Tips for a first time Celebrity cruiser on Solstice

[zhuskers1]

We are sailing on Solstice in a few week and are staying in a Celebrity Suite. We will be celebrating 30 years of marriage.

 

Any tips? Top 10 things to do? Any pointers for better service? All advice is much appreciated. Any things to watch out for?

 

Thank you and happy holidays

[tom_uk]

Congratulation on your wedding anniversary!

 

My personal view would be: go with the flow. Look for the good things (of which there are a great many on Solstice) and don't pick nits. Solstice is a beautiful ship and there's every possibility for passengers to have a great cruise on her.

 

I cruised on Solstice in the autumn (E Med) and I blogged about it here. I don't have any great "watch out for this!" comments; we know what we like and Solstice (and Celebrity) delivered in spades.

[KittyLiXX]

I agree... Let the flow carry you - don't overplan !

 

We were on Solstice this time last year.. and are 20 days away from our second time on her ! She's fabulous.. One of the things I loved the most was the art all over the ship. Solstice is a floating Museum of Contemporary Art - there is a guide book in your stateroom that will describe every piece on the ship - I loved playing " Where's Waldo" and going to find the pieces. There is also a guided tour which I will take this time.

 

I'm not talking about other cruise ships " starving artist" art auctions type art " These are stunning and valuable pieces..

 

The Martini Bar A+... Wine Bar A+... Food was great ( never ate in the MDR - we did all the Specialty and filled in w/ the buffet .. Sushi is great ! Loved the casino - nice and roomy !

 

Even the blown glass show was amazing.. Loved the comedy shows.. Loved the pool side music... Naps in the Solarium ...

 

Mark and I are so excited to sail her again ! ( we've been on several other cruise lines- - This ship is much nicer.. much more contemporary ) Less garish . The only thing I think they missed on is the silly grass area - - -

That could have been a Movies under the stars or concert/picnic area... Wasted space IMO.

 

Bon Voyage - have a blast and don't overthink it !

[teajak]

I agree... Let the flow carry you - don't overplan !

 

We were on Solstice this time last year.. and are 20 days away from our second time on her ! She's fabulous.. One of the things I loved the most was the art all over the ship. Solstice is a floating Museum of Contemporary Art - there is a guide book in your stateroom that will describe every piece on the ship - I loved playing " Where's Waldo" and going to find the pieces. There is also a guided tour which I will take this time.

 

I'm not talking about other cruise ships " starving artist" art auctions type art " These are stunning and valuable pieces..

 

The Martini Bar A+... Wine Bar A+... Food was great ( never ate in the MDR - we did all the Specialty and filled in w/ the buffet .. Sushi is great ! Loved the casino - nice and roomy !

 

Even the blown glass show was amazing.. Loved the comedy shows.. Loved the pool side music... Naps in the Solarium ...

 

Mark and I are so excited to sail her again ! ( we've been on several other cruise lines- - This ship is much nicer.. much more contemporary ) Less garish . The only thing I think they missed on is the silly grass area - - -

That could have been a Movies under the stars or concert/picnic area... Wasted space IMO.

 

Bon Voyage - have a blast and don't overthink it !

I totally agree with you, well said. My additions:don't try to see the entire ship in 7 days, impossible.Now we are forced to return on Jan 10 for whatever we missed. We are in our 80's and cruise a lot(my apologies to the people that don't like to travel with too many of us in this age group).We love the smoking regulations that are enforced on Celebrity.Staying on board on a port day is great, the Solarium is a joy then and you can get fresh grilled salmon in the cafe then but don't tell anyone else.

The prices came way down on Aqua class for our cruise so we will be trying that and I am excited.The crew, as always on Celebrity is fantastic. I agree with Kitty the Lawn is silly,I can see grass at home.

Go with the flow, avoid the art auctions (they should be banned), one more thing, don't miss grand buffet luncheon it is a WOW.

Have a great cruise.

[librarylady19]

I agree that the Solstice ships are delightful and full of wonderful opportunities to find your favorite places. I did not find the lawn areas to be a waste of space, however. It was delightful to get a drink from the Sunset Bar and sit on the grass' edge and enjoy the view. We don't have the opportunity to enjoy green grass in Chicago in the winter!!

[Wine-O]

We are sailing on Solstice in a few week and are staying in a Celebrity Suite. We will be celebrating 30 years of marriage.

 

Any tips? Top 10 things to do? Any pointers for better service? All advice is much appreciated. Any things to watch out for?

 

Thank you and happy holidays

 

Suite passengers get complimentary specialty restaurant dining -- take advantage of it. Although the food in the main dining room is excellent, I believe suite passengers also get to eat in Blu on a space available basis (there is always space) for a nominal fee -- take advantage of that also.

 

As far as pointers for better service, you don't need any. You will always get great service on board Solstice. At least that's been my experience.

[KatnipKris]

Thanks for all the replys. I also just recently booked a cruise on the Solstice for March. Was on the Millennium about ten years ago, but now frequently cruise with RCCL. I am a Diamond with RCCL and need four more cruises to become a Diamond plus, but with the cutbacks with loyalty programs see no reason to stay with only a certain cruise line.

 

Two quick questions if someone has the answers:

 

1. How obstructed is the view from cabin 6289 on the Solstice?

 

2. When in Tortola, has anyone done the ships excursion to the Baths. On the website the excursion is listed as strenuous. Why is this listed as so, and how strenuous is it?

 

Sorry to jump in this thread, but seems as if its along the same topic.

 

Thanks, Kris

[Cruzaholic41]

As already mentioned, do not pass up the martini bar. The bar surface is frozen, so it keeps your drink cold. Plus, they serve every martini imaginable.

 

Also, try Bistro on 5 for breakfast or lunch. There is an extra charge ($5 if memory serves me right) and it is well worth it.

 

Also, don't miss the Solstice; The Show. It is a Cirque de Soleil type show in the main theater.

[eandj]

Thanks for all the replys. I also just recently booked a cruise on the Solstice for March. Was on the Millennium about ten years ago, but now frequently cruise with RCCL. I am a Diamond with RCCL and need four more cruises to become a Diamond plus, but with the cutbacks with loyalty programs see no reason to stay with only a certain cruise line.

 

Two quick questions if someone has the answers:

 

1. How obstructed is the view from cabin 6289 on the Solstice? If it is a 2C category, it will have the tops of the lifeboats at the foot of your balcony so you can't see down. Looking straight will be fine. There are pics of obstructed views on this thread. Just use the forum search box.

 

2. When in Tortola, has anyone done the ships excursion to the Baths. On the website the excursion is listed as strenuous. Why is this listed as so, and how strenuous is it? It is quite a walk to get down a hill to the baths. Can be slippery too. Also if you want to climb or wade between the rocks, that can be crowded and I suppose tough for some people. But if you can walk, it isn't that big of deal, I'd think.

Sorry to jump in this thread, but seems as if its along the same topic.

 

Thanks, Kris

 

There is also some youtube video of the solstice obstructed room. Check the sticky at the top of this boeard and there you might find your room listed with others from the solstice.

[wiselindag]

Although we were in AquaClass in the Mediterranean last month, my very detailed blog (Live from the Solstice) is here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1089237

 

I hope that you find it helpful! I'm looking forward to returning to Solstice in June.

 

Linda

[TRacanoUK]

Top Ten Things to Do on Solstice:

 

1. Glass Blowing Show...I was mesmerized by this and went SEVERAL times during our sailing.

 

2. Aft Bar...Great place to be during sailaway

 

3. Lawn Club...Our group loved the lawn club and took advantage of bocce, croquet and the putting green almost daily

 

4. Bistro on 5...Great crepes (sweet and savory)

 

5. Newlywed Game in the smaller theater...this venue is great and the smaller, more intimate setting was a great way to see this show

 

6. Lounging in the Solarium

 

7. Room Service Breakfast on the Veranda

 

8. Room Service pre-dinner snacks to go with a glass of wine...forget the goo on toast you get in Consierge Class, they have great appetizers on the Room Service menu that make for a nice beginning to the evening. We especially liked the bruscetta

 

9. The shows...We didn't attend all of them, but they were of very good quality! I especially enjoyed the aerialists

 

10. MURANO...a great specialty dining experience that truly is "special"

[librarylady19]

Nice list; I think I managed to experience most of these on our 4 night on Equinox. Unfortunately they did not have the "newlywed show" on the short cruise. The small theater was only used for showing movies. Guess I'll just have to save up for a longer cruise on one of the S-class ships!

[AJD]

1. Take full advantage of your Celebrity "Elite" status.
   
2. Don't miss almond croissants in Café Bacio at breakfast time.
   
3. Try the Aqua Spa Café for a light lunch.
   
4. Dance in the Grand Foyer before and after dinner.
   
5. Dance late night in the Sky lounge.
   
6. Sip wine and listen to the string quartet in Cellar Masters.
   
7. Don't miss Murano for dinner, preferably with wine pairing.
   
8. Enjoy a pre or post dinner drink listening to the jazz group in the Ensemble Lounge.
   
9. Listen to the Guitarist in the Ocean View Bar.
   
10. Have your nightcap, or two in with the pianist in Michael's Club.
    

[zhuskers1]

Thanks to all for all the great pointers.

 

Love the "top 10 lists!"

 

I appreciate everyone giving us this great advice.

 

Happy Holidays!!

 

Let it snow, let it snow....until cruise deaparture day!

[Loucat]

Thanks for all the replys. I also just recently booked a cruise on the Solstice for March. Was on the Millennium about ten years ago, but now frequently cruise with RCCL. I am a Diamond with RCCL and need four more cruises to become a Diamond plus, but with the cutbacks with loyalty programs see no reason to stay with only a certain cruise line.

 

Two quick questions if someone has the answers:

 

1. How obstructed is the view from cabin 6289 on the Solstice?

 

2. When in Tortola, has anyone done the ships excursion to the Baths. On the website the excursion is listed as strenuous. Why is this listed as so, and how strenuous is it?

 

Sorry to jump in this thread, but seems as if its along the same topic.

 

Thanks, Kris

 

Cannot speak to the cabin question but we have been to the Baths. The path is narrow, made of stone and some areas of sand and has frequent areas that wind around. Once you are on the beach, it is worth it! The beach has straw umbrellas, wonderful sand and the rock formations are spectacular. We loved it.

The climb back is the same. There were so many ahead of us climbing down and up if you tried to fall, it would have been on someone!

[LeftcoastBC]

Thanks for all the replys. I also just recently booked a cruise on the Solstice for March. Was on the Millennium about ten years ago, but now frequently cruise with RCCL. I am a Diamond with RCCL and need four more cruises to become a Diamond plus, but with the cutbacks with loyalty programs see no reason to stay with only a certain cruise line.

 

Two quick questions if someone has the answers:

 

1. How obstructed is the view from cabin 6289 on the Solstice?

 

2. When in Tortola, has anyone done the ships excursion to the Baths. On the website the excursion is listed as strenuous. Why is this listed as so, and how strenuous is it?

 

Sorry to jump in this thread, but seems as if its along the same topic.

 

Thanks, Kris

 

The time in POrt if it's the same as last season is too short. Trip is rushed and crowded as people take this "Ships" tour as insurance to making it back. Our tour was poorly organized time wise and for being at the Baths. They are amazing however. :) I also had some saftey concerns regarding "The ferry's" utilized.

[zhuskers1]

Thanks again,

 

Great input and ideas.

 

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday!!

 

Watching it snow in Nebraska!!

[SusanC67]

This is just a suggestion:

 

Have you given any thought to ordering gifts in advance of your cruise?

 

example: you can have your cabin/room decorated with "happy anniversary" decorations.

 

you can order a happy anniversary cake to enjoy in private or at dinner.

 

I suppose if it were me, I would probably do both those things but also, I would be inclined to order a bottle of champagne to be delivered to the room along with a plate of fruits and cheeses.

 

Congratulations on your anniversary celebration. Of course, being together makes anything special.

 

Last but not least, have you given any thought to renewing your vows while onboard the ship? I've heard this can be very meaningful and special.

 

Happy Holidays and may you continue to be as happy together as you are now.

 

PS.. I remember my father saying the first fifty years of marriage to my mom was simply the trying out time and he needed another fifty years to decide.. lol.. he truly loved my mom and she loved him, a wonderful love story they had of 51 beautiful years.. may you have the same if not more..

[zhuskers1]

Susan,

 

Thanks - great ideas!

 

Will call in the morning!!

 

Happy Holidays!1

[FortyNinerLiz]

We are sailing on Solstice in a few week and are staying in a Celebrity Suite. We will be celebrating 30 years of marriage.

 

Any tips? Top 10 things to do? Any pointers for better service? All advice is much appreciated. Any things to watch out for?

 

Thank you and happy holidays

 

We just returned from the Greek Isles/TransAtlantic cruises on the Solstice and had a wonderful time. Absolutely go to the Tuscan Grill and Murano restaurants!!! We went twice to Murano and three times to the Tuscan Grill. The food was fabulous!!! The service was excellent!!! The managers of the restaurants make every effort to make your dinner very special!!!