The following overview outlines a complete 12-day Mediterranean voyage aboard the Celebrity Ascent. It presents the ports of call, scheduled times in port and tendering details, plus brief cultural highlights to help you plan excursions or independent explorations. Use this as your quick reference to know when the ship sails and when you can be ashore, and remember that port times and procedures are presented as published. If any operational change occurs, announcements from the ship will supersede this document.
Before stepping into the daily breakdown, note a few practical points: arrive early for embarkation, check the ship’s daily program for exact meeting places, and consider the optional packages offered onboard. Packages such as the Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining add convenience but are available at additional cost. This guide also explains the meaning of tendered when a ship cannot berth directly, and highlights which calls are full-docking versus those requiring a tender shuttle.
Daily itinerary
Western gateway and first at-sea day
Day 1 begins at Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy with the vessel departing at 5:00 pm. Civitavecchia serves as the classic gateway to Rome and its extraordinary historical sites, galleries and culinary scene. On Day 2 the ship is at sea, allowing passengers to enjoy all Celebrity Ascent amenities, from pools and lounges to spa treatments and specialty restaurants. Day 3 brings a call to Chania (Souda), Crete where the ship is listed as Docked from 10:30 am – 5:30 pm. Crete offers ancient ruins, Venetian architecture, and beaches; Chania’s old harbor and botanical gardens are popular options for shore excursions and independent walks.
From antiquity to bustling bazaars
Day 4 visits Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey, with the ship shown as Docked from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Ephesus is renowned for expansive archaeological remains and landmarks such as the Celsus Library. Days 5-6 are dedicated to Istanbul, Turkey where the schedule shows the ship Docked from Fri, May 28, 2:00 pm – Sat, May 29, 10:00 pm. In Istanbul you can explore the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace; the extended stay provides extra flexibility to visit both sides of the Bosphorus and enjoy varied neighborhoods and cuisine.
Island calls and scenic sailing
Santorini, Mykonos and time at sea
Following the Istanbul calls, Day 7 is another Day at Sea to relax and prepare for the Cyclades. Day 8 arrives at Santorini, Greece where the vessel will be Tendered from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm. Santorini’s cliffside towns, volcanic caldera and famous sunset viewpoints are key attractions, and local wineries offer distinctive volcanic wines. Day 9 calls at Mykonos, Greece with the ship Tendered from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm; known for its lively atmosphere, Mykonos blends photogenic alleyways, windmills and sandy beaches with a vibrant dining scene. Day 10 is a final sea day to enjoy onboard programming or shore planning.
Final Italian stops and disembarkation
Day 11 docks in Naples, Italy with the ship listed as Docked from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm. Naples is framed by Mount Vesuvius and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; museums, underground archaeological sites and authentic pizza experiences are highlights for visitors. Day 12 returns to Rome (Civitavecchia) with arrival at 5:00 am. When planning your departure from the port area, allow sufficient time for disembarkation and onward travel; if you have flights, confirm times and transport arrangements before arrival.
Onboard life and practical tips
During sea days and port calls, the ship publishes a daily schedule that details entertainment, dining hours, and shore excursion meeting points. Consider the Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining packages if you want uninterrupted connectivity or reserved dining experiences; these are optional and available at an additional charge. Remember that tendered means shuttling by small boat between ship and shore, so plan for extra time to go ashore and return. Finally, always carry a copy of your boarding pass, photo ID, and any excursion vouchers when leaving the ship.
Safety and timing reminders
All listed call times are provided as scheduled; the ship’s officers will notify guests promptly if adjustments are necessary. To avoid missing departures, be back on board at the instructed boarding time—ships leave on schedule. Take advantage of onshore opportunities to taste local cuisine, explore historical sites, and enjoy walks through markets and harbors, but keep an eye on the ship’s announcements to ensure your shore plans align with the ship’s timetable. With this information you can confidently navigate the itinerary and make the most of each port of call.
