Dining Aboard Celebrity Ascent: Main Dining Room vs. Specialty Restaurants

One of the true joys of cruising on the Celebrity Ascent is the incredible range of culinary experiences available at sea. Whether you’re a fan of multi-course meals with white-glove service or adventurous eats in stylish, intimate venues, this Edge-class ship delivers food that rivals top land-based restaurants.

But when it comes to choosing between the Main Dining Room and the ship’s Specialty Restaurants, which offers the better experience? Here's a side-by-side look at the pros and cons of each dining option aboard Celebrity Ascent.

🌟 Main Dining Rooms on Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent offers a unique twist: instead of one main dining room, it has four complimentary MDRs—Normandie, Tuscan, Cyprus, and Cosmopolitan—each with its own ambiance and regional focus. While they share a “Classics” menu, each restaurant features exclusive signature dishes inspired by French, Italian, Greek, and New American cuisines.

The Celebrity has 4 different main dining rooms, provides awesome food and service and are always included in your price of sailing. Click the image for a review

✅ Pros of Main Dining on Celebrity Ascent

1. Included in Your Fare: All four MDRs are part of the cruise price, offering exceptional value.

2. Themed Variety: You can rotate among different restaurants for a new experience each night—no extra charge.

3. Thoughtful Service: Expect attentive staff and a seamless dining routine with options for traditional or flexible “Celebrity Select” dining.

4. Sophisticated Ambiance: Each restaurant is beautifully designed to reflect its culinary theme—dining here feels upscale and refined, even without an added fee.

❌ Cons of Main Dining on Celebrity Ascent

1. Limited Customization: While the menu rotates, the selection is still streamlined for mass service.

2. Reservation Challenges: Prime dinner times can book up quickly, especially if you're trying to rotate between MDRs.

3. Predictable Service Pace: Meals typically follow a fixed course sequence, which can feel slow or formal for casual diners.

4. Milder Flavors: Dishes are designed to please a broad audience, so adventurous eaters might find the food a bit safe.

🍽️ Specialty Dining on Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent features a suite of specialty restaurants that elevate dining to a true sensory experience. Options include the avant-garde Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, the dramatic Fine Cut Steakhouse, contemporary Eden Restaurant, whimsical Le Petit Chef, and others.

Celebrity offers several specialty dining options. The steak house was my favorite. Click the image for a short video review of all of the options.

✅ Pros of Specialty Dining

1. World-Class Cuisine: Restaurants like Le Voyage feature chef-driven menus with fine ingredients and culinary artistry.

2. Distinct Atmospheres: Each venue has its own vibe—Eden is immersive and botanical, while Le Petit Chef combines 3D animation and dining into one unforgettable show.

3. Greater Flexibility: You can usually reserve at your preferred time and enjoy a more leisurely or romantic pace.

4. Perfect for Celebrations: Specialty restaurants make an ideal setting for anniversaries, birthdays, or just treating yourself to something exceptional.

❌ Cons of Specialty Dining

1. Added Cost: Most specialty venues charge a cover (or à la carte pricing), often ranging from $40–$100+ per person.

2. Limited Availability: Popular spots like Le Voyage can book up before the cruise even begins—advanced reservations are a must.

3. Not Ideal for Every Night: As delicious as they are, these venues may not justify the cost on a nightly basis.

4. Varying Portions and Menus: Some guests report small portions or menus that lean heavily toward presentation over heartiness.

⚖️ Verdict: Blend Both for the Best Experience

If you're cruising aboard Celebrity Ascent, the ideal dining strategy is a thoughtful mix of both dining styles. Use the complimentary MDRs to explore different regional cuisines each night, and treat yourself to one or two specialty dining experiences for the “wow” factor.

No matter where you choose to dine on Celebrity Ascent, you’ll be treated to high-quality cuisine, impeccable service, and beautifully curated spaces. Whether you stick with the inclusive main dining or indulge in specialty venues, your taste buds are in for a luxurious journey.

Bon Appétit & Smooth Sailing! 🛳️🍴