Celebrity Cruises

gts Celebrity Solstice

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Operator: Celebrity Cruises
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 2008
Length / Tonnage: 1,033 / 122,000
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 1,425 / 2,850
Officers / Crew: Greek / European
Operating Area: Caribbean

Celebrity Solstice will enter service on Nov 23, 2008 and be the first vessel of the much anticipated Solstice class. She, along with the rest of the Solstice-Class, will have larger standard staterooms than the other ships in the Celebrity fleet. Ninety percent of these will be outside, and 85 percent of all staterooms will have verandas. The 2,850-guest vessels will have an exceptional range of guest-inspired services and amenities, and will measure 1,033 feet in length and 121 feet in width.

Lawn Club
The half-acre Lawn Club on Celebrity Solstice will invite guests to enjoy bocce ball and croquet, practice their putting, picnic with a basket of wine and cheese, or simply feel the grass between their toes, while sailing the oceans of the world. The area also will feature the Hot Glass Show, another first in the industry, developed in collaboration with The Corning Museum of Glass; the Patio on the Lawn; the Lawn Club Shop, and the Sunset Bar.

Cellar Masters
The sophisticated Cellar Masters wine bar will deliver exceptional wines by the glass and bottle, and the superb sommelier service that is a Celebrity Cruises standard. An ideal locale for enrichment opportunities, Cellar Masters also will present the renowned Riedel comparative wine-tasting program introduced across the Celebrity fleet this year. With a design inspired by the deep tones of a winery during a summer sunset, Cellar Masters’ interior will deliver an experience that is a perfect balance between the senses and the wine.

Ensemble Lounge
The ideal setting for a pre-dinner cocktail en route to an extraordinary specialty dining experience, the Ensemble Lounge’s design pairs classical architectural elements with contemporary treatments. With whimsical patterns suggesting the ebb and flow of varied music rhythms, the space’s aubergine accents and stylish, contemporary furniture will reflect a period when jazz greats Duke Ellington and Count Basie reigned supreme.

Passport Bar
Located at the ground level of the sweeping Grand Foyer, the Passport Bar has been designed to make a memorable first impression. Inspired by the contemporary, understated elegance of ocean-going yachts, the Passport Bar will feature a color palette reflective of the Mediterranean, with warm tones of walnut and zebra wood complementing the nautical look.

Quasar
Guests who love the mod, futuristic designs of the '60s and '70s will find Quasar particularly captivating. Cocoon-shaped acrylic chairs suspended from the ceiling will enhance the drama of the space, as will leather banquettes featuring details developed from vintage cars of the "flower power" era. State-of-the-art lighting and four large LED screens will be programmed to create a nightly light show synchronized with the music’s pulsing beat, making Quasar the happening place where the party can begin or end.

Sky Observation Lounge
The new signature lounge atop Celebrity Solstice will invite guests to participate in multiple styles of dance, with the entire lounge transforming to create an atmosphere reflective of each nightly theme. From wild red for tango nights to midnight blue for ballroom dance, guests will have the opportunity to participate in lessons during the day, in preparation for dancing the night away. Sweeping curves, cloud-like forms and an infinity dome over the dance floor will create a feeling of being suspended in the clouds by night. while during the day, Sky's light-colored palette will provide the perfect backdrop for the venue's spectacular, panoramic views of the sea.

The Martini Bar & Crush
Inspired by water, ice, and snow, The Martini Bar & Crush aboard Celebrity Solstice will give a nod to Celebrity Century's popular Martini Bar, with its own hip twist. This enclave will feature an alluring frosted bar-the perfect chilled surface for enjoying over 100 varieties of vodkas from around the world-and multiple martini mixes, from the classics to the latest creations. New on Celebrity Solstice will be Crush, a small alcove featuring an ice-filled table where guests can participate in caviar and vodka tastings, or even host a private event.

Fortunes Casino
The glamour of Monte Carlo comes to Celebrity Solstice in Fortunes Casino. With its comfortable elegance, European ambience and easy flow, Fortunes will challenge guests to win their favorite games of chance, while those who prefer to observe the action will enjoy comfortable viewing areas. The largest casino in the Celebrity fleet, guests will have the opportunity to take a seat at 16 gaming tables or 200 of the hottest gaming machines.

Michael's Club
A signature space across the Celebrity fleet, Michael's Club on Celebrity Solstice will invite privacy and intimacy, with its classic, English leather club chairs, dramatic black glass chandelier, and a grand Michelangelo marble fireplace paired with contemporary artwork and accessories. The rich, comfortable furnishings will create a warm atmosphere conducive to conversation, amidst a backdrop of soothing piano and jazz music, as well as single malt scotch and cognac tastings.

The Grand Épernay
Old Hollywood glamour meets stunning contemporary design in this refined, sweeping main dining room created by Adam Tihany, highlighted by a distinctive, dramatic, two-story glass wine tower. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, evening entrée options include peppered bison filet with red onion preserve; smoked filet with lentil stew, sultana caper and beef jus; and taro-crusted salmon filet with glazed Brussels sprouts, turnip hash and apple cider sauce. A champagne collection from the region inspiring the venue's name includes Perrier Jouet Grand Brut, Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon, Heidsieck and Monopole, Champagne Pol Roger, and Louis Roederer Cristal.

Tuscan Grille
The Old World charm of Italy is the inspiration behind this Tihany-designed specialty venue, where guests enter through an archway reminiscent of a fine Napa Valley wine cellar. There, diners can enjoy Caesar salads prepared tableside, antipasti bar, Kobe beef, and a variety of steaks, all paired with a robust list of fine Italian wines.

Silk Harvest
Exotic Asia is the theme of this contemporary, casual specialty restaurant designed by RTKL. The menu serves up a fusion of hot and cold, spicy and mild Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and Indian selections, while the specially-selected libations include a variety of sakes, Asian-influenced martinis and beers, and cocktails created with ginger root and acai berries.

Blu
"Clean cuisine" is served in this soothing specialty venue designed by Celebrity's own Newbuilding and Design team. A venue exclusively for guests booked in Celebrity Solstice's new AquaClass category of accommodations, Blu is open for other guests on a space-available basis. The menu features savory appetizers such as roasted beet salad with goat cheese; Mediterranean chopped salad with pita chips and pomegranate vinaigrette; and entrees including blackened ahi tuna, pan-seared filet mignon, and herb-crusted rack of lamb.

Murano
A twist on the restaurant of the same name on Celebrity Century, and reflective of the specialty restaurants on the cruise line's Millennium-class fleet, Murano presents a blend of classic and modern Continental cuisine. The warm, elegant restaurant designed by BG Studios of New York features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, with romantic ocean views that pair beautifully with the fine Riedel stem ware, exquisite bone china and gleaming silverware. The wine cellar offers options from around the world, with a focus on boutique-style and limited-production vintages. Appetizers include warm goat cheese pancakes with sweet bell pepper nage; salads include a combination of Maine lobster, white asparagus and black truffle lobster aioli; and entrees run the gamut from spice-roasted duck with raisin-apple compote to pan-seared turbot with Alaskan King crab ragout.

Bistro on Five
A variety of specialty crepes highlight the menu in this casually-chic location, where guests are welcome to take out selections, but the ocean views are likely to entice them to stay. Designed by Wilson Butler Associates, the venue's creperie is complemented with sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and entrees including quiche, fish and chips, baked ziti and chicken pot pie nearly around-the-clock.

Café al Bacio & Gelateria
This upscale coffeehouse radiates all the energy of a popular European café, highlighted by a sophisticated gelateria serving authentic gelatos and Italian ices, as well as signature and specialty coffees, teas, fresh-baked pastries, chocolate truffles and petit fours.

AquaSpa Café
The AquaSpa Café is the perfect option for guests seeking quick, lighter fare. A signature venue introduced on Celebrity's Millennium-class fleet, and designed by RTKL, the soothing, airy setting invites guests to dine at comfortable tables while soaking up the tranquility of the Solarium, or enjoy their cuisine while nestled in the comfort of the lounge chairs.

Mast Grill & Bar
Comfort food is the focus of this ultra-casual, poolside venue, where the simple, fast and tasty options include burgers grilled to order, tacos, nachos, hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken wings, lamb gyros, Reuben sandwiches, and onion rings.

Oceanview Café and Grill
Embodying the casually chic atmosphere of a European marketplace, this Tihany-designed restaurant offers extensive menus with international flavors that change to reflect the regions in which the ship is sailing. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the venue offers plenty of outdoor seating for dining al fresco and soaking up the sun and sea air. Inside, during evening hours, a special section of the venue features tables draped with linen tablecloths for yet another casual dining option.

A full 85 percent of all staterooms onboard Celebrity Solstice will have verandas, and all staterooms will be equipped with flat-screen TVs, smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding. The ship will offer wireless Internet access throughout.

Celebrity's design team uses new interlocking technology to maximize flow in all rooms. Also, in an industry first, Celebrity Solstice will feature an adjoining stateroom design with a double set of doors, allowing guests to open up the space for families or friends traveling together or close the doors for a more private environment. Verandas of adjoining staterooms can also be opened up to create a veranda that spans both rooms. Clear sight lines and walkways to sea views are found in nearly every stateroom; modular furniture design and vestibule areas facilitate a more spacious flow; and additional storage – generous hooks, shelves and nooks – ensures a clean and clutter-free look.

Other improvements include:

More spacious bathrooms with glass showers equipped with a foot rail for easy leg shaving in every stateroom, and large fog-free mirrors, which are being introduced in Celebrity’s suites and new AquaClass staterooms.

Individual reading lights at each nightstand, including a shelf for personal items such as reading glasses, books, etc.

Expanded and “smarter” storage, including increased clearance beneath the bed for larger luggage, and storage units over the bed for personal items such as handbags, shopping bags, etc.

AquaClass
A new feature is the line's new AquaClass category of veranda accommodations expressly designed for spa enthusiasts. Guests booked in AquaClass will receive unlimited access to Celebrity Solstice's new AquaSpa relaxation room and the Persian Garden, an exotic aromatherapy and steam room, as well as exclusive, complimentary dining in Blu, an intimate, 130-seat specialty restaurant whose design is likely to be as inviting as the cuisine. AquaClassSM will comprise 130 of the ship's 1,425 staterooms.

Although Celebrity's advertising caters to those in the 30's and 40's age group, you'll find all types on board. The cabins are large enough to provide comfort to families.....so on holiday and summer trips, keep that in mind. The line's fixation with all things up to date......electronic gewgaws, pay per view movies in the cabins....to name a few, are to reel in the more affluent, on-the-go type of vacationer.

Following several weeks of inaugural activities, Celebrity Solstice will make its maiden voyage December 14, 2008, on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The itinerary will be offered on Sundays through April 5, 2009, with an alternating itinerary calling on San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, B.V.I.; and Labadee, Haiti, through April 12, 2009.

Will you have a great great cruise if you take the Solstice? Probably yes. But will your cruise be extra special, giving you something other lines cannot? That depends on your expectations. If you are looking for a step up from Carnival or Royal Caribbean you most likely will be pleasantly surprised with your Celebrity experience. If however you are really looking for the five and six star product promoted in Celebrity advertising, you may have a hard time finding it on board.