This latest addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet lives up to its name, neatly encapsulating the gradual rise and continuing evolution of the line’s Edge-class ships.
As the fourth in this ground-breaking series, Celebrity Ascent has arrived with all the keynote features that have given the Edge ships such a stand-out aura, but additional fine-tuning has elevated this newcomer even further.
In addition to such favourites as the effervescent Martini Bar, the pastoral ambience of the Eden lounge and the Magic Carpet moving platform cantilevered off the side of the ship, Celebrity Ascent has brought extra flavours to its culinary offerings and injected glitz to an expanded entertainment line-up.
Style and substance
Like its older sisters, Celebrity Ascent carries the same sassy sophistication that took the cruise world by storm when Celebrity Edge launched in 2018.
The cutting-edge designs feel as fresh and contemporary as they did then with clean lines, cool curves and a striking collection of bold statement features and striking artworks.
The Magic Carpet still casts a seductive spell for drinks with a difference, dining with incredible views and, on the practical side, as an effortless tender-boarding platform.
With its scattered shrubs and tree sculptures, The Rooftop Garden, styled as a living urban playscape, has been expanded and is as inviting as ever, along with the main pool deck with its ultra-long swimming pool and swanky Martini-glass hot tubs.
Putting on a show
Entertainment has been ramped up on Celebrity Ascent with stage shows reaching unprecedented heights. The theatre’s revolutionary central circular stage reaching into the audience and the bank of LED screens running along the walls behind are used to maximum effect, creating incredible visual sequences, complemented by breathtaking performances by the talented cast.
Celebrity teamed up with leading lights in the entertainment field to create a new suite of shows and the results are incredible, with state-of-the-art lighting and sound adding to the immersive feel that compellingly draws audiences in.
Eden is the setting for more absorbing theatrics combining acrobatics with vocals and energetically-choreographed routines that allow performers to engage with the audience, while the nightclub surroundings of The Club set the scene for a new immersive show and fun interactive gaming competitions.
Also new is The Annex, a private room which can be hired for $250-$350 by groups of up 15 people for 2.5-hour slots for themed activities including karaoke or golf simulator sessions, with snacks and soft drinks included.
Eden Bar. Image: Celebrity Cruises
Classy cuisine, delectable dining
This has been spiced up with the redesigned Le Voyage restaurant, celebrity chef Daniel Boulud’s second such venture at sea with his first on Celebrity Beyond; epicurean highlights include a delicious seven-course tasting menu.
There’s also a new treat in store at Le Grand Bistro, where captivating animation dinner Le Petit Chef has an entertaining new show and menu, while the Eden Restaurant has introduced a plant-based tasting menu focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
So-called clean cuisine restaurant Blu also has a new outdoor terrace for al fresco daytime dining including brunches and lunches, that accommodates up to 24 guests.
Blu features an outdoor terrace and seating. Image: Celebrity Cruises
Living the luxury life
Nowhere is this more obvious than The Retreat, a chic haven for suite guests stretching across two decks that has the hallmark of designer Kelly Hoppen all over it. This is the height of contemporary cool, a feeling that extends to the dedicated restaurant Luminae, and lounge.
The spa is another signature spot that owes its refined feel to the hand of Hoppen, as are the suites, including the two-storey villas with plunge pools and infinite veranda staterooms, each featuring clean lines and neutral tones.
Spa with a view: one of the treatment rooms. Image: Celebrity Cruises
Memorable on deck moments
There are a variety of experiences, including chilled sundowners at the Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar and relaxing to musicians in the Rooftop Garden. Making its debut on Celebrity Ascent is the Deck Party, when on selected evenings, the Resort Deck is transformed into a pumping central stage with a light show and live DJ creating a pulsating dance floor.
The deal
An 11-night Greece, Italy and Turkey voyage from Civitavecchia to Barcelona departing on June 18, 2024, costs from £2,250pp cruise only. celebritycruises.co.uk
Our writer’s view 9.5/10
“As the latest iteration of the Edge-class, Celebrity Ascent undoubtedly raises the bar especially where entertainment and dining are concerned, with sparkling new stage shows, fun interactive gaming experiences and heightened gourmet indulgences. This 3,260-passenger ship effortlessly melds the best features of the Edge series with its own special touches.”
Sara Macefield
Agent view
“The Grand Plaza on Celebrity Ascent made a great first impression, with the dramatic lighting of the Martini Bar as a backdrop. Sophisticated and elegant, Ascent has beautiful spaces inside and out, none more so than speciality dining restaurant Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud – the food was outstanding and the restaurant is a chic and intimate setting. The entertainment was another highlight: Awaken and Bridges were both state-of-the-art productions with exceptional performers that had me captivated throughout.”
Sally White, Cruise118
https://magazine.cruise-adviser.com/
