new celebrity cruise ship ascent

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.

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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.

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Celebrity Cruises Just Delivered Its Newest Ship, Which Sails the Caribbean This Winter — and I Was the First to See It

Celebrity Cruises just delivered the fourth ship in its Edge-class series: the Celebrity Ascent. I was the first to see it — take a look inside.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

This week, I was one of the first to see the brand-new Celebrity Ascent as it was delivered from the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. It's the fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises ' Edge class and will sail the Caribbean this winter. On the same day, the cruise line announced that Edge-class ship No. 5, coming in 2025, will be called Celebrity Xcel.

Saint-Nazaire, a small coastal city in France, is one of the few places in the world where cruise ships are born. Cruise ships aren't built by cruise lines themselves, but rather by specialized manufacturers. In Saint-Nazaire is the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard, established more than 160 years ago. They've just completed construction on Celebrity Cruises' newest vessel.

The day started quietly with the simple act of signing paperwork, which transferred control of Celebrity Ascent from Chantiers to Celebrity. Then, the fun began. More than 1,000 crew had already taken residence on board to prepare the ship for its departure from Saint-Nazaire, and they were joined by VIP guests, including government officials, Celebrity executives, and of course, the captains of the ship: brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis. We all gathered on the sun deck to witness the traditional changing of the flag, from the French flag representing Chantiers to the American flag representing Celebrity.

"We have a lot of ceremonial affairs in our business, some of it superstitious in nature. The ability to kind of celebrate events like this is very special to us," said Jason Liberty, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, in an interview with Travel + Leisure .

Stefanie Waldek/Travel + Leisure

The 3,260-passenger, 1,073-foot-long Celebrity Ascent is the fourth ship in the cruise line's Edge class, following Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Beyond. I sailed on Celebrity Edge after its launch back in 2018, and noticed right away that Celebrity Ascent was not a twin, but an evolution of the class. And that's by design.

"On the guest side, we're very, very grounded in what our guests are telling us, understanding what were things that worked as we had expected, better than we had expected. And what are things that we might want to tweak? That's a constant journey that we're on," Liberty said. He notes that over time, guest interests and needs change, too, so the design of the ships must always consider both the passengers of today and of tomorrow — as well as the needs of the crew. "Operationally, our crew gives us a lot of feedback. Sometimes you design what you think is a perfect space, but operationally, it can be a little bit challenging," he said.

As I toured Celebrity Ascent , I certainly saw elements that have carried over from ship to ship in the Edge class, like the grand Eden space in the stern, an immersive multifloor, multipurpose venue that changes from restaurant to entertainment venue over the course of an evening. Some smaller design elements remain the same, too, such as the black rattan hanging chairs in the spa's thermal suite, surrounded by greenery and black-and-white tiles.

But perhaps more noticeable were the design changes. From the get-go, Celebrity tapped world-class designers to devise striking interiors throughout the ship, from Nate Berkus to Kelly Hoppen. That deeply rooted design focus hasn't changed, but the look of some of the spaces has. One particular change that caught my eye was the addition of Le Voyage, a restaurant by Daniel Boulud, which was first introduced on Celebrity Beyond. On Celebrity Ascent, the space is awash in a Champagne palette dominated by striking lighting embedded in the ceiling and the walls. A semi-private dining room is cocooned by scalloped green walls and anchored by a bold marbled table, mirrored by a marble-pattern rug.

But the changes between ships go far beyond what's visible to guests. The engines on Celebrity Ascent , for instance, are designed to be easily upgraded for future innovations in greener fuels — namely, a transition to methanol, an alternative that emits far less carbon than traditional fuels, and eventually to an even more sustainable fuel called green methanol. As I learned earlier in the day, that transition is on its way.

Before we celebrated Celebrity Ascent 's delivery, we were treated to a special steel-cutting ceremony for the next Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel, due to be delivered in 2025. That ship will have the first tri-fuel engines in the Royal Caribbean Group fleet. "These engines will allow us to burn traditional fuels as well as methanol," Liberty said. "And then as we can get methanol from its current state to be green methanol, then that ship is able to be net zero." The company hopes to achieve net zero by 2050.

The steel-cutting provided a rather poetic sentiment to the day. Shortly after the celebrations, Celebrity Ascent departed Saint-Nazaire for a transatlantic journey to the Caribbean, where it will spend the winter season. But there's little rest for the builders at Chantiers — the cycle now begins anew with Celebrity Xcel .

Seven-night Caribbean itineraries on Celebrity Ascent start from $767 per person; book your voyage at celebritycruises.com .

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 East Mediterranean (coordinates 36.67647 N / 13.38412 E) cruising en route to MTMLT. The AIS position was reported 1 minute ago.

Current itinerary of Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent current cruise is 10 days, one-way from Barcelona to Civitavecchia-Rome . Prices start from USD 1600 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 08 Jun, 2024 and ends on 18 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).

Celebrity Cruises Edge-class ships - Eden Lounge

"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.

Celebrity Cruises Edge-class ships Magic Carpet

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).

Celebrity Cruises Edge-class ships - Magic Carpet - Destination Getaway

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.

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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 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

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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.

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Celebrity Ascent itineraries

Thermal suite heated loungers on the Celebrity Ascent.

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

Stateroom interior on the Celebrity Ascent.

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.

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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

Pastries at Le Grand Bistro on the 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

Outdoor sundeck on the 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.

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Everything You Need to Know About The New Celebrity Ship, Ascent

Celebrity Cruises just debuted a fourth Edge Class ship…Ascent.

From the perspective of someone who has never embarked on a Celebrity voyage, let me walk you through my highlights of the magnificent vessel.

AquaClass Staterooms

AquaClass Staterooms are designed to provide a modern and inviting space for guests to relax in after a long day on board. One notable feature of AquaClass cabins is the Infinite Veranda, which can transform an entire room into a veranda by simply lowering the glass window with the push of a button. Something can also be said about the mattresses, if you plan on waking up early to catch a morning yoga class or guided meditation…prepare for a battle – the beds are that comfortable.

The bathrooms in AquaClass staterooms are both modern and spacious, but I would be lying if I said my favorite feature isn’t the shower. With four different settings, including overhead rainfall, wall jets, a handheld shower head, and a waterfall option, guests can enjoy a rejuvenating shower experience. For those who appreciate luxury, a fancy shower can be the epitome of indulgence.

In addition to the well-appointed accommodations, AquaClass stateroom guests also receive exclusive benefits. This includes access to the Blu restaurant, which offers clean yet flavorful dining options. Guests also have access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, daily in-room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board.

Grand Plaza – The Martini Bar

In the beating heart of the Celebrity Ascent lies the Grand Plaza – a glitzy foyer where cocktail olives are bountiful and espresso martinis are, indeed, on tap.

As a central hub for Ascent, The Martini Bar in the Grand Plaza dawns live piano and jazz melodies by day and beats syncing with colorful LEDs by night. Tip: definitely come out to Latin Night.

No matter the flavor, the Martini Bar offers various twists (pun intended) on the classic martini, from Lychee to Rose. The flair bartenders will stun; flipping their shakers in sync and pouring liquor from new heights, making for a side of delightful entertainment as you sip your ice cold martini.

Dining – Specialty and Main

Next to the Grand Plaza lies one of Ascent’s specialty restaurants, Raw on 5; serving up seafood in an intimate setting.

Including Raw on 5, Ascent has eight different specialty dining options, as well as eight options for main and complimentary dining. With concepts such as word regions, interactive experiences (Le Petit Chef), and more, the choices are extensive depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Whether you crave the flavors of the aromatic Mediterranean at Cyprus, the freshness of sushi and sashimi at Raw on 5, the elevated Italian cuisine at Tuscan, or the contemporary French bistro experience at Normandie – the culinary options are extensive and cater to various preferences. And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the remarkable culinary expertise onboard.

Eden

In the back of the ship, you will find Eden.

The first thing you notice will be the unique and indescribable earthy aroma. And then you will be greeted by the view. The entire space is sprawling and panoramic, with hanging vines and seating arrangements draped in velvet and leather.

The art deco features make the space feel eccentric and swanky, creating an unforgettable ambiance.

The cocktails go above and beyond in presentation; small carafes and smoke, moss and stone, flavors of apple and potent herbs that tantalize the senses and leave you wanting to return. The original sin was that they were only serving sample sizes when I was on board.

Eden also hosts live entertainment at night, including an impressive violin rendition of Take on Me.

Aurora

In order to venture into E den , one must pass though Aurora, a mystic reflective tunnel. A “digital interpretation” of the Aurora Borealis, this pathway to Eden is lined with mirrors and sculptures to mimic the northern lights.

Also, this hallway makes for a unique photo op.

The Magic Carpet

A distinctive feature on Ascent is the well known Magic Carpet hanging off of the starboard side of the ship. The Magic Carpet is a cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level and can move up and down the ship.

Enjoy a moment under the bright orange pillars as you float above a whole new world.

The Sunset Bar

Tucked away in the upper aft side of the ship, the Sunset Bar encapsulates a vibe reminiscent of a Mediterranean Tommy Bahama, with gorgeous wake views and upbeat music.

Whether it’s a pre-dinnner drink, a poolside treat, or a night-cap overlooking the open sea, the Sunset Bar will provide not only the best cocktails, but some of the best views on board.

Pools – The Solarium and Plunge Pools

If you do not want to be in the center of the action at the main pool deck, there are plenty of other favorable options.

For a touch of privacy, you can enjoy the multi-level rooftop’s plunge pools that offer stunning sea views. These infinity pools showcase Ascent’s commitment to its outward facing design, connecting guests to the ocean.

After being drenched in the sun of the West Atlantic, Ascent staff came by to deliver guava sorbet samples. Needless to say, I was feeling very pampered.

The Solarium (right) is an adults only enclosure equipped with a juice bar, pool, and jacuzzis that allows guests to unwind on a luxurious lounger while enjoying their favorite book or perfecting the art of napping.

Fun fact: Despite being indoors, you can still get a tan in the solarium!

Oceanview Café

Oceanview Café is the typical marketplace style dining area, with a diverse array of cuisine from all around the world. International self-serve stations neighbor one another under high vaulted ceilings, creating a vibrant and bustling ambiance.

Below you can see the lunch option of shrimp ceviche served in halved coconuts.

Oceanview Café – Al Fresco Dining

Additionally, the Oceanview Café lives up to its name!

To me, the best part of cruising is waking up, perusing the breakfast selections, and then sitting on the deck and eagerly anticipating the day ahead as I sip my morning coffee.

And yes – that is a whole dragonfruit.

Cafe al Bacío

If you need a quick pick me up, Cafe al Bacío is your holy grail. From espresso to bite sized pastries, Cafe al Bacío is the quintessential onboard cafe experience.

In Italian, Bacío means kiss, and I could most certainly kiss whoever composed that cappuccino and passionfruit cake.

There is also a second location, Il Secondo Bacío, located in Oceanview Café.

Onboard Entertainment

In the evening, we decided to go get a glimpse at the show taking place in The Theater, and almost every seat was occupied – it was a completely full house.

I soon learned why as my astonishment grew at the exquisite vocal performances, choreography, arial arts and special effects. The sheer talent on the stage was awe inspiring.

From classics to modern hits, the thematic topics were bright and spunky, with just the right amount of edge. The show thoroughly captivated the audience, and everyone was particularly enthralled by a performer suspended from a disco ball, adding an extra element of spectacle to the experience.

Xciting Celebrations & More

Ascent hosted her very own Shine The Night Party upon sailing away from the pier in Ft. Lauderdale. The champagne was flowing, the DJ was spinning, and the guests were dancing like no one was watching. We basked in the sparkle of the crowd as the night unfolded.

With the amount of glitter, you could probably see us from outer space.

The Celebrity Ascent is truly the definition of excitement and relaxation working in harmony, and has a special draw of being an ideal cruising option for most age demographics, blending modern fun with sophistication.

Other honorable mentions of the Celebrity Ascent include easy boarding and disembarkation, the art featured onboard, overall accessibility, and a very special mention for the wonderful and accommodating staff.

Suggested Travel-Related Gifts

Rolling duffel bag.

Craft Cocktail Kit

Disposable 35mm Camera s

Collapsible Water Bottle

Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones

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The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

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It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises

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. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that makes a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return 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. From around £574 per person for a seven-night sailing. Scott Laird

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Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August , the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles . Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia, has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From around £3,112. David Dickstein

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Explora I, Explora Journeys

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where ageing meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic – curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From around £564 per person per night. Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with a capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map – forgetting your sunscreen , for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the speciality seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crewmembers dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From around £1,818 . Charlie Hobbs

By Sarah James

By Trish Lorenz

By Becky Lucas

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the Italian cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details – this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevvy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. Itineraries from around £420. Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima. There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over-the-top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From around £791. Charlie Hobbs

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Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilisers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience – Vista’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley , and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year, Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year, it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul , Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025. From around £2,182. Madison Flager

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Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse. Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs – and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveller. From around £6,025. Stefanie Waldek

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Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruise Line

Pursuit is a small, “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear – or damp Arctic expedition gear – in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From around £8,729. Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek islands , and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travellers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving speciality pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jewelled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From around £3798. Alexandra Sanidad

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Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool , the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate – as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture and place before even disembarking. From around £2465. Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton, Viking River Cruises

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio – designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration – just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt ’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travellers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real-time to shepherding travellers through modern night markets with endless fervour. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen – and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travellers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton, and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until that is, your next Aton sailing). From around £4849. Megan Spurrell

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Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai . Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship – 20-plus to be exact – and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From around £1616 . Rachel Dube

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World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass. Back in your cosy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant – think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favourite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From around £1495. Celeste Moure

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Celebrity Ascent: Discover Our Newest Ship
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Celebrity Ascent: Discover Our Newest Ship
Discover Celebrity Ascent, our newest cruise ship. View the award-winning luxury cruise ship's deck plan, staterooms, dining options, things to do and upcoming sailings.
Celebrity Ascent: A first look at this new and edgy cruise ship
In addition to new theater shows, a private entertainment room and a lively after-dark deck party, the ship also features twice as many cabins for solo travelers. Here's an outline of what's new.
Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship Review
Check out Cruise Critic's expert review of the Celebrity Ascent cruise ship for the best insider tips on deck plans, cabins, food, entertainment and more.
Onboard Experiences on Celebrity Ascent
Plan & Manage Your Cruise Vacation with the Celebrity Cruises App. The app is your vacation companion for pre-cruise savings you won't find onboard, quicker boarding, and planning your activies in a personal in-app calendar. Explore all your ship has to offer, from deck maps to dining menus, and so much more. Once onboard, connect to the ship's ...
What's new on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, the Ascent
Celebrity Cruises' fourth ship in the Edge class, the Celebrity Ascent, offers a few changes and experiences that are certainly worth a look.
Celebrity Ascent Deck Plans
See what each deck is like aboard Celebrity Ascent. Choose the best stateroom location, find out where your favorite venue is, and more.
Celebrity Ascent First Look
Celebrity Cruises just delivered the fourth ship in its Edge-class series: the Celebrity Ascent. I was the first to see it — take a look inside.
First look: Inside the brand-new Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent has arrived as the newest, highly-anticipated cruise ship for Celebrity Cruises. This award-winning vessel is the fourth ship in the cruise line's revolutionary Edge Class. Although a sister ship to Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent is the most innovative cruise ship ever built by Celebrity Cruises.
Celebrity Ascent Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review
Celebrity Ascent cruise ship itinerary, 2024-2025-2026 itineraries (homeports, dates, prices), cruise tracker (ship location now/current position tracking), review, news ... New to the Celebrity cruise ship Ascent are the AquaClass SkySuites, featuring floor-ceiling views, large private terraces, premium bedding and wellness amenities. ...
Celebrity Ascent has been delivered by the shipyard to the cruise line
Celebrity Ascent has officially joined Celebrity Cruises' fleet. The cruise line took delivery of the brand-new Edge Class ship at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Celebrity Ascent
Join Danny and Taylor as they tour the brand new Celebrity Ascent! Celebrity has brought back all of your favorites from Edge, Apex, and Beyond and taken the...
New Ship Celebrity Ascent
New for 2023/2024 Celebrity Cruises newest ship, Celebrity Ascent debuts in December 2023. I reveal what entertainment will be onboard Celebrity Ascent. ... New to The Club on Celebrity Ascent, is a new immersive show, "Smoke & Ivories," transports audiences to an old Hollywood club with a modern twist. Featuring projection technology, dance ...
We Just Returned from One of the First Cruises on Celebrity Ascent
Our First Look at the New Celebrity Ascent. Cruise by Don Bucolo December 4, 2023. We have just returned from one of the first cruises on Celebrity Ascent and share all the details of this brand new Celebrity Cruises ship! Celebrity Cruises received an early holiday gift this year. The cruise line's newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, has debuted ...
Celebrity Ascent Review: The Best Dining, Amenities and More
Celebrity Ascent makes for a fun cruise experience, thanks to its standout dining, entertainment and amenities.
The New Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Cruises just debuted a fourth Edge Class ship...Ascent. Here are the highlights of the new vessel.
Celebrity Ascent: Why You Should Book this New Cruise Ship
Here are the highlights of the new Celebrity Ascent including the Magic Carpet bar that changes locations on the ship and luxe suite options.
Photo Highlights of the New Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship
A Look at the New Celebrity Ascent in 25 Photos. 1/26. Celebrity Cruises launched its new Ascent ship, the fourth in the Edge Class, last week, with a colorful and dynamic naming ceremony and a short two-night introductory sail. Here's a look at this stunning new ship and the sights and sounds of its inaugural few days.
Celebrity Ascent: The Best Dining, Amenities and More on ...
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 ...
7 things new and different to love about Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent is the newest cruise ship to debut in the Edge class of ships, and it's name implies it's in a position to move up the ranks of the ships the preceded it. The fourth in a series of five ships, Ascent is a bit bigger than the first two Edge Class ships (Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex). She's 20 meters longer and a deck taller.
Celebrity Ascent Itineraries
Discover Celebrity Ascent itineraries to the Caribbean and beyond. Be one of the first to sail on our fourth Edge-Series ship. Voted Best Premium Cruise Line.
Celebrity Ascent: Discover Our Newest Ship
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 ...
Celebrity Ascent: Discover Our Luxury Cruise Ships
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 ...
CELEBRITY ASCENT
New cruise ship coming in 2023 by CELEBRITY CRUISESVirtual Tour of all RESTAURANTS, BARS AND STATEROOMSChapters:0:00 Overview1:06 Restaurants1:19 Specialty R...
Accommodations on Celebrity Ascent
No matter which of Celebrity Ascent's staterooms you choose, you'll rest easily on eXhale® bedding and Cashmere TM mattresses designed exclusively for Celebrity. In fact, nearly every stateroom and suite on Celebrity Ascent features a king-sized bed. We want you fully refreshed and ready to explore every day of your vacation.
The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List
Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises. 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. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous.
New Celebrity Xcel Cruise Ship Reaches Major Construction Milestone
The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge series, Celebrity Xcel, marks a significant milestone with a keel-laying ceremony at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard.
Celebrity Cruises Begins Construction on New Ship Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Cruises has began construction on its newest Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel in a traditional "keel laying" ceremony in France today.
Alaska cruises make exploring the Last Frontier easy: Here's a guide
Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people, but it's not always easy to explore — unless you're on a cruise.
Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean Loyalty Status Match
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®.
Celebrity Ascent: Discover Our Luxury Cruise Ships
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First look at Celebrity Ascent: This elegant new cruise ship is perfect for entertainment buffs and solo travelers

Nightclub fun

Shimmer party

Solo cabins galore

New dining offerings

Brothers as co-captains

Bottom line

Celebrity Cruises Just Delivered Its Newest Ship, Which Sails the Caribbean This Winter — and I Was the First to See It

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Aurora

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