Celebrity Cruises is investing heavily in its Solstice-class fleet with a sweeping modernization plan through 2027. Here’s exactly what’s changing and why it matters if you’re planning a cruise.
Related: Best Celebrity Cruise Ship
Explore sailings on your favorite Celebrity Solstice ships:
Celebrity’s big bet on upgrading a popular class
Celebrity Cruises has announced its most significant refurbishment yet for the Solstice-class ships, with a multi-year schedule of dry docks and upgrades planned from 2025 to 2027.
These ships, including Celebrity Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette, and Reflection, are popular for their contemporary European-inspired design and innovative specialty dining venues such as Tuscan Grille, Murano, and Silk Harvest. They also feature spacious staterooms with an unusually high percentage of balconies and dedicated AquaClass cabins, introducing a more modern, resort-style standard for premium cruising.
Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, says they are “so excited to bring our newest experiences fleetwide, making the best premium cruise brand even better.”
For travelers, this means more Edge-class features, better dining options, upgraded staterooms, and new entertainment spaces without the Edge-class price tag.
Related: Which Celebrity cruise cabin class is best—Concierge, Aqua, or Suite?
Why Celebrity is investing in the Solstice class
These ships are among Celebrity’s most popular for premium cruising, but some have not seen a major refurbishment in nearly a decade, leaving them at risk of feeling dated compared to newer ships from competitors. For travelers planning sailings in the next few years, knowing whether their ship has been refurbished is important, as the upgrades will deliver modern Edge-class-inspired dining, entertainment, and stateroom features. This sweeping modernization is also part of Royal Caribbean Group’s strategy (as the parent company of Celebrity Cruises) to keep the Solstice class competitive with new builds, harmonize branding across the fleet, and offer a premium experience at a more accessible price.
Which ships are getting refurbished and when
Celebrity’s plan is a phased, multi-year program. Exact dry dock dates will be confirmed closer to each ship’s schedule, but here’s the current plan:
What’s actually changing onboard
Here’s a detailed look at the planned upgrades across the Solstice class:
1. Celebrity Barcade
Aimed at giving nightlife a fresh, interactive edge, the existing Quasar nightclub will be transformed into the Celebrity Barcade, combining a lively sports bar with a retro arcade. Expect multiple screens for games, billiards, darts, and vintage board games designed to appeal to multi-generational groups looking for more than just dancing.
2. Boulevard Lounge and Bar
Replacing the current Celebrity Central space, this new lounge and bar is designed to deliver more engaging entertainment options throughout the day and evening, including game shows, candlelit concerts, and dueling pianos, all served alongside craft cocktails.
3. Trattoria Rossa
With a focus on elevating specialty dining, the outgoing Qsine concept will be replaced by Trattoria Rossa, an Italian venue featuring tableside pasta preparations, classic desserts, and a warm, modern atmosphere that moves away from novelty and toward timeless appeal.
4. Fine Cut Steakhouse
Taking over the Tuscan Grille space, Fine Cut Steakhouse will bring the Edge-class's premium dining experience to Solstice-class ships, featuring dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list for guests seeking a truly upscale meal at sea.
5. Sunset Park and expanded Sunset Bar
Designed to transform the top deck experience, The Lawn Club’s real grass will make way for Sunset Park, a half-acre outdoor venue with cabanas, lawn games, open-air concerts, and elevated cuisine. An expanded Sunset Bar will also offer more seating and improved views for relaxed evenings at sea.
6. Reimagined Retreat
For suite guests, The Retreat will receive a complete overhaul, including a new private sun deck, redesigned lounge, and improved suite interiors with concierge service and upgraded amenities to deliver a true luxury experience.
7. Enhanced staterooms and new categories
All staterooms will receive refreshed décor, updated bathrooms, and modern lighting, while AquaClass staterooms will add spa-inspired touches like massaging showerheads, aromatherapy diffusers, yoga mats, and a pillow menu. New categories will also debut, including the Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite and multiple Panoramic Ocean View options, bringing Edge-style features fleetwide.
What this means if you're booking
If you are thinking about booking a Celebrity cruise in the next few years, keep an eye on which Solstice-class ship you choose and when it is scheduled for refurbishment. Refurbished ships will feature the newest dining concepts, updated suite and stateroom options, and redesigned outdoor spaces like Sunset Park that replace aging venues such as The Lawn Club. Travelers who want the Edge-class experience at a more accessible price point will find these updated Solstice-class ships an especially compelling choice.
Explore Solstice-class sailings and book your Celebrity cruise with Cruisebound.
