The first ship from Celebrity Cruises in 8 years to hold inaugural celebrations in the UK

19 July 2009 - The only cruise ship launching in the UK this year arrived in Southampton today ahead of almost two weeks of celebrations. The 2,850-guest, 122,000 GRT Celebrity Equinox from Celebrity Cruises will be officially named and christened in the city on 29 July by the founder of the breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, Nina Barough CBE, who is the brains behind the MoonWalk and Sunwalk charity marathon and half-marathon walks.

Celebrity Cruises is launching the new Celebrity Equinox in Southampton ahead of basing its sister ship Celebrity Eclipse - currently under construction - from the port for the summer 2010.

Celebrity Cruises predicts its increased attention on the UK cruise market for 2009 and 2010 will generate over £20.5 million in knock-on benefits for the economy in the Southampton region (1).

Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, UK and Ireland said:

"For the UK to be hosting the inaugural celebrations of Celebrity Equinox demonstrates the importance of the British and Irish markets. New cruise ships and particularly Celebrity Cruises, which offers a fresh alternative to traditional cruise lines, have a proven track record in stimulating the market, and driving people who have never considered a holiday at sea before to give it a try. Celebrity Equinox is designed to set new standards in the type of service and facilities found onboard larger cruise ships. The reaction of UK consumers in terms of bookings is strong with sailings during all peak holiday periods sold out."

The $800 million ship aimed at experienced cruisers who want to try a new cruise experience, features a real grass lawn onboard larger than eight tennis courts for boules, bocca, putting and outdoor concerts. Plus, a glass blowing museum and demonstration area take the format of cruise lectures to a new level. Guests can enjoy a 24-carat gold facial in the onboard spa; ensure their cocktail stays cool with iced serving areas in the onboard Martini Bar; and shop in 'by-appointment' only boutiques.

Celebrity Equinox is one of the first cruise ships to embrace renewable energy resources and the power generated by 61 onboard solar panels is enough to operate all the onboard lifts.

Onboard accommodation includes a unique class of staterooms, AquaClass, dedicated to spa fans that allow guests access to extras such as a dedicated healthy-eating restaurant, Blu and a spa concierge. 80 per cent of all accommodation on the ship features a private balcony. Staterooms were designed with input from a panel of women who requested larger rooms and clever storage solutions that maximise space.

Ten different restaurants onboard range from a café located next to the fitness centre serving low calorie meals, to a steak house and Asian fusion option offering Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese dishes. The onboard main dining room features a two-storey high wine tower and seats over 1,400 diners.

Celebrity Equinox was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The first sailing with paying guests onboard departs Southampton on 31 July 2009 for an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise. Celebrity Equinox will then depart Southampton 8 August on a 10-night "Best of Europe" itinerary to Rome, calling on ports in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, as well as Gibraltar. The ship then will sail a series of 13- and 14-night "Ancient Empires" cruises until October, featuring two new ports of call: Haifa and Ashdod in Israel. These voyages also include an overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt and feature destinations such as Alexandria in Egypt, Athens (Piraeus) in Greece and Greek islands of Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos.

Prices for a 13-night Ancient Empires fly/cruise start from £1,531 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin). Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Rome, transfers and a 13-night cruise with meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes and fees. Price based on 31 August 2009 departure.


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