Celebrity Ascent
Former name: STX FRANCE M34
Cruise line
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Ascent current position
The current location of Celebrity Ascent is in West Mediterranean (coordinates 42.36432 N / 6.47825 E) cruising at speed of 12.4 kn (23 km/h | 14 mph) en route to Palma de Mallorca. The AIS position was last reported 44 seconds ago.
All Itineraries Current PositionCurrent itinerary of Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent current cruise is а 7 days, round-trip Italy, Spain French Riviera. Prices start from USD 1743 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary begins on June 28, 2025 and ends on July 5, 2025.
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
28 Jun 17:00 | Departing from Barcelona, Spain hotels |
29 Jun 10:00 - 20:00 | Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, France Riviera |
30 Jun 07:00 - 19:00 | La Spezia, Italy Riviera |
01 Jul 07:00 - 19:00 | Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy |
02 Jul 07:00 - 18:00 | Portofino, Italy Riviera |
04 Jul 08:00 - 18:00 | Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain |
05 Jul 05:00 | Arriving in Barcelona, Spain hotels |
Specifications of Celebrity Ascent
Year of build | 2023 / Age: 2 |
Flag state | Malta |
Builder | Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, France) |
Class | Celebrity EDGE |
Building cost | EUR 770 million (USD 900 million) |
Engines (power) | Wartsila (55 MW / 73756 hp) |
Speed | 22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph |
Length (LOA) | 327 m / 1073 ft |
Beam (width) | 39 m / 128 ft |
Gross Tonnage | 140600 gt |
Passengers | 3276 - 3950 |
Crew | 1400 |
Passengers-to-space ratio | 36 |
Decks | 16 |
Cabins | 1646 |
Decks with cabins | 10 |
Sister-ships | Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Xcel |
Former names | STX FRANCE M34 |
Christened by | Captain Sandy Yawn and Michelle Dunham |
Owner | RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (via RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) |
Operator | Celebrity Cruises |
Celebrity Ascent Itineraries
Date | Itinerary | Departure Port | Price from |
---|---|---|---|
2025 Jun 28 | 7 days, round-trip Italy, Spain French Riviera | Barcelona | $1743 |
2025 Jul 05 | 7 days, one-way from Barcelona to Piraeus-Athens | Barcelona | $1634 |
2025 Jul 12 | 7 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Barcelona | Piraeus-Athens | $1662 |
2025 Jul 19 | 7 days, one-way from Barcelona to Piraeus-Athens | Barcelona | $1199 |
2025 Jul 26 | 7 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Barcelona | Piraeus-Athens | $1380 |
2025 Aug 02 | 7 days, one-way from Barcelona to Piraeus-Athens | Barcelona | $1782 |
2025 Aug 09 | 7 days, one-way from Piraeus-Athens to Barcelona | Piraeus-Athens | $1405 |
2025 Aug 16 | 7 days, round-trip Italy, Spain French Riviera | Barcelona | $1549 |
2025 Aug 23 | 7 days, round-trip Italy French Riviera | Barcelona | $1542 |
2025 Aug 30 | 9 days, one-way from Barcelona to Civitavecchia-Rome | Barcelona | $1702 |
2025 Sep 08 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2396 |
2025 Sep 19 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2040 |
2025 Sep 29 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2180 |
2025 Oct 10 | 10 days, round-trip Greece, Italy Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1841 |
2025 Oct 20 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1780 |
2025 Oct 31 | 13 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Fort Lauderdale | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1315 |
2025 Nov 13 | 8 days, round-trip Aruba, Curacao Cayman | Fort Lauderdale | $1549 |
2025 Nov 21 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1506 |
2025 Dec 01 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2079 |
2025 Dec 12 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1647 |
2025 Dec 22 | 11 days, round-trip Panama Canal Perfect Day Holiday | Fort Lauderdale | $2889 |
2026 Jan 02 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1574 |
2026 Jan 12 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2070 |
2026 Jan 23 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1675 |
2026 Feb 02 | 11 days, round-trip Panama Canal Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2587 |
2026 Feb 13 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2390 |
2026 Feb 23 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2163 |
2026 Mar 06 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1750 |
2026 Mar 16 | 11 days, round-trip Panama Canal Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2450 |
2026 Mar 27 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1835 |
2026 Apr 06 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1872 |
2026 Apr 17 | 3 days, round-trip Bahamas Getaway | Fort Lauderdale | $707 |
2026 Apr 20 | 14 days, one-way from Fort Lauderdale to Civitavecchia-Rome | Fort Lauderdale | $1187 |
2026 May 04 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2137 |
2026 May 15 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1978 |
2026 May 25 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1970 |
2026 Jun 05 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1968 |
2026 Jun 15 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1814 |
2026 Jun 26 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2036 |
2026 Jul 06 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1994 |
2026 Jul 17 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2964 |
2026 Jul 27 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1804 |
2026 Aug 07 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2199 |
2026 Aug 17 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1812 |
2026 Aug 28 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2220 |
2026 Sep 07 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2549 |
2026 Sep 18 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2679 |
2026 Sep 28 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2417 |
2026 Oct 09 | 10 days, round-trip Italy, Greece Croatia | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2682 |
2026 Oct 19 | 11 days, round-trip Greece, Turkey Italy | Civitavecchia-Rome | $2835 |
2026 Oct 30 | 14 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Fort Lauderdale | Civitavecchia-Rome | $1204 |
2026 Nov 13 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1324 |
2026 Nov 23 | 11 days, round-trip Panama Canal Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1907 |
2026 Dec 04 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1256 |
2026 Dec 14 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1137 |
2026 Dec 24 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2161 |
2027 Jan 04 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1919 |
2027 Jan 15 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1864 |
2027 Jan 25 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1919 |
2027 Feb 05 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1699 |
2027 Feb 15 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1919 |
2027 Feb 26 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1625 |
2027 Mar 08 | 11 days, round-trip Panama Canal Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2337 |
2027 Mar 19 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1779 |
2027 Mar 29 | 11 days, round-trip Best of Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $2019 |
2027 Apr 09 | 10 days, round-trip Ultimate Southern Caribbean | Fort Lauderdale | $1575 |
Celebrity Ascent Review
Review of Celebrity Ascent
The 2023-built Celebrity Ascent cruise ship is the fourth in a series of five EDGE-class passenger liners, alongside sisterships Celebrity Edge (2018), Celebrity Apex (2021), Celebrity Beyond (2022), and Celebrity Xcel (2025). All these large vessels (GT ~140,000) were constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.
The vessel (IMO number 9838400) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 256191000) and registered in Valletta.
History - Construction and Ownership
Celebrity Cruises was established in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Line (which operated cruises from 1974 to 1996). In 1997, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) merged with "Celebrity Cruises Ltd" to form "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd" (RCCL). The “X” on ship funnels represents the Greek letter chi, a nod to "Chandris."
Key features of Celebrity Cruises ships include aft-facing glass-walled dining rooms, multiple signature specialty restaurants, elegant bars and lounges, spacious atrium lobbies, a high percentage of balcony staterooms, expansive sundecks with pools, The Retreat (an adults-only sundeck with pool, Jacuzzi, cabanas, and bar service), Rooftop Terrace (a top-deck dining/entertainment venue), large spas (with thermal suites), and premium retail shops offering top-brand merchandise.
The 3,300-passenger Celebrity Ascent is the fourth newbuild under "Project Edge." These vessels are larger than the Millennium-class but smaller than the Solstice-class, marketed as offering “small-ship itineraries with large-ship amenities,” destination-rich experiences, and iconic modern maritime architecture.
New Features (Edge-Class Ship Design Changes)
Compared to her EDGE-class sisters Apex and Edge, Ascent is 20 meters (66 ft) longer, one deck taller, accommodates 179 more staterooms, and is approximately 12% larger in volume (GT 140,600). She introduces new venues and expanded public spaces.
New highlights on Celebrity Ascent include “Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud” (a 50-seat specialty restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud), a redesigned Luminae (the suite-exclusive restaurant by designer Kelly Elaine Hoppen), a revamped Pool Deck, an expanded Rooftop Garden (Deck 15, featuring more shaded seating, two infinity pools, a larger Rooftop Grill Bar), a Sunset Bar that is double in size (aft on Deck 15), and a larger Retreat complex (the suite-exclusive lounge located forward on Deck 15).
- The Resort Deck (Deck 14) now features a 23-meter (75-ft) lap pool with in-pool chaise loungers, surrounded by a terraced sundeck, two-deck-high Jacuzzis, sunken seating areas, and a life-sized elephant statue.
- The Sunset Bar (Decks 15–16) is a two-deck, Casablanca, Morocco-themed venue, designed by Nate Berkus and Tom Wright/WKK, with cascading terraces, covered enclaves, and cozy conversation areas.
- The Retreat spans three decks (15–17) and includes The Retreat Lounge, Lower Sundeck (with glass-roof above The Solarium’s pool), and The Retreat Sundeck. Amenities include a bar, cabanas (available for rent), upscale furniture (loungers, sofas, daybeds), a circular pool, two cantilevered plunge pools, outdoor showers, and restrooms. The Retreat’s Edge Villas (two-deck suites) were also redesigned.
- Le Voyage Restaurant was designed by Jouin Manku and offers gourmet cuisine by Daniel Boulud, paired with a curated wine list and professional sommelier service.
- The fleet-first World Class Bar, in partnership with Diageo plc, serves premium wines and cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
WKK Architects’ Tom Wright redesigned and expanded many of Ascent’s outdoor venues, including the Resort Deck, The Retreat, and Rooftop Garden. The Resort Deck is ~40% larger than on Edge and Apex and features “Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night” light shows with DJ music.
The three-deck-high Grand Plaza (midship) is larger, enabling the Martini Bar to be centrally positioned on Lobby Deck 2 as a circular bar. The venue’s chandelier includes hundreds of LED-lit blades that change color throughout the day and night.
Celebrity Ascent debuts AquaClass SkySuites, which offer floor-to-ceiling views, large private terraces, premium bedding, and wellness-focused amenities. The launch also marks the beginning of a partnership with Gwyneth Paltrow, Celebrity Cruises’ “Well-Being Advisor.”
Since 2022, all AquaClass passengers (fleetwide, excluding Galapagos ships) have access to complimentary wellness amenities from Paltrow’s goop brand and participate in curated wellness programs under the “Women in Wellness” initiative.
Celebrity Ascent ship related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
RCG orders 6th EDGE-class ship for Celebrity Cruises, with delivery in 2028
RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (world's second-biggest cruise shipowner) finalized an agreement to construct a 6th EDGE-class ship for its subsidiary...
January 23, 2025 - Cruise Industry
Celebrity Cruises unveils 2026-2027 global itineraries across all 7 continents
Celebrity Cruises is set to navigate an impressive range of global destinations during its 2026-2027 season, with itineraries that span 600+ sailings...
October 3, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Celebrity Ascent ship starts European cruises from Barcelona (Spain)
Celebrity Cruises’ latest addition, the Celebrity Ascent, is preparing for her inaugural sailing in Europe following her arrival in Barcelona...
April 26, 2024 - Cruise Industry
VIDEO: Celebrity Cruises unveils "Nothing Comes Close" brand positioning
Celebrity Cruises extends an invitation to travelers seeking elevated experiences at sea, unveiling its new brand positioning, "Nothing Comes Close...
April 10, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Celebrity Cruises unveils European/Mediterranean itineraries for Celebrity Ascent ship
Celebrity Cruises' newest vessel is set to make its European debut in weeks. With limited-time offers available until April 7th, cruisers are...
March 12, 2024 - Cruise Industry
6 Celebrity Cruises' ships attain Forbes Travel Guide ratings
Celebrity Cruises, recognized as the first ocean cruise line honored with the esteemed Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG") Star Awards in 2023, continues to...
February 10, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Celebrity to offer first weekend cruises in the Caribbean
Celebrity Cruises is set to offer new 3- and 4-night weekend itineraries in the Caribbean for the first time in 2024. The RCG-owned company will...
January 18, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Celebrity Ascent makes Caribbean debut from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades cruise port
The Caribbean welcomes the latest addition to Celebrity Cruises' fleet, as Celebrity Ascent, the 4th vessel in the EDGE series, officially makes her...
January 1, 2024 - Cruise Industry
(2024) Celebrity Cruises' Caribbean fleet (9 ships) and diverse (3- to 12-day) itineraries
Celebrity Cruises is gearing up for its most extensive Caribbean season, deploying a fleet of 9 ships for itineraries ranging from 3-night getaways...
December 30, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Celebrity Cruises names fleet's newest ship Celebrity Ascent in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale
Celebrity Cruises formally christened its latest vessel, now officially known as Celebrity Ascent. The noteworthy occasion featured co-Godmothers...
December 3, 2023 - show more news
Other Celebrity Cruises cruise ships
Celebrity Ascent Wiki
The vessel (Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number M34) has a volume of 130,818 GT, a DWT of 9,000 tons, and a maximum draught of 8.2 meters. Its powerplant is based on Wartsila marine diesel engines (models 8L46F, 12V46F, 12V32E) with a combined output of 55 MW. The registered shipowner is CELEBRITY ASCENT INC, and the ship is managed by CELEBRITY CRUISES INC.
EDGE-Class ships were designed through an exclusive partnership with Nate Berkus, a US interior designer who founded his own firm at the age of 24.
Construction of the vessel officially began on November 17, 2021, with a steel-cutting ceremony at Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard (formerly STX France) in St. Nazaire, France. The event was attended by Richard Fain (Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO), Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (Celebrity Cruises President and CEO), and Laurent Castaing (Shipyard General Manager).
Physical construction commenced on August 24, 2022, marked by the keel-laying ceremony at Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Attendees included Jason Liberty (RCG President and CEO), Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and Laurent Castaing (President of STX France).
On April 11, 2019, RCG signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for a fifth EDGE-class vessel—Celebrity Xcel—scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025.
Celebrity Ascent was floated out from drydock on January 21, 2023. The ceremony was attended by Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and Laurent Castaing. On January 25, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo announced that the ship's Masters would be two Piraeus-born brothers—Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis (with Celebrity since 1990) and Captain Tasos Kafetzis (with Celebrity since 1998)—alternating in three-month rotations.
In August 2023, the ship's godmothers were announced: Captain Sandy Yawn and her sister Michelle Dunham, both of whom are married to the ship's brother captains. Captain Sandra "Sandy" Yawn (born 1965) is known from Bravo TV’s reality series "Below Deck Mediterranean," where she appeared in seasons 2 (Sirocco), 3 (Talisman Maiton), 4 (Sirocco), 5 (The Wellington), 6 (Lady Michelle), and 7 (Home). Michelle Dunham (born 1970) co-founded the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA), a nonprofit private school established in Jacksonville, Florida, USA in 2005.
Sea trials were conducted over four days in the Bay of Biscay (September 27–30, 2023). The vessel was officially delivered on November 8. Delivery documents were signed by Jason Liberty (RCG), Laura Hodges Bethge (Celebrity Cruises President), and Laurent Castaing (shipbuilder).
Celebrity Ascent's christening ceremony took place on December 1, 2023, at Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale. The event was led by both godmothers and attended by Laura Hodges Bethge.
Inaugural Itineraries 2023
Celebrity opened bookings for Ascent cruises in February 2022, with all voyages homeporting in Port Everglades (Florida, USA).
In mid-March 2023, Celebrity added two preview cruises on Ascent for November 2023, both roundtrips from Port Everglades: a 4-night Western Caribbean voyage (departing November 22, to Cozumel) and a 3-night Bahamas getaway (departing November 26, to Nassau).
The following tables present the Maiden Voyage and inaugural itineraries by region and destination.
MAIDEN VOYAGE 2023: 7-day "Eastern Caribbean" itinerary (prices starting from USD 1,400 per person)
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
03 Dec 15:30 | Departing from Fort Lauderdale |
06 Dec 08:00 - 18:00 | Philipsburg, St Maarten Island, Netherlands Antilles |
07 Dec 07:00 - 16:00 | Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas Island USVI |
08 Dec 11:00 - 18:00 | Puerto Plata, Dominicana |
10 Dec 07:00 | Arriving in Fort Lauderdale |
inaugural 7-day "Bahamas, Mexico and, Grand Cayman" itinerary
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
10 Dec 15:30 | Departing from Fort Lauderdale |
11 Dec 07:00 - 17:00 | Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas |
13 Dec 08:00 - 19:00 | Cozumel, Mexico |
15 Dec 07:00 - 19:00 | George Town, Grand Cayman Island |
17 Dec 07:00 | Arriving in Fort Lauderdale |
inaugural 7-day "San Juan, Tortola, and St Kitts" itinerary
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
17 Dec 15:30 | Departing from Fort Lauderdale |
19 Dec 15:30 - 23:30 | San Juan, Puerto Rico USA |
20 Dec 08:00 - 18:00 | Road Town, Tortola Island BVI |
21 Dec 07:00 - 18:00 | Port Zante/Basseterre, St Kitts |
24 Dec 07:00 | Arriving in Fort Lauderdale |
Godspeed!