Celebrity Cruises will deploy a larger ship to Japan in 2028, with the Celebrity Solstice taking over the itineraries currently offered by the Celebrity Millennium.

According to a recent announcement, the deployment will mark the first full season of a Solstice-class vessel in the region.

The Celebrity Solstice is scheduled to spend the summer in the Far East, offering itineraries departing from Japan between April and October 2028.

Celebrity said the ship’s itineraries will allow guests to experience the energy of Tokyo, as well as views of Mount Fuji and overnight stays in Kyoto and Aomori.

The 2,850-passenger ship will also offer cruises focused on Japanese festivals, such as Golden Week and Gion Matsuri.

Operating Celebrity’s summer seasons in Japan in 2026 and 2027, the smaller Celebrity Millennium will reposition to Alaska for 2028.

The 2,170-passenger vessel will return to Japan for spring and fall cruises, offering itineraries featuring cherry blossom and hibiscus season experiences.

According to Celebrity, the two-ship deployment will also allow for more opportunities to explore Japan’s tropical destinations, with 17 visits to Okinawa scheduled.

The vessels will operate winter cruises to Southeast Asia and the Far East, offering itineraries to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and China.

These itineraries are highlighted by overnight visits in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand; Benoa, Bali, Indonesia; Hanoi, Vietnam; Hong Kong, China; and Penang, Malaysia.

Celebrity said the extended calls allow more time to explore what it described as culturally rich destinations.

Other highlights of Celebrity’s new deployment plans include the addition of a fourth ship to the European schedule, with the Celebrity Beyond joining the Celebrity Xcel, the Celebrity Ascent and the Celebrity Apex.

The Celebrity Equinox will also make its debut in Alaska before returning to South America for an extended season that includes itineraries to Antarctica.