Exclusive: Celebrity Cruises Expands Aussie Program with additional Solstice Sailings

• Celebrity Cruises is expanding its commitment to Australia.
• Alongside Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Solstice is having a major refit before returning down under.
• Solstice will also sail additional cruises.

Celebrity Cruises will boost its Australian presence next season, with Celebrity Solstice scheduled for four additional sailings following a major refurbishment in Singapore. The move, executives say, signals a stronger long-term commitment to the local market.

Tim Jones, Vice President and Managing Director, Australia and APAC, said Solstice’s return with added capacity reflected the strong connection Australians have with the ship.

“Solstice was in this market for the best part of a decade. Aussies love Solstice – she really does have a special place in their hearts,” Jones said. “With the multi-million-dollar refurbishment, including new venues, upgraded cabins and The Retreat Sundeck, she will be effectively as good as a new ship.

“And the four extra sailings mean more Australians will be able to get back on board.”

Solstice gets the Edge treatment

The refit in Singapore, due to be completed in March, will incorporate design elements from the newer Edge-class ships.

“There’s so much product from Edge that will bleed across onto Solstice,” Jones said. “Guests will see modernised cabins, refreshed dining and new venues that give Solstice the feel of a new build, but with all the character people here already know.”

Jones cautioned, however, that Australians should not delay booking.

“My fear is that Aussies leave it too late, thinking Solstice is ‘our ship’ and always available. By the time they decide, a lot of capacity has been taken by other markets. If you want to sail her, the best advice is to book early.”

Edge Returns for Full Summer

Alongside Solstice, Celebrity Edge will also sail in Australia for the full summer season. Edge was the first of the line’s new design series and remains one of its most recognisable ships, featuring the Magic Carpet cantilevered platform and expansive public spaces.

Giles Hawke, Vice President International, said Edge had been deliberately positioned in Australia.

“Australia is one of our three core markets globally, alongside the US and UK,” he explained. “Placing Edge here was a straightforward decision. The ship has proven popular with Australians, while also attracting Americans and other international guests.”

Different Ships, Different Appeal

Hawke and Jones emphasised that the two ships serve different passenger preferences.

“Solstice-class ships are known for their intimacy – bars like the Martini Bar and Passport Bar give them that smaller-ship atmosphere,” Hawke said. “Edge-class ships are bigger and bolder, with open spaces and striking features. The key is matching the right guest to the right ship.”

Jones added: “Shorter itineraries and modern design features tend to attract younger travellers to Edge. Solstice appeals to those looking for longer sailings and a ship they already feel at home on.”

Flights by Celebrity

While the Australian program is growing, Celebrity is also working to expand fly-cruise options for Australians in Asia, Europe and Alaska.

“Millennium in Japan has gone absolutely amazingly well for us,” Jones said. “Australians are very willing to fly to cruise, particularly for longer itineraries. We’re seeing strong demand for Greece, Croatia, the Norwegian fjords and Iceland, as well as Asia sailings through Singapore, Sri Lanka and India.”

To support this, Celebrity is promoting its Flights by Celebrity program, which packages flights with cruises. Hawke said it has become more attractive since the pandemic.

“Flights by Celebrity gives protection if an airline delay occurs – we’ll get the guest to the ship. That reassurance is important for Australians travelling such long distances,” he said.

“Australia has always been a strategic market for us,” Hawke said. “These investments show that commitment will only grow.”

For more, see Celebritycruises.com.