Celebrity Cruise: Rome to Barcelona

Boarding : Getting on the ship felt much calmer than on other cruises I’ve taken. There was no big rush or crowd like I’ve seen before. The cruise terminal in Rome wasn’t fancy—it was actually just a large tent with very little seating. I found one empty chair outside and held onto it for the two-hour wait until my 12:00 PM check-in time (I like to follow the rules!).

.

Cabin First Look: When I walked into my room, I said, “Wow.” It’s not the biggest room I’ve had, but the layout and view were more than enough. The bed is super comfortable, and the bathroom is larger than I expected. Honestly, that’s everything I need for a great cruise. I was unable to locate much space for clothing storage other then hanging items in the closet.

NOTE: click on each picture for a short 30 second video.

The cabin with an infinity patio makes the room feel large but also has more useable living space. The top

This morning, I sat on my balcony in a soft Celebrity robe, holding a cup of coffee, listening to the sound of the sea and watching the sunrise. The Ascent has a “full balcony,” which makes the whole room feel open and connected to the ocean.

Sunrise in my room was amazing. The infinity patio is a stunning success in my “view”

Heart of the Ship

The Grand Plaza is the center of the ship and the main place where people hang out. It has three levels and was inspired by Italian town squares. You’ll find the popular Martini Bar here, with amazing light shows from a huge chandelier. Whether you want a drink or just want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, this is where everything happens on the Ascent.

The Grand Plaza uses the Italian design idea as a “central gathering” place.

Eden is one of the most unique places on the ship. It's a large, multi-level space that brings together food, live shows, and beautiful nature-inspired design. The moment you walk in, you're surrounded by plants, soft lighting, and huge windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling, giving you amazing ocean views. During the day, it's a relaxing place to eat or hang out. At night, it transforms with live performances, music, and creative drinks. Eden feels more like a dreamlike escape than just another spot on a cruise ship.

The Eden cafe is cross between jungle tree house and sophistication. Relaxing, or jamming both happen here

The Resort Deck is a paradise for sunseekers, featuring a stunning main pool surrounded by contemporary sculptural art, plush loungers that seem to float above the water, and a vibrant, open-air ambiance perfect for soaking in the ocean breeze. For those craving tranquility, the adults-only Solarium offers a serene indoor escape, where soft natural light filters through a glass dome, cascading over a warm pool, bubbling whirlpools, and a soothing, spa-like environment designed for ultimate relaxation."

The resort deck is comfortable and pony enough for everyone to participate. Chairs are always available and no one is rushing to save any, which is a change.

Main Dining Rooms: The Celebrity Ascent offers an exceptional range of included dining options, with the highlight being its four beautifully designed main dining rooms: Cosmopolitan, Normandie, Tuscan, and Cyprus. Each restaurant features its own unique theme, from globally inspired cuisine. Guests can enjoy a diverse and rotating menu in each venue, with consistently high-quality food and attentive service. Best of all, these dining experiences are fully included in the cruise fare—no extra charges, just great meals.if you are looking for something a little more casual and flexible. The buffet on the 15th floor is always available as an option and is delicious as well 

One of the main dinning rooms. Food is varied and delicious. All MDR are included in cruise fare.

Specialty restaurants do charge extra, but many are well worth it.

• Fine Cut Steakhouse serves dry-aged perfection.

• Le Grand Bistro brings classic French elegance to sea.

• Tuscan offers Italian cuisine with a creative twist.

• Le Petit Chef is an animated dining experience that mixes storytelling with gourmet dishes.

From sushi to small plates and decadent desserts, the specialty options elevate dining to an art form.

Dinner was excellent at the Fine Cut Steakhouse. I usually eat one specialty meal each trip. Was worth the cost vs. main dining room? Value is in the eye of the beholder.

The Celebrity Ascent cruise ship offers a wide array of entertainment options designed to delight guests of all ages and tastes. From thrilling live performances at The Theatre featuring Broadway-style productions and cutting-edge visuals, to intimate live music sessions at The Club, the ship ensures there's never a dull moment.

When the sun goes down, Celebrity Ascent comes alive with entertainment. Think Broadway-level performances, live bands, themed parties, and more.

• The Theatre hosts full-scale productions with incredible visuals.

• The Club offers intimate music sets and performances.

• Live music is everywhere—rotating through lounges, bars, and public spaces.

• Evening shows range from family-friendly to adult-only (a little risqué, but tastefully done).

  
  

The Magic Carpet: Innovation at SeaOne of the ship’s standout features is the Magic Carpet—a moving platform that glides up and down the side of the ship. It serves as a bar, restaurant, or even a tender boarding area, depending on the time and day. It’s a mix of innovation and wow-factor

Final Thoughts: From the calm boarding process to the stunning ship design and early experiences, Celebrity Ascent has made a strong first impression. Whether you’re here for relaxation, adventure, fine dining, or world-class entertainment, this ship has something for everyone. The staff was extremely friendly and always professional.  I never experience a negative encounter with a single staff member. Celebrity is several levels about the standard cruise line and slightly more costly but there is an additional level of customer service which accompanies the added costs.