Celebrity Cruises·Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent - Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean

4.6(160 reviews)
via U.S. News & Cruise Critic · Jun 2026
|11 Nights|6 Ports|4 Sea Days

Celebrity Ascent sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on an 11-night partial Panama Canal transit that pairs a daylight cruise into Gatun Lake with the ABC islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.

Bucket List TravelersCouplesCulture SeekersFirst-Time Cruisers

Price Range

$

Budget

DepartureFort Lauderdale, FL
Dress CodeSmart Casual
MealsIncluded
WiFiPaid

*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Celebrity Cruises before booking.

Ship Details — Celebrity Ascent

View full Celebrity Ascent details

Year Built

2023

Tonnage

140,600 GT

Passengers

3,260

Crew

1,400

Decks

17

Class

Edge

Itinerary & Route Map

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Onboard Amenities

Magic Carpet
Infinite Verandas
Eden
Rooftop Garden
Casino
Spa
AquaClass
Multiple Pools
Specialty Dining
Fitness Center
Sunset Bar
Grand Plaza
Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud (redesigned)
The Sunset Bar (enlarged)
Resort Deck with cantilevered infinity pools
The Retreat & Retreat Sundeck
Luminae
Solarium
Infinite Veranda staterooms
Fine Cut Steakhouse
Raw on 5
Le Petit Chef
Four main dining rooms
Oceanview Cafe buffet
The Annex (private rentable venue)
SEA Thermal Suite & Spa
Grand Plaza & Martini Bar
The Theatre
Casino (redesigned)

Cruise Highlights

Daylight partial transit through the Agua Clara locks into Gatun Lake
Rare one-cruise trio of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire
Walk Cartagena's UNESCO-listed walled Old City
Shore excursions from Colon to the Gatun Locks observation decks

About the Ship

What Travelers Say About Celebrity Ascent

Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Celebrity Ascent sailing. Based on 500 discussions.

Celebrity Ascent debuted in December 2023 as the newest Edge-class ship, the fourth and final of the original series before Celebrity Xcel. At roughly 141,420 gross tons across 17 decks, 1,073 feet long with 1,646 staterooms and about 3,260 guests at double occupancy, it's a stretched near-twin of Celebrity Beyond, running about 69 feet longer than Edge and Apex with an extra passenger deck. The identity is sophisticated, design-forward, and foodie- and couples-oriented, deliberately omitting big-ship thrill features in favor of elegance.

What People Love

  • Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, redesigned on Ascent and widely called among the best fine dining at sea
  • Stunning, hotel-like modern design, from the Grand Plaza chandelier to elegant neutral decor throughout
  • Bright, versatile Infinite Veranda cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows that open halfway

Common Complaints

  • Premium pricing and nickel-and-diming, with specialty dining and most cocktails costing extra and few drinks under $10
  • Crowding, with standing-room-only events and a Magic Carpet that jams at sunset
  • Understaffed bars during casino hours leading to long drink lines
See the full Celebrity Ascent ship page — all 16 pros & cons, review & FAQs

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