RCI Serenade vs. Solstice

[One Morlock]

OK, need some feedback here. I was about to book another cruise on the RCI Serenade with my TA and he recommended that I give the Solstice a try saying that it was a little more "upscale" and he felt I would enjoy it more then the RCI ships I've been on. My first question is to those that have booked on both RCI and Celebrity, what have been your experiences - both good and bad - and which have you enjoyed most? We're in our late 50's and this will be only our 4th cruise having done Freedom, Liberty and Serenade on RCI.

 

Also, we've always had mid ship balcony rooms and he has recommended a Sunset Veranda room on the stern. Sounds intriguing, but do you get any "fumes" back there from the stack?? Thanks in advance for your responses!

[hylasgirl]

OK, need some feedback here. I was about to book another cruise on the RCI Serenade with my TA and he recommended that I give the Solstice a try saying that it was a little more "upscale" and he felt I would enjoy it more then the RCI ships I've been on. My first question is to those that have booked on both RCI and Celebrity, what have been your experiences - both good and bad - and which have you enjoyed most? We're in our late 50's and this will be only our 4th cruise having done Freedom, Liberty and Serenade on RCI.

 

Also, we've always had mid ship balcony rooms and he has recommended a Sunset Veranda room on the stern. Sounds intriguing, but do you get any "fumes" back there from the stack?? Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

First of all, let me say that I love the Radiance class ships. They are my favorite Royal ships. BUT... I think the Solstice is the most gorgeous ship at sea. I LOVE that it's not full of "bells and whistles" but there is plenty to see and do. My husband is 53 and I am 40... we travel with our friends that are about the same age. For me, aesthetics is important. The decor and ambiance of the Solstice is 2nd to none. In my opinion. I love that every balcony cabin has the same class of decor and amenities for the most part. I absolutely LOVE the balcony furniture on the Solstice... something that I find crazy that Royal cannot address on ALL their ships. I like that you can have breakfast on your balcony with a REAL dining table. We spent MUCH time at the back of the ship and fumes were not a problem at all. A few cabins have had some soot issues, but I have heard of anyone complaining of fumes.

 

My only complaint about all of Celebrity is the lack of a true promenade deck. Something that I love about HAL, but too bad I don't like sailing with them :o

 

The specialty restaurants on the Solstice are gorgeous and delicious. If specialty dining is your thing.

 

I love that the Solstice has an adult only solarium pool that is so NICE!!! This is a great feature about the Radiance class, but all of them are decorated so cheesy. It's like they make all their ships (Carnival too) to look like you are in some tropical casino in Atlantic City. I like the calming decor of Solstice. It's contemporary without being cold.

 

The Solstice is bigger than the Radiance class, but you sure won't feel that in terms of passenger to space ratio. I have never been on a ship that feels less crowded... and we sailed at full capacity. It is a long way to walk when you are in the aft of the ship, but we walk all the time and it didn't bother us.

 

The standard size bathroom in the balcony cabins are the best designed bathroom I have seen at sea. I have never seen so much storage for such a small space. The closet in the room has suffered from doing this, but we were on a 10 night cruise, and I over-pack and I didn't have any issues with finding places for my stuff.

 

I LOVE the flat screen TV with on demand movies!!! This is another thing I wish other ships would do. It was so nice to watch a movie while getting ready, and be able to pause it until the next night or after dinner and then continue watching it. It will pause as many movies as you want for up to 48 hours.

 

I also ADORE the Sunset Bar on the Solstice (and other Celebrity ships). I don't like that the only real outside bar on Royal is the pool bar. There is plenty of seating for eating outside from the buffet too. THEE best buffet at sea.... hand down.

 

Most people will say the food is far superior. I don't really think so. I think Royal is average and think Celebrity is too. I think they do a few things better... but it isn't 4star dining. Their buffet is far far better than any Windjammer Cafe I have eaten at.

 

Any other questions just ask. I am a Solstice junkie:D Check out some photos of the Solstice and you will understand some of my points. All the public places have the most comfortable seating... the solarium pool has loungers that are actually padded... the seating at the Sunset Bar is so nice... big oversized wicker furniture with nice pads... big round tables that look like fire-pits. The Lawn Club made me laugh when I first heard about it, but it is such a nice space. Our whole group lived on the Lawn Club deck when we were on our cruise. OH... And the Glass Blowing show is SOOOO popular and very interesting. I don't think anyone knew how popular this was gong to be. Get there early and get a seat. It is a great show. (on the Lawn Club)

[One Morlock]

Hylas Girl, thanks so much for the info. You're building my excitement about this ship! I just booked it and you have eliviated most of my apprehention. A quick question about the specialty restaurants. I LOVE Chop's on RCI! What's the equivalent on Solstice?

[sweetestpea]

What a great review/comparison. Thanks! :)

 

I've been on Celebrity (not the Solstice but my cruise next year is on the Equinox-YAY) and the Serenade.

 

While I think the Serenade is a pretty ship, I totally agree about the cheesy solarium-what were they thinking?!? I can't wait to spend some time in the adult only solarium on the Equinox, it looks much more spa like and elegant.

 

Activites: As you know, if you want mini golf, rock climbing, more elaborate kids pool, clearly the Serenade is your choice. Celebrity is geared to a more mature audience and I like that (I'm in my 30's). I can't wait to see the Lawn Garden, the glass blowing, the solarium, the gorgeous pool area with lovely wicker furniture, the resort deck cabanas, the shops, etc... To me, the ship as a whole seems to have a boutique feel and not your standard ship details!

 

Food: I think Celebrity was definitely a step up from what we had on RCI but I agree, neither are 4 star, but Celebrity is definitely closer. The service on Celebrity is what really stood out for me, so much more personalized and upscale. It was noticeable from day one. I can't wait to try the much more varied specialty dining on the Equinox and the other options like the Cellar Masters and gelato at the Cafe al Bacio!!! From what I've seen, I think the Tuscan Grille is closest to Chop's.

 

I don't think you could wrong with either but I think RCI is definitely more family & child friendly so if you have kids, want to be around kids, the Serenade would be my choice. If you are a couple looking for a little more romance and upscale experience, I would go with Celebrity. I think the Solstice looks amazing.

 

Good luck!

[tuscansun]

Once again, great postings! We have been on the Serenade and loved it. It was just gorgeous. From reading these postings, we are so very looking forward to the Solstice TA cruise Nov 30! From all the ships we have been on, Serenade is the prettiest...so, we are definitely looking forward to this next one on Solstice!!! Thanks!

[kelmac]

I agree with Hylasgirl,

 

I've sailed the Radiance (sister ship to the Serenade) and the Solstice; the Solstice is the best ship I've sailed in 35 cruises.

 

Remember, the Serenade is a GTS powered ship (gas turbine ship) and there is no visible pollution. The Solstice in a diesel powered ship and had some problems with "ash" early in it's history. Since then, they've added some new things to cut down on the emissions. Will the aft cabins be free from this ash? I don't know.

 

The Radiance class ships are beautiful and the "best" of the RCCL fleet, but given the choice, I would book the Solstice class!

 

Things I like about the Solstice:

--Five alternative restaurants.

--very uncrowded feel.

--large, well designed cabins.

--superior food

--ship designed for adults.

--great service and a more upscale feel.

--new and exciting spaces and entertainment.

--the PA only comes on at noon, once a day.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[One Morlock]

Thanks all for your responses! I appreciate it very much and am so looking forward to the Solstice now! Jan. 31st can't get here quick enough!!

[hylasgirl]

Hylas Girl, thanks so much for the info. You're building my excitement about this ship! I just booked it and you have eliviated most of my apprehention. A quick question about the specialty restaurants. I LOVE Chop's on RCI! What's the equivalent on Solstice?

 

 

Muranos is the most popular "nice" restaurant by far. We actually had a VERY decent meal in the Tuscan Grill. I had an excellent filet and the view was spectacular.

 

Have a great time!

[hylasgirl]

Thanks all for your responses! I appreciate it very much and am so looking forward to the Solstice now! Jan. 31st can't get here quick enough!!

 

Hey... that is funny. We are going the cruise just before yours so we'll wave to you as we are disembarking on the 31st (my birthday by the way).

 

You will LOVE her!!!

[hylasgirl]

What a great review/comparison. Thanks! :)

 

I've been on Celebrity (not the Solstice but my cruise next year is on the Equinox-YAY) and the Serenade.

 

While I think the Serenade is a pretty ship, I totally agree about the cheesy solarium-what were they thinking?!? I can't wait to spend some time in the adult only solarium on the Equinox, it looks much more spa like and elegant.

 

Activites: As you know, if you want mini golf, rock climbing, more elaborate kids pool, clearly the Serenade is your choice. Celebrity is geared to a more mature audience and I like that (I'm in my 30's). I can't wait to see the Lawn Garden, the glass blowing, the solarium, the gorgeous pool area with lovely wicker furniture, the resort deck cabanas, the shops, etc... To me, the ship as a whole seems to have a boutique feel and not your standard ship details!

 

Food: I think Celebrity was definitely a step up from what we had on RCI but I agree, neither are 4 star, but Celebrity is definitely closer. The service on Celebrity is what really stood out for me, so much more personalized and upscale. It was noticeable from day one. I can't wait to try the much more varied specialty dining on the Equinox and the other options like the Cellar Masters and gelato at the Cafe al Bacio!!! From what I've seen, I think the Tuscan Grille is closest to Chop's.

 

I don't think you could wrong with either but I think RCI is definitely more family & child friendly so if you have kids, want to be around kids, the Serenade would be my choice. If you are a couple looking for a little more romance and upscale experience, I would go with Celebrity. I think the Solstice looks amazing.

 

Good luck!

 

OH BOY... are you going to LOVE the Mediterranean by Equinox!!! Seriously...

 

Oh, and the wine machines in Cellar Masters... this was my home away from home:D Nice breadsticks and cheese served in there before dinner. Awesome way to try different wines for a smaller price than a bottle or full glass. Very fun pre-dinner spot for us.

 

The Solarium pool is soooooo gorgeous and comfortable. THEE most comfortable seating everywhere on this ship. I think I saw more people utilizing public spaces (not just the pool) than any other ship because they were just such comfortable, inviting places.

 

For casino people... I am not one... It is GORGEOUS!! As pretty as you can make a casino.

 

But seriously... the Sunset Bar is where it's at... if you want a great sail away in the Med, get there early and get a table. It is a great space.

[sweetestpea]

OH BOY... are you going to LOVE the Mediterranean by Equinox!!! Seriously...

 

Oh, and the wine machines in Cellar Masters... this was my home away from home:D Nice breadsticks and cheese served in there before dinner. Awesome way to try different wines for a smaller price than a bottle or full glass. Very fun pre-dinner spot for us.

 

The Solarium pool is soooooo gorgeous and comfortable. THEE most comfortable seating everywhere on this ship. I think I saw more people utilizing public spaces (not just the pool) than any other ship because they were just such comfortable, inviting places.

 

For casino people... I am not one... It is GORGEOUS!! As pretty as you can make a casino.

 

But seriously... the Sunset Bar is where it's at... if you want a great sail away in the Med, get there early and get a table. It is a great space.

 

Hylasgirl, I think Cellar Masters is going to be my home away from home too. Can't wait. I will be living on wine and gelato for 2 weeks and then rolling myself onto the all the comfy seating! :D Does it get any better?!? Thanks for all the info, it's very exciting as I've heard nothing but fabulous remarks regarding the Equinox!