Solstice no veranda viewing Milford Sound

[anandaindonesia]

Dear mates,

We are booked for Solstice sailing Sydney to Auckland. Our cabin is Oceanview category 7, and of course we do not have the luxury of a veranda.

 

One of the highlight is cruising through the panoramic Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. Where will be the best position for us to take in the view?

 

We are seeking advice from you Solstice experts. Please ...

[Waihekean]

I would say on top decks to get a 360deg view. But I have also read here that the ship goes up then down the sounds, so each side will have the view some stage. Enjoy, the sounds are beautiful, especially when the dolphines come to greet.

[uktog]

Sunset Bar Deck 14 wouldbe perfect. You have a little cover if it is inclement weather and you have instant access to refreshments. You will be viewing from "behind" but that is often the most magical

[TLCOhio]

I would say on top decks to get a 360deg view. But I have also read here that the ship goes up then down the sounds, so each side will have the view some stage. Enjoy, the sounds are beautiful, especially when the dolphines come to greet.

 

Agree with the wise comments from the above New Zealand resident/expert. We have booked the Solstice for a Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland cruise. As you can see below on the live/blog from last June, we enjoyed the Solstice very much, including the great sail-in and sail-out for BOTH Venice and the Kotor "fjord". Plus, as connected below, we did the super great fjords and other key sights along the scenic coasts of Norway. Where were we? Either up on top for that "all around" view and/or on the back part of the ship to see both sides, get lots of pictures, soak up the super environment. On both cruises, we had a balcony. BUT, why see just one side when you can experience it "ALL"???

 

If you have not sailed on the Solstice, you are in for a nice treat. Below you can see from my postings lots and lots of pictures and details on this ship, its nice features, food options, entertainment, etc. KEY TIP: The Sunset Bar area and the open back of the ship next to the Oceanview Cafe can both be wonderful to be sampling the sights, having a seated area, enjoying food and/or drink, etc. Below are a couple of pictures as proof on why you'll like this ship.

 

Reactions and questions??

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 86,990 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 72,760 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here is the view from the back of the Solstice near the Oceanview Cafe as the Solstice makes a turn in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Sicily. Loved hearing the water and watching the action at sea. This is a great viewing area to see the "action" as you sail.:

 

 

 

The Solarium was one of our favorite areas on the Solstice. Food and drinks were nearby and it was very relaxed and sophisticated. Quieter, too, as it is an adults-only area. Two hot tubs here. Not crowded, especially in the evenings. Nice art and design are there as a part of this sparkling ship facility. AND, it's very open with great views to see out as you are sailing, including for our upcoming fjord options in southern New Zealand.:

 

 

 

On the top, back of the Solstice, here is a wider view of Corning Hot Glass show area, plus the green grass and the unique covering designs for this special area of the ship. Classy design touches and style!!:

 

 

 

In the top, back area near the Sunset Bar with live grass, some enjoy this area by reading, playing on the lawn or sun-bathing there. Usually, it’s not too crowded!:

 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I wouldn't recommend viewing the sound from your balcony even if you had one. Advice above is excellent. If the weather is particularly nasty, go to the lounge on the front of the ship where you will be out of the weather but will still have the view.

Enjoy your cruise!

[Annecj]

I have to agree with the panoramic view being the best. We were on the Millenium and had an aft balcony. We did spend some time on it and then went up to the top deck to get the full view. The crew were handing out wool blankets and hot coffee, tea and cocoa which was welcomed since it was a bit chilly. The ship does a complete circular route of the sounds and the scenery is spectaular.

[anandaindonesia]

Wonderful!

I'm glad I asked to the right people, you are all so helpful.

 

Again, thanks to all. And Terry, your pictures make me dream I'm on Solstice already :)

[karenjnz]

As has already been said top deck or anywhere where you can get a 360 degree view, although the ship will come into the sound and then need to go back out the same way its such a magnificent sight you need to see all of it and not just one side at a time :-)

 

Hope the weather plays the game for you :-)

[Ando]

Have cruised Milford Sound 5 times - and still love going there. The "best" side for Milford Sound IMHO is port side on the way in and starboard on the way out. This side has the biggest waterfall (which you sometimes get very close to) and offers a great view of snow-capped mountains if it is a clear sunny day.

 

We find an outside forward port side spot, unobstructed by glass, to get the best photos on the way in to Milford Sound. Once the ship turns around at the end of the sound we usually head aft and enjoy the panoramic view all the way out.

 

When sailing through Doubtful & Dusky Sounds they are one-way transits (no turning around and heading out the same way again), so go for a forward or aft location offering an all-round view.

 

A unique experience we had on one cruise was spending the last hour or so in an aft-facing jacuzzi, sipping champagne, as we left Dusky Sound :)

 

It can be cold and windy out on deck, even in the summer months, so dress like you would for Alaska. Hats, scarves, gloves and layers of warm clothing with a weatherproof jacket, along with the hot chocolate served, all make for a very pleasant experience.

 

Cheers

Ando

Edited June 14, 2012 by Ando

[Nala2]

Hi fellow cruisers,

We are two women traveling to Australia and NZ in November from Beantown with you...so looking forward to this bucket list trip too...there are so many places and such little time :-) Kindly keep us informed of any and all plans as we'd like to do it all without spending the kids inheritance...or hubby's retirement $ but will do so for something really spectacular...LOL Love all the information, reports and pictures...thank you all for sharing. Happy to join non-ship sponsored tours too...Nala2

[travelpeon]

When we did this route in from SYD to AKL, suite guests were invited onto the helipad. We were not in a suite but I did very politely request if we might be invited if such an event did occur and space was available. I have seen other on the helipad on other sailings & destinations.

Gauche, yes, but it was something we really wanted with two photo enthusiasts. They kindly obliged.

Edited February 3, 2016 by travelpeon

[CathyCruises]

Hi fellow cruisers,

We are two women traveling to Australia and NZ in November from Beantown with you...so looking forward to this bucket list trip too...there are so many places and such little time :-) Kindly keep us informed of any and all plans as we'd like to do it all without spending the kids inheritance...or hubby's retirement $ but will do so for something really spectacular...LOL Love all the information, reports and pictures...thank you all for sharing. Happy to join non-ship sponsored tours too...Nala2

 

This thread that you have commented on is four years old. You should find the rollcall for your cruise, which is the best place to meet up with your actual shipmates and plan activities and tours in advance. If you can tell us the date of your specific cruise we can help you find your rollcall is onl this thread that you have commented on is four years old. You should find the rollcall for your cruise, which is the best place to meet up with your actual shipmates and plan activities and tours in advance. If you can tell us the date of your specific cruise we can help you find your rollcall easily

[Jade13]

Deleted

Edited February 3, 2016 by Jade13

[Nala2]

Oh my how did I did that? No wonder I couldn't find my post on the correct sailing...my apologizes! Thank you :)

[zalusky]

Just got back from this cruise on the Jan 5 sailing. the views in Milford sound are awesome.

 

Edited February 5, 2016 by zalusky