From HIIT sessions with ocean views and indulgent nights under the stars, here’s how to find the perfect balance between fitness and fun on the wellness cruise, Celebrity Ascent

Words: Lauren Murphy

Would you ever choose a cruise based purely on its wellness and fitness offerings? I did – and it might just be my favourite travel decision yet!

Lately, I have been craving something more than just beautiful views and great food on holiday – I want to feel energised, strong and rested, and not like I need another holiday as soon as I get home. Cruising is one of the best ways to hop between destinations without living out of a suitcase – your hotel moves with you (and when that hotel is as beautiful and luxurious as Celebrity Ascent, the journey becomes just as special as the ports!)

My 7-days aboard Celebrity Ascent involved sailing from Barcelona before exploring the golden-stone streets of Valletta in Malta, followed by stops in Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, and finally Athens. It was the perfect balance of buzzing between ports and enjoying the time onboard to explore every wellness perk on offer.

AquaClass

We stayed in one of Celebrity’s AquaClass cabins, which is ideal for anyone who loves wellness. Unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite was a game-changer, and having a spa concierge meant I could book treatments and classes with ease.

Little touches made all the difference – yoga mats in the room, plush robes and slippers, a wellness room service menu for when we wanted something light, and even a pillow menu. Interiors by Kelly Hoppen also made it feel more like a boutique hotel than a ship cabin, with cashmere bedding, a spacious bathroom and clever storage that swallowed up everything we brought.

The infinity balcony was my morning haven – I started most days here with a cup of tea, breathing in the salt air as the horizon shifted.

Blu: Clean Cuisine

AquaClass also meant we could eat in Blu, an exclusive restaurant serving ‘clean cuisine’ – essentially, food that makes you feel good without missing out on flavour!

Breakfast ranged from muesli and fresh fruit one day, and steamed tofu and roasted tomato the next. At dinner, expect zucchini carpaccio or chilled avocado-lemon soup, then move on to blackened ahi tuna or pan-seared filet mignon. Desserts switched between light and indulgent so there was always something to suit the mood.

Mornings That Set the Tone

Some mornings I joined a class like yoga, barre or HIIT, and on other days I went straight to the Fitness Centre. It is bright, airy and lined with ocean-facing windows, and kitted out with all the Technogym gear you could want! The variety of classes was brilliant, from gentle morning stretches to RYDE indoor cycling – I even had a complimentary posture analysis, which was surprisingly insightful. After a workout, I’d wander to the Spa Café for a smoothie or fresh juice, tucked next to the Solarium Pool.

Our Evening Ritual

Before dinner, my husband and I would walk the jogging track – looping around decks 14 to 16 with a slight incline (and spectacular views!). We would do a few laps, chat about the day as the sky turned gold, then head back to get ready for the evening.

The Spa

The Spa onboard is another world entirely, with acupuncture, reflexology, IV therapy, cryotherapy, med-spa treatments, indulgent massages and high-tech facials like the Thermal FLX.

One of my highlights was a 90-minute full-body massage with Pattaraporn, an incredibly skilled therapist who knew exactly where the knots were hiding.

We also spent a lot of time in the SEA Thermal Suite, with heated loungers, a salt room, hammam, an infrared sauna with sea views, crystalarium, a steam room and sensory showers.

Port Days

Our time ashore was just as much about wellness as it was about exploration. In Valletta, we wandered up the hilly streets for incredible harbour views, Mykonos included lazy beach walks and discovering tucked-away lanes, while Kusadasi was all about history with a full day exploring the ancient city of Ephesus.

Santorini was our final stop, and instead of hiking, we went for full relaxation at Wet Stories – a chic beach club. We swam in the Aegean, soaked up the sunshine, ate food that felt like it was made for the soul, and clinked glasses of handcrafted cocktails as a farewell to our trip!

Indulgence, Done Well

I believe in balance, and the food onboard made that easy. Some nights we went all-out, like at Fine Cut Steakhouse, where the steaks were absolute perfection, and other times, we chose something more casual, like Rooftop Garden Grill. Sitting under the stars with the ocean as our backdrop, tucking into smoky BBQ chicken wings, creamy macaroni and mini sliders, was my idea of a perfect evening.

The Sunset Bar was our favourite hangout. Perched at the very back of the ship, it had the best views, brilliant cocktails and often a live guitarist playing as the sun dipped below the horizon.

A trip to remember

Celebrity Ascent’s entertainment was every bit as good as its food. Across the ship, there would be live bands, singers, dancers and big stage productions, but it was the Shine Party that was a real highlight. A high-energy poolside bash where the DJ had everyone dancing, the crew brought the moves and the whole place lit up under the night sky.

Having fitness and active options onboard meant we could share experiences that made us feel good, whether it was a sunrise yoga class, a walk on deck or an evening in the Thermal Suite.

Gone are the days of cruises being all buffet lines and expanding waistlines – this is wellness travel without compromise. It’s movement, mindfulness, indulgence and connection in one trip.

By the time we docked in Athens, I felt stronger, more energised and completely reset! A a week at sea can do wonders for your body and your mind.

My Top Tips for a Wellness Cruise

  • Book spa treatments and classes before you sail, they fill quickly
  • Pack more activewear than you think you will need
  • Try one class you have never done before
  • Balance indulgence with activity, not restriction
  • If you have perks like Thermal Suite access, make the most of them daily
  • Go out and explore in the ports, it is the perfect way to stay active while discovering somewhere new

Celebrity Ascent is the newest Edge Series ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, combining luxury design with world-class dining, wellness facilities and a destination-rich itinerary.

Highlights

  • AquaClass staterooms with exclusive Blu restaurant access and unlimited SEA Thermal Suite use
  • State-of-the-art Fitness Centre with Technogym equipment and a varied daily class schedule
  • Spa offering treatments from acupuncture to cryotherapy
  • Healthy dining options across multiple venues, including the Spa Café and Blu
  • The Itinerary: Barcelona – at sea – Valletta, Malta – at sea – Mykonos – Kusadasi – Santorini – Athens.

In Athens, we stayed at St George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel, the perfect post-cruise resting spot. With rooftop pools and direct views of the Acropolis from our private veranda, it was an unforgettable way to end the trip.

For More Information, visit www.celebritycruises.com

What I Wore

  • Cole Haan – Comfortable, stylish footwear for exploring ports
  • Vuori – Performance gymwear perfect for onboard workouts and active excursions
  • Linen co-ords from With Nothing Underneath – Lightweight, breathable and perfect for warm-weather days ashore