The Solstice is a beautiful ship, and although carrying about 3,000 passengers, rarely seemed crowded (the exception would be the buffet area). The stateroom (9286) was very comfortable and we loved the veranda. Every crew member we passed smiled and said hello or engaged us in other conversation. It was a very friendly ship (most of the passengers were that way, too).

Food in the Tuscan Grill (specialty restaurant, $30/pp cover charge) was fantastic (we ate there twice). Can't say as much for the dining room (Grand Epernay). While the meats were full of flavor and always deliciously prepared, the pasta dishes and fish entrees were hit-and-miss -- usually miss. Lack of seasoning? Overcooked? Perhaps both. The side dishes for the beef, lamb, and pork did get boring -- typically grilled without much seasoning, and without variation. The soups were usually good (mushroom was amazing, French onion was a hit, the miso was good but too salty). Appetizers and desserts (especially the Gran Marnier souffle and sorbets) were delightful. The Bistro on 5 ($5 cover charge) served great paninis and crepes. The coffee drinks at Bacio were a morning favorite for me. Poolside grill generally overcooked the burgers. Wait was too long at the Aqua Spa cafe, so we never did eat there. The buffet had a nice selection of foods, flavors were good, just nothing exciting. The ice cream bar always had a few people in line. Really enjoyed the freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juices. For lunch and breakfast, we avoided the dining room. The service was inattentive the two times we did go. For breakfast and lunch, you're seated at random tables with waiters who knew their tips didn't depend on the people seated there.

Some of the special entertainers that came onboard were fantastic. The ship's own entertainers were just OK. The Corning hot glass blowers were quite entrancing, and there was probably a good crowd for each show, every day. We went around the nightclubs once or twice, looking for 60's-80's dance music, but didn't find it. Older or younger, but not what we were looking for. Read more