Celebrity Solstice is the lead ship of the Solstice class of cruise ships operated by Celebrity Cruises. Built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, she was floated out on 10 August 2008 and christened by ocean scientist professor Sharon L. Smith at a ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, on 14 November 2008.[6][7][8] The first post-Panamax vessel in the Celebrity fleet, she features innovative interior design and onboard amenities, including an ocean-going live grass lawn, a glassblowing studio, and a 12-deck-high atrium.[9]
 Celebrity Solstice in 2011
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Malta | |
| Name | Celebrity Solstice |
| Owner |
|
| Operator | Celebrity Cruises |
| Port of registry | |
| Builder |
|
| Cost | US$750 million |
| Laid down | 17 March 2007[2] |
| Launched | 10 August 2008[3] |
| Sponsored by | Sharon L. Smith |
| Christened | 14 November 2008 |
| Completed | October 2008[4] |
| Maiden voyage | 23 November 2008 |
| In service | 2008–present |
| Identification |
|
| Status | In service |
| Notes | [5] |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Solstice-class cruise ship |
| Tonnage | |
| Length | 1,033 ft (314.86 m) |
| Beam | 121 ft (36.88 m) |
| Draft | 27 ft (8.23 m) |
| Decks | 19 |
| Installed power | 4 × Wärtsilä 16V46 |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed | 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph) |
| Capacity | 2,852 passengers |
| Crew | 1,250 |
Design & Construction
editYacht designer Martin Francis of Francis Design was hired to design her exterior profile.[10] In original exterior renderings, the hull was shown as all-white with powder blue funnels and blue glass upper decks.[10] The large dark blue funnel with a white X that has been the trademark of Celebrity was replaced by two thin funnels, and the company’s X logo was to be visible in the glass balcony railings on the ship's midsection. Throughout her fitting out, sea trials, and launch, it was noted that the glass X, unless seen from certain angles, was not visible. Shortly after, the X was refinished to be darker but could still be hard to see. During sea trials, a white X was added to the forward funnel, making Celebrity Solstice more closely resemble her fleetmates.[11]
The overall masterplan was completed by Boston-based Wilson Butler Architects, which would also design the entertainment venues, such as Main Theater, along with the Grand Foyer, and open decks, including the Lawn Club.[12] Other designers included Tihany Design, which designed the interior of the main dining room;[13] BG Studio, which designed Cellar masters, Passport Bar, Ensemble Lounge, Micheals Club, and Murano;[14] 5 + Design, Galleria Boutique, Fortune Casino, Art Gallery; and RTKL, which designed the Spa.[15]
The keel was laid in March 2007 at Meyer Werft in Papenberg, Germany.[16] This would be Celerity return to Meyer shipyard since the Century class, who also built Celebrity's first ships with the Horizon class. The Celebrity Solstice left Meyer Werft on September 28, 2008. The ship was the biggest cruise ship built in Germany to that point.[17]
History
editThe Celebrity Solstice arrived in Fort Lauderdale on November 3, 2008. Subsequently, she embarked on a series of short preview cruises for travel agents and dignitaries.[18] On November 14, 2008, at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, she was officially named by Sharon L. Smith.[19] She began commercial service on November 23, 2008.[20]
Celebrity Solstice was scheduled to be put in dry dock in October 2021.[21]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Celebrity Solstice: Summary (26783)". Vessel Register for DNV. DNV. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
- ^ "First Block of Celebrity Solstice". 19 March 2007. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024.
- ^ "Undocking of Celebrity Solstice". Archived from the original on 2 October 2011.
- ^ "Celebrity Solstice".
- ^ "Celebrity Solstice (26783)". Vessel Register for DNV. DNV. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
- ^ Knego, Peter (3 January 2009). "CELEBRITY SOLSTICE Decked!". Maritime Matters. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
- ^ Smith 2010, p. 61.
- ^ Saunders 2013, p. 142.
- ^ Saunders 2013, pp. 143–144.
- ^ a b "Experience Cruise". USA Today. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
- ^ "Cruise ship tours: Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Solstice". www.usatoday.com.
- ^ "Celebrity Solstice Cruise Design". Wilson Butler Architects.
- ^ "Legacy". Tihany Design - Luxury Interior Design.
- ^ "Hospitality Portfolio | BG Studio | NYC Luxury Interior Design Firm". BG Studio International.
- ^ "Celebrity Cruises, Solstice". CallisonRTKL.
- ^ "First Block of Celebrity Solstice". MEYER WERFT. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ "Germany's Biggest Cruise Ship on River Ems". MEYER WERFT. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
- ^ NWZonline.de Luxusliner Spezial Archived 4 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved September 29, 2008
- ^ "Flagship of Celebrity Cruises' Solstice Class Fleet is Industry's First to be Named by Female Scientist: University of Miami Oceanographer Dr. Sharon Smith". Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. University of Miami. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
- ^ "Celebrity Solstice Enters Service with Applause from Press and Trade". Celebrity Cruises. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
- ^ "Cruise Ship Dry Dock/Upgrade Schedules for Cruise Lines in 2018-2023". cruisefever.net. 4 August 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
Bibliography
edit- Saunders, Aaron (2013). Giants of the Seas: The Ships that Transformed Modern Cruising. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 9781848321724.
- Smith, Peter C. (2010). Cruise Ships: The World's Most Luxurious Vessels. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK: Pen & Sword Maritime. ISBN 9781848842182.
External links
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