Celebrity Solstice Review
4.5 / 5.0
Otani
First Time Cruiser • Age 40s
Rating by category
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Value for Money
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Additional details
Sail Date: Mar 2017
Cabin: Concierge Class 2
It was our first cruise and we’re pleased to have set sail on the Celebrity Solstice. It was a 12 day cruise to the South Pacific and Fiji with the itinerary providing a good balance between shore and sea days.
The Solstice is a beautiful ship. It is well designed, with tasteful finishing and seems very well maintained given it’s almost 10 years old. Parts of the ship had recently undergone an $8.5m revitalisation process, giving the ship a new gallery space, a refitted specialty restaurant and new patio furniture in the staterooms, among other things.
The ship is incredibly well managed and everything seems to run like clockwork, which is a huge testament to the management team. We generally found the level of service on the Solstice to be very professional, friendly and efficient. However, some of the service staff in the main dining room and Sushi on 5 did come across as “trying too hard” with their forced effusiveness and tired jokes while mistaking that for quality service. Personally, I would prefer simple warmth and efficiency. It goes a long way.
Cabin Review
Concierge Class 2
Cabin C2
We had a concierge class port side stateroom and we loved it. There were limited concierge class staterooms available when we booked so we considered booking a Sky Suite instead. However, we eventually decided against paying the premium on our first cruise in case we didn’t fully embrace either Celebrity or cruising. The caution turned out to be a great decision anyhow as the stateroom we had was comfortable and well-appointed with a reasonably sized patio, on a good floor. We found our Concierge to be helpful and professional. Our stateroom attendant was also fantastic – he was friendly, caring and most importantly intuitive. He had perfected the art of being engaging and helpful yet unobtrusive. We loved the cabin and got along with our stateroom attendant and we feel it contributed a great deal to our overall enjoyment of the cruise.
Port Reviews
Noumea
It was nice to have visited Noumea, but it isn't an incredible destination. It feels like Miami Vice in the late 70s and 80s. As if we were stepping back into a place where time stood still. Additionally, it's an expensive city. We were glad to have visited but also glad we didn't stay longer than the allocated time.
Suva
We got lucky and booked with a local tour agent who took really good care of us. It ended up being a private tour and the flamboyant and out-going tour guide was able to show us his personal favourite spots of his home city. He was very friendly, a real character and apparently rather well known in town! We ended up meeting his mom too!
Mystery Island
Mystery Island was lovely. It's a tiny little spot of sand, under the sun. It's uninhabited and locals come onto the island only when the cruise ships come in. Snorkelling wasn't as rewarding as Lifou Island, but it has a much nicer feel to it.
Lifou
Interesting island, but not much happening here. The snorkelling is apparently good if you're into that. But the beaches are nothing special. The water can be lovely though. I think there's a weird, wistful and sad energy about this place, but that's just my personal opinion.
Sydney (Australia)
Sydney is one of Australia's trendiest, most vibrant cities. There's so much to see and do here. I suggest at least a 4 to 5 day exploration of this city before/after your cruise, if that is your (dis)embarkation port.
5 Helpful Votes
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