Celebrity Cruises celebrates the addition of the fourth Edge series vessel, Celebrity Ascent.
- The ship was delivered at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.
- Celebrity Ascent’s debut journey is set for 3 December, starting in Fort Lauderdale.
- Prominent figures, including Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO, attended the ceremony.
- Maritime traditions marked the ship’s introduction into the Celebrity Cruises fleet.
On 8 November 2023, Celebrity Cruises proudly took delivery of the much-anticipated Celebrity Ascent during an official ceremony at the renowned Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This addition marks the fourth vessel in the esteemed Edge series and represents a continuing commitment to innovative and luxurious cruise travel.
The ceremonial handover was a significant event, witnessed by influential personalities in the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty, along with Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges-Bethge and Laurent Castaing, general manager at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, were present to celebrate this milestone. Their speeches highlighted the collaborative efforts and shared vision that brought Celebrity Ascent to life.
Scheduled for its inaugural journey on 3 December, Celebrity Ascent will host a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage. This much-anticipated cruise will commence in Fort Lauderdale and will include stops at popular destinations such as St Maarten, St Thomas, and the Dominican Republic, promising an unforgettable experience for its passengers.
A remarkable aspect of the ceremony was the participation of Captains Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis, who hold the unique distinction of being the first brother captains entrusted with new vessel delivery from the shipyard. Their involvement, alongside 1,400 dedicated crew members, underscored the familial and collaborative spirit that defines the Celebrity Cruises ethos.
The ceremony embraced time-honoured maritime customs, including the significant signing ceremony and the symbolic changing of flags on board. These traditions were further accompanied by a celebratory toast in the ship’s impressive three-story Grand Plaza, affirming the ship’s readiness to embark on its upcoming voyages.
Jason Liberty eloquently encapsulated the spirit of the occasion, stating, “Celebrity Ascent is yet another example of innovation driving our mission to provide the best vacations responsibly.” He further expressed gratitude to all teams involved, acknowledging their vision and craftsmanship in creating such a spectacular vessel.
The delivery of the Celebrity Ascent signifies a noteworthy progression in redefining premium travel for Celebrity Cruises.
