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

[crusinthrough]

The original post seem more like preferences than anything worth noting and reflective of the OP not doing homework on the ship before booking. .  I've read many posts in this Celebrity forum and this is the first that I can remember with a complaint about a dangerous cabin layout and ship areas.  I have not been on Solstice but have sailed on the site ship Equinox and did not have any issues with ramps. 

 

 

 

[mauimary]

We feel it is very important to do one’s homework before booking any cruise. The lines all have their own personalities and demographics. Just like the ships within a line have their own characteristics and bells and whistles.  Would you believe that over twenty years ago we actually purchased a book called “Cruising for dummies” even though the title was an absolute insult to our intelligence!  It did however give us much info on cruiseline personalities and more importantly demographics so that we did not find ourselves with the twenty-something all night party crowd or the ship that was a ghostown by 10pm.  We found ourselves with RCCL & Celebrity and have been very happy. It was a great match as we had appropriate expectations.  

   Not everyone knows about Cruise Critic so those of us that follow and post are no doubt in the minority number of actual cruisers.  Some people think CC is a place to criticize and not necessarily a place to share useful info.    Lucky for us we discovered CC very early in our cruising vacation experience.  So much useful info on about anything you would want to know about a line and ships in particular.  A little surfing around and one can actually gather a lot of very useful info so that we can find ourselves on a ship that suits our expectations.  
 

Currently I believe we all need to have an extra dose of patience as staff is working very hard and sometimes with reduced numbers during these times when everyone is traveling more and in such huge numbers and the dining rooms and buffets are busy.  
I really hope this cruise improves for the OP as my fear is they have found themselves on the wrong ship.  

[SunNFunCruzer]

I did not book the Solstice, I booked the Millennium. The Solstice was substituted, but, that wouldn't have affected our choice anyway. As I said, we do not book ship, we book dates, cost and itinerary. We booked because the timing of the trip and the ports Cabo & PV appealed to us. The Solstice seems like an older ship, but I don't recall any fare discount or obc offered when the change was made. Is that surprising or unusual for those that book for ships themselves?

 

As for Celebrity supporters on the Celebrity forum; I post on the HAL forum and the MSC forum and the Carnival forum and the RCCL forum and the Celebrity forum. If I have a question or interest I post. I find it surprising when cruise line "fans" criticize my subjective opinion of something. I am sharing my experiences and observations so that when others do "homework" on a particular ship or cruiseline, there are "regular folk" opinions mixed in with those "fan" opinions. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[wineoclock]

17 minutes ago, mauimary said:

We feel it is very important to do one’s homework before booking any cruise. The lines all have their own personalities and demographics. Just like the ships within a line have their own characteristics and bells and whistles.  Would you believe that over twenty years ago we actually purchased a book called “Cruising for dummies” even though the title was an absolute insult to our intelligence!  It did however give us much info on cruiseline personalities and more importantly demographics so that we did not find ourselves with the twenty-something all night party crowd or the ship that was a ghostown by 10pm.  We found ourselves with RCCL & Celebrity and have been very happy. It was a great match as we had appropriate expectations.  

   Not everyone knows about Cruise Critic so those of us that follow and post are no doubt in the minority number of actual cruisers.  Some people think CC is a place to criticize and not necessarily a place to share useful info.    Lucky for us we discovered CC very early in our cruising vacation experience.  So much useful info on about anything you would want to know about a line and ships in particular.  A little surfing around and one can actually gather a lot of very useful info so that we can find ourselves on a ship that suits our expectations.  
 

Currently I believe we all need to have an extra dose of patience as staff is working very hard and sometimes with reduced numbers during these times when everyone is traveling more and in such huge numbers and the dining rooms and buffets are busy.  
I really hope this cruise improves for the OP as my fear is they have found themselves on the wrong ship.  

True our first cruise was on Celebrity Galaxy & we loved it. Our next 4 on Disney with the DCs. When they became teenagers we went back to Celebrity. 
 

I always look at other lines when booking a cruise but always seem drawn back to X. One day I may be brave and venture out but for now I’m happy as it’s on the whole a good fit for us. 

[chemmo]

20 minutes ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

As I said, we do not book ship, we book dates, cost and itinerary. We booked because the timing of the trip and the ports Cabo & PV appealed to us. The Solstice seems like an older ship, but I don't recall any fare discount or obc offered when the change was made. Is that surprising or unusual for those that book for ships themselves?

 

 

We need both the itinerary and the ship to appeal to us to book a cruise…

 

To compare to land based holidays the itinerary is the choice of holiday resort and the cruise ship is the choice of hotel…We would only book a resort (itinerary) we wanted to visit then we would only book an hotel (ship) that had the facilities we wanted to enjoy the dining and entertainment aspects of vacation.

 

We are willing at times to make compromises. For example, I remember in the Far East booking Star Cruises which we knew had some limitations but equally took us to ports we wanted to visit and fit in with our full itinerary. The important thing to us was we boarded knowing there were no speciality restaurants and English was not the first language…We we’re not disappointed because we had realistic expectations.

 

Much as on our world wide cruises we have loved the places we have visited our full vacation experience has been enhanced by travelling on a ship that we enjoy. 
 

Price is important for all of us and none of us like to feel cheated…That is why when we book a cruise we want our choice of itinerary and our choice of ship to work for us before we book.

 

 

[julia]

OP:

We all tend to fall into that "comparison trap" while cruising, and it can honestly detract from your current experience.  We are sailing next on an older HAL ship (Noordam), followed by a new Celebrity ship (Beyond) a few weeks later.  We know that each sailing will have its plusses and minuses, and comparing the two would be "apples to oranges".  Enjoy the Solstice!

[chemmo]

1 hour ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

 

 

As for Celebrity supporters on the Celebrity forum; I post on the HAL forum and the MSC forum and the Carnival forum and the RCCL forum and the Celebrity forum. If I have a question or interest I post. I find it surprising when cruise line "fans" criticize my subjective opinion of something. I am sharing my experiences and observations so that when others do "homework" on a particular ship or cruiseline, there are "regular folk" opinions mixed in with those "fan" opinions. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

I do enjoy reading comparative reviews which yours is, they do offer a perspective and are useful for those trying to decide which ships have the facilities/ambiance they are looking for. 
 

If you do decide to book Celebrity again I do recommend you do read about the specific ship you are considering booking as they do have three very distinct classes of ship, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. 
 

I don’t think ‘fans’ are particularly criticising your subjective opinion but I think a few have been surprised by some of your observations…As I said in my first response, with lots of S class cruises behind us, smoking, the buffet and staff attitude have never been a problem. It is not a devaluation of your experience but contrary to ours…I would be wondering if there is a specific issue with your present cruise (lots of new staff on board, an unusual number of smokers…).

Edited September 26, 2022 by chemmo

[Ipeeinthepools]

On 8/22/2022 at 8:44 AM, SunNFunCruzer said:

Heads up for those sailing the Rotterdam soon. Lower your expectations. While the ship and staff are 5 star, the highlight for us, Lincoln Center Stage, is falling flat (figuratively and literally). We just began week 2 of the Best of Norway cruise. For the first week, the quartet was a trio of women, who repeated songs in multiple programs and who frequently sounded off (I'm looking at you violinist).

 

A few days ago, the male cellist returned to the ensemble, and there was appreciable improvement. This afternoon's program, that will be repeated again at 7pm, was another mashup of programs that will be played throughout the week. Many songs we heard sans the cellist last week. The programs last ~30-35 minutes, and at most 3 programs a day a performed, why there is so much repetition is both mind-boggling and disappointing.

 

We book HAL mostly for itinerary and Lincoln Center. Some days last week, I could count the audience members on two hands. That is terrible for anyone in Corporate paying attention. Today's program was improved, and the audience multiplied quite nicely. How that audience will fare as they realize the same songs will be played over and over, should provide incentive to the Entertainment team and the quartet itself that their programs should diversify and grow.

 

We are die-hard LCS fans, but HAL must do better to keep us.

 

For those Covid conscious.... Mask wearing and social distancing are both nearly non-existent. Staff and passengers from last week to this have been diagnosed positive and quarantined. The staff are excellent.... Top to Bottom. The Captain makes multiple daily requests to wear masks indoors and when social distancing is not possible, yet the announcements fall on deaf ears. Sadly, it seems the staff bear the brunt, and that's a real shame.

 

Happy to answer any questions I can. 

 

On 8/22/2022 at 5:29 PM, SunNFunCruzer said:

 

If you mean "safely from Covid" the back of Deck 9 on the port side closest to aft is your best bet. This is the rear of the lido buffet, although the smoke from the starboard side of deck 9 at times is unbearable. And it feels yucky, like you're breathing in someone else's exhale.

 

The smokers are numerous.... on the lido and on their balconies, sadly.

 

Although there are negatives on these posts, we've enjoyed the cruise, obviously just not as much as we would have if people were more courteous, respectful, thoughtful and conscientious.

 

On 8/26/2022 at 9:47 AM, SunNFunCruzer said:

 

We have smelled smoke, so much so that it chased us off our balcony on numerous occasions. No, we did not complain. The staff is overworked enough without chasing down inconsiderate people who will probably do the same thing as soon as security leaves.

 

Based on previous posts it doesn’t appear that the OP enjoyed the Rotterdam as much as I thought.  
 

The OP seems to be advising people to lower their expectations wherever he goes.  Smoke on my balcony would keep me off the Rotterdam

Edited September 26, 2022 by Ipeeinthepools

[BigAl94]

1 hour ago, CU64 said:

Frankly, I wish you would just go back to reading a book and leave us alone….what a downer you are. why on earth do you even bother to cruise? 

The OP has made some personal observations, some of which I find a little strange and some of which I agree with. They are entitled to their opinion but not to rudeness like this.

[islabahia]

We left HAL and NCL years ago….the smoke coming from the casino areas was just too much.  We research every cruise line and the ship(s) that interest us and then we meet with our TA who finalizes our choice. Research, research, research….

[Miaminice]

Hmmm, we cruise(d) both lines and we would pick Celebrity over HAL any day.
There´s a line for everyone - seems to be HAL for you.

[TomTN]

WE enjoy HAL and about 8 of our last 10 cruises have been on HAL.  But when you stick with one line you really notice the downgrades.  The evening shows are now crummy.  The food quality has been consistently reduced. Borh are important to us.  We don't use the pool or sail the Caribbean.

Service on both lines is excellent.

  We sailed on Regent Voyager in March. It was the ships first cruise in about 2 years.  No one had any idea what they were doing, and the ship was understaffed.  We were told some employees were not allowed to travel(Europe) and others failed their Covid test.  Although unseasoned I would give those employees a 10 for effort.

WE just returned from a Summit cruise, and I would give the employees a 10 for effort.

I prefer HAL. DW prefers Celebrity. To each their own.

 

[Fly and Sail]

I agree about the cabin deficiencies such as power ports not being near the bed and lack of proper AC. The bathroom gave me some trouble as well (lighting and toilet).

 

The casino can give you larger vouchers than $50 but you have to push for it. I never had the problem on Solstice (last trip in May) that they weren't refundable even for OBC.

 

What I did notice is that the food quality throughout the ship including at Oceanview wan't up to par but I put that down to my sailing being the first official cruise for Solstice since 2020. I'd hate to think this is still going on.

 

As far as the show with the comedian goes, what's wrong with his material?  We had a show that was clearly marked 18+ and IMHO if you aren't able to take jokes from all sides because you feel offended then maybe any kind of standup comedy isn't for you.

[Georgia_Peaches]

We are booked on Solstice for this very itinerary in March.  The thing that struck a chord with me is OP's take on cabin A/C.  I hate a cabin that won't cool!  It can make an entire 7 nighter feel like an eternity.  We were on Silhouette in 2019 and our cabin was warm.  I complained about it to our butler and she ultimately ended up bringing in a fan for some relief...and it helped.

 

And since we haven't been on Solstice before and I am aware that this ship is older and in need of a refresh, I will continue to seek out opinions of those who have recent experience on board.  From there, I weigh what's being reported to what's important to me.  In the end though, we are still taking this cruise and I can't wait!  Keep the details coming, OP!

[JLMcruise]

7 hours ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

I did not book the Solstice, I booked the Millennium. The Solstice was substituted, but, that wouldn't have affected our choice anyway. As I said, we do not book ship, we book dates, cost and itinerary. We booked because the timing of the trip and the ports Cabo & PV appealed to us. The Solstice seems like an older ship, but I don't recall any fare discount or obc offered when the change was made. Is that surprising or unusual for those that book for ships themselves?

 

As for Celebrity supporters on the Celebrity forum; I post on the HAL forum and the MSC forum and the Carnival forum and the RCCL forum and the Celebrity forum. If I have a question or interest I post. I find it surprising when cruise line "fans" criticize my subjective opinion of something. I am sharing my experiences and observations so that when others do "homework" on a particular ship or cruiseline, there are "regular folk" opinions mixed in with those "fan" opinions. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

The Millennium was built in 2000. Did have a rehab. Solstice was built in 2008 - awaiting for a rehab. The reason for the change in ship was the cancelation of Asia cruises.  You stated  "I don't recall any fare discount of obc offered when the change was made."  You had a chance to get a full refund or book another ship. We also booked the Millie and when the change in ship came - we were happy. The S class ship is more to our liking.  Millie has her qualities just spent 2 weeks on her in August.  

[pickle11]

4 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

We are booked on Solstice for this very itinerary in March.  The thing that struck a chord with me is OP's take on cabin A/C.  I hate a cabin that won't cool!  It can make an entire 7 nighter feel like an eternity.  We were on Silhouette in 2019 and our cabin was warm.  I complained about it to our butler and she ultimately ended up bringing in a fan for some relief...and it helped.

 

And since we haven't been on Solstice before and I am aware that this ship is older and in need of a refresh, I will continue to seek out opinions of those who have recent experience on board.  From there, I weigh what's being reported to what's important to me.  In the end though, we are still taking this cruise and I can't wait!  Keep the details coming, OP!

I have cruised on many cruise ships that have had A/C issues.  I'm off next week on the Solstice in a balcony so I will bring a fan.  Maybe an extra outlet adaptor.  And watch my step to the bathroom.  And already made arrangements for an extension cord and distilled water for my CPAP.

OP I welcome your observations as I learn more with honesty instead of loyality.

[BigAl94]

Solstice is only 14 years old so not at the stage of major renovation.  If and when the refurb happens, the staterooms will stay the same in terms of furnishings and bathrooms. Changes will be soft furnishings, carpets etc and maybe some moveable items.

[SunNFunCruzer]

5 hours ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

 

 

Based on previous posts it doesn’t appear that the OP enjoyed the Rotterdam as much as I thought.  
 

The OP seems to be advising people to lower their expectations wherever he goes.  Smoke on my balcony would keep me off the Rotterdam

 

Let me a take a moment to clarify. The Title of the Post quoted above was "Lincoln Center Live -- Disappointing" because Covid was spreading throughout the ship, the quartet was down a very talented and much needed cellist and the violinist was flat. Even in the quote above it says the ship AND staff were 5 star.

 

Having criticisms about particular items does not mean we hate a cruise or a cruiseline, nor does it mean we're having a "bad" time. Cruises are, like most things in life, what you make of them. Treating staff and others with respect, courtesy, empathy and a smile goes a long way. However, on HAL staff seem to be trained to a higher level of customer service STANDARD. The staff's standard behavior is to scan a venue and anticipate a need or want. You can agree or disagree with that opinion, but that's been our observation and experience.

 

Our cruise on the Rotterdam in Norway despite the smoke, Covid, flat violinist and repeated classical programs was a 5 star experience. We are not big "rock and roll" fans so skipped that musical genre venue, but in addition to Lincoln Center Live, BBKing Blues Club on Rotterdam was phenomenal. Will continue to report our observations onboard the Solstice for those interested.

[prmssk]

9 hours ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

I did not book the Solstice, I booked the Millennium. The Solstice was substituted, but, that wouldn't have affected our choice anyway. As I said, we do not book ship, we book dates, cost and itinerary. We booked because the timing of the trip and the ports Cabo & PV appealed to us. The Solstice seems like an older ship, but I don't recall any fare discount or obc offered when the change was made. Is that surprising or unusual for those that book for ships themselves?

 

As for Celebrity supporters on the Celebrity forum; I post on the HAL forum and the MSC forum and the Carnival forum and the RCCL forum and the Celebrity forum. If I have a question or interest I post. I find it surprising when cruise line "fans" criticize my subjective opinion of something. I am sharing my experiences and observations so that when others do "homework" on a particular ship or cruiseline, there are "regular folk" opinions mixed in with those "fan" opinions. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

The Millennium (although revolutionized) is an even older ship than the Solstice. And I’m sure when they switched ships you had various options.

 

I’m not particularly loyal to any line. This year alone I will sail four different lines. But a number of your complaints seemed a bit random and strange and not all that productive.  I also think comparisons (especially between two vastly different ships) are all that helpful. Many of us want to know the legitimate good and bad of ships we plan to sail but not necessarily a laundry list of negatives that include things that are typical of cruising that simple research could have prepared you for.

[the penguins]

56 minutes ago, BigAl94 said:

Solstice is only 14 years old so not at the stage of major renovation.  If and when the refurb happens, the staterooms will stay the same in terms of furnishings and bathrooms. Changes will be soft furnishings, carpets etc and maybe some moveable items.

As the name makes clear Solstice was the first of the S line ships all of which have either been Revolutionised or will be done - the programme was delayed by Covid. The Revolution involves every cabin having a new decor, beds, drapes, carpets and colour scheme. No changes to the electrics. In addition Suites have all the electrics changed. Extra cabins are also being added. Craft Social a sports bar replaces Cellar Masters. Whole ship recarpeted. New deck furniture ( rocking chairs and seats) around the pool and Spa Pool. New decor and rocking chairs in Sky Lounge  Changes to the Lawn area and other outdoor bars. Extra bar outside the theatre. 

Overall quiet a big investment.

[Georgia_Peaches]

44 minutes ago, the penguins said:

Craft Social a sports bar replaces Cellar Masters.

Such a shame IMO.

[mahdnc]

17 hours 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a shame that you were so disappointed.  Our last cruise was aboard Solstice (Jan 2020) and we enjoyed it very much.

[mauimary]

Our last cruise on Solstice was in June 2022 Alaska rt out if Seattle. It was newly back up and running after sitting off the coast of San Diego for two years.  Still we’re working out the kinks when we were on her.   We loved it even though the weather was a bit on the rainy side.  We will be joining Solstice again in a few weeks and are very much looking forward to this cruise to Mexico. 

[Northern Aurora]

We were on the Solstice for two weeks in June and boarded on September 16th for a B2B.

 

This is an older ship with a dated color scheme, but the ship is extremely clean.  Service was excellent last week and continues to excellent this week.  I find the thresholds to the balcony and into the bathrooms to be standard height for a cruise ship and will be looking for the “problematic” ramps.

[wikoffclan]

20 hours ago, dlh015 said:

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...

Thank You! I found it! Your help is much appreciated. The Celebrity site is not the most intuitive or user friendly. Found it and signed up. Thanks again!