After Celebrity Cruises introduced its Solstice class of ships in 2008, the line “Solsticized” its existing vessels. Now, as the company anticipates the upcoming Celebrity Edge vessel in December — the first of the line’s new Edge class of ships — it’s clear that the brand is gearing up to modernize its fleet once again.
It’s all part of “The Celebrity Revolution,” a more than $500 million fleetwide refurbishment program set to be completed by 2023. (Celebrity Millennium is up first to receive a redesign in 2019.)
The main dining room, along with the buffet, bars and lounges, will be redesigned in lighter tones.
Credit: 2018 Celebrity Cruises
“By the end of The Celebrity Revolution, the entire fleet will have the same quality, design essence and consistency of modern luxury, bringing our fleet to the edge,” said Brian Abel, senior vice president of hotel operations for Celebrity Cruises.
Part of that is ensuring the Solstice class is itself first fully “Solsticized.” For example, when Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox were initially launched, global-fusion eatery Qsine was not yet on the menu. Those original sister ships have since featured Asian specialty restaurant Silk Harvest instead, but the line now confirms that the location will finally be replaced with Qsine.
The bulk of the revolution will entail elevating both the Millennium- and Solstice-class ships to the contemporary level of Edge. Collaborating with more than 500 architects, designers and engineers, Celebrity will enhance the private accommodations and public spaces on these vessels.
Designer Kelly Hoppen is tasked with bringing her East-meets-West style to the Suite Class, which will feature new additions The Retreat Sundeck and The Retreat Lounge. The former will be an alfresco resort-like cocktail space, and the latter will be a modern replacement for Michael’s Club, a former cigar lounge that has evolved over the years.
An upgraded Penthouse Suite
Credit: 2018 Celebrity CruisesAlso upgrading the Millennium- and Solstice-class staterooms, as well as many suites, will be design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates. All “modern luxury” cabins will soon showcase Celebrity’s eXhale bedding with cashmere mattresses, as well as radio-frequency identification (RFID) locks, Xcelerate Wi-Fi access and Bluetooth technologies.
It doesn’t stop there. Existing spas will see the expansion of the therapeutic Sea Thermal Suite that will be onboard Edge. Retail experiences will also be enhanced with brands such as Shinola, John Hardy and Hublot, as well as convenient digital photo galleries. Lastly, public venues like The Hideaway, Team Earth, The Library, Rendezvous Lounge and Fortunes Casino will be updated.
The Retreat Sundeck, available exclusively to Suite Class guests
Credit: 2018 Celebrity CruisesAs it is brought on fleetwide, Qsine will be entirely revitalized and will additionally feature the line’s exclusive virtual Le Petit Chef experience, crafted by artistic collective Skullmapping and brought to life by TableMation Studios. Other culinary improvements will come in the form of redesigned Main Restaurants and Oceanview Cafe buffets, plus enhanced watering holes and lounges.
When Celebrity Reflection — the last ship in the Solstice class and latest before the Edge class — came out in 2012, it introduced the Reflection Suite and Signature Suites, which are slated to join the rest of the Solstice-class ships. Although the line is not yet ready to detail the rooms’ exact placement, they will likely displace the left side of the ships’ observation lounges for prime private views.
The Details
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