Any Royal cruisers tried Celebrity Solstice class?

[aml716]

My best friend and I (32yrs at the time) sailed on the eclipse as a girls getaway. Food was excellent. We didn't realize our sailing was a guest chef themed cruise.

 

Decor rooms shops etc were modern and classy.

 

Entertainment was great. We made the most of it; but found the crowd to be much older.

 

Def recommend booking an aqua class room. (Loved the Persian garden!)

 

It would be a great trip for a couple; def not for families (i'd recommend rccl).

 

Id go with celebrity if you want a laid back; quiet cruise

 

I'd stick with rccl if you want a bit of excitement and energy.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited August 6, 2016 by aml716

[MissMapp]

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.

 

 

My husband and I have been on the Equinox three times and on the Solstice once. (As an aside, we're going on our first Royal Caribbean cruise next week.) For later night adult beverages, the Martini Bar on Deck 4 will be the place to go. It's very social and lively.

[nacdcruiser]

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.

 

If our adult kids and/or grandkids are with us, RC for sure. For my wife and I (mid 50s) the two Solstice class sailings we've done (14 day Southern Caribbean and 7 day Alaska), we LOVED them both. Based on the criteria you're looking for, my guess is at the end of this 11 day sailing is that it will be one of your favorites and you'll want to be planning another.

 

John

[Sam's Mom]

We've done the Eclipse 3 times and Equinox once. We love the Solstice class! I think it's great for a couple with no kids. The Martini Bar is our favorite late night venue and I don't recall it closing before midnight. We love both Quisine and Murano restaurants.

 

We now have a 4 year old son, so our next cruise is on the Allure. While we will enjoy this cruise I am hoping to get back on a Solstice class ship when our son is older.

[rhuntington3]

Yes, Solstice class on Celebrity are really nice ships. We sailed Eclipse back in 2011.

[Merly]

We are long time Royal cruisers and we sailed on Solstice last year out of Sydney. As it was mostly Australians the nightlife was definitely not quiet. We sailed over Halloween and some of the costumes some wore were brilliant. The ship is lovely, a notch above Royal (in my opinion) in all aspects. Food excellent in all venues, we enjoyed Tuscan Grill. I especially enjoyed Cafe al Bacio where the coffee is included in the drinks package. We always went there for coffee and desert after dinner each night.

We are going on the Eclipse to the Fiords next year and expect that to be a little quieter. But we are going with an adult family group and are looking forward to showing them the ship.

I am sure you will love it.

[FirstCruise2331]

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.)

 

Thanks, food is important to us too, we just are not fussy so always find something we like.will do one or two speciality venues so will check out The Murano. Hope you enjoy your first RC cruise.

[KeywestK]

I enjoyed our Eclipse cruise and thought the Solstice-class is beautiful, well-appointed, and just a classy overall experience. We went to two of the specialty restaurants, Tuscan Grill and Muranos, and thought they were both head and shoulders better than the specialty restaurants on RCI. Certainly food is subjective, but that was my opinion. We were not impressed with the food in the MDR.

 

We had no problem finding loungers at the pool, and there were many shady areas. Great design.

 

Where RCI shines is entertainment. We love RCI's entertainment, and just thought that the shows offered on Celebrity were mediocre at best. It was a 14-night cruise, and they were hard pressed to put on a really good show for that period of time. My DH described the evening atmosphere on Celebrity as "quiet."

 

As for dinners in RCI's MDRs, again subjective, but OK. Definitely not the quality it was years ago.

 

It's always nice to branch out and try something different. I'm sure you will enjoy cruising on Celebrity's Solstice-class. Just go in with an open mind and enjoy the experience.

[micmacmissy]

The Solstice class on Celebrity is a great choice.

 

Not sure why people say there is nothing happening on Celebrity late night- bars and dance venues open til 2am...how much later do you want to go?

 

We find the overall atmosphere to be more refined...there are fewer announcements, no belly flops contests by the pool, no cheesy take-off-your-bra game show events in the theatre. One of the things we love the most is the live music and the nice bar venues. People tend to follow the dress code. Service is great too.

 

For food- be sure to go to Murano, Qsine (if you are in a group of 4 or more) and definitely Lawn Club Grill. The food is great. Tip: the buffet area has homemade, hard-scoop ice cream, FREE, all the time. Rotating flavors. It is FANTASTIC.

 

As far as entertainment...I have yet to see a even a 1/2way decent show on a cruise ship. To me they are all slightly cheesy, high-school caliber performances. Living in New York City really spoils you for entertainment anywhere else. I guess if you've never seen a show in NYC, Vegas, London, or any other big city, you might like it. ;) (Headed on Oasis class next, so we'll see if I feel differently about that)!

[silentbob007]

I really enjoy the Solstice class ... especially the older ships in the class that still have the hot glass show. You'll find that Royal took their Quantum-class buffet layout pretty much straight from the layout on the Solstice class.

[existentialtraveler]

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.

 

We have been on many RCI and many Celebrity cruises, in all the different class of ships (except for Oasis class) and we loved them all. The only thing we like more about Celebrity is that the drink packages are often included in the price as a "perk." In the next 14 months, we will have sailed on the Summit for 14 days, the Serenade of the Seas for 10 days, and the Equinox for 10 days. Here is my youtube channel with videos of all the various ships we have been on. https://www.youtube.com/user/existentialtraveler

Lots of food, ship, and shore pics on all of them.

Edited August 6, 2016 by existentialtraveler

[north29]

I cannot speak for the ship you questioned but most are basically the same except for size.

RC ships are geared to many activities, x's ships have activities but more geared to mature adults of any age, unfortunately not many physically active activities, and yes not enough regular type of activities. Standard thing to do, like the movie theater are too crowded some people stay all day. As I said RC seems to be geared more to activities, but sometimes lacks service and this IMHO is the "main" difference. FOOD again IMHO about the same some better and some not so good. Types of food, like Miso soup and other unique dishes RC seems to win, but this varies from ship to ship and it's management. For example, on a recent cruise with RC, we had the best Miso soup every, well on a cruise ship, the Captain every morning, was in the WJ and guess what he was eating. The scrambles eggs on X are great LOL.

 

All in all it is a truly different experience and we enjoy X and are long time RC cruisers

Edited August 6, 2016 by north29

[SWFL Cruisers]

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.

 

I am 56 and my Bride is 50, we loved RCL until we sailed Celebrity. After seeing what you like in your post I know you will love Celebrity. We have sailed on the Equinox and the Reflection and think it is perfect for our style of cruising, good food, good music, relaxing atmosphere. and great service.Cheers!

[jules815]

The Solstice class on Celebrity is a great choice.

 

Not sure why people say there is nothing happening on Celebrity late night- bars and dance venues open til 2am...how much later do you want to go?

 

We find the overall atmosphere to be more refined...there are fewer announcements, no belly flops contests by the pool, no cheesy take-off-your-bra game show events in the theatre. One of the things we love the most is the live music and the nice bar venues. People tend to follow the dress code. Service is great too.

 

For food- be sure to go to Murano, Qsine (if you are in a group of 4 or more) and definitely Lawn Club Grill. The food is great. Tip: the buffet area has homemade, hard-scoop ice cream, FREE, all the time. Rotating flavors. It is FANTASTIC.

 

As far as entertainment...I have yet to see a even a 1/2way decent show on a cruise ship. To me they are all slightly cheesy, high-school caliber performances. Living in New York City really spoils you for entertainment anywhere else. I guess if you've never seen a show in NYC, Vegas, London, or any other big city, you might like it. ;) (Headed on Oasis class next, so we'll see if I feel differently about that)!

 

Exactly! I sailed earlier this year with X for the first time on Constellation, an M class ship, with my 22 year old daughter. I thought it was going to be a total snooze fest for her, and was worried that maybe we should have stuck with RC. Quite the contrary...she had a ball and we loved it. There was live music poolside on sea days, people were dancing. We didn't miss the hairy chest or belly flop contests at all. The Martini Bar was hopping every night, and they had events with a live band every night in their equivalent of the Viking Crown.

 

Thought the food and service was very good. Loved that they have a poolside grill. All the little nice touches that gave it a more upscale feel. Welcome glass of champagne or a mimosa when you boarded the ship, chilled towels passed out poolside. No smoking anywhere inside the ship, including the casino. You could walk through without coming out on the other side smelling like a dirty ashtray.

 

(And as far as shows go, I live in Chicago, so we have access to really good theater all the time too. I never go on a cruise expecting to be blown away with their productions.)

[eel]

We are D+ on Royal and have three Celebrity cruises under our belt (all on Solstice class). We have several more cruises booked on both lines.

 

I agree with most of the comparisons here. We love the activities and entertainment on Royal. We also like the fun vibe on the ship. For example, the piano bar can be a highlight of the cruise if there is a good entertainer playing. On Celebrity the lounge entertainers are not very engaging.

 

Celebrity has better food and a more laid back attitude. The decor is classier. That said they can get a little full of themselves. For example when they have a theme night it may be a show in the centrum. On Royal there is more audience participation.

 

We love both lines but the experiences are different. We did a transpacific on Solstice and after a long run of sea days we found it boring. Later we did a Med cruise on Equinox which was port intensive and loved it. Now we tend to book Celebrity for more port intensive cruises and Royal for cruises with a lot of sea days.

Edited August 6, 2016 by eel

[Balloon Man]

We have travelled in suites on both lines. It's a far superior experience on Celebrity. Suites have their own Luminae dining room (as does Aqua Class with Blu) and the private Michael's Club where you can drink yourself silly all day at no cost even if you don't have a drink package.

 

But for entertainment, especially if you are taking kids (which we are on IoS next week), then RCCL is a better choice.

[PNW Traveler]

We are D+ on Royal and have three Celebrity cruises under our belt (all on Solstice class). We have several more cruises booked on both lines.

 

I agree with most of the comparisons here. We love the activities and entertainment on Royal. We also like the fun vibe on the ship. For example, the piano bar can be a highlight of the cruise if there is a good entertainer playing. On Celebrity the lounge entertainers are not very engaging.

 

Celebrity has better food and a more laid back attitude. The decor is classier. That said they can get a little full of themselves. For example when they have a theme night it may be a show in the centrum. On Royal there is more audience participation.

 

We love both lines but the experiences are different. We did a transpacific on Solstice and after a long run of sea days we found it boring. Later we did a Med cruise on Equinox which was port intensive and loved it. Now we tend to book Celebrity for more port intensive cruises and Royal for cruises with a lot of sea days.

 

Totally agree with you. Our favorite ships are Royal's Radiance class. They never seem crowded and offer amazing views because of so much glass. On sea days and inclement weather days the glass is a welcome design feature.

We have cruised many cruises on both Celebrity and Royal. We started cruising in our 40's and are now in our 60's. While we enjoy Celebrity and its occasionally interesting new itineraries, we find that Celebrity is a bit too subdued for us, and sometimes boring.

For a special cruise, I would choose a romantic itinerary, either cruise line, preferably 10 days or more. Choose an itinerary where, at least in some ports, you can walk off the ship and stroll through the streets of an "old town." I'd avoid itineraries where most of the sightseeing is an hour's bus ride from the dock. Choose an interesting departure or arrival port and add a couple of days in a nice inn or hotel.

Get to know your ship and its offerings before you sail. If you like to dance and like certain types of music, then ask questions here on Cruise Critic. Celebrity was doing more acoustic guitar and string quartet than rock/blues/jazz, but they may have more varied offerings on your cruise. Royal always has a great piano player in the Schooner Bar. On our most recent Royal cruise he could play any song from almost any genre. There were good bands for dancing in the lounges.

If you choose Royal, budget for the Chef's Table, a super evening of good food and fine wine. Royal's other specialty restaurant offerings are far less $$ than Celebrity; both offer an opportunity for a special dining experience.

Good luck with your choice and have a wonderful cruise.

[dani negreanu]

We r foodies and enjoyed the food on Equinox -- everywhere.

 

Also, the hot glass shows were so riveting, we preferred to see them, and grab something at the buffet. We went twice, and every time they made different items, explaining all the stages - very interesting.

 

It was only DH and me (65, 66 years).

 

The quality of entertainment is not important to us, mainly in a port intensive cruise.

[KathyL2537]

Agree with what others say. We did a similar Caribbean itinerary on Equinox year before last and LOVED it. We just got back from 2nd RCCL cruise and it did not compare - not even close. Loved the grass lawn on the Equinox and the glass blowing shows- just fascinating. Food, service, drinks- all were way better on Celebrity.

[Scotty G]

The Solstice class on Celebrity is a great choice.

 

Not sure why people say there is nothing happening on Celebrity late night- bars and dance venues open til 2am...how much later do you want to go?

 

We find the overall atmosphere to be more refined...there are fewer announcements, no belly flops contests by the pool, no cheesy take-off-your-bra game show events in the theatre. One of the things we love the most is the live music and the nice bar venues. People tend to follow the dress code. Service is great too.

 

For food- be sure to go to Murano, Qsine (if you are in a group of 4 or more) and definitely Lawn Club Grill. The food is great. Tip: the buffet area has homemade, hard-scoop ice cream, FREE, all the time. Rotating flavors. It is FANTASTIC.

 

As far as entertainment...I have yet to see a even a 1/2way decent show on a cruise ship. To me they are all slightly cheesy, high-school caliber performances. Living in New York City really spoils you for entertainment anywhere else. I guess if you've never seen a show in NYC, Vegas, London, or any other big city, you might like it. ;) (Headed on Oasis class next, so we'll see if I feel differently about that)!

 

I agree with most said; however, Equinox had a great show "Equinox" that was designed just for that ship. It has to be seen to be appreciated!!

 

Also, Bistro on 5 is a must do. It is open on embarkation day (maybe around 1:00PM). We enjoyed that and Muranos was superb!!! I usually don't do dining recommendations as things do change day to day but I don't believe I am taking any risk with these!

 

Oh and the Ice Cream place does close promptly at 10:00PM. I have disappointed myself more than once showing up a few minutes late :(

 

 

This is on the Constellation but very similar to Equinox.

Edited August 6, 2016 by Scotty G

[micmacmissy]

Oh yeah...another awesome perk on Celebrity...

 

"Mast Grill" which serves up hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, cooked to order with toppings- even friend onions....with French fries on the side. So good...and free!

[rhuntington3]

I agree with most said; however, Equinox had a great show "Equinox" that was designed just for that ship. It has to be seen to be appreciated!!

 

Also, Bistro on 5 is a must do. It is open on embarkation day (maybe around 1:00PM). We enjoyed that and Muranos was superb!!! I usually don't do dining recommendations as things do change day to day but I don't believe I am taking any risk with these!

 

Oh and the Ice Cream place does close promptly at 10:00PM. I have disappointed myself more than once showing up a few minutes late :(

 

 

This is on the Constellation but very similar to Equinox.

 

Sadly, Sushi on Five is replacing Bistro on Five.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=7072

[nealstuber]

No but we'd really like to soon. Does anyone know if a RCCL next cruise booking can be transferred to X? We book an Allure cruise as a place holder on the Liberty back in May, but RCCL bar service (that I would have to pay for) has me itching to take a Solstice Class cruise with free drinks instead.

[Clarea]

No but we'd really like to soon. Does anyone know if a RCCL next cruise booking can be transferred to X? We book an Allure cruise as a place holder on the Liberty back in May, but RCCL bar service (that I would have to pay for) has me itching to take a Solstice Class cruise with free drinks instead.

I've read that you can transfer deposits between the cruise lines, but I don''t know if your perks (OBC for booking on board) will transfer.

[funship freddy]

Never been on a bad cruise. Just some are better than others :D Sailed Allure in April. Great cruise. RCCL isn't Celebrity though. We have sailed Eclipse and Reflection. Loved the Lawn Club Grill and the Sunset Bar. Currently booked on Silhouette in January 2017 and Equinox in October 2017 (great perks!). I vote Celebrity heads above RCCL. JMHO :D:D