Brilliance VS Solstice..help please

[num1crewsfam]

Planning a 25th anniversary cruise next fall. Have two cabins reserved right now..both balconies...Concierge class on Solstice. Both cruises are very similar in their ports...would love to hear from anyone who has been on either ship. I didn't realize this would be such a difficult choice. Another factor to put in here..the cabin on Solstice is about $1200 less than the one on Brilliance. Help please....:confused:

[ChipLondon]

It would be nicer to have more information about you, in order to pass advice. We have been on both ships and do love both. The Solstice is a fab ship and with a saving like that it sounds like a good option. The food is better on Celebrity ships, but the fun is more with Royal. However the theatre shows on Solstice and the Martini bar ensure that you will enjoy your cruise whatever you choose.

[tracyanns]

I would go with the Solstice hands down. I am looking at her for next year but friends just came off and LOVED her, said they actually enjoyed the quieter crowd on Celebrity for a week...I have always enjoyed Celebrity, the food and service are way better, I think you made the right choice, especially for that kind of savings...

[cb at sea]

What size balcony do you have booked on Brilliance? Solstice's CC cabins are 192 sq. ft.---Brilliance's range from 204 (D catagory) to 179 (E catagory)... almost "apples to apples"...I'd take the $1200 savings!

[Aquahound]

In my opinion, the advantages to Brilliance are:

 

* More scheduled activities

* Larger staterooms in comparable categories

* More storage space in rooms

* Better after hours entertainment

* Bar in Solarium

* Nicer dining room

 

Solstice:

 

* Vastly more beautiful ship

* Larger and better designed bathrooms in cabin (shaving bar for women in shower, luxury shower head)

* Nicer balcony with MUCH better balcony furniture

* Better smoking policy, including none on balconies or casino

* Pier Lounge - Greeted with drinks and cold towels when returning to ship

* Lawn Club

* Martini Bar

* Not an uncomfortable chair on the ship

* Better menu in MDR with more "every night" items (shrimp cocktail, escargot, creme brule', etc)

 

All things being equal, I would choose Solstice. $1200 less? No doubt.....Solstice!

[Alan13]

I've sailed Brilliance twice and love her and the Radiance Class. But in January she was starting to show her age.

 

I sailed Solstice one year ago and for me it is the most beautiful, stunning, exquisite ship I've seen. And the food and entertainment were really good!

 

Take the Solstice!

[num1crewsfam]

Thanks everyone...I GREATLY appreciate all the help!

[jd1966]

In my opinion, the advantages to Brilliance are:

 

* More scheduled activities

* Larger staterooms in comparable categories

* More storage space in rooms

* Better after hours entertainment

* Bar in Solarium

* Nicer dining room

 

Solstice:

 

* Vastly more beautiful ship

* Larger and better designed bathrooms in cabin (shaving bar for women in shower, luxury shower head)

* Nicer balcony with MUCH better balcony furniture

* Better smoking policy, including none on balconies or casino

* Pier Lounge - Greeted with drinks and cold towels when returning to ship

* Lawn Club

* Martini Bar

* Not an uncomfortable chair on the ship

* Better menu in MDR with more "every night" items (shrimp cocktail, escargot, creme brule', etc)

 

All things being equal, I would choose Solstice. $1200 less? No doubt.....Solstice!

Agree Completely! SOLSTICE!

[Loyal2RCCL]

Solstice is a beautiful ship (as is Brilliance), but for the $1200.00 savings, I'd have to go with the Solstice. Med cruises are very port intensive and as such the nightlife on any ship will be a bit dull since most people retire early. While I prefer RCCL's nightly activities and nightlife over Celebrity, on a Med cruise there really won't be much difference. Take the savings and use that money for your excursions.

[cruising to paradise]

I had booked Brillance for Med next fall, but changed to Solstice when I saw how much cheaper it is. Our first time for X. We are platinum so we are getting the perks on X,but no points.

[GEORGET]

Brilliance is our Favourite ship, but with that price different's you have to choose Solstice.

 

Brilliance is run from the UK and there prices seem out of sink with other lines.

 

Even we are booking other lines/ships because of the prices we have been quoted.

 

Enjoy the Cruise.

[num1crewsfam]

Aqua Class Solstice booked!!!!! Let the countdown begin!!!:D:D:D:D

[swcruise]

Good decsision. Enjoy, I sailed Brilliance but would love to sail Celebrity, however she is always more expensive on the routes we choose. If she were less it would be a no brainer as she is a more luxiorious ship, with better food. Go enjoy..