Details revealed for Florida-bound Celebrity Ascent cruise ship
Celebrity Cruises is lining up its fourth iteration of the groundbreaking Edge class of ships with the planned arrival of Celebrity Ascent to Florida this fall.
The line revealed details of the 140,600-gross-ton vessel set to begin preview sailings in late November from Port Everglades.
Just like Celebrity Edge that debuted in 2018 followed by Apex in 2019 and Beyond in 2022, Ascent will feature the standout Magic Carpet, an exterior elevator platform that acts primarily as an innovative way for passengers to disembark and reboard the ship when it tenders at ports of call, but also doubles as an entertainment and dining venue.
Celebrity Edge’s big and little touches make the difference
The ship will also feature the three-story venue called Eden at the aft of the ship that acts as lounge and avant-garde aerialist performance stage. Also returning are the popular Infinite Verandah staterooms in which the balcony is part of the cabin.
Still under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, the ship got its first taste of water in January, but still has sea trials to come before making its way to Florida.
The ship can handle 3,260 passengers based on double occupancy, and will be about 60 feet longer than the original Celebrity Edge.
Other returning features are the Rooftop Garden space with infinity pools and al fresco dining at its grill, the Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus, and the entertaining Grand Plaza and Martini Bar in the atrium with an interactive chandelier and bartender shows.
The main Resort Deck has the main pool and a pair of signature martini-glass-shaped hot tubs plus an adults-only section called The Solarium with its own pool, hot tub and lounge space. The spa features 120 treatment options,
Among 30 dining and beverage venues on board will be some that give Ascent its own identity.
Celebrity chef Daniel Boulud returns with a new version of Le Voyage restaurant that first appeared on Celebrity Beyond. Meanwhile Eden Restaurant will have a new plant-based tasting menu and diners will get a new menu and tale with little animated characters projected on a full-course dinner in the Le Petit Chef dining experience.
Bourbon fans will find high-end options and tasting seminars joining the existing whiskey tastings at Craft Social while the Martini Bar’s offerings are expanding as well.
Of the four free main dining options, the Cosmopolitan restaurant is getting a makeover taking inspiration from champagne. For passengers sailing in the AquaClass suites, the exclusive Blu restaurant is getting a 24-person outdoor terrace.
Also new for Ascent will be three new shows to be performed in The Theatre along with interactive digital shows in The Club and continued performances in Eden.
The ship will also have a redesigned casino and art gallery.
The ship’s preview sailings include a four-night Western Caribbean voyage on Nov. 22 and three-night Bahamas sailing on Nov. 26 followed by the seven-night Eastern Caribbean maiden voyage on Dec. 3. It will then sail its normal alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries through April 2024.
