-tasting flight. Flights also feature WhistlePig PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (Aged 6 Years), WhistlePig 10-Year-Old Rye and WhistlePig 12-Year-Old Rye whiskeys.

Unlike the other EDGE-class Celebrity ships, Ascent has redesigned restaurants and expanded menus (food and drinks).

The exclusive Blu Restaurant on Ascent has an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining (breakfast and dinner)..

The Eden Restaurant offers a new plant-based tasting menu (7-course dinner) with all dishes being prepared with ingredients sourced from their native place of origin and presented naturally. The menu items include Golden Beet-Tomato Ceviche, Ajoblanco Panna Cotta (aka Ajo Blanco, Spanish Almond Soup), Celeriac Steak, Rose Masala Chai (aka Rose Petal Masala Curry). The tasting menu is at fee (per person) or a-la-carte. The Eden Restaurant also offers organic and vegan food with wine pairings.

For Ascent, Celebrity Cruises signed an exclusive partnership with the WhistlePig whiskey distillery (2007-founded company based in Shoreham, Vermont USA/the WhistlePig brand was launched in 2010). WhistlePig produces ultra-premium rye whiskey and on Ascent there are two barrels of whiskey (served at Craft Social Bar) made exclusively for Celebrity Cruises.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Ship's Lawn Deck is equipped with real grass and the vessel has more deck chairs than others, offering a calm atmosphere under the sun. The Celebrity iLounge gives guests computer tutorial classes and is also a representative of Apple, providing access to the most affordable Mac products available at duty-free prices. Another feature of Celebrity Ascent is the AquaSpa Cafe, ideal for a quick lunch after the spa.

Sky Observation Lounge offers live music at sunset, or you can test your luck at Fortune's Casino - there's something to do onboard at any time.

Virtual Concierge app allows booking dinner and spa reservations, drinks ordering, room service, and other services. Smartphone sensors are used to track passengers on the ship in order to improve services based on their location.

EDGE-Class ships also have Celebrity fleet's most technologically advanced Theater Lounge - spanning 3 floors/decks. Here are held fleet's largest number of production shows, with the largest number of performing crew on any premium-brand ship.

Theatre Lounge is the fleet's largest and has all 7 stage areas - 3x large and 4x smaller. The Theater's main stage extends (into the audience) and is flanked by 2x directional rotating platforms raising over 2 m (7 ft) above the main stage. Lounge's design and technology also feature 2x rotating spiral staircases, 10x synchronized (mobile) projection screens, 16x video mapping laser projectors, and rigging for aerial performances. The Theatre offers 7x new full shows, including Shakespeare-based "A Hot Summer Night's Dream" (with acrobatics), "The Jewelry Box" (technological), "Kaleidoscope" (high-energy music and dance), "Arte" (acrobatics), "Elements" (themed on the five elements/air-water-earth-fire-ether, with "air sculptures" and acrobatic performances), "Stage Door" (musical pre-recorded in The London Palladium Theatre), plus two "Headline Residency" program-based new shows - "Get Up" (pop concert by Black Skull Creative) and "The Purpose" (celebrating the inner self).

Exclusively for the Celebrity ship ascent were developed three new shows titled "Awaken" (dreams-themed), "Residency" (Las Vegas-themed) and "Bridges" (exploring human emotions/connections against the backdrop of the world's most famous bridges).

"The Club" is another new (dual-purpose) venue with a large dance floor, a stage for live performances, a giant LED screen, and served by its own 2 bars. During the day, The Club offers fun activities and games (including Funovation Laser Maze Challenge, Drone Hunting, laser obstacle course, dance classes, trivia). At night, it transforms into "The Jazz Joint at The Club" (live performances by vocalists, dancers, comedians) and later into the disco nightclub "Undercover at The Club". The nightly program is themed on the US Prohibition era, with a menu offering signature 1920s craft cocktails and aerial saxophonist performances. Andromeda body scanner allows passengers to become someone else for the entire evening. Hypno Cam Experience is a dance party, in which an Ultra HD camera is passed around and all photos are instantly displayed on the LED screen.

Ship's Kids Club offers by the "Camp at Sea" program over 500 complimentary activities for children of all ages. The facility features two (new for the fleet) separate spaces (for kids and teens) called "The Basement".

Celebrity's signature Rooftop Garden (top-deck dining-entertainment bar lounge) offers expanded facilities and show programming (Rooftop Concert Series, Garden Cinema Series, Taste of Film experience under-the-stars, with 5 new live musical performances).

In 2023, Celebrity introduced pickleball playing courts fleetwide. The sports facilities are complimentary, including the pickleball equipment (net, paddles, balls) but operated with separate scheduled playing times for adults and families (with kids older than 6). While on older vessels the pickleball courts are either on the Sports Deck or at the Multi-Sports Court, on the EGDE ships pickleball is played at the Rooftop Garden.

Shipboard group gaming activities include "Game On: Augmented Multiplayer Experience" (interactive competitions), "Guilty Pleasures" (singalong party), "Sands of Time" (escape room-type team playing/puzzles and clues), and "Sketch Art Classes" (step-by-step art lessons).

Grand Plaza

The Grand Plaza serves as the ship's epicenter (midship location) and spans 3 decks. The open-floor designed venue mixes modernity and simplicity and was inspired by the charming era of Transatlantic ocean liners. The concept was designed by Jouin Manku Studio.

The unique space has a striking lighting feature - The Chandelier, an art installation rising over the Grand Plaza Martini Bar (in the Lobby level's center) to the ceiling 3 decks above. It is composed of 5 levels and a total of 765 blades illuminated via dynamic LED strips changing their colors from day to night, The Chandelier weighs 7 tons.

The Grand Plaza houses many of the liner's new specialty restaurants, including Fine Cut Steakhouse and Raw on 5 (Deck 5) Le Grand Bistro and Cafe al Bacio (Deck 4), Grand Plaza Cafe (Deck 3), Italian piazzas. Midship-Deck 3 is the Martini Bar (also popular for its Flair Bartender Shows). Adorning the edges of Grand Plaza are hand-stitched mesh screens that combine over 13,500 art pieces made of leather, fabric, and metal.

Grand Plaza's cafes are the perfect choice for "coffee breaks" - from morning cappuccino to afternoon tea and pre-dinner cocktails - while enjoying live entertainment. In the evenings, Grand Plaza transforms into the ship's social hub with live music performances.

During the day, "Le Grand Bistro" (in the Atrium on Deck 4) operates as a patisserie and cafeteria serving French cuisine. In the evenings, Le Grand Bistro transforms into "Le Petit Chef" - a new dining-entertainment concept via an exclusive partnership with TableMation Studios (US multimedia company) and Skullmapping (a 2010-founded collective of filmmakers and visual artists). The dinner experience includes visual mapping technology with animated 3D characters projected (from above) onto tables and on plates. The VIP dining is at a fixed surcharge. It costs USD 25 pp (Le Grand Bistro) and USD 55 pp (Le Petit Chef). Ascent ship's Le Petit Chef features a new 4-course show (fairytale-style storytelling by the tiny chef who finds a magical cookbook with fanciful recipes.

Eden Lounge

Eden is a 3-deck high (aft-location on decks 4, 5, 6) lounge-bar-restaurant venue with live music and shows programming changing throughout the day. Eden Lounge measures 10439 m3 (368640 ft3) and covers a total area of 1175 m2 (12650 ft2).

The lounge has an outward-facing design and combines a signature gastronomic experience (light lunch, 5-course dinner, wine tastings) with live performances, daily lectures, promo events. The lounge has alfresco dining areas on both sides. In the evening, the lounge transforms into "Eve at Eden", with more provocative entertainment (fusion of performance art, dining, and nightlife.

An exclusive for Celebrity's Ascent ship show presented at the Eden Lounge is "Smoke & Ivories" (themed on Hollywood's old-time clubs).

The Eden Restaurant is part of the lounge. The Eden Bar serves food and drinks including hand-crafted cocktails.

The lounge's 90-m / 295 ft long ramp envelops the entire space and provides panoramic views. The lounge's unconventional furniture and interiors are designed by Patricia Urquiola (Spain). She also designed the lounge's "Library of Plants" (living garden) and the hanging plant pillars. Lounge's designer is Scott Butler (Wilson Butler Architects, Boston MA). The evening show programming is by Variety Worldwide (NYC New York).

"The Meeting Place" is named the ship's Conference Center (sized 183 m2 / 1970 ft2). This large meeting room is designed by Wilson Butler Architects (Boston MA) and provides advanced audio-visual equipment, varied seating arrangements, private office (event planning space), as well as mobile bars (for food and beverages) and a fully equipped pantry.

Magic Carpet ("outdoor elevator lounge")

A unique feature of the Celebrity Cruises EDGE-class ships is the "Magic Carpet" - a glass structure (glass-roofed, cantilevered platform) the size of a tennis court, able to traverse 14 stories, like a large elevator.

Mounted on the ship's starboard side, the open-air Magic Carpet offers stunning ocean views, comfortable seating, full bar, a stage for live music performances, This "traveling venue" changes its theme, function, and location by extending from Deck 2 up to Deck 16.

Passengers can't simply ride on the Magic Carpet (using it as an elevator). In each location, the "moving lounge" is safely locked, then guests are allowed to step onboard. While repositioning, the venue is without any passengers. Some of its furniture is fixed.

The structure repositions and transforms into a new venue depending on which deck is locked.

• When positioned on Deck 16 (above pool deck), it becomes a specialty restaurant offering the unique "Dinner on the Edge" alfresco dining under the stars.
• When positioned on Resort Deck 14 (in front of the cabanas), it becomes an extension of the pool deck area, also offering live music performances.
• When positioned on Dining Deck 5, it becomes a specialty restaurant - alfresco dining appendix to the ship's main dining room restaurant.
• When positioned on Tendering Deck 2, it becomes an extension of the Destination Gateway (embarkation station serving the ship's tender operations). Destination Gateway boarding area is dedicated to the so-called "Edge Launches" - luxurious passenger tendering ashore, providing seamless embarkation and disembarkation in all ports of call along the cruise itinerary. This spacious area is fitted with large LCD screens (displaying destination, itinerary and port highlights), comfortable seating (capacity 130 seats), air-conditioning.

"Destination Getaway" is a dedicated embarkation point when the platform is positioned at its lowest level (Tendering Deck 2).

Magic Carpet's repositioning schedule is published daily.

Itineraries

Celebrity Ascent ship's inaugural cruise itinerary program (deployment, homeports, destinations) was announced in February 2022. The official Maiden Voyage is currently scheduled for December 3, 2023. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary leaving roundtrip from homeport Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades (Florida USA) visits Philipsburg (St Maarten) , Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas USVI) , Puerto Plata (Dominicana) .

However, unofficially, Celebrity Cruises started with Ascent revenue operations on November 22nd (4day Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel Mexico). Another "pre-inaugural" sailing was the 3-day "Bahamas Getaway" (Nov 26th, visiting Nassau).

Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit Puerto Rico (San Juan), BVI (Tortola) and St Kitts (Basseterre). Western Caribbean itineraries visit Bahamas (Nassau), Mexico (Cozumel) and Grand Cayman (George Town).

Actually, Celebrity Ascent starts passenger shipping operations in November 2023. In mid-March 2023 were added two "preview cruises" (both roundtrips from Port Everglades) scheduled to depart on Nov 22nd (4-night Western Caribbean/to Cozumel) and on Nov 26th (3-night Bahamas/to Nassau).

Celebrity Ascent - user reviews and comments

Photos of celebrity ascent.

Celebrity Ascent ship related cruise news

Celebrity Ascent ship starts European cruises from Barcelona (Spain)

Celebrity Cruises’ latest addition, the Celebrity Ascent, is preparing for her inaugural sailing in Europe following her arrival in Barcelona...

VIDEO: Celebrity Cruises unveils "Nothing Comes Close" brand positioning

Celebrity Cruises extends an invitation to travelers seeking elevated experiences at sea, unveiling its new brand positioning, "Nothing Comes Close...

Celebrity Cruises unveils European/Mediterranean itineraries for Celebrity Ascent ship

Celebrity Cruises' newest vessel is set to make its European debut in weeks. With limited-time offers available until April 7th, cruisers are...

6 Celebrity Cruises' ships attain Forbes Travel Guide ratings

Celebrity Cruises, recognized as the first ocean cruise line honored with the esteemed Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG") Star Awards in 2023, continues to...

Celebrity to offer first weekend cruises in the Caribbean

Celebrity Cruises is set to offer new 3- and 4-night weekend itineraries in the Caribbean for the first time in 2024. The RCG-owned company will...

Celebrity Ascent makes Caribbean debut from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades cruise port

The Caribbean welcomes the latest addition to Celebrity Cruises' fleet, as Celebrity Ascent, the 4th vessel in the EDGE series, officially makes her...

(2024) Celebrity Cruises' Caribbean fleet (9 ships) and diverse (3- to 12-day) itineraries

Celebrity Cruises is gearing up for its most extensive Caribbean season, deploying a fleet of 9 ships for itineraries ranging from 3-night getaways...

Celebrity Cruises names fleet's newest ship Celebrity Ascent in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale

Celebrity Cruises formally christened its latest vessel, now officially known as Celebrity Ascent. The noteworthy occasion featured co-Godmothers...

Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of its 4th EDGE class ship Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Cruises received its 4th Edge Series cruise ship, the impressive 141,420 GT Celebrity Ascent, from the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard...

Celebrity Cruises' 5th Edge Series ship to be named Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises has officially revealed the name of the 5th vessel in its celebrated Edge Series: Celebrity Xcel. The announcement took place at...

•   show more news

Other Celebrity Cruises cruise ships

• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration

Celebrity Ascent Wiki

EDGE-Class ships were designed via an exclusive partnership with Nate Berkus - US interior designer establishing his own company at the age of 24.

On November 17, 2021, officially started the vessel's construction (STX France yard number/hull M34) with the steel-cutting ceremony held at Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard (fka STX France) in St Nazaire France . The ceremony was attended by Richard Fain (RCG-Royal Caribbean Group's/shipowner's Chairman and CEO), Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (Celebrity Cruises' President and CEO), Laurent Castaing (Shipyard's General Manager).

The vessel's physical construction started on August 24, 2022, with the keel-laying ceremony held at Chantiers de l'Atlantique. The special event was attended by Jason Liberty (RCG's new President and CEO), Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and Laurent Castaing (STX France's President).

On April 11, 2019, the shipowner RCG signed an MoU agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for a 5th EDGE-class unit ( Xcel ) which is currently scheduled for delivery in 2025-Q4.

The Celebrity ship Ascent was launched/floated out from drydock on January 21, 2023. The ceremony was attended by Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and Laurent Castaing. On January 25th, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo announced that the Ascent ship's Masters will be two Piraeus-born brothers - Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis (with Celebrity since 1990) and Captain Tasos Kafetzis (with Celebrity since 1998) - alternating their time on the liner in a 3-months rotation.

In August 2023 were announced the names of the ship's godparents/two godmothers - Captain Sandy Yawn, and her sister Michelle Dunham, who, curiously, are the wives of the ship's brother captains Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis. Captain Sandra "Sandy" Yawn (1965 -born) was among the cast members of Bravo TV's reality series "Below Deck Mediterranean" (released in 2016) and participated in seasons 2-Sirocco, 3-Talisman Maiton, 4-Sirocco, 5-The Wellington, 6-Lady Michelle, and 7-Home. Michelle Dunham (1970-born) is the co-founder of JSA/Jacksonville School for Autism (2005-established in Jacksonville, Florida USA not-for-profit private school).

The 4-day sea trials (in the Bay of Biscay) were conducted in the period September 27-30, 2023. The vessel was officially delivered on November 8th. The delivery documents were signed by Jason Liberty (RCG/shipowner), Laura Hodges Bethge (Celebrity Cruises' new President/operator) and Laurent Castaing (shipbuilder).

Celebrity Ascent's christening ceremony was on December 1st (2023), held at Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale . The naming event was led by both godmothers and attended by Laura Hodges Bethge.

Inaugural itineraries 2023

Celebrity opened Ascent ship's cruises for booking in February 2022, all based on homeporting in Port Everglades (Florida USA) .

In mid-March 2023, Celebrity added two new "preview cruises" on Ascent scheduled for November 2023 (both roundtrips from Port Everglades) - 4-night Western Caribbean (Nov 22nd, to Cozumel) and 3-night Bahamas getaway (Nov 26th/to Nassau).

The next tables show the Maiden Voyage and the inaugural cruise itineraries by region/destination.

( MAIDEN VOYAGE 2023 ) 7-day "Eastern Caribbean" itinerary (prices from USD 1400 pp)

inaugural 7-day "Bahamas, Mexico and, Grand Cayman" itinerary

inaugural 7-day "San Juan, Tortola, and St Kitts" itinerary

Celebrity Ascent: The Best Dining, Amenities and More on Celebrity Cruises' Newest Ship

Text Callout : Travel - Key Takeaways - Celebrity Ascent 1PE Review

You can think of Celebrity Cruises as the more adult cousin of Royal Caribbean International – which makes sense, considering both cruise lines are owned by Royal Caribbean Group. With all of the recent buzz around both brands, I was excited to sail on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, in its debut month. I embarked out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023.

The 17-deck, 141,420-ton ship has 1,646 staterooms and can carry 3,260 guests at double occupancy. At 1,073 feet long and 128 feet wide, the ship has plenty of space for upscale amenities, edgy entertainment and incredible dining venues. The Edge Series ship also has more than 1,400 crew members who hail from 60 different countries around the world.

As an avid cruiser who has taken more than 50 ocean and river voyages on almost a dozen cruise lines, I found Celebrity Ascent lived up to the hype. The ship itself is stunning, and each area has a distinct vibe. I loved the ample amount of food and drink opportunities – there are 32 different venues – and the standout onboard entertainment was like nothing I had seen before on a cruise ship.

Raw HTML : GTS form Travel

Celebrity Ascent itineraries

Celebrity Ascent sails around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean over the next few years. Summer 2024 brings Ascent to Mediterranean ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The Mediterranean season ends in October 2024, with a 13-night transatlantic sailing departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Late fall and winter sailings depart from Fort Lauderdale. The Caribbean season runs between November 2024 and April 2025. It includes seven- to nine-night voyages calling on ports like Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao ; Bimini, Bahamas ; Labadee, Haiti; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; and St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In late April 2025, it's back to the Mediterranean for the 2025 season between May and October. Ascent then returns to the Caribbean for sailings in late 2025; destinations include southern Caribbean locales, plus the Panama Canal and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Similar Caribbean sailings are also on sale for early 2026.

Who should sail on Celebrity Ascent?

Celebrity Ascent, like its Edge Series sister ships, caters to adults traveling together. The overall vibe of the ship is upscale and modern, with plenty of places to grab a drink, enjoy a meal and watch a show. Couples can enjoy an elevated date night in Le Grand Bistro, while the aptly named Sunset Bar – which overlooks the rear of the ship – is the spot to be with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets into the horizon. This bar was easily my favorite spot on board; I spent most afternoons here enjoying a cocktail.

The deck parties, of which Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night is the premier event, are a fun time – but they aren't so loud that guests can hear the bass thumping in the staterooms below. Shows at The Theatre are fully immersive, with incredible technology and great music that had me dancing in my seat.

If you are traveling with children, know that there aren't many places on board for kids to just hang out and be kids. The Camp at Sea kids club is crammed into a small area on Deck 3, away from the main Grand Plaza and The Martini Bar.

Cruises on Ascent can be expensive, but Celebrity often runs deals on sailings. Without any promotions, sailings around the Mediterranean in 2024 and 2025 may run between about $1,000 and $5,600 per person. In comparison, 2024 and 2025 Caribbean voyages may cost between about $2,000 and $4,400 per person before discounts. (Note: Cruise rates can change frequently, based on demand and availability.)

The stateroom

There are over two dozen different stateroom styles on Celebrity Ascent. The smallest (and usually cheapest) rooms are the Inside Staterooms, which offer between 181 and 202 square feet of space. For solo travelers, the Single Inside Staterooms offer the same amenities as a double occupancy room, but with a smaller 103-square-foot layout and no single supplement fee at booking.

Ocean View Staterooms are slightly larger, at 200 to 242 square feet. There are three different room styles; the main difference among them is the size of the window. Options range from small windows in the middle of the wall to large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Ascent's balcony cabins are quite varied, but the majority are Infinite Veranda Staterooms, where the balcony is actually a uniquely designed window that can be opened to let the ocean breeze in. There is a set of glass doors that can be drawn to make this space more private, as well.

Concierge Staterooms allow guests access to a dedicated concierge staff and exclusive onboard events. AquaClass cabins all feature the infinite balcony design, plus unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, complimentary dining at Blu restaurant, fitness classes and a spa concierge.

Celebrity Ascent's suites are all part of The Retreat, the line's ship-within-a-ship concept where cruisers have access to an exclusive restaurant, a sun deck with a pool, a lounge and a dedicated crew. Suites range in size and style, from smaller 319-square-foot studios to massive two-bedroom suites offering more than 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

When I sailed on Celebrity Ascent, I stayed in an AquaClass stateroom. The main living space had a king-size bed, which was cozy after long days of exploring the ship and nights spent on the dance floor. I found the cabin's couch a bit uncomfortable, but there was plenty of storage space in the large closet and drawers. Conveniently, the bed was high enough to fit my suitcases under.

Because this was my first time in an Infinite Veranda room, I was interested to see how the balcony actually worked. After pressing a button for the window to roll down, my room instantly filled with humid air – not the sea breeze I was expecting. The air conditioner also turns off when the window is down, so it takes a long time for the room to cool off again. I only opened the window once because of this. For me, the extra veranda space served as more of a sitting area to take in the views than a spot to enjoy the ocean breeze.

My stateroom's bathroom was spacious, with a larger-than-usual standup rain shower. I also loved the eco-friendly bath amenities, which smelled divine. I used the in-room bathrobes and slippers every day of the cruise.

I loved that my AquaClass stateroom came with some amenities that are not included in other Infinite Veranda rooms. There were two yoga mats, two bottles of water that were refreshed daily, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, an umbrella, binoculars, complimentary shoeshine service and a pillow menu. AquaClass guests also have unlimited access to the spa's thermal suite, complimentary fitness classes and a dedicated spa concierge. I went to the thermal suite daily to enjoy the heated loungers and steam rooms.

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Best amenities on Celebrity Ascent

On Celebrity Ascent, you'll never be bored. Over just a few days, I was able to participate in game shows and dance parties, sit back and enjoy live music, and spend some time by the pool. While I don't gamble, the casino always seemed to be full when I walked by, and someone was always cheering about hitting the jackpot.

For live entertainment, be sure to catch Flash Flair Fusion, the nightly bartending performance at the Martini Bar. Meanwhile, the Theatre hosted three main shows during my sailing: "Residency," "Awaken" and "Bridges." (Based on my experience, "Awaken" is the production to prioritize.)

Additionally, The Club hosts most of the ship's game shows and some smaller live music events. I loved hanging out at this venue; it was never overly packed with people, and the games were pure fun. I even got called up on stage to participate in one of the games and ended up winning a Celebrity Cruises-branded hat.

For some outdoor fun, hit the onboard pickleball court. Or, head to the Rooftop Garden, where float pools face the ocean and plenty of comfy seating awaits. I loved how lush this space felt, thanks to all of the live plants surrounding the seating areas. This is also the spot to catch movies at night.

If you're looking for an even more unique place to hang out, head to The Magic Carpet. This bright orange, glass-encased bar hangs out over the side of the ship and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink. The Magic Carpet can move up and down the side of the ship, docking at select decks for a set amount of time. I loved hanging here at night as the ship was pulling out of port to see the islands light up and watch other ships pass by.

When planning out your evenings, keep in mind that it can be a trek to get from one onboard activity to the next – especially when there is very little time between many of the major scheduled events. One night, I started in The Club to watch a game show, then immediately had to get to the Theatre. After the theater performance, I had to walk the entire length of the ship and take the stairs to get to the night show in Eden. Then, after Eden, it was time for the Shine the Night deck party. By the time I got back to my stateroom, I was exhausted.

Best dining venues on Celebrity Ascent

There are 32 different spots for food and drinks on Celebrity Ascent, including four main dining rooms; four casual complimentary eateries; eight specialty restaurants; 14 cafes, lounges and bars; and two exclusive venues.

Included with the base fare are meals at the four main dining rooms, all of which serve the same menus every day, plus a small exclusive menu that's tailored to the theme of each restaurant. (For example, if you're dining in Cyprus, there is a small list of Cyprus-exclusive dishes that highlight Mediterranean cuisine, while the Normandie restaurant serves up French favorites.)

Other restaurants included in the cruise rate are Eden Cafe & Bar, which serves light bites and sweets; Mast Grill, offering burgers and salads; and Oceanview Cafe, a buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For an additional cost, head to specialty dining venues like the stunning Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, which is great for date night; Le Grand Bistro, a fun take on a classic French Bistro; or Eden Restaurant, which features an entirely plant-based menu.

My favorite specialty dining option – and overall favorite restaurant on the ship – was Raw on 5. It features stunning chilled seafood towers, fresh sashimi and hot dishes like fresh lobster and shrimp wontons. Each dish was prepared beautifully, the service was top-notch and our table next to the window offered great views.

However, one restaurant I would skip is Fine Cut Steakhouse. It is a pretty standard steakhouse, and nothing on the menu really stood out to me. The upscale ambiance was also diminished by music floating in from the nearby Grand Plaza and Martini Bar (think: everything from One Direction to Cher). While both artists are great to hear while sipping a martini in a public space, I don't want to hear them while dining at an expensive restaurant.

Best excursions on Celebrity Ascent

Travelers cruising to the Caribbean should book a beach outing. There are abundant excursion options in St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands . If you're into local brews, try the Small Group: Brewery & Beach Tour Philipsburg, St. Maarten .

On a past Mediterranean cruise, I explored both Florence and Pisa, Italy, while docked in the Italian city of Livorno. Celebrity offers a similar excursion aboard the Ascent. The day trip includes a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside; exploring Florence and seeing the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo; and a trip to Pisa to see the iconic learning tower. In Rome , consider doing an all-day tour where you can see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Square.

Regardless of where your cruise is headed, you may choose to explore ports on your own instead. If that's the case, be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship. I always try to return at least an hour before the scheduled sail away time.

Overall impressions of Celebrity Ascent

When it comes to ships that cater to a mostly adult audience, Celebrity Ascent really has it all. From stunning common areas to incredible dining and entertainment, I was never bored on this ship. What I loved most was the wide range of entertainment, from pop-up music around the ship to full-blown experiences that need to be seen to be believed. The food on the ship is a step above most other major cruise lines, and the number of dining options is great, especially for longer sailings.

While I loved my room's location and amenities as a whole, I found the Infinite Veranda design to be a bit of a waste. When I did use it, my room got hot quickly and took a while to cool back down. I would consider booking a traditional veranda cabin next time, or a stateroom with a large picture window to save some money without sacrificing the ocean views.

Button Enhancement : Travel - Cruises - Celebrity Cruises

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Megan duBois has been covering travel, cruising and theme parks for over five years. She has taken more than 50 cruises, has traveled to four continents and more than 25 countries, and has visited a dozen theme parks around the world. Her work appears online and in print in major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes and more.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• The Best Solo Cruises
• Cruise Packing List: The Essentials Chosen by Experts

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent NEW
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration
• The Retreat
• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• View All Suites
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest + Bonus Savings
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Free Caribbean Veranda Upgrades
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Loyalty Status Match
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $150.

• Join The Club
• Exclusive Offers
• Visa Signature® Card

Shared Status for Our Loyal Members

We're elevating our Loyalty Status Match program to give you the best benefits at sea. Captain's Club members will now receive one-for-one tier matching across all three Royal Caribbean Group brands: Celebrity Cruises®, Royal Caribbean®, and now also Silversea®. This shared status gives you more benefits than ever before, and more ways to see the world-with more than 50 incredible ships sailing to nearly 1,000 destinations.

Find your Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club tier below and discover your loyalty match for Crown & Anchor® Society andVenetian Society.

For Crown & Anchor Society and Captain’s Club: Enroll through the Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises websites, or their respective apps. Guests who are currently only members of Venetian Society should call 1-888-978-4070 (North America) or call your local Silversea Office (charges may apply).

For Venetian Society: Enroll through the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises app once you are a member of those programs.  Pre-gold and preview members are not eligible for status match with Venetian Society. 

For more information regarding our Loyalty Status Match program, view our Frequently Asked Questions.

Loyalty Status Match Terms & Conditions

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Shore Excursions
• Manage Reservation
• Upgrade with MoveUp
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries
• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex® NEW
• Celebrity Ascent℠ COMING SOON
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®

The Retreat

• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Concierge Class

Eat & Drink

• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness
• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accesible Cruising
• Manage Cruise
• Healthy at Sea
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises
• 40% Off Every Guest + Savings Bonus
• 3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free
• Alaska Cruisetour Savings
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

Everyone saves 40% on every sailing and receives an added savings bonus of up to $200 per stateroom. Plus, on select sailings, 3rd and 4th guests sail for free.

Celebrity Ascent

Coming Fall 2023

Things To Do

• Itineraries

More space. More luxury. More connected. Celebrity Ascent℠

Exclusive to guests of The Retreat, including a private restaurant, sundeck, lounge & more.

Accommodations

Celebrity Ascent offers the widest range of staterooms and suites in our fleet.

Explore 32 distinct restaurants, bars, and lounges that will awaken all your senses.

Spa & Fitness

Whether you want to clear your mind, fine-tune your body, reinvigorate your spirit—or all of the above—The Spa and Fitness Center is an indulgent escape where you can do it all.

Our onboard activities and entertainment will make your vacation an unforgettable adventure.

Accessibility

Every effort is taken to deliver easy ship access and an unrivaled cruise vacation for our guests.

Explore Ascent Deck Plans

Locate your stateroom, and our world-class amenities and venues throughout the ship.

Itineraries on Celebrity Ascent

Recommended Sailing

Starting From

Avg. Per Person

Preview Sailings

Nov 22, 2023 | 4-Night Western Caribbean

Nov 26, 2023 | 3-Night Bahamas

The Countdown to Celebrity Ascent Is On

Get ready with us as our team prepares for the arrival of Celebrity Ascent℠. The latest award-winning resort at sea, is our most innovative ship yet, featuring all the best of our Edge® Series.​

Catch up on episodes of our Get Ready With Us series below and stay tuned for more behind the scenes videos coming soon!

Introducing Celebrity Ascent℠ Co-godmothers

Celebrity Ascent℠ is the first ship to have two brothers as co-captains, and now it’s our first ship to have two sisters as co-godmothers.

We found the perfect pair for this honor in Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo’s “Below Deck,” and her sister, Michelle Dunham. Captain Sandy is a tireless advocate for women in the maritime industry, children’s education, children with disabilities, and the environment, and she draws on her life experiences to inspire others.

Michelle, is the successful founder and executive director of a nonprofit school for children with autism. What started as a mission to help her own son with autism is now a beacon of hope within the broader autism community. These are two sisters on a mission to make a life impact for others in their pursuit to educate, engage and inspire.

Learn More About Ascent

Introducing our newest award-winning resort at sea, Celebrity Ascent SM , the fourth and most innovative ship in our highly awarded Edge® Series. Celebrity Ascent features 32 distinctive restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud. Ascent includes all the best of our Edge Series ships, from the inviting multi-deck Sunset Bar designed by Edge Series Travel Ambassador Nate Berkus to the open-air Rooftop Garden where two cantilevered floating pools offer breathtaking views six feet over the ship's edge. World-class accommodations include our spa-inspired AquaClass® staterooms, the revolutionary Infinite Veranda staterooms that take you to the water’s edge, and The Retreat®, featuring a private restaurant, lounge and sundeck for our suite guests. Book now to relax and renew on Celebrity Ascent.​

Double Occupancy

Cruising Speed

Sign up to get special offers, exciting deals, and more.

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our  Privacy Policy

Thank you for signing up!

You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our  Privacy Policy .

There was an error processing your request. Please try again.

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns