Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Cruises

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Cruises

    Celebrity Ascent

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Celebrity Millennium vs Celebrity Ascent

    The Celebrity Millennium offers a timeless, intimate luxury experience, while the Celebrity Ascent delivers cutting-edge design and diverse offerings for a vibrant, modern cruise.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Ascent truly comes down to the style of luxury you prefer. Millennium, with its recent refurbishment, offers a classic, comfortable experience that feels intimate and refined, ideal for those who appreciate understated elegance and a relaxed pace. Ascent, as the newest Edge-class ship, pushes boundaries with innovative design, a vast array of dining and entertainment options, and a more energetic, contemporary vibe. While Millennium shines with its personalized service in a smaller setting, Ascent offers a broader spectrum of experiences and technologies, appealing to guests who seek a dynamic, resort-like atmosphere at sea. Both uphold Celebrity's commitment to sophisticated cruising, but their personalities are distinctly different.

    Choose Celebrity Millennium if…

    Travelers seeking a refined, intimate cruise experience on a mid-sized ship with classic elegance and attentive, personalized service, particularly those who appreciate destinations like Alaska and Asia.

    Best for

    • Cruisers who prefer a more intimate, classic cruise experience.
    • Travelers seeking a relaxed pace with ample quiet spaces.
    • Guests who value personalized service and a sophisticated, non-flashy ambiance.
    • Those interested in Alaskan or Asian itineraries where scenic views are paramount.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer mega-ships with numerous high-adrenaline activities.
    • You expect a constant stream of unique, high-tech entertainment.
    • You are traveling with young children who need extensive dedicated facilities beyond typical kids' clubs.
    • You dislike the possibility of inconsistent food quality in main dining venues.

    Choose Celebrity Ascent if…

    Guests who desire a cutting-edge, modern luxury experience with innovative design, a wide array of gourmet dining, high-tech entertainment, and a vibrant, resort-like atmosphere, especially in the Caribbean.

    Best for

    • Guests who appreciate cutting-edge design and a high-end, modern resort feel.
    • Families with teens or grown-up children looking for diverse activities.
    • Food enthusiasts eager to explore Michelin-starred chef collaborations and numerous specialty dining options.
    • Travelers seeking vibrant nightlife and high-tech, immersive entertainment.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a very quiet and intimate ship experience with minimal background music.
    • You dislike the 'Infinite Veranda' concept and prefer a traditional step-out balcony.
    • You are traveling with very young children who need extensive dedicated play areas beyond the youth club offerings.
    • You are on a tight budget, as many premium experiences and dining venues incur additional costs.

    Overall Vibe

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Millennium, launched in 2000 and revitalized in 2019, embodies an upscale yet relaxed ambiance. As a mid-sized Millennium-class ship of 91,000 gross tons spanning 12 decks, it feels intimate and easy to navigate. The 2019 "Revolution" refurbishment infused modern touches, including a deep-blue livery and decor inspired by the newer Edge series, while retaining its timeless charm. Public spaces are designed to be light and airy, offering panoramic ocean views, creating a serene and polished environment for guests seeking a sophisticated escape without the scale of a mega-ship.

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent, the fourth and most innovative Edge-class ship launched in 2023, presents a distinctly modern and sophisticated vibe. At 140,600 gross tons and featuring 17 decks, it feels like a high-end hotel at sea, with design at the forefront. The ship's outward-facing philosophy connects guests with the ocean, from the multi-deck Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus to the open-air Rooftop Garden with its cantilevered pools. Ascent offers a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere, appealing to those who appreciate architectural marvels and contemporary luxury.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Celebrity Millennium

    With a capacity for 2,593 passengers and a dedicated crew of 1,024, Celebrity Millennium fosters an intimate and friendly atmosphere, boasting a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1. The ship caters to those who enjoy a relaxed pace, where quiet corners are plentiful, and the overall feel is one of understated sophistication. While there are organized activities and themed parties like Motown or Silent Disco, there can be periods with fewer scheduled events, allowing for spontaneous relaxation or deeper engagement with fellow cruisers in a less frenetic setting.

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent accommodates 3,260 passengers with a crew of 1,400, providing a vibrant and sophisticated atmosphere, though it can sometimes be challenging to find truly quiet spots due to music often playing. The ship is designed to appeal to a grown-up clientele, particularly teens or couples with grown-up children, offering a dynamic social environment. Despite its larger size, the layout creates distinct zones for various moods, from lively poolside gatherings with the "Poolest Day Ever" parties to more refined lounges, ensuring a diverse social experience.

    Dining

    Celebrity Millennium

    Dining on Celebrity Millennium offers a blend of classic and specialty experiences. The Metropolitan Restaurant, with its two-deck-high windows, provides complimentary classic and contemporary dishes with flexible or fixed seating. Casual options include the Oceanview Café buffet and the poolside Mast Grill. For an elevated experience, AquaClass guests enjoy Blu's spa-inspired cuisine, and suite guests have exclusive access to Luminae, featuring Daniel Boulud's signature dishes. Specialty for-fee venues like Tuscan Grille for Italian and Sushi on Five offer diverse flavors, though main dining food quality can be inconsistent, with specialty venues generally praised.

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent elevates the culinary journey with 32 distinctive restaurants, bars, and lounges. It boasts four complimentary main dining rooms—Cosmopolitan, Cyprus, Normandie, and Tuscan—each with unique designs. The Oceanview Cafe Buffet is noted for its high quality and fresh offerings. Exclusive to AquaClass guests, Blu offers healthier, plant-based options and an outdoor terrace. Suite guests indulge in Luminae, featuring Daniel Boulud's creations. Signature for-fee experiences include Daniel Boulud's Michelin-starred Le Voyage, Fine Cut Steakhouse, and the experiential Le Petit Chef. The ship offers a wide spectrum from casual Mast Grill to the unique Dinner on the Edge, ensuring a diverse and high-quality gastronomic adventure.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Millennium offers a varied entertainment program, balancing lively evenings with relaxed options. The Main Theatre hosts traditional song-and-dance productions, comedians, and aerialists. For nightlife, the Martini Bar & Crush features flair bartenders on an ice-topped bar, and the Rendezvous Lounge offers live music and dancing. Guests can enjoy movies on the Rooftop Terrace under the stars, engage in daytime trivia, dance classes, or try their luck at the Casino. While activities like art lectures and iPhone classes are available, the daily schedule can feel padded, with many offerings being retail-oriented or for-fee.

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent shines with its high-tech, immersive entertainment. The Theatre presents breathtaking productions like "Bridges" and "Awaken," utilizing triple-deck screens and kinetic lighting. Eden offers evolving multi-sensory experiences, while The Club hosts dynamic late-night shows like "Smoke & Ivories." The Grand Plaza, with its Martini Bar, serves as a vibrant social hub, featuring dazzling flair shows. Unique offerings include "The Annex" for private group experiences like simulated sports and karaoke, and the new augmented reality game "Game On." The Resort Deck transforms for lively "Poolest Day Ever" parties, ensuring a diverse and engaging nightlife.

    Cabins & Suites

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Millennium provides a total of 1,000 cabins, ranging from Inside Staterooms to Penthouse Suites, all refreshed with a modern, airy feel and Celebrity's Cashmere Mattress and eXhale bedding. Standard cabins include thoughtful amenities like dual closets, a desk, mini-fridge, and interactive TV, with bathrooms featuring glass-door showers. Suites, including Penthouse, Royal, Celebrity, and Aqua Sky Suites, offer access to The Retreat, with perks like butler service, priority boarding, complimentary drinks, and Luminae dining. Royal and Penthouse suites further elevate the experience with unlimited specialty dining and complimentary laundry service.

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent features 1,646 staterooms, including 215 suites, emphasizing innovative design and spaciousness. A significant number are Infinite Verandas, which transform the entire living space into a balcony with the touch of a button, offering 23% more space than older veranda cabins. All cabins incorporate modern technology for controlling lighting, shades, and temperature. The ship introduces expansive Iconic Suites, duplex Edge Villas with plunge pools, and new AquaClass Sky Suites, combining wellness amenities with Retreat perks. Suite guests benefit from butler service, Luminae dining, and dedicated Retreat spaces, ensuring a luxurious and highly personalized stay.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Celebrity Millennium

    Service on Celebrity Millennium is consistently highlighted as friendly and personalized, maintaining a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1. The crew is attentive, contributing to the ship's relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Concierge Class and Suite passengers enjoy elevated services, including priority check-in, debarkation, and tendering, along with dedicated concierges and butlers in The Retreat. The ship's recent refurbishment ensures a clean, modern, and well-maintained environment, reflecting an understated luxury that prioritizes guest comfort and a seamless, unhurried experience.

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent delivers a high standard of personalized service, with a crew of 1,400 supporting 3,260 guests. Embarkation and debarkation are noted as speedy and well-organized, particularly at the Destination Gateway. Suite guests benefit from dedicated butler service and a host of priority perks within The Retreat, ensuring an exclusive and pampered journey. The ship's contemporary, high-end hotel aesthetic, designed by Kelly Hoppen, CBE, permeates all public spaces and cabins, creating a stylish and polished ambiance that complements the intuitive and efficient service provided by the staff.

    Best Itineraries

    Celebrity Millennium

    Celebrity Millennium is a favored choice for destination-rich itineraries, particularly those exploring the scenic beauty of Alaska and the diverse cultures of Asia. Its mid-size allows for access to a wider range of ports, and its design, featuring exterior midship elevators and expansive windows in the Sky Lounge and Metropolitan dining room, enhances the scenic journey. The ship's intimate scale is well-suited for guests who prioritize the exploration of unique destinations and prefer a more subdued onboard experience that complements the wonders ashore.

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent is an ideal vessel for vibrant, sun-soaked itineraries, with a strong focus on Caribbean sailings, including calls at the exclusive Perfect Day at CocoCay. Its innovative outdoor spaces, such as the Rooftop Garden with cantilevered pools and the multi-deck Sunset Bar, are perfectly designed to maximize enjoyment of warmer climates and ocean vistas. The ship's lively "Poolest Day Ever" parties and diverse activities cater to those looking for an energetic and immersive resort-at-sea experience in popular, dynamic destinations.

    What reviewers say

    Celebrity Millennium

    4/5

    Celebrity Millennium is a beautiful, easy-to-navigate midsize ship, shining with comfortable, modern cabins and excellent dining thanks to its 2019 'Revolution'. It offers an intimate yet sophisticated experience, appealing to those seeking a relaxed cruise without the mega-ship crowds.

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent refines and improves upon previous ships in its series, excelling in accommodation, food, and entertainment. It offers an outstanding addition to the Edge series, raising the bar in design, entertainment, and culinary experiences.

    Itineraries to compare

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    Celebrity Millennium

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