Celebrity Cruises Upgrades by “Solsticizing” Ships

When Celebrity Cruises launched the Celebrity Solstice in 2008, once again they “raised the bar” with her ship design. The “Solstice” class brought new amenities onboard, an abundance of dining options, and some never before seen features, including the “Lawn Club” with the cruise industry’s first real green grass. The success of Celebrity’s five Solstice class ships – the Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Silhouette which launches in July, followed by the Celebrity Reflection in fall of 2012 – is now impacting some of its other ships in positive ways. Celebrity Cruises is in the process of “Solsticizing” their Millennium class ships.

“Solsticizing” – What is It?

A term  Celebrity Cruises came up with to describe enhancing their four Millennium class ships, this involves bringing “Solstice-style” venues  ranging from new dining  and restaurant options  to restyling staterooms with new touches and color schemes,  bedding and upholstery as well as flat-screen TV’s.

Dining experiences include Bistro on Five, an upscale casual dining option featuring crepes, salads and sandwiches, Tuscan Grille, a sophisticated steakhouse with an Italian accent, as well as Celebrity’s innovative ice covered Martini Bar. Celler Masters Wine Bar has “Enomatics,” a state-of-the-art wine serving system which allows guests to select their wines by the glass “at the touch of a button.” Another experience added is Café al Bacio and Gelateria, providing an extensive menu of coffee drinks, with complimentary gelatos and fresh pastries.

 

Update on ships “Solsticized”

The first Celebrity ship to undergo “Solsticizing” was the Celebrity Constellation in 2010, where she was revitalized during her 15 day dry-dock period.  Celebrity Infinity’s revitalization will be complete by December 2011, and she will also include “Qsine,” a novel restaurant that first debuted on the Celebrity Eclipse in 2010.The Celebrity Summit will become the third Celebrity ship to undergo “Solsticizing” by January 2012. And the Celebrity Millennium is scheduled to be “Solsticized” in April 2012.

One again providing a relook at existing ships

Celebrity Cruise’s Millennium class ships were already stunning ones, but by enhancing them with some of the new venues from their award winning Solstice class ships, it brings the best of cruising together. And the Millennium ships are another one to consider for your next cruise group.

Extreme Ship Makeover – Princess Cruises’ Style

In the cruise industry we see new ships launching each year, but cruise lines don’t ignore their existing ones. Upgrading fleets, well beyond the traditional dry dock maintenance, is another critical part.  And one of the most fun, innovative makeovers currently going on right now is onboard Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess.

Grand Princess – Extreme Makeover

The Grand Princess makeover  is being done in just 24 days, with completion by May 4.  1400 workers  are involved working round the clock.  They’re adding many of the new trademark features Princess Cruises is known for.

What is involved in this transformation? The ship’s atrium is being converted into the Piazza, a Vines Wine Bar and International Café is being added, and a new feature, Leaves Tea Lounge and Library are also parts of the additions.

Perhaps the most dramatic change is the removal of Skywalkers Nightclub. Removing it will provide greater fuel efficiency for the ship and will improve Grand Princess’ operational performance.

 

Grand Princess is also going to have some new restaurants onboard – The Crown Grill, Princess Cruises’ Classic steakhouse and seafood restaurant, as well as Alfredo’s, a new pizzeria with open kitchen.  A quick note about Alfredo’s – the Grand Princess will be the first ship in the Princess fleet to have this new pizzeria and as far as the name? Alfredo’s is named after Princess Cruises’ Master Chef.   Crooner’s Martini Bar will also be added and a new nightclub, the One5 debuts on Deck 15.

See the Ongoing Transformation via Photos and Videos

You don’t have to wait until May 5 to follow and view pats of the transformation. Princess Cruises has a daily video journal hosted by Cruise Director Martyn Moss, who’s covering highlights during the process.  Martyn is sharing some of the fun, behind the scenes footage of what is going on. And you can find this by going to Princess.com/granddrydock.

When the Grand Princess sets sail on May 5 out of Ft. Lauderdale, she will be doing a transatlantic cruise over to Southampton for her summer and fall European itineraries. The Grand Princess will then be a ship with new dimensions, features and upgrades. State of the art features are no longer  just for brand new ships, but ones being done onboard the Grand Princess after  she goes  through an extreme ship makeover. And Grand Princess is definitely a ship to consider for your next group.

Celebrity Cruises Takes The Lawn Club a Step Further

When Celebrity Cruises launched their newest design in 2008 with the Celebrity Solstice, they also included some “never seen before on a ship” features. The Lawn Club literally brought real green grass to the high seas, complete with a country club outdoor ambience.

Always seeking ways to continue elevating the Celebrity shipboard experience for guests, some brand new cutting edge features are in the works for the Celebrity Silhouette when she sets sail this year, and the Celebrity Reflection which follows in 2012. A few will be in The Lawn Club area, adding a completely new dimension.

New Specialty Dining Options in The Lawn Club

The Lawn Club will now have even more for guests with new outstanding dining options in this relaxing, tranquil area. The Lawn Club Grill, the first outdoor grill ever seen onboard a ship, will have an interactive pulse. This specialty dining option, overlooking the lush green lawn and the soothing seas,  includes custom pizza making tables and large ovens, along with gleaming stainless steel grills.

During the day, The Lawn Club Grill features a casual lunch menu with a variety of high end burgers. Also available are classes focusing on pizza making and interactive cooking demonstrations, led by Celebrity’s own chefs as well as guest chefs onboard participating in Celebrity’s “Savor Your Destination” program.

By evening, guests will have two options for their dining experience. They can either select from a wide array of top quality meats to have a “grilled to order” dinner, or can actually grill meats themselves side by side with Celebrity chefs. (During the evening a small surcharge applies.)

Another dining option within The Lawn Club area is The Porch, which will feature chic, modern furnishings, use of natural light, and the perfect spot to enjoy a casual breakfasts and lunches, all complimentary. The Porch will be located on the starboard side of the ship and is the entry way into The Lawn Club.  This intimate area is a perfect way for guests take in the breathtaking views of both the sea and lawn while enjoying  complimentary  salads, fresh pastries, Panini’s and other sandwiches,  with beer, wine and specialty coffees also available.

Relaxation in New Ways as well as Appealing to the love of Art

Also within The Lawn Club area is The Art Studio, where experienced as well as novice artists can actually participate in hands-on instruction from experts in painting, drawing and beading in addition to other culinary arts themed classes, mixology, tastings and the art of food. And another unique twist?  Guest Chefs participating in Celebrity’s Savor Your Destination program will host exclusive, intimate “pairing dinners” in The Art Studio.

For guests who want to enjoy a private retreat overlooking the ocean as well as the lawn, The Alcoves is the perfect option. These exclusive eight “cabana style settings” are designed for two to four guests and available as an all day or partial day rental.

The Lawn Club areas onboard both the Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection allow guests to enjoy even more –  new back yard experiences while at sea.

MSC Cruises – “Ship within the Ship”

Traditionally cruise lines tend to fall within just one category – contemporary, premium, or luxury. As lines create new exclusive accommodations and areas for guests, however, we’re seeing a new variation – having a high end luxury area within a contemporary or premium cruise line. One of the best examples of this is MSC Cruises and its revolutionary MSC Yacht Club, first introduced on the MSC Fantasia in 2008 and then onboard the MSC Splendida which launched in 2009.

What exactly does the MSC Yacht Club include?

A private enclave consisting of 71 suite accommodations, this secluded VIP area provides more exclusive offerings to these guests. The Top Sail Lounge provides plasma screen monitors to follow the ship’s course as well as offering panoramic views, and guests can enjoy a wide array of complimentary pastries, snacks and exotic drinks. The One Pool includes a swimming pool, two spa baths and a solarium, there is also a private restaurant and The One Bar completes the area. Private Butler service is also included, traditional English tea is served daily to guests staying in these exclusive accommodations, and there is round the clock dedicated room service.

A few more inclusives for guests in the MSC Yacht Club? Guests can also enjoy complimentary dining at the specialty restaurants- the L’Olivo, a Mediterranean restaurant onboard the MSC Splendida, and the L’Etoile, a gourmet French restaurant on the MSC Fantasia. (Reservations are required.) Also included for MSC Yacht Club guests are special coffees and alcoholic beverages at the Yacht Club bars, restaurants and within the suites’ mini bars. A 24 hour concierge service is available, and there are reserved, front row seats at the theater for MSC Yacht Club guests (limited availability.) And the list goes on.

MSC Cruises’ next ship, the MSC Divinia, which debuts in 2012, will also include the MSC Yacht Club.

This “Ship within the Ship” provides the best of both worlds

Considered a premium product in the Mediterranean, where its ships depart year round, MSC Cruises sails seasonally from the U.S. Its MSC Yacht Club brings a new luxury experience to guests who prefer to sail on a larger ship, yet enjoy more exclusive touches. Another plus? MSC Yacht Club guests have access to all of the other ship amenities as well.

For cruise guests who like the best of both worlds, this new “ship within the ship” concept is an ideal option.

NCL President removes ice skating rink on Norwegian Epic

Enticing cruise guests to come back is never ending. One of the key ways cruise lines do that is by continuing to “raise the bar” by including special unique features onboard when it comes to ship interiors, cutting edge designs, cuisine and restaurants, lifestyle features and entertainment. Cruise lines review what’s been successful in the past, look at growing trends, and also review feedback from their guests when it comes to not just designing their new ships but upgrades to existing ones.

For instance, the cruise comment card that magically appears in your stateroom right before the end other cruise with the request to fill it out and then drop it off in the comment card boxes, usually by the guest relations desk? Yes, it does get routed back to corporate headquarters as well as on to the “higher ups.”

Cruise line executives do read those comment cards because it gives them a pulse on what their cruise guests like and what they don’t like. Going through ongoing evaluations can also come into play when designing new ship areas, facilities and features as well as considering new and existing partnerships with separate companies.

When Norwegian Cruise Line launched their innovative Norwegian Epic in July 2010, for instance, they included some new innovations never before seen on a ship, including the first Ice Bar, combined with other features that have been onboard their other ships – rock climbing wall, ice skating, and bowling.

It actually occurred when Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO, Kevin Sheehan, appeared on the reality series program, “Undercover Boss,” which aired January 2, 2011. Kevin Sheehan worked undercover, in many different roles on a few of NCL’s ships.

While working with Jessica Barnes, Recreational Host, onboard their newest ship, Norwegian Epic, one of Sheehan’s jobs was assembling the on-board ice skating rink. This was a daily process Jessica and recreational staff members had to do – it involved laying out heavy plastic ice sheets and then spraying them with a special solution that would make the surface slippery. Sheehan also discovered that only a handful of the cruise passengers actually used the ice skating rink, and decided to remove the ship’s ice skating rink. Sheehan actually made the decision before he returned to the board room at Norwegian Cruise Line.

It gives a new slant on how cruise lines come up with decisions to phase out or change an area or experience on a ship, doesn’t it?

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