Celebrity Ascent review: A premium escape for foodies, couples & luxe travelers

As someone who’s sailed on Royal Caribbean a handful of times, it had been a while since I stepped aboard a Celebrity ship. I remembered it as a favorite — more polished, quieter, and unapologetically adult-focused. So when I boarded the Celebrity Ascent, the newest addition to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class, I was equal parts excited and skeptical. Could it live up to my memory? Could it exceed it? Spoiler: it absolutely did, and then some. This ship brought back everything I loved about Celebrity, and introduced a few things I didn’t realize I’d been missing.

Launched in 2023, Celebrity Ascent is part of the Edge Series and carries about 3,260 passengers with a crew of 1,400. Weighing in at 140,600 gross tons, it delivers a mid-size feel with upscale design and adult-forward programming. This isn’t a ship packed with water slides or constant noise. Instead, it’s built for people who care about food, great design, smart service, and quiet pockets of space. If you’re looking for a ship that serves martinis with a show, surprises you with high-end dining that doesn’t need an upcharge, and never makes you wait long for an elevator, Celebrity Ascent might be exactly what you’re looking for.

This Celebrity Ascent review breaks down everything I experienced onboard — from my stateroom and dining experiences to shore days in Bimini, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth, Jamaica. Whether you’re searching through Celebrity Ascent 2025 reviews or comparing new premium ships in the Edge Class lineup, here’s what it’s really like to sail this ship.

On this page:

• Celebrity Ascent first impressions and embarkation
• Celebrity Ascent cabins: Sweet spot for comfort
• Celebrity Ascent dining highlights and why it’s a foodie’s dream
• Bars and nightlife: Sips with a view
• Celebrity Ascent spa, fitness and wellness
• Celebrity Ascent pools, lounging and Solarium vibes
• Celebrity Ascent: Limited but quality kids and teens program
• Celebrity Ascent entertainment with a high-tech stage and intimate shows
• Celebrity Ascent shore excursions and ports of call
• Celebrity Ascent tech and experience with the app
• Celebrity Ascent FAQ

Explore Celebrity Ascent cruises:

Celebrity Ascent first impressions and embarkation

I took the Brightline train from Orlando Airport to Fort Lauderdale—about a 3-hour ride—and found it an incredibly smooth way to reach the ship. From the station, it was about a 25-minute drive to the terminal. One small surprise: security at the Fort Lauderdale Celebrity cruise terminal was tighter than I expected. Both the driver and all passengers had to show ID before entering the port.

Check-in was quick and refreshingly tech-forward. You don’t even have to go to a counter—they scanned the boarding pass directly from my phone as I arrived. The entire Celebrity Ascent embarkation process took maybe ten minutes from curb to ship.

If you sail Royal Caribbean and have status there, don’t overlook the Celebrity and Royal Caribbean match program. I used my RCCL Diamond status to match to Elite on Celebrity, which gave me access to complimentary drinks from 5 to 7, a specialty coffee, a free bag of laundry, and onboard discounts.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: If you're coming from out of town, the Brightline from Orlando is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to reach Fort Lauderdale. It’s also smart to keep your ID handy for port entry—it’s required for both drivers and passengers before they'll let you through.

Celebrity Ascent cabins: Sweet spot for comfort

I stayed in Cabin 3164, a Category O1 Prime Ocean View. It was about 200 square feet, and the layout felt open and functional — not cramped like you might expect from an ocean view cabin. Two lower beds converted into a king, and there was also a separate sofa area, vanity, and plenty of floor space to move around.

What stood out? The storage. There was more than enough closet and drawer space for two people. A charging station with multiple USB outlets was built right in, which made it easy to keep devices powered up without shuffling cords around. There was also a mini fridge stocked as a minibar—great for stashing bottled water or leftovers from room service.

Bathrobes were automatically provided in the room, and the bathroom itself felt just as well thought-out: spacious with decent-quality toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion, plus a hair dryer. Note: the hair dryer only works in the bathroom, which may be worth remembering when getting ready.

If you’re comparing Celebrity Ascent cabins reviews or wondering whether to book an ocean view, this category hit the sweet spot for comfort and price. I was impressed with how quiet and roomy the Celebrity Ascent ocean view stateroom felt, especially given its location on Deck 3, which many people overlook when hunting for a relaxing stay.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Category O1 cabins like 3164 are great for travelers who want space and quiet without splurging on a balcony. Midship placement on Deck 3 made it easy to get around and felt extra stable in rougher seas.

Related: Which Celebrity cruise cabin class is best—Concierge, Aqua, or Suite?

Celebrity Ascent dining highlights and why it’s a foodie’s dream

Let’s talk food, because this is where Celebrity shines. I had Celebrity Select dining, meaning I could walk into any of the four main dining rooms whenever I liked. Each has its own theme—Normandie (French), Cyprus (Greek), Tuscan (Italian), and Cosmopolitan (American with global inspiration). You could even order from another restaurant’s menu no matter where you sat. No reservations were required in these venues, which made things even easier.

Oceanview Café was the ship’s buffet and one of the most organized layouts I’ve seen. Everything was labeled, easy to find, and there were multiple stations offering Indian, Latin, Asian, and American fare. The dessert bar? Unreal. Early risers should hit it before 7 a.m. for a quieter start. And yes, to-go coffee cups with lids were available — a thoughtful touch you rarely see on other ships.

Beyond that, I liked the pizza station, Mast Grill (burgers and dogs), and Eden Café’s healthy soups, salads, and sandwiches. The ice cream counter offered cones and gelato daily—yes, I had sprinkles every time. Spa Café also served light bites for free, while smoothies and juices cost extra—great for a quick, healthy option.

Among the specialty options, Fine Cut Steakhouse was worth the splurge. Raw on 5 was great for sushi and shellfish, and Eden served creative, beautifully plated small dishes. Le Petit Chef used 3D animation to project your meal story onto your table, which felt clever and different.

Blu and Luminae are exclusive to AquaClass and Retreat guests, respectively, offering a more private and elevated dining experience. Blu focuses on clean cuisine while Luminae leans more indulgent.

Rooftop Garden Grill also offered a specialty outdoor dining option, perfect for sunset meals with a more casual vibe. Edge at Magic Carpet, while only occasionally open for dinner, gave the unique experience of dining suspended over the water.

If you're scanning for Celebrity Ascent food reviews or trying to figure out the best spots for dinner, the ship doesn’t disappoint. The variety and quality of Celebrity Ascent dining options, from complimentary main dining rooms to premium experiences like Eden and Fine Cut, stood out in all the right ways.

For those curious about Celebrity Ascent restaurant reviews, Eden was a creative standout while Oceanview Café impressed with both variety and layout. The upscale experience at Fine Cut Steakhouse (yes, the one mentioned in many fine cut steakhouse Celebrity Ascent reviews) was worth every extra dollar. And if you're trying to compare Celebrity Ascent specialty dining options, Le Petit Chef is a conversation-starter while Rooftop Garden Grill brings sunset vibes with hearty flavors.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: If you didn’t book a specialty restaurant in advance, stop by the maître d’ on embarkation day — they often have walk-in spots available after 5 PM.

Bars and nightlife: Sips with a view

Each bar had its own personality. The Martini Bar was the busiest, thanks to flair bartenders and music in the Grand Plaza. If you want to sit and watch with a drink in hand, this is the spot.

Craft Social served craft beer and casual bites like truffle fries and wings. The Eden Bar leaned into moody, late-night vibes with live music. Magic Carpet turned into a cocktail lounge when it wasn’t being used for dinner, and it’s one of the most unique bar spaces at sea—hovering over the water with unbeatable ocean views.
The World Class Bar was quieter but popular with cocktail lovers. It specialized in upscale drinks with fresh ingredients and impressive presentations, and felt like a hidden gem among the more active venues.

Sunset Bar, tucked at the back of the ship, gave me the best ocean views while sipping something cold. Nightlife leaned mellow but not sleepy. On Caribbean sailings, the "Poolest Day Ever" event added a burst of energy with DJs, beach balls, and an Officers vs. Guests volleyball match—a fun concept that helped liven up the last sea day.

These spots made it easy to enjoy Celebrity Ascent nightlife without feeling overwhelmed. For me, Celebrity Ascent martini bar and Eden were the standouts.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Check the entertainment schedule early for flair bartending times at the Martini Bar and live shows at Eden. Seating fills up fast, especially before and after dinner hours.

Related: Why the Celebrity Equinox is my favorite ship

Celebrity Ascent spa, fitness, and wellness

The spa area included Sea Thermal Suite access, which came with rooms like the Salt Room, Infrared Sauna, Hammam, and a water therapy circuit. You can buy a day or week pass, or wait until staff run promos—I scored a great deal by asking directly.

The Celebrity Ascent spa didn’t have a hot tub, which surprised me, but the treatment rooms were calming and the staff were professional. Spa Café offered complimentary bites like fruit bowls, though the smoothies and juices cost extra.

The gym had everything from treadmills and free weights to yoga and spin classes. It was well-equipped and rarely felt overcrowded. My favorite feature? The two-level jogging track that loops Decks 15 and 16 with a slight incline and ocean views that make every lap feel special. I also spotted guests playing Celebrity Ascent pickleball in the Rooftop Garden. The garden itself had a multipurpose vibe, great for lounging or catching a fitness class on a sunny morning.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: When spa staff are actively promoting deals, it's often because they have openings — ask for a $99 massage or facial. Timing flexibility helps.

Celebrity Ascent pools, lounging and solarium vibes

The main pool area was spacious, with plenty of loungers and hot tubs on the surrounding decks. One of my favorite parts? You don’t have to check in or out towels—just grab and go. The adults-only Solarium had a retractable roof and a quiet vibe, perfect for relaxing between meals or after a spa session. I liked the side-facing infinity pools near the Rooftop Garden too, great for photos and surprisingly uncrowded.

The Celebrity Ascent pools section of the ship isn’t massive, but it’s well-planned and easy to navigate. The Celebrity Ascent Solarium turned into my favorite early-morning retreat with its soft lighting and peaceful atmosphere.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: If you want to guarantee a good lounge chair, you’ll need to get up early and claim it. Chairs go quickly by mid-morning, especially near the Solarium.

Discover similar experiences on other Celebrity Cruises:

Celebrity Ascent: Limited but quality kids and teens program

This is not a kid-heavy ship. There’s one main area for children and a teen space called The Basement. The kids’ area is thoughtfully divided into separate sections for different age groups, which helps ensure the activities feel age-appropriate. No fancy slides or high-tech thrills here, just quiet, well-designed areas for younger cruisers to engage and relax.

The programming includes some educational elements, like S.T.E.M.-based activities, though it’s clearly designed with a calm, low-key pace in mind.

If you're researching Celebrity Ascent kids or want a ship that keeps the child count low without sacrificing quality, this fits the bill. It’s designed with adults in mind, but there’s enough for teens to stay entertained.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: If you're traveling with kids or teens, check the daily planner early to catch age-specific programs — they're often limited in number but thoughtfully executed.

Related: Celebrity Silhouette review — my take as a first-time cruiser

Celebrity Ascent entertainment with a high-tech stage and intimate shows

The Theatre had a round stage that helped make the performances feel more intimate, and the panoramic high-res screens behind it added incredible visual depth to every show. I caught Residency, Awaken, and Bridges—all featured solid dancers and sharp visuals. Other nights included magicians and singers.

Eden also hosted smaller acts like acrobats and dancers. Shows here were more intimate, with creative lighting and live music adding to the atmosphere.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Look for the high-top tables on the right or left side of the Theatre entrance for a great view. At Eden, check the app early and arrive well before showtime—seating is limited and fills quickly. Your Celebrity Ascent daily planner will be your best friend.

Celebrity Ascent shore excursions and ports of call

In Bimini, the free tram service made getting around simple. I recommend Paradise Beach for a no-fuss experience, it’s a public beach with clear water just a short walk or tram ride away. You can also explore Fisherman’s Village or rent a golf cart. If you’re not ready to commit to an activity, you can even ride the tram around the island just to get your bearings. Just note that golf carts drive on the left side of the road here.

You’ll also find Resorts World Bimini Casino nearby—though access to the pool and facilities requires a day pass. made getting around simple. I recommend Paradise Beach for a no-fuss experience, it’s a public beach with clear water just a short walk or tram ride away. You can also explore Fisherman’s Village or rent a golf cart.

At Grand Cayman, we tendered to the pier and joined a Celebrity excursion to Stingray City and Camana Bay. There are three different terminals cruise ships may use, and ours docked at a less central one. Fortunately, Celebrity offered a free shuttle to George Town for shopping and food. Holding a stingray felt surreal (and according to local legend, kissing one brings seven years of good luck), and Camana Bay had great shops and cafes with waterfront views. If you’re planning your own outing, Seven Mile Beach is just a short taxi ride away and consistently ranks among the best beaches in the Caribbean.. Holding a stingray felt surreal, and Camana Bay had great shops and cafes with waterfront views.

Arriving in Falmouth, Jamaica, we headed to Bamboo Beach Club where lunch and drinks were included. The beach was small but clean, and the staff kept things light with music and dancing. The port itself is gated, tidy, and easy to explore even without a formal excursion. If you want something more adventurous, consider rafting on the Martha Brae, Blue Hole & White River Tubing, or a pool day at Adventure Falls. where lunch and drinks were included. The beach was small but clean, and the staff kept things light with music and dancing. If you want something more adventurous, consider rafting on the Martha Brae.

If you're searching for Celebrity Ascent shore excursions, these three stops hit different travel vibes. From Celebrity Ascent bimini beach access to stingray city Celebrity Ascent experiences, every port had something worth doing.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Whether you're booking through the cruise line or heading out on your own, bring cash for local vendors and tips—and always double check that return times are set to ship time, not local time.

Celebrity Ascent tech and experience with the app

The Celebrity Ascent app transformed my cruise experience, serving as my digital companion throughout the journey. I relied on it daily to check the schedule, bookmark activities, and monitor my onboard account. The app streamlined everything from embarkation to safety briefings, and I particularly appreciated how my favorites were automatically saved to my planner for convenient access.

Compatible with both iOS and Android, the app synchronized perfectly with ship time—a seemingly small but crucial feature that kept me punctual during port visits. Thoughtful push notifications ensured I never missed activities or reservations I'd flagged, making navigation of both the ship and my itinerary feel effortless.

The Celebrity Ascent wifi delivered consistent performance for emails, social media browsing, and even light video calls. While not blazing fast, it certainly outperformed the connectivity I've experienced on other cruise lines.

What truly distinguished this voyage, however, was the Celebrity Ascent staff. Every team member, from stateroom stewards to bartenders, demonstrated exceptional attentiveness and genuine warmth. Being greeted by name throughout the ship created a personalized atmosphere that made this massive vessel feel surprisingly intimate.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Before you sail, download the Celebrity app and log in early, it’ll make embarkation smoother and help you plan each day on your terms. And don’t forget: ship time rules, so use the app to stay synced in port.

Celebrity Ascent FAQ

Is Celebrity Ascent a good ship?

Yes, the Celebrity Ascent is a great ship. It's designed with adults in mind, excellent food, and a calm onboard vibe.

What’s included on Celebrity Ascent?

Most amenities are included in your fare on the Celebrity Ascent. Dining at main restaurants, Oceanview Café, Eden Café, ice cream bar, most shows, basic drinks, and access to pools and fitness center.

Can you eat at any time on Celebrity Ascent?

Yes. With Celebrity Select dining, you can walk into the main dining rooms anytime and eat.

Does Celebrity Ascent include free drinks?

Yes, there are many drinks included free with your fare on the Celebrity Ascent. Basic drinks like tea, coffee, and juices are included. Alcohol and specialty coffees are part of drink packages or Elite perks.

What’s the difference between The Retreat and AquaClass?

The differences between The Retreat and AquaClass include: The Retreat includes suite access, exclusive lounge and restaurant (Luminae), and concierge service. AquaClass includes access to the spa-focused restaurant Blu and the Thermal Suite.

Final verdict: Who should sail Celebrity Ascent?

This ship feels like it was built for couples, food lovers, and anyone who prefers calm over chaos. You’ll eat better, sleep easier, and never feel like you’re fighting crowds. For a new ship, it already runs impressively smooth.

If you’re weighing Celebrity Ascent cruise ship reviews or searching Celebrity Ascent is it worth it before you book, here’s my take: it’s a strong yes. It’s not trying to wow you with gimmicks. Instead, it wins with service, space, and standout dining.

Ready to sail? Let Cruisebound find you the best deals on Celebrity Ascent cruises and help you book the right cabin, itinerary, and experience.