My (Very Honest) CELEBRITY ASCENT Review - Brand New Celebrity Cruises Ship!

[@donnasichta6945]

just completed a cruise on Ascent to Italy, Turkey and Greece......AMAZING

[@David-jw5ro]

Enjoyed the insight given we are aboard the Ascent in October 2024 for 9 nights, the food & entertainment you featured looked amazing.

[@charliedurham4248]

Entertainment is good... "Especially on the new ships" is a key phrase. I went on their oldest ship and it was, by far, the worst entertainment I had ever experienced on a cruise ships. Worse than high school productions.

[@annalisadeluca9579]

Zach, thank you for posting such a concise and sparkling review of Ascent. We are looking forward to our first cruise on her in early autumn in Europe. I now can’t wait.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thank you for watching! I hope you have a great time.

[@s.j.2148]

I was also on this cruise, with my extended family, as well as the following 3 day cruise, on the 6234. I loved the infinite veranda feature. I also had an issue with the A/C, but I contacted customer relations within hours of boarding and they corrected it. I set it at 68F and it stayed there for the remainder of the 6 days. It is a beautiful ship. The crew was wonderful, the food was amazing, we loved the La petit chef!

[@johnbuckley8324]

Great review Zach. Because of your videos and your rousing endorsement of Celebrity as a cruise line, I am booking a cruise on Apex. 🙂 I wanted try Celebrity anyway, but you provided the extra incentive to get it done. Cheers!

[@user-ex9em7hd9e]

Great video, as always. It was nice meeting you, and I hope you enjoy your next adventure! I'm looking forward to hearing all about it!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thank you! It was very nice to meet you as well.

[@robinschannelmcconnell5575]

We were on both preview cruises and we loved this ship. Agree that Awakenings is a must see!

[@daveduffy2823]

The Eden Cafe was our go to spot on our trip. The food there was the best.

[@noname-JS]

I'm stoked for my single infinite verandah queen bed with no center edges -- the same as yours although mine states 25% obstruction. Wonder what the difference will be?

[@user-rc4nq8zu6w]

I agree, we were on the 3 day and everything was pretty much perfect. We booked two more cruise for 2024 on the Ascent. It’s truly a beautiful ship!

[@bobliddell6996]

We enjoyed your review we will be on Ascent in March for a B2B in the Retreat. Looking forward to it.

[@jessicakay7237]

I'm cruising soon Jan 2024 and will be in a single occupancy room on deck 6. I first did a single occupancy room on Apex and loved it! The review you did I appreciate. After Jan my only Edge class ship I'll need is Beyond and I am going on that cruise in June 2024. :)

[@kevinlambright283]

Great review, thanks! Seeing a lot of reviews and excitement around Ascent, would love one sail the ship someday. We have sailed on Equinox 3 times now and love that ship. We are sailing on Beyond for an 11 night cruise next April, cannot wait for that, and we actually booked Xcel for March 2026, a ship that has not even been built yet, lol! Great review, love the content, keep it coming!

[@mickgoldynia9979]

Thanks for sharing your experience on the Ascent, Zach. Good to hear the internet worked well. I especially liked your review of the AC. I like a cool (bordering. on cold) bedroom. This helps me decide on going with a suite rather than a verandah cabin, for the air conditioning). Keep the reviews coming. 👍👍

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jaire8565]

Omg ..... Steak & egg baugle I'm sold... Will be on the Accent at the end of March

[@AA-eh7co]

That is one beautiful vessel. I just hope the cruise industry as a whole can find some new ports to visit. Cozumel, Nassau and some of those islands are so runned down that I really dont even want to get off.

[@2000konnie]

Thank you for the well thought out video review. I can only sort of ask about the fairness of rating the ports. It was a three-day cruse. What port could they have gone to that would have given a higher score? Since I don't do much in the way of excursions in the Caribbean anymore, I just get off and walk around. But many people have a blast in Cozumel, particularly if they are into adventure excursions. I can think of a lot worse ports than Cozumel. And even those, there are always some people who say they had a great time, depending on what they did on the island. Based on what you said, I would have given the port a 5 out of 5 because it was only a three day cruise.

[@Lannishaven]

I gave a thumbs up without watching as I knew I would be smiling all the way through. Love the Steps rating Zach! My mom and I are going on Ascent in Nov 2024 can't wait! THANK YOU ZACH!!!!:)

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@piper-cat]

Great report! We also had issues with A/C in our Sky suite on Ascent. One night it was 74 degrees. Called for maintenance and it improved some but never got to 66. You hit all the highlights we loved as well. Nicely done! A side note, I think the 4.44 rating is a little misleading because of the 3.0 given to Cozumel...there wasn't much they could do for a 4 night cruise and the new ship was the destination. If you remove the 3.0 rating for Ports, the Ascent goes much closer to the 5 star rating it deserves. JMO...great video! Thank you for posting.

[@cookiemaldonado-mcq4326]

I so enjoyed having lobster at the buffet on our last day of the three day luxury cruise. Wow that was amazing. I can’t wait to go back.😊

[@cjjohnson4231]

Enjoyed my first Celebrity Apex cruise last March with family and friends. We all booked Retreat suites at a tremendous value. Now pricing is approaching ultra luxury levels so going with Regent on next cruise. Great review Zach!

[@Steven-er2bt]

Thanks Zach! Another great video! We're pretty sure that your perspective on Celebrity align with ours and we're so happy that you had a very positive experience, Air Conditioning notwithstanding - we were worried Celebrity was "slipping". Premium seafood in the buffet! We're not the biggest fans of the Infinite window (did that twice in Europe), but we think we'll try the Edge series again...

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thanks for watching!

[@roseardanaz]

Thanks so much for another thorough and honest review.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@abrahamroberts2040]

WOW - the food from Eden looks so good! My kinda eating!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

It’s always so delicious!

[@Younglord7]

I wished there were more bar service at the pool deck. On the Summit we have servers come by every 5 minutes. Here on the Ascent, I had to go to the bar to get a drink.

[@MrPecky]

If you have the Infinite Veranda and the doors to the zVeranda open the AC does NOT operate. I had that explained to me when we got a tour of various empty cabin classes.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

They should post that in the room. As it stands it just says the infinite verandah needs to be closed. Thanks for sharing!

[@larryeinzig3316]

Zach, we loved your video and love the fact that you like Celebrity so much, as we do. Our first cruise on an Edge class ship was on the Edge in Nov., 2022. And if we weren’t already excited enough, your last few videos from the Ascent have made us even more giddy about our upcoming March cruise on the Ascent. Before that, we’ll need to “slum it” 😉 on the Reflection next week, which, if memory serves me, is your favorite Solstice class ship. We don’t usually do specialty dining because we almost always are in Aqua class and of course can dine at Blu, but since you spoke so highly of the lobster casserole at Eden and since it’ll be my birthday during the cruise and since I love lobster, my wife and I will be dining at Eden that night. We love your videos and content. Keep up the great work. Are you considering a group cruise with your subscribers?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

I might have to do a group on an Edge series one of these days…

[@grannyoffive1313]

Thank you Zach!! Wonderful and informative video🚢

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kristihicks9549]

Zach 😊😊. Thank you for doing this awesome 👏 review. Loved your steps process. So glad you enjoyed your Thanksgiving on the ship . I was wondering how the food would be. Have a great weekend 😊

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

You are so welcome!

[@jdb316]

This ship looks fabulous. I’d love to sail in one of Celebrity’s infinite verandas one day.

[@fitfrog65]

We just returned from the maiden voyage. The Ascent isn't Carnival, Zach has it nailed.

[@rhondafair1412]

What a great video I am looking forward to my cruise in a week!!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jasonolefson4236]

I’m sailing in two weeks!! I’m so excited!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@blanchegiunta4316]

Some say celebrity is slipping..but maybe it's the older ships ie equinox/ silhouette.. Your usually spot on & ascent looks fabulous 👌

[@Jon_T19]

I was wondering if the Ascent is identical to the Beyond! The Caribbean deployment schedule for 2025-2026 is being released on Tuesday, so I am excited to book something! I booked Eden on the Apex, coming up. Glad you love it there, it looks incredible!!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Beyond and Ascent are identical save for the Concierge Lounge being moved. And the art is all different, of course. Enjoy Apex!

[@Jon_T19]

I cannot wait to go! Reflection next month, but really looking forward to the Apex. Plus, apparently, they just released a new Blue Chip program and rolled it out on the Apex and Ascent! @@ZachtheTravelingMan

[@pamelabrauer9450]

@@ZachtheTravelingManDon’t forget the Annex. We did that as a group of 15 and had a blast!

[@Caramelito80]

I believe the sunset bar should be bigger on Ascent, or even on Excel, as on beyond, it was literally the place to be at 5 to 6pm. It’s a beautiful ship, if you want a traditional veranda get a sunset one, just not one on decks 12 or 11 due to the OVC outside deck unless you want to hear tables and chairs being dragged over it 24/7

[@Jon_T19]

@@Caramelito80 Great info, thanks!!!

[@randijaffe-7665]

Great synopsis- thanks so much! 😊😊

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@susandiekmann]

Zach, wow, what an incredible ship! Thanks for the thorough review, as always. I hope I didn't make a mistake in booking the Celebrity Summit (for Thanksgiving, 2024) as our first Celebrity ship.

[@larryeinzig3316]

The Summit’s one of Celebrity’s oldest ships, so it won’t look like the Ascent, but hopefully you’ll enjoy the great food, service and entertainment!!!

[@minnesotamiki]

Great review and I’m so glad you had a wonderful cruise! What is the FB group you were referring to? We’re on Beyond in a few weeks!🤩

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Look up Celebrity Beyond and then the date of your cruise on Facebook and you should be able to find a group of folks going on the same cruise.

[@chackett99]

I'll be on this ship for my first cruise ever in May 2024 - 12 nights "Best of Italy and Greece" Looking very forward to it. Is the whole "Sure bring me both entrees" typical, or is this because it was some kind of special cruise where they knew people were there for initials reviews and experience reporting of the ship?

[@liamlunn]

Hey! I am the creator of Awaken and the 2 Eden shows (Allure and Shimmerbox) and seeing this review brought tears to my eyes! So grateful for your acknowledgement to what we have done for Ascent. Thank you so much and wish you happy cruising in the future!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Hi Liam, bravo! 👏🏻 Everyone I heard from absolutely loved Awaken and the shows in Eden. I think the standing room only full house is testament to that. You should be proud. Congrats and thanks for watching!

[@ceciliafogel5370]

Quiero hacer otro crucero en el ASCENT….MAS DÍAS RECIÉN BAJAMOS DE UN VIAJE DE 7dias…es poco para nosotros…

[@melvinjacobs2328]

Thank you. Booked on her for next January

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@melvinjacobs2328]

thank you@@ZachtheTravelingMan

[@jcsmith7898]

I agree with your points!

[@loriwelln7321]

Good cold A/C is must! By any chance are you going to put out any Japan or Busan port videos or blogs?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Those will be out very soon!

[@mea3665]

41st Wedding Anniversary will be our first night on the Apex May 2025. Might have to book Eden Not exciting Ports

[@Lee_lee_27_7_27]

After you go on Virgin, can you let me know your comparison of the food there vs Ascent? I'm a diehard VV fan, and I would like to see your thoughts on the two. Thanks!

[@jdb316]

Are you planning to sail on RC’s new ship Icon of the Seas when it launches?

[@jeffreyzink5499]

The air does not work when veranda window is opened!

[@davidhurwitz2291]

Looks fabulous! Are the shows in Eden free or are the shows only for the people dining there?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

They are free for everyone!

[@EpicRides365]

My wifi throttled back quite a bit on the 3rd night around 11 pm. Not sure what happened, but wasnt a huge deal.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Ugh that’s never fun!

[@abrahamroberts2040]

So minus the port score - this would be very close to a perfect score. Fantastic!!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

It’s very close to a perfect ship!

[@user-nw1fj5fv2m]

Zach How did you manage to book the solo cabin. There aren't any prices for these on the website. I tried asking for a quote using the online chat but no live agent was available.

[@dansharp8042]

Does anyone know what the noise level on deck 12 is???????

[@melvinjacobs2328]

Eden, though pricy, is the best specialty restauranf.

[@butalina]

Actually best food at sea...I would not state that unless you been on Silverseas, Oceania, Regent 7 seas... The Crab Cake on the Reflection was absolutely disgusting in Blu...Not crispy but spongy and all crab filling...the food on the Reflection in Sept was a lot to be desired.

[@pj7342]

What type of bagel topping was that at Eden Cafe? In the past, i've seen plain being served.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Sesame seeds

[@pj7342]

Thank you.

[@TejMagar-gi8qp]

Good. Morning. Boss

[@alanshinosky2336]

Just off the Beyond and your experience on the Ascent was much better than mine on the Beyond. Looks like they made sure that the first Ascent cruises were Celebrity's focus due to first impressions of the media etc. Your meals appeared to look much better than mind in the Eden and Roof Top restaurants. Was in the Retreat and the value for the price point is just not very good. Food quality in Luminae was disappointing along with other areas of the ship. Talked to some crew and they indicated that they took specific individuals and moved them over to the Ascent which obviously affected the overall quality of the Beyond experience.

[@arlenestanton9955]

You book a solo cabin, how much did you pay and did you reserve directly with celebrity?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

It was around $1700 for the four day cruise.

[@s.n.e.8941]

​Wow, that's a lot for just four days. I'm a solo cruiser also. I'm excited to be sailing on Ascent in February for my birthday in an SV! I'm really looking forward to exploring this new ship!

[@bobliddell6996]

Shouldn’t even consider the ports in your ratings. Or, at least, don’t weigh it the same as the ship ratings

[@alvalantine]

I think Holland American has much better food then Celebrity.

[@williamwatson689]

Why in the world would you want the cabin temperature at 66 degrees. You are on a Caribbean cruise.

[@rj7486]

Many people like to sleep at 65-67 degrees.

[@BostonHeather]

Why in the world would you assume everyone likes the same temperature as you?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It's actually a polarizing ship and I can think of at least 3 major shortcomings with it. First, about the aesthetics of it. I find people often say such and such ship is a "beautiful" ship. And I find a lot of ships can be beautiful. But I think more important is how characterful it is and recognizable it is to its brand. I think, as a Celebrity ship, it's not all that recognizable in many of its interior areas as a Celebrity ship as it should be. Celebrity ships, at least from the Horizon class to Solstice class, have taken on the style of a modern classic ship that was influenced by art-deco style. They're evocative of an earlier time, the 20s-60s while being a modernized version of lounges/nightclubs/hotels of that era. I don't see a lot of that in this ship. So, yes, maybe it is beautiful but I think the designers of this ship should have enhanced what they've done more in the Solstice class rather than something that doesn't have that Celebrity signature to it. There are some exceptions, like some of the dining rooms that are evocative. People cruise for many reasons. They may like the ship for the stateroom, the pool environment, the restaurants and food choices, the service style, the activities, the lounges for dancing and nightlife, the nooks and crannies for sea views, the promenade deck, spa services, and other. Celebrity established certain signatures with their cruise ships that includes all of these. But in the Edge, they decided lounges weren't necessary so they deleted them including even the observation lounge. Then Celebrity decided that space should go to suite passengers and gave them a really wonderful restaurant. No decision to perhaps put a lounge above or below that restaurant, that space just doesn't exist on this ship. And for some Celebrity lovers, that's unacceptable and that's a major shortcoming of this ship. On HAL, Princess, Cunard, and at least on non Edge Celebrity ships people used to love to dance in lounges. You can in the lobby area of the Edge ships, in the nightclub, and on deck, but not in spaces that exist on just about any other class of major ships. So, that's a fairly glaring omission in the Edge class ships IMO. Yes, it does the restaurant scene great. They are plentiful. And Celebrity is known for cuisine so it fits. The ships have a state of the art theater. They have Eden. If you like that type of space, it provides it. Other missing things are a library, a room to play cards, a wine lounge called Cellar Masters. There is a kind of creeping classism in this class of ship with devoting some of the prime real estate to just Retreat passengers. In some ways, and this needs to be said, this ship has kind of alienated some loyal Celebrity fans so it may be in Celebrity's interest to make, in their next class of ships, to bring back the Sky lounge and a few others, library and some other areas that some sought out, and maybe figure out a way to provide perks to suite passengers without taking away a forward observation lounge from the majority of the ship's passengers. Food, service, all of that is variable based on the crew, captain, supervising officers. So, the level of food and service should be similar on all Celebrity ships. In terms of crew per passenger, that should improve with each newer class but it's often been on the higher side of the premium mass market lines. So, I'm not so enamored with this class of ships, personally. It's just not inclusive for the different types of cruisers there are as the Solstice class ships are or as they could be.

[@nsn9668]

On Celebrity they call their dishes incorrectly! Like you just said “Gnocchi’s with pumpkin” And I would assume that they incorporated pumpkin in the dough! One time I ordered apple pancakes and assumed they would if bring me 11:19 delicious pancakes with sliced or shredded apple added to the batter! And instead they brought regular pancakes with a few apples from the apple pie filling

[@tubelance]

Do people ever post DISHONEST reviews ?

[@_clayton]

yes

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

It’s just what I call all of my reviews. And yes, if they’re sailing for free you’ll rarely hear any negative critiques.