Celebrity Cruises‘ fourth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Ascent, is now being built at Saint-Nazaire, France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard also where Celebrity Beyond was built. The ship has finished its float-out and is now moving on to the following development stage before its debut in December 2023. Celebrity Ascent stands to introduce even more innovation and luxury to Celebrity’s Edge Class of ships.
Celebrity Ascent Specs
The addition of the new vessel will bring Celebrity Cruises‘ fleet’s total number of cruise ships to 16, and it will largely resemble Celebrity Beyond. Similar to its sister, Celebrity Ascent has a design by a group of renowned designers, including American designer Nate Berkus, British architect Tom Wright, French design studio Jouin Manku, and Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud.
Celebrity Ascent will consist of 17 decks for passengers to explore and peruse. In total, the ship will weigh in at 140,600 gross tons, and measure in at 1,073 feet in overall length. At full capacity, Celebrity’s newest vessel will be capable of accommodating up to 3,260 passengers and will run at a cruising speed of 22 knots.
“We’re so excited to debut the spectacular Celebrity Ascent in the serene setting of the Caribbean where she and all of her guests will have their moment in the sun. She will be joined by her seven sisters all offering different experiences both onboard and ashore
Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo
Key Amenities
The distinctive moveable deck is known as the Magic Carpet, which reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level. This innovative contraption allows guests to experience the unparalleled ocean and scenic views, while simultaneously enjoying comfortable seating, a full bar, and live music performances. This signature experience is also popular on other Edge Series ships.
The ship will also feature the well-known asymmetrical pool area with martini-shaped hot tubs similar to the other edge-class ships —plus Celebrity Ascent has even more exciting experiences to be announced soon.
The two-story Edge Villa suites on Celebrity Ascent, which have access to the suite-only Retreat Sun Deck, and the ship’s Infinite Veranda staterooms with electronically-controlled drop-down windows are among the ship’s standout amenities.
With more than 30 different dining and drinking establishments, Celebrity Ascent will also have the immersive Le Petit Chef Dinner Experience, the Eden Restaurant, and Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud.
Celebrity Ascent Launch Date & Itineraries
On December 3rd, 2023, the ship will go on its first journey. Celebrity Ascent’s inaugural trip will be a 7-night Caribbean itinerary that calls at the following ports: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, and three days at sea. The ship will leave Fort Lauderdale and return here making it a round trip.
The ship will be doing round trips to Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean throughout the remainder of 2023 once it launches. In April 2024, the ship will embark on a Transatlantic sailing that will visit Portugal and Spain.
After the Ascent makes its way over to Europe, it will take guests on Mediterranean sailings that will visit regions such as the Italian Riviera and France. In May 2024, the ship will visit destinations such as Greece and Turkey. Then in November of 2024, the Celebrity Ascent will journey on a Transatlantic sailing back across the Atlantic Ocean, where it will ultimately end in the Caribbean to begin its winter cruise season of 2024.
What are the highlights of Celebrity Ascents’ Caribbean itineraries?
On the Eastern Caribbean itineraries, you can explore the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan in search of authentic local flavours, join an excursion to The Baths of Virgin Gorda from nearby Tortola, and soak up the lush mountain views on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway.
If you choose the Western Caribbean itinerary you will be able to get up close and personal with dolphins in Nassau, hit the shops or visit Maya ruins in Cozumel, and lounge away the day on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach.
Celebrity Cruises‘ newest Edge Series ship Celebrity Ascent is open for booking now.
