Celebrity Ascent Review & Insights
Celebrity Cruises’ fourth Edge Class vessel, Celebrity Ascent, debuted with a big splash this November. The ship is spending its inaugural season sailing the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale and will reposition to Europe in the spring of 2024.
I had the opportunity to check out this highly anticipated ship on a short sailing. Although my stay was brief, I could see the shiny new Celebrity Ascent from top to bottom. I’ve sailed with Celebrity Cruises several times; however, this was my first time on an Edge Series vessel. Here are some of the highlights and surprising things I found while onboard.
Before we get started, here are some quick facts about Celebrity Ascent:
- Debuted November 2023
- Guest Capacity: 3,260; Total Crew: 1,430
- Co-Captains: Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis
- Co-Godmothers: Captain Sandy Yawn (star of Bravo’s “Below Deck”) and her sister, Michelle Dunham
- 1,646 total staterooms across 36 category types
- Offers 32 distinct food and drink venues
Ship Design & First Impressions
As you first step onboard Celebrity Ascent you enter the Grand Plaza - the true hub of the ship. This multi-leveled space is home to restaurants, lounge areas, shops, pumping music, and the Martini Bar, topped by an LED chandelier. It’s elegant and vibrant, setting the tone that your cruise is about to be something special.
One of the things that struck me as I made my way around to explore was how bright and airy the ship felt. It seemed elegant and tasteful without feeling too stuffy. The decor is modern and fun yet simultaneously gives a sense of comfort and is practical for a ship of its size.
Tons of high-tech design elements are incorporated throughout the ship. I appreciated that most public area doors are touchless and controlled by a mechanism that guests ‘wave’ at to open.
Overall, I felt like the space flowed very well. Most public areas are grouped together. The restaurants, shops, lounges, and the theater are positioned on the lower decks. Pools, the Resort Deck, the main buffet area, and many outdoor spaces are on the ship's top decks. Staterooms are in areas everywhere in between.
I noticed a great deal of permanent signage around with directions to other parts of the ship, a much-needed element. Celebrity Ascent is big, and you will likely get lost on your first day (or two). Be mindful of whether areas you seek on a map are listed as aft or forward. Once you get the hang of the layout, it’s a relatively easy ship to find your way around.
Celebrity Ascent offers more outdoor space than any other ship in the Celebrity fleet, meaning you are not far from ocean views at pretty much anywhere you turn on the ship. The focal outdoor space of the ship is the Resort Deck which has the main pool, martini-shaped hot tubs, and an octopus statue standing proudly at the entrance. There are lounge chairs galore to choose from, and it is the perfect place to grab your frozen beverage of choice and listen to music as you bask in the sunshine.
A Look Inside The Solarium
Off the Resort Deck is the Solarium, a tranquil adults-only space with loungers and a pool for taking a quick dip. Note, the Solarium’s location off the pool deck can sometimes get loud from the music playing in the main area. If you want to take a nap, grab a lounge chair close to the back of the space.
Rooftop Garden
If you are looking for another outdoor area to sit and enjoy your surroundings without being at the pool, check out the Rooftop Garden. Here you will find a range of loungers, fun artwork, and even lush plants, bushes, and other greenery. This space has an outdoor TV screen, cornhole boards, as well as a few glass plunge pools that offer great water views when at sea. Also here you will find another outdoor eatery (Rooftop Garden Grill) as well as the Sunset Bar at the aft of the ship.
Celebrity Ascent Artwork
Like many Celebrity ships, art is a focal point of the design adding some character to every nook and cranny of the vessel. Among the most unique is found in the entrance to Eden (bottom left photo above), an immersive walkway that is part mirrors, sculptures, lights, music, fun, curious, and just frankly the perfect place to take a selfie.
All around the ship, such as stateroom hallways and stair entrances, you will find art that’s fun and unique. I wasn’t sure what the overall theme was, but I liked every picture or sculpture that I saw.
Staterooms
There are 1,646 total staterooms on Celebrity Ascent. Categories include:
- Inside Staterooms (at 181-202 sq. ft.)
- Oceanview Staterooms (Interior space 200-242 sq. ft.)
- Veranda Staterooms (Interior space 202-228 sq. ft./Veranda 40-89 sq. ft.)
- Edge Staterooms with Infinite Veranda (Total living space 243 sq ft/Veranda 4 sq. ft.)
- Concierge Class (Total living space 243 sq. ft./Veranda 42 sq. ft.)
- AquaClass (Total living space 243 sq. ft./Veranda 42 sq. ft.)
- The Retreat Suites
As with all Edge Series ships, Celebrity Ascent’s staterooms offer eXhale bedding and Cashmere mattresses. Nearly every stateroom has a king-sized bed.
The staterooms on Celebrity Ascent have been designed to be a respite from the bustle of the rest of the ship. Most cabins feature neutral gray and beige tones, highlighted by burgundy accents.
I had the opportunity to check out most of the stateroom types onboard, from interior rooms to the premier suites. As with all Edge Series vessels, Celebrity Ascent offers many Infinite Veranda stateroom options, allowing for more cabin square footage and access to the outside with a touch of a button. This was the first time I had seen this in person, and I was impressed with what a great option it gives for more space than a traditional balcony.
Most rooms have ample storage space, with several cabinets at the desk areas and the closets a standard size. Larger King-size beds in most rooms mean that guests can easily store suitcases underneath to hide them for the duration of their cruise instead of utilizing closet space.
Inside Staterooms on Celebrity Ascent
Bathrooms are slightly larger than average, with higher-category stateroom options having both a bathtub/shower combo. The neutral, calming vibes continue in bathroom areas, with marble accents and beige cabinetry. Bathroom storage is plentiful, with several drawers and fixed-wall storage solutions where you can store personal belongings.
Suites on Celebrity Ascent
Are you looking for something extra spacious with special amenities? Check out Celebrity Ascent’s suites, which offer access to The Retreat. Featured options of this type include the Iconic Suite (2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space with panoramic views over the bridge), Penthouse Suites (with a primary bedroom/bathroom, guest bedroom/bathroom, separate living/dining area, terrace, and private hot tub), Edge Villas (two story townhouse suites with a private bedroom and two bathrooms), and Royal Suites (which have their own living and dining area and panoramic windows).
Aqua Sky Suite on Celebrity Ascent
I stayed in an Aqua Sky Suite and am now completely spoiled for future Edge Series ships. The Aqua Sky Suite bathroom was quite large, with a combo sink/vanity area and a glass partition separating rooms with a toilet and then a combination bathtub/shower room. There was tons of storage space, from nooks on the wall to store bags and toiletry bottles, and under-sink storage spaces. The vanity area offered a stool for sitting as well as a lighted makeup mirror. The tub/shower combo was quite large, with the option to be used as a traditional bathtub or with the option of three shower spray types.
Aqua Sky Suite Bathroom on Celebrity Ascent
Storage, sitting area, balcony and closet area of an Aqua Sky Suite on Celebrity Ascent
Dining
There are a whopping 32 food and beverage options on Celebrity Ascent - 14 of these are cafes/bars/lounges, 8 specialty restaurants, 4 main dining areas, 4 casual included eateries, and 2 special dining experiences.
Main Dining
For main dining on Celebrity Ascent, guests select one of three options for dining time - Early Dining (generally 6:00 pm) or Late Dining (generally 8:30 pm) or Celebrity Select which allows for anytime dining. There are four main dining rooms, Cyprus Restaurant, Tuscan Restaurant, Normandie Restaurant, or Cosmopolitan Restaurant. You will be assigned to one of these rooms, however you request to eat at the other venues as they each have unique decor and menu options based on the theme.
Cyprus Restaurant serves menus that focus on the Mediterranean region, with seafood and other simple clean dishes. Tuscan Restaurant is inspired by Celebrity-favorite restaurant Tuscan Grille, which serves Italian-inspired dishes. At Normandie Restaurant, enjoy a menu of contemporary French cuisine. Cosmopolitan Restaurant is a main dining experience that’s reminiscent of other Celebrity ships, serving an eclectic menu.
Other Complimentary Dining
Included dining options on Celebrity Ascent are the Oceanview Cafe, Mast Grill, Spa Cafe and Juice Bar, and the Eden Cafe.
Oceanview Cafe is the ship’s main buffet area on deck 14, where you can grab a meal or a quick bite anytime. There is a wide range of options with a menu of pasta, sandwiches, salads, desserts, a meat carvery, and much more. The space offers lots of indoor seating and some outdoor tables. I only had the chance to dine here once while onboard; however, I appreciated the ample variety of food types available. I opted for a slice of White Truffle Pizza and found a seat outside to enjoy.
The Mast Grill is an outdoor eatery serving burgers, hotdogs, veggie dogs, and fries. It’s a staple on Celebrity ships and is a great place to grab a quick bite outside. Celebrity Ascent’s Mast Grill has several communal tables just off the Resort Deck pool area. This space can get busy during prime lunch hours.
Other included options are the Spa Cafe and Juice Bar, located off the Solarium, and Eden Cafe (located in Eden), serving bites al fresco for breakfast and lunch.
For guests staying in The Retreat or Aqua Class, there are restaurants reserved just for these guests - Luminae and Blu. I had the chance to experience both of these eateries.
Luminae on Celebrity Ascent
Luminae is for guests staying in The Retreat and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The space features bold colors, with a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chefs. I had lunch at Luminae. The menu offered light options like salads and heavier dishes such as steak frites and pasta. I opted for a Prawn Ceviche starter and the Lobster Roll pictured above.
Blu on Celebrity Ascent
Blu is for guests staying in AquaClass. The menu here serves clean cuisine options as well as a number of other special dishes. Celebrity Ascent features the first-ever Blu with outdoor seating (only offered at lunch).
I ate at Blu for dinner and it was one of the dining highlights of the sailing. The service was great, the food was tasty, and it was an overall enjoyable experience. If you stay in AquaClass on Celebrity Ascent, do not miss out!
Specialty Dining
Specialty extra-cost eateries on Celebrity Ascent are Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Le Grand Bistro, Le Petit Chef, Raw on Five, the Rooftop Garden and Grill, and Eden Restaurant.
Le Voyage on Celebrity Ascent
Le Voyage is a special restaurant created by famed chef Daniel Boulud, with dishes inspired by his global travels. At Le Grand Bistro, enjoy a breakfast or lunch inspired by a French Bistro. Come nighttime, this space turns into Le Petit Chef, an animated immersive dining experience. Raw on 5 is the ship’s sushi and raw bar, serving fish creations crafted by expert chefs. The Rooftop Garden and Grill is an outdoor eatery serving burgers, grilled kebabs, and smoked meats for lunch and dinner service.
Le Grand Bistro / Raw on Five
A unique specialty eatery onboard Celebrity Ascent is found at the three-story Eden. Here you can opt for the restaurant’s regular dinner menu, as well as a multi-course tasting menu (think Agean sea ceviche or a Nova Scotia Lobster Casserole). The food is creative, and an experience of its own. The venue also serves a plant-based tasting menu, the first of its kind for Celebrity.
Fine Cut
I dined at Fine Cut, the ship’s steakhouse. The menu features steaks, grilled seafood, salads, and a number of steakhouse sides. Note, Fine Cut is located just off the Grand Plaza and there is no separation of the restaurant and the plaza/atrium area. If you are seated at one of the tables at the side of the venue closest to the Plaza, you will get a lot of noise and be in the middle of the bustle of this area. If you are looking for a more quiet experience, request a table closer to the window.
More Lounges & Cafes
Bars on Celebrity Ascent
You won’t look far for your next libation on Celebrity Ascent. At the World Class Bar, enjoy a menu of handcrafted cocktails in an elegant setting. The Sunset Bar, designed by Nate Berkus, serves cocktails outside with a great location at the ship’s aft. Craft Social Bar is a casual pub-like space that pours craft beers and shows live games on TVs.
Martini Bar on Celebrity Ascent
The Martini Bar is in the middle of Celebrity Ascent’s Grand Plaza. It’s part bar and part show, where bartenders create cocktails by juggling and other gravity-defying skills. Enjoy a drink underneath the LED chandelier that periodically features a show paired with music. Note, this space gets busy at night, so come early if you can. In the evening, a live band and speciality guest entertainers can be found here.
Edge Series guest favorite venue Magic Carpet returns on Celebrity Ascent. The Magic Carpet offers a full bar, live music, and fantastic views. Don’t miss this experience when you sail on Celebrity Ascent!
The Magic Carpet on Celebrity Ascent
Other bars around the ship include The Pool Bar, Mast Bar, Eden Bar, and The Club. When you are looking for a refuel, check out Café al Bacio or Il Secondo Bacio. Both venues serve coffee, tea, pastries, expresso martinis, and more.
Activities & Entertainment
There is no getting ‘bored’ while onboard Celebrity Ascent. From dusk till dawn, there is something to do on this ship.
Enjoy a a Broadway-style show in the state-of-the-art main theatre, with shows like ‘Awaken’ and ‘Bridges’. You can try your luck at the casino, which has been redesigned on Ascent. You will find live music everywhere, from acoustic sets in Eden to dance parties in the Grand Plaza.
Inside the Spa & SEA Thermal Suite on Celebrity Ascent
Looking to zen out? Check out The Spa, with its fantastic SEA Thermal Suite area of eight distinct saunas and other relaxation spaces.
Families traveling on the ship will enjoy Camp at Sea, for kids ages three to seventeen. Kids are divided into four groups, based on age. Highlights of the program include competitions, silent discos, STEM programs, and more.
Final Thoughts
As a whole, I was impressed with Celebrity Ascent as it was my first time on an Edge Series ship. There were a few surprises I had when it came to service and food quality, but that may be due to a new ship finding its flow and getting the kinks out.
As the fourth ship in the Edge Series of the Celebrity Cruises fleet, Celebrity Ascent offers more options for guests to travel on this style of ship to destinations around the world. Recently Celebrity announced that next summer it will deploy its first Edge Series ship to Alaska (Edge) and it will position Celebrity Beyond to sail year-round cruises in the Caribbean. This is no doubt in part due to the line having more ships of the Edge Series available to deploy to regions around the world, and a strong demand for these ships to sail a range of itineraries.
Celebrity Ascent has some very big ‘shoes’ to fill with fellow ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex being winners in our 2022 Member Choice Awards. Do I think it will make future lists? That is up to our community members to decide in their reviews!
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