Celebrity Cruises
The fourth jewel in the celebrated Edge® Series, Celebrity Ascent redefines modern luxury at sea. Onboard, guests are invited to indulge in 32 extraordinary restaurants, bars and lounges, including the exquisite Le Voyage by globally acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud. The extensive spaces onboard are designed to captivate, from the expansive, multi-level Sunset Bar to the lush rooftop garden where two cantilevered floating pools suspend guests over the horizon. While accommodation onboard is varied and inviting, the pinnacle of indulgence is The Retreat®. A world of privilege, the guest experience here is complete with a private restaurant, serene lounge and sun-soaked deck.
Discover the captivating Mediterranean on this 14 night cruise and stay, exploring the treasures of Greece, Italy and Turkey. Begin with a 3 night pre-cruise stay in Rome at the ultra-luxurious 5-star Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel. Perfectly situated between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, this iconic property offers the ideal base for discovering the Eternal City. Then, step aboard Celebrity Ascent and set sail from Rome for 11 unforgettable nights where sun-drenched days, exquisite local cuisine and enchanting coastal towns await.
Days 1 - 3
This itinerary will begin with a 3 night pre-cruise stay in the heart of Rome. One of the few remaining cities in the whole world to boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art and religious iconography, there is an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover.
Day 4 - 5
The first full day onboard is spent at sea exploring the ship to be called home for the next while. Sped some time indulging and relaxing before an action packed itinerary. Perhaps start the trip off with an extraordinary meal at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. A menu curated by world renowned chef, this is his first signature restaurant at sea.
Day 6
The first port of call, Chania (Souda) in Crete is an exploration of Ottoman architecture and historic Venetian mansion, many of which have been transformed into quaint shops, inviting cafes and boutique hotels. Cretan hospitality invites visitors with tours of the traditional Village of Vamos, the Karidi Monastery, the Braoudakis winery and the Folklore Museum.
Day 7
A second full day at sea, spend time unwinding at the pool enjoying the expansive deck that boasts ocean vistas.
Day 8 - 9
Docking over two days, explore the exotic Istanbul. Spend a day on any of the popular excursions on a Destinations Highlight trip or a Small Group tour or make your own way through the city, strolling through the Grand Bazaar, exploring the Blue Mosque or wandering through the majestic Topkapi Palace with its gardens, libraries and 400-room harem.
Day 10
Dock at the once capital of Asia Minor, Ephesus (Kusadasi) in Turkey. Now an archaeologist’s dream, the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus, rivalling any of the ancient cities in the world. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered.
Day 11
A classic Greek seascape, the island of Santorini is easily recognisable with its whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. A treasure trove for both professional and amateur archaeology buffs, explore sites that include tombs dating back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo.
Day 12
While Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green, it is also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclases is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways and home to alluring sandy beaches.
Day 13
A final day at sea can be spent however guests wish. Whether they want to explore all the spaces that haven't yet or whether they simply want to relax among some of the ship's finest spaces.
Day 14
Framed by Mount Vesuvius, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is an incredible penultimate stop. Full of historic sites, churches and museums, this fascinating place is destined to be explored, from the city centre that's been deemed at UNESCO World Heritage Site to the Museo Archelogico Nazionale, a world-class collection of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman artifacts.
Day 15
Arriving early morning, this amazing journey returns to Rome for disembarking. With the city at their fingertips, guests can continue their adventure exploring before their journey moves onward.