Yacht designer Martin Francis of Francis Design was hired to design her exterior profile.[10] In original exterior renderings, the hull was shown as all-white with powder blue funnels and blue glass upper decks.[10] The large dark blue funnel with a white X that has been the trademark of Celebrity was replaced by two thin funnels, and the company’s X logo was to be visible in the glass balcony railings on the ship's midsection. Throughout her fitting out, sea trials, and launch, it was noted that the glass X, unless seen from certain angles, was not visible. Shortly after, the X was refinished to be darker but could still be hard to see. During sea trials, a white X was added to the forward funnel, making Celebrity Solstice more closely resemble her fleetmates.[11]
The overall masterplan was completed by Boston-based Wilson Butler Architects, which would also design the entertainment venues, such as Main Theater, along with the Grand Foyer, and open decks, including the Lawn Club.[12] Other designers included Tihany Design, which designed the interior of the main dining room;[13] BG Studio, which designed Cellar masters, Passport Bar, Ensemble Lounge, Micheals Club, and Murano;[14] 5 + Design, Galleria Boutique, Fortune Casino, Art Gallery; and RTKL, which designed the Spa.[15]
The keel was laid in March 2007 at Meyer Werft in Papenberg, Germany.[16] This would be Celerity return to Meyer shipyard since the Century class, who also built Celebrity's first ships with the Horizon class. The Celebrity Solstice left Meyer Werft on September 28, 2008. The ship was the biggest cruise ship built in Germany to that point.[17]
History
The Celebrity Solstice arrived in Fort Lauderdale on November 3, 2008. Subsequently, she embarked on a series of short preview cruises for travel agents and dignitaries.[18] On November 14, 2008, at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, she was officially named by Sharon L. Smith.[19] She began commercial service on November 23, 2008.[20]
Celebrity Solstice was scheduled to be put in dry dock in October 2021.[21]
