Celebrity Ascent
Ship Specifications
Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Ship Class
Edge
Year Built
2023
Gross Tonnage
140,600 GT
Passengers
3,260
Cabins
1,630
Decks
17
Crew
1,400
What Travelers Say
Based on 500 online 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.
Ascent carries the full Edge-class toolkit, including the Magic Carpet, the multi-level Eden, Infinite Veranda staterooms, the Resort Deck with cantilevered infinity pools, and the larger Retreat, while applying lessons learned from Beyond. Its distinct touches include a fully redesigned Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, a re-laid-out non-smoking casino with new games, and The Annex, an entirely new-to-Edge-class private rentable venue with a golf simulator, karaoke, and sports streaming. Dining and service are praised across 32 venues, with attentive crew and strong entertainment, though crowding and premium pricing draw the most criticism.
Ascent is best for couples, foodies, and sophisticated adult travelers who prize design and dining over high-energy activities. It's premium-priced, with extra charges for specialty dining and most cocktails that nudge guests toward beverage packages, and it competes at the top of the premium tier against the likes of Holland America and Princess while delivering a more contemporary, near-luxury feel. Against its sisters, Apex is the original smaller size without Le Voyage or The Annex, Beyond is the same stretched hull that first introduced the upgrades, and Ascent is the refined final iteration with the redesigned Le Voyage, revamped casino, and The Annex as its differentiators.
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
- Excellent, attentive crew across dining and bars
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
- Limited cabin storage, especially noticeable on longer sailings
Frequently Asked Questions
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