the Ascent. This was our first cruise on a Celebrity ship, so it was interesting to compare it to similar class ships of other cruise lines we are more familiar with. Overall, we were very impressed and would definitely suggest recommending it to your clients.
Celebrity’s Ascent, like other of the line’s ships are, in our opinion, best suited for adults. The first thing we noticed about the ship, compared to others we have sailed on, was it did not have some of the usual bells and whistles like water slides, go cart tracks, climbing walls, etc. Instead, it had beautifully laid out deck areas with promenades for walking/jogging, multiple indoor, outdoor swimming pools and magnificent art installations throughout the ship. Of course, the one exception to this lack of visual innovations is the Magic Carpet, essentially a large rectangular room/elevator that moves up and down the side of the ship.
Staterooms
The Ascent has a wide range of staterooms to cater to your client’s budget. JAX FAX stayed in cabin 10218, a Sky Suite category room. The first thing that caught our attention about the room was the queen sized bed which faced the veranda. This unique arrangement provided for fabulous views of the ocean while laying in bed. Also, just above the headboard of the bed is the large bathroom mirror, which from the bathroom can be slid open to give an ocean view when standing at the trough style, double sink in the bathroom. The split bathroom features a large spa tub with shower.
This stateroom was a generous 319 sq.ft and the veranda was 79 sq.ft., more than adequate to hang our backpacking hammock while still leaving room for the deck chairs and table. We have been hanging hammocks on cruise ship balconies long before Virgin Cruises, which adopted the practice, was a twinkle in Richard Branson’s eye.
The Retreat
As mentioned, our cabin was part of the exclusive Retreat. Unique to Celebrity Cruises, The Retreat is the ultimate luxury vacation experience. Every guest not only enjoys stunning suite accommodations but also private dining, exclusive spaces, and a long lineup of services and amenities.
As a guest of The Retreat on Celebrity Ascent, your clients have their choice of stunning suite accommodations, including the two-story Edge Villa with outdoor plunge pools, and the Iconic Suites. As always, your clients will enjoy a butler, so they never have to lift a finger, along with luxurious amenities like eXhale® bedding, king-sized CashmereTM mattresses designed exclusively for Celebrity, and plush Frette robes and slippers—just to name a few. And now, every guest in a retreat suite receives premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi.
Deck Amenities
The deck space on Celebrity’s Ascent provides something for everyone’s taste. If it’s a lively upbeat atmosphere your clients are looking for, the main pool area features a nice sized pool, “champagne glass” hot tub and a pool bar. For those seeking a quieter deck experience, the open-air Rooftop Garden has chairs and gathering spots surrounded by gardens. There are also two cantilevered floating pools here, offer breathtaking views six feet over the ship’s edge. The Rooftop Garden is also where some fitness classes are held and pickleball is played.
For days when the weather is not cooperating, or your clients are seeking a serene spot to escape the sun, the adults only Solarium features a pool and hot tubs for their relaxation. They can relax on a luxurious lounger while enjoying their favorite book. Breakfast or lunch is available at The Spa Café and Juice Bar or they can order their favorite beverage or cocktail from a waiter. The Solarium offers a perfectly serene atmosphere where they can restore both their tan and sanity.
Art on Board
While most ships have art auctions while at sea, Celebrity Ascent has taken art appreciation to the next level with a multitude of art installations around the ship. On deck there are multiple sculptures including a chrome octopus by the main pool and a dancing polar bear near the Rooftop Garden. There is also an art gallery on the ship. The Park West art gallery has a marvelous Picasso sculpture garden for all passengers to enjoy as well as an interactive AI touch screen allowing guests to pre-select artworks for the auction, browse through the entire collection, and even access archival artworks.
The Grand Plaza
While the pool deck is the daytime hub of the ship, the Grand Plaza is the nighttime hub. An open area, three decks tall creates an airy venue you might find in a cosmopolitan city. An iconic chandelier hangs proudly above the Martini Bar, taking center stage where talented bartenders at night serve cocktails with exciting Flash Flair Fusion performance. Many of the ship’s 32 dining and 14 bar options are on the three decks surrounding the plaza. It truly is the nighttime hub of the ship and the place to see and be seen.
Itineraries
The Ascent will be sailing multiple seven- night Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale for the 2024 winter season rotating between a San Juan, Tortola and St Kitts itinerary and a Bahamas, Mexico and Grand Cayman itinerary before sailing across the Atlantic in mid-April to start a cruising rotation in the Med and the Aegean.
For more information visit: www.celebritycruises.com or their Travel Advisor site: www.cruisingpower.com
