Celebrity Solstice Review

Solstice a cut above previous cruises

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Solstice
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greysward
2-5 Cruises • Age 80s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2010
Cabin: Deluxe Veranda 1A

We are a senior couple and this was our 4th cruise, all others having been on NCL ships, our most recent cruise only 2 months ago to Alaska. We did the Eastern Caribbean cruise with 3 other couples, and found the Solstice to be a notch above all of the NCL ships we've been on. Our stateroom was very nice and clean with excellent service by the room steward. For the first time on a cruise we were assigned to a table with our group at 6pm in the dining room, and didn't find this to be constraining at all, as on the NCL ships, we went down to the dining room as soon as it opened each evening to get a table before the crowds showed up. There were two formal nights, and a suit and tie were quite satisfactory. Food in the Oceanview Cafe, the main buffet on deck 14, was very good and the buffet stations were laid out so there never seemed to be a big crowd trying to get breakfast or lunch. Juice bars were far better laid out and there also seemed to be more table space than on the NCL ships. I'm not great on entertainment, but I did go see the glass blowing demonstration at the top of the ship and it was excellent. I saw the variety show which was a sample of all the entertainment - pretty good. Now for some more specific comments.

Embarkation OK but not great. A half hour of lines and security checks before we were finally on the ship. Getting off the ship at the ports we visited was faster than I have seen on any previous cruise. A trip down the elevator to deck 2 and then walk right out. We made debarkation easier by booking an Everglades tour at Fort Lauderdale, so we met in a group and were escorted off the ship straight to our baggage and customs.

In regard to eating, though the food was quite good in the main restaurant, the menu wasn't very clear in describing some of its items, particularly in the part of the menu that changed each night, so sometimes it was a bit of a chance as to what one would be served. The waiters were very good about bringing something else if what was ordered didn't turn out well, but I don't like to waste food. The main dining room was white and black, not themed at all. I prefer the NCL themed dining rooms at least in regard to atmosphere. Also, no restaurant had fish and chips; a favorite on the NCL ships.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Veranda 1A

Cabin 1A

Our stateroom was very conveniently located near the elevators mid-ship. Excellent bathroom, perfect shower. The dim light always on in the bathroom served very well during the night. Plenty of space to stow clothing and belongings. Bed was excellent though we pulled the covers off except for a single sheet and then put a blanket over that and slept cooler. TV very good though you have to watch what button you press on the remote. Another one of our group suddenly found that she had ordered $900 in photos and had to go down and get it wiped from her bill. Ship's location on the TV a bit goofy at times. Stateroom was slanted inward, so the balcony was big, but it did catch a lot of wind being so situated. Would like a speaker in the stateroom which picked up shipboard announcements and comments from the captain.

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