Celebrity Solstice Review
THE SOLSTICE: AN EVOLUTION FOR CELEBRITY VETERANS
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It is safe to say that the Celebrity Solstice is an evolution in the history of Celebrity ships. After sailing Celebrity since 1991, I was very skeptical when they endeavored to build a vessel this large holding 2850 passengers. I was also very concerned when I read they had ended the legendary relationship with Chef Michele Roux. Lastly, I was worried that the brand was slipping into the vast mass market of the pack-em in monster ships. Alas, I was completely wrong and had no reason to worry. It was truly a memorable and excellent voyage onboard a new era for Celebrity. I returned happy and very well pleased after being sceptical. I experienced only minor issues.
EMBARKATION: Smooth as silk although the agent failed to return my credit card and in the confusion of preboarding documents, I forgot to ask for it. However, no sooner than I arrived at the cabin, the purser called my stateroom and left a message informing me that the credit card was brought aboard by the agent. No longer do they escort you white gloved to your stateroom but the champagne flutes are still there as you board.
THE SHIP ITSELF She strikes a pose at dockside to be sure. She's big and she is a star. The ship is an oasis of comfort, beauty and elegance. It is bigger yes, but not in a vulgar or overshadowing way and never glitzy. Except for Quazar lounge, which was quoted by someone as a "James Bond meets the Jetsons" type club for younger age groups, the ship itself exudes luxury at every turn. It reminded me, in many ways, of a larger, more cosmopolitan version of the Summit or the Millennium. Fellow guests were English, South American and European; and of course American. It seemed Florida and New York dominated. We met many lovely people and enjoyed multiple conversations throughout the voyage. On this ship you will notice more security than usual which was a nice thing to see. Always watchful and always around.
Cabin Review
It's all new. Doors open outward now. We arrived to champagne and canapes in place, (repeated daily) my three specialty restaurant reservation cards on the dresser and my standard table for two noted in the Grand Epernay Restaurant along with gift baskets from my staff, chocolates and flowers. All pleasing. Life boat drill was in the theater for us and we never went out on deck. Different but unimportant.
The stateroom does not the same old familiar lines, feel or look. The space more than ample for two but not really larger than it used to be. Colors and features have changed. It is an attractive space. The flat screen TV is even more high-tech than ever before and had multiple stereo music choices for all tastes. The bed was comfortable and the end is rounded. The bathroom and shower however, are much improved. There is more room in the bathroom to walk and to turn around and the new shower has to be seem to be appreciated. It is great.
Someone once wrote that the toilet paper was rough. Not so. I saw no evidence of skimping on the toiletries and I would notice. Balcony is as to be expected although this time, the bed was next to the balcony doors which is nice for being in bed and watching the ocean move by. What I don't care for are the new outward opening doors that slam. We had noisey neighbors who woke early, stayed up late, loved to talk loud and always slammed doors, cabinets and drawers. The walls between cabins seemed thinner than I remember on other Celebrity ships. Our stateroom attendant was as wonderful as any other. Always greeted us by name, never intruded, always gracious. For the first time in our lengthy cruising history, for no particular reason, we never once ordered room service, not even for morning coffee. A first for us. The chocolates on the pillow have changed slightly; a different brand name each night but they still offer them.