Celebrity Solstice Review
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Second time on the Solstice for us. First was June of 2009 to the Eastern Carib. Flew to Seattle on Thursday, stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle. Arranged a car service the following morning. Arrived at the pier at 10:30 and was on the ship in 15 minutes, best port check in ever of the 7 cruises I have taken. Ate at the oceanview, wandered a bit, but since our second time on the ship we basically knew the layout. Had a coffee at El Baccio and then at 1:30 room was ready.
The ship was clean and beautiful. There were a few placed I noticed the age, some furniture and carpets are ready to be swapped out after 5 years. Room was great 1038 Concierge cabin for 4. Overall food was good. Ate in the MDR almost every night and It was very good, actually better than our first visit. The oceanview cafe buffet was always good.. Some on here complain its the same every day however there are 100's of choices and you dont need to eat all 100 choices every time you go. You can vary you choices very easily. Seating again is a point of contention on here but I never once had a problem, and I went during peak times. On the topic of dining the dress in the MDR was much more casual and I had no problem with that. Jeans were sean on every smart casual night and on the last night I went that route myself. Formal night ranged from tuxedos to casual wear. I think its time the cruise industry re-visits this topic. The days of dressing up for dinner are done, and my nice dressier jeans with a button down shirt and black leather shoes looked way nicer than the senior citizens in there polyester sansabelt slacks and faux leather hush puppie type shoes.
Entertainement was uneven. The production shows were terrible. I know singers and dancers on cruise ships are just college kids trying to make a buck, but as a musician and someone who has a degree in music business I can tell you they could do way better. Most of the singers could not sing in tune, the dancing was a bit better, guess that was their strong point. The "Solstice" circque type show was good, but its the same show they had 5 years ago, actually the same performers...maybe time to update that show. The small ensembles around the ship were good, a vocal quartet, a jazz group, a party band and some singers and guitarists.