There is nothing like the smell of freshly cut grass when you’re miles out to sea. When we first launched Celebrity Solstice in 2008, I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw a glorious half-acre of green grass growing on top of our beautiful, new ship. Much like Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park, I muttered to myself, “They did it…I don’t know how, but they did it.”

As is the case with anything new, we knew it would take us some time to really understand this wonderful innovation. How much traffic can it handle? What possibilities exist to take the experience even further? How will it stand up to the weather, climate, and itinerary changes? All of these questions and many more came to be answered as we progressed through Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Eclipse. As Celebrity Silhouette approached, due to the amazing work of our marine operations team in keeping the grass growing under almost all conditions, we decided that we could bring even more guest engagement to this one-of-a-kind area.

From the moment I saw The Lawn Club, I dreamed of the industry’s first outdoor, interactive grill venue at sea. It was just something that seemed to be a natural extension of that environment. All around the world, there are beautiful parks where groups of people go for fun, highly social barbecues. So, when we were issued the green light to create a restaurant adjacent to The Lawn Club, this was our inspiration. From the onset, we agreed to keep the concept simple and approachable. The goal was a high level of interaction, friendliness, and, above all else, enjoyment of the unique ambiance of open air in a park-like setting. The Lawn Club Grill was born.

Generous proteins, steak, seafood, pork, and lamb would be the focus, accompanied by do-it-yourself flatbreads and a bountiful salad bar. And, to achieve the perfect grilling experience, we designed and installed unique, ventilated grills to ensure perfectly grilled pieces of meat. Initially, we were concerned that the concept was almost too simple. Would people really want to grill their own meat? Would they understand what we were trying to accomplish? Thankfully, from the moment it launched, it resonated with our guests. We are thrilled to be able to open the second installment of the Lawn Club Grill on the Celebrity Reflection cruise ship.

The Lawn Club on Celebrity Reflection will also feature our second installment of The Porch, a “Hamptons-esque” casual eatery featuring made-to-order Panini, soups, salads, and desserts. Offering exceptional views, friendly service, and casual fare, The Porch is a one-of-a-kind destination for breakfast and lunch.

In addition to the Lawn Club Grill and The Porch, Celebrity Reflection will also feature an expansion of The Alcoves, our series of for-rent private retreats set amongst the grass and offering expansive sea views. Much like the Lawn Club Grill and The Porch, The Alcoves help take The Lawn Club experience to another level, offering exceptional intimacy, service, and amenities in a destination unlike any other at sea. With an iPad loaded with favorite magazines, books, and music, it’s the perfect place to relax. Pre-order a picnic basket or use the phone to order afternoon cocktails. There are even spa services you can order in, so you never have to leave the comfort of the alcove.

Then, there are our Adirondack chairs. As my colleagues say, “A playful way to stop and take in the lawn.” These oversized chairs offer a unique perspective and a nice place to watch the activity on the lawn.

Whether it’s the smell of freshly cut grass, the lingering aroma of the perfectly grilled rib eye, or that first sip of an ice-cold beer as the sea breezes blow through your hair, The Lawn Club is an experience like no other.

Scott Steenrod
Associate Vice President
Food & Beverage Operations

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• celebrity cruises
• celebrity reflection