Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1 | December 24 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In the 1800s, William Lauderdale built a fort. Today, 16 million visitors come each year for miles of broad white sandy beaches, dozens of lush green golf courses, and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Stroll the famous beachfront promenade, just 15 minutes from the port, and plunge into the warm Atlantic.  Discover Floribbean cuisine, a fusion of old Florida favorites with new Caribbean influences. Local seafood includes lobster, grouper, mahi-mahi, pompano, snapper, tuna, and stone crabs. Florida dominates production of citrus fruits. Before you cruise from Fort Lauderdale, take advantage of anything orange—juices, sauces, marinades, marmalades, dressings, soups, and cakes. Try authentic key lime pie, which is sweet, tart, creamy, and yellow—not green—in a Graham cracker crust.

Days 2 & 3 | December 25 & 26 | At Sea

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Day 4 | December 27 | Philipsburg, St. Maarten

In the 17th century, Dutch and French soldiers decided to share this little island, and today it remains happily split between France (Saint Martin, north side) and the Netherlands (Sint Maarten, south side).  Explore the dozens of alluring beaches that ring the island. At Orient Beach, sunbathers bask and beachcombers stroll on the white sands, while divers and snorkelers explore the sunken shipwrecks and marine life just offshore. You'll really get blown away at Jet Blast Beach (officially Maho Beach), next to the airport.

Day 5 | December 28 | St. John’s Antigua

Cruise to Antigua, named by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and discover 365 Caribbean beaches—one for every day, every type of beach—hidden among the countless cliffs and bays. The lush rainforest, dramatic landscapes, and turquoise waters tempt eco-adventurers from swimmers to hikers to zip-line flyers. Swim and snorkel with gentle stingrays—even feed and pet them—and snorkel the coral reefs that ring the island and teem with life. Take a scenic catamaran sail. Stop at Paradise Reef and peer below the surface of the clear Antiguan waters. Lie on a golden beach and sip a rum punch or enjoy some lobster on your St. John’s cruise.

Day 6 | December 29 |  Castries, St. Lucia

Fan out from Castries to find escapes for every taste. Near the port, browse Pointe Seraphine, for duty-free goods, or colorful Castries Central Market, for native spices and hand-made crafts. Sample the best of St. Lucia on a highlights tour to the Castries Market, historic Catholic church, and city square, and don't miss breathtaking views from Caribelle Batik, offering artisanal goods.

Day 7 | December 30 |  Bridgetown, Barbados

When Bajans say, "Life's a beach," they mean 80 pristine beaches, some long and straight, some hidden among cliffs, many among the world's most beautiful. People have come here to trade since the English in 1627. Today, you'll find designer fashion, fine jewelry, fragrances, electronics, and leather in this tax haven. Talented islanders produce exquisite art and collectables. Foodies love this “culinary capital of the Caribbean,” fusing the flavors of Africa, the West Indies, and Europe. The Atlantic provides a delicious array of fish including shark, salmon, cod, red snapper, and flying fish, a symbol of Barbados, as well as shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Chicken, beef, pork, turkey, and duck are served fried, grilled, baked, roasted, and pickled. On the side, look for cou-cou, rice and peas, pelau, and macaroni pie, along with tropical fruits.

Day 8 | December 31 |  Roseau, Dominica

On this tiny island of high mountains and unusual beaches, you can explore volcanoes, rainforests, and a reef that bubbles. In the capital, Roseau, you'll sway to the infectious rhythm of reggae and behold the historic architecture of the French Quarter. Discover the black sand beaches, eerie shipwrecks, and teeming Caribbean reefs. Underwater volcanic vents at Champagne Reef turn the sea here into an effervescent dream world.  In Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll find a great variety of flora and fauna. Marvel at the boiling lake and seething geysers in the Valley of Desolation. In Carib Territory, on the Atlantic coast, browse for native images, carvings, and crafts. Back in Roseau, find hand-made treasures—baskets, attire, soaps, rugs, and carvings—at the historic Old Market Plaza. Dominica’s volcanic soil, tropical weather, and Caribbean waters produce abundant fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. French and local chefs make good use of them. Sip hand-squeezed juices, savor hearty stews, and try callaloo, the national dish, which originated in West Africa.

Day 9 | January 1 | Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

Explore French and English colonial architecture, breathtaking beaches, and lush landscapes beneath soaring mountain peaks. Walking distance from the St. Kitts cruise port, find the Circus and Independence Square. The Circus is a roundabout lined by local shops with artisanal batik clothing, leatherwork, and weaving. Stroll another couple blocks to Independence Square, site of the stately courthouse and cathedral. West of Basseterre, visit 350-year-old Romney Manor estate, once owned by a British earl. The grounds include magnificent gardens with exotic plants and an amazing saman tree—as old as the estate—that covers half an acre. Of course, pristine beaches and turquoise waters are everywhere.

Days 10 & 11| January 2 & 3 | At Sea

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Day 12 | January 4 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Today you will disembark Celebrity Ascent having made some incredible holiday memories to last a lifetime.