Celebrity Cruises’ fourth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Ascent, officially touched water for the first time as she was floated out of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France on Saturday morning.
A ship’s float-out marks the completion of its hull and exterior superstructure, and marks the start of the next phase of construction.
![celebrity ascent float out shipyard france](https://cruiseradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_8631.jpg)
Celebrity Ascent will be the “twin sister” ship to Celebrity Beyond, which debuted last spring. The first two ships in the Edge-class are Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex which debuted in 2018 and 2021, respectively.
“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,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
“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.”
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![celebrity ascent exterior](https://cruiseradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-17-at-12.24.57-PM-1030x606.png)
Highlights of Celebrity Ascent include:
- Staterooms including two-story Edge Villa staterooms with direct access to the suite-only The Retreat sundeck as well as Infinite Veranda cabins that transform into open-air verandas
- The Magic Carpet cantilevered platform on the side of the ship that transforms purposes depending on the deck it’s on
- The massive aft Sunset Bar, the Resort Deck with exclusive cabanas, infinity-edge plunge pools, and two-story martini-shaped hot tubs
- Over 30 food and beverage venues, including the high-tech Le Petit Chef Dinner Experience, the Eden Restaurant with three-story floor-to-ceiling windows, and specialty restaurant Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud
Celebrity Ascent is now moored in her new location at the shipyard, where interior work will begin and continue over the next several months. She is scheduled to debut in December 2023.
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Sarah Bretz
Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. She’s been on nine cruises so far, and her favorite onboard activities include trying out the water slides, spending time in the spa’s thermal suite, eating lots of food, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB.
Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. You’ll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides.