Solstice Xmas/NYE Cruise Review

[TxnAquarian]

The itinerary for 12 days from Sydney - Sydney was wonderful. We loved New Zealand and can’t wait to return. NZ definitely needs to be savored and not just touched upon, with just four ports. We loved each of the ports, and had a magical day in Milford Sound with absolutely perfect weather. Captain Tasos skillfully guided us around the Sounds and got us closer to one of the waterfalls than I’ve ever seen a large ship get.

 

 

Speaking of Captain Tasos, he’s absolutely hilarious and quite a celebrity himself. The Norwegian Jewel was following us for a few ports, and in jest, he kept saying he wanted to get rid of them. So on the last day we were in port with them (Wellington), he made an announcement that he was going to leave first so that we could do donuts in front of the Jewel and blast them really loud with the horn.... and we did! He’s a great guy and keeps a nice energy on the ship.

 

 

We’ve always cruised in suites before, but Celebrity’s pricing keeps going up and so we opted for Aqua Class this time. We didn’t find the room to be much more cramped than a Sky Suite, but the bathroom definitely was. We enjoyed Blu. Food quality was good and consistent, but we found the menus a little boring. We just chose Murano or Tuscan on the nights we got bored with Blu. We did Silk Harvest once - as usual, it was just mediocre.

 

 

The Oceanview Cafe becomes more and more of a chaotic scene of animals attacking the trough. All manners and sense of space go out the window at this venue. This cruise, for the first time, I couldn’t even find a seat most times I was in the there. The food quality continues to go downhill. And drink service was nearly non-existent. It was so chaotic in there, that one day I left a full can of Diet Coke and half a plate of food on the table as I went to get water, and it had all been cleared by the time I returned.

 

 

The rooms are starting to look very tired and definitely need an update. But the ship, overall, still looks great. The Solarium is still my favorite venue on any ship, while the Martini Bar is my least favorite. I’m 40 years old and not some 90 year old grandpa, but my God, that venue is obnoxious. And the bartenders make it worse by doing tricks and smashing glasses and ringing a bell and riling up the crowd. This, on top of the music. Luckily, there are other quiet places to go hide.

 

 

Service was hit-or-miss. The staff in Blu could not have been lovlier or tried harder. We had dinner in Luminae one night, and same thing. Bar service was slow all around the ship, with staff asking me to wait. And I don’t drink alcohol - this was just for a bottle of water. Staff were very defensive and argumentative if an issue arouse - like when, twice, we didn’t get our express laundry back by 5pm. I was interrogated by one of the staff when my room key didn’t work on the scanner disembarking in a port. He asked if it was my key, where I got it, well it wasn’t working so it must not be my key. It was really awkward.

 

 

Overall, Celebrity is a mixed bag. We have been mixing our cruises up with smaller ships, like Azamara and Silversea, and have been enjoying those more. I love the gym and spa facilities on Celebrity, along with the opportunities for socializing. But the ships feel more and more chaotic and the nickle and diming is getting out of hand - charging $20 for a shuttle into town is the biggest scam I’ve ever heard of.

 

We won’t be back to Celebrity until 2019 (and that one might get changed), but we’ve learned it’s great to focus more on itinerary and get the excitement of different ships. It’s not like we’ll ever hit Zenith anyway lol We just feel fortunate to be able to have the time and money to see the world now while we’re young. There is no bad vacation.

 

 

Michael

[easyboy]

Glad you enjoyed your NZ itinerary ports. Appreciate the feedback!

 

 

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[Georgia_Peaches]

I read your post twice and can't determine which ship you're on. Is it the Constellation? Seems like I remember Cptn. Tasos from one of our trips. Your itinerary sounds amazing!

[jelayne]

The Solstice is sailing the Australia/ NZ itineraries.

[TxnAquarian]

I read your post twice and can't determine which ship you're on. Is it the Constellation? Seems like I remember Cptn. Tasos from one of our trips. Your itinerary sounds amazing!

 

We are on the Solstice. New Zealand far-surpassed my expectations! Already looking at smaller ships for another NZ cruise.

[Ex-vogue model]

Hi there, I’m currently on this cruise with you and can echo most of your comments. We are in a corner aft suite and it’s beautiful. Yep there is a little bit of wear and tear here and there. The attendant is wonderful and can’t do enough for us and we are very low maintenance compared to some I’ve bumped into in Michaels Club [emoji6][emoji6]. Service in Luminae is superb as is the food. Did murano and still prefer Luminae. Service around the ship is hit and miss. Don’t go near the Martini Bar - stayed in the ensemble lounge to hear the jazz which was fab and service too. Won a few times in the casino at the beginning of the cruise but then our luck started to run out so swerved it the last few nights. Nice to see a Tiffany shop on board but didn’t buy anything just looked! In all, the itinerary has been wonderful, capt Tassos is one of the best captains I’ve encountered with a wicked sense of humour! Have booked 3 more cruises [emoji568] n board so get the great package deal, one with Azamara which is a totally different experience altogether. Loved the Solstice - wish the weather had been a little less bumpy and rainyvacross the Tasman but hey it could be worse! Sad to go home but need to work to pay for the cruises[emoji30][emoji30] Happy New Year!

 

 

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[Clarea]

I enjoyed your report/review. Happy New Year!

[Keith1010]

Glad you enjoyed the cruise and thank you for writing and sharing your review/report.

 

Keith

[oskarNZ]

We are on the Solstice. New Zealand far-surpassed my expectations! Already looking at smaller ships for another NZ cruise.

 

Thanks for your report and pleased to hear you enjoyed NZ.

 

Do consider a road trip for a second visit to NZ. As much as I love cruising, I would argue that the best of this country is hidden far from the cruise ports. :)

[YvonneM1967]

Great trip report - we were recently on Solstice Hawaii to Sydney in October and loved her - but alas Captain Tasos did not captain our ship - we have booked the Xmas/NY cruise for 2018 (this year!) and can’t wait - we hope that we will experience Captain Tasos and his humour - we have heard much about him!!

[banzaii]

We are on the Solstice. New Zealand far-surpassed my expectations! Already looking at smaller ships for another NZ cruise.

 

 

 

Might I suggest allowing some extra time for land based touring in NZ. Cruising gives a great taste of what is on offer in Australia and NZ but always leaves me wishing I had more time.

 

Perhaps a TP cruise that disembarks in Auckland...

[cruise47]

What a great trip report and wishing everyone a Happy New Year and #1 Good Health.:)(y)

[TxnAquarian]

Might I suggest allowing some extra time for land based touring in NZ. Cruising gives a great taste of what is on offer in Australia and NZ but always leaves me wishing I had more time.

 

Perhaps a TP cruise that disembarks in Auckland...

 

Our vacation time is only limited to two weeks, but next time we will do an overland tour option from one of the ports. One was offered on this cruise, but I didn’t know about it as I book tours about 6 months out, and this one opened up just weeks before our sailing. I was really disappointed not to know about it.

 

Michael

[lovestx]

Thanks for the review. We are booked on a similar cruise on Solstice in March 2019. Planning at least a week before embarking on it to tour the South Island. And will stay beyond in Australia.

 

Some of your negative experiences give me pause but am hoping that Solstice might get a refresh by the time we are on her. Have to say that we have always really enjoyed the Martini Bar and Blu (though the repeating menus can get a bit boring!).

[Muushka]

Speaking of Captain Tasos, he’s absolutely hilarious and quite a celebrity himself. The Norwegian Jewel was following us for a few ports, and in jest, he kept saying he wanted to get rid of them. So on the last day we were in port with them (Wellington), he made an announcement that he was going to leave first so that we could do donuts in front of the Jewel and blast them really loud with the horn.... and we did! He’s a great guy and keeps a nice energy on the ship.

Love this!!

 

I read what you wrote to my (way too technical) husband and he wondered if the Captain 'pivoted' rather than driving around in circles? In other words just using the bow thrusters.

Either way it is hilarious! Loved your report. Fair and balanced. Perfect!