Celebrity Ascent Launch: A New Era in Luxury Cruising with Innovative Features and Exceptional Service

Celebrity Cruises marked a significant milestone with the launch of Celebrity Ascent, its newest addition to the Edge Series fleet. The naming ceremony was a unique affair, featuring Captain Sandy Yawn of the “Below Deck” TV series and Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism, as Godmothers. The event also witnessed a historic moment with Captains Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis, the first brothers to co-captain a cruise ship.

Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the Edge Series, is poised to join its siblings, with the final ship in the series, Xcel, set to debut in Fall 2025. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, highlighted the ship’s similarities and enhancements over its predecessors. Notably, Beyond and Ascent are slightly larger than Edge and Apex, providing expanded spaces like the Grand Plaza and the repositioned martini bar.

The focus on entertainment is evident in Ascent, with three new shows – Awaken, Bridges, and Smoke & Ivories – offering a diverse range of experiences, from old Hollywood vibes to 80s and 90s New York hip hop scenes. The ship’s use of cutting-edge technology enhances these performances, creating immersive experiences for guests.

One of the notable dining experiences on Celebrity Ascent is at the specialty restaurant, Le Voyage, which has been redesigned with a new menu by Daniel Boulud. The ship’s casino has also seen a transformation with a new layout, fresh games, and innovative slot machines.

The Annex on Celebrity Ascent offers an exclusive experience with its rentable private room for karaoke, video golf, and various interactive video games. This space, perfect for parties, includes a minibar, snacks, and a dedicated staff member to assist with setup.

Celebrity Ascent embodies “easy luxury,” with inviting spaces like the Grand Plaza and the Solarium. The Magic Carpet, a unique floating platform, offers a dynamic space for drinks and doubles as an access point for the ship’s tenders.

Service aboard Celebrity Ascent is exceptional, with staff members going above and beyond to cater to guests’ needs. Personalized service, like customizing meals and fetching drinks from different venues, exemplifies the ship’s commitment to guest satisfaction.

The ship’s accommodations are modern and thoughtfully designed, with spacious bathrooms and innovative features like the retracting glass panel for enhanced functionality. The Retreat, with its premium suites, offers the pinnacle of luxury with private dining, exclusive spaces, and additional services and amenities.

Culinary offerings on Celebrity Ascent are a highlight, with the use of AI in meal preparation at the Oceanview Café’s buffet. The AI system assists chefs in adapting the menu based on various factors, ensuring an optimal dining experience. The ship boasts 32 different food and beverage experiences, offering a diverse range of high-quality options, from the Fine Cut Steakhouse to Le Grand Bistro.

The launch of Celebrity Ascent is a testament to Celebrity Cruises’ dedication to innovation, luxury, and exceptional service, offering guests a unique and memorable cruising experience.