Whenever a cruise line introduces a new class of ships, it’s easy to forget about the great ships they already have. Last year, during the fanfare of the Edge class announcements, Celebrity Cruise Lines unveiled Celebrity Revolution. Now the scale of this $500 million fleet upgrade program has become more clear, and we're even more excited.
Partnering with over 500 architects, designers, and engineers, the goal of Celebrity Revolution is to bring the entire Celebrity fleet to the Edge.
“We launched THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION to do one thing – transform the way our guests experience the world. It began with the introduction of the industry-changing Celebrity Edge, and continued with the stunning Celebrity Flora,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Our dedication to improving the way guests experience the world knows no bounds. We are taking our entire award-winning fleet to the edge and giving people the vacation they truly deserve.”
Update: We did a podcast on this very topic! Check give it a listen, and be sure to subscribe: Celebrity Revolution - Bringing the Celebrity Fleet to the Edge - Episode 1
Sweet New Suites
Deciding what type of stateroom in which to sail is a decision that isn’t always easy, but it’s safe to say that most of us would love to sail in suites. Those suites on Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Summit are being redesigned with the help of Kelly Hoppen, MBE. She’ll also bring cues from the newly added Reflection and Signature Suites (currently found on Celebrity Reflection) to Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Silhouette, with clean lines, neutral tones, and an “East meets West” feeling.
“This was a new and exciting challenge to recreate something stylish and luxurious yet totally different from the accommodations that I have designed for Celebrity Edge,” said Hoppen. “I wanted to invoke a feeling of timeless luxury that welcomed guests into their own haven. Your bedroom is where you sleep and where you wake, two of the most important times of day, especially when you are on vacation. It was important to create space, harmony and luxury within a home away from home setting and I think we achieved this balance perfectly.”
The suite experience goes beyond the rooms though. With Celebrity Edge comes The Retreat, an exclusive sanctuary just for Suite Class guests – soon available across every ship in the Celebrity fleet. Included in this enhancement is The Retreat Sundeck and The Retreat Lounge, both designed by Hoppen. The Retreat Sundeck will be an, “open-air hideaway” with plush loungers, drinks, and even refreshing treats. The popular Michael’s Club will be transformed into The Retreat Lounge, a sophisticated and warm retreat.
A Revolutionary Update to Staterooms
Hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) will transform the staterooms on Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Summit, plus the staterooms and many of the suites on board Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection, applying the touches of modern luxury that we’re seeing throughout the revitalized fleet.
These updates include fitting rooms with Celebrity’s eXhale bedding, including cashmere mattresses, RFID locks, and pervasive Xcelerate and Bluetooth capabilities.
“Every detail of our staterooms has been elevated, every comfort refined,” said Brian Abel, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, 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.”
Of Course There Will Be a Cuisine Revolution
Qsine, an experiential dining venue already wildly popular with guests will be completely renovated and added to the entire fleet. Further, they’ll offer the virtual Le Petit Chef experience, created by the world-famous artists of Skullmapping and presented by TableMation and a much-anticipated feature of Celebrity Edge. Oceanview Café, Celebrity’s buffet venue, will also be redesigned with a more open marketplace feeling, while the main restaurants will undergo redesigns to bring new textures and finishes throughout the already beautiful spaces.
More Updates & Changes
- Expansion of the new SEA Thermal Suite – first introduced on Celebrity Edge
- New shopping experiences featuring brands and designers, such as Shinola, John Hardy, and Hublot, plus digital photo galleries that make browsing vacation memories a snap
- Elevated bars and lounges, including the newly reimagined Passport Bar and an expansion of Celebrity’s popular Gastrobar concept, serving more than 40 craft beers, creative cocktails, and gourmet comfort food
- More exciting upgrades to public venues all throughout each ship, including The Hideaway, Team Earth, The Library, and more
The first “revolutionary” revitalization will take place in 2019, beginning with the Celebrity Millennium, and will continue across the fleet through 2023.
Billy’s Take
It’s hard to deny that we’re incredibly excited for Celebrity Edge (look for live coverage of our Edge sailings in December and January!) but these announcements make us really excited to re-visit some of our favorite Celebrity ships. Given the buzz about Edge and her sister ships (Apex, Beyond, and a yet unnamed vessel) this may also mean we’ll have a more-affordable opportunity to check out some of those redesigned suites on Solstice and Millennium class ships.
One thing that is a bit interesting is that we’re seeing these changes announced before guests set foot on Edge – which is clearly the inspiration for much of the work. Around 2010 when Celebrity began “Solsticizing” their Millennium class ships, Solstice had already been sailing, and the line receiving feedback from guests. Perhaps the 3-D virtual reality systems that Celebrity has used to experience the new ship ahead of her build has added some confidence, but we’d still be surprised if we didn't see changes in plans as the first guests give their feedback on the enhanced experiences that await.
For more information on Celebrity Revolution check out the video below, as well as this infographic!
What do you think about these changes? Will you rush to book a revitalized ship? Comment below, or reach out on Twitter or Facebook!