We were very impressed with the Solstice, which surprised us as we are smaller ship cruiser if we have a choice. This ship is very big and carries a lot of passengers but fells more like a small ship is the way the passengers congregate. We truly liked the various lounges, pools and entertainment venue and never really felt crowded. The itinerary was outstanding for us as we like lots of ports and choices of activities. The only drawback is that there is no sea day until five days into the cruise. If you have been vacationing before you embark, as we were, then you are very tired and more than ready for that first sea day. The last two sea days are together so you just don't get a lot of rest on this itinerary but so what, right?

Embarkation was pretty standard and we were allowed to board the ship around 11:00 but, since rooms were not ready, passengers were invited to use the lounges and buffet. We felt our verandah cabin was quite large, although, again, we usually sail smaller Celebrity ships (Galaxy, Century, Infinity, Azamara, etc.) Very comfortable beds and the bathroom is big with a great glass enclosure instead of a creeping shower curtain. Some cabins have the bed as you enter and the couch/desk near the verandah while others are reversed. There are pros and cons to both but no major issues. We did find the placement of the drawers and shelves to be strange as part of your clothes are in one part of the the room and part are in the other. Our cabin was in aft and, since this ship is so large, there is quite a walk to an elevator. Didn't bother us but heard folks whining a bit.

The elevators and atrium are truly nice as there is entertainment and dancing each evening in the main area, rather than hidden away in a top floor lounge. Many people stopped on they way into dinner or the way out, as well as having most of the lounges/bars facing the atrium so music could be heard throughout. Made for nice times in the Martini Bar, Bistro on Five, shopping areas, coffee cafe etc. NOt such a good idea for the library that opens into the atrium but it has fewer books than most ships and we were too busy to care. Sitting outside to read is one of the pleasures of cruising. Read more