New Entertainment Options on Celebrity Solstice

Continuing the stream of announcements about new and innovative offerings on the upcoming Celebrity Solstice, debuting in late fall this year, we now have more information about the entertainment options being designed specifically for this ship, and presumably her sisters coming later.

The line has partnered with Poet Theatricals, led by Michael McPherson and Patrice Marques, whose backgrounds include experience with Franco Dragone and the creation and production of the first worldwide touring show of the Lido de Paris. The three new shows are "Solstice," a European-style "theatrical circus" that includes vocalists, physical comedy, acrobatic and aerial performances in a celestial celebration; "Ghost Light," which depicts reminiscences about the closing of a Broadway theater; and "Pulse," an energetic dance show. Also in the works are specialty acts, including still performers, ring jugglers, fairy characters and acrobats.

I don't know about you, but sounds to me like they are still trying to get the Cirque-like entertainment to work onboard. I really hope it works for them, as it's a great concept and it could be absolutely fabulous!

The theatre onboard has been redesigned to enable a better audience experience. A curved stage extends into the audience, creating what the line likened to a theater-in-the-round experience. The traditional orchestra pit was omitted to allow for more guest seating in the central area of the venue, with musicians' platforms instead positioned to the left and right of the stage.

Also featured onboard is the Sky Observation Lounge, decorated in a stark white that allows colored lights to change the mood each night to reflect different themes, such as tango nights and ballroom dancing. Lessons in the dance being celebrated each night will be held for guests earlier that day.

The 200-guest Celebrity Central venue will offer late-night comedy shows, cooking demonstrations, enrichment lectures and feature films. Located in the center of the ship and flanked by Celebrity Central and the Quasar nightclub, the Entertainment Court will serve as an entertainment hub. The Court's design and proximity to Quasar allows for opening up both venues to create a larger entertainment atmosphere at night. During daytime hours, the Court might feature psychics or caricature artists. Quasar, the nightclub, will feature the mod, futuristic designs of the '60s and '70s, with cocoon-shaped acrylic chairs suspended from the ceiling and four large LED screens synchronized with the music.

They're really pulling out the stops on this ship!

5 Solstices for Celebrity

Shipbuilder Meyer Werft has announced Celebrity Cruises is going to exercise their option for a 5th Solstice Class ship, as yet unnamed, for delivery in 2012. Even though their first in the class won't be delivered until November, 2008, they're taking a very bold step in ordering yet another 112,000 ton, 2,850 passenger ship.

This class of ship represents a huge expasion for Celebrity, with many innovations onboard, many of which are yet to be announced. Can't wait to sail her!

Celebrity's Top Ten...

... Dining spots, that is.

The details are beginning to trickle out about the amenities aboard the Celebrity Solstice, and it's about time, as she debuts late this fall. Two weeks ago they announced that they would have the first natural grass area at sea. Now they're releasing some of the details about their 10 dining venues onboard.

Teaming with notable designers and restraunteurs such as preeminent restaurant and hotel designer Adam Tihany, who created such lauded restaurants as Per Se, Jean Georges, Le Cirque, The Sea Grill and Osteria del Circo in New York; Aureole, Bouchon and Seablue in Las Vegas; and Monte’s and the chic Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London, Celebrity is looking forward to moving their signature dining experience to the next level.

Tihany has created the main 2-story dining room, Epernay along with other venues such as the new steakhouse on board, the Tuscan Grille, and the more familiar areas such as the casual dining venue, the Oceanview Cafe and Grill.

Sure to be one of the visual centerpieces of his design is the 2-story wine tower in the main dining room, Epernay. I'm looking forward to seeing it! (Hint, hint, Celebrity!)