Celebrity Solstice Review
Good anniversary cruise, but food quality needs to be improved
Rating by category
Additional details
For our 25th wedding anniversary, my husband and I cruised the California Coast on Celebrity Solstice. We viewed this as a trial cruise, our first back since the pandemic.
It was our third time on Solstice after cruising the Caribbean in 2011 and Alaska in 2017. The ship is worn and would have gone to drydock already if not for the pandemic. But she is still lovely with high marks for design. The veranda cabins’ layout is good and the furnishings are very convenient. The small bathroom is one of the more functional ones we have experienced on six cruise lines.
We immediately noticed a much more relaxed vibe on board than in the past. Gone are Formal Nights, the roving photographer, incessant requests to pose with theme figures at the various ports, and (best of all) the constant request to purchase or upgrade a beverage package.
Cabin Review
Excellent location midship with residential decks above and below. Cabin functioned extremely well.
Port Reviews
Catalina Island (California)
The tour of the Avalon Casino was fascinating and worthwhile. On our own we went to the Wrigley memorial and botanical garden.
San Francisco
Excellent overnight. Dined off the ship at a great restaurant. Went to Muir Woods and Catalina. Next day, on our own we went to Alcatraz and husband toured the Liberty Ship in the harbor.
Los Angeles
Nice hotel for one night and toured the San Pedro Marine Museum which explores the history of the area - fishing and a large Japanese-American community on the island that is now the container port. Walked the marina.
Santa Barbara
The city highlights tour was interesting, but ended too soon. Perhaps another tour would have been better.
Ensenada
We would have gotten more out of this port had we booked a tour. There is not much to do in the city center, other than have a meal.