Celebrity Cruises spends $700 million on revamping its fleet

Celebrity Cruises worked quickly when one of its most popular ships, Celebrity Summit was due for a bow-to-stern refurbishment. It went into dry dock in the Bahamas on February 17, and immediately, thousands of engineers, architects, artisans, designers, contractors and Celebrity personnel collaborated to ensure fast and flawless execution of the dramatic modernisation. Thirty-one days later, it was done, dusted and off to cruise the Caribbean.

The Celebrity "Revolution" program sees Celebrity Cruises investing more than $700 million in a fleet-wide upgrade, rolling out over the next five years.

Celebrity Summit's staterooms were transformed under the direction of international hospitality firm Hirsch Bedner Associates. The overall redesign has found room for 30 new staterooms, including 13 in AquaClass, seven new ocean view cabins and 10 inside. All have completely new-look bathrooms.

British celebrity designer Kelly Hoppen took charge of the suites and The Retreat Sundeck, an exclusive facility for suite guests featuring a hot tub, cabanas, lounges, artwork, and showers. The Retreat Lounge – formerly Michael's Club – is also designed by Hoppen and is a 24/7 facility for suite guests, offering complimentary beverages, snacks and concierge service.

Restaurant enhancements see more seating style options in a revitalised Oceanview Cafe, while the main dining room enjoys updated fixtures such as dramatic ceiling sculptures and lighting. Both the Sunset Bar and Rendezvous Lounge also sport new looks.

Beyond the cosmetic, Celebrity's Xcelerate Wi-Fi has been introduced throughout the ship, as has RFID lock and digital key technology.

New boutiques include Shinola, John Hardy, and TAG Heuer and in the spa, Canyon Ranch at Sea, treatment rooms and other facilities including Persian Garden have been redone. Celebrity Summit is the second "Revolution" redesign for the brand, with Celebrity Equinox next scheduled to enter dry-dock in May. See celebritycruises.com/revolution