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Hello Norwegian Fans! We normally only cruise Celebrity got chatting to someone who only cruises Norwegian. We did a bit of YouTube and online stuff and are wondering if we’ve been missing something. Tried a short Cunard trip last year and we intend to return in 30 years when we’re the correct age. The premium drinks package on Celebrity is great but yours looks better! We’re getting a ‘new’ Celebrity ship based in the UK next year with infinite verandas (yuck) so we’re looking to move elsewhere and Norwegian looks good. Have any of you cruised with Celebrity and how would you compare it to Norwegian? Thanks a lot.

We love watching YouTube videos about cruise lines, especially Celebrity and have just watched a new one about the Solstice going to Alaska. This has reminded us about one difference which really stood out. Tuscan Grill has been our favourite on all Solstice Class Celebrity ships but we found Tuscan very underwhelming on the Solstice and this was mentioned in the video too. Does anyone else agree?

You’re probably aware but for the others who are reading this, the quickest and one of the cheapest ways from Amsterdam to Rotterdam is by train. Very, very reliable and many departures throughout the day. Might be difficult with luggage though.

Yay! Someone else uses ‘disembark’ and not ‘debark’!

Unfortunately not but if you go onto YouTube there are many recent (some are quite good) videos of the Solstice.

EVENING CHIC Each itinerary features one to two “formal” nights we call Evening Chic. Evening Chic means you dress to impress, glamorous and sophisticated in your own way, with a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jean, an elegant dress top or blazer—some guests even pack a tuxedo or gown for onboard Copied from the website. Sorry for the large font

Yes it was Theo. All the Greek Captains we’ve cruised with have been charming, visible throughout the ship and warm. None of them seek the limelight. Enough said!

No. Never use them.

And this makes depressing reading.

On cruises from Southampton we’ve found that people dress more. On our most recent one from LA, Chic Night was hardly noticeable. Thankfully I couldn’t get into my tux but it does seem a pity we’re losing the glamour.

Concierge? Where? Tried to call her twice on the silhouette last year with no success. As others have said, unless you’re looking for the CC points or a specific location on the ship it’s a waste of money. Oh, and the lunch on embarkation day? Very average. Rather go to the buffet and enjoy the views outside!

When you say ‘hours devours’ do you actually mean hors d’oeuvres? Also, on our recent voyage Celebrity used the word ‘disembark’ and not ‘debark’ thank goodness!

Just got off and completely blown away and can’t wait for our next one. We didn’t go into the casino so can’t comment about the reduced betting. Patrick the Cruise Director is leaving the ship at the end of next week for some well earned rest. He deserves it as he works really hard and was there saying bye to us when we left. Even his TV show in the morning is worth watching. High energy ship with amazing crew. We had no complaints whatsoever (apart from a very grumpy DJ who played what he wanted and seemed to enjoy an empty dance floor in Sky Lounge, boooooo). We did hear complaints about main dining from other guests but can’t comment as we weren’t there. Very strong management team presence with all hotel and deck officers seen everywhere, unlike our recent Cunard voyage. The buffet is still awesome and the ship is sparkling, unlike Cunard. If you’re going on board soon we are really jealous. Top tip. Bid for an upgrade. Final top tip. Don’t feed your family or give to charity. Use your money for a Celebrity Cruise!!! Lol

We’ve enjoyed every meal in there. It wasn’t our initial choice as we thought it would be grass smoothies, salads and boring healthy stuff but we couldn’t have been more wrong. Our wine is topped up regularly and there’s a bread basket to die for. Its worth it even if you don’t use the Persian Garden.

I couldn’t disagree more. We’ve done all classes and cabins and on this trip we’re lucky to have been upgraded to Aqua. Regardless of the type of access card you are carrying, whether it be blue, gold or silver the crew treat everyone the same. We’re dining in Murano tonight. If someone comes in and expects it for free then I’d expect them to be asked to leave. Same with the retreat. I’m not getting into the politics of a commercial organisation but am happy to answer questions as I know how exciting the run up to a cruise can be!

Trying to answer the questions in one post! The Cruise Director is Patrick. What a lovely guy and up there, in my opinion, with Sue Denning. Amazing Abba event last night with him in charge. He walks around chatting to everyone and a real ambassador. Theres plenty of tonic on board and all soft drinks are in cans. Not sure about the pools but I’m sure there’ll be plenty of people who’ll give you advice but there are lots of kids in them (and the how tubs, 👿) World Class bar we haven’t been to yet. Take a coat for SF and pack as if it were June in Scotland! Four seasons in one day. We’d come again in Aqua just for Blu!

OVC: An excellent selection of fresh food and today we did a sample plate for you to see. Fish, chicken pot pie, roast beef, mash and cottage pie. All delicious Roast beef was perfect! We asked them to put the side of beef upside down for the photo and they did so! Lol

There’s body wash and hard soap too

Yes. Three separate big ones and moisturiser too.

Looks like someone else has answered it.

Both breakfast and dinner were great! I think I’ve answered in other posts I’ve made, needless to say you’ll enjoy it.

From memory there’s around 2800 on board so not full. Our American friends eat early so we’ve never queued for anything. Currently enjoying the Sky Lounge which the newer ships don’t have. We have the most perfect view of San Francisco as we’re ‘nose in’ and we couldn’t be happier. We wouldn’t have this experience on an Edge Class and that’s why we love the Solstice Class! X

We asked for French onion soup which wasn’t on the menu and were told it’s not on the menu but we’ll happily get it for you if you’re prepared to wait. Perfect answer! The only way I can sum up Blu is that it’s Cunard Queens Grill in the 21st century!

Funnily enough we just had the conversation about this ship not being revolutionised and it honestly hasn’t lost its charm. Our favourite ship has been the Silhouette but the Solstice is a very close second. Again, the staff have had fun with the passengers (I’ve just witnessed a guest asking about Captain’s Club happy hour and the bartender said he’d never heard of it! He then asked a colleague about it and was told he could have juice or water. The guest’s face was priceless. Obviously he got the drinks list after much hilarity). Silent disco. There are a few. Not sure about Chic evenings but will keep you posted. I presume it changes each trip. One gripe. Hot tubs should be for over 16’s. This, unfortunately, is not enforced. One last thing. We couldn’t get a reservation for a speciality restaurant before the cruise but we were able to do so on board.

Yes. Deck 11 just aft of the suites.