My wife and I have taken eleven cruises, on Royal Carribbean, Carnival, Princess, and Holland America. This was our first cruise with Celebrity. First, the embarkation was as easy, quick, and effortless as we had read about in previous reviews- about fifteen minutes (if that) from drop off to walking on the ship. Solstice itself isn't much to look at from the outside, but that is because of six full decks of balcony cabins! Inside- what a gorgeous ship! All the public areas were kept polished and cleaned, the decor was impressive and not as gaudy as on some other ships. The cabin was a typical ship cabin. Our cabin steward really came through- the first day of the cruise (we did back-to-back western and eastern itineraries) my wife, who had tendonitis in her knee, had a flare-up that was quite painful. The next day we were down in the medical center for treatment. It didn't take long for our steward to notice a need for ice packs, and he kept a steady stream of ice in plastic bags for her knee, without having to ask him for them. The food in the main dining room was incredible! The best we have ever had on a cruise ship! And the food in the buffet was just as good. It was amazing how all types of meats were tender and done to perfection. We ate in the Tuscan Grille, but the food there wasn't all that better than the main dining room. The service at the time we went was better (two servers) but they were only half full. The entertainment was as good as it gets on a ship- particularly Cirque type show and guest performer Antonio Salci. I agree with previuous reviews- not a kid friendly ship- caters mostly to adults. Staff was mostly friendly, cruise director was the most visible and active we have ever seen, as were the maitre'd in the dining room. Hot Glass show is not to be missed!