Celebrity Cruises to invest US$200m in major refit and refurbishment of Solstice class

Celebrity Cruises has announced a US$250 million refit and refurbishment programme for its Solstice-class ships, beginning with Celebrity Solstice, which will return to service in March 2026 following an extensive update.

The refurbishment introduces new public spaces, updated stateroom categories, and upgraded accommodations across the ship. Celebrity Solstice will feature eight new experiences, including four first-time concepts for the line, as well as enhancements to existing venues.

The ship’s 1,479 staterooms will receive design updates, and four new stateroom categories will be introduced: the Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite, and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View.

Celebrity Solstice

“Our Solstice Series ships represent the best of classic cruising, and now we’re elevating this vacation experience even further by adding brand new experiences and enhancements at every turn,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. “Guests will enjoy more ways to explore and restore, all while staying true to what made our guests fall in love with these ships in the first place.”

Bookings for these categories open in mid-June. A number of new and redesigned public venues will also be introduced.

  • Boulevard Lounge: A new entertainment space featuring daytime programming such as game shows and trivia, and evening events including concerts and duelling pianos.
  • Boulevard Bar: Adjacent to the lounge, this space will serve cocktails before and after performances.
  • Celebrity Barcade: A redesigned sports bar offering large-screen match viewings, as well as games including billiards, darts, and retro board games.

Culinary additions will include:

  • Trattoria Rossa: An Italian restaurant offering tableside preparation and daily fresh pasta.
  • Fine Cut Steakhouse: A steakhouse concept from the Edge Series, offering dry-aged beef and seafood.

Top deck changes include the creation of Sunset Park, an open-air area with lawn games, concerts, and informal dining. The Sunset Bar will be expanded, and new private cabanas will be introduced.

Updates to The Retreat — Celebrity’s suite-class area — will include redesigned suites, an all-new sundeck with upgraded seating and a large hot tub, and a reconfigured Retreat Lounge for light snacks and drinks.

AquaClass staterooms will be refreshed with wellness-focused elements such as spa-style showers, aromatherapy diffusers, yoga mats, and a pillow menu. Guests in AquaClass will also receive access to the Relaxation Lounge at The Spa.

Additional venues receiving a design refresh include Café al Bacio, Cellar Masters, World Class Bar, Martini Bar, Pool Bar, Passport Bar, Blu (for AquaClass guests), Luminae (for suite guests), the Fitness Centre, and the Camp at Sea children’s programme.

Following her refit, Celebrity Solstice will operate Asia and Australia itineraries from March 2026, followed by summer sailings in Alaska. In September 2026, the ship will embark on a 110-night Grand Voyage visiting over 55 ports between Canada and Southeast Asia.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

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