Solstice 1/31/10 - 2/7/10: What was hot, what was not!

[Ray_Ray]

Summer 2011

 

Ron -

 

We're looking at that same time frame. The only drawback to the Summit are the 3 sea days. Although they dock on the west end, I like the 3 days in port.

[Ray_Ray]

How right you are!!!The Zenith was one of our favorite ships in every way. Miss it, but size alone makes it impossible to compare it to todays ships.

Ray-Ray I won't flame you for saying the average age was 70 to 75 (although I disagree) because I have graduated out of that group, I am 81.

 

teajak -

 

If you liked that ship, you'll enjoy this commentary on the Zenith from Harper's. A word of caution, this read is hysterical.

 

http://www.harpers.org/media/pdf/dfw/HarpersMagazine-1996-01-0007859.pdf

[teajak]

teajak -

 

If you liked that ship, you'll enjoy this commentary on the Zenith from Harper's. A word of caution, this read is hysterical.

 

http://www.harpers.org/media/pdf/dfw/HarpersMagazine-1996-01-0007859.pdf

I made a big mistake and started to read this just before time to start dinner.It is a good thing my DH was reading a good book and didn't realize dinner was late.That was great, I kept remembering, I remember that one, I remember the tablemates,I remember that dining room. Thank you, I loved it

[RichS10]

teajak -

 

If you liked that ship, you'll enjoy this commentary on the Zenith from Harper's. A word of caution, this read is hysterical.

 

http://www.harpers.org/media/pdf/dfw/HarpersMagazine-1996-01-0007859.pdf

 

Ray_Ray,

That article on the Zenith (Nadir) and the 7NC in general, was hilarious. And because it's a bit dated, it also reminded me of my early cruises on the Sovereign. Thanks for posting that link!

 

Rich

[eandj]

A few suggestions:

 

- Scheduled art tours daily

- Steel drum band by the pool would be nice

- Interesting lectures and guest speakers

- Cooking classes hosted by Celebrity chefs

- Drink and mixology tips hosted by Celebrity Bartenders

- Dance lessons that teach more upbeat moves, i.e. salsa, latin, ect... (not the waltz)

 

Ray, Some of these were actually scheduled....not daily tho.

 

-There was the art tour with guide. My dh caught part of it.

-There aren't cooking "classes" on any X ship. Thought the cook off was a good idea. Oceania's new ship will have actual hands on classes. Something new for all the mainstreams.

-There also was one drink making class on the schedule that I spotted. Didn't attend. Don't know exactly what they mixed however.

-There were cha cha dance lessons, but don't know the others offered.

-The steel pan player played around the ship. He used electronics along with the pan. We got into him in the Passport bar several times. As did many others.

-The show band DID play some Carib music, but not for long periods at the pool.

There were "lectures" on board, but none to my liking. Oceania has daily lectures and invited speakers on all their cruises. Could be on anything... finances, ports of call, history, self help etc. My dh got into those on a 10 dayer in the Carib. However, your wanting "interesting" is so subjective. ( I found what dh liked to be a "snooze" to me. )

 

I understand most of your feelings re your cruise experience on the Solstice and agree with most. I hate to see people scared away from ANY line if they don't remember this is a site that exposes people's opinions(good or bad) in their reviews and is not representing everyone's experiences. My favorite music might be totally different than a 20 -something. My taste in food may be different than my husband's. (he loved the curries at the buffet) My way of relaxing will be different than yours. (I love catching up on a book while I soak up the sun) Is there a right or wrong? Nope. It's all in the eye of the beholder. And there's a ship for everyone's tastes. No need to try to clone them.

Funny, I mentioned Oceania twice as having things you listed as "wants". However we found their ship a bit too "sleepy" for us. I definitely would not rec it to you. So...you see, anyone with the inclination and finances, could pull a little from each line creating the perfect ship and all that goes along with it. We can dream.

[Ray_Ray]

I made a big mistake and started to read this just before time to start dinner.It is a good thing my DH was reading a good book and didn't realize dinner was late.That was great, I kept remembering, I remember that one, I remember the tablemates,I remember that dining room. Thank you, I loved it

 

 

This is one of those articles that is next to impossible to stop reading until the end. Not to be too sophomoric but I will never forget "...all this is still small potatoes compared with 1009's fascinating and potentially malevolent toiler. A harmonious concordance of elegant form and vigorous function, flanked by rolls of tissue so soft as to be without perforates for tearing. The toilet's flush produces a brief but traumatizing sound, a kind of held high- B gargle, as of some gastric disturbance on a cosmic scale. Along with this sound comes a suction so awesomely powerful that it's both scary and strangely comforting: your waste seems less removed than hurled from you, and with a velocity that lets you feel as though the waste is going to end up someplace so far away that it will have become an abstraction, a kind of existential sewage-treatment system."

[Ray_Ray]

Ray, Some of these were actually scheduled....not daily tho.

 

-There was the art tour with guide. My dh caught part of it.

-There aren't cooking "classes" on any X ship. Thought the cook off was a good idea. Oceania's new ship will have actual hands on classes. Something new for all the mainstreams.

-There also was one drink making class on the schedule that I spotted. Didn't attend. Don't know exactly what they mixed however.

-There were cha cha dance lessons, but don't know the others offered.

-The steel pan player played around the ship. He used electronics along with the pan. We got into him in the Passport bar several times. As did many others.

-The show band DID play some Carib music, but not for long periods at the pool.

There were "lectures" on board, but none to my liking. Oceania has daily lectures and invited speakers on all their cruises. Could be on anything... finances, ports of call, history, self help etc. My dh got into those on a 10 dayer in the Carib. However, your wanting "interesting" is so subjective. ( I found what dh liked to be a "snooze" to me. )

 

I understand most of your feelings re your cruise experience on the Solstice and agree with most. I hate to see people scared away from ANY line if they don't remember this is a site that exposes people's opinions(good or bad) in their reviews and is not representing everyone's experiences. My favorite music might be totally different than a 20 -something. My taste in food may be different than my husband's. (he loved the curries at the buffet) My way of relaxing will be different than yours. (I love catching up on a book while I soak up the sun) Is there a right or wrong? Nope. It's all in the eye of the beholder. And there's a ship for everyone's tastes. No need to try to clone them.

 

Thank you eandj!

[scrappykat]

A few suggestions:

 

- Scheduled art tours daily

- Steel drum band by the pool would be nice

- Interesting lectures and guest speakers

- Cooking classes hosted by Celebrity chefs

- Drink and mixology tips hosted by Celebrity Bartenders

- Dance lessons that teach more upbeat moves, i.e. salsa, latin, ect... (not the waltz)

 

Hi,

 

Great review! My sister and I were on the 1/17 Solstice sailing. We are 43 and 45. We really loved the cruise and found a lot to do on sea days. On our sailing there were lectures---we went to 2 of them: Mysteries of the Sea and one on whales---both really interesting (There were 2 other lectures offered----one on military battles, and something else, but we weren't interested in those).

 

There was at least one art tour during our week, but we missed it :( We liked the art auctions though.

 

We liked the ship tour and galley tour, plus the chef cook off we saw on one of the sea days.

 

We both really liked the "ambience" of the ship, but realize it's not for everyone ;) Thanks again for posting---I love to read other people's opinions!

[kgloverii]

This thread has me cracking up. My husband and I are early-mid 30's and are cruising Solstice in May. This is my first cruise (my husband cruised many times with his family as a child/teen). We've been married for (almost) 9 years. We are going AquaClass. We will be dining in Blu. I don't think he and I are 'snoozers' and we definitely aren't snobby, and somehow I think we're going to do just fine on the ship. The trip is all what you make of it, right? We've got some amazing ports to see, a great meet and mingle to attend, and will wing it as we go. Fun is what you make it, and doggone it, if I'm really pining for something to do, I'll go to napkin folding, and have something to tell everyone about when I get home. And heck, I might even meet a nice old lady when I am there. Life is what you make of it, and as I live life as my mother taught me... if you are bored, you're a boring person. There's always **something** to do, and there is always fun to be had.

[gschwartz001]

My husband and I are in our thirties and have sailed Carnival, NCL, RCCL and are trying the Solstice for the first time in AquaClass. I do not think I am a snob because I enjoy being pampered. I work hard all year long and my husband and I go on vacation to enjoy each other and relax. We feel that we "outgrew" Carnival several years ago. We have enjoyed our cruises on NCL and RCCL but wanted something a little more upscale (we rescheduled the Epic to go on Solstice).

 

I do not need loud music playing while I am trying to relax by the pool nor do I need screaming children running in the "adults on;y" solarium. I have an ipod that I can use to listen to the music I like and I enjoy the casino at night after a relaxing quiet dinner (just the two of us). I talk all day at work, I do not want to talk to a group of strangers at all my meals. That is not why I travel.

 

I understand everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but calling other people snobs is not the right way to do it.

[CruiseAwayWithMe]

Brad Zimmerman? I actually met him onboard Celebrity Equinox on the January 4, 2010 sailing. Was he from New York? We were in the weight lifting room and he was there too. We were talking to him because he seemed like a nice guy. Then, we proceeded to ask him what he did for a living. He said that he was a comedian. I thought it was a joke at first but he really was a comedian. He invited us to his performance at midnight but I usually go to bed before then or I might have came.

[BrianTom]

You'll have a good time, don't let the negative aspects taint your trip. We certainly didn't.

 

The old saying "a bad day on a cruise sure beats a good day at work"

We will have fun no matter what. I was hoping that the crowd was not going to be as sedate as Princess. We will see.

[Cruise Junky]

I was hoping that the crowd was not going to be as sedate as Princess. We will see.

 

I hope it doesn't disappoint...activity wise our Celebrity Cruise was a dud compared to Princess. Cruise was good, but activity wise...snooozeeee

[CruisinNewb]

Ron -

 

We're looking at that same time frame. The only drawback to the Summit are the 3 sea days. Although they dock on the west end, I like the 3 days in port.

 

NCL also has the 3 sea days. Holland only has two and they dock in Hamilton and St George.

 

Ron

[jtvmi77]

Agree regarding tone inflection- no offense taken.

 

I wish I could remember the subject of some of the lectures better---

 

The 1/17 sailing had specialists lecturing about the history of the Royal Navy and naval battles. There might have been something on the shipping industry and shipwrecks too. I would have like to have gone to one or two (am a history buff); however, chilling out by the Solarium won out..lol.

[Ray_Ray]

The 1/17 sailing had specialists lecturing about the history of the Royal Navy and naval battles. There might have been something on the shipping industry and shipwrecks too. I would have like to have gone to one or two (am a history buff); however, chilling out by the Solarium won out..lol.

 

 

You scored far better with speakers than we did:

 

Day 1, Meet Your Celebrity Life Guides

Day 2, first day at sea, Let's Dance - Cha Cha

Day 3, going in to San Juan, (part of Celebrity Life) Combating diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Day 4, thank goodness a port day (again, part of the Celebrity Life), how to decorate a birthday cake.

Day 5, Burn Fat Faster, Art of Napkin Folding, Increasing your Metabolism

Day 6, Memories at Sea - Scrapbooking, Intro to Botox, Lets Dance - Cultural

Day 7, last sea day, Chef Cook Off, Lets Dance - Tango, as if once wasn't enough...Memories at sea - Scrapbooking

 

At least we had the hot glass show, that was always good.

[Ray_Ray]

NCL also has the 3 sea days. Holland only has two and they dock in Hamilton and St George.

 

Ron

 

Hey Ron -

 

This trip for us will primarily be destination driven and the ship will be a secondary factor in our decision. Ideally we would like to roll this trip in with a trip to NY for about 3 additional days. Summit is my first choice (because they're there for 3 days), I saw that NCL also has 3 days. The drawback to each is they have 3 sea days. Last night I looked at the Veendam's Bermuda schedule and it's in port for 5 days (2 days in SG, 3 days in Hamilton) and as you mentioned in your original message, only at sea for 2.

 

Our last cruise on the Slostice had us at sea every night for a week. Having 5 days in port would at least allow for more fun at night in town. I hear that HAL is primarily for seniors but the Bermuda schedule is very tempting. The ship is considerably smaller (1350 pax) and also appear to have better docking locations. Plenty of time to plan but I would be interested if you heard anything about this cruise.

[richsea]

Our last cruise on the Slostice had us at sea every night for a week. Having 5 days in port would at least allow for more fun at night in town. I hear that HAL is primarily for seniors but the Bermuda schedule is very tempting. The ship is considerably smaller (1350 pax) and also appear to have better docking locations. Plenty of time to plan but I would be interested if you heard anything about this cruise.

 

You're right Ray Ray, HAL has a reputation for catering to seniors. However, if you sail in the summer, I would guess that the passenger mix will be younger, with many families. We've sailed to Bermuda 5 times, all on Celebrity, & I can tell you that those sailings had by far, the liveliest atmosphere.

Bermuda is beautiful, & their beaches are, IMO, the best of all. You have to remember that Bermuda is not known to be a party town, so beware. But if you sail HAL, they at least dock in Hamilton & St. George, & you can just walk off the ship & be right in the middle of whatever nightlife they do have.

[Ray_Ray]

You're right Ray Ray, HAL has a reputation for catering to seniors. However, if you sail in the summer, I would guess that the passenger mix will be younger, with many families. We've sailed to Bermuda 5 times, all on Celebrity, & I can tell you that those sailings had by far, the liveliest atmosphere.

Bermuda is beautiful, & their beaches are, IMO, the best of all. You have to remember that Bermuda is not known to be a party town, so beware. But if you sail HAL, they at least dock in Hamilton & St. George, & you can just walk off the ship & be right in the middle of whatever nightlife they do have.

 

Perfect! Thanks buddy.

[librarylady19]

This thread has me cracking up. My husband and I are early-mid 30's and are cruising Solstice in May. This is my first cruise (my husband cruised many times with his family as a child/teen). We've been married for (almost) 9 years. We are going AquaClass. We will be dining in Blu. I don't think he and I are 'snoozers' and we definitely aren't snobby, and somehow I think we're going to do just fine on the ship. The trip is all what you make of it, right? We've got some amazing ports to see, a great meet and mingle to attend, and will wing it as we go. Fun is what you make it, and doggone it, if I'm really pining for something to do, I'll go to napkin folding, and have something to tell everyone about when I get home. And heck, I might even meet a nice old lady when I am there. Life is what you make of it, and as I live life as my mother taught me... if you are bored, you're a boring person. There's always **something** to do, and there is always fun to be had.

Your outlook is refreshing, given the tone of this thread. I do not like to see those who enjoy Aquaclass classified as snobs. You should love the experience - it's all about enjoying a quiet, high quality dining experience in a wonderful atmosphere, not being snobbish. I enjoy spending time alone with DH on a cruise and don't wish to be forced to be social with a group of people I did not choose to interact with. That doesn't make me a snob, I'm just not very social. I also like the extra little touches in AQ like access to the PG. I did encounter some very rude, snobbish Europeans & Latin Americans on our Equinox cruise and I doubt any of them had ever heard of Cruise Critic btw.

So...enjoy Solstice, it's not Vegas so dont expect that atmosphere. There are many activities to choose from, just not in your face noise and craziness thank goodness.

[madelinerose]

. But if you sail HAL, they at least dock in Hamilton & St. George, & you can just walk off the ship & be right in the middle of whatever nightlife they do have.

 

Rich...they'll be tendering in St. George. ;)

[richsea]

Rich...they'll be tendering in St. George. ;)

 

Then I guess they'll have to watch that first step!!!!:eek:

 

You're right, of course, I was thinking of the older smaller ships that unfortunately no longer are around. But at least they'll be docking in Hamilton, where most of the night "action" is!

[madelinerose]

then i guess they'll have to watch that first step!!!!:eek:

 

lol! :d

[Onessa]

Life is what you make of it, and as I live life as my mother taught me... if you are bored, you're a boring person. There's always **something** to do, and there is always fun to be had.

 

LOL - That's what my grandmother used to tell us kids when we said we were bored! In my observation, the people who are "bored" are the Elistist types -- nothing is impressive enough to keep them entertained.

 

The 1/17 sailing had specialists lecturing about the history of the Royal Navy and naval battles. There might have been something on the shipping industry and shipwrecks too. I would have like to have gone to one or two (am a history buff); however, chilling out by the Solarium won out..lol.

 

We took an eastern Med cruise on Solstice in Novemeber. They had brought on a ancient history professor from a University in Utah. We went to three of his four lectures -- missed the one because the theatre was beyond capacity! All were very good and really helped me better understand where we were and why the places were important.

 

Overall, we had a marvolous time and enjoyed the ship although my husband was devistated that he didn't have a hairy navel contest or the like, in which to compete!:rolleyes:

[robsmom]

I love the expression posted about if you are bored you are a boring person. I always tell people that my husband and I are happily boring. We are not night life people and we don't drink that much, but we are real happy doing simple things. I am 42 and the Solstice Eastern Med we took was perfect for us. I do think for people who want to dance in nightclubs or have alot to do in the evening it would have been a bit slow. We spent all day touring in the ports and at night just wanted a good meal and some sleep. We are going in March without our son and we are looking forward to a childfree quiet romantic trip. This time, we will spend much more time on the ship and I am not worried about being entertained at all. We will see the shows that we missed, I will play Bingo once, I will learn how to fold the napkins, go to the glass show, etc. Maybe I am 42 going on 65 but this actually appeals to me more than a nightclub. If nothing on the schedule appeals to me, I will sit with my husband in the Solarium or out on our veranda and read a book from the library.