Solstice Stateroom Sleuth: what are you going to book...

[darrencantwait]

Darren,

 

Thanks so much! We had our first X cruise last year and had a so-so time so we haven't rushed back. Then, we were reading reviews and it really seems that Constellation was having a really off week the week we were on. The ratings are great every week and then our week, all the reviews were poor. We think there must have been some abberation and so we're willing to give X another try and what better way than a brand new ship? Your charts will help us choose a great room and we really appreciate it!.

 

We LOVE Labadee and cannot wait to go back. We were in Tortola on HAL and it was rather dull unless you took an excursion (there is just a rustic village to walk to). I think that will likely be our "ship day," where we stay onboard and use the ship while everyone else is off.

 

I love that the ship stays in port later in the evening than usual.

 

It really would be nice to know a ball-park figure on prices. We're stuck between all the different balcony categories and just saying to heck with it and getting an inside. I can't help but think the average length of calls will be two or three times longer tomorrow as people learn things they could just have easily have read on the internet. Thanks goodness the experience at sea is always better than the customer service experience!

 

No problem. I know you're a bit of an RCI fan. I'm sure you know the difference between the two lines. We love both of them, but X is our preference. Constellation is our favorite ship ever...so maybe you did have an off week. For us, service on X has always been well above RCI. We love RCI on occasion for the activities, but we have always seen service excel on X. And our one night on NCL...oy! No thanks.

[Jim_Iain]

I was reading that some felt TA weren't able to book for 2 weeks.

 

I got a communication from my TA today that they have block space for the Inaugural. If you are a CC member he can book early or others will have to wait until open booking. I'm sure he's not the only with space allocation.

[Linda-E]

Babette,

Which are the two less expensive dates?

 

Thanks,

Linda

[Schplinky]

No problem. I know you're a bit of an RCI fan. I'm sure you know the difference between the two lines. We love both of them, but X is our preference. Constellation is our favorite ship ever...so maybe you did have an off week. For us, service on X has always been well above RCI. We love RCI on occasion for the activities, but we have always seen service excel on X. And our one night on NCL...oy! No thanks.

 

You're right, I am an unabashed RCL fan but am willing to give X another go. We spent our whole week thinking "what the heck are all of these people raving about?" Even on the airplane, when someone heard we were on Celebrity, she said it was "a cut above." As I said, the reviews for our week were bad so maybe there was a crew issue and they were stretched too thin. Who knows?

 

The NCL comment is an echo of other things we've heard. Our friend tried them twice and swears never again. She said that it was her impression that the food in the main room is purposefully awful so that you will be driven to the revenue restaurants. That's not for me.

 

One of the things that compels us to try Celebrity again is that we are such RCL fans that the food is getting repetitive. I don't know why there can't be more variety in menus but if you've done a one-week cruise, you've had the food because they all have the same menus. I actually like RCL food but the same food over and over gets old.

 

My one hope for all you Celebrity die-hards is that Celebrity does what RCI did for the opening of Liberty in inviting a few internet champions to sample the ship for free ahead of the first sailing (along with the usual complement of travel agents and upper level Captain Club members). We got a two-night cruise out of Miami (drinks included) and it was so fun. I know some folks hate big ships but if you're ever in the market, I'd recommend that one. We've been on Freedom and Liberty and we just liked the vibe of Liberty better.

[FinelyCruising]

RCCL does a much better job with their loyalty perks and feel good things. In that department they definately have a strong lead. If the unknowing X cruisers ever find out what they are missing.....;)

[amyr]

Darren --

 

Thanks for posting the pdf.

 

I have been trying for the past two days to access the information; I just keep getting shuttled back and forth between the same two pages and have been unable to see the deck plans and itineraries.

 

Am I the only one who can't get beyond the introductory links??

 

Peregrina - same thing happened to me. When the link was first posted, I was happily on the site reading the deck plans, but after that first time, I just go back and forth, back and forth. Thank goodness for the pdf file!

 

I think I'll wait for the reviews and check out the transatlantic itinerary and prices if/when they come out.

[ocngypz]

I was reading that some felt TA weren't able to book for 2 weeks.

 

I got a communication from my TA today that they have block space for the Inaugural. If you are a CC member he can book early or others will have to wait until open booking. I'm sure he's not the only with space allocation.

 

That would be quite difficult insofar as Groups doesn't have access to the sailings.

 

As long as the agent has the CC number at time of booking, any agent can book their clients.

[Andy]

That would be quite difficult insofar as Groups doesn't have access to the sailings.

 

As long as the agent has the CC number at time of booking, any agent can book their clients.

 

Hi Ocngypz !

 

Thank you for letting us know this important piece of information. I went to bed last night very annoyed.... wondering if Celebrity let out blocks of cabins for Groups and TA's. Had Celebrity done this, it would have defeated the benefit of opening bookings early for Captains Club Members.

 

I am very happy to hear Celebrity did not open the space in advance for Groups etc.

[darrencantwait]

for those of you that have been inquiring about prices, I can let you know what I booked: March 1, 2009

 

Concierge Class 1 was $1409

 

I inquired about Sky Suites, they were $2579 for the higher level.

[Schplinky]

Darren,

 

Thanks again for posting those charts. They really helped in the room selection in terms of making sure we were not above or below anything we didn't want to be.

 

Lee and Mike

[darrencantwait]

Schplinky -- you're totally welcome. Glad my obsession was able to help others out. Glad to see you booked, too! Too bad we're on different sailings.

[Schplinky]

Schplinky -- you're totally welcome. Glad my obsession was able to help others out. Glad to see you booked, too! Too bad we're on different sailings.

 

I was disappointed about that, too. I've always really enjoyed your posts. Oh well, we'll be able to feed you lots of pictures and cruise dailies ahead of your sailing.

 

Lee

[Senga]

the food is getting repetitive. I don't know why there can't be more variety in menus but if you've done a one-week cruise, you've had the food because they all have the same menus. I actually like RCL food but the same food over and over gets old.

Guess your house is different from ours. We tend to serve the same thing week in and week out and certainly don't offer 5 selections a night to choose from! Aside from the wonderful variety, we don't have to shop, cook or clean up so we're happy sailors.

 

P.S. We're visiting your beautiful city this weekend, Friday through Monday!

[Schplinky]

Guess your house is different from ours. We tend to serve the same thing week in and week out and certainly don't offer 5 selections a night to choose from! Aside from the wonderful variety, we don't have to shop, cook or clean up so we're happy sailors.

 

P.S. We're visiting your beautiful city this weekend, Friday through Monday!

 

It's true that there are 5 choices, so maybe I'm spoiled, but I've just come to the point where I'm ordering and eating the same things. A new ship should help to break that rut.

 

It's cool and rainy here right now but we'll try to have better weather for your visit and the dragon boat races this weekend.

[darrencantwait]

I would definitely expect menus to change a bit. There is a new VP of food and beverage, Jacques Van Staden...a James Beard Award Winner...who should be updating the old Michel Roux menus.

 

Plus, I'm surprised there have been no threads regarding the mention on the interactive Celebrity Solstice deck plan page of them hiring culinary innovators, Blau and Associates.

 

http://www.elizabethblau.com/our_team/eb_bio.htm

[Schplinky]

I would definitely expect menus to change a bit. There is a new VP of food and beverage, Jacques Van Staden...a James Beard Award Winner...who should be updating the old Michel Roux menus.

 

Plus, I'm surprised there have been no threads regarding the mention on the interactive Celebrity Solstice deck plan page of them hiring culinary innovators, Blau and Associates.

 

http://www.elizabethblau.com/our_team/eb_bio.htm

 

Michael [my partner] emailed me that link earlier. We've been to a few of the places they've designed and the rooms are as beautiful as the food. I'm really looking forward to eating in Blu. Mike says he read somewhere that non-Aqua class people would get to eat there as space allows. I wonder how that will work, since there are 130 AQ cabins and 130 seats in the restaurant for 2 seatings. Maybe they will sell AQ cabins as non-AQ class in the final weeks before a cruise? I doubt it would be on nights like when we go to the regular specialty room because that wouldn't be very good for our tablemates, whoever they may be.

[Schplinky]

Michael [my partner] emailed me that link earlier. We've been to a few of the places they've designed and the rooms are as beautiful as the food. I'm really looking forward to eating in Blu. Mike says he read somewhere that non-Aqua class people would get to eat there as space allows. I wonder how that will work, since there are 130 AQ cabins and 130 seats in the restaurant for 2 seatings. Maybe they will sell AQ cabins as non-AQ class in the final weeks before a cruise? I doubt it would be on nights like when we go to the regular specialty room because that wouldn't be very good for our tablemates, whoever they may be.

 

Here is the client list of Clau

 

Wynn Las Vegas Resort & Country Club

Las Vegas

 

MGM/Mirage

Bellagio Las Vegas, Mirage, Las Vegas,

TI, Las Vegas, Beau Rivage, Biloxi MS

 

The Ritz Carlton, Palm Beach

Palm Beach, FL

 

Trump Entertainment Resorts

Taj Mahal Atlantic City, NJ

 

Kerzner Group International

One & Only Pamilla, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

 

Gordon Group Holdings

The Pier at Caesars Atlantic City, NJ

 

Mohegan Sun Hotel & Casino

Uncasville, CT

 

Turnberry Place

Las Vegas, NV

 

Vornado Realty Trust

Bloomberg Building New York, NY

 

GHM

The Setai, Miami, FL

The Heritage House, Mendocino, CA

 

The Light Group

Fix Restaurant, Bellagio, Las Vegas

Stack Restaurant, Mirage, Las Vegas

 

Pelican Hill Golf Club,

Newport Beach, CA

 

Island Capital Group LLC

Yacht Haven Grand, St. Thomas, USVI

 

Cabo Wabo Cantina

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Harrah's Lake Tahoe, NV

 

JW Marriott

Camelback Inn, Scottsdale, AZ

 

Alden Houston

17 Restaurant, Houston, TX

 

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide

Houston, TX

[wolfganghowell]

Anyone gotten prices on the Aquaclass cabins? I saw above that CC is running around $1400 on some sailings. That's about what I expected.

[Andy]

Anyone gotten prices on the Aquaclass cabins? I saw above that CC is running around $1400 on some sailings. That's about what I expected.

 

Hi Wolfganghowell !

 

Depending on the saili date, Aqua Class pricing seems to be running anywhere from 150.00 - 250.00 per person above Concierge Class. I hope that helps !

[Schplinky]

Anyone gotten prices on the Aquaclass cabins? I saw above that CC is running around $1400 on some sailings. That's about what I expected.

 

We paid $1600 [each] for Feb 1.

[darrencantwait]

Michael [my partner] emailed me that link earlier. We've been to a few of the places they've designed and the rooms are as beautiful as the food. I'm really looking forward to eating in Blu. Mike says he read somewhere that non-Aqua class people would get to eat there as space allows. I wonder how that will work, since there are 130 AQ cabins and 130 seats in the restaurant for 2 seatings. Maybe they will sell AQ cabins as non-AQ class in the final weeks before a cruise? I doubt it would be on nights like when we go to the regular specialty room because that wouldn't be very good for our tablemates, whoever they may be.

 

Schplinky -- in CruiseNewsDaily, they wrote that non Aqua passengers could book Blu, contingent on space available...for a fee. Somebody previously mentioned that there will be 5 restaurants on Solstice (don't know how true this is). If that is true, I imagine the Aqua passengers are going to want to try a few other venues, opening up seats.

[hajekfam]

If they really didn't let TA book up blocks of cabins then I wish they would extend this type of program (Captain's club get exclusive first two weeks) to all bookings when they open each year. Gives their loyal customers a chance for the better cabins - especially those of us who book our own or deal with local brick and mortar TA's who don't have the connections or selling capability and perks as large agencies. Now that would be a Captain's club benefit that wouldn't cost them anything and would be a great benefit for members - a fighting chance for those desirable cabins!

[darrencantwait]

If they really didn't let TA book up blocks of cabins then I wish they would extend this type of program (Captain's club get exclusive first two weeks) to all bookings when they open each year. Gives their loyal customers a chance for the better cabins - especially those of us who book our own or deal with local brick and mortar TA's who don't have the connections or selling capability and perks as large agencies. Now that would be a Captain's club benefit that wouldn't cost them anything and would be a great benefit for members - a fighting chance for those desirable cabins!

 

completely agree!!! Hopefully today's bookings will be astounding and they will arrive at the same conclusion.

[Andy]

If they really didn't let TA book up blocks of cabins then I wish they would extend this type of program (Captain's club get exclusive first two weeks) to all bookings when they open each year. Gives their loyal customers a chance for the better cabins - especially those of us who book our own or deal with local brick and mortar TA's who don't have the connections or selling capability and perks as large agencies. Now that would be a Captain's club benefit that wouldn't cost them anything and would be a great benefit for members - a fighting chance for those desirable cabins!

 

completely agree!!! Hopefully today's bookings will be astounding and they will arrive at the same conclusion.

 

Agreed on both counts. I am confident the next 2 weeks of bookings will prove to be a success, and Celebrity should strongly consider this practice as the other 3 Solstice class ships come online. It is a great benefit for Captains Club Members, and costs Celebrity nothing. It is a Win-Win for everyone.

 

Oh.... and I am still waiting for my email from Celebrity about Solstice's bookings opening up :)

[cechase]

I contacted the Captain's Club today inquiring about booking a Royal Suite on Solstice for the 7 night cruise departing on Sunday, April 5, 2009. I mentioned that I had looked at several suites on the website and asked if 1615 or 1618 were available. It turned out that they are Celebrity Suites which are much smaller than the Royal Suites, but on the drawing of the deck plan, they look much larger! So beware!

 

Now to the sticker shock. The fare for one passenger on this 7 night sailing is $5,249.00! :eek: So I got out my files for our 10 night cruise on Infinity in September of 2006 to Alaska and found that our fare for a Royal Suite was $5,100.00 per passenger, for three more nights than the Solstice cruise. [Overall, the fares on Infinity for that cruise was quite high.] Being even more intriqued, I pulled out our folder for our Millie 14 night TA cruise in December and the fare was $4,570.00 per passenger!

 

I really do not understand Celebrity's pricing policy for a suite that is very little larger than those on the M class vessels, but with a smaller veranda. The upshot is that I told the representative that I would talk with my wife and maybe call back. She said: "Check out Silver Seas!"