When Celebrity Ascent joined the Celebrity Cruises fleet, it became more than just another cruise ship. It became a destination in itself—a floating resort built for food lovers, design fans, and travelers who appreciate the feeling of being spoiled. Whether you’re booking your first cruise or your twentieth, Ascent stands out for offering a fresh blend of style, comfort, and innovation that elevates the modern cruising experience.
Instead of simply walking through features deck by deck, this guide takes a deep-dive look at Ascent through the lens of real traveler priorities: where you’ll sleep, what you’ll eat, how you’ll spend your days at sea, and which experiences pair best with your favorite shore excursion. If your future cruise vacation includes a stop at a popular cruise port where Celebrity Ascent sails, this guide will help you decide if the ship is the right match—and how to make the most of your cruise booking.
THE ASCENT EXPERIENCE AT A GLANCE
A quick guide to what makes this Edge-Series ship different
Celebrity Ascent is the fourth member of the Edge series, meaning it carries the signature design elements travelers already love: outward-facing spaces, high-end finishes, creative dining, and entertainment that blends art, technology, and jaw-dropping visuals. But Ascent takes each of these ideas just a little further.
What Travelers Love Most About Celebrity Ascent
Here are the standout elements people mention again and again:
- Large outdoor lounges and open-air dining rooms that let you stay connected to the ocean
- The Magic Carpet, a bright-orange cantilevered platform that shifts deck levels and transforms into different venues
- Impressive culinary choices—more than 30 dining and bar concepts
- A curated art and architecture style, giving it a modern-boutique-hotel feel
- High-caliber entertainment, including acrobatics, immersive light displays, and original productions
- Spacious stateroom designs, many with infinite verandas that feel more open than traditional balconies
If you’re looking at doing multiple shore excursions, relaxing sea days, or a mix of both, Ascent is designed to support all styles of cruising.
STATEROOMS ON CELEBRITY ASCENT
Choosing Your Perfect Space at Sea
One of the biggest decisions in any cruise booking is selecting a stateroom. Ascent offers a range of choices that cater to different travel styles—from retreat-level luxury to cleverly designed interiors optimized for comfort. What sets Ascent apart is how much natural light, space efficiency, and tech-forward convenience you get regardless of category.
1. Inside Staterooms — Best for Budget Travelers or Port-Heavy Itineraries
Inside staterooms on Ascent are surprisingly modern and bright, with thoughtful lighting, smart TVs, USB-C ports, and high-quality beds. If you’re planning a cruise where you spend most of your time exploring a new cruise port every day, an inside room is a cost-smart option.
Who it’s for:
- First-time cruisers watching price closely
- Travelers who plan to spend more time poolside or on excursions
- People who want luxury elsewhere on the ship without paying more for a view
2. Ocean View Staterooms — A Comfortable Middle Ground
With large picture windows, ocean view rooms add brightness without a big jump in pricing. They’re ideal for itineraries with scenic sea days or travelers who prefer natural light.
Best perk: A window-ledge area perfect for reading, sipping morning coffee, or watching sail-ins.
3. Infinite Veranda Staterooms — Celebrity’s Signature Edge-Class Innovation
These cabins feel like a modern hotel room with a built-in balcony that transforms the living area. With the press of a button, the top half of the floor-to-ceiling window lowers, turning the entire space into an open-air veranda.
Why people love it:
- More floor space than a traditional balcony
- A seamless indoor/outdoor feeling
- Perfect for scenic routes like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Greek Islands
4. Concierge Class & AquaClass — Wellness and Priority Perks
These categories appeal to travelers who want little luxuries without jumping to suite-level pricing.
Concierge Class highlights:
- Priority boarding
- Exclusive lounge access
- A dedicated team for help with dining or shore excursion arrangements
AquaClass perks:
- Access to the spa-inspired Blu restaurant
- Enhanced shower and bath products
- Proximity to the spa
If wellness is part of your cruise vacation, AquaClass is a fantastic value.
5. The Retreat Suites — Celebrity’s Private Yacht Concept
For travelers who want the most premium experience, The Retreat is unbeatable.
The Retreat includes:
- Suite accommodations
- Access to Luminae, the private suite restaurant
- The Retreat Sundeck and The Retreat Lounge
- Premium drinks and Wi-Fi included
The suite options include brilliant layouts like the Edge Villa (two stories with a private plunge pool) or the Iconic Suite (massive, with front-facing ocean views).
This category is ideal for special celebrations, multi-generational trips, or seasoned cruisers who want a resort-like bubble onboard.
A CULINARY SHIP FOR FOOD LOVERS
Dining on Celebrity Ascent: What’s Included, What’s Worth Paying Extra For
Food is one of the ship’s biggest strengths. Dining on Ascent is designed around variety, global inspiration, and elevated presentation—even in included venues.
Main Dining: Four Distinct Restaurants
Instead of one large main dining room, Ascent offers four unique venues, each with its own décor and exclusive rotating dishes:
- Normandie — French-inspired
- Tuscan — Warm Italian classics
- Cyprus — A nod to Greek and Mediterranean cuisine
- Cosmopolitan — American-style favorites with modern touches
This approach gives guests a richer culinary experience without extra cost.
Specialty Dining: Worth It?
For many travelers, specialty dining is where the ship shines. These restaurants feel more like land-based high-end dining—creative menus, beautiful plating, and attentive service.
Top picks include:
- Eden Restaurant — An immersive, plant-filled space with avant-garde dishes
- Fine Cut Steakhouse — A classic but elevated steakhouse
- Le Petit Chef — A 3D projection dining experience popular with families
- Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud — Refined, destination-inspired cuisine
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or milestone cruise, Le Voyage is one of the most memorable meals onboard any cruise ship.
Casual Dining & Snacks
From the multi-station Oceanview Cafe to poolside burgers, gelato, late-night pizza, and the popular Eden Café, grabbing a quick bite is easy. Even casual venues emphasize fresh ingredients and high-quality presentation.
ENTERTAINMENT & ONBOARD LIFE
Where Ascent Excels Beyond Traditional Cruise Entertainment
Celebrity Ascent blends technology, theater, and immersive performance in a style very different from the flashy musicals on other cruise lines. It’s sleek, artistic, and modern.
The Theatre Shows
Expect aerial performances, modern choreography, digital backdrops, and original productions. The entertainment lineup often includes:
- Concert-style shows
- Acrobatic and aerial productions
- Immersive storytelling with LED stage effects
Shows rotate, so even repeat cruisers get something fresh.
The Club
A multi-use venue offering silent discos, late-night parties, game shows, and live music.
Resort Deck & Pool Life
The deck is beautifully designed, with sculptural art pieces and areas for lounging, swimming, and relaxing. Cabanas, shaded loungers, and signature cocktails make the pool deck feel more resort-like than typical cruise pools.
DESTINATIONS, CRUISE PORTS & SHORE EXCURSIONS
Pairing Your Ship Experience with the Perfect Day Ashore
Your Celebrity Ascent cruise will almost certainly include some of the best Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise ports. Ascent itineraries are tailored toward travelers who want both culture and relaxation.
Popular Ascent Ports of Call
- Cozumel — Excellent for diving, snorkeling, beach clubs, and Mayan ruins
- St. Maarten — A mix of shopping, beaches, and French/Dutch culture
- Puerto Plata — Waterfalls, cable cars, and historical sites
- San Juan — Walkable Old Town packed with history
- Greek Islands (for Europe sailings) — Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete
Choosing the Right Shore Excursion
A great shore excursion can elevate your entire cruise vacation. Here’s a quick guide:
Best for Adventure:
- Ziplining in Puerto Plata
- Snorkeling in Grand Cayman
- Jeep safaris in Aruba
Best for Relaxation:
- All-inclusive beach clubs in Cozumel
- Thermal spas in Mykonos
- Beach lounges in St. Maarten
Best for Culture:
- Walking tours in San Juan
- Cooking classes in Greece
- Rum distillery tastings in the Caribbean
Booking early is essential—especially on holidays or popular Caribbean routes.
WHO SHOULD CHOOSE CELEBRITY ASCENT?
The Ship’s Ideal Audience, According to Travel Style
Perfect for:
- Couples wanting modern luxury
- Foodies who value culinary experiences
- Wellness seekers (AquaClass is ideal)
- Repeat cruisers upgrading from other premium lines
- New cruisers wanting comfort without the party-heavy vibe of some brands
Not a match for:
- Party-focused travelers seeking all-night nightlife
- Families wanting waterparks and non-stop kid activities (though the kids’ areas are strong)
Ascent is polished, calm, and stylish—more boutique hotel than theme park.
TRAVELER QUESTIONS ANSWERED
A Practical Guide Before You Finalize Your Cruise Booking
Is Celebrity Ascent good for first-time cruisers?
Absolutely. The ship is easy to navigate, and service is friendly without being overwhelming.
Is the ship better for sea days or port days?
Both. Its outdoor spaces are perfect for sea days, and itineraries include high-quality cruise port stops.
Is it worth upgrading to a suite or Infinite Veranda?
If budget allows, yes. But even interior rooms feel upscale.
Do I need specialty dining?
Not required, but recommended if you enjoy fine dining or want a memorable night.
FINAL THOUGHTS: IS CELEBRITY ASCENT WORTH IT?
Celebrity Ascent delivers one of the most well-rounded premium cruise experiences available today. From the beautifully designed staterooms to diverse dining and imaginative entertainment, the ship is designed for travelers who want a relaxing, elevated, comfortable environment at sea.
It’s sophisticated enough for seasoned cruisers but still incredibly approachable for first-timers. Add in excellent service and thoughtfully curated itineraries, and you’ve got a cruise vacation that balances style, comfort, and adventure better than most ships sailing today.
If you’re planning your next trip and considering a cruise booking on Celebrity Ascent, it’s absolutely worth a closer look—especially if you value great food, beautiful design, and a tranquil vibe that still delivers plenty of excitement.