It was a double celebration for Celebrity Solstice this week, with the ship celebrating five years since she was launched and her first anniversary in Australia.

A mix of loyal Celebrity guests, travel agents and media gathered on the ship’s Lawn Club last night to wish her a happy birthday.

With Sydney as a backdrop, guests taste-tested canapés and cocktails from onboard specialty restaurant, Murano Silk Harvest and Tuscan Grille while enjoying music from onboard entertainers from Brisbane, Sonic Duo.

Indicating the importance of the Australian market to the Celebrity line, the fifth birthday cake was made in the shape of Australia. The design was selected in a Celebrity Cruises Facebook competition, and was pitched by 39-year-old Magdolna Ori.

“I thought it would be great to be in the shape of Australia because the ship is here today and because we have the best country,” Ms Ori said.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Solstice Captain Yannis Berdos revealed the ship would have a second cake on 9 December to commemorate one year of sailing to Australia.

“I am proud to say I was the Captain that day the first time we arrived in Australia last year,” he said.

Celebrity Solstice headed out of Australia last night on a trip to Auckland. According to Celebrity vice president Asia-Pacific, Gavin Smith she will be joined in Australia during the 2014 cruise season by sister ship, Celebrity Century.

Celebrity Century will arrive in September 2014 and make regular cruises in the region throughout the 2014/15-wave season.

You can check out a full gallery of images from last night’s event on facebook.com/CruisePassenger