There’s a ton of excitement around new ship launches right now—from family-friendly megaships topping each other with theme park amenities to high-design river cruises—in fact, it's probably one of the most innovative time in cruising to date. However, in my opinion, some of the most exciting work is happening where major lines "upcycle" their classic ships, making them more amenity-filled and perfectly suited for their specific sailings.
There is no better example of this right now than the Celebrity Solstice. As part of a massive $250 million Solstice-class 'renewed' program, the ship just received a bow-to-stern transformation full of modern luxury upgrades that elevate its classic layout for a new generation of travelers. While it's long been a fan favorite, the ship relaunched this March with eight new experiences—including four spaces brand new to the Celebrity brand. The result is a ship that feels perfectly suited for its current job: sailing the rugged, breathtaking coast of Alaska in signature Celebrity style.
“Our approach with Celebrity Solstice was very intentional, designed to make every space purposeful, comfortable and align with the stunning destinations,” Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, told me. She explained that the team approaches innovation in thirds: “A third rooted in familiarity, a third in evolution and a third in revolution. Our goal is to strike that delicate balance, protecting the beloved traditions... while boldly pushing forward.”
Here's how that balance is playing out on board.
Related: Celebrity Just Relaunched Its Most Iconic Ship and It's Heading to Alaska This Summer
Fine Cut and The Retreat Expand the Edge-Class Influence
Meghann Foye
Celebrity has smartly expanded what people love about the newer Edge Class ships while listening to guest feedback. Most ships have a specialty steakhouse, but the addition of Fine Cut Steakhouse—a Forbes Travel Guide-rated guest favorite—takes it to another level. Rather than the typical dark leather and mahogany atmosphere, you’re located in the ship’s aft with wall-to-wall windows. It’s the perfect spot to watch a pod of whales while digging into a 45-day dry-aged porterhouse, incredible seafood dishes like house-made lobster tail ravioli and decadent desserts like its fudgy signature sundae.
For suite guests, the "Edge-ification" continues with a completely redesigned Retreat Sundeck. This prime-real-estate outdoor space on the 16th floor forward now features an oversized hot tub and fun, black-and-white plush outdoor seating designed by Kelly Hoppen, CBE. It’s the ultimate spot for soaking in glacier views.The Retreat Lounge on the revitalized Solstice now echoes the elevated, high-design clubhouse found on the Edge Series, providing a "ship-within-a-ship" experience that feels modern and private.
Related: A First Look at Celebrity Xcel, The Cruise Line's Most inspired Ship Yet
The Boulevard Lounge Brings Elevated All-Day Energy
Meghann Foye
One thing I’ve always loved about Celebrity’s ship design is the vibrant "nooks and crannies" that become its signature hubs—like the beloved Café al Bacio and Martini Bar. On the Celebrity Solstice, they’ve doubled down on that energy by transforming the fourth-floor area just outside the theater into the brand-new Boulevard Lounge.
This 125-seat venue is now a hub for all-day programming, ranging from piano bar singalongs and karaoke to brand-new game shows. It’s no longer just a place to stand while waiting for the theater doors to open; it’s a prime entertainment destination in its own right. Whether you're watching pianists duel it out to Elton John or catching surprisingly talented ship guests take their turn at karaoke, it's the kind of space that makes you want to stop in between activities just to catch the vibes.
Directly adjacent, the new Boulevard Bar serves up handcrafted cocktails, ensuring that the ship’s "belly" feels just as lively as the top deck, even when the Alaskan chill sets in. With the Parlor across the way, I noticed it also served as a vibrant "third space" for lingering between shows, after excursions and for pre-dinner drinks.
Related: 7 Cruises Superfans Can’t Wait to Book in 2026
The Analog Appeal of 'The Parlor'
Meghann Foye
Everyone loves The Parlor—it was packed from the moment we set sail. Leaning heavily into the "analog-core" trend, this space serves as an elevated sports and gaming lounge. Hodges Bethge noted that the venue captures the high-energy social spirit of a sports bar but elevates it with billiards, darts and a curated collection of nostalgic board games. "These new experiences are inspired by guest feedback, but we also push further," she explained.
It’s the perfect place to shake off the icy chill with a Red Basil Smash (a signature blend of gin, lemon, basil, and red wine) alongside upscale takes on classic comfort food. The menu is a major highlight, featuring Shrimp Mac N’ Cheese, the Celebrity Signature Burger, and crispy fried-chicken sandwiches topped with crunchy pickles. The team lasered in on "surprise and delight" moments throughout—I especially loved the over-the-top milkshakes (offered in small, medium and large) that have quickly become a guest favorite, channeling a similar playful energy to Xcel’s signature bloody mary bar. Cozy and windowless, the lounge ultimately feels like the ultimate gameroom to warm up after a day of exploring glaciers.
Related: Why Refurbished Ships Are the Best Kept Secret in Cruising
Reinventing Cruise Entertainment With Acrobatics and Candlelight
Meghann Foye
Celebrity’s take on entertainment is modern and cool. The new production show Smoke and Ivories celebrates the juke joints of 1950s with world-class vocals and some pretty amazing acrobatics. Also debuting in the Theatre is Rockumentary, a live concert experience recreating landmark rock performances across the decades that had everybody in theatre clapping and dancing along.
“We are continually pushing the boundaries on entertainment, creating productions that captivate and inspire,” Hodges Bethge added, noting they partnered with creative teams who bring a wealth of entertainment industry experience. For those who want something more atmospheric, the ship hosts candle-lit concerts in the Sky Observation Lounge. Watching a string quartet perform rock renditions under the soft glow of candlelight while the Alaskan wilderness sits just outside the glass is a genuinely spellbinding experience.
For me, entertainment is always a major highlight of the Celebrity experience, and standout cruise director Corinne Steel ensures it stays firmly at the forefront on Solstice. That high-energy dedication was palpable every single night, whether winding through the theater and lounges, jumping into the silent disco or dancing at Celebrity’s signature "Shine the Night" white party in the atrium. While Alaska cruises can occasionally skew a bit sleepy, Solstice undeniably brings the edge.
Sunset Park Brings Prime Views of the Last Frontier
Meghann Foye
The top of the ship is beautifully open, offering a front-row seat to Icy Strait and Hubbard Glacier. The absolute standout is the new Sunset Park, a complete reimagining of the brand's signature Lawn Club. While the real grass remains, the space has evolved into a chic "seaside park" that's perfect not only for soaking in prime views, but for enjoying them together.
"We know our guests love the Lawn Club... we envisioned how we could evolve that experience,” Hodges Bethge said. “The space is designed to enhance the outdoor experience with more shade, delicious food and engaging recreation.” This includes new private cabanas with dedicated attendants and the Sunset Park Café, which serves up fresh al fresco breakfast and lunch. I found myself grabbing egg bites and a latte in the mornings, and a charcuterie board and glass of wine in the evenings to enjoy while watching the "golden hour" hit the Alaskan peaks—complete with fleece throws to stave off the March chill. On the same deck, the expanded Sunset Bar offers an incredible vantage point for those 10 p.m. sunsets, making every hour feel like happy hour.
Premium Touches and Wildlife Wins
Meghann Foye
The ship also added 54 new staterooms, bringing the total to 1,479 cabins. This includes four brand-new categories: the Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, two Panoramic Ocean View Suite categories, and the Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View. Even the AquaClass rooms got a refresh, now featuring spa-inspired amenities like massaging shower heads and aromatherapy diffusers.
New to the dining portfolio is Trattoria Rossa, serving Roman and Southern Italian cuisine. The handmade pastas (made in-house daily) and the tableside preparation of the Chicken Parmesan and Caesar Salad add a layer of theater and fun to the meal that you don't typically find on a mid-sized ship.
In our short trip, we saw daily pods of whales and sea lions sunning on rocks. With Sam Carmack, the onboard naturalist, annotating the day’s adventures, the Celebrity Solstice feels like an intentional, intimate setting perfectly built for its job. Rather than leaving guests to jostle for space to watch the Alaskan scenery unfold, the ship effortlessly pairs panoramic views with open, highly social layouts.
It brings that enviable "Euro-summer" energy straight to the Pacific Northwest, relying on Celebrity’s deeply rooted Mediterranean DNA to create spaces meant for luxurious lingering. Whether you're relaxing at Café al Bacio, toast-making at the Martini Bar or renting a private top-deck cabana at Sunset Park, the ship practically begs you to slow down and connect. It's clear that, as Hodges Bethge put it, "every element of Celebrity Solstice’s revitalization was thoughtfully designed around how our guests want to spend their time." It’s proof positive that a purposeful, destination-led redesign can make a classic vessel feel vastly more innovative than a standard new build.
And for those who want to truly settle in, the ship is preparing for its landmark 110-night Grand Voyage beginning September 13, 2026, spanning 55 unrepeated ports from the glaciers of Alaska to a New Year's Eve arrival in Hong Kong.
Related: The Most Popular Alaska Cruise for Families Is This 2008 Classic
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