Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises fourth Edge-class ship, was floated out for the first time at the shipyard.
This is considered a major construction milestone for a new cruise ship. She was floated out at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Workers will now move into the next phase of the construction process, the interior space.
Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said, “So much more than a ship, Celebrity Ascent will be the embodiment of a relaxed luxury resort at sea, and I can’t imagine a more exciting way to start the new year than by celebrating this important construction milestone.”
“The collaboration between the shipyard and Celebrity teams continues to be extraordinary and I am grateful to all involved for their passion and expertise. Momentum and anticipation is quickly building for this ship and we’ll continue to share her progress and all that awaits our guests onboard this next installation in our groundbreaking, next-generation Edge Series.”
Celebrity Ascent is expected to debut in December 2023 and will bring all the innovative features of her sister Edge-class ships. She will have two-story Edge Villa staterooms and Infinite Veranda staterooms. Like her twin, Celebrity Beyond, she will have more than 30 dining and drink venues. She will also have the Magic Carpet. The Magic Carpet is located on the side of the ship and can be used as a bar and restaurant when not being lowered for things such as tendering.
Once completed, Celebrity Ascent will take her transatlantic voyage from Europe to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There she will welcome guests for the first time on December 3, 2023. Her maiden voyage will be a seven-night round trip cruise of the Western Caribbean where she will visit St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata.
After her maiden voyage, Celebrity Ascent will continue to sail alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries through April and then she will return to Europe for the summer season.