Tully on Tour: Our Travel Designers on Celebrity Ascent
By Tully Luxury Travel | 12-19-2023 |
Four of our Travel Designers recently embarked on the inaugural voyage of the Celebrity Ascent. Here, they share their highlights – pinpointing the dining, wellness, entertainment, public space and suite particulars, along with a few tips on the over travel experience.
Your Pre-Cruise Overnight
The team chooses the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale for a pre-embarkation retreat. They say it feels like a boutique hotel, with just 200 rooms. It’s about 20 minutes from the pier, and close to the Formula One racetrack, the Florida Panthers arena and the Miami FC stadium. There is a new Bright Line transit system nearby that can take you into Miami to avoid the traffic.
Easy Embarkation Process
Caitlin Bradley:
Embarkation was very smooth, and the signs were easy to follow. There were employees at every turn to direct people, and they were efficient at moving the lines along. The terminal is sleek and modern.
Reena Nauth:
After we passed the metal detectors and completed the security process, we were asked to present our Celebrity app which had a barcode to scan. The staff noticed that Lore and I had suite accommodations and escorted us to the Retreat section. This was a smaller line and we were processed very quickly.
Lore Doick:
We were then guided to a lovely seating area with snacks and refreshments, exclusive to Retreat guests. We then proceeded to the gangway.
Ashley Stillo:
Once on the ship, we had to stand in a line for the elevators to get to our cabins, but we were lined up through the art gallery, which made the wait easier.
Modern Onboard Style
Caitlin
Ashley and I were in Sunset Veranda 10291, in the aft. The room was a bit awkwardly laid out, but comfortable, although there was an outlet only on one side of the bed. The closet was a bit awkward, as you had to nearly sit on the bed to fully access it.
Lore:
We were in Sky Suite 10140 in Retreat, which had Evian water and fluffy robes. The bathroom had a large sink, a shower-tub combo and a toilet with a separate door. The bathroom also has a sliding glass window so you can see the ocean.
Ashley:
The ship is a beauty, with lots to see and do. There are many art installations throughout the ship, with beautiful lounges, restaurants and bars. The Retreat is a great space as well, with nice loungers and a small pool area.
Reena:
Yes, the Retreat area on two levels has lots of seating, cabanas with 45-minute time limit, and plenty of sun/shade options.
Caitlin:
The Sunset Bar and the Rooftop Garden were highlights for me.
Diverse Food and Beverage Choices
Caitlin:
Ashley and I chose the large buffet for breakfast and lunch. They had one designated station for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, so you didn’t have to look through everything to find what you needed.
Lore:
We enjoyed the made-to-order items, such as a deconstructed salmon with caviar and a savoury potato waffle.
Ashley:
Oceanview Cafe catered to pretty much everyone with different types of cuisine and options for guests who may have dietary restrictions.
Reena:
Yes, the Oceanview had great options, with several food stations – Indian, Latin, a carving station, seafood, pasta, cheese, fruit, deserts – all well-displayed.
Caitlin:
We all dined in Luminae the first night, which offers an exclusive menu from French chef Daniel Boulud.
Ashley:
The Cypress dining room was also good, with a very attentive staff. Café al Bacio was a nice spot to enjoy a hot beverage and pastry or dessert any time of the day.
Extensive Wellness and Spa Options
Caitlin:
The spa had multiple steam rooms, experience showers, a bonsai wall and loungers that all faced toward the ocean, so you could lounge all day. There’s also a beautiful Himalayan salt room and several treatment rooms.
Ashley:
The fitness area offered ample space, equipment and classes.
Well-Produced Entertainment
Reena:
We found a lot of entertainment options to choose from in the evening. Large-scale musical shows and acrobatics in the main theater benefited from a state-of-the-art digital backdrop that changed to suit each show.
Caitlin:
The lighting really enhanced the performances.
Ashley:
There seems to be something for everyone when it comes to entertainment. Even the bartenders put on a little show once in a while as well.
Caitlin:
There’s also a jazz bar, and a DJ at the martini bar in the evening.
Many Engaging Extras
Ashley:
There is a running/walking track, main pool area with hot tubs, a deck overlooking the pool area and perfect sea views. There are also two plunge-style infinity pools facing the ocean near the Rooftop Garden.
Caitlin:
The Rooftop Garden has yoga in the morning, plus a pickleball court, Plinko, Jenga, and a giant TV showing sports in the afternoon.
Lore:
The Magic Carpet is a unique feature to this class of ship. It’s a platform that stayed on Deck 14 for most of the day and was open for lounging and drinks. It moves up and down, changing decks when guests are not using it.
Reena:
It became a platform for tendering on the first day at sea. Magic carpet category staterooms are also available.
A Winning Experience
Reena:
This Edge Class of ship is completely different from the other ships in the Celebrity fleet. Public areas are very spacious with lots of natural light and high ceilings.
Lore:
The ship has a resort feel, with lots to see and do. It’s ideal for someone who thinks they might be bored on a cruise.
Ashley:
Yes, you could never get bored! It is truly a stunning ship with a very attentive staff and crew, and lots of great entertainment.
Caitlin:
The Ascent is a destination in itself, designed to engage you however you wish – a fun party atmosphere or a laid-back sanctuary. Pick an itinerary that has a few days at sea, so you can really enjoy the ship.