We picked a Solstice California coast cruise for a relaxing family gathering of the "older generation". Overall, it was a great choice; logistics were easy for the west-coast based family and even the weather cooperated nicely. The Monterey port stop was dropped since that city is opposing cruise visits, but Celebrity did a nice job of juggling the schedule and fitting in Santa Barbara as an alternative. The ship was fairly full (I heard it was about 2600 vs 2850 nominal capacity). Very few kids on board, but it seemed like a broad range of passenger ages otherwise; while the single largest group would be the 60-80 ages, there were also plenty in the 40-60s and 20-40s.

While I personally have a general preference for smaller ships, Solstice had a less crowded feeling than I expected for the most part. Tendering was a bit of a bottleneck (we had two tender ports), but since we didn't have ambitious port plans we just waited till the rush was over. Elevator capacity/layout was generally adequate. The buffet had a generally spacious feel, though finding a table at peak times could be a challenge.

Mainstage entertainment was decent (at least by cruise ship standards). Only one act that we bailed on after the first five minutes (if I listen to a diva act, it needs to be good). Read more