I chose this cruise because having only traveled with Royal Caribbean before we could swap across to Celebrity at the same points level and traveling to Australian ports of call meant everything was in AUD$ - a plus for us. Top tier events were well planned, spacious and very friendly with plenty of food and drink. The dining room was great - great food and service. We feel that the Solstice is definitely a step above any Royal Caribbean ship sailing in Australia - in every way. We will still travel with RC and look forward to our first trip on the Ovation. We felt very comfortable at every port of call - even though the first stop at Newcastle was only an hour away from home! You have to make every stop an adventure and treat them as something new to explore (even if you have been there before) - it is a holiday after all. You can't complain about the weather (as many others did) and how this might hamper your tendering experience. The staff were excellent - all of them. The entertainment was all great and the backstage tour was very interesting. Having the classic drinks package as part of our deal was great, a few restrictions but what the hey, we didn't go thirsty - quite the opposite. We will definitely be back with Celebrity.