Solstice Preview Tomorrow (July 8th) in Miami

[HollyK]

Isn't lunch over in the East? I surely hope you aren't letting your real job interfere with this most important mission. :p Waiting with bated breath! I'm checking into this thread every 10 minutes and NOTHING is getting done around here. :D

[CAPinBoynton]

Isn't lunch over in the East? I surely hope you aren't letting your real job interfere with this most important mission. :p Waiting with bated breath! I'm checking into this thread every 10 minutes and NOTHING is getting done around here. :D

 

 

And your point is...????? Just kidding. This is a lot more "fun" than work!

[dmk]

Thanks so much to everyone who reported back!!!

Marvelous, marvelous pictures, Mike and Carol!!!

Question: What is the name of the bartender shaking the coctails in the photos?

[CAPinBoynton]

Thanks so much to everyone who reported back!!!

 

Marvelous, marvelous pictures, Mike and Carol!!!

 

Question: What is the name of the bartender shaking the coctails in the photos?

 

 

I don't remember his name, but he was very nice!

[Lois R]

I don't remember his name, but he was very nice!

 

I am usually really good with names....(usually is the operative

word).

There were 2 bartenders and I can't recall either name:(

But I do agree both were really nice:)

 

But I did see a familiar face:D His name is Luis Garcia

and he is head of "Wine and Spirits":). I met him the

first time I sailed Mercury back in 2004!

[dkjretired]

I've seen a couple of questions asked about Blu, the restaurant for the Aqua-class patrons. Is that open seating or does it have the set times like the main restaurant..

[CAPinBoynton]

Yes, Luis was very nice. He was the one who told me the background info on the new drink Eureka. We also discussed who was going to be the bartender in the Martini Bar on Solstice. When he said that it was Sudi, we were thrilled. We also like Eliseo (sp?). Luis told us that they are two favorites.

[RCCLCARIB]

What an exciting event! Thank you so much for posting such great information directly from the event.

 

I think it is just as exciting to know that changes are on the way for the Captains Club....then we will have the best of both worlds: a new ship and a new loyalty program!

 

Take Care:

RCCLCARIB

[wolfganghowell]

Hope any Captains Club changes are implemented before we sail! <fingers crossed> I remember the last coupon book as being really lame. Compared to RCCL's books, X's are pretty much NOTHING. I remember one coupon being a 30 minute time period in the casino of double jackpots and no one in the casino knew anything about it or even understood it once we showed the coupon. Geez, don't make it so hard - just give us free play!! :)

[melissa@cruisecritic]

Thanks for posting these links! I wondered the same thing too when I saw that menu -- I'd never heard of it before. The irony is, I saw the same exact thing on the room service menu at my hotel last night after the event. Airline chicken was everywhere all of a sudden! :) You learn something new every day.

 

Airline chicken:

 

http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodmeats.html#airlinechicken

 

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2008/05/the_mysterious_airline_chicken.html

[Lois R]

Hope any Captains Club changes are implemented before we sail! <fingers crossed> I remember the last coupon book as being really lame. Compared to RCCL's books, X's are pretty much NOTHING. I remember one coupon being a 30 minute time period in the casino of double jackpots and no one in the casino knew anything about it or even understood it once we showed the coupon. Geez, don't make it so hard - just give us free play!! :)

 

You sail at the end of the year? I was told the changes

are starting next month~August 2008.

[RCCLCARIB]

You sail at the end of the year? I was told the changes

are starting next month~August 2008.

 

WOW!!! That is much sooner than I thought. I sail on the =X= Century in December, so I am now very excited. Maybe they will offer balcony discounts?!?!

[PatC]

Hi everyone,

 

We've only had the opportunity to visit 1 ship before it sailed on the East coast and that was Century when she came to NY in Dec., 1995.

 

Did anyone happen to mention if they would be having "previews" for other CC members or Elite members when Solstice sails east? Sure wish they had those wonderful first peeks at the ships when they are new.

 

Pat C

[Lois R]

WOW!!! That is much sooner than I thought. I sail on the =X= Century in December, so I am now very excited. Maybe they will offer balcony discounts?!?!

 

The Exec I spoke with would not give me any information

about what enhancements are being made. I really did

try to find out though.

He just said next month.....I asked if they were they going to

have another level of Capt's Club.

Its on the QT:rolleyes:

[madelinerose]

Thanks for posting these links! I wondered the same thing too when I saw that menu -- I'd never heard of it before. The irony is, I saw the same exact thing on the room service menu at my hotel last night after the event. Airline chicken was everywhere all of a sudden! :) You learn something new every day.

 

You're welcome. ;)

[Lois R]

Hi everyone,

 

We've only had the opportunity to visit 1 ship before it sailed on the East coast and that was Century when she came to NY in Dec., 1995.

 

Did anyone happen to mention if they would be having "previews" for other CC members or Elite members when Solstice sails east? Sure wish they had those wonderful first peeks at the ships when they are new.

 

Pat C

 

Pat, during the Q&A I was the only one who asked about

"Pre-Inaurgurals".....now, maybe other folks did it

1-2-1 but I thought it would be a logical question for everyone.

 

Next thing you know the Head of Marketing is being overwhelmed

with people (wanting invitations).

 

Someone asked how they could book one of them.....the answer was

"you can't, its invitation only"

[Andy]

The Exec I spoke with would not give me any information

about what enhancements are being made. I really did

try to find out though.

He just said next month.....I asked if they were they going to

have another level of Capt's Club.

Its on the QT:rolleyes:

 

Hi Lois !

 

While I do not have any direct information, I expect at least 1 new Captains Club level. I'm not sure we will hear anything within a month, but I hope it will be in the very near future. We will have to wait and see.

[Andy]

Hi, I know the question was asked about bed placement because

I was standing next to Host Anne when she posed it to

Dan Hanrahan.

Unless I misunderstood (which is always a possiblity) he

did not have an answer for it.

 

Hi Lois !

 

I also asked the question, and I hope to recieve an answer. Hopefully, Host Anne or myself will get a reply. If I hear anything back, I will gladly post it here.

[RCCLCARIB]

The Exec I spoke with would not give me any information

about what enhancements are being made. I really did

try to find out though.

He just said next month.....I asked if they were they going to

have another level of Capt's Club.

Its on the QT:rolleyes:

 

Hi Lois !

 

While I do not have any direct information, I expect at least 1 new Captains Club level. I'm not sure we will hear anything within a month, but I hope it will be in the very near future. We will have to wait and see.

 

I would believe that Celebrity has gotten some great ideas from Customer feedback and their imaginitive executives. I am willing to bet that the announcement and implemention of changes will be happening as soon as August and as late as the launch of the Solstice.

 

Thanks so much LOIS R for the feedback from the executives!

[Karynanne]

Hi Lois !

 

While I do not have any direct information, I expect at least 1 new Captains Club level. I'm not sure we will hear anything within a month, but I hope it will be in the very near future. We will have to wait and see.

 

This would be a great change. Thank you for the information Andy.

 

Karyn

[Lois R]

Hi Lois !

 

While I do not have any direct information, I expect at least 1 new Captains Club level. I'm not sure we will hear anything within a month, but I hope it will be in the very near future. We will have to wait and see.

 

Andy, Tom Plummber is the one who told me

they are implementing the new program starting next month.

I guess they could "say stuff", but no reason for him

to be so specific unless he felt like it is all in place.

 

Did you meet him in your session?

[Host Anne]

Hello all ~ sorry for the long delay. Lots to catch up on before I could pull this together. Here are the questions I asked yesterday. I hope I caught most of them for you. And if anyone who was there heard something different than what I wrote down, don't hesitate to correct me. There was so much to do and see (and try to write) I want to make sure I'm giving out correct info so don't hesitate to jump in.

 

QUESTION FOR CELEBRITY:

o If the Aqua Class passengers assigned to BLU nightly wishes to dine in another specialty restaurant, is the “extra” fee waived? No. Blu will be available to AC class and suite passengers and then on an available basis by reservation to other passengers but anyone wishing to dine in specialty restaurants will pay the service charges.

o Why all the “white” ships instead of the traditional white and blue? With the Horizon class and Century class, our ships were always white with the blue stripe. With the introduction of the Millennium class, the ships were introduced with a blue hull. After Constellation was delivered, customers began to ask why we went to blue hulls for Millennium class and showed a preference for a return to a white hull with the signature blue stripe. Thus the move for the Millennium class to be converted to the traditional white hull. Celebrity Solstice carries on the white hull tradition with a twist on the blue stripe, featured as part of the promenade.

o Will there be an RCI-type concierge lounge for upper level CC members? No, but Celebrity just hired a new loyalty program manager who is working to revamp Celebrity’s program. No details available yet as the new staff member has only been there a couple of weeks.

o When will on-line reservations open for specialty restaurants and excursions? 90 days before sailing.

o Size of aft balconies 5 meters (53 sq ft); the same as the standard balconies on the side of the ship. The corner aft balconies will be larger as they are angled around the end of the ship.

o Will there be a T-type pool that doesn’t cost extra? I didn’t ask but someone else has reported earlier in the thread that there will be.

o What will the lobby look like? When will they post something showing the lobby? Preliminary renderings of the grand foyer are done and final adjustments are being made. These will be reviewed with the architect within the next couple of weeks and something should be publishing on the www.CelebritySolstice.com site shortly thereafter. It will be a beautiful space and something of which they're very proud.

o Will the pastries in the Bistro on Five remain complimentary or will you be charging for them now? It’s Café al Bacio that will be serving the pastries you are referring to. The pastries in Cafe al Bacio will be complimentary, however there will be a charge for the chocolates, coffees, and gelato. Bistro on Five (on the port side opposite Cafe al Bacio) will offer 24 hour complimentary food service which includes the crepes. The pastries were all fabulous!!!! Better plan for some extra time in the gym or doing laps in the pool!

o Are the balcony on cabins on the hump (particularly Aqua Class) larger than the average balcony? No, they are not.

o What specialty restaurants will be open when (breakfast/lunch/dinner). I asked and didn’t write down the answer :o ….I’m going back to ask again….sorry!

o Are floor plans available that show which staterooms have which bed/sofa configuration in them (which have the beds closest to the veranda door and which have the bed closest to the bathrooms) I asked this question yesterday and Mr. Harahan wasn’t sure of the status of this info on the deck plans. I’ve since learned that while they do know this information, they are looking to see how easy it will be to convey. Since there are so many and there is not a simple odd/even type pattern for one to follow, they want to make sure that when it is communicated that it can be done simply and does inhibit someone from booking one or the other. They are going to see if they can do this graphically on the web and subsequently with reprints of their brochures. This is a new stateroom design for veranda staterooms and they believe guests will have a great stateroom experience regardless.

o Will there be any type of “Anytime dining” available in the main dining room? No there will not be. There are a total of ten dining venues on board so they feel there are plenty of options for passengers who may choose to not use the traditional, two-seating set-time dining in the main dining room.

Hope these details are helpful. I apologize if others have reviewed them already. Busy, busy day and haven't had a chance to catch up on this thread!

[CAPinBoynton]

I met Tom and talked to him several times, and he told me that they are still working out a few kinks and that they hope to be able to make some announcements next month. I got the impression that he meant that they would tell everyone what they intend to do. I don't know that it would mean actual implementation next month. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what's to come.

[Host Anne]

The bartender in the photo is Togi (real name to long and difficult to pronouce so he said everyone calls him Togi). He will be in the Solstice martini bar with Sudi (who I'm dying to meet as well). I know I will be visiting them often.....Togi was a bunch of fun and I loved my Solstice martini....very smooth!

 

Off to release work frustrations on the tennis courts....I'll be back later and get those photos over to Mike!

[rolfecms]

Hello all ~ sorry for the long delay. Lots to catch up on before I could pull this together. Here are the questions I asked yesterday. I hope I caught most of them for you. And if anyone who was there heard something different than what I wrote down, don't hesitate to correct me. There was so much to do and see (and try to write) I want to make sure I'm giving out correct info so don't hesitate to jump in.

QUESTION FOR CELEBRITY:

o If the Aqua Class passengers assigned to BLU nightly wishes to dine in another specialty restaurant, is the “extra” fee waived? No. Blu will be available to AC class and suite passengers and then on an available basis by reservation to other passengers but anyone wishing to dine in specialty restaurants will pay the service charges.

o Why all the “white” ships instead of the traditional white and blue? With the Horizon class and Century class, our ships were always white with the blue stripe. With the introduction of the Millennium class, the ships were introduced with a blue hull. After Constellation was delivered, customers began to ask why we went to blue hulls for Millennium class and showed a preference for a return to a white hull with the signature blue stripe. Thus the move for the Millennium class to be converted to the traditional white hull. Celebrity Solstice carries on the white hull tradition with a twist on the blue stripe, featured as part of the promenade.

o Will there be an RCI-type concierge lounge for upper level CC members? No, but Celebrity just hired a new loyalty program manager who is working to revamp Celebrity’s program. No details available yet as the new staff member has only been there a couple of weeks.

o When will on-line reservations open for specialty restaurants and excursions? 90 days before sailing.

o Size of aft balconies 5 meters (53 sq ft); the same as the standard balconies on the side of the ship. The corner aft balconies will be larger as they are angled around the end of the ship.

o Will there be a T-type pool that doesn’t cost extra? I didn’t ask but someone else has reported earlier in the thread that there will be.

o What will the lobby look like? When will they post something showing the lobby? Preliminary renderings of the grand foyer are done and final adjustments are being made. These will be reviewed with the architect within the next couple of weeks and something should be publishing on the www.CelebritySolstice.com site shortly thereafter. It will be a beautiful space and something of which they're very proud.

o Will the pastries in the Bistro on Five remain complimentary or will you be charging for them now? It’s Café al Bacio that will be serving the pastries you are referring to. The pastries in Cafe al Bacio will be complimentary, however there will be a charge for the chocolates, coffees, and gelato. Bistro on Five (on the port side opposite Cafe al Bacio) will offer 24 hour complimentary food service which includes the crepes. The pastries were all fabulous!!!! Better plan for some extra time in the gym or doing laps in the pool!

o Are the balcony on cabins on the hump (particularly Aqua Class) larger than the average balcony? No, they are not.

o What specialty restaurants will be open when (breakfast/lunch/dinner). I asked and didn’t write down the answer :o ….I’m going back to ask again….sorry!

o Are floor plans available that show which staterooms have which bed/sofa configuration in them (which have the beds closest to the veranda door and which have the bed closest to the bathrooms) I asked this question yesterday and Mr. Harahan wasn’t sure of the status of this info on the deck plans. I’ve since learned that while they do know this information, they are looking to see how easy it will be to convey. Since there are so many and there is not a simple odd/even type pattern for one to follow, they want to make sure that when it is communicated that it can be done simply and does inhibit someone from booking one or the other. They are going to see if they can do this graphically on the web and subsequently with reprints of their brochures. This is a new stateroom design for veranda staterooms and they believe guests will have a great stateroom experience regardless.

o Will there be any type of “Anytime dining” available in the main dining room? No there will not be. There are a total of ten dining venues on board so they feel there are plenty of options for passengers who may choose to not use the traditional, two-seating set-time dining in the main dining room.

Hope these details are helpful. I apologize if others have reviewed them already. Busy, busy day and haven't had a chance to catch up on this thread!

Thanks so much for all the info! Can't wait to hear the opening times for the specialty restaurants! :)