Thanks to my dad's fear of flying, I have been cruising all my life. Since I was 8, I can count over 20 completed cruises, recently topped up by three sailings with Celebrity Cruises.
Until this year, I had never been on a Celebrity Cruise ship before. All I knew was a bit of training I had had on the product when I was a travel consultant; most notably, I knew it offered excellent dining!
I now consider myself a bit of a pro, and on 25th November, I packed my bags and flew to Miami, ready to set sail on Celebrity’s newest cruise ship, Celebrity Ascent.
I had no question that I would love the ship. The Edge series by Celebrity is a product I adore, and I was sure they couldn’t go wrong with their fourth ship.
Was I right? Yes I was. As soon as I boarded, I instantly felt that same luxury vibe that I took from Apex and Beyond. There was a buzz in the air with the excitement of a brand-new ship. Staff were ready to offer their outstanding service again for the upcoming 3-day sailing to Nassau in the Bahamas.
Celebrity Ascent Staterooms
The first place I headed was my stateroom, an Infinite Veranda. Celebrity has certainly stepped it up a notch with their Edge class ships. The newly enhanced AquaClass staterooms are designed to incorporate spa elements such as pillow menus, eXhale bedding, gorgeous bathrooms, slippers, yoga mats, on-demand wellness programming on the television, and much more.
You will never sleep better than you do on a cruise - the gentle lull of the waves, the pitch-black night skies, the quiet, and just the relaxation of being on holiday.
The ship mirrors its sister ships, Edge, Beyond, and Apex, so there were no surprises. However, minor design elements make each ship unique while continuing to offer the facilities and services that are so well-loved by Celebrity clientele.
You can browse for all stateroom types aboard Celebrity Ascent here.
Dining
My favourite venue on the ship is Eden. This nature-inspired restaurant and bar is the best spot for sailway. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic ocean views, whilst the bar serves premium cocktails inspired by various destinations worldwide. As evening closes in, guests can enjoy live music and performances.
On the topic of food, it doesn’t get much better than the dining venues on Ascent. Four main restaurants offer different cuisines so guests never tire of the same menus. The Oceanview Cafe is included in all cruise packages, offering different themed buffets each night for a more casual dining experience.
Speciality restaurants offer Michelin-designed menus and dishes, including a steak house, French Bistro, rooftop grill, a Japanese venue, and so many more. The whole family will be wowed by Le Petit Chef, a restaurant where food and entertainment merge to create an interactive experience for all senses.
The Retreat on Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent offers a luxurious atmosphere from the moment you step on the ship. If you want to step it up a notch, I recommend booking as a guest of the Retreat. Incredible suites are offered alongside a private sundeck, a cosy retreat lounge (serving snacks and drinks throughout the day), a private restaurant, premium beverages, and premium Wi-Fi.
The Spa
If you want to up the relaxation and take a moment to revel in utter tranquillity, the spa is just the venue. An indulgent escape with the ocean as company, guests can enjoy various treatments such as acupuncture, various types of massages, Elemis facials, detox wraps, pain management therapies, and so many more.
The adults-only SEA Thermal Suite offers a place of peace before and after your treatments. The eight distinct spaces include a hammam, crystalarium, salt room, steam room, infrared sauna, float room, heated tile loungers, and a rainfall water therapy room. The suite is freely available to anyone booked in AquaClass; other guests can enjoy it for an extra fee.
Would I recommend a cruise on Celebrity Ascent?
Absolutely. Celebrity has fast become one of my top holiday choices. Designed as a luxury escape from the world I would happily recommend the Edge class ships to solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends. The Ascent offers an understated elegance that is hard to find elsewhere, especially in the cruise industry. There is nothing big and loud about these ships. Instead, they focus on five-star service, high-quality dining, and beautiful surroundings.
Celebrity Ascent will sail the Caribbean over the winter months, before heading to Europe for the summer season. The Edge will visit Alaska and Australia, while the Apex will be based in Southampton for European sailings. The Beyond will be staying in the Caribbean for 2024.
Please note this blog has been written as part of a paid collaboration with Celebrity Cruises. All comments and opinions are my own and this review is reflective of my own experience aboard Celebrity Ascent in November 2023.
