This was the 3rd cruise for my partner and I having previously travelled with RCI, NCL and Disney. From the outset I would place Solstice in third place behind RCI and Disney (with Disney outclassing the other ships).
My partner and I are in our late 30's / early 40's and enjoy travelling, good food, a few drinks, shows and a good variety of entertainment.
Travel to the port of Barcelona was easy as we live in the area, so a train and a taxi ride got us there by midday. Check in was superb. I think we were on board just 20 minutes after getting out of the cab!