Celebrity Solstice Review
Overall solid, but stop the UPSELLING
Rating by category
Additional details
We've cruised Windstar, Princess and Oceania on multiple cruises. This was our first time on Celebrity. Comments in order of best to worst.
The food on Celebrity Solstice far surpassed every other cruise and cruise line - except the Murano specialty restaurant. Silk Harvest and Tuscan Grille were outstanding and worth the upcharge. Oceanview café was good with great variety for being a giant cafeteria. Baylon, Ron and Merta took great care of us in the main dining room (Grand Esperey) and the food was surprisingly good as long as you stay away from the soups. Murano (specialiy restaurant) was disappointing - pretentious, stuffy, and the sommelier was no where to be found. Food was still generally good there.
The veranda cabins were good choices for a combination of quality and value. Other passengers who chose Aqua level consistently said it wasn't worth it. Fitness center was really great and no difficulty gaining access to machines. Entertainment was above average ("Elton John" show, the illusionist, singers and acrobats). None of us cared for Ken, the cruise director, though. Edward, the executive chef, was actually much more engaging.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Veranda 1A
Cabin was well laid out. Good storage space. Bathroom bigger than some other veranda staterooms. Comfortable bed. Mini-bar was NOT equipped, but it was fine except the forms suggested you were being charged for things that weren't stocked.
Port Reviews
Tauranga
Take a bus or taxi into the little town. Great mussels at Cornerstone Cafe. Museum is not worth it, but the Elms Mission House definitely is!
Wellington
The cable car is walkable from the bus drop off. Take the cable car up and walk down through the botanical gardens into the city. Incredible day. No guide needed.
Wellington
We walked the city on our own. This was our favorite port of all.
Wellington
Rent a taxi for a flat fee of $30-$35NZ from the city centre and go up to the Lookout. It's about 10-15 minutes to take great pictures and then head back into the city. Avoid the tour bus!!