Celebrity Cruises is launching a comprehensive modernization project for its celebrated Solstice Series ships, investing more than $250 million to breathe new life into these beloved vessels. The first ship to undergo a complete transformation is the Celebrity Solstice, with its return to the seas in a new guise announced for March 2026. This ambitious initiative promises passengers eight brand-new experiences, including four spaces never before seen at sea, alongside the redesign of numerous popular amenities. The bow-to-stern innovations include reimagined outdoor spaces with enhanced views, new restaurants and entertainment venues designed to create unforgettable moments, and completely redesigned accommodations with new stateroom categories and comprehensive enhancements throughout the ship.

A Revolution at Sea: What Does the $250 Million Modernization Bring?

The quarter-billion-dollar investment signals the company's commitment to blending the classic charm of cruising, for which the Solstice Series is known, with state-of-the-art innovations and luxury. The goal is not just to refresh the ships' appearance, but to fundamentally enhance the entire passenger experience. Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, noted that these ships represent the essence of classic cruising, and the new investments elevate that experience to an even higher level. "Guests will enjoy more ways to explore and relax, staying true to what made them fall in love with these ships in the first place," she stated. The modernization covers every aspect of the journey, from morning coffee relaxation to evening entertainment, ensuring that the journey itself is as exciting as the destinations visited.

Celebrity Solstice: A Pioneer of a New Era in Luxury Cruising

As the first ship in the series to be completely renovated, Celebrity Solstice will offer a fully transformed vacation experience starting in March 2026. Its itineraries will take passengers to some of the world's most desirable destinations, from the pristine nature of Alaska, through the paradise beaches of Hawaii and Fiji, to the magic of Southeast Asia. For those planning an extended stay before or after their cruise, it is worth exploring the accommodation options in the departure ports. A particular highlight is the epic "The Grand Voyage," which will last 110 nights from September to December 2026, during which the ship will visit more than 55 different ports without repetition. This unique journey will give passengers the opportunity to explore incredible cultures and landscapes from Canada to Southeast Asia, and for more detailed planning of such an adventure, it is useful to check the accommodation offerings at key destinations. Onboard, all 1,479 staterooms have been thoroughly redesigned, offering guests even more ways to feel at home while miles away at sea.

A Gastronomic Renaissance and Unparalleled Entertainment

One of the key elements of the modernization is the introduction of completely new culinary and entertainment concepts. Passengers will be able to enjoy new, exciting spaces that redefine evening outings and gastronomic delights.

• Boulevard Lounge: This brand-new, intimate entertainment space will become the center of glamorous events. Inspired by cabaret, it will offer a continuous program, from interactive daytime activities like quizzes and game shows to elegant evenings with candlelight concerts and dueling pianos. It represents a dramatic new approach to the concept of onboard entertainment.


• Boulevard Bar: Located right next to the lounge, this bar will be the perfect spot for handcrafted cocktails before or after a show, providing an elegant ambiance for socializing.


• Celebrity Barcade: Sports and gaming enthusiasts will get their new favorite spot. This upgraded sports bar is ideal for watching games on numerous screens, but also for active fun. Guests can challenge friends to a game of pool, darts, or one of the popular retro board games.


• Trattoria Rossa: The new Italian restaurant is envisioned as a secluded spot that combines opulence with modern design, creating a charming atmosphere in every corner. Perfect for a romantic dinner, the restaurant will also offer tableside preparation, including fresh pasta made daily, bringing the authentic flavors of Italy to the sea.


• Fine Cut Steakhouse: Already celebrated on the Edge Series ships and rated by the Forbes Travel Guide, this top-tier steakhouse brings its reputation to the Celebrity Solstice. It will offer dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and the impeccable service for which Celebrity is known, all in an environment of pure elegance.

Outdoor Oases: A New View of the World from the Deck

The transformation continues on the outer decks, where new spaces for relaxation with unparalleled views of the ocean and destinations are being created.

• Sunset Park: The top deck of the Celebrity Solstice is being transformed into a true outdoor oasis spanning more than half a hectare. Here, passengers can enjoy top-notch food, refreshing cocktails, lawn games, open-air concerts, and, of course, spectacular views.


• New Private Cabanas: For those seeking more privacy, new cabanas will offer relaxation with an ocean view, extra shade, and dedicated attendants to cater to every wish.


• Expanded Sunset Bar: The popular bar will be expanded so that even more guests can enjoy cocktails while soaking in the sunset views, because here, every hour is "happy hour."

Exclusivity at the Highest Level: The Redesigned The Retreat

For guests seeking the highest level of luxury, the exclusive The Retreat space will undergo a complete transformation, making an already premium experience even better.

• Enhanced Suites: The stay in The Retreat suites will be completely redefined, with upgraded interiors and additional luxury details.


• Brand-New Retreat Sundeck: Exclusive to The Retreat guests, the new sundeck will offer plenty of shaded seating, an oversized hot tub, and the best views from the top of the ship.


• Redesigned Retreat Lounge: The perfect place for a light meal or socializing with friends over a drink, reserved only for The Retreat guests, will also get a new, more modern look.

Comfort and Style in Every Stateroom

The comprehensive upgrade extends to all accommodation units, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a refreshed and stylish space.

• Refreshed AquaClass Staterooms: These wellness-focused staterooms will be further enriched with spa-inspired elements. Expect massage showers, aromatherapy diffusers, yoga mats, luxurious robes and slippers, and even a pillow menu for the perfect night's sleep. AquaClass guests will also have complimentary access to the brand-new Relaxation Lounge within The Spa.


• Four New Stateroom Categories: Completely new accommodation categories are being introduced, offering more options for your stay: The Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Deluxe Panoramic Oceanview Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite, and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View.

The bow-to-stern enhancements also include a design refresh for numerous other spaces such as Café Al Bacio, Cellar Masters, World Class Bar, Martini Bar, Pool Bar, Passport Bar, and the exclusive restaurants Blu (for AquaClass guests) and Luminae (for The Retreat guests), as well as the Fitness Center and the Camp at Sea kids' club. Passengers will be able to enjoy all these improvements on Celebrity Solstice cruises starting from March 2026, on unforgettable itineraries in Asia and Australia, followed by summer voyages to Alaska. This significant investment confirms Celebrity Cruises' position as a pioneer in the industry, constantly striving to raise the bar for the premium vacation experience, which will be further affirmed by the arrival of the new ship, Celebrity Xcel®, in the fall of 2025.