Boarding and our Room on the Ascent
Nov 29, 2023
Arrival and Boarding
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Expresss on SE 17th street. It is only about 15 minutes from the cruise port. We left the hotel about 10 minutes till 11:00 and then went to the port, we dropped our bags, parked the car and went back to the terminal.
Our first view of the Celebrity Ascent
Boarding and Room Tour Celebrity Ascent 9228
Boarding the Ship
Cheryl and I had a seamless boarding experience for our Celebrity Ascent cruise. Having completed all our paperwork in advance, we breezed through security. After getting our photo taken by an agent with a tablet, we were cleared to proceed. Scanning our keycards as we left the terminal area, we ascended the ramp to our home for the next few days.
Our Accessible Cabin
We booked an accessible concierge class cabin, which was ready upon our arrival. One of the first features we noticed was the automatic door, which opened effortlessly with a tap of our keycard on the NFC reader. This feature is incredibly helpful for anyone with mobility challenges. Inside, a switch by the door allows for easy exit.
Room Layout and Features
The cabin was spacious enough for Cheryl's Whill Ci2 and offered plenty of maneuvering room. The furniture and fixtures were designed with accessibility in mind. Although the shower head was initially positioned too high, our attentive room steward, Afif, promptly adjusted it upon request.
The balcony, described as an infinity balcony, was particularly well-suited for wheelchair use. It had a glass wall divided into sections, with the top half of one window that could be lowered with a switch for fresh air. However, the switches for the drapes and windows were placed a bit too high for easy access. The balcony was spacious enough to accommodate Cheryl's wheelchair comfortably, allowing her to enjoy the views without any obstacles.
Bathroom Accessibility
The bathroom was fully equipped for accessibility with a roll-in shower, dropdown shower chair, and conveniently placed controls. Grab bars around the toilet and shower ensured safety. The sink was designed with ample space underneath, making it easy for wheelchair users. Towel rods were placed at appropriate heights for accessibility.
Detailed Room Insights
The room, measuring approximately 13 by 25 feet (including the bathroom), was thoughtfully laid out. The bathroom itself was 8 by 7 feet, featuring a 19-inch high toilet and a 32-inch wide door. The closet included a low clothes rod at 37 inches and a pull-down rod, making it easy to reach everything. The light inside the closet was motion-activated.
The work surface was about 30 inches high with 28 inches of clearance underneath, equipped with two 110V outlets, one 210V outlet, and two USB-A connections. The set of drawers was easily accessible from a wheelchair.
Personal Touches and Comfort
As part of the concierge service, we enjoyed canapes on the second and third days of the cruise, along with a bottle of sparkling wine and other small treats. The mattress was a bit softer than my preference, but Cheryl found it comfortable. We also had the option to choose different pillows from the pillow menu, though we stuck with the ones provided.
Final Thoughts
Overall, our experience in room 9228 on the Celebrity Ascent was positive, with minor issues that were easily addressed. This room is a great option for wheelchair users seeking a comfortable and accessible cruise experience. If you have specific questions or need more details about our stay, feel free to reach out!
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Welcome cake in Ocean View Cafe
View of Port Everglades from the Ocean View Cafe on Celebrity Ascent.
We were booked into an accessible concierge class cabin and didn’t know that we could have had lunch in the Tuscan dining room. We did find all we wanted to eat in the Oceanview Café.
NFT card reader next to the cabin door on Celebrity Ascent, allowing for automatic door opening.
Interior view of our accessible concierge class cabin on Celebrity Ascent with me working at the desk.
Infinity balcony on Celebrity Ascent with adjustable glass walls, suitable for wheelchair use
For a more detailed look here is a video tour of the cabin.
Please let me know in the comments if you think this cabin would work for you, or are there things you would change.
