Celebrity
Charting the Ascent: Celebrity Cruises' Triumphant Mediterranean Debut
2024-11-06
The recent completion of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Ascent's first-ever seasonal deployment in the Mediterranean marks a significant milestone for the cruise line. After spending its inaugural season in the Caribbean, the 2023-built vessel made its European debut in early May 2024, offering a series of captivating itineraries that showcased the diverse wonders of both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Mediterranean Masterpiece
Exploring the Western Mediterranean Gems
During the past five months, the Celebrity Ascent treated its guests to a remarkable journey through the Western Mediterranean, visiting a captivating array of destinations. From the sun-drenched shores of Palma de Mallorca to the glamorous French Riviera in Cannes, the ship's itineraries provided passengers with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The vessel's stop in La Spezia, Italy, allowed guests to discover the enchanting Cinque Terre, while the visit to the Turkish port of Kusadasi opened the door to the ancient wonders of Ephesus. The stunning island of Mykonos, with its whitewashed buildings and vibrant nightlife, also graced the ship's itinerary, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of all who set foot on its shores.Unveiling the Treasures of the Eastern Mediterranean
Complementing its Western Mediterranean explorations, the Celebrity Ascent also ventured into the captivating realms of the Eastern Mediterranean. Guests were treated to a diverse range of experiences, from the historic grandeur of Greece to the enchanting allure of Turkey. The ship's visits to destinations like Mykonos and Kusadasi allowed passengers to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the region, while the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins and stunning landscapes of these destinations left a lasting impression.Repositioning to the Caribbean
As the Celebrity Ascent's Mediterranean journey came to a close, the ship embarked on a repositioning cruise to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sailing from Barcelona, the 13-night trans-Atlantic crossing offered passengers a chance to experience the beauty of Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Bermuda. Before arriving at its final destination in Port Everglades, the ship made stops in Alicante, Gibraltar, Ponta Delgada, and King's Wharf, providing guests with a diverse array of experiences and a seamless transition to the Caribbean.Embracing the Caribbean Charm
During the 2024-25 cruise winter season, the Celebrity Ascent is set to offer a series of seven- to nine-night cruises from Celebrity's homeport in Florida. Sailing to the Western and Eastern Caribbean, the ship's itineraries will feature visits to a variety of destinations, including the vibrant Nassau, the picturesque St. Thomas, the charming Philipsburg, and the captivating George Town.Returning to the Mediterranean Splendor
In early May, the Celebrity Ascent will embark on its second summer program, once again sailing to the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. This deployment, which will run through late October, will offer passengers the opportunity to explore the region's rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and enchanting coastal towns. As the ship prepares to undertake a new trans-Atlantic crossing to Port Everglades, the anticipation for its future adventures continues to build.The Ascent of a New Era
As the fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class, the Celebrity Ascent was built by the renowned Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. Entering service in late November 2023, the 3,260-guest ship kicked off a series of three- to seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, setting the stage for its groundbreaking Mediterranean debut. With the upcoming arrival of the Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in the Edge series, in 2025, the future of Celebrity Cruises' fleet continues to shine brightly, promising even more unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking to explore the world's most captivating destinations.