Teri West
Nearly 17 years ago, Celebrity Cruises debuted the Celebrity Solstice, complete with a new feature for the line -- and for the industry -- called the Lawn Club: A half-acre of live grass on the top deck.
The Lawn Club recreated a park-like experience for guests at sea. And every other ship of the Solstice class followed with its own Lawn Club, enabling thousands of passengers over the years to experience the lawn and offer the line feedback.
According to Celebrity, that feedback has indicated that guests want more to do there.
So as a part of a $250 million renovation to the Solstice fleet revealed last week, Celebrity is doing away with the grass, replacing it with turf, and adding new amenities at what will now be known as Sunset Park.
"Guests told us they wanted more dynamic, multifunctional spaces that offer both relaxation and engagement," said Katina Athanasiou, Celebrity's senior vice president of sales and services for the Americas.
Like the Lawn Club, Sunset Park will aspire to the feel of a park you might find on land, with lawn games, movie screenings and concerts. In fact, there will be even more lawn games than there are at the Lawn Club. As Athanasiou puts it, "Sunset Park retains the Lawn Club's spirit of open-air leisure."
There will also be more private cabanas, an "enhanced" bar and a new specialty dining venue.
"While we're still finalizing the menu at Sunset Park, guests can expect globally inspired dishes, fresh ingredients and artful presentation all served in a relaxed, open-air setting," Athanasiou said.
Some of the amenities as Sunset Park will be free for passengers, while others will carry an additional charge. The games, movie viewings and live concerts at Sunset Park will be free, Athanasiou said. The private cabanas, which have dedicated attendants, will cost extra, as will the food and drinks.
Celebrity is also doing away with the glass-blowing studio at the Lawn Club, which offers classes at an extra charge.
Other changes coming to the Solstice-class ships include the addition of a new lounge with trivia and concerts, a new sports bar and upgrades to the cabins.
Celebrity Solstice is first in line for the makeover. Expect it to be done by March, according to Celebrity.
With cruise lines frequently looking for ways to refresh and improve their products, the Lawn Club-turned-Sunset Park seems to be a good example of a line staying in tune with guest expectations.
And hey, if turf is good enough for the NFL and other athletic fields, perhaps it'll be just fine for a cruise ship.