Celebrity Cruises, through local cruise specialists Cruises International, showcased their latest offering in South Africa, ahead of the 2023/2024 cruise season.
- Celebrity Cruises has a fleet of 15 ships with 2 more being built.
- The cruise line touches seven continents and travels to over 300 destinations.
- Celebrity Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group.
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The Sandton Times joined a select group of media and senior travel trade at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff for an intimate luncheon briefing for a taste of what Celebrity Cruises has lined-up for first time and seasoned sailors. The briefing comes at a time when cruising is seeing an ever growing up-take, both locally and internationally, with South African’s not shy to splurge out on a Suite, opting to book rooms from the top down, if you know what we mean. And the timing could not be better.
Celebrity Cruises looks to debut its latest vessel, the Celebrity Ascent in December 2023, a ‘twin sister’ ship to Celebrity Beyond, which debuted last spring to much fanfare. The fourth and last ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, Celebrity Ascent had a team of design superstars shaping its existence from bow to stern, including multi-award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE, celebrated American designer Nate Berkus, lauded Paris-based design firm Jouin Manku, innovative British architect Tom Wright and Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud.
To add to the ‘twin factor’, cruise history was made when Celebrity Cruises announced the first co-captains of their newest ship, brothers Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis and Captain Tasos Kafetzis. The accomplished maritime brothers, will be taking the helm of Celebrity Ascent, in the Caribbean autumn of 2023, sailing from Fort Lauderdale.
With a capacity to accommodate 3’260 passengers and coming in at 140’600 tonnage, Celebrity Ascent promises to deliver relaxed luxury (as Celebrity likes to call it) be it for those choosing the all-inclusive The Retreat offering, rivalling a land-based resort experience, or a more tailored accessible option to fit an array of budgets. Celebrity Ascent will also be home to the two-story Edge Villa staterooms with direct access to the exclusive suite-only The Retreat Sun Deck as well as Infinite Veranda staterooms that transform into open-air verandas, claimed to be among the largest at sea.
Celebrity Ascent will also feature something for foodies including:
- 32 Distinct Food & Beverage Experiences
- 14 Cafés, Bars & Lounges
- 8 Specialty Restaurants
- 4 Main Dining Restaurants
- 4 Complimentary Casual Dining Venues
- 2 Exclusive Restaurants
Expect an edition of the high-tech, immersive Le Petit Chef Dinner Experience to be a major attraction onboard too.
As part of the Edge Series, Celebrity Ascent will also have The Magic Carpet, the world’s first cantilevered cruise ship bar, which moves up and down as required reaching heights of 13 stories above sea level, allowing passengers to soar over the open ocean, with access to a full bar, and space for live music performances.
For more information on Celebrity Cruises or to book your next voyage, visit the Cruises International website.
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