Celebrity Cruises' New 'Oceans Ahead' Program Offers Behind-the-Scenes Insight Into How Ships Work

New series centers on ship operations and sustainability

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Jun 15, 2010, 04:56 ET

MIAMI, June 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Celebrity Cruises' stylish Solstice Class fleet has become widely recognized for its industry-first Lawn Club, exceptional design and service, spacious accommodations and award-winning dining experiences. But it also is a showcase of the brand's ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce air emissions and water consumption, and increase recycling, all of which take center stage in a new, fleetwide onboard program, "Oceans Ahead."

Part of the brand's "Celebrity Life" onboard activities program, Oceans Ahead – a series of presentations led by Celebrity's shipboard Environmental Officers – is designed to engagingly educate Celebrity cruisers about the innovative approaches the brand has taken across the fleet to minimize its carbon footprint, and its ongoing commitment to go above and beyond compliance.

Celebrity regularly invests in marine conservation, education and innovative technologies through its corporate Ocean Fund, which has provided $11-million since its establishment in 1996. Those efforts also are discussed in Oceans Ahead.

"Our 'Designed for you' brand platform is all about listening to our guests and designing environments and experiences that deliver what they want," said Celebrity's Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. "Our guests tend to have a keen sense of curiosity and interest in learning new things, and Oceans Ahead offers them a behind-the-scenes look at our shipboard operations across the fleet, with a special focus on Celebrity's sustainability practices."

Among the topics currently included in Celebrity's Oceans Ahead program are:

The Secrets of Ship Navigation: How do Celebrity Cruises' Captains and bridge officers chart the ship's course each day? How do they maneuver around storms and sensitive marine areas? Guests attending this lecture will gain insight into that and more.
How Our Ships Move: Guests participating in this lecture will learn about the various forms of power generated onboard, such as Celebrity's industry-first application of solar technology, and the many energy efficiencies implemented across the fleet, including silicon hull coatings, LED lights, specially glazed, UV-filtering window glass, and propulsion systems.
Onboard Recycling: An Exclusive Look: Curious as to what happens to the bottles and cans of beverages consumed onboard? Guests attending this session will get rare, behind-the-scenes insight into Celebrity's extensive recycling program, including aluminum, glass, and cardboard items.
Carbon Footprint 101: What is a carbon footprint, and how do you measure it? This lecture also examines air emissions, Celebrity Cruises' footprint, and how to calculate an individual's impact on the environment, together with steps that can be taken to improve it.

Celebrity's new Oceans Ahead program is offered at no charge, and will be implemented across the fleet by the end of July of this year.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity's mega-series of honors include being named the top mega-ship line in Conde Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity's fleet currently consists of 10 ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest five-year investment in premium cruising. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.