This was our fourth Celebrity Solstice Cruise which departed from Fremantle on 3 March 2016 to destinations, Bali, Darwin, Cairns, Whitsundays (Airlie Beach), Brisbane, Newcastle and ending in Sydney. Boarding at Fremantle was hassle free although there was a slight delay with customs procedures for guests. The usual practice of having your picture taken whilst boarding the ship and the complimentary champagne or juice on arrival was as per usual on embarking days.

There was a huge presence of specialty restaurant staff doing a fair bit of what we would call "pestering" for guests to dine in the speciality restaurants. As we had already pre-booked a 3 dinner package in specialty restaurants, this does become a bit annoying as it continues throughout the cruise days on the ship. Also talking about pestering, we find the same goes for the staff of the shops selling jewellery, watches, etc, along the walkway from the theatre as you leave the shows.

We were in an Aqua class suite at the rear of the ship on the port side. We were very happy with this position as it was down the end of the corridor with less noise from passing traffic. We were happy with all aspects of the suite, including storage and hanging space. The bed was located next to the ensuite with the sofa next to the sliding door to the balcony. There were two chairs with footstools and a small table provided on the balcony. The air-conditioning in the suite provided comfort whilst on our journey. The ensuite, as in all Aqua class suites is of a good size with a sliding shower door and shower tower with jets. Our room attendants, Palton and Mahammad, were outstanding in the service they provided keeping our stateroom in topnotch condition, which was much appreciated. From our observations, on the Celebrity Solstice, the room attendants and public area staff do a wonderful job which could not be faulted. Read more