Celebrity Solstice Review

4.5 / 5.0
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Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Celebrity Solstice
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Colonel Ron
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jan 2016

Most Americans say they want to travel to Australia/New Zealand, but never do. Don't wait, this trip is fabulous, not just the sights but the people and the culture. This was our 10th cruise, 5 each on Holland American and Celebrity. Both are similar except the passenger age on Celebrity appears to be younger.

This itinerary hits all the highlights of the region but strongly consider NOT taking the shore excursions through the cruise line. We had pre-booked most of ours either with our travel agent or we disembarked and booked directly with agents on shore. The cost is significantly less and you either have a private tour or a small minibus with 12-14 passengers. I used Swain Travel and New Zealandier tours (Jan in Akaroa) and was not disappointed. The one excursion we did take from Celebrity was 1/2 hour late leaving and we were rushed at every location while visiting Dunedin.

Solstice, like Equinox last year, was a wonderful ship. The entertainment was first class and the Solstice orchestra was unbelievable. They adapted to every artist as if they played with them for years. The cruise director, Eddy, was better than most with a great sense of humor. The food was above average and most waiters were terrific (select dining used). We did experience two waiters who couldn't be bothered, but that can happen.

Cabin Review

Cabin Concierge

Concierge class was nice, but not worth the extra dollars. The stateroom is the same as a Verandah class.

Port Reviews

Melbourne

Take the shuttle for $10 into town and experience the flavor of the city. The botanical gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the old Melbourne Gaol. Just walking around the city gives you a wonderful european feeling.

Hobart

We had a private tour booked through Swain Travel to Port Arthur. We had a wonderful guide who was a previous national park ranger and had a degree in forestry. The commentary was terrific. We were lucky to dock in Hobart on Saturday and visit the Salamanca market just near the wharf. If you are lucky enough to visit on a Saturday, don't miss it.

Dunedin

We had 15 minutes to view the gardens due to a 30 minute delay in departing the wharf. Saw almost nothing.

Dunedin

The guide who escorted us through the home was knowledgeable and great stories of the family. After the tour, we were rushed to leave to move on to the next venue.

Dunedin

We thoroughly enjoy reading and delving into the culture presented at the museum, but we had minimal time to spend and enjoy it. A self-guided tour would have been better.

Akaroa

We booked this one on the wharf and was taken to Christchurch as well. For $100 US, this was a great tour with only 12 people. Again, we had a very gregarious and knowledgeable guide. We were never rushed and returned to the vessel in plenty of time. We even had time to roam Akaroa which is a very small port.

Wellington

Again, buy the shuttle ticket and go directly into town and visit the Te Papa museum. We spent over 4 hours in this venue, then walked over to the Wellington Cable car, rode to the top for a fantastic panorama and then walked down through the botanical gardens. We stopped at the Beehive, the interesting parliament building and had plenty of time to shop in town. We enjoyed our day in Windy Wellington by ourselves.

Tauranga

I had booked this tour on line with New Zealandier Tours. Jan was a fabulous guide and enjoyed the commentary all the way to Rotarua. This excursion was $139 US and was again only with 14 people.

Bay of Islands

After tendering to shore, we again chose to spend the day on our own. It was an easy walk to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the area where New Zealand signed the treaty with the Mauri tribes. The guided tour delved into the history of how New Zealand became a country and the grounds include the treaty house, the carved treaty house and the war canoes. There is a free bus throughout the area if walking is a problem

Sydney (Australia)

We spend 5 days on our own in Sydney, a must to see as much as possible. We utilized private tours and the help of family who live in Sydney.

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