This was our 14th cruise, second on Celebrity (previous was 9 years ago on Summit), with other cruises on Princess, RCCL, HAL and Carnival. The comments are based on my experiences and also on what others related to me. I apologize if it goes long, as I want to be thorough. This cruise was the first Western Caribbean for the Solstice.

Embarkation: We arrived at the terminal at about 1:30PM, checked in, and were on board in about 10 minutes. One of the easiest check-ins. Check-in lines were arranged by the deck your cabin was on. When boarding the ship, we were greeted by staff handing out glasses of champagne and juice. Nice touch. (Note - 9 years ago we were greeted and a staff member took our carryons and escorted us to our cabin. Things change.)

Cabin: We had a Category 1A balcony, deck 7 cabin, #7288, on the starboard aft diagonal to the hump. The cabin was smaller than we have had on other balcony cabins. The balcony was, indeed, huge - maybe 1 ½ times the normal balcony (cabins on the diagonals to the "hump" have larger balconies because of the arrangement of the cabins and diagonal rail). However, unless you plan on having a large party or have lounge chairs put there, the space is really not useful. The view forward was obstructed somewhat by the hump. Looking aft, the view was good, but overlooked the lifeboats. Similar cabins on deck 6 would have a problem as the lifeboats are stored right below them. Storage was barely adequate. Nightstands had no drawers, only three small shelves. Closet was perhaps five feet wide; the hanging section for longer garments only half that with the remaining half sufficient for shirts with the safe and some shelves underneath and a short shelf, perhaps six inches high, above. Two large storage bins with doors above the bed and some drawers in the tv stand/dresser unit complete the storage. Life jackets were under the bed (you don't bring them to the muster drill), but there is sufficient room for suitcases. The bed was the width of a king-size, but shorter (I'm tall and had to sleep somewhat diagonally) and was comfortable with the eggcrate mattress topper. The bath has a nice shower with hard-plastic clamshell doors; nice design. Many small drawers and cubbyholes for storing things. One very nice feature never before seen on a cruise ship - a nightlight in the bath that remains on when you turn off the light. While the room is near the elevators, it remained quiet. Read more