It started with a single piece of steel. And how did Celebrity Cruises go from something so seemingly simple to create five $3.7-billion, brand-defining Solstice Class ships? The modern luxury line is revealing the fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes footage in an engaging new documentary, "The Making of Celebrity Reflection."
From the laying of the keel to installing the azipods, from the first float-out to the celebratory naming ceremony, viewers of Celebrity's new documentary will enjoy an entertaining tracing of the journey hosted by longtime Cruise Director Nick Weir and captured over the course of 18 months, as the fifth in the Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Reflection, was constructed at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Celebrity launched a Solstice Class ship every year from 2008 to 2012:
• Celebrity Solstice was the industry's first to present The Lawn Club, the now iconic half-acre space with real, growing grass, and The Hot Glass Show.
• Celebrity Equinox in 2009 followed her sister ship's lead in also presenting the industry's first application of solar technology.
• Celebrity Eclipse in 2010 set sail with the specialty restaurant, "Qsine," the first at sea - and arguably on land - to present a menu on an iPad. The ship also introduced the "Celebrity iLounge," making the modern luxury line the first Authorized Apple Reseller at sea.
• Celebrity Silhouette in 2011 presented vacationers with a variety of new options in the Lawn Club area on the top deck, including the interactive, outdoor "Lawn Club Grill," the first outdoor barbecue grill at sea; private cabanas known as "The Alcoves"; an upscale new casual dining option offering stunning views of the sea and lawn, "The Porch"; "The Art Studio," where guests can bring out their inner artist in classes led by professional painters, sculptors and jewelry creators; and, in the center of the ship, "The Hideaway," a quiet space reminiscent of a childhood treehouse.
• Celebrity Reflection in 2012 rounded out the Solstice Class fleet with three entirely new categories of luxury suites, including AquaClass Suites, Signature Suites and the 1,830-square-foot (including veranda) Reflection Suite, whose all-glass shower extending out over the edge of the ship continues to make headlines; the brand's first Conference Center, a multi-functional space for meetings, banquets and wedding receptions; and an expanded AquaSpa, offering spa and fitness enthusiasts that many more options.
"The Making of Celebrity Reflection" can be purchased online at the retail price of $16.95 at www.shopcelebritycruises.com/Reflection, or across the fleet at the Guest Relations Desk.
About Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 11 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111 or call your travel agent.
