Miami, USA – 11 February 2026 – Celebrity Cruises has achieved a historic milestone in cruise dining, becoming the first cruise line to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for a restaurant at sea. The accolade was awarded to Fine Cut Steakhouse aboard Celebrity Ascent, marking a first for the global cruise industry.
The recognition represents the highest distinction granted by Forbes Travel Guide and underscores Celebrity Cruises’ ongoing focus on elevating its culinary offering at sea.
Fine Cut Steakhouse, located on Celebrity Ascent, is described by the cruise line as a modern American steakhouse offering premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood and elevated dining experiences in a contemporary setting. The Forbes Travel Guide inspectors evaluate properties anonymously against hundreds of standards, making the Five-Star distinction a significant achievement within the hospitality sector.
Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, said:
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion and creativity of our culinary and hospitality teams. We’ve always believed that dining at sea should rival — and even exceed — the finest restaurants on land, and Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Ascent truly delivers a world-class experience.”
Forbes Travel Guide, widely regarded as a global authority in luxury hospitality ratings, assesses properties based on service, quality and overall guest experience. The award positions Celebrity Cruises among elite land-based establishments traditionally recognised within the Five-Star category.
Fine Cut Steakhouse is part of Celebrity Cruises’ broader culinary portfolio, which features a diverse range of speciality dining venues across its fleet. The achievement reinforces the cruise line’s strategy of differentiating itself through premium onboard experiences, particularly in food and beverage.
The award is also reflective of Celebrity Cruises’ continued investment in its Edge Series ships, of which Celebrity Ascent is the newest addition. The Edge Series has been central to the brand’s repositioning within the premium cruise segment, combining modern ship design with elevated dining, entertainment and wellness experiences.
From a Middle East perspective, the recognition may resonate strongly with GCC-based cruise travellers, for whom fine dining is a key consideration in luxury travel decisions. As outbound cruise demand from the region continues to evolve, premium dining credentials — particularly internationally recognised awards — serve as a powerful differentiator for cruise brands competing for high-spend travellers.
For travel advisors across the Middle East and beyond, the Forbes Five-Star distinction provides a compelling selling point when positioning Celebrity Cruises to clients seeking upscale, gastronomy-led cruise experiences. Culinary prestige increasingly plays a role in influencing booking decisions among experience-driven travellers.
The milestone also highlights the broader trend of cruise lines aligning more closely with land-based luxury hospitality standards, particularly as brands compete to attract new-to-cruise customers who may traditionally favour high-end hotels and resorts.
With this recognition, Celebrity Cruises strengthens its standing within the premium cruise category and sets a benchmark for restaurant excellence at sea.
Source: Official Royal Caribbean Group Press Center release, 11 February 2026, Miami.
