The Celebrity Ascent launched on December 3 – hotel director Niyazi Korkmaz gives us a tour around the ship’s epic facilities. Interview by Alice Barnes-Brown
Q.How did you start working for Celebrity Cruises?
A. I used to work in the Hilton Hotel with my father in Bodrum, Turkey. In 1991, a friend of mine who worked on the cruise ships came to see me and he said I should get in contact. I took the recruitment agency’s number and four days later, I flew to Miami to join the Song of Norway.
Q. What does your role as a hotel director involve?
A. It’s just like being the general manager in a resort. The captain and his crew take us from one place to the other, the engine department runs all the maintenance and I’m in charge of food and beverage, hotel operations, housekeeping, guest services, entertainment, shops and revenue – everything else.
Q. What can we expect from the new Celebrity Ascent?
A. It’s a little different to Edge and Apex. There are two decks exclusively for suite guests, with a Retreat lounge and a beautiful restaurant called Luminae on Deck 16, plus two Jacuzzis on Deck 17. The Iconic Suite is twice the size of my apartment in Miami! We have a beautiful selection of art across the ship – in the public areas, suites and regular staterooms.
The rooms feature art by British artist Peter Miller; it’s unique, bright and welcoming. When we built the ship, we asked previous guests if they wanted a more comfortable bed? More closet space? A bigger room? As a result, we have the Infinite Veranda Stateroom. This ship is not just a ship, it’s a five-star resort.
Q. What are you most excited for guests to experience?
A. There’s so much I love, even the craziness of the Craft Social Bar. I particularly like Ascent’s restaurants, such as the Eden restaurant, Le Voyage by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud and the Fine Cut Steakhouse. The quality of service is fantastic.
Q. How do you start your day?
A. At 6.30am I do a walk or run on the 1.5-mile jogging track around the pool. Unlike some other ships, where it stays straight, Ascent’s track goes up and down between decks. You want to be outside enjoying the beautiful scenery and the weather – and that’s where I start my day. And when I have time, I like sitting down in the rooftop garden, overlooking the beautiful pool deck.
Q. What’s your favourite part of your job?
A. Seeing different places. Last summer I was in the Mediterranean, sailing out of Italy, the Greek Islands and Turkey. When you get up early in the morning and see the sunrise while you’re going through Santorini or Mykonos – that’s priceless.
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