Celebrity Cruises introduces world to newest ship, Celebrity Ascent

Setting a new standard for modern cruising and elevating the premium travel experience, Celebrity Cruises today introduced the world to its newest cruise ship – Celebrity Ascent – in a special naming ceremony.

Headlining the festivities were her inspiring co-Godmothers, Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo TV’s hit franchise, Below Deck, and her sister Michelle Dunham, Founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism, who officially named the ship in true maritime tradition with the breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull. They were joined by Greek brothers Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis and Captain Tasos Kafetzis, who will take the helm of the new ship, after being named Co-Captains of Celebrity Ascent, a first for the brand and the industry.

The ceremony was fitting for a ship that shatters preconceived notions of cruising with its forward-thinking design by the world’s leading architects and interior designers; culinary excellence from Michelin starred chefs; expansive onboard entertainment and more.

Kicking off its inaugural Caribbean season, Ascent will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale on the 3rd Dec. and travel on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing, visiting such popular destinations as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic.

“With each new ship, our ambition is to debut the ultimate vacation experience and Celebrity Ascent achieves this by raising the bar for premium travel,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Her elevated design and new onboard experiences set her apart from competitors and serve as a new benchmark for the travel industry.”

“Celebrity Ascent has been designed to feed our guests travel wanderlust and provide unique experiences they will covet and love,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President at Celebrity Cruises. “Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle, co-Godmothering Celebrity Ascent, add another, and more personal dimension, to this already extraordinary ship. Their connection, combined with the brotherly bond of the ship’s captains, exemplifies the sense of welcome and warm hospitality we strive for on every cruise.”