Celebrity Solstice is the lead ship of the 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.[1] 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.
Yacht designer Martin Francis of Francis Design was hired to design her exterior profile.[2] In original exterior renderings, the hull was shown as all-white with powder blue funnels and blue glass upper decks. Similarly, the large dark blue funnel with a white X that had been the trademark of Celebrity thus far has been replaced by two thin funnels, and it was planned to have the X logo of the company visible in the glass balcony railings on the ship's midsection.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 still can be hard to see. An afterthought during the sea trials saw the addition of a white X onto the forward funnel, thus bringing Celebrity Solstice more closely related to her fleetmates.[3]
The overall masterplan was completed by Boston-based Wilson Butler Architects, who would also design the entertainment venues such as Main Theater, along with the Grand Foyer, and open decks, including the Lawn Club.[4] Other designers included, Tihany Design, who designed the interior of the main dining room;[5] BG Studio, who designed Cellar masters, Passport Bar, Ensemble Lounge, Micheals Club, and Murano;[6] 5 + Design, Galleria Boutique, Fortune Casino, Art Gallery; and RTKL, who designed the Spa.[7]
The keel was laid in March 2007 at Meyer Werft, in Papenberg Germany.[8] 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 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.[9] On November 14, 2008, at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, she was officially named by Sharon L. Smith.[10] She began commercial service on November 23, 2008.[11]
Celebrity Solstice was scheduled to be put in dry dock in October 2021.[12]