Celebrity Solstice Review

Australia and New Zealand Holiday Cruise

Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Celebrity Solstice
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realtorlovescruising
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Dec 2014

We very much enjoyed this cruise during the holidays. We had been watching for a cruise that encompassed a stronger focus on New Zealand, the north and south islands. The itinerary on this cruise was perfect. We sailed out of Sydney. What a beautiful city. I would recommend coming in a few days early to explore it. Lots to see and it is beautiful. It was our first time on the Solstice. We have cruised a few times with Celebrity. We very much enjoyed the amenities of the ship. Main areas have been well maintained. Our stateroom could have used an update. One drawer was off set. One cupboard door drooped. Carpet was very tired. However the views from the balcony were spectacular.

The ports, we enjoyed them all. Melbourne is very pretty. We choose to be on our own. Transportation was good. Before embarking on the ship, we spent some time on the beach. Hobart- was a great stop. This sail out and most sail outs from all the ports were spectacular. The scenery, particularly New Zealand coast was breathtaking and ever changing. The Sounds alone, are worth the cruise. Scenery from sound to sound was gorgeous. Took at least 100+ shots that day. The ports in New Zealand were varied. Dunedin, was pleasant and again we chose to walk around on our own. Great architecture. Visit the churches. Ladies, if you like to shop there was no shortage of stores in this port. Fashions were very contemporary. We elected to visit Christchurch. Even though several buildings are still in ruins, I would make the journey again. The museum and Botanical Gardens are must visits. The drive to it was beautiful. Our guide gave a quick DT tour and then left us to walk around. He did not suggest any particular places to stop. We were very disappointed with the bus condition. Seriously thought our bus would not make it back to the ship!!!!!! Wellington, came in on New Years Day. Elected to walk around. The harbor walk was fantastic. Do it. Our favourite stop was Tauranga. Yes, we walked around. Adorable downtown with cute shops. The beach was well kept and perfect. We decided to walk around the Mount. Again, highly recommend to do this. Takes about 45 minutes. Breathtaking scenery. Saw a penquin darting about in the waters. I would go back to this port in a heartbeat. Auckland was a lovely city. Very walkable downtown. Fabulous restaurants and stores.

Speaking of food. We were impressed with the restaurants on the Solstice except for the main dining room It was hit and miss. Spent New Year's Eve at Murano. Elected to do the multicourse meal with wine pairings. It was fantastic. All service on the ship was great.

Cabin Review

Great views!!!!! State room was a little tired. Needs to be refurbished.

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