Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship 2024 | Our Honest Full Review | The Good, Bad & Ugly

[@paulras01]

On the menu changes, there were definitely changes in the MDR. They added back the Classics, removed the extra fee options and added a couple of new items. But vastly different from Celebrity ships before November. If you're comparing to a year earlier, it may not look too different. But earlier in 2023, they destroyed the menus so it's nice to have it back since late November.

[@MikeMiller-jy4ju]

My wife and I spent 3 weeks on the Ascent in January. You had mentioned Residency was not ready to roll on your sailing. Without a full review let's just say we attended Residency 3 times. The 4th floor seating immerses you in the show. We were in suite class and I will say the activities were so good on the rest of the ship that we spent little time in the Retreat other than Dining. We love this class ship and are booked in the future on the Beyond, Ascent and the Excel. Keep up your honest reviews

[@dawnscheffer2962]

I just returned from the Ascent on Sunday. We stayed in Aqua Class and although we were excited for outdoor dining in Blu, it's not available. There is no door to get outside access. They encourage guests eating at Eden for breakfast or lunch to use the outdoor seating outside of Blu. Overall great cruise, ship is gorgeous and entertainment was absolutely fabulous!

[@djfilms...]

Nice❤

[@Molson88]

My husband and I were just on this ship a few weeks ago. While we enjoyed the itinerary, we were disappointed by Celebrity. We found that the selection of activities wasn't very big, it was a shame that the casino was closed 80% of the sailing, and they didn't even have someone playing the piano at Cafe El Bacio? We also agree about the rooms being hot, it was crazy how warm the ship was and that the A/C wasn't functioning in many of the staterooms. Coming from Royal Caribbean, I'm glad we tried Celebrity. While we enjoyed the food and service, the activity level just isn't there for someone in their 30's. We will continue to be #loyaltoroyal

[@donnamanitu8673]

I am so glad that I found your channel as I really value you giving an honest review. We will be booking this in about 2 weeks but won't be sailing until 2027 so I have plenty of time to watch your other videos. Thank you !

[@JJCruise]

We would love to book this for you if you reside in the U.S. or Canada! Just fill out our booking form at JJCruise.com and we’ll get you our best rates! (2027 itineraries are not fully released as of yet)

[@ElenaPsarianos]

We just got off the Celebrity Ascent, second sailing, and we saw the Residency show. Hands down the best show I have ever seen on a cruise ship. Loved it. I think I need to go back, I didn’t see some of the things you showed! I didn’t go to Eden to see any of the shows, it was too crowded and not enough seating. Overall beautiful ship.

[@mattofthenorth3212]

Excellent review guys. I was thinking the Ascent was more or a less a clone of the Beyond so it's good to hear about some of the changes and improvements - e.g., I like the option of outdoor dining for Blu. The drink package changes are annoying. I was a bit surprised that Celebrity has been heavily discounting upgrades to premium drink packages recently and I guess this explains why. What's next - an ultra premium drink package option? No plans to sail on the Ascent at the moment (due to itineraries and $) but your video has raised my interest. Happy cruising and keep up the great KZbin work.

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Matt! We think you are dead-on with the low price upgrades recently.

[@Iwannagetaway]

Residency was open on my Ascent cruise last week. I was worn out so I didn’t go. Maybe I’ll see it next time. Loved the Sunset Bar and infinity pools.

[@commonsense246]

Thx guys loved all the tips. We're booked next April 2025 and again for the Ultimate Southern Caribbean 10 day in 2026 for our anniversary, this review made me very excited for Ascent! I made notes in my iPhone about all the shows. Cant wait!

[@travisandrews5207]

I’ll be on the ascent this August for Barcelona to Rome. I’m looking forward to it!!!!! Thank you for the great video

[@mariareyes-ku6194]

It’s normal that all prices are up. Try eating on land spending $70.00 just for a single lunch (3 people). Food has gone up too and gas prices. Therefore, it is expected to see prices going up.❤❤

[@boojones2000]

Had the Edge Villa. Ended up locked out on the deck in 30degree weather. Was skin was burning in the sun waiting for a butler to come let me in. Dont shut the patio door hard!!

[@telerincarrentalpoppy9047]

Thank you for all the information. For me very helpfull. We are a Family of 9 boarding this ship December 2024 for our new years cruise.

[@JJCruise]

Have a wonderful cruise!!

[@telerincarrentalpoppy9047]

@@JJCruise Do you know if you can buy the WiFi for only one or two days while at sea, or do you have to get the seven-day package? Also, apart from the Melatic night I saw in your video (GREAT), are there also white party days, like on the other cruises?

[@Keep-on-ok]

Thanks for the review! Yes, we plan to book a cruise on this ship in 2026. Not sure yet where we want to go. We like to depart out of Ft. Lauderdale.

[@robinschannelmcconnell5575]

We were on the first two short cruises of the Ascent and loved it! The show we did see was amazing! Hope to go on her again sometime but have Beyond next summer and Apex in 2/25.

[@jennifereverson7098]

I see all my JJ Crew friends in the Annex!! Glad you had a great time.

[@JJCruise]

Yes!! Wish you were there! 🤗

[@mikeshanklin3704]

Just want you guys to know I really enjoy Your channel, I've never subscribed to anything on KZbin. You guys are the first ever I will be getting in touch with you to help me book a Cruise for next year.Thank you.

[@JJCruise]

Thank you so much!

[@JJCruise]

Thank you so much for subscribing! We can’t wait to book your next cruise 🥳

[@jonathanvieni4067]

Glad ship life suggested you guys in his vlog. Enjoyed your vlog.

[@maryannpiccirilli454]

Just watched and even more excited for March 3rd!

[@nickilawson1930]

We have it booked for May 2024 and can’t wait until we get on it. We loved the Edge and we are sure we will love the Ascent. Great videos by the way one of the best vlogs on the internet

[@rhondafair1412]

We are on the Ascent now! All three production shows are performing in the theater! Very upset with the drinks the prices are too high for what you get the packages do not cover the cost for the martinis! What is going on. Roast beef sandwiches in Eden a $9.00 up charge no way! They also took off some of my favorites in the 4 restaurants not sure I want to continue with this cruise line

[@JJCruise]

That’s great to hear the third show is performing! Hope it’s awesome! 👏🏼

[@ashleys4652]

So you would really not go on a cruise line because they removed your favorite restaurant dish and they increased drink prices? Every other cruise line has also increased prices in some manner and made cutbacks since the pandemic. Maybe be thankful you are on the newest, most beautiful cruise ship?

[@reneesendlessstyle8144]

Thank you for your review. We leave Sunday, December 17, on the Ascent.

[@JJCruise]

Have fun!

[@wjbwendy]

I am booked March 3 and looking forward to it. Thanks for the content.

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy your cruise!

[@KarenLane-g4t]

Great video as always! I was on the first Inaugural cruise and loved it. It was also my first time on Edge class and also my first solo cruise. You are right about the solo meetup. We had one the first night, and only 3 of us showed up. Very disappointing. I stayed in a Single IV cabin. It was great but could use some more storage. The shower, though, was huge!! It took up one whole side of the bathroom, not just the corner. As far as the internet is concerned, I had no problem anywhere, even on the pool deck. I thought everything was fantastic.

[@pj7342]

Potato chips in the Annex! Salty snacks seem so rare on Celebrity. Nice to see.

[@JJCruise]

We agree! That and popcorn which is extremely rare! 🥳

[@David-jw5ro]

Thank you for the great review, we are booked on the Ascent in Oct 2024, so much looking forward to it after watching your review.

[@stevemic8991]

Thank you for the insight. It’s between this one and Carnival Celebration

[@sandygenier795]

I wish someone would cover the drink package price. Thanks.

[@beckylee1750]

Thank you for the honest review. Do you know if the veranda rooms are open to the sea air? It looks like they have a window, but no way to open it?

[@carolm1754]

Thank you for your review. We are going on it in January. It will be our first Celebrity Cruise. You are the first that I have watched that said anything about the pool deck shimmer party! I like that it is not the typical all white night!

[@JJCruise]

We know our Celebrity Cruises 😉 Thanks for watching and enjoy in January!

[@davidhurwitz2291]

Is there a shimmer party on The Beyond?

[@sherwinmackintosh6540]

OK. I just subscribed to you channel. Great video! Very helpful. We are scheduled to go on Ascent in April in the Aqua Class for the Transatlantic cruise (13 nights). We lived in NYC for many years and are definitely theater people. It was great to hear you rave about the entertainment. My questions is: How can you schedule the shows and dinner to see the main Theater shows and the shows in Eden? Plus dinner? Is that possible to do all of that in 1 night? Are there 2 showtimes for Eden and 2 showtimes for the main Theatre? Since this is a 13 night cruise, is it likely that they would schedule the shows a couple of times, so if you miss it one night, it would be happening on another night? Thanks for your help. This is our second cruise on Celebrity, our first being Reflection 5 years ago (also for a transatlantic). Any advice?

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for subscribing! Yes! They typically have multiple shows each night and sometimes have them multiple nights on a Transatlantic. You can do all in one night, just go to dinner early and plan for late shows. Arrive around 45 minutes to an hour early for the Club and Eden shows. Main theatre shows you can arrive 30 minutes prior and be fine. Have a wonderful cruise!

[@bobcarr5497]

Excellent review gentlemen, My wife and I just booked a 11 night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise for March 2026. This will be our first taste of the edge class as we sailed Celebrity for the fist time in October 2023 in a Aqua class cabin on Equinox. Even though it was a older ship our first experience was great and we surly appreciated the spa perks and Blu speciality restaurant and decided this time to move up to a edge class ship vs the soltice class. So this second cruise on Celebrity Asent we decided to book a Aqua Sky suite that comes with the retreat and many other perks including all the Aqua class perks as well that we had on our last sailing back in 2023. We like having the best of both we just hope we can strategically have enough days 11 of them to see it and use it all or atleast most of it. Lol. What's your take on the Aqua Sky suite and the retreat? Worth the investment? As it is quite a bit more say jumping from A1 prime Aqua Class to a Aqua Sky suite and the retreat. Thanks again!

[@davidhurwitz2291]

Do the Edge class ships have Mah Jong sets and a place to play? Sailing on the Beyond in 3 weeks.

[@shirala1972]

Great video! My question is if you don’t eat in Eden can you still go and see the show? We are booked March 10 for the deluxe inside cabin also, very excited!!

[@michellnav]

Yes you can still see the show without having dinner there. But dinner at Eden was an amazing experience. I highly recommend the splurge!!!

[@JJCruise]

Yes! All Eden shows are complimentary. In fact, you can’t see the shows from the Eden Restaurant. ☺️

[@daniellep2719]

What is your opinion on this ship for teens? Thanks!

[@edeter2260]

Did the Celebrity Ascent have a dedicated outdoor walking track? I just completed my first 4 night cruise on Celebrity Summit and was disappointment that there was no true outdoor walking track. The Summit's deck 11 jogging track was kind of a joke, very short. I did not research the Summit for that feature and assumed that would be a standard feature on all ships. The Norwegian Sky has a track were 6 loops around the deck equals a mile and since it was an outdoor track is a feature I really like, espeically after eating. Overall I did find Celebrity a very good cruise line and would go on another Celebrity Cruise. Your reviews of Celebrity are apot on and what I experienced as well. Thanks for the tips and reviews.

[@JJCruise]

Yes! There is a longer walking/jogging track on the upper decks that also has an incline as well!

[@dynamitetravel]

the track is intense includes inclines I was surprised!

[@karendee3206]

Enjoyed your review...as always!

[@mariareyes-ku6194]

Hi guys. Did you dine on Raw on 5? We are reserving it but need to know if they have any specials on the first night. I know it’s a la Carte prices. Thanks for your great review. ❤❤

[@summerwinter4]

Thank you for the great review!

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching! 🥳

[@cydneystephen2814]

Hey JJ. Value your critique as you are avid Celebrity cruisers. Have t been on since 1992 so it all looks amazing and will add the Ascent to my list. Thanks so much.

[@JJCruise]

Yes! Definitely a great ship to check out for Celebrity! 🥳

[@debbie8935]

On Ascent in Feb. So excited 😊. Loved this review. Now I know what to look for.

[@JJCruise]

Yes!! Have a blast!

[@robertmorris5055]

An inside cabin that seems dark? 😂. NOw that’s a revelation for sure. We did a cruise many years ago and had an inside cabin. Was so dark I could see my luminescent watch face on the bathroom door. Now that’s dark😮

[@nikiw.]

I agree with all points in the video. It was also a little disappointing there wasn't more fan fare for the maiden voyage but it was still a fantastic cruise on a gorgeous ship!

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Niki! We were so glad to have you along for the ride. It was a great maiden voyage indeed!!

[@nancycintron9362]

Sailing on Feb 4, 2024!! Can’t wait!!

[@JJCruise]

Have a wonderful cruise! 🥳

[@schlical]

We will be on the Ascent Feb 2025. It is Western Caribbean to Falmouth, Grand Cayman and Nassau. Do you have any videos or suggestions on what to do at each port? I heard Jamaica is the worst of the 3, as far as safety and aggressive vendors, etc. We will go to Atlantis when in the Bahamas and not sure in Grand Cayman. There are 4 of us, seniors 66+. Please advise! :)

[@pamelabrauer9450]

I must say, now that clips are coming out from the third show, Residency, I 100% agree with your “ugly” selection. This is a major disappointment that we were not able to see this show. But I agree, a return trip is definitely in order. I loved the ship overall.

[@pj7342]

The pub games would be nice to have around the ship on sea days.

[@kated2847]

I am booked on this ship in June. Originally booked on Beyond until they decided to move it to the Caribbean instead. This will be my first Celebrity. I am so surprised they do not have a sofa package. I do not drink alcohol and I really do not want to pay the prices for the non alcohol packages. I don’t want juice and all the other stuff. Just the soda. As a result I probably will never book celebrity again. The price point is higher and I don’t see the benefits.

[@martinejoseph5266]

Love your review. Thank you for letting us know about the price increases for premium drink. I know for me I upgrade to premium to have all my drink included.. Is it only for Ascent or fleet wide?

[@JJCruise]

We hear its fleet wide!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video.

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching! 🥳

[@grannyoffive1313]

Thank you for an honest review of the celebrity ascent…

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching! 🥳

[@melissablair3463]

Loved this ship and the Eden cast is the BEST I also loved our time in the Annex

[@nikiw.]

So excited to see some shots of Vishy in there!

[@JJCruise]

We loved our time on the ship, especially our time spent with the crew!

[@melissablair3463]

@@nikiw. me too loved seeing my favorite crew

[@melissablair3463]

@@JJCruise me too

[@atomicrancher3745]

Ha! You book an inside cabin and then complain it’s dark? Come on guys. I thought you were kidding. Your other complaints don’t concern me (not much of a drinker and don’t go to loud shows that hurt my ears). I’m a solo but have noticed few solos ever participate in get-togethers on any ship so not an issue for me. Some respected YT contributors are calling Ascent almost a “perfect” ship to please everyone. Love their solo verandah cabins too.

[@JJCruise]

No complaints, just observations as we’ve experienced other inside cabins with better lighting to brighten-up an interior cabin. We’ve experienced over 20 different inside cabins to date. We loved Ascent btw. In case you haven’t watching our Good Bad and Ugly Review of Ascent. 😉

[@stuartAF888]

The Annex seems really cool

[@alvalantine]

How was the bake goods? I've been on Celebrity ships and the bake goods were very average at best. Cookies never fresh. Thoughts from anyone else on bake goods on Celebrity?

[@JJCruise]

At Cafe Al Bacio it’s hit or miss. We love the chocolate tarts/tortes* Macarons are also usually great!

[@michelleforszt4546]

Was your cruise comped as a travel professional or was it a revenue inside cabin?

[@JJCruise]

We paid for it. Not comped in any way.

[@busta1n2]

We sail her in February. First cruise with Celebrity. I was a bit confused during the drink package portion of your review. Are you saying that even with the premium drink package there are still upcharges in some cases? Thanks!

[@JJCruise]

Yes, that is correct!

[@sallybests6907]

Hi, any club or activities for teens ? we are planning to book our first cruise with Celebrity with our 14 years old boy and we want make sure that he will not be bored on board. Please advise.

[@ivanabarneche7074]

I never been in a cruise. I would like to get with my family my husband and my 1 and 5 year old kids . Would I have a good time !? Is it ok for kids or ill be board with them

[@Powerful_Female]

That metallic party looks hot!! 🔥

[@JJCruise]

It was awesome!! 😎

[@truej23og]

Ayyye, I see you singing that Fall Out Boy karaoke

[@JJCruise]

We love us some Fall Out Boy! 🤘🏽🎤

[@wandaethen5215]

Hi in another one of your ascent videos you were disappointed in the fact it didn’t feel like a real maiden voyage and no gifts besides a hat, Did that improve or was it just a hat and a seafood buffet ? Booked Xcel maiden voyage so curious.

[@JJCruise]

They definitely got the message at corporate and gave another gift which included a ship photo in a small booklet. They also added a Maiden Voyage Soirée on second Chic Night which included champagne toast with the captains, Luigi and officers as well as truffles. We believe they will be well prepared next time for Xcel as they clearly realized this one was not ready but quickly changed course after the feedback from guests onboard. It was obvious it was an afterthought on Ascent, but won’t be again on Xcel - as then it’s a Big Problem. 😅

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Gotta say, I enjoyed your video a great deal. There's a lot of good information in this in terms of activities and features that I haven't found in others and I definitely pick up genuine enthusiasm for cruising and its possibilities. I'm a Solstice ship fan. Also, I hope this ship has some Perry Grant type of piano bar entertainers. He was a legend on HAL than in Celebrity's Michael's pub and other lines. Then Celebrity went and made Michael's for suite club guests only. Yuck. I get the inside rooms mostly because I'm all about the public areas. I have no use for suites.

[@pj7342]

The drink price increases seem like a money grab by Celebrity, and degrade the Celebrity experience especially because of the overall price increases, and reduction in included OBC. And, anyone that booked months or years ago likely did have a chunk of OBC and, if Retreat also Premium Drink Package. So the increase price of drinks helps Celebrity to reclaim the OBC without having to give anything in return. This will leave one feeling fleeced and not refreshed on vacation.

[@kevinsnewslotchannel]

Is that adult only cruise?

[@JJCruise]

It is not, but tends to be primarily adults outside of Spring Break, Summer and School Holidays. ☺️

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Interesting. I have uglies that have to do with what Celebrity is doing to their product with this class of ship. And class is the operative word. They have several classes of ship and this one favors the Retreat class (all Edge class ships do). For me, that's ugly. While anyone can enjoy forward views on anything other than an Edge ship, those on this ship get an ultra fancy restaurant. Inside social areas of this ship are what? Sports bar/lounge, Eden giant space that's also a performance space, the Club (some aspects of it are really nice but wish there were windows somewhere), the Grand Plaza's tiers including the Martini Bar. Piano Bar, great idea. Why not have a piano bar lounge, like say, Michaels? So, the Annex was needed for a social spot and you rent it out? Ugly. There are just more interior social areas in the previous class of ships. And more quiet nooks and alcoves. At some point when the newness and trendiness of this ship wears off, I think a lot of it will be redesigned and repurposed for more social areas inside the ship. The ship also, though pretty, lacks that chic retro swanky modern quality that Celebrity ships have always had. However, the MDRs have them so that's nice. Edge ships can be better but the class thing is designed into them. It's there in some other ships but even more pronounced on this one.

[@aimeerogers4542]

Thank you for occasionally cruising in an inside room. Not everyone can afford the balconies.

[@JJCruise]

We definitely like to try them all out ☺️

[@in2cruising]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ruthkringle1353]

I’m 68 and think it’s too much of a party cruise

[@debbief2882]

My cruise partner is loyal to HAL. 😢

[@JJCruise]

Nothing wrong with loyalty. But also nothing wrong with trying another line 😜

[@jaengen]

You guys seem to thrive on putting out negative headlines about cruise lines. More clicks means more revenue for you from KZbin is my guess.

[@JJCruise]

We’ve done unbiased, honest reviews for years. We share the good, bad, and ugly. Typically, our thumbnails address the ugly or something bad. That said, we are very positive people and often share more positives than negatives for most cruise ships and cruise itineraries. You just have to watch to find out what was the good and what was bad. 😉

[@ruthkringle1353]

I hope nobody was mean to you

[@michaelbrady5878]

Guys I think you’re grasping at straws to find negatives. The inside cabin was dark…seriously! Your ugly is that a show you wanted to see wasn’t production ready - BOO HOO! Those of us not in the travel industry wouldn’t even know that. I mean give me a break!

[@mommynab]

Some cruiselines actually put in faux portholes with "views" of the ocean. Basically cameras but that definitely makes an inside feel more comfortable, brighter . It's surprising that a brand new, uplevel ship didn't include, but they likely just don't care that much to improve an inside.

[@JJCruise]

We give our honest thoughts to better prepare cruisers who are ready to book or cruise on a cruise ship. Inside rooms are dark and not great for someone needing more light in their life. The third show not being ready was noticeable for all who went as the shows were published on the website and promoted prior to the cruise. That said, if these don’t affect you, then that’s great! 😉

[@am1frigider]

The super fake voice acting ruins this video , for me

[@nsn9668]

Guys, do you know by any chance I’d they have a sauna in the gym changing room like on the Eclipse?

[@JJCruise]

They do not. 😌

[@nsn9668]

Great review! I am excited to be on this ship in April. Do you know by any chance anything about Persian Garden on it? How much is a package? How was the buffet?

[@JJCruise]

Buffet was great on our sailing! We had one night where selection was limited but the food that was there was delicious! Persian Gardens will be available to book in your Cruise Planner online - we didn’t catch the rates for our sailing but that could be different on your sailing anyways as it depends on amount of days and number of people. 🧖🏽

[@nsn9668]

Thanks