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There’s also currency exchange at the airport. I prefer to have some cash on hand myself. I don’t need to use my card at every random gift shop and cafe. Some small merchants are cash only too. I also prefer using cash for taxis. I have been ordering currency from the bank prior to traveling too.

Solstice were 7 and 9. If there’s only one show of something I have seen it at 8.

I should also mention a brief overview of the ports as I feel like that doesn’t get talked about near as much as the cruise ship experience. My ranking of these ports of call would be Auckland Bay of Islands Moorea Papeete Raiatea We are not beach, swim, snorkel people so the islands hold less appeal. I’m a city person so I enjoyed Auckland the most and loved the small city feel of a big city. Bay of Islands was so charming and serene. There was also a charm by how rural Moorea was. Papeete gave the city experience of French Polynesia. Raiatea was somewhere between the two, not a bad stop just not as memorable. I enjoyed Sydney as well though not a port of call, certainly was a major metropolitan city with a gorgeous harbor.

I was in Australia and New Zealand just a few days ago. There were truly no issues, not even travel delays. The ship arrived and departed from each port on time. Australia JUST dropped their last remaining covid test requirements to board a cruise so even they are not backtracking either. There is very little chance of getting stranded. Also, I’m from Denver and never have had a fight disaster. Do not book flights that takeoff or land in the afternoon in the summer, thank me later!

We are back home after a long day of travel but no delays or issues thankfully. Through the whole trip we really did not encounter one problem so that was a relief. That really was out view from a giant wall to wall front window at the hotel. I probably spent a few hours in total just watching out that window. The laser show projection on the Opera House on our last night was really cool to just watch sitting there too. Sydney was fun, a very happening downtown. It’s too bad we didn’t have the time to see more of Australia but we already stretched the amount of time away for this trip. Overall we very much enjoyed the trip. It really is such a wonder to be able to sail from one part of the world to another. Like I said I’d only describe one day at sea bad weather and rough seas. We tried to do one main thing on the ship per day but we’re happy to relax most of the days. This itinerary was perfect for that but with 5 port days sprinkled in was enough land time too. So overall thoughts on the cruise itself. As I said everything was satisfactory, went according to plan and on schedule. Crew as always was hard working and friendly. There just wasn’t much that wowed me or felt special. The ship is older and I’ve been on a few S class ships before, maybe if it was an E class there would have been more novelty. As I’ve also said the entertainment felt thin but we don’t care for production shows much. We did see the violinist and the Amade show which we thought was pretty bizarre but appreciated that current music was used. My main complaint would probably be the food. Not that it was poor by any means and there was usually something to try but by the last 2 days I was completely over it and the menus reflected they were all out of ideas. I know not all sailings are of that length but we also got a few more expanded options in the middle portion of the cruise as well. The buffet was generally decent, I’m just not a big buffet person. As I’ve said before I know the food is produced in mass quantities and don’t expect 5 star dining but I missed flavor. Tuscan Grill was probably my favorite meal and they could honestly cut that menu in half and make an entirely separate restaurant or give some dishes to the MDR and still be a wonderful meal. One thing I failed to mention is that nearing the end of the cruise one of the regular servers in Tuscan would spend time in the buffet for lunch quietly checking on guests as they were eating and asking if they had been to specialty dining yet. It was a pretty sneaky upsell. However on like the second to last day DH told me she was offering 40% off to book Tuscan. So perhaps keep that in mind and try to negotiate a discount even if they aren’t so obvious on your sailing. DH wouldn’t go for it but I asked him to take up on the offer because at that price it would have been worth it to go again and skip the MDR. DH just didn’t want to get dressed up but he said he’d easily pay $20 for that filet again. DH’s biggest complaint was the wifi didn’t work on the balcony. It would be fine next to the window inside but moving the 6 inches to outside would cut it off. We were on the hump on deck 9, maybe that made a difference, I don’t know. It bothered him because he likes sitting on the balcony and still able to enjoy technology and because of this didn’t sit outside much. Yes I know for many people this is a total non-issue, I’m just sharing his viewpoint. Otherwise the premium wifi worked very well, no dead spots or days, we were able to use the full compliment of streaming for all our needs. So, the verdict. We did not book a future cruise while on board so that probably means Celebrity won’t be in our next big vacation plan. Doesn’t mean we’ll never return but the value for money isn’t quite there. DH doesn’t like the big premium packages are gone (I forget what it was called but when everything was bundled with premium everything, substantial obc, 2 specialty night restaurant, bag of laundry type thing). We know doing it a la carte probably costs similar but this is his feeling that it’s not special to not have a one stop deal like that anymore. We might go back to Carnival (seriously their food was better pre pandemic than what we just experienced) or take a few land vacations. We like to mix it up and only cruise once a year anyway but it might be a couple year break until a great itinerary and price align. I’m very glad we did this trip but that’s also mostly due to the unique opportunity of this itinerary. And the bottom line of this cruise I’d say was good, just not special.

Yes I do! The Sebel Quay West, sits right between the Four Seasons and Shangri La. They are basically converted apartments. We booked a one bedroom and were given a two bedroom, has to be at least 1000 square feet. Has two full bathrooms, washer and dryer, small kitchenette. Great location, amazing view, the rooftop pool area is quite nice (it’s actually indoors). Only downside is the carpet and couch are a bit dingy, they do need some furnishing updating but for about $300 US a night really getting a lot for our money imo. Also, highly recommend Harts Pub on the corner, it’s a converted house so has lot of little rooms, very cozy.

Made it off the boat and am in Sydney. We had a nice day walking around and down by the Opera House. Our hotel overlooks the Solstice in the harbor. Will be bittersweet watching her sail away this evening. Everyone going on the next leg bon voyage!

Had lunch at sushi on 5 today on our last sea day. Despite many recommendations for the Kobe beef slider I was disappointed it was just hamburger. Had I known that I would have ordered something else. It was fine but for $10 I would have enjoyed something else more. The waiter recommended the shrimp and spicy tuna roll so I went with that. Nothing out of the ordinary but it was good. I enjoyed the ginger cake the best, the wasabi gelato was very interesting and I enjoyed it. A nice meal especially because I’m buffeted out. The whole thing took nearly 90 minutes though, which I thought was a bit excessive especially for lunch. I was prepared for some wait because I do appreciate it prepared freshly. Also the cake was listed as $8 and I was charged $10. I think it’s $10 in the app but if you can’t change the menu that’s not my problem so they did amend it and gave me the listed price. If you recall this also happened to me in the spa so just keep a watch out that listed price matches what you were charged. Not that I come on the ship for shopping but their last day blow out sale was pretty disappointing. Though the Alaska shot glasses were an amusing touch. Just a couple small tables were on sale, really nothing exciting. Last night was lobster chic night and the menu was pretty underwhelming. The tomato bisque just seemed like campbell’s out of a can. I do think the lobster tails were an ok size so portion didn’t bother me. DH who is not a foodie echoed these sentiments as well. We also stayed up for pretty much the only night of late night comedy on the entire cruise (I don’t count the X rated game shows as late night comedy). Yesterday was really the only poor day of weather at sea, rainy and boat rocked quite a bit. Today was intermittently cloudy but a much better day at sea. Sorry if things sound negative but after so many days the ship loses some luster and the basic food gets a little tiresome. Still, it’s been an enjoyable journey with no (knock on wood) issues, I have not had to speak with guest services at all. The weather has been fantastic and every stop has gone according to plan. We will enjoy a couple days in Sydney before heading home. I’ll offer some wrap up thoughts at that time. Thanks again for following along with me.

Yeah I know that. Just you’d think those letting you in to the country would have some concern. I just find it funny. It’s not exactly a strict check to have the folks holding iPads in the dimly lit terminal hall as the only border touch point. Im not saying I want more hassle or anything but that coupled with the fact passports are just left sitting out in public in a bin is a security weakness. With how much people worry about those ETAs and the hoops they jump through to complete shoddy online forms and nobody really seems to care is just something that struck me as an observation. And I know they are just a money grab.

Yes the penguins were at Kelly Tarltons. They were behind glass but they were really very close as the building is built underground. No we didn’t bungee, I think the cost was about $280 NZD

Yes we finally got them back the second sea day after leaving FP. It was an easy process, not sure I still love giving them up and just going into a sorted bin that’s just sitting there on a table but ours were returned just fine so I guess no problem until there is one. We were without the passport for nearly a week. It’s also funny we needed a ETA for New Zealand but nobody checked anything, didn’t require a passport for disembark in NZ, nothing. Guess we’ll see how it goes to disembark in Australia.

Sorry y’all, I think the double cheeseburger vanished. The menu went back to one we had just a couple days ago. I was curious about it too because the beef used at the mast grill really is not good. We are making due with the MDR at this point, dinner was fine. I had the steak Diane and by a stroke of genius used the horseradish from the bread dip on the steak which was a great idea. The final chic night is tomorrow which is the lobster night. Our stops in New Zealand were lovely. Perfect weather and temps in the range I love (60-70F). Auckland was just my pace, a big city with a small city feel. It was fun seeing the penguins and sea life at Kelly Tarltons and the view from the sky tower. We walked back from the tower with a stop for dinner at Monsoon Poon, it a southeast Asian fusion restaurant. We ordered a bunch of street food apps, drinks and dessert. Was very enjoyable and I’d recommend. Then walked back to the ship. I enjoyed again the night time hot tub with zero other souls on the pool deck, it’s my favorite new cruise hack. Today Bay of Island was a beautiful sea side town. Definitely overpopulated by the cruise tourists but they also were well prepared. Celebrity declined to share there was a free shuttle bus one could take from the tender dock to the town of Piahai but it was pretty obvious to find. We walked around the small town and craft market and then ate at Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack, another great meal and I’d recommend. Overall we’d love to come back to New Zealand some day and drive ourselves to check out the South Island. It’s a very relaxed, serene country that I enjoyed very much. The US dollar noticeably goes further there too which is a plus.

I just watched Thursday night football the other day on the lawn club screen. The prime time games all should be shown. If its a regular Sunday morning/afternoon game select ones are on the special reserved channels on the stateroom tv. Those will also be broadcast at certain bars, lawn club tv, etc.

I had no problems ordering off the MDR menu in Blu on the Equinox over New Years. They prefer you do that than go to the MDR. In my experience luggage arrives very quickly on Celebrity, like 2-3 hours after you embark. So I wouldn’t try to lug the bags up yourself.

I’d rather just do it myself than play modification roulette which has been about a 50% success rate on this cruise. The “salad” is literally 2 pieces of moz and 2 slices of tomato. We are slowly sail into Auckland for the last part of our adventure. Dinner last two night in MDR has been modified menus. No idea if it’s Celebrity getting the message on the MDR issues or just trying to make things work on a long sailing with limited options. If the Moroccan spiced tuna gets to live on that is a fantastic dish and best thing I’ve had in the MDR. I resisted asking for another helping, Last night we had the jerk chicken which was an enormous portion and tasty. The sides are still pretty sad and the appetizers non existent but I’ve appreciated some different protein options. Our excursion today will take us to the Kelly Tarltons aquarium and Sky Tower. We will have dinner off the ship as all aboard is not until 9pm

Yes the menu has been quite different the second half of this Solstice cruise but at 17 nights I dont know if it’s due to the length snd scarcity of ingredients. But there have been some welcome changes. Still non existent appetizers and sides but the main protein is at least a bit more interesting.

I have no idea about the salmon, they took it off the menu every night and now it’s back again. The menus there last few night are very fluid. Maybe they are trying to decide what they have enough of to make but it’s causing some new options at least. If it’s still there when we go to the dining room tonight I’m having tuna. Allegedly tomorrow night they’ll have jerk chicken. Breakfast this morning was pretty sad. No disasters but I think I’m over it for a while. On the flip side I finally tried the spa for lunch and it’s true the bacon avocado turkey sandwich there is pretty delicious. They are hiding some good ingredients for that one for sure. I ordered the caprese salad and used the mozzarella in the sandwhich too. I think I’ll do that again.

Oh yeah they have regular polish, they said the gel cost more so I declined. I like the bring your own suggestion too. I prefer OPI polish and they don’t have that brand.

Bring a few of your favorite sauces and seasonings from home. It actually does make a difference.

I can tell you there’s issues inside too. Paint in the ceiling of balcony is peeling and flaking off. Drawers in the room are broken. Paint and varnish chipped on balcony railings. The soft goods seem ok though, beds are fine and the crew is still constantly cleaning public surfaces. Elevators made horrible noise in the cabins until they were fixed just the other day.

If you have an excursion that leaves right at arrival time yes you will have priority. That isn’t something new.

It’s $65 for an adult. You need to be on ship wifi to see it in the app. I researched this before leaving I think the actual price is about $65 AUD.

That’s good to know because we feel like food options are starting to get limited. DH didn’t feel like chic night in the MDR so we hit the OVC. Compared to last time we skipped chic night there was less choices. One whole station was just hamburgers and hot dogs. At least two full dishes of cut carrots. Only kale at the salad bar, only fruit is melon and pineapple. I noticed tonight was the last night salmon is offered in MDR unless the menu is revised again. The pizza isn’t as good as it was on the Equinox either. I hope we get new supply in New Zealand or the last week might be rough. We have enjoyed the OVC ice cream station this cruise with a nice rotation of flavors. Tonight the lady at the station offered a cookie, I said sure. It was rock hard, seriously I had to give a bit of effort to break it in half. Maybe they were just for looks, idk. Also we had another mishap in the MDR. It was chicken and beef skewers for lunch which I enjoyed a few days ago. They served them with the chicken still raw. So overall the food is declining and so is my patience. I feel like I’ve had everything I like at least twice and am ready for something different. I did have banana pancakes at OVC for breakfast and liked that, might have been the best thing I had today. I will also say the Indian dishes have been consistently good at least. Weather was fantastic today with a gorgeous sunset. I like the little cooler temps, more like 70 degrees with nice breathable air with a slight chill. I even enjoyed the hot tub after dinner. Great temps even after sunset, completely deserted pool deck, it was perfect.

That sounds perfect, I know the weather can get volatile there too. The weather overall has been very good thus far. Dinner at Tuscan Grill was a success. The extensive menu is almost too extensive, like it could be split into two restaurants an Italian and a steakhouse. I know there’s been mixed reviews but our experience tonight matched ours from a previous sailing that we seem to favor TG over Murano. Not that anything was disappointing at Murano, we just seem to enjoy it more. DH said the filet was very good and he’s pretty picky about his steaks. Every dish we had was tasty and a clear step above the MDR. I wish I could have carried their mashed potatoes over to the MDR for the rest of the cruise lol. I had the Burrata, white flatbread, short rib pasta, pistachio crème brûlée, polenta fries, garlic mash. All very good.

Currently on a 17 night cruise I don’t think they can make it all on original provisions especially fruit and veggies but we’ll see what’s left in the coming days. They were certainly loading a lot on the ship in Tahiti.