By: Ralph Grizzle
Celebrity Cruise’s new ship, Celebrity Equinox, has completed its first and probably most difficult journey. With thousands of spectators lining the route, the 122,000-ton ship left the yard of shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, last Saturday and made the 26-mile trip down the River EMS.
The 1,040-foot long ship is 121 feet wide so it had no room to turn around, which forced the captain to navigate the entire route in reverse. There was no room for error as, at its tightest point, there were as few as 13 feet between both sides of the ship and the riverbanks.
The spanking new ship, which Meyer Werft was conveying to Celebrity for final delivery on July 16, has to navigate a railway bridge in Weener, a highway bridge in Leer, and a narrow passage in Gandersum. The harrowing journey takes a bit more than 12 hours, and according to Celebrity, it is likely the most complicated technical trip the Equinox will ever encounter.
Due to the size and scale of the ship, the transit can take place only during absolutely ideal weather conditions: when the river is at high tide, when winds are extremely calm, and when tidal barriers are closed, in order to ensure there is enough water to accommodate the draft of the ship.
After provisioning and loading activities in Eemshaven, followed by sea trials, Celebrity Equinox will be officially delivered from Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises July 16. The ship then will sail to Southampton, England and complete a series of inspections, followed by eight days of launch celebrations, including the maritime tradition of a naming ceremony over which the ship’s Godmother will preside.
The 2,850-guest Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter service July 31 from Southampton, England, on an eight-night cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, followed by a series of romantic Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, beginning August 8. Like Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox will present guests with brand-defining, industry-first features, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real, growing grass; a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass; 10 dining venues, and widely varied entertainment, including shows with breathtaking aerial acts.
Celebrity’s Solstice Class also boasts warm and inviting, spacious staterooms with a host of contemporary amenities inspired by a panel of five women – dubbed “Celebrity’s Leading Ladies” – each with unique travel and hospitality insights. The ships also offer Celebrity’s new AquaClass category of accommodations designed for spa enthusiasts, with a host of spa-inspired amenities, and including exclusive access to “Blu,” the ships’ intimate, Mediterranean-themed specialty restaurant.