7 2 REV ITAL I SATION Launching the revolution Allan Jordan explores Celebrity Cruises’ ongoing revitalisation programme, which was inspired by the new Celebrity Edge and will elevate the luxury standards on its current cruise ships For the past 30 years, Celebrity Cruises has built its position as a leading premium cruise line by consistently raising its luxury standards. Continuing this philosophy, while seeking to unify its standards around its revolutionary new ship, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity is undertaking the largest overhaul project in its history. Commencing this year with the Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Summit, the Celebrity Revolution will invest more than US$500 million to create a new sense of modern luxury. “Celebrity Edge lifts the fleet, but it is not all we are about,” says president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. As she explains it, Celebrity’s objective is to elevate the décor of the nine current cruise ships to create interiors that have the feel of a boutique hotel. Much of the focus is on revitalising spaces such as the casino, a lounge with its bar, and the shopping area. But this isn’t all. Celebrity has solicited the views of repeat passengers to create the interior spaces they desire. “Historically the focus was on the public side of the ships during the refurbishments,” says Brian Abel, senior vice president of Hotel Operations. “Our guests told us that this time they wanted us to focus on where they stayed and where they eat.” Reflecting this input, Celebrity is stripping to the steel more than 1,100 staterooms and suites – and their associated bathrooms – onboard each Millennium-class ship. It will AN EXCLUS IVE HAVEN Suite guests will be able to enjoy a new private open-air hideaway – known as The Retreat Sundeck – on the redesigned Millennium- and Solstice-class ships. Created by British designer Kelly Hoppen, the space will have a new hot tub, cabanas, loungers, artwork and more. Design note: Photo: Allan E Jordan
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