MIAMI (May 5, 2021) - Celebrity Cruises announced today its Summer 2021 return to sailing the breath-taking Galapagos Islands on one of the new-luxury brand’s three stunning ships that offer itineraries in this unique part of the world.

Beginning July 4, the luxurious, state-of-the-art mega yacht, Celebrity Flora®, will be the first to resume sailing the extraordinary archipelago, followed by the award-winning Celebrity Xpedition®  and intimate 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration® on July 24, and September 18, respectively.

All ships will sail with vaccinated crew and will be available to vaccinated adult guests and children under the age of 18 with a negative PCR test result. In addition, all guests should review and comply with local requirements for entry to Ecuador and the Galapagos. 

For a limited time, Celebrity is also including airfare in the purchase of a Galapagos vacation package, carefully curated 7-night Celebrity Cruises itineraries combined with all-inclusive land-based accommodations and activities to create 10- to 16-night unforgettable vacation experiences. The offer is valid for roundtrip economy or business class airfares departing from US or Canadian gateways and valued at up to $750 per person including air taxes and fees on applicable vacation packages on sail dates departing between July 3, 2021 - December 31, 2023. Flights must be booked via Flights by Celebrity by June 30, 2021.

Each ship offers a unique experience for this must-see location. For those looking to explore the Galapagos’ spectacular wonders in ultimate luxury, Celebrity Flora®, a mega-yacht built specifically to navigate the waters of this natural paradise, is ideal. Inspired by the islands and built with natural materials, including the latest environmental technologies, the ship merges seamlessly with the surroundings. And, to fully immerse travellers in this extraordinary landscape, certified naturalists from the Galápagos National Park are on board to guide the journey.

Celebrity Xpedition® and Celebrity Xploration® will both equally explore the Galapagos with Northern and Southern Loop itineraries, while offering the ultimate individual indulgences.

In this extraordinary destination, every island offers its own unique experiences, from hiking otherworldly volcanic landscapes to snorkelling alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Guests can also partake in twice-daily shore excursions guided by Galapagos National Park certified naturalists or stay onboard to relax and be treated to locally-sourced cuisine crafted by a Michelin-starred chef.  

From the history and culture of Quito, to the charm and beauty of Lima, to the historical significance of the extraordinary flora and fauna visible everywhere, guests can check multiple items off their bucket list with Celebrity Cruises’ sailings to the spectacular Galapagos Islands.

As with all Celebrity Cruises sailings, everything has been thought of for guests including unlimited Wi-Fi, drinks, and tips; and vacation packages add luxury hotel stays and flights between Ecuador and the islands.

For more information on all Celebrity Cruises’ Galapagos sailings and vacation packages, visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/destinations/galapagos-cruises. 

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SOURCE: Celebrity Cruise Line (Press Release, May 5, 2021); Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruise Line

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Celebrity Cruises will include all drinks, WiFi and gratuities on all bookings starting Nov. 17, under its new Always Included pricing plan.

Under the plan, Always Included will become the standard rate for Celebrity sailings, and passengers can upgrade to one of two higher-level pricing packages that add inclusions such as shore excursions, onboard credit and streaming WiFi.

Celebrity said the pricing plans put an end "to confusing promotions, complicated add-ons and limited-time offers."

Today, nothing is more luxurious than when things are extra simple and extra special," Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, CEO of Celebrity, said in a statement. "We wanted to bring that big, wonderful feeling of 'everything is taken care of' to life for our guests."

Starting Nov. 17, Celebrity's standard Always Included fares include:

• Unlimited drinks: Classic cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, soda, specialty coffees and teas, juices and bottled water.
• Unlimited WiFi for social media, email and web surfing.
• Daily gratuities for the crew.

The two enhanced packages include everything in the standard fare and:

• Elevate: Unlimited premium drinks and shore excursions up to $200 per person.
• Indulge: Everything in Elevate plus unlimited WiFi streaming and up to $400 per person in onboard credit to spend almost any way a guest desires.

All guests in the Retreat, Celebrity's all-suite accommodations, will receive the same amenities as the Indulge package at no additional charge.

"After this challenging year, ease and peace of mind have become even more invaluable commodities," said Peter Giorgi, Celebrity's chief marketing officer. "People want to spend more time being inspired, not getting lost in a myriad of booking options."

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SOURCE: Travel Weekly, Johanna Jainhill (Nov. 10, 2020); Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruise Line

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Five years after bringing onboard luxury spa operator Canyon Ranch, Celebrity Cruises is now switching back to their previous operator, a major rival.

Canyon Ranch is best known for their Tucson flagship, but with two other spa resorts, spas on three other cruise line vessels, and a Spa + Fitness deal with Vegas’ Venetian and Palazzo hotels, Canyon Ranch is one of the largest spa operators in the nation. The luxury spa operator was a surprise when in 2014, Celebrity announced they would be replacing Steiner Leisure since parent company Royal Caribbean remained with Steiner, a partnership that dates back nearly three decades.

Celebrity will now bring back its old spa operator, now under a new name after being sold off by former parent company Steiner. Now known as OneSpaWorld Holdings, the spa operator remains the world’s leading spa operator for cruise ships. Ironically, it gained its dominance thanks in part of a deal with Cunard in the 1960s that saw OneSpaWorld winning the contract to operate the spas on board the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II. That contract with Cunard is now operated by ... Canyon Ranch.

In February, OneSpaWorld mentioned in a public filing they were actively pursuing all of the cruise contracts that Canyon Ranch currently holds. OSW is already the largest outsource cruise spa operator in the world.

Over 20 million cruise passengers partook in OneSpaWorld services in 2018. It’s found on 163 ships and boasts the largest onboard spa staff in the world. Nearly three dozen new ships will launch with OneSpaWorld spas within the next five years. More than 80 percent of spas found on cruise ships are operated by OneSpaWorld, more than eight times larger than Canyon Ranch, the second-largest cruise spa operator.

Two months after confirming it was actively pursuing all cruise contracts that Canyon Ranch holds, OSW confirmed it would be operating the spas on the upcoming Virgin Voyages ships. By August, OSW had announced extended contracts with Norwegian, P&O UK, Windstar, and SAGA Cruises. Then in October, Prestige announced it was replacing Canyon Ranch with a new custom branded spa developed by OSW for both its Regent Seven Seas Cruises and its Regent cruise line.

Celebrity is rolling out the transition slowly with all ships having OSW operated spas by May 2020. The newest Celebrity ship, the Celebrity Edge, already has an OSW spa onboard and OneSpaWorld is working with Celebrity to ensure the upcoming Celebrity Apex launches with one of the best cruise spas in the world.

OneSpaWorld isn’t resting on its laurels. In public filings, they noted Canyon Ranch’s contract with Cunard expires in 2021.

By Ken Storey, Orlando Weekly
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The operators of Celebrity Cruises say there are no reported injuries after the Celebrity Xpedition ship ran aground on Tuesday evening.  The smaller cruise liner, which was carrying 46 passengers and 58 crew members, was sailing in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands when the incident occurred.  “Early this evening, Celebrity Xpedition ran aground while sailing her regular itinerary in the Galapagos,” said Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which owns Celebrity Cruises, in a statement shared to Twitter.

“All guests and crew are safe, and we have no reported injuries.” The cruise company said the ship’s 46 guests and “non-essential crew” were evacuated to another vessel as a “precautionary measure,” and that passengers were “being picked up by her sister ship, Celebrity Flora.”

The Celebrity Xpedition is being evaluated. Royal Caribbean said it was unaware of any adverse environmental impacts caused by the incident.

On Wednesday, Celebrity Cruises confirmed that all guests of the Celebrity Xpedition were aboard the Celebrity Flora and en route to Baltra, an island of Ecuador, “where hotel accommodations and return flights home are being provided.”  

“We are grateful no injuries were reported from last night’s incident, and we appreciate those responders who stepped in to provide support to guests and crew,” the company wrote. In addition, Celebrity Cruises confirmed that all affected guests are being offered full refunds and a credit toward a future Celebrity Cruises excursion. As of Wednesday, the Celebrity Xpedition was “afloat and safely at anchor,” the cruise line wrote.

Celebrity Cruises operates more than a dozen ships. The Celebrity Xpedition is one of the smaller ships in the company’s fleet, with a capacity of only 48 guests.

By Michael Bartiromo, Fox News
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MIAMI – June 3, 2019 – The newly modernized Celebrity Equinox is officially ready to revolutionize the way travelers experience the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean. The dramatic transformation — part of THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION — makes Celebrity Equinox the third ship to be “revolutionized” as part of Celebrity Cruises’ $500 million investment in ship-wide upgrades and breath-taking reimagined spaces, taking the brand’s fleet to the Edge.

“Celebrity Equinox holds a very special place in the hearts of everyone at Celebrity Cruises, and also for our guests; this one-of-a-kind ship continues to be the most awarded in our entire fleet,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Now, emerging from her dramatic modernization, our guests are going to love the new, ‘revolutionized’ Celebrity Equinox even more. There is no better way to experience the Caribbean year-round than on board this stunning ship.”

On the transformed Celebrity Equinox, Caribbean cruisers will enjoy enhancements that include:

• The addition of The Retreat for suite guests, including The Retreat Sundeck, an exclusive sun-soaked hideaway, and The Retreat Lounge (formerly Michael’s Club)
• The awe-inspiring Qsine (formerly Silk Harvest) will feature both the brand-exclusive Le Petit ChefTM and Friends and the original Le Petit ChefTM, two amazing dining experiences developed in partnership with TableMationTM and SkullmappingTM that bring the tabletop to life using innovative 4k technology
• A completely reimagined Passport Bar, perfect for mixing and mingling before and after dinner
• An exciting new creation, Craft Social (formerly Gastrobar), a casual spot featuring more than 40 craft beers, wine and cocktails on tap, mouthwatering comfort food favorites, flat-screen TVs, and inviting leather seating
• Refreshed staterooms and suites ship-wide with stunning enhancements designed with guest comfort in mind, now all featuring Celebrity’s exclusive eXhale bedding collection with luxurious king-sized Cashmere mattresses
• The launch of an exciting new partnership with the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, featuring S.T.E.M.-focused activations and unique, first-at-sea programming offered as part of the popular Camp at Sea for young cruisers
• The interactive programming focuses on two science topics – one on the identification of and solutions related to microplastics and another on the importance and diversity of plankton to the Earth’s oceans and the environment
• Impressive digital enhancements across the ship, such as the addition of RFID lock technology and pervasive Xcelerate Wi-Fi
• Guests will also now be able to experience the brand’s industry-first facial recognition technology with the implementation of the Celebrity Cruises app, which enables smooth port arrival and expedited boarding, plus additional features including guest-to-guest chat and digital room keys
• Unique new treatments and products offered at The Spa by Canyon Ranch, including three new Signature Couples’ treatments, Dyson Supersonic blow-outs at the Canyon Ranch Blow-Out Bar, Mink and Rapid Lash services, and new customized facials by Reveal Machine, among others
• World-class retail offerings, including John Hardy Boutique, Kate Spade, and a new watch boutique featuring Shinola, Hublot and other Swiss watch brands
   

Celebrity Equinox’s bow-to-stern modernization began on May 4, 2019, in Cadiz, Spain. There, the ship spent a total of 29 days in the skilled hands of more than 500 engineers, architects, artisans, designers, contractors, shipyard employees, and the newbuild and Celebrity teams.

Celebrity Equinox is just the third revolutionary revitalization for the brand. Celebrity Silhouette is next, scheduled for completion on January 31, 2020, with five more ships to be modernized by 2023. To learn more about THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION, visit www.celebritycruises.com/revolution.

An American cruise-ship passenger reportedly faces up to 10 years in prison in the Cayman Islands after a gun and ammunition were found in her luggage

A Celebrity Cruises passenger from Wisconsin faces up to 10 years in a Cayman Islands prison after a gun and six rounds of ammunition were found in her luggage, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on Friday.

Carol Ann McNeill-Skorupan, 68, was reportedly on a nine-night cruise in the Caribbean when a bag that had been misplaced on her flight from Wisconsin to Fort Lauderdale, Florida — where the cruise departed — arrived in the Cayman Islands.

She was detained in early February after a .25-caliber handgun and six rounds of ammunition were found in the bag, according to the report.

While McNeill-Skorupan said she had a concealed-carry permit for the firearm in Wisconsin, she did not have a corresponding license for the Cayman Islands, the report said.

A travel advisory issued by the US State Department says that having guns and ammunition are common reasons for arrest in the Cayman Islands.

McNeill-Skorupan now faces a trial next month in the Cayman Islands, where she could spend seven to 10 years in prison if found guilty, according to the Journal Sentinel.

James Stenning, McNeill-Skorupan's lawyer, said she did not direct her airline to send the bag to the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Compass reported. She had intended to leave the bag with a friend in Florida, the Journal Sentinel report said.

Since being released on a $10,000 bail, McNeill-Skorupan has returned to Wisconsin as she awaits trial, according to the Journal Sentinel.

Stenning and Celebrity Cruises did not immediately respond to Business Insider's requests for comment.

By Mark Matousek, Business Insider
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The most notable new cruise ship of the year now officially has a name.

Celebrity Cruises late Tuesday celebrated the debut of its much-awaited, 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge with an emotional naming ceremony at Florida's Port Everglades presided over by one of the world's most famous activists.  Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, known for her advocacy for female education and empowerment, became the first Nobel laureate to christen a cruise ship when she signed a tablet with her name to trigger the smashing of a bottle across Edge's bow. 

The custom-made, 18-liter bottle contained Badoit French mineral water in lieu of Champagne in an apparent nod to Yousafzai's religion. Her family is Sunni Muslim. The ceremony was laced with a theme of gender equality, which has been a focus for Celebrity president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo since she took the helm of the brand in 2014.  Singer/songwriter Andra Day kicked off the ceremony with an uplifting rendition of her Grammy-nominated, self-empowerment anthem “Rise Up.” She later performed her Oscar-nominated single “Stand Up for Something.” Both anthems were chosen for their statements about the power of girls’ education and its role in shaping the future.

“The ceremony today was both touching and symbolic of what Celebrity Cruises stands for," said Lutoff-Perlo, who has overseen a major expansion of the number of women working on Celebrity ships. Lutoff-Perlo was the first woman appointed to run a major cruise line. "I am grateful to Malala, her family and Malala Fund for embracing today’s events and look forward to continuing our work together around the world."

Celebrity is in the midst of a two-year partnership with Yousafzai's Malala Fund, which has as its mission securing safe and free quality education for girls. 

Yousafzai was just 17 when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Now 21, she began her life as an activist in Pakistan at the age of 11, when she started a secret blog about life under the Taliban, which did not permit girls to go to school. She was targeted for her advocacy and, at 15, was shot on a school bus. Surviving the attack, she continued to campaign for girls’ education.

Richard Fain, the chairman and CEO of Celebrity's parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises, choked up when relating the story of her attack during a speech at the event. He said the company was honored that she agreed to be the ship's godmother.  

“We are especially proud because Malala’s example of relentless persistence and achievement is an inspiration to our crew, who have all worked so hard and made real sacrifices to build better lives for themselves and their families,” Fain said. Tuesday's naming event was held in The Oculus, Edge's main theater, which has an unusual-for-a-cruise-ship, stage-forward design. The event was hosted by designer and television personality Nate Berkus.   

Unveiled to travel agents and media last week, Edge is the prototype for an innovative new series of ships at Celebrity called the Edge Class. Designed to be oriented to the ocean in a way that is unusual for big vessels, it boasts several features that are groundbreaking not just for the line but the industry.  Among them: Outward-facing cabins that are fronted with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling glass – a new concept for ocean cruising made possible by redesigning the internal architecture of the ship.

Dubbed the Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, the new cabin type has balconies that are incorporated into the main cabin area. Bi-fold doors in the rooms either can be completely closed, creating a traditional room area separated from a balcony area, or left open, creating a wide-open indoor space that is about 23 percent larger than traditional balcony cabins. 

The glass walls at the end of the cabins slide down from the ceiling at the push of a button, descending to the level of a traditional balcony to create a balcony-like feel. 

Also noteworthy on Edge is a three-deck-high, plant-filled lounge, dining and entertainment venue at the back of the ship that is partially encircled in a massive, curving wall of glass. Called Eden, it offers unusually wide-open views of the ocean. It's full of seating nooks facing outward to the sea. 

Another innovative new feature of Edge is Magic Carpet, a 90-ton platform the size of a tennis court that is cantilevered over the ship's starboard side. Painted tangerine, it moves up and down the side of the vessel serving functions that range from a lounge to a restaurant to a tender-boarding platform. When used as a lounge or restaurant, it offers stunning views out to sea and back to the main part of the vessel.

At the top of the ship, another unusual new space, the plant-filled Rooftop Garden, offers passengers a garden-like outdoor venue to watch movies under the stars. It also is home to a grill where passengers can grab a bite while enjoying the sea breeze. Celebrity enlisted some of the world's best-known architects and designers to design Edge's public spaces, including Patricia Urquiola and Kelly Hoppen. 

Edge arrived at Port Everglades in late November after a 15-night journey from the shipyard in France where it had been under construction for more than a year. On Saturday, it kicked off its first voyage with paying passengers, an abbreviated, three-day trip to the Bahamas. It'll begin a regular schedule of weeklong sailings to the Caribbean on Dec. 9.

By Gene Sloan, USA Today
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Call it the most unusual new feature to debut this year on a cruise ship.    

Celebrity Edge, the new Celebrity Cruises vessel being unveiled this week in Florida, boasts a first-of-its-kind, 90-ton passenger platform hanging over its side that serves a range of functions as it moves up and down the ship. 

Dubbed the Magic Carpet, the tangerine-colored structure can serve as an open-air lounge or restaurant with stunning views of the sea when positioned along higher decks.

When moved to Deck 2, it can be used as a "tender platform" where passengers can catch boats to shore.

The size of a tennis court, Magic Carpet is by far the most distinctive feature on Edge, which will sail its first cruise with paying passengers on Saturday out of Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades. It is recognizable from miles away.

Billed as the world's first cantilevered venue at sea and an engineering feat, Magic Carpet has a full bar, comfortable seating and space for live music performances.

During the evenings, it'll be positioned at the summit of the ship alongside Deck 16, where it will be transformed into an al fresco specialty restaurant known as Dinner on the Edge. 

During the daytime, it'll often be moved to Deck 14, where it will become an extension of Edge's main pool area with lounge space, an active bar and live music.

It also can be positioned at Deck 5 to become an open-air extension of Edge's Raw on Five seafood eatery.
 
More than 100 feet long and 20 feet wide, Magic Carpet was developed in collaboration with renowned British architect Tom Wright. It has a maximum occupancy of 100 people.  Edge arrived at Port Everglades last week after a 15-night journey from the shipyard in France where it had been under construction for more than a year. It's scheduled to sail its first cruise with paying passengers on Saturday and be christened in early December. 

By Gene Sloan, USA Today
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Celebrity Edge isn't just another new ship for Celebrity Cruises. 

The soon-to-debut, 2,918-passenger vessel is designed to be transformational for the brand, says president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. 

"We wanted to really catapult (Celebrity) forward with this new design," Lutoff-Perlo tells USA TODAY in an exclusive interview in the ship's soaring Grand Plaza. 

Debuting this week at Florida's Port Everglades, Edge is the prototype for a new class of vessel that will transform not just the line but the industry, too, Lutoff-Perlo suggests. Celebrity already has ordered four of the ships to roll out between now and 2022. The line currently operates nine large ships, not including Edge, and three tiny vessels in the Galapagos.    
"We believe there will be a lot of people talking about it," she says.

Offering a striking profile when seen from a distance, Edge boasts outward-facing cabins that are fronted with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling glass – a new concept for ocean cruising made possible by redesigning the internal architecture of the ship.

"It took a lot of re-engineering (and) ... a lot of different thinking," Lutoff-Perlo says. "It took a lot of people telling us 'I don't think we can do that.'"

Dubbed Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas, the new cabins have balconies that are incorporated into the main cabin area. Bi-fold doors in the rooms either can be completely closed, creating a traditional room area separated from a balcony area, or left open, creating a wide-open indoor space that is about 23 percent larger than traditional balcony cabins. 

The glass walls at the end of the Infinite Veranda cabins slide down from the ceiling at the push of a button, descending to the level of a traditional balcony to create a balcony-like feel. 

Lutoff-Perlo says outfitting Edge with the Infinite Veranda cabins required adding about 2 percent more volume to the vessel than otherwise would be needed. 

"That was a big deal," she says. 

The creation of the Infinite Veranda cabins was just one of several major initiatives designed to orient Edge to the sea to a greater extent than traditional cruise ships of its size, Lutoff-Perlo says.

Also noteworthy was the creation of a three-deck-high, plant-filled lounge, dining and entertainment venue at the back of the ship called Eden that is partially encircled in glass. Offering unusually wide-open views of the ocean, it's full of seating nooks facing outward to the sea. 

Another innovative new feature of Edge is Magic Carpet, a 90-ton platform the size of a tennis court that is cantilevered over the ship's starboard side. Painted tangerine, it moves up and down the side of the vessel serving functions that range from a lounge to a restaurant to a tender-boarding platform. When used as a lounge or restaurant, it offers stunning views out to sea and back to the main part of the vessel.  

Lutoff-Perlo says cruisers are demanding more interaction with the sea. 

"Everyone tells us the one thing they would like is a closer connection to the sea, and a closer connection to the ports that we visit, which is why we made the ship more outward-facing," she says.

Lutoff-Perlo notes lounge chairs on the ship's top decks face toward the ocean and not the inside of the ship as is typical in the industry. It's a little change that makes a big difference in how passengers experience their surroundings while at sea, she says. 

At the top of the ship, another unusual new space, the plant-filled Rooftop Garden, offers passengers a garden-like outdoor venue to watch movies under the stars. It also is home to a grill where passengers can grab a bite while enjoying the sea breeze. 

"All these things that we have done are purposeful in that regard," she says of the efforts to orient the ship to the sea in a greater way.  

The focus on giving passengers more of a connection to the sea was the impetus for Edge's name. The idea is passengers are taken to the "edge" of the point where the ship meets the ocean like never before.  

Scheduled to sail with paying passengers for the first time on Saturday, Edge is Celebrity's first new ship in six years and the first prototype for a new Celebrity vessel to debut in a decade.  

Lutoff-Perlo notes the line went back to the drawing boards for a lot of the ship's onboard offerings. Nearly everngle restaurant on Edge – and there are nearly a dozen of them – is a new concept. 

Instead of a single large main dining room, Edge offers four smaller main dining rooms, each with its own decor and culinary theme. Named Tuscan, Cosmopolitan, Normandie and Cyprus, the eateries serve a common menu augmented by a handful of specialty dishes that are unique to each venue. Tuscan serves some Italian dishes, for instance; Normandie's specials have a contemporary French flair. 

Lutoff-Perlo notes the theme of each of the four restaurants offers a nod to the older ships in the Celebrity fleet. Cosmopolitan has elements that evoke the main dining rooms on earlier vessels. Tuscan draws inspiration from the Tuscan Grill eateries found on some Celebrity ships. Cyprus, which serves Greek cuisine, is an homage to Celebrity's Greek heritage. 

"We've taken much from the fleet," Lutoff-Perlo says. "Yet we've transformed the experiences in a unique way." Edge arrived at Florida's Port Everglades last week after a 15-night journey from the shipyard in France where it had been under construction for more than a year. It's scheduled to sail its first cruise with paying passengers on Saturday and be christened in early December.  Edge initially will sail to the Caribbean out of Port Everglades before moving to the Mediterranean for summer 2019.

In the Caribbean, the ship will operate seven-night trips starting at $1,049. In the Mediterranean, it'll mostly offer 10- and 11-night voyages starting at $1,899.

By Gene Sloan, USA Today
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Celebrity Edge has made it to Florida.

The first in a new class of ship from Celebrity Cruises arrived to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale today amid water-spraying tug boats and helicopters flying overhead.

The 2,918-passenger ship arrived to the cruise line's new terminal at the port before it begins Caribbean duties starting Nov 21.

The arrival was attended by Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain who took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with port and city officials.

"We always knew we were going to come to South Florida in its first season," Lutoff-Perlo said. "It also made sense to come to Port Everglades because from the very beginning, Port Everglades was extremely interested and determined to bring this modern luxury ship here."

Edge's new home the $120 million renovated Terminal 25, and officials expect to see 500,000 passengers move through it annually.

"For me personally to be sailing in with this transformational ship into this beautifully designed and Celebrity designed terminal, it's the first time we have ever had a terminal specifically and branded specifically for Celebrity Cruises ever," Lutoff-Perlo said. "So it's a really special day for us."

The 1,004-foot-long vessel’s unique features include the Magic Carpet, a large multi-use elevator of sorts that moves up and down the side of the 16-deck ship while playing the role of mass transportation, but also as an entertainment and dining venue.

Another unique feature on Edge is the three-story venue called Eden that will feature an 18-foot-tall wall of plants over a bar that uses ingredients from the plants in its drinks. The venue will act as relaxing lounge during the day and dinner theater venue at night with aerialists and musicians. Other features include martini glass-shaped jacuzzis, staterooms without sliding doors and two new suite categories.

"When you go on board, the thoughtfulness of the design throughout, and the elegance of that design, the artwork that goes into it are simply stunning," Fain said. "It's all small touches. It's the details that make such a difference on a ship in a really great design."

Fain said one of his favorite spaces on the ship is the atrium area called The Grand Plaza, which features a seven-ton chandelier that hangs three decks above the Martini Bar, and features LED light strips that adjust the color depending on the time of day.

"It took some courage to invest in the kind of ship that we built with Edge," Fain said. "But now that she's here and finished there's absolutely no doubt that she will not only be an aesthetic success, but a commercial success."

Fain said the demand for the ship has been unprecedented.

"I don't think we've ever had a ship that's had so much anticipation and such excellent forward bookings," he said.

The ship will continue sailing seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries until summer 2019 when it migrates to the Mediterranean. It’s one of five new ships debuting in Florida this year including the recent arrival of the largest ship in the world. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas.

Celebrity Edge is the first of a new class of ship. The line’s last class of ship, the Solstice class, debuted more than 10 years ago. A sister ship, Celebrity Apex, is slated for delivery in spring 2020 with two more on order for 2021 and 2022.

"When I got the opportunity to design a new ship for the first time in 13 years, we had a great opportunity to transform the brand," Lutoff-Perlo said. "I think we found along the way that we have not only transformed the brand but we've transformed the industry with Celebrity Edge."

By Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel
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Celebrity Edge has set sail for Florida.

The first in a new class of ship from Celebrity Cruises left the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard on Sunday to make its way to Port Everglades where it will begin Caribbean service on Nov. 21.

The handover ceremony for the 2,918-passenger ship took place in St. Nazaire, France last week with officials from Celebrity Cruises as well as parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. on hand.

“Today is a very special day for all of us as we have been eagerly anticipating this moment for more than four years,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “There are so many aspects of Celebrity Edge that are more groundbreaking than we could have ever imagined, and it is all a testament to the hard work, creativity and talent of everyone who helped bring this magnificent ship to life.”

The 1,004-foot-long vessel’s unique features include the Magic Carpet, a large multi-use elevator of sorts that moves up and down the side of the 16-deck ship while playing the role of mass transportation, but also as an entertainment and dining venue.

Another unique feature on Edge is the three-story venue called Eden that will feature an 18-foot-tall wall of plants over a bar that uses ingredients from the plants in its drinks. The venue will act as relaxing lounge during the day and dinner theater venue at night with aerialists and musicians. Other features include martini glass-shaped jacuzzis, staterooms without sliding doors and two new suite categories.

The ship will continue sailing seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries until summer 2019 when it migrates to the Mediterranean. It’s one of five new ships debuting in Florida this year including the impending arrival of the largest ship in the world. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas.

Celebrity Edge is the first of a new class of ship. The line’s last class of ship, the Solstice class, debuted more than 10 years ago. A sister ship, Celebrity Apex, is slated for delivery in spring 2020 with two more on order for 2021 and 2022.

Celebrity Apex had the ceremonial laying of its keel held on the same day as the Edge handover, marked by the lowering of a 762-ton block onto the traditional lucky coin that’s most always used in cruise ship construction.

“Thanks to the confidence Celebrity Cruises granted us and to the exceptional level of cooperation between our respective teams, we are proud to have designed and built one of the most innovative cruise ships ever,” said shipyard General Manager Laurent Castaing. “This achievement demonstrates once again our capacity to deliver right on time ships of the highest quality to our most demanding customers.

By Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel
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Celebrity Cruises' fleet is getting a face lift — one that costs $500 million.

Starting in 2019, the luxury cruise line is upgrading all their current 11,641 staterooms aboard a fleet of 12 ships (not including, Edge which debuts in November) in what is the largest room renovation in cruise ship history, according to Celebrity.

All staterooms will be revamped, from inside cabins and ocean view accommodations to premium-category staterooms like Concierge Class. Staterooms will feature cashmere mattresses, making them ultra soft and warm.

There will be redesigned bathrooms with all new finishes and fixtures and redesigned storage spaces. The Penthouse Suites will have dual walk-through showers and soaking tubs on the veranda. Celebrity Cruises will also introduce 13 new AquaClass staterooms, seven new ocean view staterooms and 10 new inside staterooms, all with verandas, on every ship.

All suites will have also have lounge seating, Grohe massaging showerheads, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, sitting areas and personal butlers. Rooms will have Bluetooth capability and Celebrity's internet service.

The fresh new look involved more than 500 architects, designers and engineers to match the progressive design of new ships, like Edge, Celebrity Cruises' latest ship that cost $1 billion.

A notable Celebrity Edge feature is "Magic Carpet," an open-air floating deck that goes up and down the side of the ship, acting as a cocktail bar and restaurant.

The renovation will kick off with Celebrity Millennium in 2019 and run through 2023.

By Jimmy Im, CNBC
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The design of the new Celebrity Edge main theater is another step away from the traditional theater design that we've known on cruise ships, with a proscenium arch and separate areas for the audience and performers.

If the classic cruise ship theater is like Broadway, or London's West End, the Edge will be more like Off-Broadway.

Judging from renderings released Monday by Celebrity, the performers will be surrounded on three sides by seats. The fourth side, the back of the stage, will be a projection screen with backgrounds, rather than a true backstage area.

In aesthetics, the theater most resembles the Two70 Lounge on Royal Caribbean International's Quantum-class ships. That's perhaps no coincidence, as both were designed by Scott Butler of the design firm Wilson Butler Architects.

But it also bears some resemblance to the World Stage, the innovative theater that Holland America Line debuted two years ago on the Koningsdam, and which will reprise on its upcoming Nieuw Statendam.

The World Stage also projects the stage way out into the audience, and makes use of large LED video screens to envelop the theater in images.

The growing sophistication of LED screens and video projection mapping, driven by computers and software, is revolutionizing the way theater is presented at sea. The imagery, fantastic in itself, also solves the problem of where to store stage sets at sea, where every space is at a premium.

But it's more than a technical issue. Royal Caribbean International has long been trying to use spaces other than the main theater to enact entertainments for guests, notably in its drive to use the atriums on older ships for aerialists and other performers.

Entertainers regularly appear on the Royal Promenade on non-Oasis-class ships.

Carnival Cruise Line, too, is dispersing entertainment around the ships. It uses a variety of public spaces for it Seuss-A-Palooza children's parade. And its theaters on the newest ships have become flex-space Liquid Lounges, with stages, but not dedicated 24/7 to use as theatrical space.

Although I have not seen them, the theaters built exclusively for Cirque du Soleil on MSC Cruises' Meraviglia class ships also look, well, circular. And the performers are flying all over the house.

So while there's still a decent amount of Broadway being presented on ships (Royal and Norwegian Cruise Line both have authorized Broadway shows) the trend going forward is going to be new spaces and new ways of presenting shows at sea.

By Travel Weekly
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Florida's cruise ports continue to grow, with two additional lines planning new terminals to accommodate their newest ships.

Celebrity Cruises will complete its new terminal at Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Fla.) in October in time for the launch of the Celebrity Edge cruise ship.

In addition, MSC Cruises has announced plans to complete a new PortMiami terminal by 2022, designed to hold the line's new mega-ship.

Celebrity's terminal will be its first designed specifically for the brand. In addition to housing Celebrity Edge, Terminal 25 will be the new home to other Celebrity ships during their winter deployment, including Celebrity Infinity, Reflection and Silhouette. When Celebrity is not using T25 the facility, it will be open to other cruise lines.

Port Everglades currently hosts 335,000 Celebrity passengers annually, representing about 9% of its overall passenger traffic. Once the new cruise terminal is completed, it is anticipated that Celebrity will generate nearly 500,000 travelers to the port.

The new terminal is being designed to make the check-in process easier and will offer Suite Class guests an exclusive lounge, elevator lobbies, screening areas and private rooftop terrace.

Port Everglades is replacing two smaller and outdated terminals with Terminal 25.

MSC's new Terminal AAA, scheduled to open at Port Miami in October 2022, will accommodate MSC Cruises’ World Class, currently under construction, which will carry up to 7,000 cruise passengers.

Other ships that will use the terminal include MSC Seaside, which debuted in late 2017; Armonia, which will home port in Miami beginning in December for the line's first sailings from the U.S. to Cuba; Meraviglia, set to make a North American debut in November 2019; and Divina, which will return seasonally to PortMiami.

MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately owned cruise company and the largest cruise line in Europe and South America. Its fleet includes 15 ships.

By Rosemary McClure, LA Times
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Celebrity Cruises today announced that it will spend over $500 million in the coming years to revitalize its fleet of luxury ships. Dubbed the “Celebrity Revolution,” the effort will include a refresh of staterooms and public spaces aboard nine Celebrity ships to bring their level of luxury up to the standards of the line's forthcoming class of ships, Edge. The entire project is set to be completed between February 2019 and February 2023.

“We launched the Celebrity Revolution to do one thing – transform the way our guests experience the world," said Celebrity Cruises CEO and President, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. "It began with the introduction of the industry-changing Celebrity Edge, and continued with the stunning Celebrity Flora. Our dedication to improving the way guests experience the world knows no bounds. We are taking our entire award-winning fleet to the edge and giving people the vacation they truly deserve.”

To complete the overhaul and provide a fresh look for its ships, the cruise line worked with hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) to transform the staterooms and some suites. U.K.-based South African interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who also oversaw the work on the next ship Celebrity will launch in December 2018, the Celebrity Edge, took charge of the renovation of the ships' Suites.

The aesthetic behind Hoppen’s designs are, “a coordinated fusion of East meets West, with clean lines, neutral tones, and opulence.” That translates to streamlined cabins with minimalist pieces in palettes of white, gray, taupe and ocean-blue, and plenty of natural light to bring the outdoor seascapes to the interior of the ship.

Suites Class is an exclusive enclave onboard Celebrity’s ships that also confers special benefits on guests who book these accommodations. On the new Edge class of ships, Suites account for just 12% of the room total, while on the older Solstice and Millennium class ships, they represent a mere 7% of the room count.

“This was a new and exciting challenge to recreate something stylish and luxurious yet totally different from the accommodations that I have designed for Celebrity Edge,” said Hoppen. “I wanted to invoke a feeling of timeless luxury that welcomed guests into their own haven. Your bedroom is where you sleep and where you wake, two of the most important times of day, especially when you are on vacation. It was important to create space, harmony and luxury within a home away from home setting and I think we achieved this balance perfectly.”

Suites Class guests receive personal butler service, priority check-in and debarkation, and priority reservations at onboard restaurants and entertainment venues. In-room upgrades include Bulgari bath products and the fleet’s signature eXhale bedding featuring cashmere mattresses and Egyptian cotton linens.

Suites Class guests will also have access to a host of new amenities in the Suites-exclusive public areas, called The Retreat. The Retreat will be anchored by The Retreat Lounge (replacing the current Michael’s Club lounges), where Suites guests can enjoy complimentary buffets and bites, premium beverages and live entertainment throughout the day. There will be a dedicated concierge desk that can arrange priority reservations for onboard activities and off-board excursions.

Renovated ships will also feature new The Retreat Sundecks, complete with a full-size pool and spa tub, loungers and cabanas, plus poolside food and beverage service. The Suites-only restaurant, Luminae, will be reimagined, with an all-new look and custom menus created by Celebrity’s Michelin-starred chef partner, Cornelius Gallagher.

As for staterooms, they will also have Celebrity’s eXhale bedding including those  luxurious cashmere mattresses, and new high-tech features such as RFID locks, Xcelerate and Bluetooth capabilities.

The line's gourmet Qsine restaurant will be added across the fleet and renovated, and will offer the virtual Le Petit Chef dining-entertainment fusion experience, which was created by the  artists of Skullmapping and presented by TableMation exclusively for Celebrity Cruises. The Oceanview Café, Sunset Bar and Main Restaurant will also undergo redesigns, as will public venues including The Hideaway, Team Earth and The Library. Guests can also expect to see a newly expanded SEA Thermal Suite in the spa and new shopping experiences from brands like Shinola and Hublot.

The rollout will begin in February 2019, and take about four years to complete. Here is the current schedule of ships and completion dates for the Celebrity Revolution project.

• Celebrity Millennium: February 9, 2019
• Celebrity Summit: March 23, 2019
• Celebrity Equinox: May 25, 2019
• Celebrity Silhouette: January 24, 2020
• Celebrity Eclipse: April 1, 2020
• Celebrity Constellation: May 1, 2020
• Celebrity Infinity: November 14, 2020
• Celebrity Solstice: October 1, 2021
• Celebrity Reflection: February 2, 2023

If you plan to take a Celebrity cruise in the coming years, be sure to consult the renovation schedule and make sure you book a ship post-completion in order to enjoy the best and newest amenities Celebrity will offer on board.

By Eric Rosen, Forbes
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Celebrity Cruises this week released designed for its new cruise terminal at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the line’s first brand-designed terminal.

The terminal’s concept is built around hosting Celebrity Edge, the brand’s newest ship that will debut later this year. It is scheduled to open in October 2018, just a few weeks before Edge starts sailing.

Edge includes a number of innovations for Celebrity, both in technology and in hardware, including the debut of the line’s new Magic Carpet, a traveling platform the size of a tennis court hanging off the side of the ship that will offer a full bar, a live music area, meeting space, and an open-air dining venue.

Celebrity President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said in a statement that the cruise operator wanted to “design a terminal that perfectly complemented the ship and matched its one-of-a-kind experience” and that its renovation of the existing Terminal 25 at Port Everglades will do just that.

"With cutting-edge technology, in service of a gorgeous design, T25 is that perfect new home,” she added.

The terminal, which will take over two existing terminals at Port Everglades, will offer Edge guests Frictionless Arrival, which the line says will speed up the check-in process. It will also boast an interactive light wall art installation; a dedicated long, lobby, and a rooftop terrace for suite guests; and a metal fabric façade called Mediamesh.

In addition to Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Reflection, and Celebrity Silhouette will all homeport at Terminal 25 during their winter deployment.

By Daniel McCarthy, Travel Market Report
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This winter, disco fans worldwide will have the chance to celebrate good times and shake their booties for five days and nights aboard the first-ever Ultimate Disco Cruise.

Set for Feb. 14 to 19, the voyage will take place aboard Celebrity’s Infinity. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the cruise will have two ports of call: Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. 

The cruise will be hosted by disco legend and choreographer Deney Terrio from the popular 1970-'80s variety show "Dance Fever.''

Credited with teaching John Travolta his signature moves for the 1978 film "Saturday Night Fever,'' Terrio will be the master of ceremonies for many of the music-filled events throughout the five days at sea.

Some of the iconic artists performing on the Ultimate Disco cruise include: KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool and The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, The Village People, Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson and Luci Martin (formerly of the band Chic), Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Trammps (featuring Earl Young), Tavares and The Australian Bee Gees Show (a tribute to the legendary trio).

Musical performances will be featured day and night on a variety of stages and venues throughout the vessel — simultaneous acts playing on different stages and parties galore.

As one of the cruise headliners, Gaynor is the singer of perhaps one of most iconic and beloved disco anthems, "I Will Survive,'' released in 1979. It won a Grammy in 1980 for Best Disco Song and has been re-recorded more than 200 times by a variety of artists including Diana Ross, Chantay Moore and Cake.

“I’m mostly looking forward to the audience, as always,'' Gaynor says. "It’s going to be a really great crowd, I’m sure … and that’s always uplifting and encouraging to the entertainer. I’m excited about the fan interaction. It’s always a fun time and will certainly be a big party.”  

She added that she will also perform songs from her forthcoming album, "Testimony,'' which is scheduled for release in November. It features four duets with other well-known singers: Jason Crabb, Bart Miller, Mike Farris and Yolanda Adams.

Another cruise highlight will be a performance by disco legends KC and the Sunshine Band, known for blockbuster disco hits including "Get Down Tonight,'' "That’s The way (I Like It)" and "Boogie Shoes.''

Harry “KC” Casey says, “For the fans, it’s a great experience, there’s music all the time and you get to see so many of your favorite artists perform so many great songs. And you don’t have to really go anywhere except down to the theater where the music is happening.

"I’ve played on cruise ships before and they are so much fun,'' he continued. "Everywhere I looked, everyone was having the best time of their lives and enjoying every moment. And you get to stop at ports and see new things. It’s a combination of a lot of thrills in one trip.”

The Ultimate Disco Cruise is an ideal opportunity for the fans to get up close and personal with the bands, Casey said.

“It’s always a great thing to connect with our fans. Over the years, some of my best friends started out as fans of the band. Some of them are like family now.”

He added, “It’s my happiest time on earth is when I’m on the stage. It’s definitely great to look out into the audience and see people smiling, laughing, singing, dancing and having fun. Because that’s what the music is all about.”

South Jersey-based DJ legend Bob Pantano will rock the turntables and play a big role in the festivities at sea.

Pantano has been celebrating the disco lifestyle as the longtime host of his top-rated “Saturday Night Dance Party,” which is celebrating its 41st anniversary.

Attracting about 1,000 enthusiastic disco fans each week, his parties are known to go well past midnight. With a listening audience of 100,000-plus, it is broadcast live every Saturday evening from the Adelphia restaurant in Deptford, on Philly’s WOGL (and simulcast at the Jersey Shore on 96.1 WTTH and 93.1 WEZW).

In addition to his Saturday night events, he hosts parties throughout the tri-state area.

“I’ve had Saturday night fever for 41! It’s all part of my history in the music industry. I had the chance to play all of these artists on the radio the first time around when they were starting out and I’m thrilled see all of the bands live again.”

Pantano will travel with his wife, Debbie, and the trip will be the first cruise for both of them.

“This cruise is for the people who really appreciate the disco sound of the 1970s,'' Pantano said. "It’s a great thing to go back in time and relive all those fantastic years, the incredible music and the fun nightclub days. Disco was a movement that got people back on the dance floor. And all these amazing groups are part of it.”

Originally from South Philadelphia, Pantano has lived in Washington Township for 33 years and is expecting the Ultimate Disco Cruise to attract a multitude of area residents, as he’s been promoting the trip at his weekly dance party.

Pantano stressed that disco is not just for the baby boomer crowd.

“There is a younger audience who is enjoying disco music, too. There are lot of millennials who show up every week … so the cruise is going to be one hell of a party.”

In addition to the musical performances onboard the ship, cruisers can attend many exclusive events during the five days, such as wine tasting, live game shows, trivia games, disco panel discussions, pool parties and themed costume celebrations.

With deluxe cabins, a variety of restaurant options and plenty of indoor and outdoor event space with disco music, fans will have the opportunity to party day and night.

The inaugural Ultimate Disco Cruise is produced by Philadelphia-based Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment. The organization specializes in unique musical cruises, such as the Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, Soul Train Cruise and several others. 

If you go

Cabin rates start at $1,499. This includes admission to main stage shows, meals in main dining areas and major parties. Call 844-296-3472 or visit UltimateDiscoCruise.com

By Marla Cimini, Special to Cherry Hill Courier-Post
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A vacationing Long Island man may no longer be footloose and fancy-free after burning his feet on the scorching deck of a cruise ship, a new $6 million lawsuit claims.

Three years later, Jeffrey Mizel is still suffering — and even had to have his big toe amputated — because of the burns he sustained aboard the Celebrity Silhouette, he charges in a Brooklyn Federal Court lawsuit he filed against the cruise line.

Mizel, 66, and his wife, Elizabeth, were on a European cruise with friends in July 2014 when the ship docked in Greece.

“It was very hot, so I went off the ship and went right back on again,” he recalled. “I decided, ‘I’m going swimming.’ ”

Mizel, who suffers from neuropathy-induced nerve damage in his feet, used a golf cart to get around the ship and parked it near the pool, walking the 10 or 12 feet to the water.

At first, he didn’t realize anything was wrong.

“Then my wife and our friend came, and they came in the pool with me and said, ‘Man, wasn’t that hot?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know,” and I looked at my feet . . . From toe to heel, the skin was just hanging off.”

Because of his medical condition, “he had no idea” how hot the deck was, said Mizel’s lawyer, Michael Goldman.

Mizel, a father of two and grandfather of four who works for an LED light manufacturer, was quickly taken to the ship’s doctor. The injuries were so bad, the cruise line offered to fly him to shore, he said, but he stuck it out to avoid ruining the trip for his wife and pals.

Since then Mizel has struggled with infections and hospitalizations that eventually resulted in the loss of his toe. At one point, doctors even considered amputating part of his lower leg, he said.

Though he still works, Mizel was forced to take on a business partner to share the load and has to use crutches.

He says Celebrity Cruises should have at least warned passengers about the super-heated deck.

“There was no way to think it would be that hot,” he said. “As a matter of fact I took off a pair of shoes and left them in the cart to go to the pool. If they had just given a hint that it was that hot…”

Celebrity X Cruises declined to comment.

By Kathianne Boniello, New York Post
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Celebrity Cruises has introduced a new ship to be built specifically for the Galapagos Islands.

The premium cruise line revealed plans for the 100-passenger Celebrity Flora Thursday. According to USA Today, the ship will be based in the archipelago year-round beginning in 2019, replacing the 48-passenger Celebrity Xperience and 16-passenger Xploration.

Celebrity Flora's unique design will capitalize on the Galapagos' beauty while helping preserve the destination. For example, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows will provide 360-degree views and anchorless technology will allow the ship to remain stationary without damaging the sea floor.

Other highlights aboard the Celebrity Flora will include a marina able to accommodate up to three Zodiacs at once; an open-air, deck-top lounge featuring cocoon-style loungers and private cabanas; a stargazing platform; a research lab; indoor and outdoor lounges; an observatory; two restaurants and a library.

Guests will be able to access invaluable destination information at Darwin's Cove and the Naturalist Center and visit the Discovery Lounge for Naturalist presentations and excursion details.

The ship's two 1,288-square-foot Penthouse Suites will be the largest in the Galapagos, featuring separate indoor and outdoor living spaces, customizable lighting and a telescope for checking out wildlife or the night sky.

Onboard accommodations will also include Royal Suites, Ultimate Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda, Premium Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda and Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda cabins. The Infinite Veranda is similar to a balcony and utilizes a window wall that can be opened up.

Sustainable elements will include in-room water filtration stations and a strict waste management system. The Celebrity Flora will also convert sea water and air conditioning condensation into fresh water.

What's more, an advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially designed diesel engines will allow for a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption and fewer air emissions.

"Celebrity Flora marks another example of our revolutionary ship design by allowing the destination and its environment to influence every decision we've made," said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo in a statement. "From the luxurious all-suite accommodations to industry-first, eco-friendly innovations, we created a ship that brings a new level of luxury, sustainability and natural exploration to the region."

Ecuador's Minister of Tourism, Enrique Ponce de Leon said the sustainable ship will "mark a very important milestone in the tourism development" of the region.

Last month, Celebrity Cruises announced plans to begin a $400 million fleet-wide renovation. The innovative cruise line also recently transformed its onboard weddings program to include legal same-sex ceremonies and will welcome the highly anticipated Celebrity Edge to its fleet next year.