Celebrity Equinox to cruise the Caribbean year-round in 2017

Celebrity Cruises is betting on the Caribbean in 2017 by moving the 2,850-passenger Equinox there next summer from Europe.

Equinox is one of five innovative Solstice-class ships that feature a live grass lawn on the top deck, an outdoor do-it-yourself grill with prime steaks and a specialty restaurant just for spa suites.

A Solstice ship hasn’t sailed in the Caribbean year-round since 2010.

Summer cruising means families, so Celebrity is beefing up its Fun Factory kids club on Equinox with a summer learning program that involves science adventures, making videos and other edutainment programs.

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For adults, a new Tastes of the Caribbean theme offers no-charge events such as cooking and mixology demos, wine tasting and a rum and reggae party. For a fee, fresh pasta- and mozzarella-making classes and a five-course tasting dinner with Celebrity chefs are offered.

Veranda berths on a seven-night cruise start at $1,399 but guests booking by Aug. 31 can get up to four perks (depending on cabin category) such as a $150 onboard credit, unlimited Internet, a premium beverage package or prepaid gratuities.

Celebrity usually moves its Caribbean ships to Europe during the summer, where rates are higher. But security worries this year are eroding that premium. A 13-night September cruise in the Mediterranean, for example, shows Veranda berths available at $1,849.

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Celebrity will still keep four vessels in Europe next summer, including three Solstice-class ships: Reflection, Eclipse and Silhouette.

Take a deck-by-deck tour of a Solstice-class ship: