The Celebrity Ascent is the newest in Celebrity’s ‘Edge’ range of floating resorts, and we had the opportunity to spend a week on board recently. Our Italian Riviera cruise included port stops in Nice, Ajaccio, Sardinia, Malta, Sicily and Naples, before ending in Rome. We traveled with a group of 8, and found there was plenty to do aboard with our diverse range of ages. Here’s our Celebrity Ascent review, including the highs, lows and why we loved this new ship.
The Ship: Celebrity Ascent
Debuting in late 2023, the Celebrity Ascent aims to elevate modern luxury cruising. Combining cutting-edge innovation, stunning design, and world-class amenities, it helps you achieve an unforgettable vacation experience.
Favorite parts of the ship:
- The Food – There were so many dining options we hadn’t even tried them all by the end of our cruise!
- The artwork – Many cruise ships we’ve experienced have art galleries. But the Celebrity Ascent not only had a stunning gallery but also artwork all over the ship. From botanical walls to a hall of mirrors to a shiny octopus statue on one of the upper decks.
- Automatic doors and elevator lights – All of the public restrooms had doors you can open by waving your hand. And at the elevators, there are red and green lights as well as arrows to indicate where they were going. We found little things like this to be very convenient.
- The staterooms – Celebrity Ascent has the largest cruise ship staterooms we’ve experienced so far.
- The entertainment – From aerial shows to tributes of popular bands, Celebrity Ascent had no shortage of evening entertainment.
Least favorite parts of the ship:
- It offered an amazing spa with unique therapies and treatments, but it is only for people eighteen and older. This is unfortunately an issue on many cruise ships we’ve been on.
- On this ship, you won’t notice any waterslides or activities catered specifically to kids. Celebrity Ascent welcomes all ages, but doesn’t specifically cater to all ages. The suitability of this style of ship very much depends on the age and interests of your child. If your child appreciates other cultures, prioritizes relaxation, and doesn’t mind the company of adults, they will love this ship!
There is a teen’s club, but it wasn’t fully operating during the cruise we went on since there weren’t many teenagers on board.
Restaurants on the Celebrity Ascent
The Celebrity Ascent offers an array of 29 dining venues, including specialty restaurants and complimentary options.
The highlights for us were: Le Petit Chef (a limited availability experience offered in Le Grand Bistro), Raw on 5, Eden Restaurant, Rooftop Garden Grill, and the buffet! This buffet isn’t your usual cruise ship buffet. Every day is a different theme, and you’ll want one of everything! We ate here almost every morning for breakfast, since they offered everything from fresh exotic fruit to an omelette station to traditional breakfasts all around the globe.
Celebrity Ascent also offers a variety of bars and coffee shops, including Café al Bacio, Craft Social Bar, and The Spa Café and Juice Bar. Most of the dining options are rich with healthy options, and you can try dishes from all over the world.
Our Balcony Room
Our balcony room on the Celebrity Ascent featured an Infinite Veranda, which offers a different experience from a traditional walk-out balcony. The entire exterior wall is a floor-to-ceiling window, with the top half lowering to let in fresh air and unobstructed views.
Personally, I prefer this setup. Unlike standard balcony rooms—where part of the living space is sacrificed for a small outdoor area—an Infinite Veranda gives you more room inside.
The bathroom was also surprisingly spacious, with a tiled shower. A cozy sitting area included a sofa that converted into a bed for a third guest (our daughter), making the room both comfortable and functional.
Facilities and Features of the Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent features a spa with numerous treatments and pampering, but it is for people eighteen and up. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to experience it. But for those over eighteen, it should be wonderful!
There is also a fitness center equipped with treadmills, dumbbells, and water stations, as well as a huge theater with nightly entertainment. The top deck features many pools and hot tubes, as well as outdoor bars and restaurants.
Italian Riviera Cruise – 9 nights
Pre-Cruise Excursions + Embarkation from Barcelona
We had 1.5 full days in Barcelona before embarkation, so we made the most of it by way of multiple small group tours, which satisfied the majority of our group’s interests.
Sailing, Winery Tour & Tasting
Our first excursion was a sailing and winery combo. We set sail from Port Olimpic aboard a sailboat, where we soaked in the stunning coastal views with a glass of cava in hand. Then we transferred to a mini-bus, to explore the charming winery, Bouquet D’Alella. We learned about the region’s wines and enjoyed a tasting paired with a traditional Catalan brunch. It was a perfect blend of relaxation, and foodie discovery.
La Boqueria Market and Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona
In the afternoon, we decided we had to take a Paella cooking class (one of our favorite things to do when travelling). Experiencing the crazy and frenetic La Boqueria market, and then taking those fresh ingredients to learn how to cook Paella, was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
Flamenco Show
In the evening, we visited Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, known as Barcelona’s top flamenco venue. With over 50 years of history, the Alhambra-inspired setting and incredible performances by top artists from across Spain made it unforgettable. The live music and dance, all without microphones, brought the art form’s raw energy to life.
Sagrada Familia Tour
The next day, on the morning before we boarded the cruise, we had booked a guided tour of Sagrada Familia, the famous Gaudi church. While it’s easy to book a slot and visit the church yourself with an audio guide, we were glad we took a tour, as our guide was able to condense down all the information in a lively and interesting way.
We went up both towers and marveled at the amazing stories and designs that Gaudi created and never got to see finished.
Nice (Villefranche), France
Villefranche is a picturesque port in the south-east of France, which offers easy access to the glamour of Nice and nearby Monte Carlo. It was our first stop on this cruise, and is a great start for first-time visitors to the Mediterranean.
Wander the charming narrow streets of Nice’s Old Town, enjoy a leisurely meal along the waterfront, or explore the vibrant markets of Cours Saleya.
Take the train to Monaco, and revel in the chic casino scene of Monte Carlo. Admire the super yachts or super cars, and the views from this hillside microstate.
On this visit, we decided to take a full day excursion that took in many of the French Riviera and Provence sights. It was a great way to see a lot of these beautiful hill-top villages, and give us an idea of what we want to come back to next time.
We started with a visit to the Fragonard perfume factory in Grasse, where we learned about the art of scent-making. Next, we explored the medieval villages of Gourdon and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, strolling cute streets, and enjoying stunning views and a local aperitif on a restaurant terrace.
Ajaccio (Corsica), France
The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio has an amazing mix of history, natural beauty, and relaxed island vibes. Visit the Bonaparte House Museum, stroll through lively markets, or relax on pristine beaches. Corsica’s rugged landscape invites exploration, with its hiking trails and panoramic coastal views.
During our port stop, we decided to explore Ajaccio on our own – taking our time, wandering and exploring without a busy itinerary – it was perfect.
Cagliari (Sardinia), Italy
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, absolutely enchants with its ancient history. Explore the medieval Castello district, marvel at Roman ruins, or savor local seafood dishes. The city’s vibrant culture and nearby white-sand beaches make it a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
At this port stop, we decided to take a tour of the Argiolas Winery in Serdiana. This family-run winery and tasting room offers cave tours and cooking lessons. We had the most amazing time. Read the dedicated article for more information.
Valletta, Malta
Malta’s historic capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Baroque architecture and centuries of maritime history. Discover landmarks like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens with sweeping harbor views and cannons. Valletta’s compact size makes it ideal for a day of exploration.
During our visit, we decided to explore the city of Valletta on our own. First, we explored the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, followed by a traditional lunch. From the structures to the streets, history was apparent all around us.
NOTE: to reach the town, you must either climb lots of stairs or take an elevator that often has a line.
Sicily (Messina), Italy
As the gateway to Sicily, Messina offers access to stunning natural and cultural treasures. Visit the impressive Messina Cathedral and its astronomical clock, or take a day trip to explore Mount Etna or the ancient city of Taormina. This stop combines history, beautiful scenery, and delicious Sicilian cuisine.
We decided to take a ship-arranged excursion for this stop (timing is always a key consideration). Exploring Mount Etna with a private driver, made it a relaxing way to navigate the winding mountain roads. We admired the views from the Silvestri Craters at 6,500 feet, visited a local farm to sample honey and olive oil, and capped off the day with a winery tour and tasting lunch.
We were able to explore the streets on our own, with a stop at a cannoli shop. They can demonstrate the traditional process of making one, and they are outstanding.
There were also boutique stores, chocolate shops, and one of the most narrow streets in Italy!
Naples, Italy
From Naples, you’ll have access to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO-listed destination famed for its dramatic cliffs and pastel-colored villages. Explore the charming towns of Amalfi, Positano, or Ravello, or venture to Pompeii for a fascinating look at ancient Roman life. Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Neapolitan pizza.
We had a big group with us, so we opted for a tour of the Amalfi Coast rather than exploring Naples itself. We will come back with our European travel guide, Hannah, for that. She has a written a handy Naples travel guide for those visiting from a cruise ship.
Instead, we spent the day exploring two UNESCO World Heritage sites via a shore excursion. Driving along the Amalfi Coast, we enjoyed free time in the charming towns of Positano and Sorrento. While the towns were naturally beautiful, they were extremely crowded and difficult to navigate.
Over-tourism is a real issue, and we understand that when we travel we contribute to this. In the future, we will visit this sort of high tourism area in a different and more sustainable way.
Later, we stepped back in time with a guided tour of ancient Pompeii. We ventured through the ruins, experiencing the rich history all around us. We viewed casts of where people lost their lives – that moment preserved in time. Artwork preserved over millennia, and some statues were somehow still standing. It was incredible to still see color and life despite the destruction that buried this city for so many centuries.
The port pickup and drop-off made the trip seamless.
Post Cruise – Rome, Florence & Venice
While very modern, you can tell that many of Rome’s streets and buildings have been standing for centuries. We took a fascinating tour of the Colosseum, and learned to make pasta and tiramisu in a cooking class.
We also took trips over to Florence and Venice! This was definitely a taster tour – taking in a few of the highlights, and readying us for a longer road trip in the future – we can’t wait!
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Review of the Celebrity Ascent
Overall, the Celebrity Ascent was one of the best cruises we have ever experienced. We were already impressed with the Celebrity Eclipse cruise we took to Australia, and it’s safe to say we are huge fans of the Celebrity cruise line.
We highly recommend this cruise not only for the marvel of the ship, but also for the rich itinerary. It is rare to find a cruise that contains an amazing itinerary as well as a ship, and you often have to choose one or the other. But with Celebrity, you don’t even have to.
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