What to Know Before Sailing on Celebrity Ascent in 2026
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If you're sailing on Celebrity Ascent — or thinking about booking her, this post is for you. Ascent is one of Celebrity's newest and most impressive ships, and she's absolutely gorgeous. But because there's so much happening on board, knowing how to approach the ship really changes your experience. Whether it's your first Edge-class ship, you're already a Celebrity fan, or it's your first cruise ever, here are my best tips and tricks to get the most out of your sailing.
Tip #1: This Ship Is All About the Outdoor Spaces
One of the biggest mistakes people make on Ascent is spending too much time indoors. This ship was designed around ocean views and open-air spaces, and some of the best areas on board are outside:
The Resort Deck is one of the most stunning pool areas I've seen on any cruise ship (don't miss the cool octopus).
The Rooftop Garden has a ton going on — pickleball, sometimes rooftop movies — and the nearby Sunset Bar has excellent ocean views and is a perfect sailaway spot.
The adults-only Solarium is full of natural light and absolutely stunning.
I loved visiting Bimini on my sailing! Credit: Mark Jackson
Even just walking the upper decks feels upscale and relaxing. If the weather's good, prioritize that outdoor time — this is one of the best-designed ships at sea for it.
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Tip #2: The Magic Carpet Is More Than a Gimmick
The Magic Carpet is the cantilevered platform that moves along the side of the ship, and it absolutely transformed the Celebrity cruising experience, especially at tender ports. Celebrity visits some ports (particularly in Europe) where you can't dock and have to tender in, which can be a hassle on other ships. The Magic Carpet makes that arrival-and-departure experience dramatically better. On sea days, it's a gorgeous bar with comfortable seating and ocean views. When it's connected to the Resort Deck, it extends past the edge of the ship, making for a unique experience at sea. (On my voyage it was stationary, but it's still a great spot.) Spend time out here at different points in the cruise, because the vibe changes constantly.
Tip #3: Specialty Dining Is Absolutely Worth It
Celebrity is unbelievable for dining, and Ascent is some of the best in the fleet. If you're considering the unlimited dining package, this is one of the best ships to buy it on — and buy it before you board, in the app or online, where it's discounted. Standouts:
Fine Cut Steakhouse — earned a four-star Forbes award, one of the only restaurants at sea to do so.
Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud — a stunning space and some of the highest-end dining on any ship anywhere.
Raw on 5 — Ascent's take on Sushi on Five, à la carte (so it's a cheaper way to sample than a full steakhouse meal) with great ocean views.
Rooftop Garden Grill — that alfresco experience I love.
Because Edge-class ships attract food-focused cruisers, reservations disappear fast — book your exact times before you sail.
Tip #4: The Casino Is Smoke-Free — and Drinks Are Free While You Play
A major win on Ascent: the casino is completely smoke-free, which instantly makes it more enjoyable than the casinos on a lot of other lines. You can sit and enjoy the space without leaving smelling like a chimney. And an underrated perk: drinks are complimentary while you're actively gambling, with no drink package or elite status required, as long as you're playing. Even if you're not a big gambler, it's a fun, upscale, relaxed nighttime option. Just grab a drink and a couple spins on the roulette wheel before a show.
Tip #5: The Solarium Is Your Secret Weapon
When the pool deck is packed on a sunny day, and it can be, head to the Solarium for a quieter atmosphere, better sun loungers, great ocean views, and a much calmer vibe. There's less seating than the pool deck, so get there on the earlier side to claim a chair, because people know how good this space is.
Tip #6: Don't Skip Eden
Eden is a little hidden, and a lot of cruisers don't fully experience it — but it's one of the most defining spaces on an Edge-class ship. During the day it's a relaxing lounge; at night it completely transforms with live entertainment, music, cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels different from anywhere else on board. Even if you don't dine at the Eden restaurant, spend some time in the lounge after dark — you might be surprised.
Tip #7: Plan Your Evenings
Ascent has multiple entertainment venues, great live music, production shows, lounges, and all that specialty and main dining — and you realistically can't do it all in one night. Each morning (or at least before dinner), look at the schedule and prioritize the one or two things you really want to experience, or the night will be over before you blink.
Tip #8: Use Embarkation Day to Explore
Get on board early. Ascent feels enormous on day one because of all the different neighborhoods, so use embarkation day to learn the layout, explore the outdoor decks, peek at the restaurants before the crowds, and find your favorite bars and lounges. By day two, the ship feels much easier to navigate.
Final Thoughts
This is the most important tip of all. Ascent isn't trying to be a waterslide, non-stop-announcement kind of ship — the luxury here is in the atmosphere, design, food, service, and pacing. If you lean into that mindset, you'll have a much better cruise: slow down, enjoy the beautiful public spaces, take dinner without rushing, and watch the sunset from the Magic Carpet. That's where Ascent really shines.
Celebrity Ascent is easily one of the most impressive ships sailing right now — incredible design, excellent dining, relaxed luxury, and some of the best public spaces at sea. Plan smart and lean into what makes Edge-class ships unique, and you'll have an amazing experience even on a short sailing.
Sailed Ascent before, or have a favorite Celebrity ship? Tell me in the comments — I read every one. Safe sailing!
