Hi there!  The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises.  The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance.  Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums!  -Ed.

Cruise: Italy, Egypt and Greek Isles Cruise

When: August 29^th to September 7^th, 2009

Company/Offered Through: Atlantis

Type: All-Gay

Departs: Rome, Italy

Visits: Egypt, Greece and Italy

Basic Itinerary:

Pricing Info:

Other Info:

Atlantis creates our most original Med cruise yet, with an all-new itinerary featuring the best of Italy, Greek Isles, and Egypt on the most exciting ship sailing today. Discover the wonders of the Pyramids, relax on the seductive beaches of Mykonos, and explore the charms of Capri from the comfort of the new 2800 passenger Celebrity Solstice. Adventure meets outrageous fun as we sail the azure waters of the Med to create Europe’s hottest gay event of 2009.

There are a lot of ways to see Europe, but none offer the diversity of experience as our newest Med cruise. Where else can you see ancient cultural treasures, cosmopolitan cities, breathtaking beaches, and sensational nightlife in one journey? And that’s just the beginning when you sail on innovative new Celebrity Solstice, a ship that will forever change the way you look at cruising.

The Perfect Mix of Land 
and Sea

Our unique itinerary starts in convenient Rome, followed by two relaxing days at sea. It’s the perfect way to get to know the magnificent Solstice, enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine, and let us entertain you onboard. A full-day visit to Alexandria lets’ you experience the Pyramids, sail the Nile, and a host of other adventures. Explore the Greek Island of Rhodes by day and marvel at the city’s magnificent illuminated beauty by night. Revel in the seductive beaches and legendary nightlife in Mykonos, where our overnight stay lets you enjoy it all. Marvel at the cliff-side villages of Santorini, where picture perfect views await at every turn. After another relaxing day at sea you’ll discover the diverse charms of Naples, where you can play like a jet-setter in Capri, take in the awesome ruins of Pompeii, or simply explore this fascinating city. There’s never been an Atlantis cruise with so much to offer!

Atlantis will offer a variety of pre and post cruise programs in Rome and Tuscany, as well as discounted airfares from the USA. Details will be posted soon on this site.

A New Way to Sail

Where would you start if you wanted to raise the bar on the cruise experience? Start with spacious modern staterooms, with clean lines and resort-style amenities. Hire the world’s top designers to create smart, sexy public spaces. Create a variety of restaurants that rival top destinations in New York or London. Reinvent the spa experience to include unique guest rooms and over-the-top treatment options. And throw in a few unique features that you would never imagine, like a real grass lawn growing on the top deck.

The main restaurant is almost entirely white and ultra-modern, with a two-story wine cellar. Plus, there’s an authentic Asian bistro, an Italian steakhouse, a Mediterranean restaurant, and the sophisticated Murano. Featuring Atlantis’ signature open seating and completely casual (lack of) dress code. Seductive lounges and unique gathering spaces offer the perfect place for conversation. All in a relaxed, pampering setting that redefines elegance at sea.

More Entertainment 
in More Places

Solstice features some exciting new entertainment venues, like Celebrity Central and the Sky Lounge, allowing Atlantis to showcase the best in new gay and lesbian talent. The stunning two-story theater stars Atlantis signature gay and lesbian headline entertainers, plus all-new elaborate and sophisticated production shows. As always we’ll continue our tradition of seeking out the best cabaret entertainment in the world to keep you laughing, singing, and amazed throughout the ship and into the night.

The vast open decks of Solstice offer a magnificent space for afternoon t-dances as the sunsets over the Med. At night we’ll create a masterpiece of sound, lighting, and special effects to set the stage for Atlantis’ theme parties and a variety of musical styles. Starring three of the top gay DJs from around the world. Plus, Solstice’s intimate Quasar nightclub provides the perfect place for an alternative sound and our late-night parties.

There’s never been a ship as hotly anticipated as the trailblazing Celebrity Solstice, completely rethought from the ground up. Her fresh new design makes a distinctive statement in virtually every room, with a refined level of elegance. As you stroll among the expansive decks, you’ll experience the rich color palettes illuminated by beautiful natural light, and revel in the extensive amenities and beautiful artwork – all delivered with the attentive service for which Celebrity Cruises is renowned.

Exciting New Spaces from Top Designers

From her magnificent architecture to advances in technology, Solstice leaves traditional cruise ship convention behind. World-class design talents like Adam Tihaney, Wilson Butler and Francis Martin created innovative spaces and a unique trail-blazing look throughout the ship. From the wrap around glass that surrounds the ship to the walls of light in the main dining room, you’ll quickly see why Solstice is unlike any ship ever built.

Her vast outdoor pool deck is filled with teak decks and overhead sails, flowing effortlessly into the massive indoor AquaSpa. Further up, you’ll discover the world’s first natural lawn on a ship – the Lawn Club. It’s a perfect spot for relaxing, sunning, or even watching the unique “Hot Glass Show” of professional glass blowers at work.

Solstice boasts ten uniquely designed lounges and bars, including a Martini Bar with an ice-covered bar, CellarMasters wine bar, and Galleria Tastings for enjoying succulent treats and the occasional impromptu fashion show. Michael’s Club and the Passport bar offer superb intimate retreats for taking a break with friends, and there’s always action in the sophisticated Casino. Quasar, our intimate indoor nightclub, is perfect for Atlantis late-night and early morning parties. But the crown jewel is literally on top of the ship – a vast all-white lounge called Sky Observation Lounge where floor to ceiling windows bring you closer to both the sea and sky.

Modern Dining at It’s Best

No less than ten unique dining options offer a variety of pleasures for a wide range of tastes. The Grand Epernay main restaurant features an amazing two-story wine tower along with stunning ocean views, setting the perfect stage for Celebrity’s fresh multi-course meals. Four specialty restaurants include and Asian Bistro, the spectacular Tuscan Grille Italian steakhouse, and the light Mediterranean cuisine of Blu. And for the most elegant meal at sea, spend a night in Murano for an extraordinary evening of world-class dining, superb wines, and modern elegance.

For a more casual meal, our Oceanview café & bar is open virtually all the time, featuring a variety of buffet choices in a breezy open setting. There’s an outdoor poolside grill for lunch and snacks throughout the day. Have a coffee in Café al Bacio, or a healthy snack in the AquaSpa café. Or relax with friends in Bistro on Five. All of it ready for Atlantis, and designed for the way you like to dine.

As with all Atlantis cruises there is never a dress code, and no assigned dining times. Ever!

A New Kind of Spa

We invite you to lose yourself in Solstice’s deeply indulgent AquaSpa. From soothing treatments to the immersive Persian Garden, you’ll find an atmosphere that will caress the senses like never before. Bask in the soothing tranquility of the AquaSpa Solarium, whose indoor lap pool is surrounded by dancing waterfalls and exceptionally comfortable lounge chairs.

The state-of-the art fitness center features the latest cardio equipment, a full set of weight-training gear, and a variety of challenging classes.

Your Stateroom. Reinvented.

From the veranda to the bathroom to the living area itself, no Celebrity ship has more spacious accommodations than Solstice. They’ve been re-engineered for a modern traveler with better sightlines, simple and comfortable design, and innovative and flexible storage throughout. Over 85% of the ship has verandas, the highest percentage of any ship ever built. And our brand new AquaClass staterooms offer personalized sensory elements along with spa-inspired amenities, all designed to bring a bit of the spa experience back to your stateroom.

Both Concierge Class and AquaClassrooms feature upgraded suite-like amenities. And the sumptuous suites feature butler service and a wide range of pampering festures. See the stateroom descriptions for more details.

Ship Info:

Ship Highlights