REVIEW -6/16/12 Mediterranean Venice Cruise on Solstice

[Wonders10]

Loving your picture review. Regarding your observation about the Dancing with the Stripes, if they weren't dancing what were they doing? Curious minds want to know. I love watching Dancing with the Stars too!

 

Lol, well I guess they were dancing, just not very well. It wasn't a serious competition at all. Very entertaining though!

[livinthedream]

You are so selfless in taking so much time to share your wonderful vacation with us. We are going on the Solstice on August 26th. I was reading your review and it seemed to stop mid trip. I am new to the boards. Did you post complete review of your ship and I am just missing it.

 

Again, thanks so much for sharing your information . I hope we will have as great of a vacation as your family did.

[TeaBag]

Great review and pictures. Thank you.

[Wonders10]

You are so selfless in taking so much time to share your wonderful vacation with us. We are going on the Solstice on August 26th. I was reading your review and it seemed to stop mid trip. I am new to the boards. Did you post complete review of your ship and I am just missing it.

 

Again, thanks so much for sharing your information . I hope we will have as great of a vacation as your family did.

 

Thanks! You're not crazy... I didn't finish yet, 4 more days left to share. Just a little too busy to get an update up today. Stay tuned!

[AtlFirstTimeCruiser]

Thanks! You're not crazy... I didn't finish yet, 4 more days left to share. Just a little too busy to get an update up today. Stay tuned!

 

Thank you for a great review. We're looking forward to our trip in August.

 

 

You are so selfless in taking so much time to share your wonderful vacation with us. We are going on the Solstice on August 26th. I was reading your review and it seemed to stop mid trip. I am new to the boards. Did you post complete review of your ship and I am just missing it.

 

Again, thanks so much for sharing your information . I hope we will have as great of a vacation as your family did.

 

Welcome to the board, we're from GA too and are taking the same cruise in August. You should check out the roll call for this trip. There is a lot of information and opportunities to join private tours.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1580909

 

Thanks

[Wonders10]

Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday and today. I promise I'll get at least Naples up tomorrow!

[Toronto Guy]

Thanks so much for this review - very much enjoying it. I am booked in the same aft cabin on the August 27 departure as you were staying in - wondering if you have any other cabin photos, or if the bed is closer to the bathroom or veranda. Thanks very much!

[Wonders10]

Thanks so much for this review - very much enjoying it. I am booked in the same aft cabin on the August 27 departure as you were staying in - wondering if you have any other cabin photos, or if the bed is closer to the bathroom or veranda. Thanks very much!

 

Sorry I didn't take a single cabin photo. I will tell you a few things about the cabin though. If you read my first couple of posts you will see that our room had some "reminders" of past guests in it plus not the best service when it came to restocking the soaps and things. So keep that in mind and definitely ask if you don't get something you need...I found our guy very quick to oblige any request (that should have been done right the first time, but I digress...) The beds were near the closet and bathroom. I personally don't mind either arrangement as I can see faults with both set ups. My mom's room had the beds near the balcony and she hated going on the balcony in the morning for fear of waking up my nephew, where as I felt bad going into my closet for fear of waking up my niece. For me its a non-issue, you just take what you get. The cabin was a decent size, a teensy bit deeper than a typical balcony I think. The 6 of us fit out there pretty well. We did have very very mild soot that I noticed on the floor of the balcony and the chairs. I borrowed a couple pool towels and just made sure I sat on those when I was out on my balcony. Also, there were a few evenings at sunset when it was HOT in that room if the blinds were open. You couldn't pay me to sit out there and I actually closed the blinds a couple times while I was getting ready because it was just too darn hot. The view was fantastic though - loved seeing both sides of where we were heading.

[livinthedream]

Shannon: You rock!

[Toronto Guy]

Sorry I didn't take a single cabin photo. I will tell you a few things about the cabin though. If you read my first couple of posts you will see that our room had some "reminders" of past guests in it plus not the best service when it came to restocking the soaps and things. So keep that in mind and definitely ask if you don't get something you need...I found our guy very quick to oblige any request (that should have been done right the first time, but I digress...) The beds were near the closet and bathroom. I personally don't mind either arrangement as I can see faults with both set ups. My mom's room had the beds near the balcony and she hated going on the balcony in the morning for fear of waking up my nephew, where as I felt bad going into my closet for fear of waking up my niece. For me its a non-issue, you just take what you get. The cabin was a decent size, a teensy bit deeper than a typical balcony I think. The 6 of us fit out there pretty well. We did have very very mild soot that I noticed on the floor of the balcony and the chairs. I borrowed a couple pool towels and just made sure I sat on those when I was out on my balcony. Also, there were a few evenings at sunset when it was HOT in that room if the blinds were open. You couldn't pay me to sit out there and I actually closed the blinds a couple times while I was getting ready because it was just too darn hot. The view was fantastic though - loved seeing both sides of where we were heading.

 

That's great info. Thx so much!!

[Tara Jane]

Great reading thanks so much Shannon.

We are on the Solstice almost doing the same ports Sept 20th but doing it the other way around. Our 2 sea days are the last too days which will be good rest up time. Can't wait to read the rest.

[Waihekean]

Catching up with this great review. Looking forward to the rest.:)

[drfter]

Saturday June 16th

The day we had been waiting for was here! In a few short hours, we’d be boarding the Solstice! Our package (again booked with Celebrity) included the hotel’s free breakfast buffet. It got the job done but I don’t think I would have paid the 11 euros or so of my own money to eat there. It included many cold cereals, a Spanish omelette, breads for toast and pastries, cured meats and cheeses, fruit, and juices and coffee. We filled our bellies, plus we weren’t concerned since we knew the Solstice was waiting for us! Our shuttle was scheduled to pick us up at 10 and I think they were pretty much on time. There was a rep from both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean in the lobby to answer any questions. We had a small bus and made one quick stop at another hotel before setting off for the port. They took care of our luggage and everything. After 5 cruises out of Fort Lauderdale and 1 out of Miami, this was by far the quickest and easiest check in of all my cruises. I would say within 15 minutes (or less) from getting out of the bus, I was on the beautiful Celebrity Solstice sipping my champagne.

It was around 11:30 I believe and we opted to grab some lunch at the Oceanview Café before it got too crowded. Let the eating begin! Then we just explored the ship and sat out by the pools, soaking in that fresh, “first day of your cruise” feeling.

It was hard to believe we still had 11 days ahead of us! Rooms were ready on time – I think 1:30ish so we headed that way. We had 3 rooms in AquaClass – my niece and I in 1676 (facing aft) and brother and sister in law in 1661, and mom and nephew in 1659 on the port side, aft, just around the corner from 1676. My mom and I both sailed on the Solstice a couple years ago and remembered it being a beautiful ship and nice staterooms and that continued on this trip, maybe even more so. I will say that our room steward left a little to be desired. It started when I opened our fridge and found what appeared to be separated grapefruit juice in it (it looked like dentures, minus the teeth). Then my brother found an opened milk in his fridge. Twice we returned from excursions to find our balcony door either unlocked or actually open and the straw that broke the camels back came when I was looking for the remote under the bed and found pills in one of the those Saturday-Sunday pill carriers. I attempted to bring them to the medical facility which was not open so I settled for guest relations, who appeared horrified that I found that in my stateroom. Nothing major and nothing that ruined the cruise by any means, but I think he would be one of our only true negatives related to Celebrity. I think it was hard because we had 3 rooms so if one of us didn’t get something, it was pretty obvious (sometimes, one of us wouldn’t get the celebrity today newsletter or more bottled waters). My opinion on it is that aqua class is one step below a suite and the people cleaning your room should be really on top of things and not make what I consider to be careless mistakes, like leaving gross liquids in the fridge and pills under the bed. But I digress. The room itself was beautiful and the aft view, amazing! Oh and after one night of gross canapés that none of us would eat, we asked for cheese and crackers instead which was delivered every day…very nice.

Our luggage arrived rather quickly and we all started to unpack a little before sailaway. At 5 o’clock, we all gathered on my aft balcony with a glass of champagne soon we were off to sea.

We completely ignored Blu’s suggestion of dinner at 8:30 and arrived shortly after 6. We had a great team of waiters who came to really like us I suspect as we often were seated in their section and if we weren’t, they would come over, say hello and make sure we had everything we needed. I was apprehensive about eating in Blu (for both myself and the kids) but I had no need to worry. It was delicious. For dinner the first night, we all had the Filet Mignon which was probably the best filet I have ever had (and it was huge!). I can’t remember everything we ordered every night, but I do remember our waiter bringing us an extra dessert “for the table” on this night so we could all try it. This would not be the last time they did this for us…

I have horrible notes about what we did after dinner, but I guarantee that my mom and I hit the casino and browsed the shops. I’m guessing we called it an early night as well. So far, it was a great first day on the ship!

Thank you so much for the pics and review. Please keep them coming. The wife and I are researching the same cruise.

[Wonders10]

I'm so sorry I have neglected my review for a few days. Life just gets in the way sometimes I guess. Well here is the start of our day in Naples!

 

June 24

We docked in Naples today! This would start the first of our last 4 days on the ship and in a way I was sad because I knew they were going to fly by because we’d be so busy. Our plan for today was to take a tour with RomeInLimo and head to Pompeii as well as Positano and Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast. We were told to meet our driver at 8am and we did just that. Our driver, Tony, was waiting for us as we exited the ship. The plan as I had read it was to visit Pompeii in the morning followed by lunch and sightseeing along the Amalfi Coast in the afternoon. We were in Naples on a Sunday, apparently a day when many locals visit the beach and traffic can be heavy. Our awesome driver knew this and opted to rearrange our day to try to avoid some of the heavier traffic, so we reversed our plan doing Amalfi first and then visiting Pompeii after lunch. Tony was great during the drive…sharing lots of info on the towns we were passing through and giving info on Mt. Vesuvius. As my brother put it, we didn’t drive by anything without Tony having a story for it…which was a good thing! We stopped on our approach to Positano for some scenic pictures of the hazy view – you could still see how gorgeous it is.

Then we arrived in Positano, where Tony dropped us off and gave us time to walk through the town and head down to the beach. It was such a cute town.

Then, Tony was waiting to take us into Sorrento (his hometown by the way) where he gave us a quick drive through of the area we’d be walking around before dropping us off at a restaurant where there was a table waiting for us. It was sooooo good! We all ate tons of bread, bruschetta, caprese salad and pizza with a complimentary taste of limoncello.

 

After lunch, we had time to walk down one of the main shopping areas and picked up some lemony treats for back home.

Soon it was meeting time and once again, Tony was ready to drive us to Pompeii. But first it was time to sing! Tony asked us if we knew all the words to “That’s Amore” and we said no secretly hoping we wouldn’t have to sing. But leave it to RIL, he had laminated sheets for all of us with the lyrics! It was hysterical! Tony said we could have done better though lol. Then we rested for the drive to Pompeii.

Video of our "singing":

Continued in next post - Pompeii...

[Wonders10]

Initially, we had opted for no guide prior to the trip but when we got in the car that morning, Tony asked if we wanted one and we decided to splurge. Best money spent that day. Maria, our guide, did help to make Pompeii come alive. If we had not had a guide, we would have been completely lost and learned nothing.

My nephew and our guide...incidentally, my niece said this was one of her favorite stops. I think it was because of the guide and the wealth of knowledge she had.

Once our visit to Pompeii was complete, Tony drove us back to the ship and gave us some "thank you" treats for using RIL…pizza flavored Italian pretzels and a bottle of limoncello. So nice. Oh and he also had a cooler in the car for us all day with plenty of water, which was very welcome after such a hot day. We were back at the port around 5, within plenty of time for our 7pm departure. So far we were very impressed with RIL!

Back on the ship, we returned to our rooms and while my brother went to the Persian Gardens, the rest of us went down to Al Bacio for some coffee, treats and a round of cards. Then we hit the buffet for dinner, made a quick stop at the family disco in Quasar, played some slots and went to bed…It had been a long, but great, day!

Up next…Rome!

[Waihekean]

Sounds indeed like a full, but wonderful day:)

[livinthedream]

Thanks Shannon. You have put so much time into this and making it so much easier for those of us fortunate to travel after you!

[Tara Jane]

Shannon,

 

Where are you? Have missed reading your reports. Please come back when you are able to. Maybe you have gone off on another cruise!!!!!!!!!!

[dln929]

Monday June 18th

 

Some of us ate in Blu again today and I didn’t write down what I ate – I think this was the day I tried the tableside muesli. It was good…but if I got it again, I’d leave out the grapes and apricots. I’m loving Blu for breakfast, though. World’s better than the MDR to be honest. Then, my brother dragged the kids and the rest of us to the Secrets of Ship Navigation Lecture. I have no idea why I agreed to attend this, but I am so glad I did. One, it was actually really really interesting to listen to. Second, it was really, really fun watching the speaker, the Staff Captain (2nd in command),Tasos Kafetzis who was probably one of the most charming men I’ve ever “met”. He became my cruise crush for the rest of our vacation haha. From there, we immediately headed to the theater for the Split and Venice presentation since we were doing those cities on our own.

 

Then it was time to eat again! We opted for lunch in the MDR and I had a cheeseburger that was good, but not as good as the ones I ate from the Mast Grill. Mom and I headed to the Solarium for a nap, then made a visit to the Relaxation Lounge. I will mention here that my mom and I never stepped foot into the spa except for this one time. My brother and sister in law, however, went almost every single day to the Persian Gardens and/or the Sauna and Steam Room. They really enjoyed their time there. Anyway, after our time by the pool, we did our usual routine…Blu, casino, bed. I don’t think we went to the show tonight.

 

Up next...Our first port - Split! And I promise the return of pictures!

 

I totally agree with your assessment of the wonderful Staff Captain! I loved that lecture. That man is so funny and engaging. He turned what could have been a dry subject into something that more than held our interest--and made us laugh with his side stories.

[nyjetsfans]

Shannon nice job, great pictures. More Please:)

[Wonders10]

I'm still here! I wish I was on another cruise! I got very busy this past week but I do have our Rome day typed and will try to get it up tomorrow. I will finish it, I promise - just keep checking in!

[Wonders10]

June 25

Today we docked in Citiavecchia, our home base for Rome! We had another tour booked with RomeInLimo and after our great experience with Tony, we had very high expectations going into this day. Our meeting time was the same as the day before and we were right on time to meet Sergio! Sergio was 25 years old and a very proud Roman (not Italian…) who also had a huge love of all things American. He was very polite the entire day and also had water for us (mineral water not in a cooler – the warm water we could deal with but none of us are used to mineral water and it tasted gross. BUT, the thought was there so I give him points for that.)

The drive took about an hour or so and our first stop was the Colliseum. We had pre-purchased our tickets online per RIL’s instructions and Sergio kindly walked us all the way to the entrance, gave us a meeting time and told us where he’d be parked. We basically walked right into the Colliseum bypassing hundreds of people already waiting in line just to purchase tickets. Whether you are with RIL or doing it on your own – buy your tickets in advance!

 

 

 

We all unintentionally wore stripes today!

 

Sergio was right where he said he’d be and he then whisked us off to the Vatican where had another private guide waiting for us. We had booked this before we left home. This also turned out to be well worth the extra expense and then some. Especially with the crowds we experienced. Paula was our Vatican guide – she and Sergio met up and he left us in her capable hands. Once again, because we had her and our pre-purchased tickets, we bypassed hundreds of people waiting to get in, buy tickets, who knows what and after going through security, we were in!

The amount of information Paula shared with us and the unbelievable art we were seeing was sensory overload. Just beyond words.

Soon, we had made it to the entrance to the Sistine Chapel where Paula first gave us some info and had a book to help explain since there is no talking inside the Chapel. Again, amazing and unbelievable that I was in the presence of something so sacred, famous. It was beautiful.

Illegal Sistine Chapel shot (that I did not take...)

Paula had given us some time to just absorb it all since she couldn’t talk anyway so we met up with her and she walked us back out to the front of the Vatican (the part we all see in pictures) and back to Sergio. The one flaw I would have to say was - we had no time to look for gifts at the Vatican. I would have liked some rosary beads, my nephew wanted a cross and they didn’t really give us that option and we really didn’t realize that she was taking us back to the car or we would have asked. But oh well…all in all, our visit to the Vatican was a huge success!

Continued in next post...

 

[Wonders10]

Rome continued...

By this point we were getting a little hungry and Sergio had a table waiting for us at another yummy restaurant near the Vatican. The kids got pizza while the 4 adults shared 2 pizzas and the special of the day – lasagna. Again…sooooo good. As we finished up, Sergio appeared with a glass of fresh peaches in wine for us to try. Who knew that combination could be so refreshing and delicious?

Sergio had told us not to get dessert (like gelato) or any coffee – he said, for gelato, you go to a gelateria. For espresso, you go to a café. So we did just that! He drove us to a café that he obviously had been to many times before and treated the adults (minus my brother who hates coffee) to an authentic Italian espresso. It was delicious. Recharged from our lunch and espresso, we arrived at the Pantheon.

Then it was off to the famous Trevi fountain:

The Spanish steps (for an incredibly quick stop – lots of creepy men harassing the women and giving them roses, then expecting the men they are with to pay for them):

And a visit to an overlook of ancient Rome and some other sites that I sadly, have forgotten their official names. It was beautiful though.

We needed one more snack before we headed back to the ship and Sergio again did not disappoint with his recommendation of a gelateria. It was maybe the best and freshest gelato we ate – and we ate a lot of gelato on this trip. If any of you have seen Seinfeld and the soup ****? Well, we met the gelato ****. We had to prepay for 6 cups and then without any eye contact, she just yelled out numbers and we yelled out flavors. It was very comical.

We arrived back at the ship around the same time as the day before – again in plenty of time. My mom, niece, nephew and I went to finish our card game at Al Bacio and then met up for dinner at Blu. I think we went to the show tonight? Was it the card trick guy? He was good whatever night we saw him. Then of course a round of slots and off to bed…it had been a loooong day!

So our comparison so far of Tony and Sergio – both excellent guides with great service but we all had to give Tony the edge because he was just on top of every little thing. Sergio was great though so don’t be nervous at all if he is your guide! I think it comes down to experience on the job. Tony had been doing it for 11 years. Guessing by Sergio’s age, I’m assuming he’s only been doing it a couple years.

Up next – Florence and Pisa! Another day with RIL. How would it compare to our first 2 tours?

[deblew]

it's been 10 days since your last post. I'd love to read about the rest of your trip.

[Gordo]

We have really enjoyed reading about your experience. Great info combined with some wonderful pictures. We look forward to the reading the remainder of your review and can't wait for the next installment.