New Era In Cruising With The Arrival Of Celebrity Solstice

Media Release
December 14 2012

New Era In New Zealand Cruising With The Arrival Of Celebrity Solstice

Highest rated ship down under; ‘modern luxury’ approach already proves local appeal

In New Zealand’s biggest ever cruise season (2012-13), a new cruise ship arrives in Dunedin tomorrow (December 15) that will take the industry down under to new heights. Making her debut in New Zealand ports throughout December, Celebrity Solstice brings a new level of style, service and cruise experience previously unseen in the region and takes her place as the highest-rated cruise ship based in the region*.

Operated by the acclaimed international cruise line, Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Solstice introduces a ‘modern luxury’ style of cruising: contemporary five-star service, amenities and accommodation – without formality, stuffiness or fuss.

At 122,000 tons and 317 metres long, Celebrity Solstice is the second largest cruise ship ever based in Australasia; second only to sister brand Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas, which made her maiden visit to New Zealand last month, and is now on her second cruise around New Zealand.

When Celebrity Solstice was launched just four years ago, she set a new standard for cruising and brought exciting new features to the industry. She was the first cruise ship in the world that needed a greenkeeper on staff - to take care of its half an acre of real grass on its upper deck; grown simply to give passengers a unique Lawn Club to kick off their shoes, have a picnic or play petanque and bowls. And it’s not just the grass that makes this superliner green: she is also fitted with 216 solar panels that supply enough energy to power all of the ship’s guest elevators, or more than 7,000 LED lights. Other unique features include the Glass Blowing Studio, where craftsmen from the Corning Museum of Glass create stunning glassware items.

According to Adam Armstrong, commercial director, Celebrity Cruises Australia & New Zealand, Celebrity Solstice will ‘raise the bar’ for cruising Down Under.

“Celebrity Cruises consistently scores high marks in the industry – and upmarket travel magazines like Conde Nast Traveller and Travel & Leisure rate Celebrity Cruises as the best of its kind in the world.

“It’s a major milestone to introduce a ship of this size and calibre to our market, which you could only previously experience in European or Caribbean waters. Our pampering but relaxed ‘modern luxury’ style of cruising is particularly well-suited to Australian and New Zealand cruisers who appreciate the finer things in life.

“The fixtures and fittings are superb, from the exquisite Egyptian cotton bed linen to the stylish poolside furniture. And our staff pride themselves on exceeding the expectations of our guests – whether it’s your own butler or the pool attendant,” said Armstrong.

While there are fine dining restaurants aplenty, numerous bars (including the impressive ice-topped Martini Bar), for those seeking something different Celebrity Solstice offers the opportunity to experience “spa life at sea” with its AquaClass staterooms. Located close to the luxurious AquaSpa, rooms have a number of spa ‘touches’ including a Hansgrohe shower tower with waterfall showerhead and side jets, aromatherapy diffusers, special access to the ship’s spa facilities, as well as its own specialty restaurant Blu offering pure, clean spa cuisine.

Celebrity Solstice arrives in Dunedin tomorrow (December 15), and will call in Tauranga on Tuesday, December 18 and make her maiden visit to Auckland on Wednesday, December 19.

Celebrity Solstice will be home ported in Sydney until April 2013 and her inaugural programme features 17 Australian and New Zealand cruises from Sydney, Perth and Auckland calling at 28 ports in seven countries. Her first turnaround cruise will leave Auckland on January 4, 2013. Cruises include:

• Six 12- and 13-night New Zealand cruises sailing from Auckland or Sydney;
• An 11-night Tropical Queensland Easter cruise departing Sydney;
• A 35-night “Round Australia” cruise which can be taken separately as two sailings – an 18-night Australia and New Zealand cruise and a 17-night “Top End” cruise;
• And an 18-night Trans-Pacific Hawaii &Tahiti cruise from Sydney to Honolulu.

The ship has already attracted very strong bookings for its cruise season down under both from Australian and New Zealand travellers alike – as well as guests from overseas.

Armstrong added: “The good news for those who miss out this season is that Celebrity Solstice is confirmed to return in summer 2013-14, but again we would encourage people to book now and secure their space on the highest-rated cruise ship in Australasia.”

KEY DATES FOR CELEBRITY SOLSTICE
Saturday, December 15, 2012- Celebrity Solstice arrival in Dunedin
Tuesday, December 18 2012- Celebrity Solstice arrival in Tauranga
Wednesday December 19 2012– Celebrity Solstice arrival in Auckland
Monday 8 April 2013 - Celebrity Solstice ends her maiden season in region, departing from Sydney to Hawaii.

* based on the ratings in the Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2012

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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.
Celebrity Cruises is one of the fastest-growing major cruise lines with a fleet of 11 ships, with the newest, Celebrity Reflection, schedule for launch in late 2012, and the spectacular Celebrity Solstice to be based in Australia for her maiden local season from November 2012. For more information, contact 0800 102 123 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.au.

About RCL New Zealand
RCL Cruises Ltd New Zealand commenced operation in April 2010as the New Zealand arm of global cruise holiday company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. In New Zealand the company operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. In 2012, the cruise line will be the largest operator in Australasia, with five ships sailing in the region including three Royal Caribbean ‘premierships’, Voyager of the Seas, the largest and newest ship based locally, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, as well as two Celebrity Cruises ships, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium. www.royalcaribbean.co.nz

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