On my way to dinner on Celebrity Cruises’ new ship, the Ascent, I stumbled upon what I thought was a dead end. The ship’s vast fifth deck shrunk to a narrow hallway lined with endless mirrors and polished steel sculptures that seemed to indicate that I had gone the wrong way.
But I soon realized that the installation, called Aurora by art and design studio Fredrickson Stallard, also served a practical function. I followed the entrance placard and exited near the restaurant, passing through an enchanting space with 1,600 lights that “digitally interpreted” the Northern Lights.
The way the Ascent draws guests into its artwork was one of several features that stood out during a two-night voyage earlier this month. This ship has a lot in common with her previous Edge series ships, but also has some new twists. Here are her three points.
1. The ship is cleverly designed
Many of Ascent’s other spaces incorporate sculptures and paintings, which often feel like works of art in their own right, thanks to their striking design features.
For example, on Deck 14, a tall, narrow archway leads guests onto the ship’s magic carpet. The Magic Carpet is a cantilevered platform on the side of a Celebrity Edge Series ship that provides expansive views (the platform can also be moved up and down the ship).
As you turn the corner, a giant metal octopus (nicknamed Ocho by the crew) watches over the pool. Her tiered LED chandelier, suspended above Martini Her Bar, is the focal point of the ship’s three-story Grand Plaza.
The attention to detail extends to the accommodations, and nowhere is this more evident than in the iconic two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite with floor-to-ceiling windows, a nearly 700-square-foot terrace with hot tub and butler. pantry. This room is located in The Retreat, Celebrity’s all-suite category, which offers benefits such as a private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck.
Suite prices vary based on itinerary, travel dates, and other factors, but currently suite prices are for a 7-night cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale in March 2024 to the Bahamas, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. , starting at an average of $21,425 per person. .
But no matter where you are on board, the Ascent is all about relaxation. There’s ample seating throughout the ship, from loungers by the pool to plush chairs by the windows in the Café al-Herbacio.
2. Improved quality of food
Ascent’s 32 restaurants, bars and lounges include venues such as an ocean-view cafe (part buffet, part food hall, with high ceilings and a variety of international cuisine) and specialty restaurants. both show a focus on celebrity cooking programs.
Eden Restaurant, located in a three-story space that also hosts shows, serves a mix of dishes such as Aegean ceviche. Nova Scotia Lobster Casserole. and oven roasted chicken (I ordered the chicken for dinner, which came with duck fat potatoes, mushrooms, radish leaves, fennel salad, pickled mustard, and roasted chicken apricot jus).
The line’s more intimate restaurant, Le Voyage, by chef and Celebrity Global Culinary Ambassador Daniel Boulud, has a cream and gold color scheme, hand-embroidered leather wall art, and a marble entryway with a nautical feel. was redesigned. The venue can accommodate approximately 60 people, including private rooms for six, and will serve travel-inspired dishes such as tamarind and peanut-crusted shrimp and Brazilian moqueca.
Both restaurants offer tasting menus, including Eden’s plant-based menu.
3. There is a private game room
The Ascent has a new space, The Annex, where guests can play sports like golf in virtual simulators, watch movies, and sing karaoke (when I went, earplugs were also provided on the table just in case). there was).
Guests can choose from a variety of packages ranging from $150 to $375 for up to 10 people, depending on their selections and when they use the space. You can also add up to 5 guests for $35 per person.
The Annex serves as a private playroom on board the approximately 3,300-passenger ship.
“Go back and forth as you please”: Here’s how the night cruise stops work
All packages include soda, water, food from the onboard pub Craft Social, and some also include alcohol (guest beverage packages also apply).
Overall, the Ascent provides passengers with a modern and elegant base for their travels. Don’t be afraid to get lost on board. You might find something beautiful.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville, Tennessee. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.