Forget the Met Gala or the Cannes red carpet; for Indians, the biggest event of the year has been the Ambani pre-wedding celebrations. After a star-studded event in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant took to the high seas for their second pre-wedding event. They hosted about 800 VIP guests on a luxury cruise organized by Celebrity Cruises, aboard their newest edge-class ship, the Celebrity Ascent. This exclusive party sailed approximately 4,380 kilometers from Italy to the South of France from May 29 to June 1.
The Star-Studded Guest List
The guest list for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s second pre-wedding event was filled with celebrities such as Sidharth Malhotra, Janhvi Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan, Suhana Khan, Ananya Panday, and Shanaya Kapoor. The celebrities were seen posing before boarding the Celebrity Ascent, causing a sensation on the internet.
Booking a Night on the Celebrity Ascent
The Celebrity Ascent is the latest award-winning cruise ship by Celebrity Cruises and the fourth in their Edge Series. Launched in November 2023, this luxury liner boasts 32 outstanding restaurants, bars, and lounges. It can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers and 1,400 service staff, offering a lavish resort experience on the sea.
Why Choose Celebrity Ascent?
The Celebrity Ascent was chosen for the Ambani pre-wedding event due to its luxurious offerings. It features Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud, a multi-deck Sunset Bar designed by Edge Series Travel Ambassador Nate Berkus, and an open-air Rooftop Garden with two cantilevered floating pools providing breathtaking sea views. The accommodations include spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms, Infinite Veranda staterooms, and The Retreat, which offers a private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck.
Activities Onboard
Guests on the Celebrity Ascent can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment. The Grand Plaza hosts Flash Flair Fusion performances by bartenders, while top-class artists and musicians perform nightly. The Rooftop Garden offers a serene space to enjoy the view, and the adults-only Solarium pool and Main Pool on the Resort Deck are perfect for relaxation.
A highlight is the cantilevered Magic Carpet, a floating platform on the starboard side of the ship, 13 stories above sea level. It features comfortable seating, a full bar, and space for live music performances. Other amenities include Eden, The Casino, The Theatre, The Club, and The Celebrity Shops.
Culinary Delights
The Celebrity Ascent promises a culinary adventure with 32 distinct food and beverage experiences, including 14 cafés, bars, and lounges, 8 specialty restaurants, 4 main dining restaurants, 4 complimentary casual dining venues, and 2 exclusive restaurants.
Booking Costs
The cost of booking a night on the Celebrity Ascent varies depending on the duration of the trip and the type of room. Prices typically range from USD 1,849 (INR 1,53,705) for a single room to USD 2,879 (INR 2,39,328) for an ocean-view stateroom and USD 5,736 (INR 4,76,828) for a suite.
Highlights of the Ambani Pre-Wedding Event
The pre-wedding event featured a performance by renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and The Backstreet Boys. The festivities began with a lunch party, followed by an evening event called ‘Starry Night.’ Day two featured a Greco-Roman-themed Toga party titled ‘Roman Holiday.’ Day three included ‘V Turns One Under the Sun,’ celebrating the first birthday of Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta’s daughter, Veda. The evening ended with a Masquerade party named ‘Pardon My French.’ The four-day bash concluded with a themed gala called ‘La Dolce Vita.’
