As seasoned explorers of the high seas, we’ve had the immense pleasure of sailing on countless vessels, each with its own unique charm and character. When the opportunity arose to embark on the Celebrity Ascent, we were brimming with anticipation. This latest addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet promised innovation, luxury, and a fresh perspective on the modern cruise vacation. Now, having disembarked and had time to reflect, we’re eager to share our unfiltered thoughts with all of you, from first-time cruisers nervously contemplating their first cruise booking to our fellow frequent travelers who’ve seen it all.
This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill review. We’re diving deep, pulling back the curtain on what truly impressed us and what, frankly, left us scratching our heads. So, buckle up, grab a virtual cup of coffee (or a celebratory cocktail, depending on your current mood!), and let’s explore our eight loves and hates of the Celebrity Ascent.
There’s nothing quite like that feeling when a cruise ship exceeds expectations. Here are the things on Celebrity Ascent that truly shone for us.
The Retreat: An Oasis of Exclusivity
For those of us who appreciate the finer things and a touch more pampering, The Retreat on Celebrity Ascent is an absolute game-changer. This isn’t just an upgraded cabin; it’s an experience within an experience. We’ve enjoyed plenty of suite-level perks on various lines, but Celebrity has truly elevated this offering.
Dedicated Spaces and Unparalleled Service
From the moment we stepped into The Retreat Lounge, we felt a palpable shift in atmosphere. It’s a stylish, serene haven, offering complimentary beverages, gourmet snacks, and a dedicated concierge service that anticipates your needs before you even realize you have them. Forget fighting for a seat at the main bars; here, it’s all about quiet luxury.
Luminae: A Culinary Masterpiece
Speaking of exclusivity, Luminae, The Retreat’s private restaurant, quickly became our favorite dining venue on the entire ship. The menu, crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, is a rotating delight of innovative dishes and classic favorites, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The service here is simply impeccable; our waiters remembered our preferences after the first night! This isn’t just “good cruise food”; it’s truly fine dining at sea.
The Retreat Sundeck: Your Private Paradise
While the main pool deck can get lively, The Retreat Sundeck offers a tranquil alternative. It’s a beautifully designed space with comfortable loungers, a private pool, and a hot tub, all attended by dedicated staff. We spent many blissful afternoons here, enjoying the ocean breeze without the crowds. It truly felt like our own little slice of paradise.
Edge Class Design: A Feast for the Eyes
The Celebrity Ascent, being an Edge-class ship, inherits a design philosophy that we’ve consistently admired. It’s modern, sophisticated, and undeniably stylish. This isn’t your grandmother’s cruise ship; it’s a floating boutique hotel.
The Grand Plaza: A Stunning Central Hub
The Grand Plaza is more than just an atrium; it’s the beating heart of the ship, a multi-story architectural marvel that evolves throughout the day. From the stunning chandelier that changes colors to the vibrant bars and cafes, it’s a place designed for both grand entrances and intimate conversations. We loved grabbing a coffee here in the morning and a pre-dinner cocktail in the evening, soaking in the energetic atmosphere.
Infinite Verandas: Connecting with the Ocean
The Infinite Veranda staterooms are a signature Edge-class feature, and they continue to impress us. The ability to transform your balcony into an extension of your cabin with the touch of a button is brilliant. It blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space, making the ocean feel closer than ever. On cooler days, we loved having the option to enjoy the view without the wind, and on warmer days, it was fantastic to have that seamless flow of fresh air.
Entertainment That Captivates
Celebrity Cruises has a reputation for high-quality entertainment, and the Ascent certainly delivers. We were genuinely impressed with the caliber of the performances and the variety of options available.
The Theatre: Innovative Productions
The main theatre on the Ascent is a technological marvel, featuring cutting-edge LED screens and impressive stage hydraulics. The production shows were dynamic, vibrant, and engaging. We particularly enjoyed “Resurgence,” a visually stunning show that combined acrobatics, dance, and impressive digital effects. It felt more like a Broadway production than a typical cruise ship show.
Eden: A Unique and Immersive Experience
Eden continues to be one of our favorite venues across the Edge class, and it shines on the Ascent. This multi-level, nature-inspired space transforms throughout the day, offering serene relaxation during the day and evolving into a mesmerizing entertainment venue at night with live music, aerialists, and unique performances. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind space on any cruise vacation.
Culinary Delights Beyond Luminae
While Luminae was a standout, the overall dining experience on the Ascent was excellent, with plenty of options to satisfy every palate.
Specialty Restaurants: Worth the Splurge
We believe that a few specialty dining experiences are an essential part of any cruise vacation, and the Ascent offers some fantastic choices. Le Petit Chef, with its animated tabletop storytelling, is always a fun and unique experience, especially for those looking for something a bit different. Fine Cut Steakhouse delivered perfectly cooked steaks and attentive service, while Raw on 5 offered incredibly fresh sushi and seafood.
Diverse Main Dining Rooms
Unlike many ships that have one massive main dining room, the Ascent features four distinct complimentary main dining rooms: Cosmopolitan, Normandie, Tuscan, and Cyprus. Each has its own design aesthetic and a selection of unique dishes alongside shared Celebrity favorites. This variety made dining feel less repetitive and offered a fresh atmosphere each evening. We particularly enjoyed the ambiance in Normandie.
In addition to the insights provided in the “Celebrity Ascent Review: 8 Things I Loved and Hated,” readers may find it beneficial to explore related travel experiences. For a comprehensive guide on cruising out of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, check out this informative article that covers everything you need to know about planning your trip. You can read it here: Everything You Need to Know About Cruising Out of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
The Niggles That Left Us Wanting More
Even on an otherwise fantastic cruise vacation, there are always a few areas that could use some polish. Here are the things that didn’t quite hit the mark for us on the Celebrity Ascent.
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Magis Carpet: A Missed Opportunity
The Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves between decks, is a signature feature of the Edge-class ships. While conceptually brilliant, its execution on our Celebrity Ascent sailing left us feeling a bit underwhelmed.
Limited Functionality and Crowding
During our cruise vacation, the Magic Carpet often felt underutilized. Its primary function seemed to be as a bar on Deck 14, and while it offered great views, it also became incredibly crowded, making it difficult to enjoy the space. We often found ourselves wondering why it wasn’t being used for more diverse activities or as an embarkation/disembarkation point at the cruise port, as we’ve seen on other Edge-class ships. The potential is there, but it felt like they hadn’t quite figured out how to maximize its unique capabilities.
Shore Excursion Booking Process: A Little Clunky
While the shore excursion offerings themselves were diverse and well-curated, the process of booking them pre-cruise and onboard could be a bit frustrating.
App Glitches and Limited Information
We found the Celebrity Cruises app, while generally useful, to be somewhat inconsistent when it came to shore excursion information and booking. Sometimes details were missing, and on more than one occasion, we experienced glitches during the booking process. Onboard, while the shore excursion desk staff were helpful, there were often long lines, and the digital kiosks weren’t always intuitive. For first-time cruisers especially, a smoother, more transparent process would be a huge improvement when planning their cruise vacation.
Main Pool Deck Congestion: A Familiar Foe
Despite the ship’s thoughtful design in many areas, the main pool deck, particularly on sea days, could become overwhelmingly crowded. This is a common issue on many large cruise ships, but we had hoped for a bit more spatial planning to alleviate this.
Lounge Chair Scarcity and “Saving”
The age-old problem of lounge chair scarcity and passengers “saving” chairs with towels was unfortunately prevalent. It often made finding a comfortable spot to relax by the pool a frustrating endeavor, particularly during peak hours. While there were other areas to relax, the main pool deck is a central gathering spot, and its congestion detracted from the overall relaxation experience.
Thermal Suite Access: An Additional Cost
The Thermal Suite in the Spa is a wonderful amenity, offering saunas, steam rooms, and other relaxation areas. However, we were disappointed that access is not included for all guests, even those in higher-tier cabins outside of The Retreat.
An Extra Fee for Relaxation
While we understand the concept of premium services, having to pay an additional fee for daily or cruise-long access to the Thermal Suite felt like an unnecessary extra charge. Many other cruise lines, even within the premium category, include this amenity for at least some of their suite guests. It would significantly enhance the cruise vacation experience for many if this were a more inclusive offering. When we’re already investing in a luxury cruise booking, these add-on costs can sometimes feel a bit nickel-and-dimey.
Our Final Verdict: A Stellar Addition with Room for Growth
Despite a few minor frustrations, our overall experience on the Celebrity Ascent was overwhelmingly positive. This cruise ship is a magnificent vessel, offering a sophisticated and luxurious cruise vacation for those who appreciate modern design, exceptional dining, and high-quality entertainment.
For first-time cruisers considering the Ascent, we would wholeheartedly recommend it, especially if you’re looking for a more upscale experience than some of the larger, more family-focused lines. Just be mindful of the shore excursion booking process and consider the benefits of a cruise booking in The Retreat if your budget allows for an even more elevated experience.
For our fellow frequent cruisers, the Ascent builds beautifully on the success of its Edge-class predecessors. While some of the “hates” are familiar challenges across the industry (like pool deck crowding), the “loves” truly shine, solidifying Celebrity’s position as a leader in premium cruising. We particularly loved how the ship felt both grand and intimate, offering endless opportunities for both lively engagement and serene relaxation.
We disembarked feeling refreshed, pampered, and with a collection of incredible memories. The Celebrity Ascent is a fantastic addition to the Celebrity fleet, and we eagerly anticipate her next voyage. Perhaps we’ll see you on board for your next unforgettable cruise vacation!