I miss HAL's Rotterdam, SOLSTICE is a huge Disappointment

[SunNFunCruzer]

Currently on the Solstice out of LA. Occupancy numbers from crew are all over the map (~1700-1900), and it feels uncrowded. While I was disappointed with the lack of variety in Lincoln Center shows, the Solstice disappoints in so many areas:

 

1) There are 2 American outlets in the room, both at the desk, none near the bed.

 

2) The tv is mounted in front of the loveseat, catty corner to the bed, and difficult to see, while there is a large tv size framed photo directly in front of the bed.

 

3) The pools feel like they are 84-87 degrees. Not refreshing at all even though the air is hot. Guests almost universally grimaced and complained about the temperature upon entering when we sat poolside.

 

4) The casino forces you to use OBC in increments of $50 non-refundable and you can only cash out what you've won. This I understand, but it's super annoying that they refuse to allow incremental cashouts.

 

5) The food in the buffet is lukewarm and the pizza (a fast and easy staple) is soft and soggy.

 

6) They allow smoking in waaaay too many areas, and especially in outdoor areas with tables and chairs, so its almost impossible to sit outside comfortably with a drink and game, etc. There are almost no outdoor areas with dining height tables in non smoking areas, except on personal balconies with no drink service.

 

7) The Ocean view Cafe aft behind the buffet has very limited outdoor space, and many of the tables are in direct sun. This is really the only place to hang out with a dining height table. You'll wait a long time for drink service, and will probably give up and get a yourself a cocktail.

 

😎8 ) staff are truly hit or miss. I miss HAL's super friendly, hardworking and proactive staff. In my opnion, 50% of the staff are HAL quality and 50% check their pockets every day.

 

9) The room AC struggles to keep the cabin cool.

 

10) The cabin layout and ship areas are dangerous. There is a very large step from the bathroom to the cabin, and in many public areas there are random ramps and uneven surfaces. I'd be really curious to know if the incidents of onboard accidents - in cabins and throughout the ship - is higher on this ship than on other ships.

 

11) The comedian last night bombed, and he knew it. He asked to have the lights turned up b/c there was so little sound in the room. Part can be explained by his trying new material related to Covid, but part was that his tired, stereotypical sexist jokes need to be replaced.

 

Staff mask wearing is high, guests are estimated at ~5% masking up, but the Covid risk seems low because it seems low density.

 

The positives:

 

1) The drink variety so far is good.

 

2) The lawn/grass areas and hot glass classes are very nice and, as far as I know, unique to Celebrity.

 

3) The variety of food is good, but quality is 6-7 out of 10. It's early days so hard to critique dining room food yet.

 

4) There are a number of relaxing indoor areas that have comfortable couches and cushy chairs, and homey touches like a live potted tree. These can be seen from the glass elevators and it gives that interior part of the ship a classy feeling.

 

I have identified and experienced a lot of negatives, so will be on the lookout to add some more positives. Happy to answer questions when/if possible.

 

If you're sailing soon, tone down your expectations. If you're home without a booking, you're not missing much.

 

 

 

 

[cruising teacher]

We just got off the Solstice and found the food and staff to be beyond superior.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Sorry to hear that you are disappointed with Celebrity. 

[deliver42]

I love when someone compares the newest ship on one line with an older ship on another. My suggestion would be enjoy your HAL. I'll stick to Celebrity.

[PinkSandGirl]

The TV swivels out on an angle so you can see it from the bed.   Just take it and pull towards you on the side away from the bed.   I haven't been on the Solstice but I have been on three other S-class ships (pre & post Revolution) and all of the TV's swiveled so I am sure the Solstice TV's do as well.

 

🍹

[prmssk]

Isn't there always a step into the bathroom on cruise ships (except accessible rooms)?  There definitely were on my Princess cruises this year and I think my Carnival Cruise earlier this month.  The photos I'm looking at from my Harmony of the Seas cruise in 2019 look like there is a step.  My Holland experience goes back too many years to remember.  

 

And any older ship isn't going to have more than about 2 outlets.  I'm sure that is true of Holland's older ships as well.

 

And are you comparing staff since the restart on both lines on more than just the newer Holland ship?  All cruise lines have done a ton of hiring of new staff.  The newest ships are being staffed the best with the most experienced staff.  The older ships are getting a lot of staff still in training and are often less well staffed.

[edgee]

1 minute ago, prmssk said:

Isn't there always a step into the bathroom on cruise ships (except accessible rooms)?  There definitely were on my Princess cruises this year and I think my Carnival Cruise earlier this month.  The photos I'm looking at from my Harmony of the Seas cruise in 2019 look like there is a step.  My Holland experience goes back too many years to remember.  

 

And any older ship isn't going to have more than about 2 outlets.  I'm sure that is true of Holland's older ships as well.

 

And are you comparing staff since the restart on both lines on more than just the newer Holland ship?  All cruise lines have done a ton of hiring of new staff.  The newest ships are being staffed the best with the most experienced staff.  The older ships are getting a lot of staff still in training and are often less well staffed.

I accept most of your points and, while I have not been on Rotterdam, I am sure it is in a helluva lot better condition as a new ship compared to Celebrity's S class ships, like the Solstice, which have had their Revolution drydock postponed due to Covid. However, since friends informed me that HAL permits smoking in the casino on its newer ships, and smoke tends to waft into entertainment areas, I cancelled my planned NE/Canada cruise on Rotterdam and, ironically, will be taking a Mexican Riviera cruise on Solstice...will be my second cruise on that ship. 

[prmssk]

8 minutes ago, edgee said:

I accept most of your points and, while I have not been on Rotterdam, I am sure it is in a helluva lot better condition as a new ship compared to Celebrity's S class ships, like the Solstice, which have had their Revolution drydock postponed due to Covid. However, since friends informed me that HAL permits smoking in the casino on its newer ships, and smoke tends to waft into entertainment areas, I cancelled my planned NE/Canada cruise on Rotterdam and, ironically, will be taking a Mexican Riviera cruise on Solstice...will be my second cruise on that ship. 

 

Have a great cruise!  Celebrity's non-smoking casino is definitely a huge plus for me too.  I'm booked on the Constellation (which is even older and has not been revolutionized) this year and the Eclipse next year (which hasn't been revolutionized either).  I like these older ships and I really like Celebrity.

[LGW59]

1 hour ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

Currently on the Solstice out of LA. Occupancy numbers from crew are all over the map (~1700-1900), and it feels uncrowded. While I was disappointed with the lack of variety in Lincoln Center shows, the Solstice disappoints in so many areas:

 

1) There are 2 American outlets in the room, both at the desk, none near the bed.

 

2) The tv is mounted in front of the loveseat, catty corner to the bed, and difficult to see, while there is a large tv size framed photo directly in front of the bed.

 

3) The pools feel like they are 84-87 degrees. Not refreshing at all even though the air is hot. Guests almost universally grimaced and complained about the temperature upon entering when we sat poolside.

 

4) The casino forces you to use OBC in increments of $50 non-refundable and you can only cash out what you've won. This I understand, but it's super annoying that they refuse to allow incremental cashouts.

 

5) The food in the buffet is lukewarm and the pizza (a fast and easy staple) is soft and soggy.

 

6) They allow smoking in waaaay too many areas, and especially in outdoor areas with tables and chairs, so its almost impossible to sit outside comfortably with a drink and game, etc. There are almost no outdoor areas with dining height tables in non smoking areas, except on personal balconies with no drink service.

 

7) The Ocean view Cafe aft behind the buffet has very limited outdoor space, and many of the tables are in direct sun. This is really the only place to hang out with a dining height table. You'll wait a long time for drink service, and will probably give up and get a yourself a cocktail.

 

😎8 ) staff are truly hit or miss. I miss HAL's super friendly, hardworking and proactive staff. In my opnion, 50% of the staff are HAL quality and 50% check their pockets every day.

 

9) The room AC struggles to keep the cabin cool.

 

10) The cabin layout and ship areas are dangerous. There is a very large step from the bathroom to the cabin, and in many public areas there are random ramps and uneven surfaces. I'd be really curious to know if the incidents of onboard accidents - in cabins and throughout the ship - is higher on this ship than on other ships.

 

11) The comedian last night bombed, and he knew it. He asked to have the lights turned up b/c there was so little sound in the room. Part can be explained by his trying new material related to Covid, but part was that his tired, stereotypical sexist jokes need to be replaced.

 

Staff mask wearing is high, guests are estimated at ~5% masking up, but the Covid risk seems low because it seems low density.

 

The positives:

 

1) The drink variety so far is good.

 

2) The lawn/grass areas and hot glass classes are very nice and, as far as I know, unique to Celebrity.

 

3) The variety of food is good, but quality is 6-7 out of 10. It's early days so hard to critique dining room food yet.

 

4) There are a number of relaxing indoor areas that have comfortable couches and cushy chairs, and homey touches like a live potted tree. These can be seen from the glass elevators and it gives that interior part of the ship a classy feeling.

 

I have identified and experienced a lot of negatives, so will be on the lookout to add some more positives. Happy to answer questions when/if possible.

 

If you're sailing soon, tone down your expectations. If you're home without a booking, you're not missing much.

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure how long you’ve been on board but do hope you can report back with some positive feedback.  I’ve not sailed on Solstice but friends did a few months ago and they loved it.

[edgee]

5 minutes ago, prmssk said:

 

Have a great cruise!  Celebrity's non-smoking casino is definitely a huge plus for me too.  I'm booked on the Constellation (which is even older and has not been revolutionized) this year and the Eclipse next year (which hasn't been revolutionized either).  I like these older ships and I really like Celebrity.

Yes, we were on Eclipse to Alaska in July. Service and food were outstanding, so we overlooked areas with mildewed old carpet in the gym and in the casino area near Cellar Masters and a dusty broken down couch in our suite. Had a long talk with the hotel director and he said much of the carpeting will be gradually replaced soon, but no one seems to know when the full Revolution drydock will happen. I am prepared for the Solstice to be in similar condition.

[SunNFunCruzer]

Whoa, so many die-hard Celebrity supporters. I may not remember every post, but I'll try to respond to all. 

 

We do not choose cruises by ship, so had no idea that Rotterdam was "new" and Solstice was "old". I just shared observations, to inform other cruisers.

 

The tv does Not move. And, the movie options are trash. The live tv is fox news, bbc, BBC news, msnbc and maybe cnbc? There are very few inroom entertainment choices. Rotterdam had the best selection at sea I've ever experienced.

 

Yes, many ships have steps into the bathroom, the step on Solstice is steep, and the inclines and odd transitions at doorways throughout this ship seem dangerous.

 

I hate Smoke. I hated it on Rotterdam, and hate it on Solstice. I wish they would make all ships non-smoking.

 

Regarding "superior'" food, some people save all month to go to Olive Garden for their Anniversary dinner. There is no objective truth.  I will say, walking past Guest Services, there have been complaints about the food.

 

Tonight I've encountered something new. The entire pool deck was closed briefly around dinnertime and the entire thing, including the huge multi-story glass windows overlooking the pool deck, was hosed down and squeegeed by a crew of it seemed 10-12 people.

 

A few more positives, as requested: the ship is clean. There are staff asking to Purell your hands walking into the buffet. And, the cabin bathrooms and showers are great, including proper water temperature regulation and good water pressure.

 

Will try to check in on this thread from time to time.  Just trying to help. 😎

[Cruise Junky]

You lost me when you talked about the smoking.  It’s abysmal on HAL

[canderson]

3 minutes ago, Cruise Junky said:

You lost me when you talked about the smoking.  It’s abysmal on HAL

And the OP's ship has so many smoking areas ... 3 is many?

[jelayne]

The OP clearly prefers HAL and that’s fine.  Each line has things that appeal to some and not others.  
Although coming from HAL I’m surprised to hear complaints about there being outdoor smoking areas with chairs.  Do smokers in the HAL have to stand up to smoke in the casino.

[dlh015]

15 minutes ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

Whoa, so many die-hard Celebrity supporters.

Uh...in case you hadn't noticed, it's a Celebrity forum...lol...so this surprises you?

 

Just imagine the different responses you would get from a Holland America forum!!  😃

[Ferry_Watcher]

20 minutes ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

We do not choose cruises by ship, so had no idea that Rotterdam was "new"

Oh, come on.... Seriously?

[Loracpin2]

SunNFun Cruzer... "Whoa, so many die-hard Celebrity supporters." 

 

What did you expect on the Celebrity Boards????

 

 

 

[JLMcruise]

15 minutes ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

Whoa, so many die-hard Celebrity supporters. I may not remember every post, but I'll try to respond to all. 

 

We do not choose cruises by ship, so had no idea that Rotterdam was "new" and Solstice was "old". I just shared observations, to inform other cruisers.

 

The tv does Not move. And, the movie options are trash. The live tv is fox news, bbc, BBC news, msnbc and maybe cnbc? There are very few inroom entertainment choices. Rotterdam had the best selection at sea I've ever experienced.

 

Yes, many ships have steps into the bathroom, the step on Solstice is steep, and the inclines and odd transitions at doorways throughout this ship seem dangerous.

 

I hate Smoke. I hated it on Rotterdam, and hate it on Solstice. I wish they would make all ships non-smoking.

 

Regarding "superior'" food, some people save all month to go to Olive Garden for their Anniversary dinner. There is no objective truth.  I will say, walking past Guest Services, there have been complaints about the food.

 

Tonight I've encountered something new. The entire pool deck was closed briefly around dinnertime and the entire thing, including the huge multi-story glass windows overlooking the pool deck, was hosed down and squeegeed by a crew of it seemed 10-12 people.

 

A few more positives, as requested: the ship is clean. There are staff asking to Purell your hands walking into the buffet. And, the cabin bathrooms and showers are great, including proper water temperature regulation and good water pressure.

 

Will try to check in on this thread from time to time.  Just trying to help. 😎

Hope your cruise improves!  We have 3 weeks on the Solstice coming up.  I never watch TV on a cruise - not important to us. We don't plug in - so no big deal for only 2 outlets in the room.  You are in the Mexican Rivera - hot pools aren't uncommon. I bring a spray bottle and fill it with ice water when doing "hot cruises" to help cool off. I rarely eat in the buffet area - so good to go there. I agree the casino is a pain - so we don't gamble anymore - no big deal - not big gamblers.  The last cruise we were on a lady won 3600.00 on the penny machine the last day of the cruise! Our last cruise (August) - the comedian was fantastic!  Not the family show - the adult only show in the Sky Lounge (it was packed). We actually had 2 comedians on board. Each cruise entertainment can be hit or miss. Complaining to guest service regarding food is folks looking for something for free or OBC. In 15 cruises - I only went to guest service once to help with the Canadian App required form. Our waiters have always been very accommodating to our food choice and have gone out of their way to make us happy. Maybe it's how guest relate to the wait staff and guest need a lesson in how to treat staff with kindness making their point rather than complaining.  Every cruise line is short staffed. We have sailed on the Solstice before and had fantastic times.  Not lowering my expectations.

[Ipeeinthepools]

Thanks for your perspective.  I hope continue to provide more honest comparisons 

[Ken the cruiser]

I have to admit we used to enjoy cruising on a variety of HAL ships up until about 6 years ago when they just got too “boring” for us, about the time they introduced the Music Walk. But then we were only in our early 60s back then! 😂
 

One of many things we like about Celebrity cruises are their evening shows in the main theater, whether they are production shows or guest entertainers. But, yes, we have encountered some comedians that didn’t quite hit the mark on pretty much every cruise line we’ve sailed with (see below). But that’s OK. The Celebrity CD and the 4-5 assistants will work very hard to try and keep you laughing!
 

If I remember correctly, HAL has one combined Cruise and Excursion director and just one assistant that conducts one or two trivias on sea days. But wasn’t the Solstice’s theater and it’s 3 plus levels pretty cool! Does HAL even offer quality production shows and guest entertainers in the main theater any more, other than maybe their dance team whose name slips my mind.

 

But who cares! You’re on a cruise!! Go have a great time!! 😁

[wikoffclan]

3 hours ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

2) The lawn/grass areas and hot glass classes are very nice and, as far as I know, unique to Celebrity.

 

I'm wondering how, when and where you're able to sign up for/participate in the "Hot Glass Class"? Is this something we can do online before boarding? Any info is appreciated.

 

[dlh015]

7 minutes ago, wikoffclan said:

I'm wondering how, when and where you're able to sign up for/participate in the "Hot Glass Class"? Is this something we can do online before boarding? Any info is appreciated.

 

Log into the cruise planner , then right under Mange Reservation is a blue square box Plan My Cruise...click on it then scroll down to More To Explore...there is a slider under the pics...move it right to show Onboard Activities...Glass class is there...

Edited September 26, 2022 by dlh015

[jelayne]

38 minutes ago, wikoffclan said:

I'm wondering how, when and where you're able to sign up for/participate in the "Hot Glass Class"? Is this something we can do online before boarding? Any info is appreciated.

 

The Hot Glass shop is only on the Solstice, Eclipse and Equinox.  It is fun to watch them work and even better to participate.

[chemmo]

Thank you for your review. 
 

I am glad you are seeing some positives about Celebrity. When we cruise on different lines or even different ship classes within the same line we do always do our ‘homework’ so we board with appropriate expectations. We will have followed reviews and know both the strengths and weaknesses of the ship we are about to board. Obviously, much of this ‘homework’ will be done before we book and if there is something that is a ‘dealbreaker’ about a ship then we will consider other choices. If newness is important to you perhaps you should look at the newer E class Celebrity ships or ships that have been refurbished.
 

Solstice is not new and she is overdue a refit. However, she has a lovely ‘flow’, a great variety of bars and speciality restaurants. We cruised on her twice both pre covid. Both wonderful cruises. The three negatives you quoted  that really surprised me were…

 

Smoking…We have never found it an issue on any Celebrity cruise.

Food in the buffet. We have always found the selection very good and usually hot.

Staff. We have always found Celebrity staff to be a real strength, hard working, polite and friendly.

 

I sincerely hope your cruise experience improves. Perhaps you could try some aspects of the ship you haven’t tried so far. For example, if you find the buffet disappointing why not try a MDR breakfast or lunch on sea days?

 

Ultimately, it could simply be that Celebrity is not the cruise line for you…All of us have different expectations and priorities. 

[wineoclock]

I was looking at a HAL Norway cruise but booked Celebrity instead mainly due to the casino on Celebrity being smoke free. I don’t mind smoking outdoors but can’t abide it indoors. 
 

I hope you manage to enjoy the cruise. 

Edited September 26, 2022 by wineoclock