Cruise story

My First Cruise: The Celebrity Ascent Naming Ceremony & Inaugural Sail

By Kendra · Celebrity Ascent

Kendra standing under the glowing Ascent sign at night — Evening under the Ascent sign.

Six months before this trip, I was approached by top travel producers for marketing work and invited to be part of the naming ceremony and inaugural sail of the Celebrity Ascent. I’ll be honest: I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I said yes!

It was my first time on a cruise ship, and it’s quickly become my favorite way to travel. Meeting the business development manager for Celebrity Cruises fueled my excitement to create unforgettable experiences for you.

Disclosure: I was invited to this sailing through marketing work. These are my own impressions, and amenities and itineraries can change.

The ship

Edge-class ships stand out for their innovative design, modern features and luxurious amenities, like the Magic Carpet. In the evenings the Magic Carpet descends to deck 5 by the atrium. That’s my favorite spot for evening cocktails, and I loved it for the views.

The multi-level atrium with a sculptural chandelier and holiday garland — The atrium, a favorite for evening cocktails.

The orange Magic Carpet platform extended over the ocean at dusk — The Magic Carpet at dusk.

The Magic Carpet platform extended off the side of the ship in daylight — And in the daytime.

Naming ceremony stage with the ship name and class names on a blue pylon — Naming ceremony night.

The Celebrity Ascent name glowing at sunset, seen through a window — The ship at sunset from the dock.

Kendra holding a champagne glass on an upper deck above the pool and ceremony stage — Champagne above the pool deck before the ceremony.

Kendra raising a glass under the Celebrity Ascent sign on the pool deck — Cheers under the Ascent sign.

The food

Recent months had been a whirlwind, with lunch breaks spent shuttling Avaya around and little time to sit down and enjoy a meal. Sitting down to eat hit me as a simple joy. On the Celebrity Ascent, dining was nothing short of extraordinary, from the most lobster I’ve ever seen to late-night fresh pasta. Every meal felt heavenly.

The interactive dining experience was so entertaining and fun, bringing the table to life. And having my favorite chef on board, Daniel Boulud, with his Michelin-starred restaurant, takes dining to unimaginable heights. Okay, I might be a little biased, since he was my old boss, but he’s the best of the best.

The entrance to Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud — Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud.

A tiered display of chilled shrimp at the buffet — The shrimp tower.

A dining table set for two beside a holiday garland — A table set for dinner.

A table for two at sunset with rose petals on the carpet — Dinner for two at sunset.

Shrimp ceviche served in a coconut shell held over the ocean — Shrimp ceviche in a coconut.

Looking down on a dining room with ocean-view windows — A dining room with an ocean view.

Sunsets, spa and slowing down

The shows, the stunning views, the spa and the luxurious amenities turned the ship into my favorite movable resort. The sunset views at the Sunset Bar were breathtaking, and they even turn the ship so you always catch the sunset.

Yoga, the fitness center, hot tubs, the solarium, the Retreat and the plunge pool… okay, all of it left me utterly speechless.

The red entrance to The Retreat bar and pool area — The Retreat.

Pink yoga mats on a wood floor in front of ocean-view windows — Yoga with an ocean view.

A mirrored sculpture sitting by a pool — Poolside art.

Heated tile loungers in a row facing angled windows — Loungers by the windows.

Kendra in a hanging egg chair with a glass of bubbly — A hanging chair and a glass of bubbly.

Kendra smiling beside a glass-sided pool at sunset — Plunge pool at golden hour.

A shell-style chandelier above a white spiral staircase — A statement chandelier above the stairs.

The glass-roofed solarium with hot tub and pool — The solarium.

The Eden sign above a hanging chair in a mint-green lounge — Eden.

Wooden pergola over lounge seating on an upper deck — Shaded corners up top.

White arches over a black and white tiled walkway on deck — Arches and tile.

Kendra in a mirrored hallway with sculptural silver forms — A mirrored hallway worth a photo.

Fun on deck

Guests playing pickleball in the Rooftop Garden — Pickleball in the Rooftop Garden.

An indoor golf simulator lounge — The golf simulator lounge.

A mirrored octopus sculpture beside a lit-up pool at dusk — The octopus at dusk.

A stateroom with a bed, sofa and balcony doors — Home base.

Plan your own

Thinking about a cruise?

I’m a travel advisor with Dream Vacations. Tell me where you want to sail and who’s coming, and I’ll help you plan it. Every qualifying travel booking comes with a custom souvenir beach towel.

Plan my getaway

Explore more on WTR

WTR Destinations More stories

This story reflects Kendra’s own trip. Sponsored spots are always labeled. Amenities, dining and itineraries can change.