Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Cruises

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Edge

    Celebrity Cruises

    Celebrity Edge

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Celebrity Ascent vs Celebrity Edge

    For a refined evolution of modern luxury, Celebrity Ascent offers enhanced culinary and entertainment experiences; for groundbreaking design and an innovative, lively atmosphere, Celebrity Edge remains a compelling choice.

    The verdict

    Celebrity Ascent, the newest addition to the Edge series, takes the already impressive foundation of Celebrity Edge and elevates it with thoughtful refinements. Ascent offers an expanded array of culinary experiences, including new signature dishes from Chef Daniel Boulud, and introduces advanced, high-tech entertainment that truly captivates. Its larger scale allows for even more expansive public spaces, particularly within The Retreat for suite guests. Celebrity Edge, as the trailblazer, still stands out for its innovative 'outward-facing' design and unique features like the Magic Carpet. While Ascent builds upon this success with a polished, evolved experience, Edge holds its own with a distinct, lively, and sophisticated vibe that continues to draw guests seeking a contemporary cruise. Both ships deliver a high level of service and a focus on adult-oriented luxury, but Ascent feels like the next chapter, offering a slightly more comprehensive and refined package.

    Choose Celebrity Ascent if…

    Travelers who appreciate the very latest in cruise ship innovation, with a keen eye for refined culinary arts and cutting-edge entertainment. Ideal for those seeking a sophisticated, grown-up ambiance with abundant premium options and a focus on wellness.

    Best for

    • Guests prioritizing the newest luxury cruise experience
    • Food enthusiasts seeking Michelin-starred chef collaborations and diverse dining
    • Wellness-focused travelers desiring enhanced spa and fitness amenities
    • Those who appreciate high-tech, immersive theatrical productions
    • Travelers seeking an elevated, sophisticated resort-at-sea ambiance

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a very traditional cruising experience
    • You are on a strict budget for specialty dining and spa treatments
    • You seek a ship with extensive, boisterous family-focused activities for very young children
    • You prefer a quieter ship where music is not frequently playing

    Choose Celebrity Edge if…

    Guests drawn to groundbreaking ship design and a lively, contemporary atmosphere. Perfect for those who value unique architectural features, diverse dining, and interactive entertainment, offering a fresh take on traditional cruising.

    Best for

    • Travelers interested in groundbreaking ship design and innovative features
    • Adults and sophisticated groups looking for a lively and contemporary atmosphere
    • Those who enjoy interactive and transformative public spaces like the Magic Carpet and Eden
    • Guests who appreciate a wide variety of main dining options with distinct themes
    • Families with older children and teens who enjoy unique activities like laser mazes

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a very quiet, subdued ship environment
    • You are looking for traditional, fixed-time dining with the same tablemates nightly
    • You dislike the 'Infinite Veranda' concept and prefer a traditional step-out balcony
    • You are on a tight budget, as many unique experiences come with extra fees

    Overall Vibe

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent, launched in 2023, embodies a sophisticated, high-end resort feel, building upon the award-winning Edge series with considerable refinements. It presents itself as a thoughtfully designed sanctuary at sea, where every detail contributes to a luxurious experience. With a passenger capacity of 3,260, the ship maintains an elegant balance, never feeling overwhelmingly crowded despite its size. The emphasis is on outward-facing design, connecting guests seamlessly with the ocean vistas, and offering a blend of serene relaxation and vibrant social spaces, all within a contemporary, art-forward setting. It's a ship that feels both grand and intimately curated.

    Celebrity Edge

    Celebrity Edge, launched in 2018, pioneered a new era of ship design, earning a Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Rating for its innovative approach. Carrying 2,918 guests, it introduced the 'outward-facing' concept, truly immersing guests in their surroundings. The ship's vibe is distinctly contemporary and innovative, challenging traditional cruising expectations with features like the transformative Magic Carpet and the multi-sensory Eden. While sophisticated, it has a lively energy, appealing to those who appreciate cutting-edge architecture and a dynamic atmosphere. Edge feels like a hip, modern hotel that happens to float, designed for discovery and connection with the sea.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Celebrity Ascent

    The atmosphere on Celebrity Ascent is one of sophisticated tranquility, akin to a high-end hotel tailored for discerning adults or families with older children. With a capacity for 3,260 passengers and a dedicated crew of 1,400, the guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1 ensures attentive, personalized service. While music is often present, creating a vibrant backdrop, the ship skillfully balances lively areas with more serene retreats, such as the adults-only Solarium. It caters to a crowd that appreciates refined elegance, exceptional dining, and engaging entertainment without the boisterous energy found on some larger ships.

    Celebrity Edge

    Celebrity Edge cultivates a lively and sophisticated ambiance, appealing to contemporary travelers who enjoy an innovative and adult-focused experience. Hosting 2,918 passengers with a crew of 1,320, the ship fosters a dynamic social environment. Public spaces are designed to encourage interaction, with central hubs like the Grand Plaza and the ever-changing Magic Carpet generating a buzz. While generally adult-oriented, the ship also accommodates families with older children through its dedicated youth programs. The overall feel is one of modern luxury, where guests are encouraged to explore and engage with the ship's unique design and offerings.

    Dining

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent truly shines in its culinary offerings, boasting 32 distinct restaurants, bars, and lounges. Highlights include the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud, offering a Michelin-starred French-inspired tasting menu, though with a meat-heavy emphasis. The Eden Restaurant has also seen a significant refresh by Michelin-starred Chef Cornelius Gallagher, presenting eclectic world dishes and a full seven-course vegetarian tasting menu. AquaClass guests enjoy the healthier options and intimate setting of Blu, which now features an outdoor terrace. The Oceanview Café buffet is noted for its high food quality and varied international themes, while Luminae remains an exclusive, refined experience for suite guests.

    Celebrity Edge

    Celebrity Edge offers a diverse culinary journey across its four complimentary main dining rooms—Tuscan, Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, and Normandie—each with its own distinct theme and design. For an exclusive experience, Luminae caters to suite guests with a menu featuring Daniel Boulud's signature dishes, while AquaClass guests enjoy healthy cuisine at Blu. Specialty dining includes the playful 4D animated Le Petit Chef, the upscale Fine Cut Steakhouse, and Raw on 5 for fresh seafood. The innovative Magic Carpet also transforms into an alfresco eatery when positioned on Deck 5, providing unique dining with ocean views.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Celebrity Ascent

    Entertainment on Celebrity Ascent reaches new heights with state-of-the-art technology. The Theatre features three new production shows: 'Residency,' 'Awaken,' and 'Bridges,' offering immersive, high-tech experiences with impressive visuals and acrobatics. Evenings come alive with the Martini Bar's flair bartenders and the vibrant 'Resort Deck Party' around the main pool. For private group fun, The Annex offers a multi-sport simulator and karaoke. Eden continues its multi-sensory journey from 'chillful' days to 'wonderful' nights, complemented by live music in the Grand Plaza and the Craft Social Bar, ensuring a dynamic and engaging nightlife for all.

    Celebrity Edge

    Celebrity Edge delivers a dynamic entertainment landscape designed to engage and surprise. The Theatre hosts high-tech production shows like 'Kaleidoscope' and 'A Hot Summer Night's Dream,' utilizing multiple stages and massive projection screens for immersive performances. Eden transforms throughout the day, offering a unique blend of lounge, restaurant, and performance art space, drawing guests into its evolving experiences. The Club transitions from daytime activities to a lively late-night disco, while the Martini Bar remains a central hub in the Grand Plaza with its choreographed light shows. Live music is abundant, ensuring a vibrant social atmosphere.

    Cabins & Suites

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent offers a wide range of modern accommodations, with 215 suites, largely Sky Suites, and 81% of its total cabins being Infinite Verandas. These innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms blur the line between inside and out, with a retractable window and bi-fold doors creating an extended living space at the touch of a button. All cabins feature Celebrity’s Cashmere mattresses, high-end fixtures, and in-room automation. For ultimate luxury, Iconic Suites, Penthouse Suites, and the unique two-story Edge Villas provide expansive living areas, private terraces with hot tubs, and dedicated butler service as part of The Retreat experience.

    Celebrity Edge

    Celebrity Edge introduced the innovative Infinite Veranda stateroom, which makes up the bulk of its cabins (918 total). These 244-square-foot rooms feature a floor-to-ceiling window that retracts to create an open-air balcony feel, expanding the living space. The ship also offers a selection of suites, comprising 12% of its accommodations, including Sky Suites, Penthouse Suites, and the two-story Edge Villas with plunge pools. All staterooms are designed with modern travelers in mind, featuring king-sized beds with Cashmere mattresses, bedside USB charging, and digital control panels for lighting and temperature, enhancing comfort and convenience.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Celebrity Ascent

    On Celebrity Ascent, service is tailored and attentive, reflecting a high guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1 (3,260 guests to 1,400 crew). Suite guests benefit from dedicated butler service and access to The Retreat Lounge with its concierge. AquaClass guests enjoy personalized spa services and dining at Blu. The ship's onboard style, with designs by Kelly Hoppen in Luminae and The Retreat Sundeck, emphasizes refined elegance and modern luxury. Personalized touches and efficient service are integrated throughout, from priority boarding for suite guests to the convenience of the Celebrity app for in-room controls.

    Celebrity Edge

    Celebrity Edge prides itself on intuitive and personalized service, with a crew of 1,320 serving 2,918 passengers. Suite guests receive dedicated butler service and exclusive access to Luminae and The Retreat Lounge. The ship's onboard style is a testament to cutting-edge design, with collaborations from acclaimed designers like Kelly Hoppen for Luminae and Patricia Urquiola for The Club and Eden, creating visually striking and transformative spaces. The focus on connecting guests with the sea is evident in its architectural marvels and outward-facing design, ensuring a sophisticated yet approachable luxury experience.

    Best Itineraries

    Celebrity Ascent

    Celebrity Ascent offers captivating itineraries primarily focused on the Caribbean, enhanced by its unique 'Poolest Day Ever' experience designed to bring the vibrant island spirit directly onboard. Many cruises also include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Celebrity's exclusive private island destination, offering a mix of relaxation and thrilling activities. These itineraries are particularly appealing to those looking for sun-drenched escapes with a blend of onboard luxury and exciting shore excursions, perfect for a refined tropical getaway.

    Celebrity Edge

    Celebrity Edge provides diverse itineraries that allow guests to explore some of the world's most scenic destinations. It sails to breathtaking regions such as Alaska, offering opportunities for glacier viewing and wildlife encounters, and to the vibrant landscapes of Australia, which often include overnight stays in iconic cities. Additionally, Edge offers Caribbean cruises, often featuring a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. This variety makes Celebrity Edge an excellent choice for travelers seeking a wide range of destination experiences, from natural wonders to cultural explorations.

    What reviewers say

    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.

    Celebrity Edge

    4.5/5

    Celebrity Edge is a hip-at-heart ship that challenges traditional cruising expectations with its innovative design and contemporary appeal. It offers outstanding accommodations and extensive dining choices, making it a favorite for adults seeking a sophisticated yet lively experience.

    Itineraries to compare

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