Sun and Service Shine on Solstice

Still near Spring Solstice Time (April), the Hawaiian Sun cooperated to [/html]reward sun seekers and sun worshipers to bake those bodies to deep brown doneness. Warmth and sun was what many passengers sought – a number continued from the previous itinerary from Sidney, AU to end the journey with the Honolulu to Vancouver segment – some groups came from Germany and Eastern Canada to explore Hawaiian Islands and experience Polynesian culture and natural beauty.

For us (wife and myself), along with the enjoyment of sun and warmth, a cruise should also provide a special culinary experience, a step above the ordinary. So, I confirm again a previously written cruise review “Eclipsed by Culinary Delights” (Eclipse 2013) – the enjoyment of experiencing the Specialty Restaurants (SpR) on Solstice Class Ships: Blu (the main dining venue for Aqua Class clients) and our two favourites Tuscan Grille and Murano (two times).

The Solstice, after which this Class of ships of Celebrity is named, is a wonderful vessel with all the amenities one would look for to experience a great cruise – generous space so as not to feel crowded, great crew to passenger ratio, and the renowned Celebrity emphasis on providing excellent service to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction. Along with various art work throughout the ship, one living piece of art stands out – the Ficus Benjamina Tree suspended high in the main elevator cluster (see photos). A unique Celebrity Life presentation on the Solstice were the Glass Blowing demonstrations – a live learning experience of art produced by the science of “Working with the Corning Museum of Glass … a traveling exhibition called the "Hot Glass ShowSM." … the first-ever glass show at sea”.

Supported by comments from many fellow cruisers, I proclaim that Celebrity Solstice shines when it comes to doing everything possible and “going the extra knots” to create an outstanding cruise experience for their clients – I can’t even start to name all the individuals at all levels of staff and ship management that have “walked the talk” and demonstrated this in practice.

Although we have sailed with other cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Holland America, etc.), Celebrity continues to excel in the area of “Serving with Excellence and with a Smile” and remains one of our favourites.

Photos: (1) Suspended Weeping Fig Tree – (2) Ship from Lahaina Breakwater