A new era at sea: Celebrity Cruise $250M Solstice Class upgrade

Celebrity Solstice in Sydney, Australia

Celebrity Cruise is embarking on a transformative journey to revitalize its iconic Solstice Class ships.

With a substantial investment of over $250 million, the cruise line aims to blend timeless elegance with contemporary luxury, ensuring guests experience the pinnacle of modern cruising.

A legacy reimagined

Celebrity Cruise Solstice at Sea

Introduced between 2008 and 2012, the Solstice Class vessels, which include Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Reflection, set new standards in cruise ship design and amenities.

Notably, they were the first to feature the Lawn Club, offering guests a real-grass outdoor space on the ship’s top deck.

Celebrity Cruises will begin a comprehensive makeover of these beloved ships, starting with Celebrity Solstice in March 2026.

New dining experiences for the Celebrity Cruise Solstice Class

The refurbishment introduces an array of new dining venues:

  • Trattoria Rossa: An Italian eatery promising authentic flavors and a warm ambiance.
  • Fine Cut Steakhouse: A renowned steakhouse from the Edge Class ships, offering premium cuts and sophisticated dining.

These additions aim to elevate the culinary journey for guests, blending traditional favorites with innovative cuisine.

Entertainment and leisure

Celebrity Solstice Series Boulevard Lounge

Guests can also look forward to revamped entertainment options on the refreshed Celebrity Solstice.

  • Boulevard Lounge: An intimate venue featuring candlelit concerts, dueling pianos, and interactive daytime activities like game shows and trivia.
  • Boulevard Bar: Adjacent to the lounge, perfect for pre- or post-show cocktails.
  • Celebrity Barcade: A modern sports bar combining live game screenings with classic arcade games, billiards, and a wide selection of beers.

These venues are designed to offer diverse entertainment options, catering to varied guest preferences.

Outdoor oasis

Celebrity Cruises Solstice Series The Retreat Sundeck

Celebrity Cruises will also make massive transformations to the ship’s top deck. Some of these additions include:

  • Sunset Park: A half-acre outdoor space featuring open-air concerts, lawn games, movies under the stars, and private cabanas with dedicated attendants.
  • Expanded Sunset Bar: An enhanced area for guests to relax and enjoy panoramic ocean views.

These upgrades seek to enrich the outdoor experience to cultivate a relaxing ambiance with entertainment options.

Accommodations: Elevated comfort and luxury

Celebrity Cruise Solstice Series The Retreat Lounge

Public spaces aren’t the only areas receiving upgrades during Celebrity Solstice’s revamp. All staterooms and suites will undergo significant enhancements:

  • The Retreat: Exclusive to suite guests, will feature a redesigned Retreat Lounge and a new private sundeck.
  • AquaClass cabins: Upgraded with massaging shower heads, aromatherapy diffusers, in-room yoga mats, luxurious robes and slippers, and a new pillow menu.
  • New stateroom categories: Including Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Deluxe Panoramic Oceanview Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite, and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View.
Celebrity Solstice interior cabin
An interior cabin on Celebrity Solstice

These enhancements are designed to provide guests with unparalleled comfort and a sense of personalized luxury – a signature Celebrity experience!

Refreshed favorites for the Celebrity Cruise Solstice Class

Several existing venues and bars will receive updates to align with the ship’s modernized aesthetic:

  • Café al Bacio
  • Cellar Masters
  • World Class Bar
  • Martini Bar
  • Pool Bar
  • Passport Bar
  • Blu: Exclusive to AquaClass guests
  • Luminae: Exclusive to The Retreat guests
  • Fitness Center
  • Camp at Sea: The dedicated kids’ club

Timeline and booking information

Celebrity Solstice Series The Retreat Sundeck

The refurbishment will commence with Celebrity Solstice in March 2026. While specific dates for the remaining Solstice Class ships have not been announced, guests can anticipate similar enhancements across the fleet in the near future.

Bookings for the new stateroom categories will be available mid-June 2025.

Celebrity Cruises’ substantial investment in the Solstice Class refurbishment highlights its commitment to providing guests with exceptional cruising experiences. By incorporating classic elegance with modern innovations, the cruise line ensures that its ships remain at the forefront of luxury travel.

Whether you’re a returning guest or new to the Celebrity family, the revitalized Solstice Class ships promise unforgettable journeys on the high seas.

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About Author

Beda Pavek is a seasoned cruiser, logging her first cruise in 1992 with Monarch of the Seas. That cruise was impactful and started a love of cruising ever since. Living in Florida helps to add to that love as several ports are a short drive away. Beda brings a unique aspect to Candid Cruise and Travel, as she's living life in her retirement years and loving every minute of it!