I had a wonderful time aboard the Celebrity Solstice from May 23 to May 30 (Western Caribbean). I have cruised on a wide variety of lines (Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, NCL, Princess and Royal Caribbean), but this was my first time on a Solstice-class ship. I absolutely loved this ship! This is the most beautiful and well-designed ship that I have ever cruised aboard. I am in my mid-40s and have been taking cruises since I was a small child. I try to take two or three cruises a year.

Pre-cruise / embarkation: I flew down a day early and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six. This is a wonderful hotel to spend a night before a cruise. I had a room in the tower (14th floor) that had an excellent view of the cruise ships. I watched the Carnival Freedom and Grandeur of the Seas depart, but the Oasis of the Seas sailed a few hours late (apparently, they were doing some work on the ship).

I took a taxi to the ship at noon on Sunday. Embarkation was a breeze. There were no lines. I was greeted on the ship by waiters with champagne. The staterooms were not yet ready and I had lunch at the Bistro on Five. As soon as I was finished eating, the staterooms were ready. Read more