Celebrity Solstice
It’s been a while since I was this impressed by a new ship. Actually, I feel much the same way that I did when the Voyager – and later, Freedom class came on line for RCCL. In each case, innovation and vision were apparent and created an industry-wide “Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!”
Let’s face it, times are tough and will be for a while. FIT passengers, corporate decision-makers and incentive house buyers have many choices, especially in the seven-night Caribbean market. So what would make someone choose the Solstice over the others? That is the million dollar question. Here are some of the answers:
Let me begin by saying that the Solstice is a marvel, a beauty, a masterpiece! Carrying 2800-passengers, the vessel has so many intimate places that it just doesn’t seem all that large. The only time I really felt like I was on a big ship was while walking down the stateroom decks. Other than that, the ship felt “cozy”, easy to navigate and very manageable.
In terms of innovation, the Solstice has much to offer – both within the Celebrity fleet and industry-wide.
On deck 15, the ship features a Lawn Club – which when first announced seemed like an odd choice – but in truth is a terrific addition. On the lawn (of real grass) you can play Bocce, Croquet and enjoy a picnic. The real draw however is the Corning Museum’s hot glass show that runs three to four times per day, with one presentation taking place at 11:00 pm each night. To get up close and personal with talented glass artists and see a variety of pieces produced is interesting, entertaining and educational. A special camera allows the audience to view the inside of the oven while the glass is being heated and manipulated. What I thought at first would be a silly gimmick turned out to be one of my favorite activities. Also on deck 15 is an expanded Kids’ Club. Although I will always think of Celebrity as more of an adult product, on this ship even the children will have an incredible time.
Deck 14 is home to the Oceanview Café, one of the finest buffets at sea. There are choices galore and everything is absolutely delicious! I was especially impressed with the desserts, which not only looked amazing, but tasted equally as good. There are action stations for Pasta, Mexican specialties, Asian cuisine, Deli sandwiches, Gourmet Ice Cream, and two Carveries. In the evening you can find Sushi here as well. If dressing up for dinner is not your thing, you won’t go hungry! There is plenty to eat at the Oceanview Café. On the opposite end of the ship you will find the 400-passenger Sky Lounge, which is perfect for cocktail parties. In addition there is a 210-seat dedicated conference center with flexible walls and audio visual equipment. No more fighting for lounge space for your meetings!
Deck 12 houses the Aqua Spa, complete with fitness center, solarium pool, separate men’s and women’s hair salons and a spa café open for breakfast and lunch at no additional charge. This entire area is a relaxing escape, complete with a synchronized water and laser “show” and a handful of napping “pods” for two. Very well done! Just outside this refuge you will find a pool bar and of course a pool and hot tubs. What I found remarkable about the pool deck and the deck above is not only the amount of lounge chairs, but the incredible amount of shade beneath a tremendous number of white canopies. How smart! The pool area has a synchronized water “show” as well. Celebrity must have made a conscious decision not to have people eating around the pool deck, as there aren’t any tables and chairs for dining. I agree with their decision. If you want to dine al fresco, you can go to the back of the Oceanview Café and eat outside. The pool deck looks so much nicer without the clutter of trays and the smell of food.
Decks six through eleven are dedicated to cabins and suites, with the exception of the mid-ship areas. On one deck you will find a beautiful Library. Just below is a Card room. The next deck down is an Internet Café, and right below that is a new feature called Team Earth. As the Solstice is a completely green ship – this space is dedicated to the environment and discovering new places across the globe. Like it or not – it’s different and interesting.
Cabins on this ship fall into the following categories: Inside, Outside (with a window), Outside with a veranda, Concierge Class with a veranda, Aqua Class with a veranda, Sky Suites, Celebrity Suites, Royal Suites and Penthouse Suites. Incentive groups will primarily use Veranda and Concierge Class categories. The difference between the two are many: Concierge Class includes upgraded plush towels and robes, champagne on arrival, daily replenished fruit basket, nightly hors d’oeuvres and turndown goodies, a pillow menu, priority check-in and more. The real difference happens in Aqua Class – a category with approximately 130 staterooms. These passengers have the option to dine in their own restaurant (called Blu) for breakfast and lunch – serving green cuisine. They are also entitled to complimentary unlimited entry into the Persian Garden – a special area of the spa dedicated to them and suite guests. Other guests are not even allowed to buy their way into this spa spot with heated tiled beds, a steam room, aromatic sauna and rain shower. The Aqua Class verandas have all of the Concierge Class amenities, plus a few spa items, a scent system to make the cabins smell yummy and a multi-headed shower system. The Suites (all with butler service) are lovely – from the one-room Sky Suite to the rest which feature a separate bedroom and living room. The Royal and Penthouse Suites offer Jacuzzi tubs on the veranda. Truly luxurious!
Deck three, four and five are the main entertainment and dining decks – complete with a spectacular two-tier main dining room called the Grand Epernay. Done in white, grey and silver with “bubble” lighting, this room is beyond gorgeous – with gourmet cuisine to match. A true adventure in dining. The meals are grand by anyone’s standards; however my favorite activity happens once per cruise. An elegant tea time occurs on the first afternoon at sea. Imagine something akin to the Lanesborough Hotel in London with white glove service from impeccably dressed waiters. Enjoy the finest selection of teas along with freshly made scones (with cream and jam of course), and beautifully prepared miniature sandwiches, canapés and pastries. UNBELIEVABLE!
The Show Lounge is just as spectacular with the finest entertainment Celebrity Cruises has ever produced. The cast could easily perform for Cirque du Soleil – in fact, one of the main shows called Solstice, is every bit as good. The performers fly through the air on a multitude of harnesses and rigs. The Broadway show, Ghost Light and the high energy rock and roll show entitled Pulse are well done and extremely creative. The use of technology here is outstanding and indescribable.
Deck five features Blu, as well as three alternative restaurants. Each carry a surcharge from $20-$30 – but are well worth the indulgence. Silk Harvest features Asian fusion cuisine. Tuscan Grille is a steak and Italian restaurant with the most unique entrance I have seen onboard a ship. You walk through an archway that looks like the inside of a wine barrel, complete with wine bottles on either side. The last – and most upscale of the three is Murano – an explosion of culinary genius – much like a Thomas Keller or Daniel Bouloud experience. Simply outrageous! Additionally, the restaurant has a private wine cellar dining room for intimate VIP dinners.
Solstice has a fine array of shopping outlets spread over two decks, a casino, a coffee bar called Café al Bacio, serving an incredibly diverse selection of coffee, tea, cocoa and specialty drinks – as well as snacks and pastries. There is a Gelateria with European gelati and a venue called Bistro on Five (open from 6 am to 2 am daily) – a creperie that also serves pannini, soups and dessert. All of these venues come with a small charge – but it’s worth it!
In addition to the main shows, there are nightly comedy shows in Celebrity Central, a dedicated comedy theater seating 200 guests. This space can also house cooking demonstrations and other forms of entertainment. Quasar is the space-themed disco which seems to attract a big crowd every night. The ship also carries a string quartet, an acoustic guitarist, an acapella quartet and several bands and musicians. The ship was alive at night with so many performers of all genres.
You won’t want to miss Crush - the vodka bar or the adjacent Ice Bar, where they mix up the most spectacular martinis. The bar is covered in a light frosting of “snow” so your drink never gets warm. Cellar Masters is the dedicated wine bar, complete with wine tasting machines. Put in your key card and you can dispense three different amounts of a variety of white and red wines. VERY cool! And don’t forget Michael’s Club – Celebrity’s signature lounge and the perfect spot for an evening cocktail. Elegant and intimate! The Ensemble Lounge is the “replacement” for the Rendezvous Lounge – which Celebrity has on all of their other vessels. This is the spot for a pre-dinner drink, especially when dining in the alternative restaurants.
Solstice will take the cruise industry by storm, as will her four sisters – Equinox, Eclipse and two that are as yet unnamed. The product is elegant, innovative and affordable. Perfect for individual passengers and groups alike. Congratulations to Celebrity Cruises for reaching beyond boundaries and taking some chances that will most certainly pay off!
