Review 3/15 Solstice

[jeffreytg]

40 somethings who have been on 3 other cruise lines once each. I will use a 1 to 5 rateing system- 1 =hated it and 5 equals loved it.

 

Arrival: Stayed at the Courtyard Cruise Port- our shuttle departed at 11 AM on the dot and we were standing in the Oceanview Cafe at 11:55 AM. We were in Consierge cabin and boarded right after the suites and Aqua class. (5)

 

Cabin: 2103- Deck 12 Port side. Regular size balcony. The cabin to the left 2105 has a larger balcony than standard. Cabin was nicely set up, no complaints, Bottle of bubbly which we never opened was on ice. Room attendat was efficient. The locvation with a minor exceptionw as outstanding- just below Oceanview cafe, a few steps from elevator access, and close to the pool area. The minor exception was that the cabin can be seen into by those walking towards the steps if they chose to do so while the door was open. (4)

 

Oceanview Cafe: Good slection as we always found plenty that we enjopyed. Ate there for 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner along with a few late night snacks. We were always able to find a table. The pasta bar is a nice touch- you pick out the type of pasta you want along with the incrediants and it is preparred while you wait. Then you add your own sauce fropm four choices. (4)

 

Grand Eperney: Had a table for 8 with three very nice couples. We were the youngest at the table and that did not bother us. I though that with the exception of the last evening, the food was excellent. The lamb shank served the first formal night was to die for, that was my favorite meal of the cruise (we ate in three specialty restaurants). Our table was 506 on the 4th floor. Our table seemed to always be served slowere that tyhe tabels served by another crew. But, with the ex ception of the last night, it was not terribly slow. The last night a number of folks at the table complained about how slow the service was. We were the one of the last tables to get up and leave that night. I would have liked faster service- but it did not ruin my cruise. Also, the lamb chop was tiney and my wife's Alreado was very dry. This was the only sub par meal of the cruise.(4)

 

Speciality restaurants-

Bistro on 5 for a luch- it was OK-The Hot & Spicey Crape was neither and My Cajun was not spiced at all. Maybe its the older demographic, but Ive had more spice in Taco Bell mild Hot sause.(3)

 

Murano- It was good- had the rack of lamb and the wife has the Risotto. As far as I am concerned, the main dining room is so good that there is no need to eat at Murano. One thing that turned me off was that I could not order a wine that we enjoyed from the main dining room while at Murano. I was told that I could only order from Muran's wine list. This to me is a failing. Wish I had know this and I would have preordered the wine of our choice and had it sent to Murano. (4)

 

Silk Harvest. Wife had the 16 piece sushi plate and I had pad thai, freid rice and some sushi. Again, no spice in the pad thai. I'm not talking low spice, I'm talking no spice. We enjoyed a very nice window table for two. (4)

 

Other stuff:

We are not pool people, so i can not comment on chair hogs- all i can say it that it looked to me like every chair was taken when ever we walked by.

 

Really enjoyed the bar service where ever we went. Had the martini flight at the Martini Bar (6 drinks for $18.00 with flavors of apple, plumb, pear, regular, watermelon, peach).

Had great service at the Sunset bar- although it got windy back there-

 

There are many little out coves of places to sit through out the ship. I am told that the ship was sold out by it never felt crowded.

 

There was a diversion into St Thomas for a medical emergency. I heard rumors about the situation, but in that it was only rumors and other people's medical issues are non of our business, I won't relate any of it herein. The diversion cuased us to be about 1.5 hours late into labadee.

 

Ship excursions:

Tortola- Hike and Snorkle- hike was good- great views, there was no organized snorkling. We were just dropped at a beach for an hour. (2)

 

Labadee: Thriller speed boat- alot of fun and the boat stopped a few times were the history of Haiti was given (4)

 

ST Matrtin: We used Bernard- not through Celebrity

 

San Jaun: ATV tour- loved it- excellent riding through the forset with fabulous views. Did not like the fact that outr bus sat around for 45 minuets after the ride was done. Byt the time we got back to the ship is was boardinag time. (4)

 

Casino: We lost lost lost- but that happens. Planty of machines from 1 cent to 5 dollar including video poker, wheel of fortune, monopoley and others. I played craps- the craps dealers were not very good. They were freidnly enough but were slowing in calculating pays and very poor at anticipating bets. There were blackjack, poker, and slot tournaments. The one slot tourney my wife played in cost $25.00 to enter. (3)

 

Shows: OK we are not show people- went to nights 1,2 and 7. They were OK. The second night was the best of the three with Cirque type act. The theater that night was packed 15 minutes prior to show time- (3).

 

The Piano player in Michael's Club was very good. He not only played and sang but told some intersting stories about many of the songs. I only made two requests and he played Both (Rocketman and Raindrops). (4)

 

Lawn area: I like it- played boche ball and did some puting up there- I thought it was a nice area. I do wonder how they will manitian it in the long run.

 

Hot glass show: Ok I've seen how glass is made- just saved me from ever having to take a tour of a glass factory. There were raffles held for some of the items made there.

 

Overall cruise- putting it all together- we had a fabulous time- 4.5.

 

Ill answer questions if I can. Sorry for typos- hope you get the main points.

[uktog]

Nice helpful review thanks

Assume the martini flight was $18 for 2 - if not boy has that gone up in prices

[jeffreytg]

The Martini flight was $18.00 for the 6 drinks (which are in smaller glasses) I estimate that the six drinks togther equal less than 3 regualr size martinis

[jeffreytg]

I forgot to mention disembarking. We had an assigned time of 9:30 where we were supposed to wait in the main restaurant. We hung out at the coffee shop and at about 9:25 walked off. The bags were easily located next to a number on a stand that represented our disembarkation number (27). We were through customs and in a taxi with in 15 minutes of standing up to walk off the ship (5++++++++++). This was the best disembarkation process that I have seen in our four cruises.

[uktog]

ouch the flight has gone up so much, it was 6 small glasses for $9.50+ service charge a month ago!!!!

[cruisebunny32]

Very nice review. We are excited to sail in less than 3 weeks.

 

Question for you....was the Ocean View Bar open at sail away? We were trying to plan a cruise critic get together.

 

Also..that martini special...was that just one night or could you get it mulitple nights?

 

Thanks

Alisia

[Lois R]

ouch the flight has gone up so much, it was 6 small glasses for $9.50+ service charge a month ago!!!!

 

Hi:)...I am thinking maybe its that much for S class only...but

I am just guessing.:confused:

I will be on CENTURY next month and will let you know how

much it is:)

It was 9.50 when I sailed GALAXY in January too.

[jeffreytg]

Very nice review. We are excited to sail in less than 3 weeks.

 

Question for you....was the Ocean View Bar open at sail away? We were trying to plan a cruise critic get together.

 

Also..that martini special...was that just one night or could you get it mulitple nights?

 

Thanks

Alisia

 

Thank you,

 

Yes, Oceanview bar was open- it is right outside and to the reear of Oceanview Cafe and was open it seemed later than most of the other outdoor bars. The martini flighht was available at any time the martini bar was open.

[signman]

The Martini flight is $18 on Solstice. I have seen others mention that it is $9.50 on other ships, although my memory from Century 2/08 was like $15 and available every night. It's right on the menu. With that much price difference, something must be different. Solstice glasses were generous, maybe a good idea to split it.

[Lois R]

The Martini flight is $18 on Solstice. I have seen others mention that it is $9.50 on other ships, although my memory from Century 2/08 was like $15 and available every night. It's right on the menu. With that much price difference, something must be different. Solstice glasses were generous, maybe a good idea to split it.

 

Hi Howard:)...OT for one minute...

Yesterday there was a show on Foodnetwork in Baltimore:D

The NEELY'S...they are a couple who own a BBQ place in

Memphis. Anyway, one of their tv shows is about their

travels and they a place went to place called "Dangerously Delicious".

Looked really good!:)

[FinelyCruising]

jeffrey - what did you think of Bernard's Tour? was there anything you would have liked to have been different on it? Was there a place for lunch at Orient close to where the drop off was? Thanks in advance!

[jeffreytg]

jeffrey - what did you think of Bernard's Tour? was there anything you would have liked to have been different on it? Was there a place for lunch at Orient close to where the drop off was? Thanks in advance!

 

For $35.00 I think that it was a great value. Orient beach has a full nude side and a topless side. We walked over the the topless side where there are a number of establishments that offer an umbrella, 2 chairs, and the use of a bathroom for $13-$14 total. The $14 usualy came with a drink also. Many of these establishments had restaurants. We stayed there for two hours during which time I rode a waverunner for 30 minutes for $50.00.

 

We did not eat at Orient but at Maholo (sp?) beach where the airplanes come low overhead.

 

I'd recommend Bernard to anyone who wants a somewhat but not over the top structured tour. There was rum punch, water, beer, and soda provided at no additional charge too.

[Shirley C]

Thanks for the great review!

[Truffle]

In another Solstice review thread (sorry, I don't remember which one) the OP mentioned that because there were no real "bussing stations" in Oceanview the waiters often got very behind in clearing tables as they had to carry individual plates to the kitchen (also due to the absence of trays.) The OP also mentioned that in attempting to deal with this problem, they had set up some folding tables to use in the bussing process, but things piled up on these tables. It sounds logical and also unappetizing!! Did you notice any of this? They also said that the delay in clearing tables led to a slower turnover, making it difficult to find a place to sit. I am hoping this is one of those early glitches that occur when a new procedure is implemented and that they have found a way to work things out.

[FinelyCruising]

For $35.00 I think that it was a great value. Orient beach has a full nude side and a topless side. We walked over the the topless side where there are a number of establishments that offer an umbrella, 2 chairs, and the use of a bathroom for $13-$14 total. The $14 usualy came with a drink also. Many of these establishments had restaurants. We stayed there for two hours during which time I rode a waverunner for 30 minutes for $50.00.

 

We did not eat at Orient but at Maholo (sp?) beach where the airplanes come low overhead.

 

I'd recommend Bernard to anyone who wants a somewhat but not over the top structured tour. There was rum punch, water, beer, and soda provided at no additional charge too.

 

Thank You!!!:)

[jeffreytg]

In another Solstice review thread (sorry, I don't remember which one) the OP mentioned that because there were no real "bussing stations" in Oceanview the waiters often got very behind in clearing tables as they had to carry individual plates to the kitchen (also due to the absence of trays.) The OP also mentioned that in attempting to deal with this problem, they had set up some folding tables to use in the bussing process, but things piled up on these tables. It sounds logical and also unappetizing!! Did you notice any of this? They also said that the delay in clearing tables led to a slower turnover, making it difficult to find a place to sit. I am hoping this is one of those early glitches that occur when a new procedure is implemented and that they have found a way to work things out.

 

We ate at OV during all different times of day. For example we at Bfast once at 7:00 and another time at 10:00 that I can recall. While there were times where I had to seek a table, I was always able to find one. There were just the two of us, so we had more table options than a family. I could see how a family of four or more could be at a loss to find a table at times.

 

I really was not looking closely to see how quickly tables were cleared, but the attendants clearned my table many times as I sat at it, like a waiter does in a restaurant. So by the time we got up to leave, there wasn't more than a few drink cups and silver to remove.

 

There are two different sizes of plates- there are plates that are a little bigger than a salid plate and another that is the size of a diner plate. I'm a big boy and I can put down the food, but I never made more than two trips during a single OV dining event.

 

There was a huge line at teh sushi station at 6:00 PM on the St Martin day. I did not see such a line any other time. I think that many people had been on the island all day and were coming into OV for a quick sushi snack. This made a line of maybe 15 people long. But, we got through it in under 5 minutes.

 

There could at times we a short wait at the drink stations- I believe there are four of them. But, I never had to wait more than a minute or two.

 

In my opinion the OV buffett set up is the best I have seen on a cruise ship and better than any Las Vegas Buffet set up that I have seen-and Ive seen many.

[uktog]

Thanks Lois

Its bad enough the $>£ rate these days without the cost of the nightly ritual doubling - well every other night I had a flight last cruise which was wonderful mmmm :)

[Lois R]

Thanks Lois

Its bad enough the $>£ rate these days without the cost of the nightly ritual doubling - well every other night I had a flight last cruise which was wonderful mmmm :)

 

You had the tasting every other night? I had it once I think.

I have a couple of favorites and would rather drink them in

the BIG GLASS:D

They have an Expressotini that is sooooooo good.

And the original that I had when I first sailed with Celebrity

is the French. I still love that one:)

 

Again, I could be wrong about the price of the tastings

but I will try one next month...tough job but someone

has to do it;)

[Conanc]

40 somethings who have been on 3 other cruise lines once each. I will use a 1 to 5 rateing system- 1 =hated it and 5 equals loved it.

 

Arrival: Stayed at the Courtyard Cruise Port- our shuttle departed at 11 AM on the dot and we were standing in the Oceanview Cafe at 11:55 AM. We were in Consierge cabin and boarded right after the suites and Aqua class. (5)

 

Cabin: 2103- Deck 12 Port side. Regular size balcony. The cabin to the left 2105 has a larger balcony than standard. Cabin was nicely set up, no complaints, Bottle of bubbly which we never opened was on ice. Room attendat was efficient. The locvation with a minor exceptionw as outstanding- just below Oceanview cafe, a few steps from elevator access, and close to the pool area. The minor exception was that the cabin can be seen into by those walking towards the steps if they chose to do so while the door was open. (4)

 

Oceanview Cafe: Good slection as we always found plenty that we enjopyed. Ate there for 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner along with a few late night snacks. We were always able to find a table. The pasta bar is a nice touch- you pick out the type of pasta you want along with the incrediants and it is preparred while you wait. Then you add your own sauce fropm four choices. (4)

 

Grand Eperney: Had a table for 8 with three very nice couples. We were the youngest at the table and that did not bother us. I though that with the exception of the last evening, the food was excellent. The lamb shank served the first formal night was to die for, that was my favorite meal of the cruise (we ate in three specialty restaurants). Our table was 506 on the 4th floor. Our table seemed to always be served slowere that tyhe tabels served by another crew. But, with the ex ception of the last night, it was not terribly slow. The last night a number of folks at the table complained about how slow the service was. We were the one of the last tables to get up and leave that night. I would have liked faster service- but it did not ruin my cruise. Also, the lamb chop was tiney and my wife's Alreado was very dry. This was the only sub par meal of the cruise.(4)

 

Speciality restaurants-

Bistro on 5 for a luch- it was OK-The Hot & Spicey Crape was neither and My Cajun was not spiced at all. Maybe its the older demographic, but Ive had more spice in Taco Bell mild Hot sause.(3)

 

Murano- It was good- had the rack of lamb and the wife has the Risotto. As far as I am concerned, the main dining room is so good that there is no need to eat at Murano. One thing that turned me off was that I could not order a wine that we enjoyed from the main dining room while at Murano. I was told that I could only order from Muran's wine list. This to me is a failing. Wish I had know this and I would have preordered the wine of our choice and had it sent to Murano. (4)

 

Silk Harvest. Wife had the 16 piece sushi plate and I had pad thai, freid rice and some sushi. Again, no spice in the pad thai. I'm not talking low spice, I'm talking no spice. We enjoyed a very nice window table for two. (4)

 

Other stuff:

We are not pool people, so i can not comment on chair hogs- all i can say it that it looked to me like every chair was taken when ever we walked by.

 

Really enjoyed the bar service where ever we went. Had the martini flight at the Martini Bar (6 drinks for $18.00 with flavors of apple, plumb, pear, regular, watermelon, peach).

Had great service at the Sunset bar- although it got windy back there-

 

There are many little out coves of places to sit through out the ship. I am told that the ship was sold out by it never felt crowded.

 

There was a diversion into St Thomas for a medical emergency. I heard rumors about the situation, but in that it was only rumors and other people's medical issues are non of our business, I won't relate any of it herein. The diversion cuased us to be about 1.5 hours late into labadee.

 

Ship excursions:

Tortola- Hike and Snorkle- hike was good- great views, there was no organized snorkling. We were just dropped at a beach for an hour. (2)

 

Labadee: Thriller speed boat- alot of fun and the boat stopped a few times were the history of Haiti was given (4)

 

ST Matrtin: We used Bernard- not through Celebrity

 

San Jaun: ATV tour- loved it- excellent riding through the forset with fabulous views. Did not like the fact that outr bus sat around for 45 minuets after the ride was done. Byt the time we got back to the ship is was boardinag time. (4)

 

Casino: We lost lost lost- but that happens. Planty of machines from 1 cent to 5 dollar including video poker, wheel of fortune, monopoley and others. I played craps- the craps dealers were not very good. They were freidnly enough but were slowing in calculating pays and very poor at anticipating bets. There were blackjack, poker, and slot tournaments. The one slot tourney my wife played in cost $25.00 to enter. (3)

 

Shows: OK we are not show people- went to nights 1,2 and 7. They were OK. The second night was the best of the three with Cirque type act. The theater that night was packed 15 minutes prior to show time- (3).

 

The Piano player in Michael's Club was very good. He not only played and sang but told some intersting stories about many of the songs. I only made two requests and he played Both (Rocketman and Raindrops). (4)

 

Lawn area: I like it- played boche ball and did some puting up there- I thought it was a nice area. I do wonder how they will manitian it in the long run.

 

Hot glass show: Ok I've seen how glass is made- just saved me from ever having to take a tour of a glass factory. There were raffles held for some of the items made there.

 

Overall cruise- putting it all together- we had a fabulous time- 4.5.

 

Ill answer questions if I can. Sorry for typos- hope you get the main points.

 

Thank you for the info. We'll be sailing on the Solstice on Sunday!

Can't wait! :D

[Conanc]

40 somethings who have been on 3 other cruise lines once each. I will use a 1 to 5 rateing system- 1 =hated it and 5 equals loved it.

 

Arrival: Stayed at the Courtyard Cruise Port- our shuttle departed at 11 AM on the dot and we were standing in the Oceanview Cafe at 11:55 AM. We were in Consierge cabin and boarded right after the suites and Aqua class. (5)

 

Cabin: 2103- Deck 12 Port side. Regular size balcony. The cabin to the left 2105 has a larger balcony than standard. Cabin was nicely set up, no complaints, Bottle of bubbly which we never opened was on ice. Room attendat was efficient. The locvation with a minor exceptionw as outstanding- just below Oceanview cafe, a few steps from elevator access, and close to the pool area. The minor exception was that the cabin can be seen into by those walking towards the steps if they chose to do so while the door was open. (4)

 

Oceanview Cafe: Good slection as we always found plenty that we enjopyed. Ate there for 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner along with a few late night snacks. We were always able to find a table. The pasta bar is a nice touch- you pick out the type of pasta you want along with the incrediants and it is preparred while you wait. Then you add your own sauce fropm four choices. (4)

 

Grand Eperney: Had a table for 8 with three very nice couples. We were the youngest at the table and that did not bother us. I though that with the exception of the last evening, the food was excellent. The lamb shank served the first formal night was to die for, that was my favorite meal of the cruise (we ate in three specialty restaurants). Our table was 506 on the 4th floor. Our table seemed to always be served slowere that tyhe tabels served by another crew. But, with the ex ception of the last night, it was not terribly slow. The last night a number of folks at the table complained about how slow the service was. We were the one of the last tables to get up and leave that night. I would have liked faster service- but it did not ruin my cruise. Also, the lamb chop was tiney and my wife's Alreado was very dry. This was the only sub par meal of the cruise.(4)

 

Speciality restaurants-

Bistro on 5 for a luch- it was OK-The Hot & Spicey Crape was neither and My Cajun was not spiced at all. Maybe its the older demographic, but Ive had more spice in Taco Bell mild Hot sause.(3)

 

Murano- It was good- had the rack of lamb and the wife has the Risotto. As far as I am concerned, the main dining room is so good that there is no need to eat at Murano. One thing that turned me off was that I could not order a wine that we enjoyed from the main dining room while at Murano. I was told that I could only order from Muran's wine list. This to me is a failing. Wish I had know this and I would have preordered the wine of our choice and had it sent to Murano. (4)

 

Silk Harvest. Wife had the 16 piece sushi plate and I had pad thai, freid rice and some sushi. Again, no spice in the pad thai. I'm not talking low spice, I'm talking no spice. We enjoyed a very nice window table for two. (4)

 

Other stuff:

We are not pool people, so i can not comment on chair hogs- all i can say it that it looked to me like every chair was taken when ever we walked by.

 

Really enjoyed the bar service where ever we went. Had the martini flight at the Martini Bar (6 drinks for $18.00 with flavors of apple, plumb, pear, regular, watermelon, peach).

Had great service at the Sunset bar- although it got windy back there-

 

There are many little out coves of places to sit through out the ship. I am told that the ship was sold out by it never felt crowded.

 

There was a diversion into St Thomas for a medical emergency. I heard rumors about the situation, but in that it was only rumors and other people's medical issues are non of our business, I won't relate any of it herein. The diversion cuased us to be about 1.5 hours late into labadee.

 

Ship excursions:

Tortola- Hike and Snorkle- hike was good- great views, there was no organized snorkling. We were just dropped at a beach for an hour. (2)

 

Labadee: Thriller speed boat- alot of fun and the boat stopped a few times were the history of Haiti was given (4)

 

ST Matrtin: We used Bernard- not through Celebrity

 

San Jaun: ATV tour- loved it- excellent riding through the forset with fabulous views. Did not like the fact that outr bus sat around for 45 minuets after the ride was done. Byt the time we got back to the ship is was boardinag time. (4)

 

Casino: We lost lost lost- but that happens. Planty of machines from 1 cent to 5 dollar including video poker, wheel of fortune, monopoley and others. I played craps- the craps dealers were not very good. They were freidnly enough but were slowing in calculating pays and very poor at anticipating bets. There were blackjack, poker, and slot tournaments. The one slot tourney my wife played in cost $25.00 to enter. (3)

 

Shows: OK we are not show people- went to nights 1,2 and 7. They were OK. The second night was the best of the three with Cirque type act. The theater that night was packed 15 minutes prior to show time- (3).

 

The Piano player in Michael's Club was very good. He not only played and sang but told some intersting stories about many of the songs. I only made two requests and he played Both (Rocketman and Raindrops). (4)

 

Lawn area: I like it- played boche ball and did some puting up there- I thought it was a nice area. I do wonder how they will manitian it in the long run.

 

Hot glass show: Ok I've seen how glass is made- just saved me from ever having to take a tour of a glass factory. There were raffles held for some of the items made there.

 

Overall cruise- putting it all together- we had a fabulous time- 4.5.

 

Ill answer questions if I can. Sorry for typos- hope you get the main points.

 

Thank you for the info. We'll be sailing on the Solstice on Sunday!

Can't wait! :D

[niborHS]

I was on the Century 1/09 & 2/08, and I am quite sure the only time there was the special price on the martini night was the first night. Otherwise it was around $15.

[Solstice23]

Was just on Summit And martinis were a fare price for what I got and loved everyone!!!! they did have special prices on some days for some!

 

Solstice great ship!

[hylasgirl]

Thanks for another great review! I can't wait for my turn!:D

 

My friends sailed in February and said the same thing... Ship was full and never, ever showed the signs of being overcrowded. He said he would sail the Solstice again for that fact alone.

[dutchess43]

Jefftey thank you for such an honest & well written review.

[dkjretired]

You had the tasting every other night? I had it once I think.

I have a couple of favorites and would rather drink them in

the BIG GLASS:D

They have an Expressotini that is sooooooo good.

And the original that I had when I first sailed with Celebrity

is the French. I still love that one:)

 

Again, I could be wrong about the price of the tastings

but I will try one next month...tough job but someone

has to do it;)

 

Lois:

 

I heard a rumor that they really didn't have to go to St. Thomas due to a medical emergency but to pick up more waffle mix since Texed was on board...