Solstice cruise Jan 11, 2009 – My observations

[wolfganghowell]

Thanks for the review. I think I mentioned in mine (12-28-08) that the reason the shops and casino can reopen in St Maarten is if the ship is in port over 10 hours,they are allowed to open. This came from a casino dealer onboard.

[Sailawaytoday]

This has nothing to do with cost cutting. The casino and shops are not allowed to be open while in port. Most people don't even eat in the main dining room when the ship is at sea and most people go ashore when the ship is in port so there is no reason to keep the dining room open for a few people.

On our Christmas cruise, the shops and casino were open after dinner, even when the ship was still in port. We didn't leave St. Martin until 11pm, but everything was open. First I had seen this. Happened on another port night, but I don't remember which one. I'll have to go back.

[ladyeights]

We all look for different things on a cruise. So for those of you who have not yet sailed...take comments, opinions & suggestions with a grain of salt and just have a great time. I read all the comments before we left, some were useful and others I discovered once we were on the ship, were just the writer's observations or opinions.

 

Overall, everything was wonderful. There were a few things that I was not happy with, but didn't let it ruin my week.

 

We were in AC, so embarkation was fast. We got there about 11:30 on Sunday, probably 15 minutes too early-plus there were 3 weddings on board that day so they let the bridal party and their guests on first. Our cabin was not quite ready but we left our carry on bags in the closet and went to explore and have lunch. The buffet area is very impressive. There was never a long line. The one problem we had everyday at breakfast was that there were no coffee cups. My husband finally spoke to someone and found out that the reason they ran short was because people were taking the "decorated mugs". I have a feeling they may change to simple dishes. That would be a shame because it matches the decor and adds to the charm of the ship.

 

Our cabin was spacious and we had the sun on our deck everyday. We experienced NO Sewerage smell and no noise. We could have used a few more draws, but it was ample.

 

The Blu restaurant was lovely and food fabulous however, after two nights we chose to go to the MDR. We also ate at Murano and Tuscan, which are definately worth the extra charge.

 

There were lounges available on deck 14, deck 12 was usually taken by 8am. All the saved chairs with towels!! There are signs that say no saving and after 15 minutes with no guests claiming them-you could take them. We were not in the mood for fighting. Deck 14 was fine, especially since it is one of the few places you could smoke (at the Mast Bar).

I was very surprised that the ashtrays were always dirty and overflowing. Very rarely saw them emptied. I think I cleaned them more that the staff! Also, not a good place to have smoking since it is the "walking, running, jogging" area.

 

Something that you may not even notice is the lack of announcements during the day. Nice touch.

 

Disappointed with pools. They could have been bigger. Several people, including me, suggested that they should do away with grass on 15 and put another pool there. The solarium is great and never full but for those who like to sit out in the sun, it was not used much by us. Fortunately, we had all sunny days, except for the last.

 

Loved the Ice Cream and Yogurt in the Buffet area. Had a cone everyday. Yes, there is chocolate topping, whipped cream and candies...maybe not the cherries or nuts, but still ok.

 

The 3 major shows were excellent. The others fair (in my opinion) The Casino is comfortable( except for not being able to smoke). Non smokers appreciate it but smokers complained. One of the crew mentioned that soon there will no smoking on all ships. Guess I'll have to start doing Land vacations.

 

This is longer than I planned so I will stop here.

[ladyeights]

We were one of the first to board ship but our luggage did not arrive in cabin until almost 5pm. We checked several times and were told that EVERY piece of luggage had to be x rayed.

 

Bring a change of clothes in a carry on.

[ellbon]

I like to see a bigger -longer pool- also and more chairs-but I had no problem with the solstice deck.

 

as a walker it was ahrd at times going thru the smoke. I had to move on my B2B Sunday due to smoke. yet in a bar i never notice it. strange!

 

I ate in Blue 3 times in two weeks as I ate everywhere else including land..

 

but loved the ship so much booked next Jan for B2B on the new ship.

[Ma Bell]

On our Christmas cruise, the shops and casino were open after dinner, even when the ship was still in port. We didn't leave St. Martin until 11pm, but everything was open. First I had seen this. Happened on another port night, but I don't remember which one. I'll have to go back.

 

It could be because of the duty free shopping and gambling allowed there. Most ports don't have those kinds of laws.