Celebrity Cruises Solstice Is Loaded With Nightclubs and Lounges
By Gregg Eppleman • Nov 26th, 2007 • Category: Celebrity CruisesGreat entertainment and special places to gather on a Celebrity cruise are a
hallmark of Celebrity Cruises, and along that line they will offer a star studded line-up of nightclubs and lounges on the Celebrity Solstice, their newest ship scheduled to launch in December, 2008. Depending on what constitutes a fabulous evening at sea, from an intimate, enriching wine cellar to a vibrant club that offers a diffent dance theme each night, the 2,850-guest ship will offer guests some of the most stylish and varied public areas at sea. Of course one of the best will be the famed Martini Bar, now aboard the Century, and a showstopper for all cruisers who have sailed on the ship. Here is a sampling of what to expect when you cruyise on the Solstice.
“Our Solstice-class fleet will present several entirely new venues, along with creative twists on
some of our guests’ longtime favorites,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan
Hanrahan. “We think our guests will find the design and style in every space not only inviting,
but also absolutely stunning.”
Indulge in New Hot Spots’ on Celebrity Solstice
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.
New Twists on Celebrity Favorites
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.
Celebrity has assembled a team of some of the best designers and architects in the business to
lend their lauded talents to the creation of Celebrity Solstice. Those involved in designing the
ship’s distinctive lounges and nightclubs are 5+Design, BG Studio International, Inc., RTKL, and
Celebrity’s own Newbuilding & Design team.
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice will be the line’s first in a class of four 2,850-passenger vessels with an
exceptional range of guest-inspired services and amenities. German shipbuilder Meyer Werft,
who constructed the line’s Century-class fleet – Celebrity Century, Celebrity Mercury, and
Celebrity Galaxy – is building the 122,000-ton ship.
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 Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. The
itinerary will be offered on Sundays through April 5, 2009, with an alternating itinerary calling
on San Juan, Puerto Rico; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, B.V.I; and Labadee, Haiti, through
April 12, 2009. Fares for veranda staterooms begin at $1,099 per persona, based on double
occupancy.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly
personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in
Alaska, California, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama
Canal and South America, and will begin sailing in Australia and New Zealand in November. The
line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its
cruisetour affiliate. Noted for “The World’s Best Large Ships,” as voted by the readers of Conde’
Nast Traveler (February 2007 Cruise Poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity
Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class
ship in 2011.
Gregg Eppleman is Gregg is an 18 year veteran of the cruise industry, has sailed on more than 50 ships, and visited Alaska, the Bahamas, the East and West Caribbean, Europe and Mexico. He is a Cunard and Princess Commodore, Cruise Baltic Specialist, Cruise West Small Ship Partner, NCL Specialist Plus, Holland America 5 Star Agent, Celebrity Special Agent, Royal Caribbean Expert Plus, Alaska, Hawaii and Tokyo Specialist.
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