When we started planning our honeymoon, we knew we wanted something relaxing, luxurious, and a little indulgent. After two European river cruises, we were curious about stepping things up, and sideways, with our first ocean cruise. Craig was already a cruise fan, but this was my (Drew’s) first time navigating the open seas. Enter: the Celebrity Ascent.
Launched just four months before our sailing, Celebrity Ascent is part of the Edge series and let me tell you, she’s a stunner. From the moment we stepped on board in Fort Lauderdale, it felt like we were walking into a floating five-star resort. This ship ‘oozes style, elegance, and that perfect balance of fun and sophistication.
First Impressions
The check-in process was seamless, and stepping aboard felt like entering a boutique hotel with ocean views from every angle. We were greeted with champagne and smiles, and within minutes, we were in our Aqua Sky Suite being welcomed by our personal butler. Yes, you read that right, our suite came with a butler. More on him later.
The Room
Room 10108 was our private little haven. Spacious, modern, and filled with natural light, the Aqua Sky Suite had a dreamy king-sized bed, spa-inspired bathroom, and a balcony that became our morning coffee spot. With unlimited spa access and premium amenities, it felt like staying in a chic hotel with ocean breezes and the occasional flying fish. We often ordered coffee to the room for sunrise from our butler along with anything else we could image…. think fresh fruit platter on the balcony each day.
Drinks and Dining
We spent most of our meals at Luminae, the exclusive restaurant for Retreat guests. The food was incredible and each dish felt crafted just for us. Our regular waiter quickly became our dinner MVP, serving up everything from fresh seafood to decadent desserts, Luminae absolutely delivered.
Pre-dinner (and okay, post-dinner) drinks at the Sunset Bar or Martini Bar were a nightly ritual. With flair bartenders who could spin, toss, and pour like acrobats, it was dinner and a show. We snagged bar seats most nights, which meant we had front-row views of the action and made some lovely friends along the way.
Now, even though we didn’t dine at every restaurant on board (we were a bit Luminae-obsessed), we were impressed by the variety. Celebrity Ascent has a total of 18 dining venues, including:
- 4 main dining rooms (complimentary)
- 4 casual spots (including the Oceanview Café buffet)
- 8 specialty restaurants (like Fine Cut Steakhouse and Le Petit Chef)
- 2 exclusive restaurants (Luminae and Blu)
That’s a lot of options for a week at sea. Whether you’re craving sushi, steak, Italian, or globally-inspired tasting menus, there’s a venue for every palate.
And let’s talk room service. Included with our suite, we made use of it several times, breakfast on the balcony was a honeymoon highlight, or even something delicious post (a few too many) cocktails and dancing late in the evening. Everything arrived promptly and well-prepared, and the menu had a decent variety from comfort food to lighter fare. It’s a small touch, but one that made our stay feel that much more luxurious.
Here’s some of the food to give you a taste:
Amenities and Service
Let’s talk Retreat. As suite guests, we had access to the Retreat lounge, private pool deck, and of course, Luminae. The Retreat deck was our go-to for sunny sea days, never too crowded, with attentive service and plenty of space to unwind.
Our butler was another standout. He arranged everything from shore excursions to show seating and even surprised us with sweet honeymoon treats in our room.
The spa, included with our Aqua Sky Suite, was a sanctuary. It’s surprisingly spacious for a ship, and we never felt rushed or crammed. We spent hours melting away in heated loungers and steam rooms.
Entertainment
The theatre show was a full-blown spectacle. Think Broadway-at-sea. Our suite perks included reserved seating, so we always had prime spots to enjoy the performances without having to elbow our way in. Celebrity clearly takes their entertainment seriously, and it shows.
Value
The Aqua Sky Suite included the premium drinks package, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and all that Retreat access. For us, it was absolutely worth the splurge. While we didn’t use points for this trip (honeymoon = treat yourself), the value for what we received was stellar. This wasn’t just a cruise; it was an experience and for what we paid for in Australia, the value was incredible. We imagine the Staterooms to be no different if you’re looking for something a little cheaper.
The Verdict
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. We honestly wished we’d booked a few extra nights – seven flew by in a blur of sunshine, cocktails, and sea air.
The Celebrity Ascent is perfect for travelers who love a touch of luxury, crave good design, and want the ease of resort-style living while exploring the Caribbean. It’s not for those chasing wild onshore adventures (we weren’t blown away by the excursions), but if you’re after stylish relaxation, top-tier dining, and premium service, this ship delivers in spades.
10/10 from us. Cheers to our honeymoon at sea!
—Craig & Drew
