
Celebrity Cruises invests over $250m. to its Solstice Series ships
MIAMI – Celebrity Cruises is making its classic Solstice Series ships new again. The brand is investing more than $250 million to modernize these best-in-class ships, starting with Celebrity Solstice in 2026. Guests can look forward to eight new experiences, including four new-to-sea spaces, and many redesigned favorites which elevate everything that makes these ships unforgettable. Bold, bow to stern innovations include reinvented outdoor escapes with enhanced views, new restaurants and entertainment designed to create moments of connection with loved ones, as well as a redesigned stay with all new stateroom categories and ship-wide stateroom upgrades.
Celebrity Solstice will be the first of the Solstice Series ships to be made new again, welcoming guests for reimagined vacation experiences starting in March 2026. Extraordinary itineraries will take guests around the world – from the breathtaking nature of Alaska, the serene beaches of Hawaii and Fiji, to the best of Southeast Asia. Plus, guests will have the opportunity to sail 110-nights through more than 55 unrepeated ports on The Grand Voyage from September to December 2026. On board, endless new experiences from morning to night will make the journey just as exciting as the destinations. Plus, all 1,479 staterooms on Celebrity Solstice are getting an upgrade, offering more ways to feel at home when miles away at sea.
'Our Solstice Series ships represent the best of classic cruising, and now we're elevating this vacation experience even further by adding brand new experiences and enhancements at every turn,' said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. 'Guests will enjoy more ways to explore and restore, all while staying true to what made our guests fall in love with these ships in the first place.'
A remixed vacation routine
Boulevard Lounge – Good times and glamorous vibes will take center stage at this brand-new, intimate entertainment venue. With always-on programming, from interactive daytime activities like new game shows and trivia to elevated evenings of candlelit concerts and dueling pianos, this cabaret-inspired lounge offers a dramatic new take on showtime.
Boulevard Bar – Just steps away from the lounge, guests can pull up a seat for handcrafted cocktails before or after the show—or both.
Celebrity Barcade – Guests should bring their A-game to this new, elevated sports bar, the perfect place to both watch and play games. Guests can catch their favorite sports teams from multiple screens positioned so well they'll never miss a pass; or challenge their friends to a round of billiards, darts, or their favorite retro board game.
New culinary delights to fall in love with all over again
Trattoria Rossa – Step into an Italian hideaway that blends opulence with modern design to experience a restaurant that bursts with charm from every corner. The perfect setting to reignite date night, guests will have a front row seat to the action with authentic tableside preparations of dishes inspired by Italian classics, including fresh pasta made from scratch daily.
Fine Cut Steakhouse – The Forbes Travel Guide-rated, Edge Series favorite steakhouse will bring upscale dining with service that's elevated to an art form. There's something for everyone at Fine Cut Steakhouse, which offers 30-day dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, the elevated service Celebrity is known for, and elegance at every turn.
Fresh views for a front row seat to every destination
Sunset Park – Transforming the top deck of Celebrity Solstice, guests can enjoy unparalleled views from this half acre outdoor oasis. Plus, with elevated cuisine, refreshing cocktails, lawn games, open-air concerts and more, a day at the park never looked so good.
guests can enjoy unparalleled views from this half acre outdoor oasis. Plus, with elevated cuisine, refreshing cocktails, lawn games, open-air concerts and more, a day at the park never looked so good. New private cabanas – Relax with sweeping ocean views and more shade, while dedicated attendants cater to your every whim.
Expanded Sunset Bar – Drink in the views along with a refreshing cocktail, as every hour is happy hour.
Unwind in style at The Retreat, reimagined
Enhanced Suites – A completely reimagined stay at The Retreat awaits, making the most elevated experience at sea even better, as Celebrity Solstice will sail with enhanced suites.
will sail with enhanced suites. All-new Retreat Sundeck – Unwind in style at an all-new sundeck with ample outdoor seating and shade, exclusive for guests of The Retreat. Guests will relax carefree in an oversized hot tub, as they enjoy prime views from the top of the ship.
Redesigned Retreat Lounge – The perfect place to enjoy a light bite or catch up with friends over drinks, reserved for guests of The Retreat.
Enhanced accommodations with upgrades to every stateroom
Refreshed AquaClass Staterooms – A fully immersive, next-level wellness vacation awaits. Every room is updated with spa-inspired elements – from massaging shower heads, aroma therapy diffusers, in-room yoga mats, luxurious robes and slippers, and even a pillow menu for the perfect night's sleep. AquaClass guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the all-new Relaxation Lounge at The Spa.
Four brand-new stateroom categories – New stateroom categories offer more ways to stay: The Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suite, Deluxe Panoramic Oceanview Suite, Panoramic Ocean View Suite and Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View. These new stateroom categories are available to book starting mid-June.
Bow to stern enhancements also include a design refresh to many more venues: Café Al Bacio, Cellar Masters, World Class Bar, Martini Bar, Pool Bar, Passport Bar, Blu – exclusive to AquaClass guests, Luminae – exclusive to guests of The Retreat, the Fitness Center, and Camp at Sea.
Guests will enjoy all of these enhancements on Celebrity Solstice vacations starting in March 2026 with unforgettable Asia and Australia itineraries, followed by summer sailings in Alaska. In September 2026, Celebrity Solstice will also bring guests on a once-in-a-lifetime, 110-night Grand Voyage from Canada to Southeast Asia, providing the ultimate way for guests to indulge their sense of wanderlust, all while enjoying the award-winning service and amenities that Celebrity is famous for.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Travel Daily News
6 days ago
- Travel Daily News
CoStar, Tourism Economics lower U.S. hotel growth forecast
U.S. hotel performance forecasts for 2025–26 were downgraded due to weak demand, macroeconomic concerns, and shifting travel patterns. ARLINGTON, VΑ. – CoStar and Tourism Economics further downgraded growth projections in a revised 2025-26 U.S. hotel forecast just released at the 17th Annual Hotel Data Conference. Given continued underperformance and elevated macroeconomic concerns, forecasted growth rates were lowered across the top-line metrics: demand (-0.6ppts), ADR (-0.5 ppts) and RevPAR (-1.1 ppts). Similar adjustments were made for 2026: demand (-0.5 ppts), ADR (-0.3 ppts) and RevPAR (-0.7 ppts). 'Unrelenting uncertainty and inflation, coupled with tough calendar comps and changing travel patterns, have caused lower demand,' said Amanda Hite, STR president. 'Additionally, as the year has unfolded, we've seen rate growth converge closer with demand. We expect little change in the economic outlook over the next 18 months, but we are optimistic that once trade talks have concluded and the impact of the budget reconciliation bill comes to fruition, hotel performance will recover.' 'The slowing U.S. economy should absorb the effects of tariffs without tipping into a recession,' said Aran Ryan, director of industry studies at Tourism Economics. 'The current environment – characterized by slowing consumer spending, reduced business capital spending, and declining international visitation – will transition to one boosted moderately by tax cuts and less policy uncertainty as we look to 2026.' Hite said.


Travel Daily News
07-08-2025
- Travel Daily News
Southwest Airlines fares now available directly on Priceline
NORWALK, CONN. and DALLAS – Priceline, the OG of online travel deals, is adding even more reasons to go to your happy place with the arrival of Southwest Airlines. Travelers can now search and book Southwest's inventory directly on Priceline, unlocking more ways to compare, customize and save on flights. Customers booking their Southwest flights through Priceline are still eligible to earn Rapid Rewards. Through the partnership, Southwest flights are also now bookable across the Booking Holdings portfolio of brands, including and Agoda. 'Our goal is to be the best travel dealmaker in the world. Collaborating with Southwest, one of the most trusted names in air travel, is a natural next step in our mission to do so,' said Brigit Zimmerman, Chief Commercial Officer at Priceline. 'Adding their fares to our lineup means more choice and more value for the millions of Priceline customers planning their next trip.' 'We're happy to partner with Priceline to broaden our distribution network and offer even more Customers the opportunity to experience our Southwest Hospitality,' said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President Customer & Brand at Southwest Airlines. 'We look forward to making it easier for Customers to access our extensive flight offerings to book their next trip.' The partnership between Southwest, the airline known for their legendary Hospitality, and Priceline, the online travel leader known for its unbeatable deals and effortless booking platform, gives customers access to all of Southwest's fare types, allowing them to: Compare fare bundles side by side Know exactly what's included Book with confidence Earn both Rapid Rewards and Priceline VIP status With more than 4,000 daily flights and service to over 100 destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, Southwest opens the door to more spontaneous getaways and wallet-friendly escapes – perfect for Priceline's mission to get travelers to their happy place for a happy price.


Travel Daily News
29-07-2025
- Travel Daily News
Sonesta executes 31 franchise agreements in H1 2025
Sonesta adds 31 new franchise deals and opens 10 hotels in H1 2025, reinforcing its strategic growth and global brand expansion. NEWTON, MA – Sonesta International Hotels (Sonesta), the 8th largest hotel company in the US, announced the execution of 31 new franchise agreements during the first half of 2025 as well as 10 openings that showcase Sonesta's global expansion and continued growth strategy. 'The continued growth in the first half of 2025, with 31 new franchise agreements, highlights Sonesta's sustained momentum and our attractive value proposition for owners,' said Keith Pierce, Sonesta's EVP and President of Franchise & Development. 'We're seeing continued demand across our diverse portfolio, which speaks to our ability to meet the needs of various markets and strengthens our existing owner relationships.' Sonesta's ongoing franchise expansion, in spite of the macroeconomic and political headwinds that started the year, highlights its success in growing its footprint. This growth is bolstered by its fast, friendly, and flexible model, which especially appeals to hotel owners during times of uncertainty. 'Our tailored brand offerings and flexible standards are clearly resonating with developers looking for strategic growth,' said Brian Quinn, Sonesta's Chief Development Officer. 'These 31 new agreements, spanning our distinct brands, along with the 10 recent openings, demonstrate our continued commitment to providing solutions that drive success for our franchisees and expand Sonesta's footprint in key locations.' Sonesta had 10 new hotels add nearly 1000 new rooms to the portfolio in the first six months of 2025. They include (in order of opening): Sonesta Essential Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge, LA – Baton Rouge, LA Red Lion Hotel Charlotte – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte, NC Signature Inn Berkeley – Berkeley, CA – Berkeley, CA Americas Best Value Inn Donaldsonville – Donaldsonville, LA – Donaldsonville, LA Americas Best Value Inn Fredonia – Fredonia, NY – Fredonia, NY Sonesta Essentia Blue Springs – Blue Springs, MO – Blue Springs, MO Sonesta Essential Overland Park – Overland Park, KS – Overland Park, KS Signature Inn Miami – Miami, FL – Miami, FL Americas Best Value Inn/Knights Inn Pilot Mountain (dual brand) – Pilot Mountain, NC In late 2021, Sonesta RL Hotels Franchising Inc. launched four Sonesta-branded hotel concepts in the U.S., complete with a comprehensive platform of franchise services, hotel operations, and franchise support. Building on this momentum, 2023 marked another milestone with the introduction of four new brands: The James, Sonesta Essential Hotels, and two soft brands – Classico Collection by Sonesta and MOD Collection by Sonesta. In 2024, Sonesta expanded its reach by introducing the 'by Sonesta' endorser branding to the Red Lion portfolio, further reinforcing its commitment to strategic growth and innovation. Sonesta's diverse portfolio of 13 distinct brands provides owners and developers with a wide range of options across the upper-upscale, lifestyle, upscale, midscale, extended-stay, and economy segments. With a focus on strategic growth, an owner-first approach, available market opportunities, and direct access to its leadership team, Sonesta stands out as an attractive partner for developers seeking flexibility and innovation in hospitality. Guests of these new locations can earn or redeem points as members of the award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass guest loyalty program.