Solstice S1 Sky Suites - is the walk really that long?

[Vikstar]

I keep reading various threads about the S1 Sky Suites on the Solstice and lots of people mention the looooong walk to the elevators. Is it really that bad? How long does it actually take. For reasonably fit people is it really much of a big deal? Also, does that mean that the butlers are constantly walking these long walks or do they have back stairs between floors for the staff to access?

[cruisestitch]

It seems pretty long, but it's all relative. Do you walk a lot at home? Shouldn't be a problem. Do you walk with a cane or a frame? It will seem very long.

[Vikstar]

Thanks for your quick reply. I do lots of hill walking at home (I am 33) and my Mum is 63 and pretty fit and healthy (she walks her dog briskly everyday) - I think we will be ok.

[Karynanne]

It's really not that long at all. Just takes about two minutes. You get used to it after a day or so. If your Mum walks daily, she'll do just fine. I'm older than she is, and I don't have any problems whatsoever.

[Boatharbour]

I am always surprised by comments about the long walk from the aft sky suites to the elevators. It's not an issue unless you are physically incapacitated, but then any walking may be an issue in that case. For the average person, it's simply not a big deal.

 

We have stayed in these staterooms twice. The walk is a minute or two at most. The corridors are quieter due to less foot traffic and the view from the aft is sublime. We love it back there.

 

Staff have access to an internal staircase in the aft and halfway along the corridor between the elevator and the aft. The only thing we didn't like was that cleaning trolleys and other equipment was often left stored in the passageways in this area.

[Cruise a holic]

I keep reading various threads about the S1 Sky Suites on the Solstice and lots of people mention the looooong walk to the elevators. Is it really that bad? How long does it actually take. For reasonably fit people is it really much of a big deal? Also, does that mean that the butlers are constantly walking these long walks or do they have back stairs between floors for the staff to access?

 

We had a S1 on the Silhouette recently. LOVED it! We are young active soon to be seniors. The walk really didn't bother us at all. We had a beautiful quiet suite on deck 8. Our butler Dominic was perhaps the best we ever had on any ship. We got everything promptly and he didn't miss a beat. The view is to die for! My only negative, is that we like an overhang balcony, especially in the morning for breakfast and the balcony was too sunny to dine during the day. But the cabin itself had loads of room, storage and a beautiful bathroom. Would book this cabin again without hesitation.

 

 

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Edited December 30, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[ClaudiaB]

We nearly always get an S1 on solstice ships. We don't mind the walk. It's all relative. Once you're down on the main "traffic" floors of the ship you'll be walking from end to end all the time. Just a few more added calories to burn.

 

Reasons we like it: quieter - no one goes back there unless they "live" there. The view is awesome. Space in the room - just enough more to make it more relaxing. Access to Blu. Of course in a few months you'll have the new suite restaurant too.

 

Butlers and cabin attendants have access to inside stairwells and elevators. They do have to walk up and down but they don't use the main elevators. Often you'll see the doors open in the inside portion of the hallway and can see those stairs. In extreme emergency you'll be using those stairs too. :eek:

[hulamoon]

It's a longer walk compared to M class..but I appreciate the walk.

[Artemis]

My 81yo mom only minded the walk at the end of the evening, probably because of the full day and the fact the theatre is at the fore, so you do have to make your way across the entire ship! Other than that, it's not a big deal, and we love being on the aft elevator/stairwell for quick access down or up to all dining!

 

You will love the S1 cabin, amenities and service!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[kenevenpar]

This is Reflection, Deck 9, from next to the elevator lobby. Solstice is similar.

 

Ken

 

 

The walk is really not bad at all.

Edited December 30, 2014 by kenevenpar

[Seabourn Pearls]

Not especially long but it can be hazardous after the 3rd martini.

 

As always obey the rule of breasts: one isn't enough, three is too many.

[fleckle]

It is not that long at the beginning of the cruise, but it gets longer and longer as the cruise goes along.

Some women say that it is longer when wearing high heels than when wearing flats.

 

For me it is longest of all when I forget something and need to go back to the cabin to get it. ;)

 

 

I don't think it is so much the actual distance as the long, boring hallway because when walking on the public decks where there are distractions to look at all along the way, it never seems as long to me as walking on the decks that only have cabins.

 

Thanks to kenevenpar for the great photo, so much better than trying to describe it in words.

 

Edited December 30, 2014 by fleckle

[CHEZMARYLOU]

The only time I find it to be too long is after dinner and a few drinks when I'm wearing heals, especially on formal nights. I usually end up taking the heals off once I get off the elevator.

 

Mary Lou

Edited December 31, 2014 by CHEZMARYLOU

[cle-guy]

no longer than the walk from elevators to the sandwich station at the buffet.

[Vikstar]

Thanks all for putting it in perspective. I really appreciate the comments and the photo :)

[phoenix_dream]

S1's are some of the nicest cabins on the ship - loved ours the one time we tried it!! I would not let the walk deter me unless I had a physical disability. I am in my 60's and have no issue with it. Is it annoying at times? Yes (such as if you forget an item and need to go back to the cabin). But overall definitely not a reason to by-pass the room unless you have a problem with walking in general.

[cynbar]

I think the walk can seem a little long at the end of the night or after a long shore excursion, but it's not a deal breaker unless you have limited mobility. S1 is really a lovely cabin, on the aft with a good amount of space and the benefit of a quiet corridor (no loud passengers walking by late at night!) Benefits outweigh any drawbacks, at least in my opinion.

[kenevenpar]

S1's are some of the nicest cabins on the ship - loved ours the one time we tried it!! I would not let the walk deter me unless I had a physical disability. I am in my 60's and have no issue with it. Is it annoying at times? Yes (such as if you forget an item and need to go back to the cabin).

 

Even forgetting something doesn't seem to bother DW. She simply sends me back:confused::D

[Bently57]

Unless you are incapacitated in some way, it is not an issue. Period. People should walk more. The benefits are countless.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[KW Cruisers]

no longer than the walk from elevators to the sandwich station at the buffet.

 

I love this. ;)

 

Nothing else need be said.

 

Shawn

[ajaxup]

We love the Soltice Class Sky Suites. Sitting on the aft balcony sipping my favorite beverage at sundown and watching/hearing the wake is how I'd probly like to leave this earth. So peaceful and stress relieving. Especially accompanied by some favorite tunes. The walk is probably 35-40 yards straight away by my estimate. And we like it to burn off some of the calories that we inevitably over consume! As some have said previously it's only a little difficult if you're disabled or a little tipsy. Fortunately the hall is so narrow you just bounce back and forth:D