Best Thing About "Solstice" class ships

Mike M · #1 (**permalink**) May 22nd, 2011, 11:22 AM

I'll be sailing on the Celebrity Eclipse in November for the Cruisemates Totally Eclipse cruise.

I have sailed on all the Century (or almost Century) class ships. It's sad that Century is the only one left. I have also sailed on the Millennium and Summit. I loved the Thalassotherapy pools on the Century ships and love the size and the staterooms on the Millie class. The Olympic Dining Room on Millennium was one of the best meals I have ever had on land or sea. That was eight years ago and I still think about it.

So now that I'll be sailing the newest class of Celebrity ship; What's the best things about them?

Take care,
Mike

Trip · #2 (**permalink**) May 22nd, 2011, 11:52 AM

When I first heard about the Great Lawn, I thought huh? But I loved this area...might just be a hidden jewel for a picnic with the kids, or a romantic getaway. I saw people sunbathing, and, there are benches for a nice place to read a book. I just loved this area, it had a different vibe, unusual to a cruise ship.

Might be underwhelming in the hot Caribbean, but the Corning Glass demonstrations is a nice take in..On a sea day, if you have had enough sun, and pool.

Mike, you will love her as much as I do,and, that you can take to the bank.

big apple · #3 (**permalink**) May 22nd, 2011, 12:04 PM

Have to agree with you on Millennium and the Olympic dining room and we were on this ship some 8 yrs. ago and we have over 50 cruises on many lines and my wife will tell you that besides how good the food the waiters are some of the best we have ever had in any alternative restaurant. Were on the Solstice a few months ago and I would recommend totally the steak restaurant on these ships for a first class dining experience. When you make your reservation ask for a window table if available. Celebrity has done a fabulous job with these new ships and i look forward to your comments after your cruise.

Manuel · #4 (**permalink**) May 23rd, 2011, 01:28 AM

Our laast cruise on the Equinox was as good as it gets. The food was excellent, the service was superb, and we really enjoyed all the actvities and entertainment on the ship.

All in all it was truly a fantastic voyage.

TM

dkjretired · #5 (**permalink**) May 23rd, 2011, 07:51 PM

Specialty restaurants are fabulous although I have not tried Qsine. Bistro is great the first day for lunch instead of dealing with the crowd at the buffet. Tuscan and Murano's are excellent. Don't know what your stateroom category is but Blu is wonderful.

The whole ship is beautiful with many things to do. Try some of the bars like the Martini bar, they put on a good show.

On the down side, casino is nice because it is non-smoking but it is a black hole on the other s class ships. I've been in a lot of casinos and couldn't play in either Solstice or Equinox.

I also enjoyed the Solarium since I'm a former Melanoma patient and avoid the sun.

Trip · #6 (**permalink**) May 23rd, 2011, 08:01 PM

I enjoyed Murano on both the Century and the Eclipse..Mike, as you know, a long, but a delightful experience. Loved the Tuscan Grille too..delicious Italian food. Qsine was a fun take in, but I would save this for a lunch, not a dinner.

Other than the dining room on the Century I was not a fan of this shp at all, while the Eclipse has my toes curling

Parrot Mom · #7 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 09:03 PM

I too had my doubts about the "lawn" but found it a favorite place for people to relax and kids to run barefoot...Let's not even talk about the glass show...last May we never missed one show...glass is my favorite medium. BUT THE VERY FAVORITE thing about the Soltice was the art work, much of it whimiscal.. The Equinox is a bit more sophisticated,but I so enjoyed the pieces on the Soltice. I would of liked to have spent two weeks checking out all the pieces and art work (I consider glass art work)..Def. did not enjoy the Tuscan Grill, but Muranos and like djretired I too am a melanoma patient and loved the indoor pool and the spa cafe

Trip · #8 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 09:10 PM

PM I agree..the art work on the Eclipse was also very whimsical..nice for a change.

Trip · #9 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 09:15 PM

ahhhhhh

Manuel · #10 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2011, 08:37 AM

Oh yes!

I loved the lawn as well.

TM

dkjretired · #11 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2011, 03:21 PM

So did my service animal, missed a fire hydrant though..Just kidding.

Angela Z. · #12 (**permalink**) May 29th, 2011, 10:45 PM

Another vote here for the lawn! I was surprised at how often we found ourselves there playing bocce and cornhole on our cruise last summer.
We also enjoyed the interesting drinks at the Molecular bar.
We were very sorry that Celebrity took the Solstice out of the Caribbean this summer.
Angela Z.

richsea · #13 (**permalink**) June 3rd, 2011, 10:29 AM

We just returned from our first cruise on a Solstice class ship (Solstice), & thought that she was an elegent, beautifully appointed ship.
However, there were 2 things in particular, that we did NOT like about her. One is that there is no one place to gather for pre dinner drinks & dancing with live music, like the Rendevouz Lounge, which can be found on all other Celebrity ships; & the other is the location of the grill where you can get a burger. It is located on the deck above the pool, with only 4 or 5 small tables where you can eat. It is very clumsy to have to carry your order down a flight of stairs to the pool deck to sit at a table and eat. Just what were they thinking??!!

dkjretired · #14 (**permalink**) June 3rd, 2011, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richsea

We just returned from our first cruise on a Solstice class ship (Solstice), & thought that she was an elegent, beautifully appointed ship.
However, there were 2 things in particular, that we did NOT like about her. One is that there is no one place to gather for pre dinner drinks & dancing with live music, like the Rendevouz Lounge, which can be found on all other Celebrity ships; & the other is the location of the grill where you can get a burger. It is located on the deck above the pool, with only 4 or 5 small tables where you can eat. It is very clumsy to have to carry your order down a flight of stairs to the pool deck to sit at a table and eat. Just what were they thinking??!!

I found the area outside of Michaels to be very nice for a pre dinner drink, they have music and a bar.

I agree about the grill and I think but am not totally sure that they are making changes on Reflection.

aspengal · #15 (**permalink**) June 4th, 2011, 09:10 AM

A tie between the gorgeous solarium pool which is long enough to swim laps and the food at Muranos.

johnthed0g · #16 (**permalink**) June 4th, 2011, 09:30 AM

Just all wonderful to us...staff, service, food, entertainments. Fav. bar Martini, restaurant was Tuscan grill, Murano we found a bit "stuffy" & my wife got confused in Qsine..but then...
As a Brit I find the tips excessive.

Aidan · #17 (**permalink**) June 5th, 2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike M

I have sailed on all the Century (or almost Century) class ships. It's sad that Century is the only one left. I have also sailed on the Millennium and Summit. I loved the Thalassotherapy pools on the Century ships and love the size and the staterooms on the Millie class. The Olympic Dining Room on Millennium was one of the best meals I have ever had on land or sea. That was eight years ago and I still think about it.

So now that I'll be sailing the newest class of Celebrity ship; What's the best things about them?

Hi Mike, you are spot on in suspecting the high point based on your previous Celebrity cruises. We were on Solstice in March after a string of Holland America cruises.

For me, the food was best. A cruise ship can never have Michelin-rated restaurant quality food, but it was obvious the kitchen was making an effort and actually cared, both in the dining room and buffet. Nothing was bad, and some dishes were remarkable.