CELEBRITY CRUISES IS MAKING ITS CLASSICS NEW AGAIN, INVESTING OVER $250 MILLION TO MODERNIZE ITS SOLSTICE SERIES SHIPS
Rhea-AI Summary
Celebrity Cruises (RCL) announced a major $250 million investment to modernize its Solstice Series ships, starting with Celebrity Solstice in March 2026. The renovation includes eight new experiences with four new-to-sea spaces and comprehensive upgrades to all 1,479 staterooms. Key additions include the Boulevard Lounge for entertainment, Trattoria Rossa for Italian dining, Fine Cut Steakhouse, and the Sunset Park outdoor oasis.
The modernization features enhanced suite accommodations in The Retreat, new stateroom categories, and refreshed AquaClass rooms with wellness amenities. Celebrity Solstice will offer itineraries in Asia, Australia, Alaska, and a special 110-night Grand Voyage visiting over 55 ports from September to December 2026.
Positive
- Major $250 million investment demonstrates commitment to fleet modernization
- Addition of 8 new spaces including 4 new venues enhances guest experience
- Complete upgrade of all 1,479 staterooms adds value to accommodations
- Introduction of new revenue-generating venues (restaurants, bars, entertainment spaces)
- Expansion of premium offerings with enhanced Retreat and AquaClass experiences
- Launch of 110-night Grand Voyage creates new premium revenue stream
Negative
- Significant capital expenditure of $250 million impacts financial resources
- Potential revenue loss during renovation period in 2026
- Extended 110-night voyage commits significant capacity to a single itinerary
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, RCL gained 1.45%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Guests will fall in love with the fan-favorite ships all over again, as bow to stern enhancements add eight new spaces – including four new venues – and many reimagined favorites in 2026.
Celebrity Solstice will be the first of the Solstice Series ships to be made new again, welcoming guests for reimagined vacation experiences starting in March 2026. Extraordinary itineraries will take guests around the world – from the breathtaking nature of
"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."
A remixed vacation routine
- Boulevard Lounge – Good times and glamorous vibes will take center stage at this brand-new, intimate entertainment venue. With always-on programming, from interactive daytime activities like new game shows and trivia to elevated evenings of candlelit concerts and dueling pianos, this cabaret-inspired lounge offers a dramatic new take on showtime.
- Boulevard Bar – Just steps away from the lounge, guests can pull up a seat for handcrafted cocktails before or after the show—or both.
- Celebrity Barcade – Guests should bring their A-game to this new, elevated sports bar, the perfect place to both watch and play games. Guests can catch their favorite sports teams from multiple screens positioned so well they'll never miss a pass; or challenge their friends to a round of billiards, darts, or their favorite retro board game.
New culinary delights to fall in love with all over again
- Trattoria Rossa – Step into an Italian hideaway that blends opulence with modern design to experience a restaurant that bursts with charm from every corner. The perfect setting to reignite date night, guests will have a front row seat to the action with authentic tableside preparations of dishes inspired by Italian classics, including fresh pasta made from scratch daily.
- Fine Cut Steakhouse – The Forbes Travel Guide-rated, Edge Series favorite steakhouse will bring upscale dining with service that's elevated to an art form. There's something for everyone at Fine Cut Steakhouse, which offers 30-day dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, the elevated service Celebrity is known for, and elegance at every turn.
Fresh views for a front row seat to every destination
- Sunset Park – Transforming the top deck of Celebrity Solstice, guests can enjoy unparalleled views from this half acre outdoor oasis. Plus, with elevated cuisine, refreshing cocktails, lawn games, open-air concerts and more, a day at the park never looked so good.
- New private cabanas – Relax with sweeping ocean views and more shade, while dedicated attendants cater to your every whim.
- Expanded Sunset Bar – Drink in the views along with a refreshing cocktail, as every hour is happy hour.
Unwind in style at The Retreat, reimagined
- Enhanced Suites – A completely reimagined stay at The Retreat awaits, making the most elevated experience at sea even better, as Celebrity Solstice will sail with enhanced suites.
- All-new Retreat Sundeck – Unwind in style at an all-new sundeck with ample outdoor seating and shade, exclusive for guests of The Retreat. Guests will relax carefree in an oversized hot tub, as they enjoy prime views from the top of the ship.
- Redesigned Retreat Lounge – The perfect place to enjoy a light bite or catch up with friends over drinks, reserved for guests of The Retreat.
Enhanced accommodations with upgrades to every stateroom
- Refreshed AquaClass Staterooms – A fully immersive, next-level wellness vacation awaits. Every room is updated with spa-inspired elements – from massaging shower heads, aroma therapy diffusers, in-room yoga mats, luxurious robes and slippers, and even a pillow menu for the perfect night's sleep. AquaClass guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the all-new Relaxation Lounge at The Spa.
- Four brand-new stateroom categories – New stateroom categories offer more ways to stay: The Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Deluxe Panoramic Oceanview Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View. These new stateroom categories are available to book starting mid-June.
Bow to stern enhancements also include a design refresh to many more venues: Café Al Bacio, Cellar Masters, World Class Bar, Martini Bar, Pool Bar, Passport Bar, Blu – exclusive to AquaClass guests, Luminae – exclusive to guests of The Retreat, the Fitness Center, and Camp at Sea.
Guests will enjoy all of these enhancements on Celebrity Solstice vacations starting in March 2026 with unforgettable
For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, please visit www.celebritycruises.com, call Celebrity Cruises at 1-888-751-7804, or contact a trusted travel advisor.
About Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium vacation experience across their fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. Uniquely offering the intimate feel and thoughtful service of small ships, with the variety and excitement of bigger ones – guests can explore the world or get away from it for a little while. With every detail elevated beyond expectations, guests will never want to vacation any other way. An industry pioneer for more than 35 years, each Celebrity vacation offers experiences you won't find anywhere else aboard ships which continue to shatter industry expectations with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel® arriving Fall 2025.
Celebrity Cruises is headquartered in
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celebrity-cruises-is-making-its-classics-new-again-investing-over-250-million-to-modernize-its-solstice-series-ships-302468333.html
SOURCE Celebrity Cruises
FAQ
When will RCL's Celebrity Solstice renovation be completed?
How much is Celebrity Cruises investing in the Solstice Series modernization?
What new venues will be added to Celebrity Solstice?
What itineraries will Celebrity Solstice offer after renovation in 2026?
How many staterooms are being upgraded on Celebrity Solstice?
