Any Royal cruisers tried Celebrity Solstice class?

[FirstCruise2331]

We're (myself 36, DW 40) thinking of an 11 night Caribbean cruise (St Thomas, BVI, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, St Maarten) on Celebrity equinox. We've only previously sailed RC on Enchantment and Ovation and really enjoyed both.

 

We are not fussy eaters, like to relax by day at sea, explore ports and have few drinks by night ideally listening to a musician playing. Will take in a show but not be all and end all for us.

 

Just wondering if theres anything positive or negative people who have sailed the Celebrity solstice class could share from a royal comparison?

 

Thanks.

[karena1]

We're (myself 36, DW 40) thinking of an 11 night Caribbean cruise (St Thomas, BVI, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, St Maarten) on Celebrity equinox. We've only previously sailed RC on Enchantment and Ovation and really enjoyed both.

 

We are not fussy eaters, like to relax by day at sea, explore ports and have few drinks by night ideally listening to a musician playing. Will take in a show but not be all and end all for us.

 

Just wondering if theres anything positive or negative people who have sailed the Celebrity solstice class could share from a royal comparison?

 

Thanks.

 

OMG we loved loved loved Silhouette!! Hubby thought it was the best food he ever had. The ship was amazing!! We cannot wait to go on another Soltice class ship! We actually saw Equinox on one of the islands when we were on Adventure and just were so excited that we would be on Silhouette in just a few months after that. I have a FCC and plan to book another Soltice ship for 2017

[aggieamy55]

We've been on Celebrity Solstice about three years ago on an Alaskan cruise. We enjoyed it very much and received some of the best customer service I've encountered while on vacation. They really seemed to go above and beyond. I remember the food being really good, but the desserts left a lot to be desired. (I haven't cruised on RCCL in quite a while so it's hard for me to really make a accurate comparisons.) I will say that there was much less night life than I remembered on RCCL, and there seemed to be less of a younger crowd on board, but that could have mainly been due to the Alaskan itinerary. Hope some of this info is helpful!

[FirstCruise2331]

OMG we loved loved loved Silhouette!! Hubby thought it was the best food he ever had. The ship was amazing!! We cannot wait to go on another Soltice class ship! We actually saw Equinox on one of the islands when we were on Adventure and just were so excited that we would be on Silhouette in just a few months after that. I have a FCC and plan to book another Soltice ship for 2017

 

Thanks for your insights. From what I've read, food in MDR seems to get lots of thumbs ups!

[lazydayz]

If you don't mind a very quiet night life, then Celebrity is the way to go. They are a lot like Royal, but a little nicer. The food is better and we really enjoyed the drinks as well. Our cabin was lovely and service was great. But come 10:00, the ship goes quiet, except for the casino.

 

While we enjoyed our Celebrity cruise, we prefer Royal due to more late night activities.

[FirstCruise2331]

We've been on Celebrity Solstice about three years ago on an Alaskan cruise. We enjoyed it very much and received some of the best customer service I've encountered while on vacation. They really seemed to go above and beyond. I remember the food being really good, but the desserts left a lot to be desired. (I haven't cruised on RCCL in quite a while so it's hard for me to really make a accurate comparisons.) I will say that there was much less night life than I remembered on RCCL, and there seemed to be less of a younger crowd on board, but that could have mainly been due to the Alaskan itinerary. Hope some of this info is helpful!

 

Thanks for that, we enjoyed the food on RC but desserts were generally just ok, and Im more a savoury than sweet man! We do like the night life but on Ovation there was the same 30-40 people in nightclub every night. We always find the craic somewhere! Nothing so far to put me off!

[loubetti]

Solstice class versus other RCL ships has nothing to do with this. While both companies are owned by RCI, they are different cruise lines. Forget size and such of the ships, Celebrity is more sedate and upscale. Compare cruise lines, not ships. Do some reading of reviews here.

[FirstCruise2331]

If you don't mind a very quiet night life, then Celebrity is the way to go. They are a lot like Royal, but a little nicer. The food is better and we really enjoyed the drinks as well. Our cabin was lovely and service was great. But come 10:00, the ship goes quiet, except for the casino.

 

While we enjoyed our Celebrity cruise, we prefer Royal due to more late night activities.

 

Thanks for that. Is there any late night drinks venue on board? 10pm would be bit early to finish! We're going to be travelling with friends so we will have company for the post dinner drinks.

[FirstCruise2331]

Solstice class versus other RCL ships has nothing to do with this. While both companies are owned by RCI, they are different cruise lines. Forget size and such of the ships, Celebrity is more sedate and upscale. Compare cruise lines, not ships. Do some reading of reviews here.

 

To be fair I just asked for a comparison...it wasnt about size of ship (the two RC ships Ive been on are very different in size and set up). I have and will continue to read reviews...was looking for comparisons to whats on offer by RC, which the other posters have been kind enough to share.

[hansolosmom]

We were on Reflection. I thought the ship was beautiful. It was really crowded and felt crowded - I'm not sure if it's the design or what.

 

We did a Med trip on the ship, it was hopping at night, I'm not sure if it was because of the destination or not. But it was definitely not sleepy at 10pm

[FirstCruise2331]

We were on Reflection. I thought the ship was beautiful. It was really crowded and felt crowded - I'm not sure if it's the design or what.

 

We did a Med trip on the ship, it was hopping at night, I'm not sure if it was because of the destination or not. But it was definitely not sleepy at 10pm

 

Thanks. Good to know. I see you're on Anthem next..can say on Ovation even though it was a relatively full sailing, it never felt crowded.

[Baron Barracuda]

Currently have two future cruises booked on Equinox.

 

In our experience Royal crowd is a bit younger and more active. Lots of focus on families. Shows and live music are better.

 

X crowd a touch older and more relaxed. Have really enjoyed guest lecturers. On Eclipse last march we had a naturalist and former nfl ref Bob Mcelwee speaking on sea days. Food is arguably better especially the buffet.

 

X recently decided not to send Equinox to Europe next summer. Instead she will sail the Caribbean year round. Because they need to fill all those new sailings the're offering a great promo including their Go Best package (premium bev + grats + internet + $300 obc) plus reduced deposits and a loyalty credit for captains club members. Hopefully the sailing you're looking at is one of those. They are also offering a similar package on most of their Caribbean sailings this Nov and Dec for higher end cabins (cc, aq & suite) on several ships. Would be a great opportunity to give them a try.

[George C]

We did Solstice about 5 years ago, really was disappointed on the entertainment, did not care for food in MDR. But great specialty restaurants, also nice buffet ( way better than RCCL), very quite relaxing music by pool which my wife loved. Very pretty ships.

I would give it try, I am sure we will try them again sooner or later

[FirstCruise2331]

Currently have two future cruises booked on Equinox.

 

In our experience Royal crowd is a bit younger and more active. Lots of focus on families. Shows and live music are better.

 

X crowd a touch older and more relaxed. Have really enjoyed guest lecturers. On Eclipse last march we had a naturalist and former nfl ref Bob Mcelwee speaking on sea days. Food is arguably better especially the buffet.

 

X recently decided not to send Equinox to Europe next summer. Instead she will sail the Caribbean year round. Because they need to fill all those new sailings the're offering a great promo including their Go Best package (premium bev + grats + internet + $300 obc) plus reduced deposits and a loyalty credit for captains club members. Hopefully the sailing you're looking at is one of those. They are also offering a similar package on most of their Caribbean sailings this Nov and Dec for higher end cabins (cc, aq & suite) on several ships. Would be a great opportunity to give them a try.

 

Thanks for the insights. Not sure if offers are different for Uk / Ireland bookings like RC but we are getting drinks package, no OBC. The price through TA with flights via London and hotel night before and after in Miami is good value.

[Scotty G]

Equinox is in our top three favorite ships. She is more refined than RCI ships as is her crew. Some think it is too laid back compared to RCI; however, we enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere when doing active port days!

[FirstCruise2331]

We did Solstice about 5 years ago, really was disappointed on the entertainment, did not care for food in MDR. But great specialty restaurants, also nice buffet ( way better than RCCL), very quite relaxing music by pool which my wife loved. Very pretty ships.

I would give it try, I am sure we will try them again sooner or later

 

Thanks for the insights. Can prob get past the poorer entertainment with the itinary.. we havent been to the Caribbean so be nice to see all the islands.

[lazydayz]

OP, there is a specialty bar and the drinks were amazing. Again, it closes fairly early but make sure to find the first part of the week. We found it around day 4, and the rest of the week, we were there every day when it opened at 5. Awesome experience.

[vedettes1]

I will soon take my first cruise on RCCL, so cannot make a comparison yet. But we have been on Equinox in Europe and both Equinox and Reflection in Caribbean. Can say that the MDR food is generally good. Surprisingly (at least to me) fish dishes have been consistently excellent; beef less so. For whatever reason, the vibe on Equinox was more refined, Reflection more active. As food is a big deal to us, we will go on X any chance we get. (The Murano specialty restaurant is super. It is French despite the Italian name.)

Edited August 5, 2016 by vedettes1

[FirstCruise2331]

Equinox is in our top three favorite ships. She is more refined than RCI ships as is her crew. Some think it is too laid back compared to RCI; however, we enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere when doing active port days!

 

With over 100 cruises she must be a good ship to make your top 3!

[FirstCruise2331]

OP, there is a specialty bar and the drinks were amazing. Again, it closes fairly early but make sure to find the first part of the week. We found it around day 4, and the rest of the week, we were there every day when it opened at 5. Awesome experience.

 

Will check it out thanks!

[Langley Cruisers]

We are longtime RCI cruisers who tried Celebrity Solstice last year to Alaska. Oh my gosh.... LOVED IT!!!! Beautiful ship, amazing food, and incredible service. The buffet was wonderful and they have an Eggs Benedict bar - not kidding! - phenomenal.

 

I looked it up and I see Equinox offers the Hot Glass Blowing show, which is incredible.

 

Yeah... I don't think there is anything we didn't love. Their no-indoor-smoking policy was the clincher - it was great to walk into the casino and not be overcome with smoke. ;) If you are at all sensitive as we are, it makes a huge difference.

 

The itinerary is wonderful and 11 nights is just nice. :)

 

Have fun if you decide to do it.

[Scotty G]

OP, there is a specialty bar and the drinks were amazing. Again, it closes fairly early but make sure to find the first part of the week. We found it around day 4, and the rest of the week, we were there every day when it opened at 5. Awesome experience.

 

Perhaps you are talking about the Martini Bar with its ice top. It has been very popular on our cruises. The top is melted and redone every night.

 

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[Snit13]

Hi, We have sailed ALL of the Solstice class ships of Celebrity and absolutely love them. We are Celebrity Elite+ and know much more about Celebrity than about RCCL. Our least favorite is the Reflection and our favorite is Silhouette even though they are basically the same ship design.

 

If possible, sail AQUA class as you will have your own dining room BLU which has great food. We have not eaten in MDR in years so can't really speak for food there. Our favorite Specialty restaurant is Muranos but we also like Tuscan Grille.

 

We have also sailed in suites on 2 cruises on Celebrity with butler service and that was a great experience.

 

Glad to answer any specific questions you have if I know the answer. As has been reported entertainment is not so great but we would rather meet fellow cruisers over an adult beverage than go to a show. Have seen some excellent duos and trios in the lounges over the years.

 

Grace

[whitshel]

Long time RCCL cruisers, we tried the Celebrity Eclipse and absolutley loved it. Not necessarily better just different and a good different!

 

Check out my picture review of her from a few years ago in my sugnature. :D

[Pipo]

Based on my experience on Celebrity Reflection, I can say Celebrity has better food, at least in the MDR (can't comment on specialty restaurants). Better selection of shops on board, and itineraries. Regular cabins are slightly larger. But Celebrity is boring, since it caters an older crowd, while RCI has the best entertainment in the industry.

 

The service and cleanliness on board Celebrity is exceptionally good, I found it comparable with five-stars or luxury hotels (e.g. Four Seasons Hotels).