New to the "X" and have newbee questions? :)

[JP220]

We're Dimond Plus Royal cruisers that are finally making the long overdue jump to try Celebrity. We're looking to book in march of 2024 and are looking at either Ascent leaving Port Everglades on March 31, 2024 or Apex leaving on March 30, 2024. Through my limited knowledge I know that Apex and Ascent have some differences even though they are in the same class. We are also looking to book with a refundable deposit, as we might not be able to take this cruise for medical reasons. Can any frequent Celebrity cruisers comment on the differences of the two ships and their preferences? Also, If you pay the extra 550 dollars for the refundable deposit, but cancel before you make a payment on the cruise will you get the 750 back and loose no money? (If the refundable is worth it as a whole?) Any help is really appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Ex-Airbalancer]

The Ascent is still being built so your guess is as good anyone else’s 

[paulh84]

You can view deckplans to see some minor differences. Blu apparently will have outdoor dining space. The majority of the difference between the two ships will be seen in the Retreat areas. 

 

 

 

[bikerunner]

Look at Beyonds, which maybe will be similar to the new ascent.......still unknown.  But beyond is bigger with more places to eat and get drinks than apex.  

[keesar]

1 hour ago, JP220 said:

We're Dimond Plus Royal cruisers that are finally making the long overdue jump to try Celebrity. We're looking to book in march of 2024 and are looking at either Ascent leaving Port Everglades on March 31, 2024 or Apex leaving on March 30, 2024. Through my limited knowledge I know that Apex and Ascent have some differences even though they are in the same class. We are also looking to book with a refundable deposit, as we might not be able to take this cruise for medical reasons. Can any frequent Celebrity cruisers comment on the differences of the two ships and their preferences? Also, If you pay the extra 550 dollars for the refundable deposit, but cancel before you make a payment on the cruise will you get the 750 back and loose no money? (If the refundable is worth it as a whole?) Any help is really appreciated! Thanks in advance!

The latest ship sailing is the Beyond in that class and there are improvements over the Apex.  Both offer good experiences.  Make your decision based on price and itinerary.

 

If you cancel before final. payment, you will get your deposit back.  The amount paid for the refundable deposit is built into the cruise fare and would be paid with the final payment.

[ShawninFL]

I believe Ascent will have the upgraded Sunset Bar.  The Sunset Bar on Edge (which Apex is the same design) was a major disappointment for us.

[JP220]

27 minutes ago, ShawninFL said:

I believe Ascent will have the upgraded Sunset Bar.  The Sunset Bar on Edge (which Apex is the same design) was a major disappointment for us.

What’s the difference between the sunset bars?

[Cap_D]

I concur entirely with the comment above to do it based on dates, price/room selection, and itinerary. 

 

The overall experience for most passengers is likely going to be indistinguishable, except and unless you would be spending a lot of time at the Sunset bar  (Edge and Apex Sunset bar are disappointing, very exposed, and worn), would visit the smoking section near the Sunset bar, or would be able to take advantage of the outdoor seating in Aqua class Blu on Ascent.  

 

We've traveled on Edge and Apex, which are essentially identical with just some different artwork, but nothing from an experience standpoint.  Beyond and Ascent are stretched versions of Edge and Apex with additional guest rooms, some limited cosmetic changes (not to the guest rooms), and some additions that come primarily with the increased space. 

 

For all passengers, the difference between the two sets of ships will be the Moroccan/Nate Berkus themed Sunset Bar, a slightly redesigned resort/pool deck with some additions of soft seating, and some interior changes to the martini bar orientation on the plaza, and one or two interior bars. That also comes with some additional guest rooms.  For retreat passengers, the positioning of Luminae, and the retreat lounge, and the retreat deck is different. But, again there are more suites. The differences also don't seem to be that material, unless you have familiarity and of experience the prior setup on Edge or Apex.

 

Within the last day or so, Celebrity released publicity materials for Ascent describing the changes mostly in terms of how it differs from Beyond.  As mentioned above, for Aqua Class passengers that will mean outdoor seating at Blu restaurant. And, for every passenger, some redesign of certain venues including the casino.

 

FWIW, for around the same time, after Edge and Apex, we chose Beyond because of the itinerary.  And, crew and senior managers rotate, so we know the intention is to have the same level of service across all the ships.