04/26/2026
✨ Just back from 11 unforgettable nights in the Southern Caribbean aboard the stunning Celebrity Ascent… and I have thoughts! 🌊☀️
One of Celebrity’s newest Edge-class ships, Celebrity Ascent debuted in late 2023 and was designed with modern luxury in mind; sleek, elevated, and full of thoughtful details from bow to stern.
As a cruise specialist, I love sailing new ships so I can give my clients firsthand insight and after 11 nights onboard, I can confidently say Celebrity Ascent absolutely delivers. Stylish, modern, thoughtfully designed, and full of those elevated touches that make a cruise feel just a little more special.
We stayed in an Infinity Veranda on Deck 12 (yes… directly under the pool, which I’d normally avoid when booking for clients 👀), BUT I was pleasantly surprised, no noise issues. We slept with the window down every night, drifting off to the sound of the ocean and waking up to salty sea air, glowing sunrises, and even a few dramatic lightning shows in the distance. Pure magic.
And the Infinity Veranda? I loved it. It gave us the best of both worlds, the open-air feel of a balcony with the added comfort of extra interior space. I can absolutely see why some travelers still prefer a traditional balcony, but for us, this was a win. Celebrity also thought through the details: accordion privacy doors, a nightly blackout shade lowered during turndown, and a cabin layout that felt both spacious and functional.
Let’s talk stateroom design—because this is where Celebrity Ascent really shines. The bathroom was roomy and well-designed (hello shower door instead of a clingy curtain 🙌), plus a built-in footrest in the shower for shaving and excellent storage throughout.
And for an 11-night sailing? Storage was never an issue. Drawers everywhere, multiple hanging spaces, room for shoes, bedside storage, plenty of outlets, and USB ports exactly where you need them. Whoever designed these cabins understood the assignment.
The pool areas were another standout and gave this ship such a true resort feel. The main midship pool had plenty of seating, including loungers right in the water, making it one of the best daytime hangouts onboard. The enclosed Solarium was a beautiful adults-focused retreat with its own pool as well as hot tub’s and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, while the cantilevered infinity pools offered incredible ocean views and the perfect spot to cool off. Every pool area had attentive service, nearby bars, and easy access to food, which made settling in for the day effortless.
One of our favorite spots was the Rooftop Garden near the infinity pools, which offered a great mix of sun and shade, incredibly comfortable seating, and the perfect place to relax with a drink while watching afternoon pickleball matches nearby.
The cabin itself was comfortable and inviting, with a surprisingly cozy couch and enough seating to comfortably host friends for afternoon wine and canapés before dinner. A small detail but one that made the space feel even more elevated and social.
Onboard, the ship had no shortage of things to do. Four included dining rooms, several specialty restaurants, beautiful bars, live music, silent disco, interactive entertainment, and one of the most fun martini bars at sea. 🍸 The Club was a favorite for daytime trivia and evening entertainment, and the coffee bar quickly became our go-to for morning coffee, pastries, and late afternoon card games.
And while specialty dining gets a lot of attention, the casual options onboard were excellent too. The Oceanview Café buffet had a fantastic variety throughout the sailing, and some of our favorite desserts of the entire trip came from there, especially the pistachio mini éclairs, which were dangerously good. Even the final sea day lunch buffet impressed with seafood offerings like boiled shrimp and crawfish. And the pizza? Absolutely worth mentioning. Located aft with a nearby bar and outdoor seating, it became one of our favorite casual spots for afternoon cards, drinks, and an easy dinner with a view.
Entertainment and enrichment were another standout. From the Captain’s Meet & Greet Q&A to immersive ship experiences and fantastic evening productions, there was always something happening. We personally did the Behind the Scenes Ship Tour, Steakmaster Cooking Class in Eden, and the Mixology Class in World Class Bar and all three were excellent. If you’re sailing this ship, I’d recommend every one of them.
As for specialty dining? We tried Raw on 5, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Eden, and Dinner on the Magic Carpet and while every experience was well done, our top two were easily Eden (the tasting menu is a must!) and Dinner on the Edge in the Magic Carpet at sunset. Absolute standouts. 🌅🍷
Bottom line? Celebrity Ascent is a beautiful ship that blends modern luxury, smart design, and a relaxed upscale vibe exceptionally well and it’s absolutely one I’d recommend for the right traveler.
Next up: my full recap of all six incredible ports of call: Sint Maarten, St. Lucia, St. John, St. Kitts, Dominica, and Barbados plus a look at our pre-embarkation time in Fort Lauderdale and our post-debarkation shore excursion before heading home. 🚢🌴
I saved the best for last, Celebrity Cruises rewards loyal travelers through its Captain's Club, which offers automatic one-to-one status matching within the Royal Caribbean Group family. Members can match their loyalty status with sister brands Royal Caribbean International through the Crown & Anchor Society and Silversea through the Venetian Society, making it easy to enjoy reciprocal perks across all three brands.
