10 Reasons To Reserve The Retreat On The Celebrity Ascent

When the new Celebrity Ascent cruised into Port Everglades before her inaugural cruise, I had the opportunity to come onboard for a two-night preview sailing. The first thing I noticed was her size and larger spaces. Her luxurious amenities are slightly bigger than her sister EDGE Class ships: EDGE, APEX and BEYOND.

This ship can sail with a capacity of 3260 passengers and a crew of 1430, however on this short first sailing from Florida, there were a little over 1,000 passengers.

Since The Retreat was open to all passengers during the sailing, I discovered why passengers should splurge and reserve a suite in The Retreat for the ultimate cruise vacation in 2024.

The Retreat is an exclusive area on the Celebrity Ascent. Photo Jill Weinlein

1. No Lines. Once you arrive at the Cruise Terminal, The Retreat guests are directed to The Retreat reserved pre-boarding area for expedited check-in. Passengers will receive escorted service onto the ship.
   

   Two-story Edge Villas. Photo Jill Weinlein

2. Different Types of Suites. As a guest of The Retreat on Celebrity Ascent, there is a choice of stunning suite accommodations, including a two-story Edge Villa with an outdoor plunge pool and two entrance doors. One is on the first floor, and the other is on the second floor leading guests out to outdoor spaces at The Retreat. The suites don’t look like a typical cruise cabin, but more like a suite at a five star resort.
   

   Sophisticated suite cabins on the Celebrity Ascent. Photo Jill Weinlein

   The Iconic Suites are the largest on the ship and feature views similar to the Co-Captains and brothers Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetz. Positioned high above the bridge, they offer panoramic views from front to back, with over 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including a private sundeck and heated whirlpool.

   

   Iconic Suite on their Celebrity Ascent. Photo Jill Weinlein

3. Luxurious amenities. Each suite offers cloud-like eXhale^® bedding fitted with crisp white sheets on a king-sized Cashmere^TM mattress. These are designed exclusively for Celebrity. In the closet there are plush Frette robes and comfortable slippers ideal for lounging in the suite or outside on your veranda. The Retreat guests receive premium drinks that include customized coffees, spirits, wine, beer and champagne, plus premium Wi-Fi.
   

   Spacious Suites at The Retreat. Photo by Jill Weinlein

4. Exclusive Butler Service Each Retreat passenger receives a dedicated butler service from the moment they arrive until they have to leave the ship. Not only will your butler unpack your bags if desired, but also deliver meals and drinks to your suite to be enjoyed out on the veranda throughout the day and evening.
   

   Writer enjoying the pool at The Retreat. Photo Rick Weinlein

5. A Resort-Within-A- Resort. Every Retreat guest has privileges into the exclusive private dining room Luminea, plus a private lounge with food and beverage items throughout the day, and a work area with ocean views. Outside there is a private sun deck, private pool and two heated whirlpools. Red cushion basket chairs hang above the pool for guests to swing and dip their toes into the warm water.
   

   The Retreat offers an exclusive pool and hot whirlpools. Photo Jill Weinlein

6. Resort-like design. Globally known interior designer Kelly Hoppen, CBE designed The Retreat to offer a subtle East meets West ambiance with clean lines, blue, red and green jewel colors with soothing neutral tones and a splash of sophistication.
   

   The Retreat offers private dining opportunities at Lumaniea. Photo Jill Weinlein

7. Private Luminae restaurant. Exclusively for guests of The Retreat, there is always an ocean view table waiting at Luminae. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features an array of expertly crafted appetizers, entrees and desserts led by Michelin-starred and Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, renowned chef Daniel Boulud.
   

   Enjoy special healthy treats on The Retreat deck. Photo Jill Weinlein

8. Special Treats. Passengers spending the day outside on the two-level Retreat deck will receive special treats throughout the day. Sitting on a double padded lounge chair under an umbrella, passengers will receive an iced towel to cool down. Retreat attendants will come by with a tray of fresh fruit kabobs and healthy mango smoothies to fortify guests. Enjoy a poolside flute of champagne or cocktail at The Retreat Bar.
   

   Special treats inside and outside The Retreat. Photo Jill Weinlein

9. Everything you need. The deck conveniently offers large bottles of sunscreen and after suncare for guests who forgot to pack their suncare items or for guests who don’t check their bags, but carry them on.
   

   Complimentary skin suncare is available at The Retreat

10. Wellness Opportunities. Even though you could spend your entire cruise at The Retreat, the Celebrity Spa and Fitness Center are nearby for spa relaxation and wellness. The Persian Garden offers an adults-only SEA Thermal Suite with eight distinctive therapeutic experiences, all inspired by nature. Take a stretch class in the morning at the fitness center or venture up to the top deck outside for a yoga or pickle ball class at The Rooftop Garden.
    

    The Rooftop Garden. Photo Jill Weinlein

    Be sure to visit the Celebrity Theatre to see one of their three all-new production shows, including BRIDGES with it’s state-of-the-art music and technology.

    

    BRIDGES is a spectacular show. Photo Jill Weinlein

    Kickoff 2024 with a cruise on the new Celebrity Ascent or other Edge Class Celebrity ships to experience The Retreat at sea for a luxurious small ship within larger ship vacation. Specials are available at Celebrity Cruises.

    

    Celebrity Ascent. Photo Jill Weinlein