Solstice Review - Eastern Caribbean - 4/18 - 4/25

[Sunshine427]

Thanks for the info - looking forward to sailing on the Solstice on May 23rd.:)

[njs]

thanks for info and pics ~great of you to compile of list of those balconies affected~ did the X cause shade on the balcony

[cruiser61262]

We were on the same cruise. There was an Latin Dance party one night, and an 80's party around the pool one night and a 5o's party at the same time - I believe it was in the Sky Lounge. Other than that, there was not much late at night. I heard people talk about the late night comedian. We didn't see him but they did say he performed the same show each night (I think he performed on 3 occasions at midnight)

 

We had a different experience in the Tuscan Grille. We went a 7:00 on Tuesday night... the night we were in San Juan. After the Coach outlet there wasn't anything that we hadn't or wanted to do in PR. The restaurant was only about third filled. The service was wonderful and everyone was very attentive. My DD liked her prosciutto/ melon, my husband thought his appetizer was forgettable and I didn't think the crab cake was very good. The onion soup was good as was the Caesar salad, but nothing extraordinary. My daughter's Veal Parmigiana was the worst I have ever tasted and both my husband's and my filet mignons were tough and sightly over cooked. We all loved the deserts... the chocolate fondue and their version of creme brulee.

It definitely was not worth the $90 dollars we paid and thought the filet mignon we had in the MDR was prepared much better. In fact, we will stick with MDR on X cruises. We thought the Specialty restaurant on HAL was unbelievably good so we had high expectations for the Tuscan Grille

[mac_tlc]

thanks for info and pics ~great of you to compile of list of those balconies affected~ did the X cause shade on the balcony

 

No effect of the "X" on shade. Since the "X" is only on the glass, its really only noticable if you are looking out of the glass portion of the balcony.

 

mac_tlc

[MDCruiserz]

We were on the same cruise. There was an Latin Dance party one night, and an 80's party around the pool one night and a 5o's party at the same time - I believe it was in the Sky Lounge. Other than that, there was not much late at night. I heard people talk about the late night comedian. We didn't see him but they did say he performed the same show each night (I think he performed on 3 occasions at midnight)

 

We had a different experience in the Tuscan Grille. We went a 7:00 on Tuesday night... the night we were in San Juan. After the Coach outlet there wasn't anything that we hadn't or wanted to do in PR. The restaurant was only about third filled. The service was wonderful and everyone was very attentive. My DD liked her prosciutto/ melon, my husband thought his appetizer was forgettable and I didn't think the crab cake was very good. The onion soup was good as was the Caesar salad, but nothing extraordinary. My daughter's Veal Parmigiana was the worst I have ever tasted and both my husband's and my filet mignons were tough and sightly over cooked. We all loved the deserts... the chocolate fondue and their version of creme brulee.

It definitely was not worth the $90 dollars we paid and thought the filet mignon we had in the MDR was prepared much better. In fact, we will stick with MDR on X cruises. We thought the Specialty restaurant on HAL was unbelievably good so we had high expectations for the Tuscan Grille

 

 

It's interesting how different two cruises can be. We were on the Solstice on the April 4 cruise. Our experience was just the opposite - the MDR meals were forgettable and the meal in Tuscan Grill was lovely. My DH and DS both raved over their filets -in fact, my DH (who's something of a steak snob) proclaimed that his filet was possibly the best he'd ever had.

 

Desserts were fun, weren't they? We had the fondue and the gelatos. Pop rocks on the gelato - what a kick!

[Paticakes]

Thanks for the info and the pictures. I think we might also try about 7:00 on Wednesday in the Tuscan Grill.

[cruisehappygal]

Hi mac-tlc,

 

Thanks so much for posting your pictures of the dreaded X... I called my wonderful travel agent and was able to book 9272 for 10/24, instead of 7227 which you felt was going to completely covered.It was only $40.00 more total, and well worth it to have a clear balcony. Most other cabins on the list were gone, so I feel lucky to have read your post and changed it. I have sent my TA a picture of the cabin that you sent, as he has not had any concerns or questions or complaints about this X.. He is anxious to see what I am talking about.

 

Thanks again for your help.. Without Cruise Critic and a great Travel Agent, I would be lost for sure.

 

Jackie:)

[cruisinrg]

Hi,

 

We're going on the Solstice on 9/5, we're in cabin 7233 on the hump. anyone know if that is part of the X?

[mac_tlc]

Hi mac-tlc,

 

Thanks so much for posting your pictures of the dreaded X... I called my wonderful travel agent and was able to book 9272 for 10/24, instead of 7227 which you felt was going to completely covered.It was only $40.00 more total, and well worth it to have a clear balcony. Most other cabins on the list were gone, so I feel lucky to have read your post and changed it. I have sent my TA a picture of the cabin that you sent, as he has not had any concerns or questions or complaints about this X.. He is anxious to see what I am talking about.

 

Thanks again for your help.. Without Cruise Critic and a great Travel Agent, I would be lost for sure.

 

Jackie:)

 

Jackie,

Glad everything worked out. While the picture may overestimate the impact a little, it was certainly noticeable. You probably had to move up a category, maybe from a 1C to a 1B, hence the extra $$. Frankly, I prefer to be higher up too, so now you are 2 decks higher.

 

Have a wonderful time and let us all know how it goes!

 

mac_tlc

[mac_tlc]

Hi,

 

We're going on the Solstice on 9/5, we're in cabin 7233 on the hump. anyone know if that is part of the X?

 

If I am correct, 7233 has the full "X".

 

I seem to have started quite a discussion -- which is good. Here is every cabin on the hump for the Solstice::

 

Cabins with full “X” : 6220, 6230, 6221, 6231, 7272, 7278, 7227, 7233, 8240, 8242, 8267, 8269, 9280, 9282, 9225, 9227

 

Cabins with partial “X” : 6218, 6222, 6228, 6232, 6219, 6223, 6229, 6233, 7270, 7274, 7276, 7280, , 7225, 7229, 7231, 7235, 8238, 82448265, 8271, 9278, 9284, 9223, 9229

 

Cabins with No “X” : 6216, 6224, 6226, 6234, 6217, 6225, 6227, 6235, 7266, 7268, 7282, 7284, 7221, 7223, 7237, 7239, 8232, 8234, 8236, 8246, 8248, 8250, 8259, 8261, 8263, 8273, 8275, 8277, 9272, 9274, 9276, 9286, 9288, 9290, 9217, 9219, 9221, 9231, 9233, 9235

 

 

mac_tlc

[cruisehappygal]

Hi... I am not sure how you figured all that out, but I know you are going to help alot of people, who like me, were unaware of the X.

 

Thanks for the time it took to do all of this....

[mac_tlc]

Hi... I am not sure how you figured all that out, but I know you are going to help alot of people, who like me, were unaware of the X.

 

Thanks for the time it took to do all of this....

 

Your welcome, cruisehappygal ..

It wasn't all that difficult. If you look at the picture I included in post #13 in this thread you can see where the "X" is. I then printed out the deck plans for decks 6, 7, 8, 9 and compared the two. Once I got the discussion started, I felt like I had to complete the issue. We can use the same methodology for the Eclipse, Equinox ans Silhouette. ....maybe that's this weekend's homework...

 

That method is easier than hanging over the balcony railing, which is what I was doing while we were on the ship!

 

mac_tlc

[wineluvr]

We thought the same thing when we sailed on Solstice in the Med last June and on Equinox in the Caribbean last November. We really enjoyed the wine program too, including Cellarmasters with the Enomatic Wine Tasting Machines and the Adam Tihany designed wine tower in Grand Epernay and Sillouette, very similar to his wine tower at Areole in the Mandalay Bay hotel in Vegas (without the scantly clad wine angels of course!) Solstice is certainly a game changer among the ships we've sailed on. We're planning to sail on Eclipse this Fall.

[Woobstr112G]

Just returned from the Solstice this past Sunday, Eastern Caribbean itinerary, 4/18. A little background on us. It was me, my DW and DS (15). It was our 19th cruise, second on Celebrity after 10 on Royal, 4 on Carnival and 3 on Disney. A few random thoughts:

 

Stayed at the Cambria Suites pre-cruise. Liked it a lot and would stay there again. Excellent and timely transportation from the airport o the hotel on Saturday, and to the pier on Sunday. Grabbed the 11:00 AM shuttle, were at the pier by 11:20, and on the ship by 11:40.

 

Had cabin 8238, category 1B, on the hump by the elevators. Had read a lot about the cabin categories and absolutely loved this location. Being near the elevators was very convenient and had no noise. However, I do have a few thoughts about the infamous “X” on the balcony glass. Our balcony was about 60% “X” and 40% clear. The “X” definitely affects the view. I have a number of pictures that I will post in a few days that shows the difference. I would book in this location again but would try to get one of the cabins that is not part of the “X”. Of the 60 cabins on the hump (on each side), about 24 are not part of the “X”. The more we thought about it, the more we didn’t like many of the other balcony locations. My wife does not want to see the lifeboats, and if you are not on the hump you see them outside your balcony, especially if on deck 6 or 7. The slanting verandah cabins have large balconies, but you can’t see forward or backwards, depending on which side of the hump you are on.

 

Dining – We had early assigned seating and ate in the MDR every night, except our one night at Tuscan Grill. We thought the MDR food was very good. Actually surprised at the number of comments I have read to the contrary. Presentation was excellent, very flavorful, good portions, and a lot of options. One half of the menu is available every day with the usual items, while the other half changes daily.

 

The brunch on Tuesday was fabulous!

 

We really enjoyed Tuscan Grill, especially the fondue dessert! Steaks were well prepared, waiters were excellent. Would definitely go there again, although will probably try Silk Harvest next time. At $100 a night, can’t do them all every time !

 

Enjoyed our first muster drill without a lifejacket.

 

Definitely enjoyed the lack of smoking, especially in the casino.

 

Never saw a ship with more seating places – all with different style chairs. You could make a book about “The Chairs of the Solstice”.

 

Ports – Could do without San Juan. Would have preferred CoCo Key .

 

With almost 3000 passengers, there were only 165 children. From my observation, that number seems high.

 

Loved the Lawn Club. Played croquet, ring toss, bocce. It’s a great place to relax

 

Thoroughly enjoyed the Glass Blowing Show. They were held a number of times, so it was easy to catch one or two.

 

It was enjoyable to not have constsnt PA announcemnets. Only the daily noon captain's briefing (and one announcemnet about an emergency passenger evacuation done by the Coast Guard by helicopter).

 

Have all of the daily activity sheets and will scan/post them eventually.

 

 

Could probably go on and on. Overall, an exceptional time on a very classy ship. Can’t wait to go on another “S” class cruise – maybe this summer ????????????

 

I’d be glad to answer any questions.

 

Thanks for the review. Sounds like you had a great cruise.....:):):)

 

Bob

[cruisehappygal]

Hi mac-tlc

 

Thanks for the reply.. and again thanks for taking the time to figure all this out... Hopefully you were kidding about working on the plan for the new ships.. I have heard that they did not put the X on them.. Not at all sure of this, but seems to me that it would have been smart of them to reconsider this design. Those cabins seem to be the ones that everyone wants.. too bad they had to add something that is distracting to some of us... Hopefully they learned a lesson and will not do it again...

 

Have a great weekend.......

 

Jackie:)

 

PS.. My travel agent said to tell you thanks... He was very surprised with the pictures you sent and said he was most happy to have this information...:)

[tampacruiser]

Doing Eastern on 6/13, got my cruise docs yesterday, got our passports today! Looking forward to a week away, We are doing Murano on Tues (San Juan)....We have been there so many times so we most likely wont even get off the ship....

[chamima]

We thought the same thing when we sailed on Solstice in the Med last June and on Equinox in the Caribbean last November. We really enjoyed the wine program too, including Cellarmasters with the Enomatic Wine Tasting Machines and the Adam Tihany designed wine tower in Grand Epernay and Sillouette, very similar to his wine tower at Areole in the Mandalay Bay hotel in Vegas (without the scantly clad wine angels of course!) Solstice is certainly a game changer among the ships we've sailed on. We're planning to sail on Eclipse this Fall.

 

Exactly what is this? Thanks

[cruisinrg]

Mac-tlc - thank you, thank you, thank you soooo much for writing about the X on the balconie cabins on the hump. This is my first Celebrity cruise, so I had no idea about this. I just switched my cabin from 7233 to 7237, same location, just a few doors down & no part of the X. I asked the agent when I called if they were able to tell and he told me that he can see that the glass looks darker on 7233 and 7237 is clear. So again-Thank you for doing all this research :)

[teajak]

Hi mac-tlc,

 

Thanks so much for posting your pictures of the dreaded X... I called my wonderful travel agent and was able to book 9272 for 10/24, instead of 7227 which you felt was going to completely covered.It was only $40.00 more total, and well worth it to have a clear balcony. Most other cabins on the list were gone, so I feel lucky to have read your post and changed it. I have sent my TA a picture of the cabin that you sent, as he has not had any concerns or questions or complaints about this X.. He is anxious to see what I am talking about.

 

Thanks again for your help.. Without Cruise Critic and a great Travel Agent, I would be lost for sure.

 

Jackie:)

We had cabin 7227 last year with the X. I am very picky about things like this and I had no problem with it, as i have said before it was just like sun glasses, did not interfere with the view in any way.

[De Colores]

Your welcome, cruisehappygal ..

It wasn't all that difficult. If you look at the picture I included in post #13 in this thread you can see where the "X" is. I then printed out the deck plans for decks 6, 7, 8, 9 and compared the two. Once I got the discussion started, I felt like I had to complete the issue. We can use the same methodology for the Eclipse, Equinox ans Silhouette. ....maybe that's this weekend's homework...

 

That method is easier than hanging over the balcony railing, which is what I was doing while we were on the ship!

 

mac_tlc

 

Hi mac_tlc

 

We too cruised with you on that sail date on the solstice, nice cruise. We too had a bump cabin, just as we did on the Equinox last December, same location and deck, opposite sides on deck nine. Elevators are right there and very convenient, for the most part.

 

Some personal observations: we had a corner bump-aft end each time which allowed for no wind like the corner-forward would. The view aft is real nice in my opinion because of the viewpoint- day or night. The Balcony is about 30% bigger and real nice, no X to deal with.

 

On the Equinox they elinimated the X altogether, and I bet on every newbuild thereafter.

[mac_tlc]

Mac-tlc - thank you, thank you, thank you soooo much for writing about the X on the balconie cabins on the hump. This is my first Celebrity cruise, so I had no idea about this. I just switched my cabin from 7233 to 7237, same location, just a few doors down & no part of the X. I asked the agent when I called if they were able to tell and he told me that he can see that the glass looks darker on 7233 and 7237 is clear. So again-Thank you for doing all this research :)

 

We had cabin 7227 last year with the X. I am very picky about things like this and I had no problem with it, as i have said before it was just like sun glasses, did not interfere with the view in any way.

 

cruisinrg -- you are very welcome. You will enjoy the Solstice -- she is a wonderful ship.

 

teajak --- glad you had no issues with it. As I have said, it wasn't a huge deal, just that I would get a "clear" balcony if I could. Wouldn't give up the hump location and view.

 

 

mac_tlc

[SandraLee]

mac_tlc,

 

What would you say your son liked the most? How would he describe this cruise vs the other Royal Carib cruises you've taken?

 

I have a DD13 and DS16 and we are planning on the Solstice in April, 2012. The kids have been on the Magic, Radiance and Independence. I'm hoping there is enough 'family' entertainment at night to keep us all happy. We are not interested in the casino, but love trivia, magic, comedy, dance shows.

 

Any thoughts?

[FishOn55]

It has been mentioned that a possibility exists that new builds after the Solstice have had the X removed from the hump cabin balcony glass. Can anyone confirm if this is the case on the Eclipse?

 

Also, for those cabins on deck 6 starboard hump, would one expect noise from the sliding doors or people exiting the cafe and gelateria just below? I'm considering cabin 6234 on Eclipse. Thanks.

[cruisingonQ]

Thank you for posting about the X. This is our first on Celebrity so we can breath a sigh of relief that cabin # 8259 is clear. I really don't need to see my reflection in the morning while having my first cup of coffee.

[floridacruisers]

Want to bet that the first time the Solstice goes in for a referb that the "X" on the side cabin verandas goes away.

Phil