Solstice Live/First-Timer Reports/Pix’s: Italy/Croatian June 7-19

[StartrainDD]

Congratulations and thank you for sharing. Enjoy the "Rest" of your cruise!

[lancashire_cruisers]

Hi Terry

 

Firstly, congratulations to you and Mrs Terry on a long and happy marriage:D.

 

Secondly, amazing photos as always. Now on to my question, can you tell me if the taxi driver in Dubrovnik was happy to accept Euros?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Debbie:)

[Keith1010]

Terry, Happy Anniversary to the two of you.

 

All my best.

 

Keith

[mvgiggles]

Terry,

Thank you so much for the great photos and information from your cruise. We are currently planning a cruise with a few of the same ports and its very exciting to read and see photos from someone who has gone to those places!

-Melissa

[Jobeth66]

Hi Terry

 

Firstly, congratulations to you and Mrs Terry on a long and happy marriage:D.

 

Secondly, amazing photos as always. Now on to my question, can you tell me if the taxi driver in Dubrovnik was happy to accept Euros?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Debbie:)

 

The drivers and the majority of the stores will happily accept Euros. I think we paid 10 Euro for the cab ride from the dock right to the city (we didn't do the scenic tour), there were 3 of us, so it was definitely a savings over the ship shuttle.

 

If you are of a mind to walk, the walk from the city back to the ship actually passes by some really pretty scenery, including some incredible views of the Adriatic. We strolled back to the ship from the city and it took us a little over an hour, totally worth it.

 

 

 

These are columns in the garden outside Dubrovnik University - the garden is full of them, and they're all different. It's really cool.

 

 

Dubrovnik is one of those places we'll definitely go back to on a land trip.

 

(Terry - I'm hoping you have some good pics from the Straights of Messina. Unfortunately, it was foggy & drizzling when we went through.)

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry. Firstly, congratulations to you and Mrs Terry on a long and happy marriage:D. Secondly, amazing photos as always. Now on to my question, can you tell me if the taxi driver in Dubrovnik was happy to accept Euros? Thanks in advance. Debbie:)

 

Appreciate the kind wishes from Debbie, Keith, etc. Had a super day yesterday, including the spectacular stage/air show in the Solstice Theater and the multi-course dinner at Murano. More details and pictures later.

 

Jobeth66 summarized well on how the cab drivers and most stores in Dubrovnik are happy to take euros. In fact, the cab people in the line right opposite the Solstice had their prices posted in euros for going to straight to the Pile Gate (10 euro) or the panoramic (50 euro). For the four of us, the cab deal work out very, very well. Just to riding the cable car up the mountain would have been 12 euro per person. That's easy math to do and see the saving over the ship tours in this town.

 

I've got some pictures from the Straits of Messina. It was interesting to see and take a few pictures, but it is only a small fraction of the "drama" compared to pictures from sailing in Kotor's fjord, Venice, passing Capri at sunset, the Villefranche harbor, etc.

 

Just getting up a little after 7 am. Another sea day to enjoy, then packing up, etc. Lots of pictures to check through today. More later.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our last July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now at 43,878 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

itic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[hillsprint]

Terry,

 

Congratulations and many thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

We're on the 29th September sailing and this thread is really building up the expectations, it's no wonder there have been so many hits. ;)

[TLCOhio]

Murano? Yes, we dined there last night with our Central Ohio friends, Amy and Milt, for our 39th Wedding Anniversary. It was very nice and elegant. Super special!! Below are some of the visual samples and details as "evidence".

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Here is an overview for this wonderfully-appointed room with nice wood, ceiling, glass, etc., details. Maximum capacity for seating in 90. For the last night, they have 30 people on a waiting listing. We booked ahead, which was smart in order to get a specific date on a late formal night during a sea day. The added charge for dining here is $35 per person.:

 

 

 

To get you ready to start your dining experience, they had this little strawberry item to clean/prepare your taste buds.:

 

 

 

The “Creamy Maine Lobster Bisque” is one of their most popular starter items. It is far different from what is served on the rest of the Solstice. It involves seven hours prep time for the different items. The broth is poured into your bowl with nice drama at table side . . . and great taste. There are ten different starter options. You can have as many courses of starters as you wish. I had a second starter of Diver Scallop Wellington-Style. The warm goat cheese souffle is also a popular item here. :

 

 

 

Three of us had the Murano Lobster as our main entrees. It was cooked and prepared table-side from lobster tails that are first presented to us.:

 

 

 

 

And then the lobster is served!!!:

 

 

 

My wife had this “Potato-Laced French Turbot” that looked great on its presentation plate. Tasted good, too!:

 

[TLCOhio]

Now it’s time for dessert at Murano. Ready??

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Three at our table went for the “Grand Marnier Souffle” with Creme Anglaise a la Grousse Tahitenne. It was loved so much, especially the sauce that was poured in the middle.:

 

 

 

My choice was “Les VI Etoiles du Murano”. It is six different bite-sized desserts. My wife and I were going to share this one, but she switched for the souffle. I got this whole selection, but, don’t worry, I didn’t and couldn’t eat it all. Very delightlful!:

 

 

 

After dinner, the Executive Chet and Maitre ‘D for Murano came past our table to check on our satisfaction. There are shown here with Amy and Milt from Central Ohio.:

 

[TLCOhio]

What was after dinner last night? It was Show Time in the Solstice Theatre. It was called “Solstice -- The Show” featuring a European-style dance, air acts, music, etc. Very dramatic and interesting as they swing, twirl and soar over the audience and stage. The casino was busy, plus various shops being open, other musical offerings, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Here is one example of the “air show” put on by the various ship performers. Very interesting and dramatic.:

 

 

 

And, another example of performers soaring over the stage, etc.:

 

 

 

The Corning Glass Show was offered at many times during the day and the evenings during our cruise.:

 

 

 

Earlier on our cruise in the Solstice Theatre, there was a very entertaining show called “Pulse” that featured the great ship orchestra, plus much dancing, singing, entertaining, etc. Lots and energy and good talents on this ship. You won't be bored!:

 

 

 

 

 

As we crossed through the Straits of Messina, this was one view of a small Italian coastal town on the mainland and the dramatic bridge of the superhighway that was built above the coast.:

 

[Lois R]

Hi,:) Happy Anniversary (a bit belated) and thanks for sharing your

cruise with us. Your photos are fantastic and review is too. It looks

like you are having a wonderful time.:)

[merprincess]

I hope you were able to have someone take a few pics of you with your wife enjoying your fabulous trip. I would like to see that. Safe travels going home...

Mary

[Dunmore2]

Terry, you are very kind to be sharing your cruise blog/photos with us. Thanks for your generosity. It has been my first read every day.

We hope you have a great trip home.

 

Did they offer the 3 speciality restaurant package on this cruise?

Did your taxi in Dubvovnick take you near the same location where the cable car stops? Thanks.

[teralin]

Terry, we are on Solstice for the very next cruise on 19th June so thank you for all the fantastic information about what to expect.

 

One question you may know the answer to is what time are the Elite members' free drink available on the Solstice. I have asked this question several time of Celebrity and received a different answer each time.

 

Have a safe trip home.

[TLCOhio]

Terry, you are very kind to be sharing your cruise blog/photos with us. Thanks for your generosity. It has been my first read every day. We hope you have a great trip home. Did they offer the 3 speciality restaurant package on this cruise? Did your taxi in Dubvovnick take you near the same location where the cable car stops? Thanks.

 

teralin: Terry' date=' we are on Solstice for the very next cruise on 19th June so thank you for all the fantastic information about what to expect. One question you may know the answer to is what time are the Elite members' free drink available on the Solstice. I have asked this question several time of Celebrity and received a different answer each time. [/quote']

 

Yes and yes are the two quick answers to two of those good questions. We had booked Murano back in April for our Wedding Anniversary dinner, but added the other two speciality places when they offered the "three for $79 pricing" offer. They applied that $35 previously paid as a credit agains the new cost of $79. Good value with this option. Was very, very pleased and happy that we did dine at each of those speciality dining places. Each one is very different, but it is nice change of pace and allows needed flexibility for dinner timing. That 6:15 pm versus 8:45 pm forced dining choice can be a bit of a challenge given this cruise's first four port stops.

 

The Dubrovnik taxi "Panoranmic" did take us up to where the end/top point is for the Cable Car to Mount Srd. That view from there is unmatched. There is also a cross up there in memory of the many people killed during the early 1990's wars here.

 

Sorry, don't know the info on the Elite member free drinks. This is our first cruise with Celebrity, so I didn't get invited to those functions. Those times can change depending on your port stops, speaker schedules, what has or has not worked on earlier sailings, etc. Enjoy your cruise! The ship is in great shape with a wonderful crew.

 

Our upcoming Barcelona weather will be: Sunday 6/19/2011, Nice with plenty of sunshine, High Temperature: 70°F, RealFeel: 79°F

Monday 6/20/2011, Partly sunny and humid, High Temperature: 73°F, RealFeel: 80°F. Great upcoming weather, as has been our whole trip.

 

Fly back to JFK in NYC mid-day Monday from Barcelona and then home to Columbus Monday evening.

 

THANKS for the nice and kind comments! More pictures to process and post when time permits. Let me know any "special requests" or added questions. Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[lancashire_cruisers]

Thanks to Terry and Jobeth for answering my question on Dubrovnik:D.

 

5 weeks to go to before our cruise and your 'live from' has helped to pass some the time quite nicely.

 

Safe travels home!

 

Debbie:)

[Albert Ross]

Terry, we are on Solstice for the very next cruise on 19th June so thank you for all the fantastic information about what to expect.

 

One question you may know the answer to is what time are the Elite members' free drink available on the Solstice. I have asked this question several time of Celebrity and received a different answer each time.

 

Have a safe trip home.

The Elite drinks are 5-7pm on all ships now. May not be every night - as some days there will be a Senior Officers cocktail party

[jspirit]

Thanks again and glad your anniversary was so memorable!

Question about Dubrovnik: were the taxis going back to the ship easily available and were they the same price of 10 euros? With reference to the cable cars, was the entrance right when you get off the ship or would you need a taxi to get to the cable cars?

Herculaneum morning tour- any idea now?

Thank you again, and have a safe trip back home.

[TLCOhio]

Thanks again and glad your anniversary was so memorable! Question about Dubrovnik: were the taxis going back to the ship easily available and were they the same price of 10 euros? With reference to the cable cars, was the entrance right when you get off the ship or would you need a taxi to get to the cable cars? Herculaneum morning tour- any idea now? Thank you again, and have a safe trip back home.

 

Appreciate the nice and kind comments and thoughts.

 

Getting a taxi back to the ship was easy. No waits or delays. We went back about 3 pm. If you wait too late in the afternoon, it might be a little more limited. Yes, same ten euro price. Cable car lower station is just two to three blocks from the Pile Gate. Easy walking distance when visiting the historic walled part of town.

 

On Herculaneum morning tours, for our cruise, the ship only showed a 1:30 pm option for that 3.5 hour visit at $64.75 per person. Pompeii had options for both 8:15 am and 1:30 pm for their four hour visit to that location. Six other longer day excursions had stops in Pompeii as a part of their overall offering with other locations visited.

 

Other questions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[pete_coach]

No questions just kudos.

I thank you very much for the day by day descriptions and photos. We are on the same cruise in September and you took a lot of unknowns away and it now allows me to solidify our plans.

Again, well done and, a very large thank you.

[bassmomma]

Terry, thank you again for your commentary and pictures, and for taking the time to post for all of us to enjoy. Both were excellent. Even though time flys fast, it seems a long time until we cruise on Sept. 29. Many congratulations on your anniversary as well. We will be celebrating a belated 25th on our cruise!

[mickeysgal]

What an incredible review. Thank you for all your hard work in bringing the Mediterranian to all of us!

[TLCOhio]

Terry, thank you again for your commentary and pictures, and for taking the time to post for all of us to enjoy. Both were excellent. Even though time flys fast, it seems a long time until we cruise on Sept. 29. Many congratulations on your anniversary as well. We will be celebrating a belated 25th on our cruise!

 

Enjoy your upcoming cruise on the Solstice. We have left her in good order for you and others to follow.

 

We had our last breakfast Sunday morning on the Solstice. As we often have done, it has been on the open, back deck of the Oceanview Cafe. We had a great view of Barcelona, enjoying the fresh air of the Med, nice folks to chat with, etc. We will be spending the day here before flying out mid-day on Monday. Everything went smoothly for coming off of the ship, getting our baggage, having a cab there without too much wait, etc. My boarding passes have now been printed out at our hotel. We enjoyed a nice, late morning walk around many of the key areas of Barcelona and a fun lunch overlooking the beach area. More great pictures of Barcelona to added to the collection.

 

Below are a few on-ship pictures to offer a sampling of what things look like and how activities on nice sunny days revolve around the pool area. If you haven’t been on the Solstice, it is both the main pool/12th level and the above/14th that overlook the pools and provide a nice sampling for these areas.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Here’s a sample of the pools and the activities around this key hub area of the Solstice.:

 

 

 

In the pool area, they have these water jets that put on a nice “show”, both to watch and/or for kids to play in.:

 

 

 

Many times at the pool, the “party band” is going at it with great tunes, adding to the fun and excitement.:

 

 

 

The Solarium was one of our favorite areas. Food and drinks were nearby and it was very relaxed and sophisticated. Quieter, too, as it is an adults only area. Two hot tubs here. Not crowded, especially in the evenings. Nice art and design with this facility.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Here are some added visual samples for life on the Solstice. More pictures of ship activities and options to come in the next few days. Let me know any questions or comments.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

This is the Sunset Bar area that adjoined part of the lawn areas on the top, back part of the Solstice.:

 

 

 

This is a view of the library area on the tenth floor that overlooked the central, open core area of the ship. Not a great book selection here, but it is a nice looking area with a quiet reading hideaway.:

 

 

 

This is a view looking up in the Solstice central lobby with a music group playing there in the foreground. :

 

 

 

This is another view of the main pool area. Love the sun and activities here!!!:

 

 

 

In the top, back area with the live grass, some enjoy this area by reading, playing on the lawn or sun-bathing here on this part of the Solstice.:

 

Edited June 19, 2011 by TLCOhio

[TMLAalum]

Your northern Ohio neighbor thanks you for your pictures and narratives!

 

I hope you enjoyed your Celebrity experience (barring cold eggs for breakfast;)) and look forward to your review being posted.