Celebrity Summit Adds New Suite Retreat, Stateroom Updates

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit has just wrapped a major renovation that’s the latest step in the cruise line’s $500 million fleet upgrade project. The enhancements include a new Retreat for suite guests, redesigned staterooms and suites, and updates to the ship’s restaurants, bars and lounges, spa and casino. 

Famous designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE, helmed the refresh of the ship’s suites, as well as the new Retreat area for suite guests. That area includes The Retreat Sundeck, an exclusive open-air hideaway with a hot tub, cabanas, loungers and artwork, as well as The Retreat Lounge. Formerly Michael’s Club, the new lounge is open 24/7 for suite guests and offers complimentary beverages, snacks and concierge service. 

The project also added 30 new staterooms, including 13 new AquaClass Staterooms, seven new Ocean View Staterooms and 10 new Inside Staterooms. The ship’s existing staterooms also got a refresh courtesy of international hospitality firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, who redesigned the bathrooms with new furnishings and fixtures. Additionally, all staterooms and suites now have Celebrity’s eXhale bedding, which includes cashmere mattresses. 

New York-based hospitality design firm BG Studio International was responsible for updates to the ship’s public spaces, including a new open concept for the Oceanview Cafe that added seating options and new, globally inspired culinary offerings. The Main Dining Room also received more seating and updated fixtures, including a ceiling design with interlocking metal rings and lighting. The Sunset Bar and Rendezvous Lounge were also both completely reimagined. 

Other enhancements to the ship include the addition of Xcelerate Wi-Fi throughout the ship, as well as RFID lock technology. In terms of shopping, new boutiques sell merchandise from designers such as Shinola, John Hardy and TAG Heuer, while the redesigned Canyon Ranch at Sea spa received updates to its treatment rooms, salon, fitness center and locker rooms. The fitness center also has a new, semi-private consultation area and, in the spa, an enhanced Persian Garden thermal suite offers experiences such as a Turkish bath, infrared sauna and salt therapy. Finally, the Art Gallery, Photo Gallery, casino, and Casino Bar also received redesigns. 

The transformation, which began February 17 in Freeport, the Bahamas, took 31 days. Looking ahead, the Celebrity Equinox is the next ship for the cruise line to enter dry dock, in May. Six more ships are also on tap to receive updates through 2023. 

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