MIAMI, July 9, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ ----This year's most eagerly-awaited cruise ship -- Celebrity Solstice -- just added another first to its series of exceptional offerings: A 10-sided diamond cut for the first time, and available exclusively on Celebrity Solstice. Aptly named the Solstice Diamond, the patented gem's 86 facets create a visible, distinguishing star pattern even more sparkling than the familiar 58-facet brilliant-cut diamond.

Sourced from conflict-free stones mined in Canada, the Solstice Diamond was created by UK-based Harding Brothers, who will manage the retail shops onboard. Mounted in hand-created settings and in varying sizes for rings, pendants and earrings, no two pieces will be alike.

The diamonds will be available in Celebrity Solstice's luxurious "Boutique C," one of 18 shops spanning three decks and 6,500 square feet onboard the ship.

"Celebrity Solstice's boutique areas have been designed to reflect the stylish and authentic ambience our guests will find throughout the ship," said Celebrity's Vice President of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. "Each shop will have its own distinct look, feel and, in some cases, even aroma. It will be a phenomenal collection of sights, sounds, styles and scents."

In addition to the high-end Boutique C, Celebrity Solstice's retail venues include:

The Lawn Club Shop

The refreshing aroma of freshly-cut grass will welcome guests in Celebrity Solstice's Lawn Club Shop, with golf-oriented merchandise, wine-related items, and a casual, contemporary resort line designed by Bobby Chan, whose apparel highlights pro shops and lifestyle specialty stores around the world. The shop also will feature a "grass"-soled flip-flop sold exclusively on Celebrity Solstice.

The Showcase

Sparkling glass works from around the world will be the focus of The Showcase, where guests can purchase creations such as those found at The Corning Museum of Glass, whose alliance with Celebrity led to the industry's first Hot Glass Show and Studio on Celebrity Solstice. Among the brands "showcased" are Mats Jonasson, Kosta Boda and Steuben. The Showcase also will feature limited edition and retired pieces sold exclusively on Celebrity Solstice.

The Solstice Shop

Celebrity Solstice's signature store, The Solstice Shop, will offer a variety of fashion-forward, private-label apparel, accessories and souvenirs, all tastefully marked with the ship or brand logo.

Exquisites

The largest jewelry boutique onboard, Exquisites will present a vast array of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets from new designers, as well as recognized, world-class brands such as Bellarri and H. Stern. The boutique also will present canary, pink and blue diamonds, as well as Tanzanite creations.

The Artisan Store

Guests interested in one-of-a-kind jewelry and artifacts will find it hard to bypass The Artisan Store, where they can observe and interact with resident artists as they string pearls, carve cameos, and mount gemstones to suit each shopper's interests and preferences. The venue also will present special enrichment lectures and demonstrations.

Pieces of Time

The timeless elegance of fine watches will be evident in the product line found in Pieces of Time, with featured brands including Dior, Gucci, H. Stern and Tag Hauer.

The Collection

Style is in the bag at The Collection, where guests will find classic and contemporary purses of all styles, sizes, colors and textures, as well as belts, scarves, and other accessories.

The Men's Store

True to its name, The Men's Store will feature casual yet sophisticated apparel for men from Newport Blue and Saltaire, as well as Celebrity's exclusive Blue Collection, among other brands.

Moda

Chic women's fashions ranging from everyday, active wear to cocktail apparel will highlight Moda, with selections from leading designers such as Joseph Ribkoff, Celebrity's exclusive Blue Collection, and a number of variations on the classic "little black dress."

Jasmine

Celebrity Solstice's Jasmine will focus on perfumes, cosmeceuticals and other skin care products. The venue also will offer personalized cosmetics consultations, and interactive workshops focused on color.

Adagio

The ambience of indulgence and tranquility found in Adagio will be reflected in its products, ranging from self-tanning products to scrubs, rubs and body butters. The venue also will present many of the world's most popular fragrances, along with new launches.

Serendipity

Shoppers in Serendipity will have the good fortune of finding an eclectic mix of merchandise that is constantly evolving, reflecting the unique character of each destination on the ship's itinerary. The selections will range from ethnic foods to apparel to accessories.

The Sundialer

Fashionable watches and sunglasses are always timely, and will be the focus of The Sundialer, with hip selections from a variety of designers, within a fun, relaxed environment.

Glitz

Trendy costume jewelry from established international brands as well as up-and-coming designers will be the focus of Glitz, with selections made of acrylic, crystal, gold and/or silver.

Sol Y Mar

Sun worshipers will find Sol Y Mar a welcome venue, with its vast array of designer sunglasses, suntan lotions, pool cover-ups and other beach apparel, and paperback books.

Spirits & Such

In a departure from the traditional shipboard liquor store, Spirits & Such will offer not only premium liquors, but also bar and kitchen accessories, and tote bags to ease the process of carrying purchases home. The venue also will host tastings.

Travel Made Easy

Guests who need additional luggage to take home all the products they can't resist onboard will find relief in Travel Made Easy. There, accessories, sunglasses, hats and beach blankets are sold, along with luggage, tote bags, and electronics.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers' poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

http://www.celebritycruises.com 

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