Celebrity Summit undergoes multimillion-dollar modernisation

BG Studio International, Hirsch Bedner Associates and Kelly Hoppen all redesigned areas of the ship
Celebrity Summit undergoes multimillion-dollar modernisation
Kelly Hoppen, MBE, created The Retreat Sundeck for suite guests (Image: Celebrity Cruises)

By Rebecca Gibson |


Celebrity Summit now offers The Retreat Sundeck, a fully redesigned spa, reimagined restaurants and much more after undergoing a bow-to-stern revitalisation as part of the US$500 million, fleet-wide Celebrity Revolution enhancement programme.

The ship entered dry dock in Freeport, The Bahamas on 17 February 2019 and emerged 31 days later after thousands of engineers, architects, artisans, designers, contractors and members of the Celebrity team had completed multiple modernisation works.

“Celebrity Summit is one of the most popular ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet and we’re excited to share the revolutionised design with the world,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Summit is better than she’s ever been – with modernised spaces and exciting new experiences, and she’s the first of our ships to feature our partnerships with American Ballet Theatre and Chef Daniel Boulud.”

International hospitality firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) updated all existing staterooms and their bathrooms, and also created 13 AquaClass Staterooms, 10 Inside Staterooms and seven Ocean View Staterooms. Meanwhile, British designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE designed a new exclusive open-air hideaway – known as The Retreat Sundeck – for suite guests, which features a hot tub, cabanas, sun loungers, artwork and more. In addition, Hoppen converted Michael’s Club into The Retreat Lounge, an exclusive lounge that will offer complimentary beverages, gourmet snacks and a concierge service for suite guests on a 24/7 basis.

Celebrity has also transformed restaurants and lounges with long-term partner, New York-based hospitality design firm BG Studio International. The Sunset Bar, Rendezvous Lounge and main dining room have all been reimagined, with the latter now offering more seating, updated features and a newly decorated ceiling that has interlocking metal rings and lighting. The Oceanview Café has also been reconfigured to be more open and offer increase seating options.

Other enhancements include Xcelerate wi-fi throughout the ship; radio frequency identification lock technology with digital keys; new boutiques selling goods from brands like Shinola and Tag Heuer; a semi-private area in the fitness centre for personal training and consultations; an enhanced Persian Garden thermal suite; and a new, wellness-focused spa design for Canyon Ranch at Sea. HBA has also improved the art and photo galleries and updated the casino, redesigning the bar and adding slot machines.

“Nearly every space on Celebrity Summit has been modernised, with attention paid to the smallest detail,” said Brian Abel, senior vice president of Hotel Operations at Celebrity Cruises. “We couldn't be more proud of the work that our teams have done for the ship's ‘Revolution’ and the months of hard work leading up to this moment.”

Celebrity Summit is the second ship to be renovated as part of the Celebrity Revolution programme – Celebrity Millennium was refurbished in Singapore this January. Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter dry dock in May 2019 and six more ships will be modernised by 2023.

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