Celebrity Ascent 1/14/24 sailing. Tips and Review

[lattegirl10]

I was going to write a long review about my sailing but read a couple of other reviews and decided to change my format.  This post is for upcoming cruisers who have built up anxiety about going on vacation and are trying to soak up all information possible to pass the time at work.  Quick back story, Hubby and I are in our late 40's and are newly empty nesters.  We are not loyal to Royal and enjoy cruising on the newer ships (WOTS, Beyond, Apex, Virgin and NCL ships).   Previously, on Apex and Beyond we were in Aqua infinite verandas and enjoyed our experience.  But this time we upgraded to an Aqua Sky Suite.................

 

Pre-Cruise tips:

Purchase all beverage packages prior to boarding, we were lucky to purchase the drink packages for the "Black Friday" promotions which were basically half off. 

If you purchase a package and you see a better deal closer to your sailing, call and cancel and re-purchase at the lower rate.  

Schedule your dinner reservations prior to cruise, if all the times are full no matter when or where you want to eat, just go to the restaurant on day one to be put on the list.

Check in times are a formality, no one checks.  However, you will have to wait if you come before 10:30am.

Do not eat or drink (not even coffee) anything the morning of your cruise (unless you have to take medicine or something like that).  Get every pennies worth of your included beverages on your cruise.  

Move-up Bids- If you can, do it.  We put in the minimum amount for the Aqua Sky Suite and got the email.  It's amazing how excited you get when this happens.  So to answer your questions about Move-up:

If you purchased the premium package at a good rate, keep it- you will have to show your card in all bars you want to drink in, except retreat areas.

If you get the move-up bid to a suite or above you will have retreat lounge, the retreat sundeck area including the bars with food and Luminae.  

 

Ship Temperature:  (For Packing)

The ship isn't cold.  However, outdoor dining at night can be windy.  So you can wear sleeveless dresses for dinner without needing a jacket. 

 

Cabin Tips:

We were assigned Cabin #10101 Aqua Sky Suite.  Large room, large shower and long Outdoor balcony. Obstructed view directly to the right of our cabin.  (This was not horrible, but the obstruction was the bridge (I think) and the captain and other officers could look down at your balcony.  I wave to them several times...

The bathroom has 3 large storage drawers under the sink, most people don't know about those.

Have a list ready if you have special request for your cabin host- We asked for a body pillow, ice, cookies and fruit every night etc.  

You can control the temperature and blinds from the app and on the wall.

Order room service/breakfast everyday.... 

 

Dining Tips:

Luninae was amazing, notable dishes: The Peach Cobbler French toast for breakfast.  

Blu was also amazing, all dishes were delicious but portions were relatively small.  

Eden for lunch on Sea Days: Go to Eden before you go to the buffet, the pork belly sliders, warm chocolate chip cookies and brownies are everything.  Side note: i'm mentioning the chocolate chip cookies and brownies because they have flavor and taste.  Unlike the beautiful desserts in the buffet and Cafe al Bacio that are gluten, sugar and taste free.

Rooftop Garden Grill, was also amazing.  Try to book early seating if not available, book the available time slot and go a bit earlier.  They will accommodate you.  Oh, and skip lunch and try multiple dishes.  You will thank me later.

 

Excursions Tips:

When we tried to book certain excursions online through Celebrity everything was either sold out or expensive.  We decided to try Viator.com and were so glad we did.  I guess the cruise line uses them to book their excursions as well but upcharges passengers.  The same ATV excursion was 50% cheaper booking directly with the company.  We had a private transfer to and from the designated area at the port and they had a representative with a sign with our name on it.  Since the majority of their clientale are from cruise ships they have to wait on your ship to dock, so it wasn't a problem if the ship is not 100% on schedule.  We will never book through a cruise line again.  Wish I tried this sooner. 

 

Wow, this got long quick, let me know if you have any questions so far.  I have more tips to share!

[hopeless holiday booker]

Thank you for this.  

I wondered about the temperature inside.  I almost always wear a jacket as I'm often a bit chilly!  

[CoachTimmyD]

Curious, how was the seating around the pool and solarium on sea days?  Did the chairs fill up fast (and early?) 

[Stem to Stern]

1 hour ago, lattegirl10 said:

This post is for upcoming cruisers who have built up anxiety about going on vacation and are trying to soak up all information possible to pass the time at work. 

Well it looks like lattegirl10 is speaking my language.  Now I want some Peach Cobbler French Toast.

[lattegirl10]

27 minutes ago, CoachTimmyD said:

Curious, how was the seating around the pool and solarium on sea days?  Did the chairs fill up fast (and early?) 

Yes, but they have soo much available seating that you can find seats closer to the bottom of the pool area if  directly adjacent isn't available.

[kwokpot]

1 hour ago, hopeless holiday booker said:

Thank you for this.  

I wondered about the temperature inside.  I almost always wear a jacket as I'm often a bit chilly!  

I agree with the OP. I get cold easily and that was never the case on the Ascent, at least on this sailing. 

[Stu UK]

What is the current butler situation in Aqua Sky Suite. 

[lattegirl10]

No butlers.  People all over were complaining.  However, you have a cabin host that introduces himself to you on day one that you can request items with, but so does everyone.  I guess the tip with the host is to not be in a rush on day one and have them explain everything to you.  Tell them to give you all the options available and most common request.  

 

In the Retreat Lounge, the Concierges will assist you with most items but you have to wait your turn.  I did meet the Head Butler after I casually provided my feedback to one of the managers.  He is a tall fellow, who I just saw walking around.  Not much help.  

[Bosjoe]

I was going through the lunch menu for Luninae. Do you know if they removed the lobster rolls for lunch?