Celebrity Cruises is underlining its commitment to the UK with the introduction of a second ship, Celebrity Infinity, to the market for summer 2013,the company said in a statement.

Recently refurbished Celebrity Infinity will offer a range of 10, 11 and 12-night Norwegian Fjords, British Isles and European wine harvest cruises itineraries out of Harwich next year – the first time the port has been used by the cruise line for a full season’s sailings.

The UK deployment of Celebrity Infinity was announced by Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises, on a visit to London. In addition, Hanrahan confirmed that Celebrity Eclipse will continue to offer its popular programme out of Southampton in 2013 – its fourth consecutive summer season at the port.

“UK holidaymakers are incredibly supportive of Celebrity Cruises and this is demonstrated by Celebrity Eclipse achieving the highest customer satisfaction ratings of all our ships” says Hanrahan. “Our decision to base Celebrity Infinity in Harwich affirms our belief in the strength of the UK business and is in direct response to increased demand for more Celebrity Cruises holiday experiences.”

Introduced in 2001, Celebrity Infinity has recently undergone a significant refurbishment as part of a $140-million, four-ship enhancement programme which is introducing the most popular and innovative features of its newest ‘Solstice-class’ vessels across the fleet.  This includes new spa inspired AquaClass accommodation paired with the exclusive healthy-eating specialty restaurant Blu, an ice-topped Martini bar, an Italian coffee shop and gelateria Café al Bacio and the award-winning Qsine; the novel restaurant first introduced to Celebrity Eclipse to much acclaim. 

Full details of Celebrity Cruises’ 2013 summer deployment will be announced in early March, and the new Celebrity Infinity cruises from the UK will go on sale in mid-March this year. Celebrity Infinity is scheduled to arrive in the UK in May 2013 with the season of cruises on offer from Harwich extending until late October 2013.

The move follows a decision by the company to operate a series of cruises this autumn by Celebrity Constellation from Southampton instead of a series of Eastern Mediterranean cruises that had been planned for the ship earlier.