Celebrity Solstice has entered drydock in Singapore to begin a major refit and refurbishment programme, marking the first phase of a wider US$200 million investment by Celebrity Cruises across its Solstice-class fleet.
The 2008-built vessel arrived at the shipyard after completing an open-jaw cruise from Hong Kong. The ship is now undergoing a 45-day drydock that will see extensive upgrades to public spaces, dining venues, entertainment areas, and accommodations, alongside the introduction of new stateroom categories and additional cabins.
Celebrity Solstice is the first of the Solstice-class ships to undergo the refit, which will also include Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Reflection.
“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,” she added.
The refurbishment introduces eight new onboard experiences for Solstice, including four concepts debuting for the first time across the fleet.
Among the new public venues is the Boulevard Lounge and Bar, which replaces Celebrity Central.
The new lounge is designed as a cabaret-style entertainment space offering daytime programming such as trivia and game shows, as well as evening events including candlelit concerts and duelling piano performances.
Adjacent to the lounge, the Boulevard Bar will serve cocktails before and after performances.
Another new venue is the Celebrity Barcade, which replaces the ship’s former nightclub. The space has been reconfigured as an elevated sports bar featuring large screens for live sporting events, alongside billiards, darts, and retro board games.
Dining is also a central focus of the refurbishment.
Trattoria Rossa, an Italian-inspired specialty restaurant, will replace Qsine at Silk Harvest, offering tableside preparations and daily fresh pasta dishes. Fine Cut Steakhouse, which debuted on Celebrity’s Edge-class ships, will also be introduced, replacing Tuscan Grille and serving dry-aged steaks and seafood.
On the upper decks, The Lawn Club will be transformed into Sunset Park, a new open-air venue offering lawn games, informal dining, and open-air concerts. The nearby Sunset Bar will be expanded, and new private cabanas will be added to the area.
Celebrity’s suite enclave, The Retreat, is being completely reimagined. Updates include redesigned suites, a new exclusive sun deck with upgraded seating and a large hot tub, and a reconfigured Retreat Lounge offering light snacks and drinks.
All 1,479 staterooms onboard Celebrity Solstice will receive design updates.
AquaClass staterooms will undergo some of the most extensive changes, introducing spa-inspired features such as massaging showerheads, aromatherapy diffusers, in-room yoga mats, and a pillow menu.
Four new stateroom categories will also be added: Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite, and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View.
Additional venues receiving refreshed designs include Café al Bacio, Cellar Masters, World Class Bar, Martini Bar, Pool Bar, Passport Bar, Blu, Luminae, the Fitness Centre, and the Camp at Sea children’s programme.
Celebrity Solstice is scheduled to return to service on March 2nd, 2026, sailing from Singapore on a 12-night cruise to Hong Kong with calls in Thailand and Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and Laem Chabang.
Following her return, the ship will operate itineraries in Asia and the Pacific before repositioning to Alaska for the summer season.
Categories: Cruise News
