Solstice LIVE (3/18) Suite Review w/ Kid: Mexican Riviera w/ Mini Me

[GenerationX]

Friends I am beginning to think that there is a third certainty in life and it is American Airlines flight complications.

 

Just as our bus pulled up to LAX I received the dreaded notification that our flight home has been pushed out nearly 2 hours to a 7:30pm departure which won’t land us in STL until 1am.  Luckily tomorrow isn’t a school day so Gen Z will be able to catch up on sleep (and since our bodies are on LA time it won’t feel like she’s up very much later than she’s been partying in camp at sea the past couple of nights).

 

I know many don’t see the value in an admirals club membership but to me it’s priceless especially in situations like this and especially when traveling with a child. 

 

The thought of trying to kill 4 hours hanging out in the bustle, uncomfortable seats and expensive restaurants of the LAX terminal with a semi-exhausted kid sends shivers up my spine.

 

This is my first time in the Terminal 4 admirals club and while it’s on the smaller side, I like it.  Lots of open windows, a quiet area (where we’ve set up camp) and a few more menu options than some of the other clubs.  Gen Z is having a second late lunch and relaxing with the iPad while I do some catch up posting.

 

This morning after a final breakfast in Luminae and delivery of Gen Z’s custom made thank you envelopes (I think this is my first cruise where I didn’t see our cabin steward or our butler the last morning, so we just left theirs in the room), we said goodbye to her cruise bestie who gave her a goodbye gift from the ship’s gift shop of a bracelet that lets her track a real shark in the wild.  Her mom and I connected on FB and Insta so that we could swap addresses and the girls can become penpals. I know, sweetness overload.

 

Then we headed to the celebrity theater to meet our group for our post cruise excursion.

 

The terminal was using facial recognition so customs was lightening fast at 8:30am with very little line for US passport travelers.

 

After getting our bags and clearing customs we were lead out to the coach for our excursion: the Beverly Hills, Malibu and Santa Monica sight seeing bus tour.  

 

The bus looked brand new and spotless and had full seatbelts and phone charging ports at each seat.

 

I’m not sure who got a bigger thrill out of Beverly Hills, Gen Z or me.  Our bus parked near a park with public restrooms and we had 45 minutes to explore Rodeo Drive on our own.

 

Remember my whole philosophical musing at the beginning of the review about cruising > things?

 

Well, I had to remind myself of that during our entire walk.  I swear the Dior is even more beautiful glistening in the California sunlight.

 

It’s a really good thing we only had 45 minutes and that I have final payment for our July cruise and Jeremy and I’s Rome flights to book next month.  I could have done serious damage to our financial future.  As it was, all I purchased was a popsicle for Gen Z at an ice cream truck outside of Gucci (and even that cost $7, welcome to Beverly Hills, folks).

 

After Beverly Hills we took a drive up and down the pacific coast highway while our awesome tour guide Jon played beach boys music and told us about the history of the LA area and its different neighborhoods and cultures.  

 

He even sprinkled in some fun Hollywood gossip like pointing out the church where Elizabeth Taylor had her 7th wedding and the bar and grill where Mel Gibson had several too many before making an absolute disgrace of himself to the LAPD and the world.

 

The visibility was so good we could even see Catalina Island and the site of our much less enjoyable excursion a few days before.

 

In Santa Monica we had an hour and a half to either go to the amusement park on the pier or check out the shopping district.  It looked like the pier was shoulder to shoulder crowds of people so Gen Z and I browsed in Nordstrom and went to a few souvenir shops in the shopping district then grabbed some very good NYC style pizza at a little hole in the wall by the slice shop that our guide recommended.  Everyone in our group got back to the bus a few minutes early so our guide and driver threw in a quick drive through Venice Beach to show us the murals, canals and the famous Muscle Beach.

 

When we got to the airport the bus made stops to drop off at each terminal and we arrived at the AA check in desk a little after 2pm.  

 

I was very happy with the excursion for the price I paid (especially since when we left the ship Uber was showing surge pricing to LAX of almost $100 pre-tip.  This excursion wasn’t much more than that (free for me as I booked it with OBC) and it definitely beat spending all morning in the airport (and what I now know would’ve been an even longer day killing time here).

 

I’m going to go grab another cocktail then will start working on my reports on our last night onboard and final thoughts on the cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[terrydtx]

10 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Friends I am beginning to think that there is a third certainty in life and it is American Airlines flight complications.

 

Just as our bus pulled up to LAX I received the dreaded notification that our flight home has been pushed out nearly 2 hours to a 7:30pm departure which won’t land us in STL until 1am.  Luckily tomorrow isn’t a school day so Gen Z will be able to catch up on sleep (and since our bodies are on LA time it won’t feel like she’s up very much later than she’s been partying in camp at sea the past couple of nights).

 

I know many don’t see the value in an admirals club membership but to me it’s priceless especially in situations like this and especially when traveling with a child. 

 

The thought of trying to kill 4 hours hanging out in the bustle, uncomfortable seats and expensive restaurants of the LAX terminal with a semi-exhausted kid sends shivers up my spine.

 

This is my first time in the Terminal 4 admirals club and while it’s on the smaller side, I like it.  Lots of open windows, a quiet area (where we’ve set up camp) and a few more menu options than some of the other clubs.  Gen Z is having a second late lunch and relaxing with the iPad while I do some catch up posting.

 

This morning after a final breakfast in Luminae and delivery of Gen Z’s custom made thank you envelopes (I think this is my first cruise where I didn’t see our cabin steward or our butler the last morning, so we just left theirs in the room), we said goodbye to her cruise bestie who gave her a goodbye gift from the ship’s gift shop of a bracelet that lets her track a real shark in the wild.  Her mom and I connected on FB and Insta so that we could swap addresses and the girls can become penpals. I know, sweetness overload.

 

Then we headed to the celebrity theater to meet our group for our post cruise excursion.

 

The terminal was using facial recognition so customs was lightening fast at 8:30am with very little line for US passport travelers.

 

After getting our bags and clearing customs we were lead out to the coach for our excursion: the Beverly Hills, Malibu and Santa Monica sight seeing bus tour.  

 

The bus looked brand new and spotless and had full seatbelts and phone charging ports at each seat.

 

I’m not sure who got a bigger thrill out of Beverly Hills, Gen Z or me.  Our bus parked near a park with public restrooms and we had 45 minutes to explore Rodeo Drive on our own.

 

Remember my whole philosophical musing at the beginning of the review about cruising > things?

 

Well, I had to remind myself of that during our entire walk.  I swear the Dior is even more beautiful glistening in the California sunlight.

 

It’s a really good thing we only had 45 minutes and that I have final payment for our July cruise and Jeremy and I’s Rome flights to book next month.  I could have done serious damage to our financial future.  As it was, all I purchased was a popsicle for Gen Z at an ice cream truck outside of Gucci (and even that cost $7, welcome to Beverly Hills, folks).

 

After Beverly Hills we took a drive up and down the pacific coast highway while our awesome tour guide Jon played beach boys music and told us about the history of the LA area and its different neighborhoods and cultures.  

 

He even sprinkled in some fun Hollywood gossip like pointing out the church where Elizabeth Taylor had her 7th wedding and the bar and grill where Mel Gibson had several too many before making an absolute disgrace of himself to the LAPD and the world.

 

The visibility was so good we could even see Catalina Island and the site of our much less enjoyable excursion a few days before.

 

In Santa Monica we had an hour and a half to either go to the amusement park on the pier or check out the shopping district.  It looked like the pier was shoulder to shoulder crowds of people so Gen Z and I browsed in Nordstrom and went to a few souvenir shops in the shopping district then grabbed some very good NYC style pizza at a little hole in the wall by the slice shop that our guide recommended.  Everyone in our group got back to the bus a few minutes early so our guide and driver threw in a quick drive through Venice Beach to show us the murals, canals and the famous Muscle Beach.

 

When we got to the airport the bus made stops to drop off at each terminal and we arrived at the AA check in desk a little after 2pm.  

 

I was very happy with the excursion for the price I paid (especially since when we left the ship Uber was showing surge pricing to LAX of almost $100 pre-tip.  This excursion wasn’t much more than that (free for me as I booked it with OBC) and it definitely beat spending all morning in the airport (and what I now know would’ve been an even longer day killing time here).

 

I’m going to go grab another cocktail then will start working on my reports on our last night onboard and final thoughts on the cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your post cruise tour of LA was very nostalgic for me, I grew up in the 1960's in Hollywood and even graduated from Hollywood High School in 1968. I spent many days at the beaches around Malibu and the amusement park at Santa Monica. I was born in Santa Monica Hospital. Seeing how much fun Gen Z had can't wait for our June Equinox cruise when we will take our 12 year old granddaughter on her first cruise. I know she will be spending a lot of time in the kids club meeting new friends. Safe Travels home and I can't wait to follow along in your next cruise adventure.

[hcat]

hope you made it home... and had time for Gen Z to rest up before school

 

 I  am intrigued by the tracker bracelet..details?  Our g-son is into sharks, whales etc.   Whale exhibit at NYC Museum of Nat History is on his

"short list"  Maybe NYC would be a fun weekend for Gen Z??

[asnaleah]

Safe travels home. Loved your LA pictures! Sad my Bruins aren’t playing basketball today!

[scrapcreator]

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your Live from the Solstice report. What a wonderful experience for you and your daughter.

 

Safe travels home.

[gizmo42]

Thank you for taking the time to post this wonderful trip report! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pictures were great, especially you and Gen Z in matching dresses. It was easy to tell you both had a fun time. Safe travels home. Can't wait for your next adventure!

[cinderellen]

Last night I was thinking how lucky Gen Z was to meet a new friend and my mind went to being pen pals. I checked myself as I realized that was something I would have done in the 60’s. I was so glad you mentioned it. Thanks for another great trip report and safe travels home. 

[vickykay]

Thanks for sharing your trip.  Looking forward to the next one!

[DaKahuna]

@GenerationX Thank you sharing another wonderful experience with us.  It was fun following along with the adventures you and your beautiful daughter experienced on this cruise.   I am very much looking forward to following along on your next experience.  

 

Just a side note - I refuse to fly three airlines -- Spirit, Frontier, and American.  I have not had good experiences on those and will go out of my way to avoid flying on them. 

[zitsky]

It can be nice to have a break from your spouse.  Mine’s away for a week and I get to eat pizza.  We’re still together after 32 years.

 

(Does he read Cruise Critic?). 😳

[westcoastsue]

Charla - I’ve been reading your reviews for a while now and I have to say this has been one of my favorites. You and GenZ so obviously have an amazing relationship. Looking forward to the next cruise report.

 

An aside to terrydtx - my husband also graduated from Hollywood High, albeit a few years before you. He was in the same year as John Davidson, Swoosie Kurtz and Terri Garr. Zitsky - he also works outside the country so I get to do my own thing from time to time. Time away from your spouse definitely makes you appreciate them when they are home.

[kabmab]

Thanks for the wonderful week plus of posting.  Loved seeing you and Gen Z enjoying a special cruise together!

[Beachlover1989]

I think I'm having withdrawals from your Live report! I can't believe I have to wait two weeks for another one! Hope you made it home safely!

[boxkite]

Thanks for all your cruise posts and pictures! Glad Mini Me enjoyed the cruise so much!

 

Looking forward to your next live cruise report.

[GenerationX]

I’m finally back after a busy few days back at home to finish up my review! 

 

Our flight back to STL did actually leave at it’s delayed time, so fortunately we didn’t have to spend an unexpected night in LA (as Jeremy and I did in Miami on our last cruise).

 

Our pilot was able to make some time up in the air, but baggage took forever and we didn’t manage to get home and into bed until about 2am.  

 

As you can imagine the next morning when Gen Z and I did awake it was almost lunchtime and we were both somewhat depressed to be back in reality.  Jeremy, bless him, did his best all that day to keep us in the lifestyles to which we had become accustomed.

 

In regards to said lifestyle, shall we wind the clock back and talk about our last day on Solstice?

 

After my solarium morning Gen Z and I went to lunch in Luminae. It was a Luminae lunch menu I don’t recall ever having before and I’m a little sad that thus far from the app it doesn’t look like we’ll have it on Beyond in a couple of weeks.  The coconut chicken soup was light and refreshing and the lamb chops were perfectly cooked to my requested medium rare with a duo of Moroccan flavored sauces (one spicy and one mild) on the side.  Gen Z ordered the grilled shrimp from the MDR menu with a side of fries and was very happy with it.  We planned to skip dessert but then we saw the words “chocolate lava cake” on the Luminae dessert menu.  We had to order 2 because Gen Z made it clear she had no intention of sharing.  How can you go wrong with a nice warm chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center with some well softened vanilla ice cream on the side?

 

After lunch we did a little more packing and then headed up to the Lawn Club for our hot glass class.  I booked the class online pre-cruise but the actual day/time of your class has to be scheduled once onboard. After lunch on the first day, I asked Mar the retreat concierge to schedule ours and even only a few hours into the cruise, they were already all booked up until the last sea day, so I wouldn’t recommend dawdling on scheduling if you need a specific day/time.

 

You get to choose which pieces you’d like to make and some are included in the $120 base price of the booking while others carry an up charge.  We decided to make a fish for our living room bookshelf ($70 up charge) and a jellyfish paperweight (included in base price) for my office.  

 

Well, “we” didn’t end up making anything actually. Gen Z had so much fun making her fish that she also begged to be allowed to take my turn and make my jellyfish for me.  Artwork is more special when it’s made by your kid anyway, right?  The glass class staff were very nice and great with kids and it was still very entertaining to just sip a glass of champagne and watch Gen Z work.

 

The experience was all she talked about on the flight home.  I think she’s discovered a new interest. I’ve already started looking into glass art studios in STL that have a kids program.

 

The glass pieces had to cool slowly in an oven overnight so since we made ours the last full day, they were available for us to pick up at guest services the next day rather than back at the studio.  

 

A tip for those flying for the cruise and doing the glass class: I recommend packing them for the return trip in a personal item carry on where they can be easily accessed and put back.  I was very glad I was carrying ours in my shoulder tote bag. The x-ray scanner read them oddly and the TSA had to pull them out and fully unwrap and inspect/test them.  The hot glass folks wrapped them very well, but I also wrapped each in one of my light sweaters for extra padding in my bag.

 

After our art time at sea we dressed and headed to the rock n roll production show.

For the sensory folks following, this was the only show where the sound volume and lights kind of bothered Gen Z.  I guess a quiet rock n roll show doesn’t make much sense though.  Once we put her headphones on and moved to seats more over a little to the side of the theater where the flashing lights weren’t as directly in her face, Gen Z was much better and really enjoyed the music and dancers.

 

After the show we headed to our second dinner in Tuscan Grille.  This time the food was somewhat improved, but still not the best Tuscan dinner I’ve ever had.  I was determined not to leave the ship without having some decent calamari so I ordered it for the starter again and this time it was much better prepared.  

 

Gen Z once again devoured every spec of her bronzino.

 

For my main course, I decided to splurge a little bit and have the dry aged porterhouse with the $22 up charge.  When it came I saw the size and said to myself “so THIS is where they’re hiding the REAL steaks”.  It was nice and thick, tender, juicy and oh so flavorful. It was a huge steak and I only got through half of it, and my server offered to wrap it up for me to take back to the room fridge.  I had him cut it up for me before wrapping in foil and it made an excellent post-martini bar late night canapé later.

 

This time I went for one of my other favorites, the lobster rigatoni, for my side.  The good news is this time the pasta was cooked through (a little bit past al dente though) and the sauce was nice. The bad news is that there were maybe 4 tiny pieces of lobster in the whole thing.  

 

Our service was once again prompt and very friendly. 

 

In fact I think that a common theme throughout the cruise was that service was really great.  But I’m getting ahead of myself again.  Sharing some pics from our last day of fun and in the next day or so I’ll do a final post on overall thoughts on the cruise and future cruise plans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 31, 2023 by GenerationX

[GenerationX]

On 3/25/2023 at 7:47 PM, hcat said:

hope you made it home... and had time for Gen Z to rest up before school

 

 I  am intrigued by the tracker bracelet..details?  Our g-son is into sharks, whales etc.   Whale exhibit at NYC Museum of Nat History is on his

"short list"  Maybe NYC would be a fun weekend for Gen Z??

The tracker bracelet seems very cool.  They sell them in the shop onboard where you can buy Celebrity t-shirts, cups, etc.  The beaded bracelets come in various colors and on the package once you buy it there’s a place to pull it open and there’s a photo and name of the shark you’re tracking and a QR code you scan that takes you to the location tracking site.

 

Gen Z has been begging to go to NYC for some time now. She wants to see a show on Broadway, stay at the Plaza like Eloise (she loved those books when she was little), shop on 5th avenue and visit the Statue of Liberty.  In other words, it won’t be a cheap trip, so I’ve been holding off on it for a big occasion.  I’m thinking maybe summer after she finishes elementary school. Maybe throw a Bermuda cruise in with it for mom 😁

[allinwonderland]

Since you both loved the glass-making so much -- if you haven't been too put off by the so-so weather on the Pacific coast and decide to do another Mexican Riviera cruise (or just go back to Cabo on a land trip), there's a glass factory in Cabo that's amazing. They don't let you make it (I think; I didn't get to on my tour) but you watch them make it and then they have SO many things to buy! Probably at much better prices than on a Celebrity cruise ship 😅

[Wrunkles]

Thanks so much for the review!  I love reading about your trips.  I was on Silhouette while you were live so I'm glad I caught it now.  I hope you post about your beyond trip.  We booked our next one for that ship too.  

[GenerationX]

On 3/25/2023 at 11:45 PM, cinderellen said:

Last night I was thinking how lucky Gen Z was to meet a new friend and my mind went to being pen pals. I checked myself as I realized that was something I would have done in the 60’s. I was so glad you mentioned it. Thanks for another great trip report and safe travels home. 

Thank you!  Gen Z’s school doesn’t focus as much on handwriting as I’d like (I guess such is modern education when they know most of the writing the kids will do in their adult life will be typed) so we try to encourage her to make pen pals when she finds friends from other parts of the country/world when we travel.  It gives her a fun way to practice writing and stay connected without introducing social media just yet.

 

Plus it’s nice for me to occasionally get a piece of mail in the box that isn’t junk or a bill!

 

[CruiseNYC]

21 hours ago, GenerationX said:

The tracker bracelet seems very cool.  They sell them in the shop onboard where you can buy Celebrity t-shirts, cups, etc.  The beaded bracelets come in various colors and on the package once you buy it there’s a place to pull it open and there’s a photo and name of the shark you’re tracking and a QR code you scan that takes you to the location tracking site.

 

Gen Z has been begging to go to NYC for some time now. She wants to see a show on Broadway, stay at the Plaza like Eloise (she loved those books when she was little), shop on 5th avenue and visit the Statue of Liberty.  In other words, it won’t be a cheap trip, so I’ve been holding off on it for a big occasion.  I’m thinking maybe summer after she finishes elementary school. Maybe throw a Bermuda cruise in with it for mom 😁

Hi Charla - another wonderful read. Thank you, as always!  
If you stay at the Plaza, please be sure to take GenZ to Afternoon Tea at the Palm Court.  It’s a lovely experience

[GenerationX]

Signs of a cruising addiction…

 

When you get an unexpected afternoon off due to a canceled meeting and your life productivity agenda consists of:

 

-CC Wrap up Post from Solstice Cruise

 

-Call MSC TA re:  Final Payment for July Cruise

 

-Email Celebrity TA re: flights and specialty dining for October Med Cruise

 

-Draft Packing List and CC Intro Post for 4/9 Beyond Solo Cruise

 

 

Well, I suppose that’s a slight spoiler on future cruise plans, but taking a step back on final thoughts on our Solstice cruise.

 

I think it says something that 10 days after stepping off the ship, Gen Z is still talking about this cruise nonstop.  

 

Sunday morning she ambushed Jeremy on his way in from morning chores and informed him that “mama I will be wanting our hot chocolate and mimosa soon.  Mr. Budi brings them at breakfast without us even asking”.  I rolled over in bed shortly thereafter to be greeted by a less than enthusiastic butler service (pic for evidence). 🤣

 

I was a bit nervous about sailing on a non-refurbished ship during spring break, especially after experiencing the different atmosphere on my similarly bargain priced equinox cruise last summer.  

 

However I found very few if any college/wild party folks and while there were a number of children onboard, and they seemed far better behaved than many of the kids on my summer cruise (who I probably wouldn’t even have felt as comfortable allowing Gen Z to associate with in kids club).

 

The crew have clearly worked very hard to keep solstice up as best they can. However, there were definitely little maintenance issues that could do with a dry dock ASAP.  

 

For example, some of the elevators made rattling and creaking noises while in operation (unnerving but I’m sure perfectly safe) and every now and then for an hour or two sewage smells would waft through certain parts of the ship. 

 

Also, some of the motion operated doors in and out of the pool deck and solarium occasionally required you to dance half a verse of the cha-cha slide (“slide to the left, slide to the right, take it back now y’all, one hop!”) for them to actually detect your presence and finally open.  

 

Nothing that would come close to ruining a cruise for me though, especially at the price I paid for the sailing.

 

Gen Z and I made so many amazing memories on our trip and made some great new friends of all ages and we are both eagerly counting down to our next mommy daughter adventure in July. Which brings me to future cruise plans.

 

For those who aren’t already sick of my voice, in the next 24 to 48 hours I’ll be posting my intro for my live review of my solo cruise on Beyond sailing in just five days!

 

After that, I will be on land and spending a hectic early summer at the office then Gen Z and I will sail again on July 9th for a week on MSC Seascape.

 

Then it’ll be time to save some cash and learn some Italian in preparation for Jeremy and I’s October 10 Night Italy and Greece cruise back on Beyond!

 

Thank you as always to everyone who came along and shared their suggestions and feedback. If anyone had questions that I’ve missed that you’re still interested in, please feel free to re-post and I will be sure to get to them.

 

Thanks again and I look forward to meeting some of you in person on Beyond this weekend!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[WNCtourist]

Looking forward to your next cruise (vicariously) !!

[Beachlover1989]

Can't wait to read all about your solo cruise on Beyond!

[Laurab23]

Looking forward to reading about your next journey.

 

Laura

[zitsky]

32 minutes ago, Beachlover1989 said:

Can't wait to read all about your solo cruise on Beyond!

We want Mini Me.