Celebrity Solstice Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We picked this cruise so that we could visit both Australia and New Zealand. We have cruised with Celebrity before and knew it would be high quality. We had a fabulous time and Celebrity did not let us down although there was a real difference in character with the last cruise we did with them. I put this down entirely to the different type of cruisers on this trip and free drinks packages for many. This cruise involved a younger group than our cruise to the Caribbean. Yes there were some older cruisers but not the majority. On our last cruise hardly anyone had a drinks package which led to quieter bars and a different ambience. Many on this cruise had a free drinks package. The Martini bar was much busier as were all bars. We actually bought our own package as we booked late and were not offered one. It was expensive but worth it for us. We hardly saw anyone signing for drinks. I think this has pushed us to always book earlier now as it is annoying to think most people weren't paying for their drinks and we were. I didn't see any drunkenness or misbehaviour because of the drinks packages but it was certainly livelier.
The food was very good with a varied menu. We ate all evenings in the Grand Epernay Restaurant. We had chosen select dining as we like to eat at about 7.30 and the sittings don't suit us. We have eaten in the speciality restaurants before and chose not to this time. In my opinion the supplements are rather high and not necessary. We ate breakfast and lunch in the buffet and the choice was amazing. It does get crowded at times but we were careful to avoid the busiest times. The service at all times was really good and the staff are very friendly and attentive.
Our only disappointment was that we had informed Celebrity before our cruise that it was our 45th wedding anniversary during the cruise and been told that it might be possible to get an upgraded cabin (which I hadn't requested.) Celebrity didn't even acknowledge our celebration with a card, probably because so many people try this on to get upgraded.
Cabin Review
Inside Stateroom 9
We chose an inside cabin because friends had said they find them ok and as we booked late there wasn't a lot of choice. We won't pick an inside cabin again as we found it difficult to tell if it was even day or night. We didn't find the cabin cramped and yes I know we didn't spend much time in it but we will opt for our usual balcony next time. We have tried inside and it isn't for us. Cabin 1084 also has a pool filter above it and some people have mentioned it is noisy early in the morning. Yes we did hear it but not enough to complain or be moved. Could be an issue for some.
Port Reviews
Sydney (Australia)
We loved Sydney. We did a tour of the Opera House and caught the bus to Bondi Beach. We also took the ferry to Manly.
Melbourne
Bought a Myki bus and tram ticket at port and caught the 109 bus into centre. From there the trams around the centre were free. Enjoyed the 35 City Circular Tram, getting on and off as we wanted. Visited the Victoria Market, the biggest outdoor market in the Southern Hemisphere.Walked through Treasury Gardens and visited Captain Cook's Cottage taken there from Great Alton North Yorkshire, 5 miles from our home.
Akaroa
We used a tender to get to Akaroa and then walked around. It is a quaint town were many French lived. Pretty even in the pouring rain.