The stars aligned for Celebrity Cruises today, as the line confirmed its order for a fourth Solstice class cruise ship. The new vessel will enter service in Fall 2011, following sister ships Celebrity Solstice in Fall 2008, Celebrity Equinox in Summer 2009, and Celebrity Eclipse in Summer 2010, bringing Celebrity’s total fleet to 11 ships. The contract is contingent on the completion of customary financing.
Like its sister ships, Celebrity’s fourth Solstice-class liner will have larger standard staterooms, 90 percent of which will be outside, and 85 percent of all staterooms will have verandas. The 2,850-guest vessels will have an exceptional range of guest inspired services and amenities, and will measure 1,033 feet in length and 121 feet in width. German shipbuilder Meyer Werft will build the 122,000-ton ship.
“Ordering a fourth Solstice-class ship is obviously a testament to the demand we’ve received from travel agent partners and travelers alike for more cruise vacation options with Celebrity,” said Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman & CEO Richard Fain. “This expansion also is yet another vivid illustration of the incredibly exciting growth and momentum behind the Celebrity brand.” Celebrity estimates the all-in cost of the ship to be approximately $280,000 per berth, based on current exchange rates.
