We can't remember the last time a new ship making its debut caused such a stir. Celebrity CruisesTHC has been promoting the exciting Celebrity Solstice in sexy television ads for months now, and we can't wait for her maiden seven-night voyage to the Caribbean, scheduled to depart from Ft. Lauderdale on November 23, 2008. We wondered—what little surprises are in store, and what interesting innovations await her guests?
Hideaways International: We've all seen the ads on TV for your new luxury ship, Celebrity Solstice. What is the primary feature that makes it stand out from all the other ships out there?
Celebrity Cruises: There are really too many distinctive features about Celebrity Solstice to hone in on only one. The new ship will have the industry's first Hot Glass Show and Studio at sea, through our alliance with the renowned Corning Museum of Glass; the first "Lawn Club" at sea, with real growing grass on the top deck; more verandas than any prior ship; ten extraordinary dining venues; and plush staterooms designed by a panel of five "real" women, including a travel writer, a frequent cruiser, and a hotelier—tagged "Celebrity's Leading Ladies."
HI: What are some of the innovations inspired by these "Leading Ladies?"
CC: Chief among them were suggestions for improved stateroom flow and additional storage space—generous hooks, shelves, and nooks—to ensure a clean and clutter-free look. They also suggested we tone down the colors and steer away from busy patterns in favor of neutral colors and more elegant textures. You'll see their influence in the bathrooms, too, where glass showers have a foot rail for easy leg shaving, and where large, fog-free mirrors are being added to Celebrity's suites and AquaClass staterooms.
HI: What is the size of the ship? As a relatively large vessel, how will the atmosphere on board be more typical of a small-ship experience?
CC: Celebrity Solstice will carry 2,850 guests (based on double occupancy), and will have a very generous space ratio, so guests will never feel the least bit crowded. Passengers will have the option of enjoying small, intimate venues or larger areas such as the state-of-the-art theater and the pool deck complete with "dancing" fountains that can be synchronized to music. We believe the size of the ship doesn't dictate quality; you can still have a phenomenal premium experience on a ship the size of Celebrity Solstice.
HI: Because of the ship's increased level of luxury, what sort of elevated services and amenities are you offering guests?
CC: Celebrity Solstice will offer more verandas than any other ship in the fleet—a full 85 percent of all staterooms will have verandas. It also will offer our brand's first "AquaClass" accommodations—130 staterooms offering exclusive features like spa-inspired amenities, bathrooms with five-head shower towers, and exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced specialty restaurant, "Blu."
HI: What other dining options are there?
CC: Many! There will be something for every taste, including a variety of steaks and a long list of Italian wines at the Tuscan Grille; dishes like Maine lobster, spice-roast duck, and warm goat-cheese pancakes at Murano; and for those with a sweet tooth, Cafe al Bacio Gelateria will serve goodies like gelatos, fresh-baked pastries, and chocolate truffles.
HI: Any interesting kids' programs that are unique to the Solstice?
CC: Yes, the ship will feature Celebrity's first all-inclusive teen center with a vast array of programs geared toward entertaining teens day and night, including MP3 players, portable WiFi-access units, a digital jukebox, competition-style DDR ("Dance Dance Revolution") machines, and more.
HI: The top-deck Lawn Club, with its half-acre of real grass, is an interesting concept. What activities are offered there?
CC: The Lawn Club will feature putting, croquet, and other lawn games. Interestingly, Celebrity Solstice will have a full-time groundskeeper on board whose sole focus is caring for the lawn. Meanwhile, the Hot Glass Show and Studio, located on that same deck, will feature "Gaffers" (resident artists/glassblowers) from The Corning Museum of Glass performing glassblowing demonstrations. And the Sunset Bar is also on this deck; it's an ideal location to take in "sailaways" from port.
HI: Any special festivities planned for Celebrity Solstice's launch?
CC: Prior to her maiden voyage in November, we will hold a series of "preview cruises" for travel agents, press, and other audiences, including a very special naming ceremony, with her "godmother" (who has yet to be announced) formally naming the ship.
Hideaways' cruise specialists have received exclusive training on the Celebrity Solstice and would be happy to answer your questions. To book your cruise and be part of the Celebrity Solstice experience, call Hideaways Travel Services at 877-843-4433 (+1-603-430-4433 outside the U.S.).
Images shown are computer-generated likenesses.
September 2008