p25 cruise nov21 18/11/08 14:10 Page 25
ttglive.com
cruisenews
Celebrity Cruises is to base
Solstice views
a ship in the UK for the first
time in 2010. Sara Macefield Anthony Blackmore, managing director,
reports from the launch of
Cruise365.com
Celebrity Solstice in Florida
“It delivers what it has promised and is the most
exciting ship since Voyager of the Seas, which was
the first of the large ships. But this will appeal to
a totally different market. The quality of the ship,
from the furnishings and the staff to the food
and presentation gives it a boutique feel. It is a
cross between Hotel du Vin and Malmaison, with
lounge areas that are more like Caviar House.”
Phil Nuttall, owner, Save’n’Sail
“I don’t think there’s anyone I could put on Solstice
who would not appreciate it. I love all the dining
Celebrity plans UK ship
places situated together at the aft of the ship,
which gives a great atmosphere. I love the Boule-
vard, which has a really palatial style with its
columns and floor to ceiling drapes – it has a real
sense of occasion. I think the Lawn Club works
CELEBRITY Cruises has said its decision to base a more customers,” said Darren Stott, Cruise too; it’s like a stereotypical English village green.”
ship at Southampton in 2010 for the first time is Thomas Cook’s head of brand marketing.
a “watershed” for the line and the UK market. Celebrity chief executive Dan Hanrahan Darren Stott, head of brand marketing,
The Royal Caribbean brand claimed its decision admitted he had been frustrated at not being Cruise Thomas Cook
to homeport is third Solstice-class ship, Celebrity able to bring Solstice to Britain as originally “This is my first time on a Celebrity ship and I have
Eclipse, in the UK followed trade demand. planned for a launch event. been very impressed. The staterooms and Aqua
“This is going to put Celebrity on the map and “Next year we will launch Celebrity Equinox in cabins are very good and they have done smart
it will blow the competition away,” said Robin the UK, from where it will make its first sailing, things, such as raising the bed so you can store
Shaw, UK vice-president and managing director. and this will help to firm up the message that items underneath. The spa facilities are fantastic
“Having one of these ships in Southampton is Celebrity is very serious about the UK,” he said. and the Lawn Club gives Solstice a different twist.
very exciting for us and the UK market and it will Solstice is the first of five new Celebrity ships It will appeal to couples from mid-40s upwards.”
provide such competition for the quality lines. being launched between now and 2012.
“We are confident about selling this ship. We It is spending its first winter cruising to the
already have very good experience of selling Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.
Celebrity Solstice facilities
Legend of the Seas and Independence.” Next July, it will be joined by Equinox, and both
The announcement, made at the launch of will be based in the Mediterranean next summer. The 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice, was welcomed by UK agents Celebrity Eclipse, which goes on sale next includes a range of unique features:
at the event. March, will follow in summer 2010 and will offer ■ Lawn Club: half an acre of real grass
“Bringing this class of ship ex-UK is fantastic Mediterranean and northern Europe sailings (pictured) where guests can picnic or play
and a huge opportunity for the trade to attract from Southampton. croquet. The sight of real grass and even
the smell makes it a truly relaxing haven.
■ Hot Glass Show: a glass-blowing studio
Brand unveils marketing drive
run by the Corning Museum of Glass, with
regular shows by experts.
■ 10 dining venues: external designers have
THE LAUNCH of Celebrity Solstice will pave the Year £1 million-plus TV and print campaign for all been used – and it shows. The ivory and
way for a major boost to the line’s UK profile as three Royal Caribbean brands, more co-operative silver Grand Epernay Dining Room has to
it prepares to base its first ship at Southampton marketing activities and direct-mail shots. be one of the most stylish afloat.
in 2010. But the main push will be when the second ■ Space: staterooms are 15% larger than
Speaking as Solstice was named in Florida, the Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Equinox, is on other Celebrity ships.
line’s general manager, Jo Rzymowska, said the launched in Southampton next July during six ■ Spa: 130 AquaClass cabins give unlimited
company was stepping up trade and consumer days of inaugural celebrations. access to the AquaSpa relaxation room
marketing to publicise the Celebrity brand. Rzymowska said the line hoped to get 5,000 and Persian Garden plus complimentary
“Now Celebrity and Azamara have their own agents onboard and host partner conferences. and exclusive dining in Blu, a healthy-
dedicated sales team, we can target potential “If we can get frontline staff to experience this eating restaurant.
agents for these lines as opposed to Royal ship, they will sell it,” she said. ■ Solar energy: Solstice includes 216 solar
Caribbean,” she explained. There are also plans for a consumer event sim- panels – a cruise industry “first”.
Marketing activities planned include a New ilar to that for Independence of the Seas this year.
21.11.2008 25
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