What are your favorite features on the Solstice / S class ships?

[maxsales]

The Lawn Club, the hot glass show, and the buffet which is far superior to the M class buffet.

 

 

Counter point the waffles are much better on the M class ships. :)

[maxsales]

We were thinking about trying HAL. What are the similarities and differences with Celebrity?

 

To us there was just a different Vibe on HAL Stuffy isn't quite the word I am looking for but it's close. Maybe reserved or restrained would be a better word choice.

[maxsales]

 

I look forward to sailing an S class someday and doing a comparison. I have friends who really enjoyed Celebrity and those that have said never again.:eek::eek::eek:

 

I can see some folks not thinking of Celebrity as their first, second to third choice. I would like to know what happened to make your friends say never again.

[Texed]

Counter point the waffles are much better on the M class ships. :)

 

Not to argue, but I have had great waffles on all three classes of ships. ;)

[Cruise Raider]

We'll be sailing on the Solstice next month on the 11 day Ultimate Alaska sailing It will be our first time on an "S" class ship, although we have sailed on the Infinity and the Mercury years ago. We tend to choose our cruises based on itinerary rather than ship or cruise line.

 

For those of you who have sailed on the Solstice or other "S" class ships, would you mind telling us your favorite features or memories about this ship? We've been reading the ship and trip reviews, but some of them are really negative. I didn't know a person could have their cruise ruined because they didn't receive an expected plate of strawberries!:rolleyes:

 

Hey, we are on that same cruise and have sailed on the Infinity and the Mercury years ago as well.

I agree....how could your trip be ruined by such a menial thing. :eek:

 

My favorite feature about the Solstice...hmmmm....there are so many. That is not to say I don't love the Infinity -- I do, I do. I have a couple more booked on her next year.

I absolutely love the indoor pool area on the Solstice - hammocks right outside and that lighted fountain, especially at night, is just gorgeous. I think they make the best French fries known to man (I know that is a really little thing ... but boy, are they good).

I also love the relaxation lounge, which is to be enjoyed anytime if you are in AQ or before / after a spa treatment if you are not.

I love the iced top martini bar....yeah, I know, another little thing that just makes it more fun. I love the hump balcony cabins and the bug room (you'll what I am talking about when you walk through it. The casino is pretty fun -- love when they have the raffles that everyone can join in on. I got picked for the slot tournament with the officers and won first place....so very fun.

The library is awesome, great place to sit and read or just relax. The entertainment in the centrum keeps everyone (well, most everyone) having a great time. Some really great choreography in these shows.

The ships officers and cruise activity staff seem to be really engaged with the passengers. We were having a cup of coffee one day near Café Al Bacio and the cruise director sat down and chatted with us for a while (after being invited).

There is plenty of room to get away from it all. We hung out on the lawn club in the early mornings and at dinner time -- nobody else around. Go up even higher towards the front of the ship and there are some unexpected seating areas to just take it all in.

I think compared to the M-class, it is a couple steps above. Compared to the Century class....ah, worlds better.

Maybe will run into you on the cruise....if not, have a great time!! I am so looking forward to it....counting down the days. :D

[PinotBlanc]

The public restrooms for Ladies.

 

The sculptures on Eclipse.

 

The non-smoking open deck with bar at back of S-Class buffet.

 

The high grand scope and drapes of the foyer.

 

The Persian Garden and Locker Room.

 

Tuscan Grille.

 

Food display in Foyer on first full sea day.

 

Sky Lounge.

 

Curved shower door in cabin.

 

Orange slices for breakfast.

 

Lectures.

 

 

Penny

[cruzinbabes]

Thank you to everyone who responded to my questions... now we're looking forward to our cruse even more than we were before! She sounds like a beautiful ship, that we will enjoy exploring and experiencing. :) Also hoping to see some beautiful fall colors in Alaska, as we're sailing later than we normally do.

[TLCOhio]

We'll be sailing on the Solstice next month on the 11 day Ultimate Alaska sailing It will be our first time on an "S" class ship, although we have sailed on the Infinity and the Mercury years ago. We tend to choose our cruises based on itinerary rather than ship or cruise line. For those of you who have sailed on the Solstice or other "S" class ships, would you mind telling us your favorite features or memories about this ship? We've been reading the ship and trip reviews, but some of them are really negative. I didn't know a person could have their cruise ruined because they didn't receive an expected plate of strawberries!

 

Agree with others that there is lots to love and enjoy on these S-Class Celebrity ships. As noted in the live/blog below, we got off of the Solstice in February. No big "problems"!! Didn't need to make our own beds, fix our meals, etc. All worked out well. Did we see things to improve, fine-tune, etc.? Sure. But, overall things worked fine for us and the six other couples in our travel group from Central Ohio. Check out these postings for more info/background on this nice ship, its entertainment, food options, etc.

 

Below is my visual summary (or photo evidence) for a few of the areas where you might enjoy the Solstice. We did also sail on "our" ship in June, 2011 in the Med from Barcelona doing France, Italy, Croatian Coast, etc., stops.

 

Did a “Solstice: Visuals, Highlights Shared!” summary with many pictures and other details on this ship and its many options. Check it out at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1803477

Now at 20,658 views for this posting.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 71,378 views for this fun posting.

 

 

Super loved it when there were times at the pool in the afternoons on the Solstice in June 2011 when the “party band” was going at it with great tunes. This added to the fun and excitement around the pool area of our ship. Just like done by some famous California pop groups, we were hearing “fun, fun, fun” underneath the sun!!:

 

 

 

The Solarium was one of our most 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. Wonderful setting for relaxing and watching the outside water/shore views, enjoying subtle inside action, etc.:

 

 

 

I liked to ride one of the eight glass elevators in the mid-ship courtyard with nice views out to the different floors, enjoying the ship architecture, people being active, etc. You can see the relaxing library in this shot. Classy design on this ship! Some tradition, but not too dated or old.:

 

 

 

In the top, back area near the Sunset Bar with live grass, some enjoy this area by reading, playing on the lawn or sun-bathing there. Usually, it’s not too crowded!:

 

 

 

Here is the view from the back of the Solstice near the Oceanview Cafe as the Solstice makes a turn in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Sicily. Loved hearing the water and watching the action at sea. This is a great viewing area to see the "action" as you sail. You can grab you food or a snack from the Oceanview Cafe and then enjoy out here on the back of the ship. Great for breakfast or lunch. Or, at other times. Bar and beverages are available here.:

 

 

 

On the top, back of the Solstice, here is a wider view of Corning Hot Glass show area, plus the green grass and the unique covering designs for this special area of the ship. Classy design touches and style!!:

 

[cruzinbabes]

TCOhio, thanks for the great pics! I was having difficulty picturing a lawn on a ship Those chairs next to the lawn look like they could be a favorite place for watching the scenery go by!:)

[Sloop-JohnB]

TCOhio, thanks for the great pics! I was having difficulty picturing a lawn on a ship Those chairs next to the lawn look like they could be a favorite place for watching the scenery go by!:)

 

TLCOHIO's pics of the Solstice are sort of famous here on the Celebrity CC Board (along with their live blogs when at sea)

 

Those seats ARE amazing on the Solstice, just around the corner from the Sunset Bar

 

A great place to chill out and watch the world go by

 

Cheers!

[TLCOhio]

TCOhio, thanks for the great pics! I was having difficulty picturing a lawn on a ship Those chairs next to the lawn look like they could be a favorite place for watching the scenery go by!

 

Sloop-JohnB: TLCOHIO's pics of the Solstice are sort of famous here on the Celebrity CC Board (along with their live blogs when at sea). Those seats ARE amazing on the Solstice' date=' just around the corner from the Sunset Bar. A great place to chill out and watch the world go by. Cheers! [/quote']

 

Appreciate these nice comments and follow-up. Glad that Sloop-JohnB didn't say my visuals were "infamous". Some do not have speedy Internet connections and the pictures can slow things down. BUT, most appreciate seeing what people are asking about, bringing back good memories from being on these ships, etc.

 

Yes, we super love the Sunset Bar area and the ability to see and experience things, especially when sailing out of a scenic port when in this great location on the ship. Plus, drinks nearby. Perfect, scenic setting.

 

Below is a little more "eye-candy" to help get folks ready for the "suffering" they must endure on these ships.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 180,337 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

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.:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Here are two of my photo highlights from the Solstice production show called "Ghostlight--The Spirit of Broadway". Lots of great tunes, including many from the Four Seasons as done on Broadway with Jersey Boys. Other very good tunes that connected with many of the Baby Boomers (and older) on this cruise. The singers and dancers really worked hard and did a super good job. Great voices!! Lots of energy and excitement. Nice lighting, staging, sets, etc. First-class for a cruise ship. Not quite Broadway and London's West End. And, all done in less than hour. Worked extremely well for a night's entertainment either before or after dinner!!

 

 

 

 

 

For dining in Tuscan Grille on the Solstice in January while sailing from Australia to New Zealand, we started with a nice glass of sparkling Italian wine (Prosecco Spumanti). Fun, especially as the glass kept being re-filled!! One bread stick (got to save room for the later “good stuff). My first choice for “primi piatti”, crab cake with a good sauce. It’s called Polpette do Granchio. Roasted pepper caponata and basil emulsion. Then, a “warm-up dish” of Pomodora Mozzarella di Bufala. The main course was Lobster Papardella Alfredo. But, the best is always saved for last . . . a nicely designed and super tasting of this Italian favorite, Tiramisu. I also had some Limoncello to top off the dining delights. Did we like it all? Absolutely!! Plus, we had lots wave action to see (and survive) from this great viewing position on the back of the ship with its big glass windows on the fifth floor of the Solstice as we sailed across the somewhat rough Tasman Sea. :

 

[Konasteve]

Our first cruise was on the Solstice in 2012, we have very fond memories here are some:

 

* Open concept Atrium (with a live tree no less)

 

* Ship feels more like a luxury hotel than a ship

 

* Wide hallways

 

* Bright Cabins

 

* Enclosed Showers

 

* Fabulous well thought out Bathrooms with lots of storage

 

* We found the storage in the cabin also aplenty and workable for our needs (but then like I said it was our first Celebrity Cruise... Seems to me that most who don't like the configuration are long time M-Class Cruisers)

 

* The extensive list of Eating & Drinking venues

 

* Venues that are open late... assortment of bars, Sky Lounge, Celebrity Central (comedy, midnight movie) and even the Jazz group that played in the Ensemble Lounge

 

* The fact that some lounges were open concept... While others were cozy with walls (Cellarmasters, Michaels)

 

* The variety of art installations

 

* How overall venues on the ship were Gorgeous... And some truly stunning. The MDR was breathtaking the first time I saw it (reminiscent of a grand dame hotel of another era...). For the entire cruise I was truly wowed every night I sat in there... The architecture, the lighting, the finishes... Not to mention the food & service

 

* The many unexpected nooks & crannies, where one could find a quiet place to read a book or take in the view as the ocean slipped by

 

* Deck 16 at Sunrise (quiet, peaceful, and a Favourite with early morning photographers)

 

* The two storied aft bar area... Sunset & Oceanview... Perfect for Sailaway

 

* The ample windows throughout the ship to take in the view when not outside / topside

 

* The Lawn... the lawn is kind of magical at sea. We sat on it, laid on it. Played Bocce Ball on it and even tried out the putting green.

 

* The fact the ship had a lot of pax, but outside of D-Day never felt crowded... and only then because it seemed like EVERYONE was scrambling to get an elevator down and off the ship at once. Our solution to this, thanks to tips here on CC was to not have an early / same day flight out... And to chill out in the sunshine at the Oceanview back deck until well after 9 AM... Then it was a very pleasant walk off the ship and right thru customs... Total time from Deck 14 to Curbside and a cab less than 15 minutes... And that includied a lot of distance walking. With our game plan there was literally no waiting in line !!

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers!

 

Great comments!

We will be on Solstice for the first time for 17 nights in October and we can't wait. I can't even imagine being disappointed, we always enjoy vacations!

Aloha

[TLCOhio]

Great comments! We will be on Solstice for the first time for 17 nights in October and we can't wait. I can't even imagine being disappointed, we always enjoy vacations! Aloha

 

Good luck to this fairly-new Cruise Critic poster from Kailua Kona for your upcoming cruise on "our" Solstice. After our Australia to New Zealand cruise on the Solstice earlier this year, we spent four nights on the Big Island. Loved it!! Super area. First visit there and want to go back. How are you and other on this great island surviving the storms there?

 

Let us know any other Solstice questions. Happy to share more.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 71,790 views for this fun posting.

[BecciBoo]

Jazz on the Lawn. At least one night of the cruise there is jazz on the lawn. They set up plaid blankets, little coffee table and laterns. The waiters pass out cheese platters and take drink orders. Truly a lovely experience and they should do this every night on the ship

 

Steak Diane at Murano. It's not on the menu. Ask for it ahead of time. It's so worth it. Also made to order, truffle pasta. Yum.

 

Happy sailing!

 

Thanks so much for these two....nighttime picnic on the lawn...right up my alley!!!!! And I love Steak Diane.:D

[richsea]

One of my favorite features of the S class isn't been on the deck plans. I call it the "nothing" room. It's that small pass through area leading from the Gelateria to the Ensemble Lounge. While we have not sailed Eclipse or Reflection, I imagine that they have the same room, the other three each have a distinctive aura in that space that I find very pleasing.

[LisaSp]

The Solarium was my favorite place on the ship.

[helen haywood]

The Sunset Bar on Reflection has been enlarged and enhanced and is the best place to sit on all the S-class ships, IMHO!

[Karynanne]

The artwork on the S-Class ships is outstanding. Some may be a bit odd, but always creative and unusual.

[Chitown12562]

+1 to all the good things mentioned above. It was hard to add anything to what was already said.

The food and service in Blu always exceeds our expectations. Always something that peaks my interest at dinner and breakfast is never to be missed.

One of the secrets to Blu is that it can be intimate or you can talk to others.

Another secret. On deck 5 always take a minute to slip outside and enjoy the view and the breeze.

The variety of offerings in the Oceanview cafe. I love being able to have a curry with my sandwich.

Love the concoctions offered at the Molecular Bar.

The Ensemble Lounge is really beautiful. I think many don't appreciate it as they rush to their specialty dinning reservation or leave to make it in time for a show. Take a moment to stop, sit down, and enjoy. Remember your on vacation!

I plan on showing the Aqua Spa Cafe more love on my next cruise.

What are those crispy, flaky chips they give us some afternoons with hummus? I love those chips!

My comfortable bed in my cabin that rocks me to sleep every night. My bed at home is very comfortable. Seriously my family loves it. But it doesn't rock me to sleep like the bed in my cabin does.

Speaking of "that rocking motion" don't you love it! All over the ship, it tells me I'm on vacation.

There's always something happening around every corner at nite. Look around and join in on the fun. Edited August 11, 2014 by Chitown12562

[koolforkatz]

So much to love but particularly the lawn and the Molecular Bar :D

[Konasteve]

[quote name='TLCOhio'][COLOR="Blue"][SIZE="3"][FONT="Georgia"] Good luck to this fairly-new Cruise Critic poster from Kailua Kona for your upcoming cruise on "our" Solstice. After our Australia to New Zealand cruise on the Solstice earlier this year, we spent [I][B]four nights on the Big Island. Loved it!![/B][/I] Super area. First visit there and want to go back. How are you and other on this great island surviving the storms there?

Let us know any other Solstice questions. Happy to share more.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

Back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, [B][I]Sydney to Auckland adventure[/I][/B] on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:
[B][U][url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139[/url][/U][/B]
for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 71,790 views for this fun posting.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Terry, We love the Big Island. It feels like we are always on vacation. Its a great pace of life and all of the people are awesome and live Aloha.
In Kona we came through Iselle with just a little rain and wind. I think Mauna Kea blocked the hurricane and pushed it by us.
Our friends on the East part of the island didn't fair as well. The Kapoho and Puna area's are still cleaning up and trying to recover.
Mahalo for all of your pictures and your blog!

Aloha
Steve

[bigmjh]

The mid-ship elevator bay. Interesting ride up or down ... and nice views when looking down from an upper deck.

[Kathamo]

Perhaps other people haven't had the same experience, but (in addition to the other WONDERFUL features that have already been mentioned), in my experience, Celebrity puts their best crew members on their S-class ships. This is solely based on a comparison of the Century vs the Equinox sailings in the same year, but the difference was noticeable at every level (except the MDR/restaurant servers, which seem to always be great). Better stateroom attendants, bartenders, musical performers, chefs, cruise director, pool butlers, etc. And just to be clear, by "better" I mean friendlier, more attentive, and more highly skilled (especially in the case of sommeliers, chefs, and performers). In such a service-based industry, this really makes a difference. It is Celebrity, so the service was good even on the Century and we had a great time, but the crew on Equinox was truly stellar.

[cruzinbabes]

We're 32 days out, and I can hardly wait! It sounds like there are a great many wonderful places to explore on the Solstice!:):)

[Grandmaanne7]

[quote name='Kathamo']Perhaps other people haven't had the same experience, but (in addition to the other WONDERFUL features that have already been mentioned), in my experience, Celebrity puts their best crew members on their S-class ships. This is solely based on a comparison of the Century vs the Equinox sailings in the same year, but the difference was noticeable at every level (except the MDR/restaurant servers, which seem to always be great). Better stateroom attendants, bartenders, musical performers, chefs, cruise director, pool butlers, etc. And just to be clear, by "better" I mean friendlier, more attentive, and more highly skilled (especially in the case of sommeliers, chefs, and performers). In such a service-based industry, this really makes a difference. It is Celebrity, so the service was good even on the Century and we had a great time, but the crew on Equinox was truly stellar.[/quote]

Oh my! If this is true, then we will be truly amazed! We were on Century in Jan/Feb this year for our first Celbrity cruise and the staff are what convinced us that we had to do another Celbrity cruise (this time on Equinox - yay an S class ship). Absolutely fabulous in every way! Edited August 12, 2014 by Grandmaanne7