The Opportunity
As the first ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice-class fleet, Celebrity Solstice has served as a cornerstone of the company’s entertainment program since its launch, hosting Broadway-style productions, concerts and theatrical performances as a central part of the onboard guest experience. As part of the vessel's 45-day dry dock modernization in Singapore, Celebrity Cruises sought a lighting solution capable of supporting multiple daily productions while meeting the demanding operational conditions of a cruise ship, including constant use, vibration, power fluctuations and continuous crew turnover. Central to the theater renovation was the replacement of the original Martin MAC 700 fixtures that had supported performances for over 18 years.
The Solution
As part of the theater renovation, Celebrity Cruises installed the first Martin Professional MAC Encore TWO fixtures produced, replacing the original MAC 700 fixtures with a modern lighting platform designed for long-term performance at sea. The installation also incorporated Martin MAC Aura XIP fixtures to complement the profile fixtures and expand creative possibilities across the theater's production schedule.
“The Celebrity Solstice was born in 2008 and was specified with MAC 700 fixtures, which were best-in-class at the time,” said Tania Ordoñez Prieto, Director of Entertainment Technical Production for Celebrity Cruises. “The MAC 700s were workhorses for many, many years and we are very happy to now be welcoming the MAC Encore Two to our family as our new workhorses.”
The new fixtures deliver improved output, color consistency and effects capabilities while maintaining the reliability required for a venue operating six to eight hours each day across three to four performances. The installation was completed during the ship's three-week technical dry dock period, requiring close coordination between production crews, programmers and designers preparing new entertainment for the vessel's return to service.
The Result
The Martin Professional lighting system provides Celebrity Solstice with a flexible platform capable of supporting the cruise line's diverse entertainment program while improving operational reliability for onboard technical teams. The MAC Encore TWO and MAC Aura XIP fixtures deliver the brightness, color performance and versatility needed for productions ranging from theatrical performances to rock concerts and dance presentations.
“When we first turned on the MAC Encore Two fixtures, all we heard was ‘wow.’ Not just from me but from everybody in the room… every tech, every stagehand,” said Simon Hary, lighting designer for the installation. “The output is so bright, the color mixing is amazing, and the gobo package is great for what we need. We produce a wide range of shows, and the versatility of the fixtures gives us the flexibility to support each one.”
With the modernization complete, Celebrity Solstice has resumed service with a lighting system designed to support the ship's demanding production schedule while providing the long-term reliability, serviceability and creative flexibility required for Celebrity Cruises' onboard entertainment program.
