Currently onboard Solstice

[tassie cruiser]

Hi there. We are currently onboard Solstice. Xmas and NYE cruise. Having an awesome time, beautiful ship. If anyone wants to know anything or I can help with any questions let me know, as everyone was so helpful to us before we left and was such a help. We left Isle of pines today, first time we have been there where it was a bit chilly, windy and a little rain. (Have been 5 or 6 times previously and was so hot) on way to Noumea tomorrow.

Our 2 daughters both have the unlimited internet and I didn't bother, just use theirs from time to time, so if I don't answer straight away, I will check regularly. The internet is great, I heard conflicting info on this, some said, it's slow, others said it was fast etc etc.. it was $299 US and 50% off a second package. We were select so received 25% off both as well, still expensive but not too bad, it is really quite fast, have face time people home, that's clear as, really good. As it's unlimited, you can just stay logged on (no need to log on and off all the time with minutes like we previously did)

Anyway, off to dinner. Yummmmmmmmmmmm.

Fiona

[Cloudlady]

Hi Fiona, Im off on Solstice next week and was wondering on average how much money would i need per day. Im in a suite.

 

 

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[MicCanberra]

Thanks Fiona, have a wonderful cruise.

 

I just love the Solstice , my fav ship.

Can you tell me how much of the lawn area has been impacted by the Cabanas? Also, is the food and film night worth doing?

[GUT2407]

Enjoy, looking forward to hear what you think, we are having a short one on her next year.

[Bpos]

Hi tassie cruiser,

 

Have you tried the Knob bourbon yet? I believe I left a drop or two in the bottle on the top shelf on the Sunset bar. It may still have my name on it.

 

Do not be put off by the name and no more than three drinks in any session or you may fall asleep on the lawn.

 

Enjoy

[OzKiwiJJ]

Hi Fiona, Im off on Solstice next week and was wondering on average how much money would i need per day. Im in a suite.

 

Are you aware that you don't use cash when onboard? You use your sail pass and everything is charged to your onboard account, including the daily gratuities unless you've prepaid those. Your onboard account is usually debited to the credit card you supplied during check-in, although you can pay by cash before the end of the cruise.

 

If you are asking how much you should budget for onboard spending then you need to provide more information. Do you drink alcohol or just soft drinks? If you drink alcohol will you have cocktails, or wine, or beer? What about speciality coffees? Do you intend going to any of the speciality restaurants? What about bingo, or the casino? Are you doing any excursions?

 

Then there is onshore spending. If you are doing excursions then you may not need much cash, perhaps just for lunch or something, and maybe some souvenirs.

[MicCanberra]

Being in a suite, Cloudlady is likely to have got all four perks which includes Gratuities, the drink's package, $300 USD OBC and internet.

There would also be a minibar set up, access to Michael's lounge (open bar) and luminae for all meals.

Therefore the on board spend is going to be on spa services, hairdressing, bingo, specialty restaurants, casino, art, photos, flowers and shore excursions and the like.

I would budget on at least an extra $100 per person per day.;)

Edited December 27, 2016 by MicCanberra

[tassie cruiser]

Hi tassie cruiser,

 

Have you tried the Knob bourbon yet? I believe I left a drop or two in the bottle on the top shelf on the Sunset bar. It may still have my name on it.

 

Do not be put off by the name and no more than three drinks in any session or you may fall asleep on the lawn.

 

Enjoy

 

Lol. No, haven't tried yet, they said something about a previous passenger ran them dry. Think they said it was someone by the name of Bpos. :D

[tassie cruiser]

Thanks Fiona, have a wonderful cruise.

 

I just love the Solstice , my fav ship.

Can you tell me how much of the lawn area has been impacted by the Cabanas? Also, is the food and film night worth doing?

 

Not much of the lawn area is impacted by the cabanas. They actually look great and surprisingly being used. We actually booked one for NYE (there is 4 in our family) then another couple we have met up and become friends with just so happened to book it for New Year's Day (only 2 of them) so they coming into ours and we going into theirs. So will have 2 x days worth. Lol.

 

Can't really answer about the food and film night, it was on last night but we kind of got stuck in the casino on the 3 card poker table, they wouldn't let us leave. :D

 

It was funny , there were 2 x old ladies on the pokies beside us and they thought they were betting 60cents but told them, no they are betting $6-00, they then got the free spins and won $800. :eek:

[tassie cruiser]

Brief rundown so far.... this is our 14th cruise but first time on celebrity.

check in was fast and easy, we boarded at 11am as we were in concierge cabins, went to the concierge lunch which was lovely.. then wandered around until rooms were ready. We on deck 10 and cabins good, balcony good, bathroom the best we have had on a cruise ship, very practical and you can tell a woman designed it. Lol.

Dining room food is awesome, so good.. buffet great, best buffet by a mile. Actually all food, even the room service has been great. As mentioned above got internet for our 2 x girls. Was $299 and 50% off second package, so with our select discount, it worked out at $240 and $149. Doesn't really work out in my adding up but that was what it was. Internet great, works all over the ship, is fast and reliable.

Entertainment so far has been great, I will be honest and was a little worried as I had heard that celebrity has much older passengers and entertainment to suit, (we have mainly cruised..RCCL,carnival, PO) so I thought our girls might find it a little boring (21,23 year old) didn't worry me as I am on here to totally relax, but it has been great, the quasar nightclub is a hit and always busy and so is the sky lounge and the entertainment in the theatre has been good too.

I must admit that I haven't been on a cruise before where so many rude, demanding people. Grrrrrrr, that's my pet hate, when passengers talk down to staff etc...and think they are so much better than everyone else,have tried to keep my thoughts to myself but had to say something earlier today. :p

Isle of pines was bit chilly, windy and rainy and today in noumea was the same, feel sorry for people on their first South Pacific cruise. We have been here many times and it would be the coldest we have felt it (and we are from Tas. Lol)

The captain comes on once a day with an update and is the funniest captain I have ever heard, that is the only announcement that there is.

We have the Classic package and contrary to what I read on cc, we have had no problem getting any types of drinks, except the martinis in the martini bar, but as we don't really drink them anyway, it's no problem. In the dining room, we get red wine, sooooo much to choose from, now our waiter just brings what he thinks and leaves the bottle on the table. The girls think it's "so cool" not to have to pay for drinks. Lol.. hence a couple of very sick girls as we all know how strong they make their drinks on US cruise ships. So, basically unless you are a high end martinis person, Classic is great.

I enquired about doing a bridge or engine room tour, they no longer offer but still have a paid tour.. so have booked this for husband and one daughter as they are the ones interested. It is $150 and is for about 4 hours, includes::bridge tour, engine room tour, crew quarters and cafeteria, laundry, galley and store room, something else that I can't think of lol, then lunch in muranos with the officers/maybe captain. So that's pretty good, as muranos is like $50 on its own.

Umm, trying to think what else people may be interested in as I know I am probably prattling on. :D

Ice cream sandwich is the cafe. Omg. Sooooo good. :D

Tenders to Isle of pines was very slow, but we didn't mind, was in no hurry.

Pool deck is great as is Jurassic park as they call it.. for those who don't know what Jurassic park means (as I didn't until recently) some of the staff and other passengers called it that as apparently mainly older people go in there and nod off in the comfy recliner deck chairs and sleep with their mouths open, and look like dinasours, hence the name Jurassic park... I am only repeating what I heard. :eek: and might I add that we have been in there as have our daughters..lol. Now people just say..... I will meet you in Jurassic park. Lol.

We can't get over how quiet it is at night, our last cruise was on a PO ship and at night it kind of creaked and vibrated etc, I know this is a much much newer ship but it's just so quiet.

I mentioned I loved the bathroom, the reasons are that there is a tall shelved cabinet, floor to ceiling, fits heaps then other shelves, in the shower there is like a rail that you can use when shaving legs, so good. Lol, glass shower sliding doors, and there is like a night light there, so during the night it is just a soft dull light. There is also a dimmer switch in the main cabin for the main lights.

Xmas onboard wasn't over the top like I thought it would be, was still great and the decorations were awesome...

Ok, I have rambled on long enough to bore everyone..if I can answer anything, let me know, I will try to keep it short next time. Haha

We are just leaving noumea now on way to mystery island tomorrow, hoping for some nice weather. If not, that's fine, we are on a beautiful ship.

Fiona

Edited December 27, 2016 by tassie cruiser

[MicCanberra]

Not much of the lawn area is impacted by the cabanas. They actually look great and surprisingly being used. We actually booked one for NYE (there is 4 in our family) then another couple we have met up and become friends with just so happened to book it for New Year's Day (only 2 of them) so they coming into ours and we going into theirs. So will have 2 x days worth. Lol.

 

Can't really answer about the food and film night, it was on last night but we kind of got stuck in the casino on the 3 card poker table, they wouldn't let us leave. :D

 

It was funny , there were 2 x old ladies on the pokies beside us and they thought they were betting 60cents but told them, no they are betting $6-00, they then got the free spins and won $800. :eek:

 

Thanks, good to hear that they haven't impacted too much of the lawn area, I think for a family group and such, it is a great idea and sharing it with friends over two days is even better.:D

[Loveworldtravel]

Hello, my husband and I will be sailing the Solstice for the first time Jan 12 (our 4th Celebrity cruise and first time to that part of the world) - we are trying to decide about booking dining package and/or excursions in advance or wondering if they will offer better deals on board. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks so much for the info, it makes the upcoming trip even more exciting!! Hope you are enjoying your time on board!

 

 

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[MicCanberra]

A comprehensive review of the cruise so far. Thanks. Enjoy.:D

[whimsy7]

have you tried the delicious burgers and hot dogs at the Mast Grill yet? (but shhh....it's a secret between us, OK)

[tassie cruiser]

Hello, my husband and I will be sailing the Solstice for the first time Jan 12 (our 4th Celebrity cruise and first time to that part of the world) - we are trying to decide about booking dining package and/or excursions in advance or wondering if they will offer better deals on board. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks so much for the info, it makes the upcoming trip even more exciting!! Hope you are enjoying your time on board!

 

 

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They regularly advertise specials at the specialty restaurants onboard. Heard people being cranky as they had pre booked and paid X amount and now it's cheaper. Lol. They weren't happy, so maybe best to leave till onboard unless you specifically must have a certain night then I guess for your peace of mind you could ore book but they so far, haven't had an overload of bookings. Guesssing as the dining room and other areas are so nice and a couple of the specialty restaurants are expensive if you are Aussie by the time it's converted.

[tassie cruiser]

have you tried the delicious burgers and hot dogs at the Mast Grill yet? (but shhh....it's a secret between us, OK)

 

 

Ummmmm maybe we have. Lol. Yummmmmmmm

[tassie cruiser]

Just for anyone interested. Re the bridge tour that I mentioned. We are now doing the same tour, inc. the same but no lunch at a cost of $89. Which is better..

Also, forgot to mention we had our meet and greet on the first sea day at 9am, was different to all the others we have been to..... different as in, they didn't have cc people's names (I mean only our correct names) and half the time I couldn't remember or didn't know the persons real name that we had been chatting to.so not many people knew who others were. No give always of any kind, no food as such, only few drinks..

[MicCanberra]

Just for anyone interested. Re the bridge tour that I mentioned. We are now doing the same tour, inc. the same but no lunch at a cost of $89. Which is better..

Also, forgot to mention we had our meet and greet on the first sea day at 9am, was different to all the others we have been to..... different as in, they didn't have cc people's names (I mean only our correct names) and half the time I couldn't remember or didn't know the persons real name that we had been chatting to.so not many people knew who others were. No give always of any kind, no food as such, only few drinks..

 

Glad you saved some money on the bridge tour. Strange that the CC party was run the way it was, normally they put out some pastries. They do not always do the give aways at the cc M&G.

[Mr&MrsCookie]

How did you get the $89 tour - was it advertised or did you have to ask? For that price my hubby and I would be really interested in doing it. Have $400 obc to use anyway.

[BINDY31]

Thanks Fiona, have a wonderful cruise.

 

I just love the Solstice , my fav ship.

Can you tell me how much of the lawn area has been impacted by the Cabanas? Also, is the food and film night worth doing?

 

I was on Solstice last month...... there still seems to be plenty of lawn, the cabanas look lovely but I don't think they will be over popular on Aussie cruises... I think we love the sun too much...lol. I too would love to hear about the food and film as it was cancelled on ours due to weather...:-( although they did have a couple of movies up there at other times.

 

cheers

 

Belinda

[tassie cruiser]

How did you get the $89 tour - was it advertised or did you have to ask? For that price my hubby and I would be really interested in doing it. Have $400 obc to use anyway.

 

 

We enquired when onboard as it was something that daughter and husband really wanted to do. I had heard that if you enquire they may do single free of charge tours, like just a bridge tour or just a engine room tour etc...... on previous cruise lines we did the full tour which from memory was about $150.

But we're told that they no longer offer these tours (the free ones) as of about 12 months ago. but we could book in for paid ones. We had the choice of 4 days at either 9am or 1 pm, (all sea days) so they do quite a few. So for the $89 it is for about 3 hours, and does the bridge tour, engine room tour, laundry, gally, store room, crew quarters. So it's not too bad cost wise (remember it is US, so probably about $100 Aus. Hope this helps. :). Fiona

 

P.s. If I was clever enough I would post you a pic of it, but I can't work it out....

Edited December 27, 2016 by tassie cruiser

[MicCanberra]

I was on Solstice last month...... there still seems to be plenty of lawn, the cabanas look lovely but I don't think they will be over popular on Aussie cruises... I think we love the sun too much...lol. I too would love to hear about the food and film as it was cancelled on ours due to weather...:-( although they did have a couple of movies up there at other times.

 

cheers

 

Belinda

 

Thanks Belinda, shame it was canned for your cruise.

I was really just wondering want they do with the food and film and how it works, like how is it matched and do they serve during the films or have breaks, etc.

[tassie cruiser]

Thanks Belinda, shame it was canned for your cruise.

I was really just wondering want they do with the food and film and how it works, like how is it matched and do they serve during the films or have breaks, etc.

 

That is my mission.. to find out for you. Will get back to you with details.

[Tranquility Base]

Appreciate the offer regarding info Fiona.

 

I wouldn't spend too much time trying to find this out, but if you're passing Guest Services and there is no queue perhaps you could ask please.

 

Overnighting at Yorkeys Knob in March.

Have they decided on late night / early morning tender schedule yet ?

 

I'm sure our roll-call would appreciate any info.

 

Thanks.

[tassie cruiser]

Appreciate the offer regarding info Fiona.

 

I wouldn't spend too much time trying to find this out, but if you're passing Guest Services and there is no queue perhaps you could ask please.

 

Overnighting at Yorkeys Knob in March.

Have they decided on late night / early morning tender schedule yet ?

 

I'm sure our roll-call would appreciate any info.

 

Thanks.

 

 

No problem. Will do.