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Firsthand sneak peak at Solstice (Merger of Several Threads)

Richard Stein

By Richard Stein,
in Celebrity Cruises

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jt1120

jt1120

Posted
Posted
:( I have had a hard time coming up with a cabin-mate!! BUT (and it is always what comes after the "but" that counts!) my EX-daughter-in-law, with my son's encouragement, is now IT!! By planning this early, she will be able to take vacation time in February ---which is great, since she HATES Michigan winters!!! (I am a born and bred Michiganian, and still like snow!

:D MAMMABUNNY

 

Sorry to hear about your loss, Mammabunny. I do believe that the seas are much calmer where the Headbunny is now, so that much should bring a smile to your face.

 

On another note, as a person who was also born and raised in the great state of Michigan, I have to correct you. We are MichiGANDERS. During a recent conversation with someone that I work with here in Florida who is also from the Great Lakes state (and a U of M alum), we concurred that it is Michigander, not Michiganian. Or maybe it depends where you were from. We were both from the Southeast area, so maybe it's different in different parts of the state? I dunno. Still, that's why I moved to Florida. Better weather and I'm closer to the cruise ports!

 

 

On the subject of the book, I pitched a hissy fit with Dan the Man about them scheduling that pre-inaugural (still kind of a touchy subject with us), so I better see one of those books in my cabin on the OFFICIAL inaugural! Grr!

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NiceGuy47

NiceGuy47

Posted
Posted

First of all - Hi Guys.

 

I'm new to the forums but hope you'll hear a bit more from me as time passes.

 

I just wanted run a few things by you...

 

Firstly, am I missing something, or does Solstice not have an atrium? I've booked to travel on her in May 2009 and having only sailed on some 4 cruises previously, have always found the atrium to be perhaps the most spectacular place on the ship. What replaces the atrium on Solstice I wonder? Which area would be large enough to cater for all those that attend the captains welcome aboard party? Any ideas? :confused:

 

Secondly, the cruises that I have been on in the past have been with Princess and RCI and even though I found Princess to be rather downbeat, I found RCI to be very uplifting with a vibrant nightlife, I realize that not all cruiselines are the same but I can't actually see very much at to indicate that there is much nightlife at all onboard Solstice. Plenty of bars but apart from the nightclub, none of them appear to offer any live music or dancing. Is this right?

 

I'm also a bit confused about this 'Glass Blowing' thing. What's that all about? :eek: Is is seriously a place on board where we are to simply watch glass ornaments being made? How many times do we want to see that on a single vacation? I was wondering whether perhaps there'll also be a bar where we might be able to watch the paint dry! ;)

 

Now seriously, I don't mean to appear negative or to offend but am having some serious concerns as to whether I've chosen the right cruiseline. I enjoy the formal evenings and the whole concept and feel of cruising and ship life but also really enjoy some nightlife.

 

I'm hoping someone might be able put my mind at rest but suspect I'll be told that I've chosen the wrong cruiseline. :(

 

Thanks in advance and Happy sailing to all of you.

 

A very NiceGuy47.

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Schplinky

Schplinky

Posted
Posted
Firstly, am I missing something, or does Solstice not have an atrium? I've booked to travel on her in May 2009 and having only sailed on some 4 cruises previously, have always found the atrium to be perhaps the most spectacular place on the ship. What replaces the atrium on Solstice I wonder? Which area would be large enough to cater for all those that attend the captains welcome aboard party? Any ideas? :confused:

 

 

Celebrity tends not to go for "wow" in the atrium, the way some other lines do. It tends to be a more intimate feel than awe-inspiring. The toast will likely be held in the theatre.

 

Secondly, the cruises that I have been on in the past have been with Princess and RCI and even though I found Princess to be rather downbeat, I found RCI to be very uplifting with a vibrant nightlife, I realize that not all cruiselines are the same but I can't actually see very much at to indicate that there is much nightlife at all onboard Solstice. Plenty of bars but apart from the nightclub, none of them appear to offer any live music or dancing. Is this right?

 

 

The bar up top is supposed to offer more formal dancing. I imagine there will be live music around the ship, given the exposure it will receive in its first season.

 

 

I'm also a bit confused about this 'Glass Blowing' thing. What's that all about? :eek: Is is seriously a place on board where we are to simply watch glass ornaments being made? How many times do we want to see that on a single vacation? I was wondering whether perhaps there'll also be a bar where we might be able to watch the paint dry! ;)

 

 

I think it is a demonstration but glass blowing can be very cool (or hot, I suppose).

 

 

Now seriously, I don't mean to appear negative or to offend but am having some serious concerns as to whether I've chosen the right cruiseline. I enjoy the formal evenings and the whole concept and feel of cruising and ship life but also really enjoy some nightlife.

 

I'm hoping someone might be able put my mind at rest but suspect I'll be told that I've chosen the wrong cruiseline. :(

 

Thanks in advance and Happy sailing to all of you.

 

A very NiceGuy47.

 

If you're looking for the night-life of RCL, Celebrity may not be the right place to look for it. I imagine Celebrity will be much more like your Princess cruise than your RCL one. That said, I think that Solstice is a move in a more vibrant direction and there are a lot of cool lounges. I'm a devoted RCL cruiser but my favourite bar on any ship is the martini bar on Celebrity Century (added just a year or so ago), which seemed a test-drive for the one on Solstice. I'm expecting great things of Solstice.

 

We were very underwhelmed by our first Celebrity cruise but had a wonderful time on our second. If you are hoping for RCL, you might be disappointed. If you are open to trying something different, then you will have a great time.

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NiceGuy47

NiceGuy47

Posted
Posted

Thanks for that schplinky.

 

Still not convinced about the glass blowing, and not sure whether I fancy crumpling up my nice tux and trousers sitting in the theatre toasting the captain.

 

Anyway, I'll give it a shot.

 

I hope to hear good things about the ship once people have sailed on her.

 

Thanks again.

NiceGuy47.

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BethV114

BethV114

Posted
Posted

I'm hoping someone might be able put my mind at rest but suspect I'll be told that I've chosen the wrong cruiseline. :(

 

I honestly think that vacationing in general, and cruising in particular, is more about what you make of it than what the cruise ship or cruise line makes of it for you. If you go into your trip with the attitude that you are going to have fun, meet new people, see interesting places and enjoy the unique experience that is cruising, you will most likely enjoy your trip.

Now, I'm not saying that your having fun is completely independent of the ship and its amenities or lack thereof. But if you go into your trip looking for things you are certain to miss or just not enjoy, as your initial post suggests, then I doubt that you will enjoy the Solstice and would recommend that perhaps you stick with a ship or cruise line that you are familiar and comfortable with. On the other hand, if you're feeling adventurous and are looking to change things up a little by trying out a brand new class of ship while still sailing on a cruise line that is generally well thought of, then perhaps the Solstice is right for you, after all.

The reason we chose the Solstice for our upcoming trip is that we've sailed the Caribbean and Bermuda on the three different classes of Royal Caribbean ships that interest us most (Freedom Class, Voyager Class and Radiance Class) and felt like trying something new. We had initially hoped to stick with Royal Caribbean and sail Europe or the Mediterranean, but just couldn't swing the prices right now. Airfare to Florida for a Caribbean sailing is pretty much always affordable from New York, so we decided to compromise by returning to the "tried and true" Caribbean, but mixing it up a bit with the Solstice. The ship looks both beautiful and innovative without being as over-the-top as we suspect the Oasis will be.:eek: :D

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NiceGuy47

NiceGuy47

Posted
Posted

Thanks Beth,

 

I am looking forward to my trip on Solstice but suppose as I've managed to drum up a group of 6 people (most of whom have never cruised before) and it was entirely my idea to try Solstice, I'm feeling just a bit responsible for their enjoyment. We all like a drink and all like to have fun, all I hope is that the ship can help us on our way.

 

I returned 4 weeks ago from a week on Voyager, loved every minute of it, including the rock climbing wall and all the glitz and tack that made up the Promenade and the Atrium.

 

Suppose I best just brush up on my croquet skills and practice some glass blowing. :D

 

Thanks again and Happy Cruising ;)

 

NiceGuy47

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NiceGuy47

NiceGuy47

Posted
Posted

Thanks Beth,

 

I am looking forward to my trip on Solstice but suppose as I've managed to drum up a group of 6 people (most of whom have never cruised before) and it was entirely my idea to try Solstice, I'm feeling just a bit responsible for their enjoyment. We all like a drink and all like to have fun, all I hope is that the ship can help us on our way.

 

I returned 4 weeks ago from a week on Voyager, loved every minute of it, including the rock climbing wall and all the glitz and tack that made up the Promenade and the Atrium.

 

Suppose I best just brush up on my croquet skills and practice some glass blowing. :D

 

Thanks again and Happy Cruising ;)

 

NiceGuy47

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wolfganghowell

wolfganghowell

Posted
Posted

NiceGuy, if I understand the pre-cruise info Solstice will have a disco as well as several other music venues. Quasar looks like the high powered music center but there is also Celebrity Central for comedy and/or music as well as the lounges. The Martini Bar has been on the M class ships as well and is a nice lounge with live music. I admit we are usually in the casino late so I don't know too much about the late night aspect of all the bars but we've always managed to have plenty to do between the disco, lounges and casino. I think the activity level of the nightlife changes on a weekly basis depending on the time of the year, the age of the passengers etc. I think Solstice is making a distinct bid for the 30-60 year old niche who likes activity with sophistication.

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NiceGuy47

NiceGuy47

Posted
Posted

Wolfgang,

 

Thanks for your input. Since my first post I have continued researching Solstice on the net and found some more encouraging information. It would appear that there is a 'grand foyer' that appears to extend up a few levels. Also the deck plans look rather interesting with plenty to do. :)

 

http://mr.cruisesonly.com/c/deckplan.asp?vessel=579&lineid=11&itineraryid=&startdate=&enddate=&dsc=&deckcode=PLA

 

Thanks to this additional research and the comments that you guys have made, I'll be counting the days away now. Really looking forward to my first Celebrity cruise now.

 

May 27th 2009, Italy, Greece, Turkey.

 

Anyone gonna be joining us? ;)

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Mysticks1

Mysticks1

Posted
Posted

 

May 27th 2009, Italy, Greece, Turkey.

 

Anyone gonna be joining us? ;)

 

There are some great computer renderings of what the different areas including the bars/lounges will look like on the Solstice website. http://celebritysolstice.com/?ProspectID=448D77BEC15C4DAD86B008B5871D54DA&SRC=PGI115605#/gallery/

I didn't see a roll call for 5/27/09 but there is one with a date of 5/25/09 that seems to be very lively. You should take a look there for others on your sailing if that is the correct date. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=741234

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KY Deb

KY Deb

Posted
Posted
Nice one Donna!

 

It is indeed the 25th May and not the 27th that I'm sailing on Solstice. :rolleyes:

 

Thanks again everyone.

 

NiceGuy47 :)

Join us on our Roll Call for this sailing and sign up for the "Connections Party"!! You sound like a fun group! :)

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ATLfuzzy

ATLfuzzy

Posted
Posted

Are we sure that the porthole belongs to those corner aft Skysuites? It would be nice...

 

Awesome! The sky suite has a porthole, floor to ceiling windows and a sliding glass door leading to the angled verandah. That's pretty good.

 

Thank you for the great pictures, Dinotoll.

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elena7seas

elena7seas

Posted
Posted
Nice one Donna!

 

It is indeed the 25th May and not the 27th that I'm sailing on Solstice. :rolleyes:

 

Thanks again everyone.

 

NiceGuy47 :)

 

We're sailing on the May 25th Med cruise as well. It's going to be a great trip!

 

Come on over and join us on our Roll Call.

 

Have you seen the pictures posted from the Solstice Media Event held in Miami in July 2008?

 

http://www.thepreismans.com/

 

Lots of great information there.:)

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Brandis

Brandis

Posted
Posted

Hi all!

 

I usually post on the RCL board, but I just visited Solstice this afternoon and thought you might be interested in seeing some current pictures. We dida tour of Meyer shipyard and had special permission to tour Solstice, which I understand is very hard to get. Right now we are on the way to Amsterdam and I'm posting this on my iPhone. I will upload the pictures as soon as I'm home in a couple of hours. Sorry to keep you waiting, but the roaming data would kill me.

 

Crew areas look pretty complete already, but was quite surprised how unfinished guest areas still looked.

 

Marc

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TIMONEY

TIMONEY

Posted
Posted
[quote name='Brandis']Hi all!

I usually post on the RCL board, but I just visited Solstice this afternoon and thought you might be interested in seeing some current pictures. We dida tour of Meyer shipyard and had special permission to tour Solstice, which I understand is very hard to get. Right now we are on the way to Amsterdam and I'm posting this on my iPhone. I will upload the pictures as soon as I'm home in a couple of hours. Sorry to keep you waiting, but the roaming data would kill me.

Crew areas look pretty complete already, but was quite surprised how unfinished guest areas still looked.

Marc[/quote]

Would love to see the pictures i'll be waiting for them, We are real exciteed about the solstice ,thanks
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