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This has been a huge week for Celebrity Cruises, as the ship of their visions, the Celebrity Ascent, was finally delivered. The ship now belongs to the cruise company and is less than one month away from her introduction to the world.
Celebrity Ascent was officially handed to Celebrity Cruises at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. She is the fourth ship of the cutting-edge Edge class and the newest addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet.
Celebrity Ascent stands head and shoulders above the competition compared to other ships in her class due to her impressive and unique characteristics.
The ship’s co-captains, brothers Captains Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis, and other cruise company executives attended the event. There were also 1,400 staff members from around the world at the shipyard, ready to deliver exceptional service to guests.
“Celebrity Ascent is another example of innovation driving our mission to provide the best vacations responsibly. The ship continues Celebrity’s ambition to redefine premium travel and take it to new heights,” said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO.
“I want to thank and congratulate the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team, our Newbuild and Celebrity Cruises teams and their partners for the vision, craftsmanship and passion that went into bringing this spectacular ship to life.
The ceremony included signing documents transferring ownership from the shipyard to the cruise line, raising new flags aboard the ship to indicate her new affiliation and a toast in the ship’s three-story Grand Plaza.
“I can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard,” said Laura Hodges-Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Ascent features all the innovative and award-winning Edge Series signature experiences that launched a new era in cruise ship design.”
To have this ship join our fleet is an incredible privilege, and I profoundly appreciate the efforts so many people put in”.
The delivery of Celebrity Ascent comes just one day after the cruise line announced the name and celebrated the steel cutting of the following and final ship in the Edge class, Celebrity Xcel.
In addition to sharing the cutting-edge features of Celebrity Edge (2018), Celebrity Apex 2020, and Celebrity Beyond 2022, Celebrity Ascent also boasts some exclusive innovations.
Two-story villas with infinite verandas offer outdoor and indoor spaciousness on the ship, in addition to the ship’s huge Retreat, a resort-within-a-resort area reserved exclusively for suite guests.
The Rooftop Garden has been expanded to provide additional open space and unparalleled vista views. At the same time, the Blu speciality dining restaurant for Aqua Class guests features outdoor dining for an al fresco experience. Guests can also enjoy Chef Daniel Boulud’s newly designed Le Voyage restaurant.
Of course, the outstanding Magic Carpet – a transforming space cantilevered above the ocean that offers diverse experiences at different times of day – returns as the ship’s most visible and iconic feature onboard Celebrity Ascent.
“I am convinced that Celebrity Ascent will meet the same success as the other ships in the prestigious Edge Series.” Its fine exterior and interior design and exceptional seaworthiness make it an outstanding ship. Celebrity Ascent embodies the strong bond between the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises teams,” said Chantiers de l’Atlantique General Director Laurent Castaing.
Celebrity Ascent’s maiden voyage is a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale on 3 December 2023, with calls in St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata, following a couple of short initial voyages to “break in” the new ship.
After that, the new ship will offer a selection of 7-night itineraries, including voyages to the Bahamas, Mexico, and different ports of call in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Celebrity Ascent will leave Fort Lauderdale on a 13-night transatlantic voyage to Barcelona to begin her maiden summer season in the Mediterranean on 14 April 2024, returning to her Florida homeport in late October 2024.
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