koolforkatz Posted April 24, 2015 #1 Share Posted April 24, 2015 I am sailing on the Solstice now en route to Vancouver, in a sky suite so thought I would post some observations. First, able to upgrade from classic to premium but it was a flat $12 pp not $11.80. Then i realized the gratuity was built into the price. All drinks onboard show total price with grat built in so I find that a bit confusing at first. I guess this was because they have been in Australia for past several months? Luminae.... The room is gorgeous and just isn't captured well in photos. Really pretty. But still don't have their proper chairs, plates, linen or crystal. They have been working on Luminae for how many months now? I find it surprising they couldn't have this all on the ship in time. Wine is served in regular thick glasses. Not really a luxury experience on that front. Despite receiving a letter in our cabin suggesting otherwise, def no lunch service and that has been verbally confirmed. We haven't had a sea day yet so haven't experienced brunch yet. Breakfast is ok. Wine list by glass is ok, i thought there might be more choices. But food at dinner has been absolutely amazing and seems to get better each night. I would book a suite again just to be able to eat here. Last night, first formal, the little dessert cart came around with whimsical takes on childhood favourites like jello and marshmallow. Sounds strange, but great presentation and was good too. As mentioned by needtobespoiled, the olive oil custard is really good. And the tuna tartare appetizer last night was probably the best I have ever had. Oh, and the Maine lobster salad also very, very good - different looking than needtobespoiled's. Not drowning at all in mayo. Overly salty has not been an issue. All perfectly seasoned. We had dinner at Murano the other night and it was probably one of the best meals we've ever had at their French restaurants. Really, really good. It is a bit more rushed than it used to be but that's ok. We are doing a cooking class with them on first sea day. Takes place at lunchtime and you make an appie, entree, dessert and then sit down to enjoy with wine. And you get a copy of their mammoth cookbook. Fortunately, we are in Vancouver and a cab ride home so its weight wont be a problem. Just as an fyi, for elites the price to upgrade to unlimited internet package is $90. Great cruise overall so far. There are some really good musical acts on here. Last night the ship was positively hopping in the evening. First formal, no shortage of tuxes and long dresses. Lots of people dressed up. Must go - time for breakfast :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHEZMARYLOU Posted April 24, 2015 #2 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Thanks for the review. Hopefully they will outfit Luminae once they reach Vancouver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vulcan1971 Posted April 24, 2015 #3 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Thanks for this bit of exciting news on Solstice. Are you planning to come back as time permits to give your updates? I hope so and look forward to reading more. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicogirl Posted April 24, 2015 #4 Share Posted April 24, 2015 I'll be on the Solstice in Royal for Alaska, first time with Celebrity. Please keep up the review. And of course any pictures you can provide. I'm soaking it all in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koolforkatz Posted April 24, 2015 Author #5 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Big oops on Internet pricing!!! It is not $90 to upgrade to unlimited. It is $90 less than the price for unlimited. I think to upgrade is about $200 or $210. My mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junetraveler2014 Posted April 24, 2015 #6 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Thanks for the review. Look forward to more if possible. Thanks! Victoria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koolforkatz Posted April 24, 2015 Author #7 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Back again. Breakfast this morning was very good. Piping hot. The fruit plate is very good and includes papaya and mango. Fabulous. Orange and grapefruit juice are fresh squeezed and pulpy. Yum..... Forgot to mention i have been able to have cheese in Luminae. The good cheese ;) I really think this should be on the menu anyway for this type of food experience. Perhaps if enough ask for it, they will include it. Also available every night in Luminae are those items that are offered every night in MDR, the classic offerings, I think they are called? We are in 2151, right under Oceanview. The dragging chairs can be mildly annoying at times but I would definitely book it again. Totally private and protected from elements, including very hot sun and occasional tropical shower. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FKGirl Posted April 24, 2015 #8 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Was Luminae open for embarkation lunch? There seems to be different answers on that front... We will be embarking in Vancouver, when you are getting off. Jut got word from celebrity that there 3 ships in port that day, so expect longer times for disembarkation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare hcat Posted April 24, 2015 #9 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Great start...enjoy your cruise never saw the cooking class in Murano offered on our recent cruises...how much does it cost..?. would love to hear more about it...sounds like great fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare vickykay Posted April 24, 2015 #10 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Just curious, not that there is the restaurant for suite guests, do they still. Offer the complimentary speciality restaurant dinners? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2bespoiled Posted April 24, 2015 #11 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Thanks for the update. We had nice new glasses but old tables / chairs on Summit. The new tables and chairs are supposedly waiting in NJ. Not sure when they'll be delivered on Solstice as it never makes a "home port". It's nice to hear they continue to improve! The glass wear is not Riedel, as they purposely went with a led free glass and more of a modern shape. HINT: If I ordered a nice bottle of wine, I would ask them to go get Riedel glasses from Murano, I've actually had them do this for a nice bottle of wine in the MDR and they've done it without complaint. Have a great rest of your trip! Happy sailing, Jenna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallie5446 Posted April 24, 2015 #12 Share Posted April 24, 2015 NOT FAIR!:eek: Now I'm hungry, and not for what the wifester has cooking for dinner!:D Have a wonderful sailing, and many thanks for taking the time to update us. EW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHEZMARYLOU Posted April 24, 2015 #13 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Glad to hear that you were able to order cheese. We often like to split it and another dessert with port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenevenpar Posted April 24, 2015 #14 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Thanks very much for the info. To his observer, it sounds like it is progressing, and will be a very nice place! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chamima Posted April 24, 2015 #15 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Thanks for the updates. I'm interested in that $90 to upgrade to unlimited internet. We are Elite and, as far as I know, i t was $350 for unlimited on our 14 day Eclipse cruise last winter. How long is your cruise? I sure hope you're right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiaPortia Posted April 24, 2015 #16 Share Posted April 24, 2015 (edited) Hi, Kool – Thank you for posting your Luminae impressions! SO delighted to learn that you were able to have an excellent cheese course!!! :) Sounds like dinners have been delicious, and, hopefully, it won’t be long until Luminae is also serving her scrumptious lunches each day, including port days. Looking forward to your further Luminae observations. Edited April 25, 2015 by MiaPortia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenevenpar Posted April 25, 2015 #17 Share Posted April 25, 2015 Thanks for the updates.I'm interested in that $90 to upgrade to unlimited internet. We are Elite and, as far as I know, i t was $350 for unlimited on our 14 day Eclipse cruise last winter. How long is your cruise? I sure hope you're right! The OP corrected it in post#5. $90 credit toward the cost of the unlimited package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Texed Posted April 25, 2015 #18 Share Posted April 25, 2015 I am sailing on the Solstice now en route to Vancouver, in a sky suite so thought I would post some observations. Koolfor, Thanks for posting. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vikstar Posted April 25, 2015 #19 Share Posted April 25, 2015 If you don't mind could you please advise how much the cooking class is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kovhanperl Posted April 25, 2015 #20 Share Posted April 25, 2015 Hopefully they will outfit Luminae once they reach Vancouver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
illiniwahoo Posted April 25, 2015 #21 Share Posted April 25, 2015 Sounds great! Hope it gets better and better (but I would also be mildly annoyed that the wine isn't served in nice glasses - it makes such a difference! ) I hate to bother you on vacation, but we sail on the Solstice on may 29. I'm dying to know if we will get the molecular bar or world class bar. One of the reasons that we booked the solstice was the molecular bar, so I'd love to know if I get one more chance! If you could ask I would be much appreciative! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koolforkatz Posted April 25, 2015 Author #22 Share Posted April 25, 2015 Just to answer a few questions. Yes, we have two complimentary specialty restaurant nights and have used one. This, on an 11 night cruise. The Murano cooking class is $149 a couple. I pay $60 at home for a cooking class so think that is good. I didn't see it advertised anywhere. Our server in Murano mentioned it. No embarkation lunch :( Disappointing. We have befriended the cellarmaster sommelier and he let us take our Riedels into Luminae last night. Yay :) Other bits and bobs. Our towels are not the thick fluffy ones we have received in the past and others have noted as well. We have received a few that are frayed, like, really frayed. Doesn't ruin my cruise at all but kind of strange. Hmm.... On positive note, received long, thin box of chocolates in cabin on formal night. Had peppered tuna in Luminae for dinner last night and husband had braised short ribs. Both outstanding. Unfortunately, although very tasty, my grilled octopus was very tough, even by octopus standards. My husband had chicken liver pate and it was amazing. Must go - breakfast is here. First time we have ordered room service on this cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie.1008 Posted April 25, 2015 #23 Share Posted April 25, 2015 We had embarkation lunch in Luminae on the Summit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyD3 Posted April 25, 2015 #24 Share Posted April 25, 2015 (edited) Equinox does not have lunch in Luminae any day including embarkation day. They received the new tables but they are still covered with table cloths since they are waiting for new runners..... Edited April 25, 2015 by TommyD3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cle-guy Posted April 25, 2015 #25 Share Posted April 25, 2015 (edited) We had embarkation lunch in Luminae on the Summit. Was this recently, or during the summer Bermuda Cruises. Best I have observed this practice was only Summit and Only Bermuda, for Aqua in BLU and Suites in Murano. EDIT:OOPS, see pu specified Luminae. As in my thread I started, another glitch in the training and roll-out and consistency. Edited April 25, 2015 by cle-guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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