Taste of Cirque du Soleil?

Tuesday, December 20, 2005 was the official debut of “A Taste of Cirque du Soleil©,” a new entertainment showcase featuring the magic and wizardry of Cirque du Soleil, created exclusively for Celebrity Cruises. A press release follows:

“A Taste of Cirque du Soleil is the result of positive dialogue with our partners at Cirque, combined with valuable feedback from our guests and trade partners,” said Celebrity’s President Dan Hanrahan. “We are extremely pleased with the outcome, and judging by the standing ovation when we first presented this new concept, we’re confident our guests will be thrilled, as well.” The result of an exclusive partnership with the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, the new 30-minute performances will be offered exclusively onboard Celebrity’s Constellation and Summit, and feature three acrobatic performances and characters from Cirque du Soleil.

“A Taste of Cirque du Soleil focuses on the human element; the simplicity of individual artists’ talent, creativity and agility,” said Cirque du Soleil President & COO Daniel Lamarre. “It is the true essence, and at the core of, what Cirque du Soleil was founded on.” A Taste of Cirque du Soleil is presented twice per cruise on Celebrity’s Constellation and Summit in the Celebrity Theatre. There is no charge for the performances. The two ships also house “The Bar at the Edge of the Earth,” a lounge designed exclusively for Celebrity by Cirque du Soleil, as well as Cirque du Soleil boutiques – the only such shops in existence other than those operated solely by Cirque.