The world of cruise ships is about to get a whole lot brighter and more dazzling, thanks to a major upgrade on Celebrity Solstice. This vessel, the flagship of Celebrity Cruises' Solstice-class fleet, has just undergone a 45-day dry dock refurbishment in Singapore, during which it received a complete overhaul of its entertainment technology.
At the heart of this upgrade is Martin Professional's new MAC Encore Two fixtures, replacing the ship's original Martin MAC 700 fixtures that have been in service since the vessel entered operation in 2008. But this isn't just a simple swap; it's a significant upgrade that promises to transform the onboard entertainment experience.
A Bright New Future
The MAC Encore Two luminaires are a significant step up in terms of performance and versatility. With their bright output, amazing color mixing, and great gobo package, they offer the flexibility to support a wide range of shows, from Broadway-style productions to concerts and dance performances. This is a crucial consideration for Celebrity Cruises, which hosts three to four performances daily in its theatre, with lighting systems operating continuously for up to eight hours.
The reliability and serviceability of the new fixtures were key considerations for the cruise line. As Tania Ordoñez Prieto, director of entertainment technical production for Celebrity Cruises, noted, "When we select products for our ships, we need to make sure they will deliver because the show really doesn't stop on cruise ships." The harsh environment of a ship, with its vibration, power fluctuations, and constant use, demands fixtures that can withstand the rigors of daily operation.
A Long-Term Relationship
Celebrity Cruises' partnership with Martin Professional is a long-standing one, and the cruise line has placed a strong emphasis on the support and technical knowledge that Martin can provide. As Sacha Schneider, fleet technical director for Celebrity Cruises, explained, "We rely on our long-term relationship with Martin and Harman for support, spare parts, technical knowledge, and repairs when needed." This relationship is a key factor in ensuring that the new fixtures can be operated day in and day out without running into issues.
A Step Forward for Cruise Entertainment
The upgrade to the MAC Encore Two fixtures represents a significant step forward for cruise ship entertainment. With their bright output, amazing color mixing, and great gobo package, these fixtures offer a level of versatility and performance that is sure to impress both passengers and crew. As lighting designer Simon Hary noted, "When we first turned on the MAC Encore Two fixtures, all we heard was 'wow'." This is a sentiment that is sure to be shared by many, as the cruise line prepares to showcase its latest onboard productions with these state-of-the-art fixtures.
In conclusion, the upgrade of Celebrity Solstice's entertainment systems is a significant development in the world of cruise ship entertainment. With the MAC Encore Two fixtures at the forefront, the vessel is now better equipped to deliver a dazzling and immersive experience for its passengers, setting a new standard for the industry.
