LIVE – Ascent B2B 1/27/2024 - 2/11/2024 - Live Blog, Cat Blog, Vlog!

[theopup]

2 hours ago, David Kane said:

Alternatively, for those Canadian friends, it also allows you to check someone into the boards if they encroach on your space.

Lol

[Fieldofdreams]

Does anyone know if free bottle water is provided on excursions or can it be purchased prior to disembarking for an excursion ie. beach day excursion. Thanks

[georgiaguy]

29 minutes ago, Fieldofdreams said:

Does anyone know if free bottle water is provided on excursions or can it be purchased prior to disembarking for an excursion ie. beach day excursion. Thanks

They have it available for purchase near the gangway typically.

Edited February 1 by georgiaguy

[Bosjoe]

33 minutes ago, Fieldofdreams said:

Does anyone know if free bottle water is provided on excursions or can it be purchased prior to disembarking for an excursion ie. beach day excursion. Thanks

If you have a drink package stock up prior.

[Fieldofdreams]

3 hours ago, georgiaguy said:

They have it available for purchase near the gangway typically.

Thank you

[KLM3164]

Just found your page and look forward to reading your reviews. We board on the 11th and it’s our first time on X. Trying to learn as much as possible before we sail. Have a great vacation and thanks for sharing your trip!

[David Kane]

In re: to water bottles; as usual, there is no straight forward answer as it depends on drink package, room level, retreat access and loyalty tier. It can be a little confusing at times to seemingly answer straight forward questions that are better explained with a ven diagram, but let me give it a shot:

 

--At the disembarkation deck, before security, off to the side, there is usually water for 'sale,' but is is included on all packages so let's count that as 'Yes' and 'Free.'

 

--If. you have a change to plan a bit ahead, and have a drinks package, you can go from bar to bar whenever you feel like stocking up on bottled water and hoarding it like Gollum in your room. You may think this sounds a little declassay, but we have found the room environmental controls to leave the rooms rather dry, especially during the night, and we often consume 3+ bottles of water between going to sleep and getting going in the morning.

 

--If you have access to the Retreat, via Status Level (Blue Chip Club/Zenith) or you are in a Suite, water is self-service any time.

 

--If you are in an Aqua cabin or Sky Suite and up, 4 bottles of water are provided each time your housekeeper refreshes the room.

 

--IF, for some reason, you manage to not fit any of the following above examples then, yes, you may find yourself actually paying for a bottle of water.*

 

*In our experience, 'most' excursions will also have bottled water on hand.

 

So, much like asking someone to explain the origins of World War 1 in 6 sentences or less, that is the most cohesive response I can provide.**

 

**Pre-industrialized armies took time to mobilize, what with the number of horses need to drag around all the artillery, so, unlike in the conflicts to follow, one could literally see the enemy coming from months away.

[David Kane]

Day 3 - Around and About

I forgot to include some around and about pictures from Day 3/Night 3 as follows:

 

 

 

One notable difference between the Ascent and the other Edge class ships - the hallway to Eden, while still amusingly disorienting, is no longer the black pit of death. I love the concept of Eden, from the totally-not-at-all biblically referencing people turned into pillars of salt on the way there:

 

To the mirrored, obstacle laden hallway - whomever thought that this space should be darkened didn't quite seem to get a) the relative mobility of most of the guests on board and b) the relative drunkenness of all the other. Regardless, someone in the design department finally got the memo (or, likely, opened a subpeona from the Maltese Insurance Carriers Association - motto "Crusade Liability our specialty, since 1099!") and thought...hey, we could, like, use mirrors? Maybe brighten the place up a bit and still not lose the practical effect...what do ya' say?

 

 

 

[Ciaranaman]

16 hours ago, theopup said:

Lol

re:  Canadian hip-check.....with a sincere apology, of course 😉

~Bernadette

Edited February 1 by Ciaranaman

[David Kane]

Day 4 - Totally Tortola

 

Day 4 was spent docked at Tortola. We had scheduled a snorkeling trip to the Baths at Virgin Gorda when we first got on board using the rather easy iPad set-up at the Destination Lounge and, despite excursions being 'sold out' on Celebrity's website, there was plenty of availability for all destinations - at least on day 1.

 

Seeing as we had to get moving at 8:10 am we scheduled with our Butler for room service at 7am. (Some of those reading along may notice a somewhat odd turn of phrase there - we are in a Sky Suite and we not have a Butler. Not the Head Butler + Retreat Team, but an actual 'I thought you guys got rid of these a few months ago' Butler in a Sky Suite. Once we get official confirmation from an official source we will update everyone - this might just be an odd one off as staffing shifts around - we will let you know.)

 

 

Fortified, we headed off on our snorkel trip. Now, a bit about Tortola. 7 years ago Tortola had just added a pier capable to taking the larger cruise ships and hadn't even built out any shops yet (excepting, of course, Diamonds International - they are like the Hemorrhoids of any new port). Our original trip to the baths was on a Catamaran of about 26 people and almost felt like a exclusive, curated trip - they was not another tour group in site.

 

Boy howdy have things changed. The Port still retains its charm and there, thankfully, are still local shoppes. All the usual suspects (excepting Alex and Ani which has been so successfully managed in the last few years they abandoned their headquarters in Rhode Island quite literally in the middle of the night and fled the state to avoid paying, you know, rent and taxes leaving behind far, far too many black panther statues because all owner/founder companies that achieve success contain certain levels of madness. Elon Musk, for instance, decorates his with a bevy of unfortunately named offspring) are present. However, the professional tour operators have moved in.

 

On one hand, it is nice to be able to take a Catamaran the size of car ferry to your destination and not be forced to squat over a bucket on the way back to use the facilities. On the other hand, the Baths are a TIGHT squeeze through beautiful rock formations, under boulders of staggering size, up narrow ladders and down tight enclosures. All of which results in a traffic jam in paradise. Which is fine, I guess - no better place to get to know 150 of your fellow cruisers than waiting for a man whose swim trunks are desperately fighting a loosing battle against his backside to ascend a ladder directly in front of you. On the brighter side, the tour is professional run, the guides are top notch and full service, and it has made the baths far more accessible than they used to be.

 

After a few too many free rum punches later we returned to the dock and the ship and gotr some excellent video which I will hopefully get around to edit/posting by next week.   

 

 

[David Kane]

Day 4 - Paperwork

Let's do some paperwork for Tortola, shall we?

 

As noted above, this port still retains a local feel - there is not a dude with a Monkey anywhere. There is a large green with a local band playing and it feels so safe that the security presence is notable for its absence:

 

 

 

 

[David Kane]

Day 4 - General Busy-ness

 

Back onboard for a turn at the Oceanview Buffet. It's interesting, not to look ahead, but compared to today when the ship is docked at St. Kitts, no one seemed to have left...every venue - full. Oceanview - packed (seats still available at the back). Retreat Lounge - must be 100+ people here. Retreat Deck - actually utilized. Retreat Pool - 15 people in it. There were just people everywhere. Even in the Solarium, which has been oddly empty most of this cruise, people. We usually like port intensive cruises as everyone gets off the ship and, if you stay on, you get what feels like a 5+ start experience all to yourself. Not in Tortola. Maybe people really go in for shore-bought yellow diamonds, tanzanite, and Effy charms...who knows!

 

After a post-snorkel nap (we got...a lot of sun) it was time to engage with the nightlife. Tonight was not only the show "Awaken," which will have its own mini-review - but also "Shine the Night" - the new deck party. But before we get to them, here's some menu pictures from Luminae:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 1 by David Kane

[David Kane]

Day 4 - Awaken

We angled for the 7:30 show in the Theatre and here is a first. It was sold the heck out. Seriously - I got there at 7:10pm and there about 3 seats left all around the edges. I have never, in 10 years, seen the theatre this packed. Apparently, the word is out - this show delivers the goods.

 

Instead, we decided to wander the Casino, which was also hopping. I know this absolutely does not happen, and I know these negative EV money siphons do not work at all like this....but it SURE feels like slot machines run "hot" whenever a show is just about to get out. Like everyone who exits the show has to make their way through the casino and are greeted by the spectacle of golden coins floating in the air and joyous gamblers (as opposed to the LAST day on the cruise, when you should avoid the slot machines like the Celebrity entertainment design team avoids songs post 1971 - I kid, I kid...kinda).

 

Fortified with some ill gotten gains, we stormed the Theatre at 8:59:59 along with apparently the rest of the Mongol Hoard - seats went quick and by 9:10 you were pretty much sitting in the wings or standing in the back. There was, however, one exception. Celebrity reserves certain seats for Suite Guests on Formal Nights...and apparently, during all other nights, they reserve seats for those who bought the XPass...who knew? And, judging by the occupancy of those seats, exactly 2 people chose this upgrade option - to each their own.

 

What to say about Awaken without spoiling it? Yes, I know, videos are widely available online. Even Taking Back Sunday has a review, I think (a word play on an...influential? Youtuber?). That said, Celebrity enlisted a stage magician to create at least 5 practical effects for this show - the first and the last of which I don't think the audience even realized happened. I would say one had to watch this show twice to grasp what is happening - 3 times to fully understand it - and this is a compliment. It has a high re-watch value and the Stranger Things inspired scene is particularly well performed, let alone the leading vocal which, yet again, approach first-run show quality. In addition, I saw something I have never seen before. You have singers, you have dancers - some are even Singer/Dancers...but I have never before seen a Singer/Aerialist.

 

This is an exquisite show that I plan on seeing twice more, if possible.

 

Note: As indicated before the show begins, this performance does contain numerous smoke effects and a few minor strobing effects - if you are sensitive to these I would recommend sitting in the back on the bottom level, under the stage, and avoiding the balcony, especially in the front.

 

Next Up - Shine The Night!

 

 

 

 

[Sandy1975]

It sounds like there is a lot of planning to see the shows and get good seats.

Have you attended any of the EDEN or The Club shows?

[Sandy1975]

Duplicate 

Edited February 1 by Sandy1975

[LouChamp]

Aloha. Always enjoy your posts and prose as well as pictures of food and especially the menus which I thank you for.  With all due respect, how do you pack those hats lol?

[Fieldofdreams]

9 hours ago, David Kane said:

Day 4 - Awaken

We angled for the 7:30 show in the Theatre and here is a first. It was sold the heck out. Seriously - I got there at 7:10pm and there about 3 seats left all around the edges. I have never, in 10 years, seen the theatre this packed. Apparently, the word is out - this show delivers the goods.

 

Instead, we decided to wander the Casino, which was also hopping. I know this absolutely does not happen, and I know these negative EV money siphons do not work at all like this....but it SURE feels like slot machines run "hot" whenever a show is just about to get out. Like everyone who exits the show has to make their way through the casino and are greeted by the spectacle of golden coins floating in the air and joyous gamblers (as opposed to the LAST day on the cruise, when you should avoid the slot machines like the Celebrity entertainment design team avoids songs post 1971 - I kid, I kid...kinda).

 

Fortified with some ill gotten gains, we stormed the Theatre at 8:59:59 along with apparently the rest of the Mongol Hoard - seats went quick and by 9:10 you were pretty much sitting in the wings or standing in the back. There was, however, one exception. Celebrity reserves certain seats for Suite Guests on Formal Nights...and apparently, during all other nights, they reserve seats for those who bought the XPass...who knew? And, judging by the occupancy of those seats, exactly 2 people chose this upgrade option - to each their own.

 

What to say about Awaken without spoiling it? Yes, I know, videos are widely available online. Even Taking Back Sunday has a review, I think (a word play on an...influential? Youtuber?). That said, Celebrity enlisted a stage magician to create at least 5 practical effects for this show - the first and the last of which I don't think the audience even realized happened. I would say one had to watch this show twice to grasp what is happening - 3 times to fully understand it - and this is a compliment. It has a high re-watch value and the Stranger Things inspired scene is particularly well performed, let alone the leading vocal which, yet again, approach first-run show quality. In addition, I saw something I have never seen before. You have singers, you have dancers - some are even Singer/Dancers...but I have never before seen a Singer/Aerialist.

 

This is an exquisite show that I plan on seeing twice more, if possible.

 

Note: As indicated before the show begins, this performance does contain numerous smoke effects and a few minor strobing effects - if you are sensitive to these I would recommend sitting in the back on the bottom level, under the stage, and avoiding the balcony, especially in the front.

 

Next Up - Shine The Night!

 

 

 

 

Hi David - We were wondering on a 7 day cruise how many times during the week is Awaken performed, same for the other shows Bridges and Residency. We are a group of eight with a 6:00 dinner seating. Thoughts on what time to arrive at the theatre?  Thanks

 

[Cap_D]

David, thank you.  On the topic of the shows in the theater, we observed the shows being packed on Apex last March.  The ship was full.  So, the production shows are probably not performed enough to meet demand.   

[chemmo]

Thank you for your usual entertaining read…After a busy few days I have only just caught up. Looking forward to your daily instalments…

[David Kane]

A few quick answers:

 

1) On our 7 day each theatre show is performed twice on the same day, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Doors open 1/2 hour before, which is right about when the line starts forming. The line for the bathrooms right in front of the theatre start forming about 10 minutes before that 😉.

 

2) Likewise, the Club shows are performed twice on the same day, 8:45pm and 10:45pm. However, as the Club has activities throughout the day and a bar the seats can start filling up 45 minutes before. I managed to get a standing spot at the end of the Bar last night for the 2nd Smoke and Ivories viewing last night. 

 

3) Shows in Eden are performed once a day, at 10:45pm. Much like the club, since it is open all day, seats start filling up around 10:00pm - earlier if you want a seat at the bar. I have not yet managed to make an Eden show.

 

4) For group seating I would show up at the door time for Theatre shows and 45 minutes ahead for others - please note, this is a full cruise, so if you are on a less popular one/less popular ship you may be able to swing that arrival time by 15 minutes.

 

5) And yes, I do have an entire hardcase for hats - the one thing I cannot pack down.

 

[David Kane]

Day 4 - Shine the Night

After Awaken we raced back to the room to change for Shine the Night. This experience essentially replaces the previous 'White Night'  party with what, at first, seems like an odd request for theming - encouraging guests to wear the shiniest outfits. One would think guests would be more familiar with a white shirt, slacks or blouse and participation in glittery blazers would be at a minimum but oh, you would be wrong. It seems that no one ever donated entirely all of their disco chic from the 1970s and out it all came in glorious sequined sparkles.

 

The show itself features the Cruise Director, Luigi, standing on a riser leading the sea of guests in 45 minutes of high energy dancing - the man simply does not slow down. I know we all love Sue Denning, but Luigi is starting to re-define how this position is seen with his relentless enthusiasm and explosiveness. The rest of the Activity Staff passes around themed foam glowsticks so the audience can follow along and, depending on who the resident singer is that week, they may stop by as well to perform a number of live songs. The pool bar remains open and the event is very well attended.

 

Getting ready for the part with Ocho:

 

 

Getting things started with Luigi and Kate:

 

Shining the Night Away:

 

 

Taking a much needed coffee break in the Oceanview:

 

 

[Sandy1975]

My cruise is mid-March so at least I know what to do about getting a seat for the shows. 

Any idea for how long Luigi will be on Ascent? I normally don't care for who is on board but he sounds like a lot of fun and we would enjoy his energy!

[Fieldofdreams]

4 hours ago, David Kane said:

A few quick answers:

 

1) On our 7 day each theatre show is performed twice on the same day, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Doors open 1/2 hour before, which is right about when the line starts forming. The line for the bathrooms right in front of the theatre start forming about 10 minutes before that 😉.

 

2) Likewise, the Club shows are performed twice on the same day, 8:45pm and 10:45pm. However, as the Club has activities throughout the day and a bar the seats can start filling up 45 minutes before. I managed to get a standing spot at the end of the Bar last night for the 2nd Smoke and Ivories viewing last night. 

 

3) Shows in Eden are performed once a day, at 10:45pm. Much like the club, since it is open all day, seats start filling up around 10:00pm - earlier if you want a seat at the bar. I have not yet managed to make an Eden show.

 

4) For group seating I would show up at the door time for Theatre shows and 45 minutes ahead for others - please note, this is a full cruise, so if you are on a less popular one/less popular ship you may be able to swing that arrival time by 15 minutes.

 

5) And yes, I do have an entire hardcase for hats - the one thing I cannot pack down.

 

David - Thanks so much - very helpful!

[David Kane]

Day 5 - In whence we do all the things

 

But first, paperwork:

[David Kane]

Day 5 - All the things!

 

Day 5 begins early - between starting the Cruise with a Sea Day, generally carousing on the Puerto Rico port day, and then getting off the ship (!) for Tortola we have not yet had what is our speciality while onboard, which is staying on whilst everyone else gets off and working our way through sparsely attended events.

 

We began the day with an early morning appointment at the Spa. I am not so much a massage person, and the aggressive upsells never made me comfortable, but the newer ships have a dedicated Men's  barbershop and, surprise surprise, COVID took down the dreaded Canyon Ranch (seriously, that company; they run boutique spa wellness hotels across America in such prestigious locations as Lennox, MA 'Town Motto: Slightly Less Heroin than Athol' that charge something like $1,000/day - nothing included) (also, Canyon Ranch? Seriously? Could you be more Western-Generic for no reason? Why not just name it 'Buffalo Yosemite" and call it done?) and they have been replaced by 'World Spa' which seems to focus much more on the personalities of its employees and less on the over-charging for soap.

 

XZ and I both got a close head shave for a very reasonable price and not a hint of an upsell. The staff are very friendly and all in all it was a great experience - and this coming for someone who generally doesn't like this type of service (XZ once convinced me to get a pedicure with her and the staff spent a very uncomfortable 40 minutes with a man who visibly winced every time they touched him).

 

After have the closest-shaved head ever we rolled over to the Club for their indoor games sessions. First up, Indoor Curling! They have an inflatable plastic mat and stones that weigh about 1.2 lbs. and have rollers on their bases to allow them to be 'slid' across the 'ice.' This was really fun, but, as others noted, I wonder how long it will last considering the time required to set it up, take it down, and reserve the Club space all to entertain exactly 3 couples. Luckily, Team 1/2 Canada (proud Acadian Axman over here) marginally triumphed over Team Watched This Before on TV and Team We Just Met Today winning us a pair of T-Shirts (!).

 

 

 

 

From there, we briefly Retreated and then returned for round two of poorly attended Club Games, whereby we played several rounds of Table Top Shuffle Board (still looking at you here, Celebrity, for getting rid of 'actual' Shuffleboard...) against exactly 1 other couple this time. 

 

We were marginally successful but, alas, no prizes for the 4 player version 😜

 

From here, we ambled upstairs in the Club to Foosball, the only and only arcade style ball related game that I am horrible at - XZ getting the win in about 9 shots and moving my lifetime record to 0-179 in the 'Bro Hipster Table game.

 

From there, we hit up the Buffet for a light lunch and then spent the afternoon making our rounds of the Retreat Pool/Hot Tubs and napping. Unlike Tortola, there was practically no one on board, St. Kitts, apparently, being the donation for the pictures-with-Monkeys port everyone knows and loves.