Firsthand sneak peak at Solstice (Merger of Several Threads)

[Texed]

I went to a "sneak preview" of Solstice last night. I am sorry to report, there was nothing new that was revealed. The Regional Sales Manager for Celebrity told me, "They won't tell us any secrets because they know we have a big mouth". :(

[Schplinky]

I was looking at the deck plans, such as they are at this point, and was wondering if the new restaurant, Blu, would fit in at the front of the ship in the spa area on the deck above AQ class. It might lend itself to that idea of not having to be in the hub-bub of the ship too much if that were the case.

[Schplinky]

I just realized I was wrong. Blu is already on the deck plans for the Entertainment Deck in the aft. It doesn't seem all the way aft and I wonder what surrounds it?

[darrencantwait]

I went to a "sneak preview" of Solstice last night. I am sorry to report, there was nothing new that was revealed. The Regional Sales Manager for Celebrity told me, "They won't tell us any secrets because they know we have a big mouth". :(

 

Thanks for reporting back, even though they didn't reveal anything. It's about time for them to reveal SOMETHING. It doesn't take much to make me happy.

[Schplinky]

Thanks for reporting back, even though they didn't reveal anything. It's about time for them to reveal SOMETHING. It doesn't take much to make me happy.

 

I was trying to recall how long before they launched Freedom before they started releasing chunks of details and I think it was about the one year mark so hopefully, they'll start filling in those deck plans soon.

 

I think we're going to switch rooms, staying in AQ. It's hard not to be under what you presume will be pool decking (and scraping chairs).

[darrencantwait]

I was trying to recall how long before they launched Freedom before they started releasing chunks of details and I think it was about the one year mark so hopefully, they'll start filling in those deck plans soon.

 

I think we're going to switch rooms, staying in AQ. It's hard not to be under what you presume will be pool decking (and scraping chairs).

 

If you book the AQ cabins toward the rear, those will have cabins above them, right?

[Schplinky]

If you book the AQ cabins toward the rear, those will have cabins above them, right?

 

Yes, but in looking at the artist renderings of the ship in the new brochure, there are these support beams that go out from the ship to support the over-hang and it doesn't look pretty.

[Schplinky]

Darren,

 

You can "sort of" see what I mean here but the picture is much bigger in the new brochure. It cretes a vagues obstruction to the dide of each balcony, I think.

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1352/569037160_21d8eb38fc.jpg

[darrencantwait]

Schplinky -- I kinda see what you mean. It's so hard booking rooms on a ship that barely exists. I think I'd take the support beams over the pool deck being over me.

[Schplinky]

Schplinky -- I kinda see what you mean. It's so hard booking rooms on a ship that barely exists. I think I'd take the support beams over the pool deck being over me.

 

I totally agree. We had a cabin like that on HAL and it felt like every deck-chair on the ship was dragged over our room at 6 in the morning, as they cleaned the pool deck.

 

Lee

[Schplinky]

For those who haven't seen on the main page, they have added a lot of images of public spaces to the solstice page. Stunning!!!!! Some of the ideas seem walked over from other ships we've loved and so it's nice to see the X ship's design take such a giant step forward!!!!

 

So excited!!!

[darrencantwait]

Schplinky -- I agree. I totally like what I'm seeing. I'm so happy to see that going bigger didn't take them in the direction of the Voyager class ships with giant central axis and shops/lounges flanked on both sides. The layout is really interesting. And, I'm so happy they are introducing water features on the sun deck. It just makes sense to me...that waterfall looks GREAT!

[FinelyCruising]

Stunning it is, and filled with great ideas.

[Schplinky]

Schplinky -- I agree. I totally like what I'm seeing. I'm so happy to see that going bigger didn't take them in the direction of the Voyager class ships with giant central axis and shops/lounges flanked on both sides. The layout is really interesting. And, I'm so happy they are introducing water features on the sun deck. It just makes sense to me...that waterfall looks GREAT!

 

We liked that they updated the deckplans since we saw we were under pool deck (made that mistake once on HAL and don't need to repeat it), and moved to be under the hair salon. Didn't love the look of the rear balconies, with the metal support beams and firgured that the area under the salon would be quiet in the mornings. Time will tell.

 

I like the layout that they've revealed so far. I am also glad they didn't have a "royal promenade" but was surprised that they put some shops next to the casino. Seems like the smoke would be annoying and would get into the fabric of clothes but maybe they have other things in those stores. I'm REALLY happy this one will have a wine bar. It's the one thing on a V class ship that always struck me as odd that Celebrity didn't have. RCL has a champagne bar and a wine bar on their large ships and I'm thrilled that X will have a wine tasting bar on Solstice. I'm looking forward to the interesting flights of wine they promise.

[Schplinky]

This is form a press release I saw...

 

 

Celebrity Solstice will offer new gathering spots, from the Cellar Masters wine bar and the Quasar nightclub to the Sky Observation Lounge and Galleria Tastings.

 

At Galleria Tastings, passengers can take a break from shopping to sample a variety of foods and beverages. Cellar Masters will offer sommelier service and ‘unexpected’ wine pairings. With its floor to ceiling windows, the Sky Observation Lounge, adjacent to the Conference Center, will serve as a function area for pre- and post-meeting gatherings and cocktails.

 

Quasar, or ‘Q,’ is described as a nightclub of contemporary design with a hint of the disco era. Yet other new gathering spots are the yacht-like Passport Bar and, for cocktails with instrumental and vocal entertainment, the cosmopolitan Ensemble Lounge.

 

Celebrity Solstice will also present new twists on Celebrity Cruises hallmarks like The Martini Bar and Michael’s Club. The Martini Bar & Crush will feature a frosted bar with more than 100 varieties of vodkas and an alcove (Crush) with an ice-filled table where patrons can take part in caviar and vodka tastings or host a private event.

 

Michael’s Club is planned as an inviting spot to sip single malt scotch or cognac with a backdrop of piano and jazz music. Fortunes Casino will be the largest in the fleet with 16 gaming tables and 200 machines.

 

Celebrity Solstice, the first 2,850-passenger newbuild in a four-ship series, is under construction at Meyer Werft and scheduled to enter service in December next year.

[FinelyCruising]

I don't think one week on board will be enough.....

[FinelyCruising]

Schplinky - In looking at the deck plans, I think that the clothing boutiques will be on a differerent level that that of the casino and those nearby shops. It appears they will be at the Galleria.

[pro-am]

Check the link is my sig for this weeks pic of the Solstice.

 

Amazing to watch it all come together.

 

Wish we were going too..

 

Happy Holidays,

 

Pro-AM

[FinelyCruising]

Thanks for the time lapse of progress...it looks like the front and back parts of the ship are starting to catch up to one another.

 

I started reviewing the deck plans again to see if I might want to re-select our cabin now that I am getting a better visual of the actual decks, not that alot of my time will not be spent in the awesome new public rooms!

[eroller]

All I can say is "WOW" over the new images!

 

I have always felt that Celebrity ships have stunning interiors, but SOLSTICE takes it to the next level.

 

It's so refreshing to see a new, modern, original, and stylish design for a cruise ship. Pretty much the interiors of every other modern ship are the "same old, same old". Many hark to a different era, others try to be something they are not, some are plain boring, and a few are just over the top. SOLSTICE is completely original and appears to be a ship designed for the modern traveler, used to upscale but contemporary hotels like W and Ian Schrager properties.

 

I can't wait to experience SOLSTICE in person!

 

Ernie

[hcat]

It looks really awesome-- ship of the future...hope not every area will require extra charges....all those tastings can add up the charges fast! Some of the places just look great--very futuristic--except for Michaels Club which is as appealing as ever!

[SailAway78]

I post the updated shipyard picture of Solstice every Monday on the Inaugural Cruise Roll Call. Here is today's photo:

 

 

If you would like to see other pictures on the roll call, see:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=576559&page=17

 

Also on the main board Greeneg posted information today about the entertainment venue. See:

 

http://www.rclinvestor.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=103045&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1080855&highlight=

 

Bonnie

[Schplinky]

Thansk, Bonnie!!!

[FinelyCruising]

I'd really like to see some top notch musical talent in these smaller venues and I'm hoping that will be the case as this new ship sails.

[wolfganghowell]

I found it odd that they are showing a small group of cabins on the pool deck. It looks like you will have to go down that hallway from the pool to get to the buffet. Wouldn't want to be in those rooms. So far, the photos are stunning. "Only" 13 more months to go! :eek: