Chandris’ Galileo will be going to Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven for a four-month $45 million refit job that will transform her into the Meridien to debut next February in Chandris’ new Celebrity Cruises fleet.

The 28,000-ton, 1,100-passenger, 26-year old ship will be totally redesigned according to Al Wallack, Vice President of Marketing and Sales. Changes include a new sun deck with three whirlpools; a new cafe with indoor and outdoor seating for 450; a new 585-seat showroom; and 47 new deluxe cabins. All existing cabins will be rebuilt with completely new furnishings and decor; several outside cabins will have have floor to ceiling picture windows; two cabins will be especially adapted to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs; and several suites will have skylights.

Commencing February 4, the Meridien will sail seven-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale, calling at Antigua, St. Thomas and Nassau. From late April to July, the ship will offer six- and seven-night cruises to Bermuda from several east coast ports. From July through September, the Meridien will sail seven-night cruises from New York to Bermuda, before resuming her Caribbean schedule in November.

Promising to position its Celebrity Cruises division at the luxury end of the market, Chandris has announced that seven-night Caribbean rates, which include free air, range from $965 to $2,115 per person, double occupancy, in the value season, and from $1,045 to $2,195 in the peak season.

A new Chandris vessel, the Horizon, which is being built at the Meyer Werft, will be joining the Meridien under the Celebrity banner in May of 1990.