Ship Comparison
Celebrity Infinity vs Celebrity Ascent
For a refined and modern cruise experience with a strong emphasis on design and culinary innovation, Celebrity Ascent stands out, while Celebrity Infinity offers a more classic and intimate journey with excellent outdoor spaces.
The verdict
Choosing between Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Ascent largely comes down to your preference for a classic, intimate cruise versus a larger, cutting-edge experience. Infinity, a Millennium Class ship, provides a relaxed, dining-focused atmosphere with a loyal following, perfect for those who enjoy lingering over meals and quiet evenings. Ascent, the newest Edge Series ship, is a design marvel, offering a vibrant, high-energy environment with innovative dining, advanced entertainment, and luxurious suite-class perks. Both ships excel in service and culinary offerings, but Ascent pushes the boundaries of modern cruising with its unique spaces and expanded amenities.
Choose Celebrity Infinity if…
Celebrity Infinity is best for travelers who appreciate a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, a strong focus on diverse dining, and comfortable outdoor spaces, particularly those who prefer a more traditional cruise experience without high-octane activities.
Best for
- Guests seeking a classic, relaxed cruise experience
- Food lovers who appreciate diverse dining options (even with extra fees)
- Travelers who enjoy elegant lounges and live music
- Older adults preferring a sophisticated, leisure-focused atmosphere
- Those prioritizing comfortable outdoor spaces for sun and relaxation
Avoid if
- You prefer a brand-new ship with the latest technology
- You're looking for high-octane activities and a party scene
- You want cutting-edge, high-tech entertainment productions
- You dislike dated interior decor in standard cabins
- You are sensitive to noise from decks above your cabin
Choose Celebrity Ascent if…
Celebrity Ascent is ideal for guests seeking a modern, high-end resort-at-sea experience with cutting-edge design, innovative dining from Michelin-starred chefs, high-tech entertainment, and expanded luxury suite accommodations.
Best for
- Guests who desire a modern, high-end resort experience
- Food connoisseurs seeking Michelin-starred chef dining and innovative menus
- Entertainment enthusiasts looking for high-tech, immersive shows and vibrant nightlife
- Travelers who appreciate sophisticated design and luxurious, app-controlled cabins
- Families with teens or grown-up children who enjoy diverse activities
Avoid if
- You prefer a quieter, more intimate cruise atmosphere
- You are on a tight budget for dining, as many premium options come with extra costs
- You specifically seek traditional step-out balconies over infinite verandas
- You have very young children looking for extensive kid-specific splash parks or bumper cars
- You dislike constant music and prefer abundant quiet spaces onboard
Overall Vibe
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity, launched in 2001 as part of the Millennium Class, offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere that appeals to those who appreciate a more classic cruising style. While an older ship, it maintains a sophisticated charm with a strong emphasis on dining and leisure. It's a ship where guests can truly unwind, enjoy good food, and partake in leisurely activities rather than a high-energy, bustling environment. The overall feel leans towards quiet comfort and an elegant, grown-up experience.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent, a brand-new Edge-class ship launched in 2023, presents a vibrant and modern luxury experience, feeling much like a high-end hotel at sea. Its design is at the forefront, with dazzling public spaces and innovative features, catering to a sophisticated clientele. The ship is designed to be an immersive resort, with a focus on outward-facing experiences that connect guests with the ocean, from its unique cantilevered pools to the multi-level Eden venue.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Celebrity Infinity
On Celebrity Infinity, you'll find a relaxed and sophisticated ambiance, generally attracting adults aged 45 and older who have outgrown the party scene. With a passenger capacity of 2,170 and a crew of 840, the ship maintains an intimate feel despite its size. Guests tend to favor lingering over dinner, enjoying live music in lounges, and engaging in ballroom dancing. The atmosphere is calm and conducive to leisure, rather than constant activity or large crowds.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent, accommodating 3,260 passengers with a crew of 1,400, offers a more energetic yet still sophisticated atmosphere. It's geared towards teens or couples with grown-up children, providing a vibrant social scene with diverse activities and entertainment. While it can be harder to find truly quiet spots due to music playing often, the ship fosters a lively environment with many opportunities for social interaction and engaging experiences in its beautifully designed spaces.
Dining
Celebrity Infinity
Dining on Celebrity Infinity is a highlight, offering a wide array of options. Complimentary choices include the Main Restaurant (Trellis) for traditional and flexible dining, the extensive Oceanview Café buffet, and the casual Pool Grill. For an additional cost, guests can savor Italian fare at Tuscan Grille, Japanese delights at Sushi on Five, or a unique animated experience at Le Petit Chef. AquaClass guests enjoy exclusive access to Blu for clean cuisine, while suite guests have Luminae for sophisticated, globally-inspired menus.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent elevates the culinary journey with 32 distinctive restaurants, bars, and lounges. The ship features four main dining rooms (Cosmopolitan, Cyprus, Normandie, Tuscan) offering varied experiences, alongside the impressive Oceanview Café buffet. Signature for-fee venues include Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud’s Le Voyage, Fine Cut Steakhouse, and the refreshed Eden Restaurant. AquaClass guests enjoy Blu's clean cuisine, while Luminae provides an exclusive, chef-curated experience for suite guests, showcasing a notably higher standard of service and dishes.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity offers a diverse range of entertainment focused on a more traditional cruise experience. The Main Theatre hosts nightly performances, from musical productions to comedians. For nightlife, guests can try their luck at Fortunes Casino, enjoy cocktails at the ice-topped Martini Bar & Crush, or immerse themselves in wine culture at Cellar Masters. The Sky Observation Lounge transforms from a daytime retreat to a dance club at night, providing varied options for evening enjoyment, including themed parties and interactive games like Deal or No Deal.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent delivers breathtaking, high-tech entertainment across multiple venues. The Theatre features immersive production shows like 'Bridges' and 'Awaken,' leveraging state-of-the-art technology. The Grand Plaza is a vibrant hub, home to the Martini Bar with its flair bartenders. Eden offers multi-sensory experiences that transition throughout the day and night, while The Club provides diverse entertainment, including 'Smoke & Ivories.' Unique venues like The Annex offer private experiences with multi-sport simulators and karaoke, and the Resort Deck hosts lively Poolest Day Ever parties.
Cabins & Suites
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Infinity offers 975 cabins, with standard categories featuring a classic taupe and maroon decor. All cabins are well-configured with comfortable beds, interactive TVs, and spacious bathrooms. Upper-grade accommodations like AquaClass, Concierge Class, Sky Suites, Celebrity Suites, Royal Suites, and Penthouse Suites provide enhanced amenities and exclusive access to dining and lounge areas. It's worth noting that cabins on Deck 9 under the lido deck may experience interrupted views and noise from above, and soundproofing between ceilings can be limited.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent features modern and cleverly designed accommodations, with 81% of its cabins being Infinite Verandas. These innovative staterooms allow the entire living space to become a veranda with the touch of a button, blurring the lines between inside and out. The ship offers 215 suites, including the expansive Iconic Suites and two-story Edge Villas, all with access to The Retreat's exclusive amenities. Cabins are equipped with app-controllable features and plenty of power outlets, though some lower deck cabins near public spaces might encounter noise.
Service & Onboard Style
Celebrity Infinity
On Celebrity Infinity, the service is a hallmark, reflecting Celebrity Cruises' commitment to a nearly 2:1 guest-to-staff ratio. Suite, AquaClass, and Concierge Class passengers benefit from priority check-in and an exclusive pre-departure lounge, enhancing the embarkation experience. Butler service is a key feature for suite guests, providing personalized assistance throughout the voyage. The onboard style is one of refined elegance, creating an environment where guests feel well-cared for and comfortable, focusing on intuitive and attentive service.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent continues the cruise line's reputation for intuitive and personalized service, with a crew of 1,400 dedicated to a larger passenger capacity. The ship is designed with efficiency in mind, offering speedy embarkation and debarkation, with the Destination Gateway providing a well-organized process. The overall onboard style is a sophisticated, high-end resort aesthetic, where modern luxury meets attentive care. Suite guests benefit from an expanded Retreat complex with dedicated concierges and butlers, ensuring an elevated and seamless experience.
Best Itineraries
Celebrity Infinity
While specific itineraries are not detailed in the provided information, Celebrity Infinity is well-suited for destinations where the journey itself, with its focus on relaxation and fine dining, is as important as the ports of call. Its comfortable, classic vibe makes it a good choice for longer voyages or routes that emphasize scenic cruising and cultural enrichment, allowing guests ample time to enjoy the ship's amenities and sophisticated atmosphere.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent, as a new and innovative Edge-class ship, is designed to enhance destination experiences, particularly in the Caribbean, with features like the 'Poolest Day Ever' parties. Its modern design and diverse activities make it ideal for popular routes where guests appreciate both immersive onshore explorations and cutting-edge onboard offerings. The ship's luxurious amenities and varied dining options complement itineraries that blend relaxation with vibrant port adventures.
What reviewers say
Celebrity Infinity
4/5A comfortable ship with excellent outdoor spaces and a choice of cabins and dining. For now, fans of Celebrity and those new to the line will appreciate the focus on dining.
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 Infinity
Celebrity Ascent
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