Celebrity Solstice is one of the most loved ships in the Celebrity Cruises family, and it’s easy to see why. The ship sails to amazing places like Alaska, Australia, Asia, and Hawaii, and it has a lot of fun and relaxing things to do on board. The ship has won 18 awards from Cruise Critic, including Best Overall Ship, Best Cabins, Best Dining, and Best for Romance. But don’t take our word for it. Here are some of the highlights and tips from real cruisers who have shared their reviews on TripAdvisor and Cruise Critic.
The Ship
Celebrity Solstice was built in 2008 and can fit 2,850 passengers and 1,250 crew members. The ship has 13 decks and looks sleek and modern, with lots of atriums, glass elevators, and a live tree in the Grand Foyer. The ship also has some cool features that you won’t find on other ships, like the Lawn Club, a real grass area on the top deck where you can play games, have a picnic, or rent a private alcove; the Hot Glass Show, where you can watch artists make glass sculptures; and the Solarium, an adults-only indoor pool with a live plant wall.
The ship has different kinds of cabins for different budgets and preferences, from inside staterooms to suites with butler service. Most cabins have balconies and are big and comfy, with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and soft bedding. Some cabins are for Aqua Class or Concierge Class passengers, who get extra perks like priority boarding, access to special lounges and restaurants, and better amenities.
The Dining
Celebrity Solstice has a lot of dining options for different tastes and moods. The main dining room, Grand Epernay Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a fancy setting, with a menu that changes every day and has classic and new dishes. You can choose between regular fixed seating or flexible open seating, or order room service if you want to eat in your cabin.
The ship also has some specialty restaurants that cost extra or need a reservation. These include Murano, a fancy French restaurant; Tuscan Grille, an Italian steakhouse; Silk Harvest, an Asian fusion restaurant; Sushi on Five, a sushi bar; and Blu, a special restaurant for Aqua Class passengers that serves healthy and creative food. For casual dining, you can go to the Oceanview Café, a buffet-style restaurant that has a lot of dishes from different countries; the Mast Grill, a poolside burger place; or the Spa Café, a light food option in the Solarium.
The ship also has several bars and lounges where you can have drinks and snacks anytime. These include the Martini Bar, a cool ice-topped bar that makes awesome cocktails; the Cellar Masters, a wine bar that has tastings and seminars; the Sky Observation Lounge, a panoramic lounge that has live music and dancing; the Sunset Bar, an outdoor bar with amazing views; and Michael’s Club, a special lounge for suite guests.
The Entertainment
Celebrity Solstice has plenty of entertainment options to keep you busy during your cruise. The ship has a big theater that has Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, musical performances, and guest speakers. The ship also has a casino that has slot machines, table games, and tournaments; a nightclub that plays music from different genres and eras; a library that has books, games, and puzzles; an iLounge that has computers, internet access, and classes; and a fitness center that has modern equipment, classes, and personal trainers.
The ship also has a spa that offers different treatments, like massages, facials, acupuncture, and hair salon services. The spa also has a Persian Garden, a relaxation area that has heated loungers, aromatherapy showers, and steam rooms. The ship also has several pools and hot tubs where you can chill out and enjoy the sun or the views.
The ship also has activities and programs for different age groups and interests. The ship has a Fun Factory for kids aged 3 to 11 years old; an X Club for teens aged 12 to 17 years old; a Team Earth for environmental fans; an Art Gallery for art lovers; and an Enrichment Program for those who want to learn something new.
The Itineraries
Celebrity Solstice offers different itineraries throughout the year in different parts of the world. Some of the most popular places include:
Alaska, where you can see glaciers, wildlife, and beautiful scenery.
Australia and New Zealand, where you can explore cool cities, natural wonders, and cultural attractions.
Asia, where you can experience different cultures, cuisines, and landmarks.
Hawaii, where you can enjoy tropical beaches, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
South Pacific islands like Fiji, Tahiti, and Bora Bora, where you can relax in paradise.
The ship also offers transpacific and repositioning cruises that let you visit more places in one trip. These cruises are usually longer and cheaper than regular cruises, but they also have more sea days and fewer ports of call.
The Reviews
Celebrity Solstice has gotten mostly good reviews from past cruisers, who have loved the ship’s service, food, entertainment, and amenities. The ship has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor, based on over 2,000 reviews. Here are some of the things that recent reviewers have said:
– “The service on the cruise was fantastic from our dining experience, bar service, and room service.” – Tayalspach, June 17, 2022
– “Upon walking onto the Celebrity Solstice we were impressed with the ease of check-in. Not a fancy ship but it was clean. Our stateroom was ready early. We appreciated the comfortability of our balcony stateroom.” – JB, July 8, 2022
– “The food on Celebrity Solstice is generally good, with an occasional great if you’ve chosen a meal in one of the ship’s specialty restaurants.” – Cruise Critic Editor
– “Nature is a theme on Solstice, with its large tree anchoring one of its atriums, a live plant wall in its Solarium pool, and of course, the real grass that makes up the Lawn Club on the top deck.” – Cruise Critic Editor
– “The Sky Lounge, with its bank of windows, is perfect for wildlife viewing in Alaska and scenic cruising anywhere else.” – Cruise Critic Editor
Of course, not every review is perfect, and some cruisers have also said some bad things or things that could be better. Some of the common complaints include:
– “The Oceanview Café does an admirable job at providing many options, although we did notice that it’s hard to find snacks at certain hours.” – Cruise Critic Editor
– “A Disappointing Return to Cruising…The ship is dated and needs a refresh. The food was mediocre at best. The entertainment was lackluster.” – Laurie, June 2023
– “The ship lacks some areas and amenities that are now standard on the line…That being said, Celebrity Solstice still has plenty of oomph.” – Cruise Critic Editor
The Conclusion
Celebrity Solstice is a ship that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing or adventurous cruise, a romantic or family-friendly vacation, or a cultural or natural exploration. The ship has a lot of fans and a high satisfaction rate among cruisers who have enjoyed its service, food, entertainment, and amenities. The ship may not be the newest or the most innovative in the fleet. But it still gives you a great cruise experience that will make you happy.
If you want to book a cruise on Celebrity Solstice, you can visit the official website of Celebrity Cruises or contact your travel agent. You can also check out the latest deals and offers on Cruise Critic or TripAdvisor. You can also read more reviews and tips from past cruisers on these websites or join the forums and chat with other cruisers who have sailed or are planning to sail on Celebrity Solstice.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about Celebrity Solstice. Have you sailed on this ship before? What did you like or dislike about it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!