The newest in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series ships has made its debut in South Florida—and the feedback is in. “Beautiful, ” “sophisticated,” “impressive art placement,” “great special dining venues” were just some of the ways travel agents described the ship to me on a recent inaugural introductory cruise out of its home port, Fort Lauderdale.
And I agree.
The ship, named the Ascent, offers an elevated cruise experience, from its understated and elegant décor—including art installations throughout—to its fine dining options, including Voyage, a Daniel Boulud restaurant, and Fine Cut, a solid steakhouse. Even the main restaurants are very well done, with a smart array of choices, from green alternatives to American food, extravagant (as in you-will-not-believe-this) buffets, coffee and pastry bars, and more.
The ship has the requisite celebratory vibe, but rendered through an adult sensibility in terms of both entertainment and drinking and dining options; there are children’s activities and venues available but this felt to me to me like an upscale grown up experience full of fun and plenty of diversions, more than a full-on family cruise. Cue the martini-shaped hot tubs.
Special appointments and features are refreshingly tasteful and sophisticated. Like the shining silver squid sculpture at the pool deck, a dazzling centrally located martini bar with performing bartenders, a chic raw bar, Raw on 5, a dreamy date night dining spot called Blu that appears after you wander through a blue lit passage shimmering with silver sculptures. The Magic Carpet bar is suspended over the ocean and The Sunset Bar surrounded by ocean vistas is defined by Moroccan-themed whimsy and light bites. An indulgent spa offers all kinds of pampering, and there is a veritable wing of shimmering fine jewelry stores like Effy and Bulgari.
The sense of refined modern elegance extends to the staterooms. With their king-size beds, innovative “infinite verandas,” and generous baths, the staterooms are well-designed refuges.
Of course there is a trim casino, a theater, a rocking club and a “private experiences” venue designed for interactive group experiences, including a multi-sport simulator, live streaming movies, karaoke and more. In short, there is no end of appealing diversions aboard the Ascent, but the activity roster is somehow assimilated into an overall sense of calm and understatement, rather than driving the ship’s daily persona. This, for me, is a very good thing.
Celebrity Ascent is starting off sailing to the eastern and western Caribbean with other itineraries coming online next year. Future cruises include the Italian Riviera, Spain, Portugal, Bermuda, France and more. If the point of the journey is getting there rather as much as the destination, the Ascent has you traveling in high style, with a relaxed and sumptuous level of service and ambiance.
