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Storage can seem tight at first, but if you're having trouble fitting everything, look up over the beds. We didn’t discover the large cabinets there until toward the end of the cruise; the space is perfect for storing bulky jackets and cold weather gear on Alaska itineraries. Holding 2,850 guests at double occupancy, Celebrity Solstice flourishes wherever it is deployed, be that Australia, Asia or Alaska. The Sky Lounge, with its bank of windows, is perfect for wildlife viewing in Alaska and scenic cruising anywhere else.
Where does Celebrity Apex sail to?
With all these changes, there's a good chance past Celebrity cruisers, expecting the quiet sophistication that they've come to know and love from the line, are not going to be thrilled. The cabins on Celebrity Solstice are functional, with choices for different traveling groups. One thing we missed were outlets and USB ports near the bed, now a necessity on newer cruise ships. Purists who love real walk-out balconies will be happy with the choices on Solstice; the ship does not have the infinite balcony cabins that dominate the Edge-class vessels. The main specialty restaurants onboard provide Italian (Tuscan Grill); French (Murano) and Japanese (Sushi on 5) options.
Who Is On Board Celebrity Solstice?
Restaurants on Celebrity Edge are straight out of any big city, from a grab-and-go gourmet deli and a reservations-only sushi spot to a high-tech French bistro with an animated dining experience you have to see to believe. But none of the negatives is enough to deter us from taking another cruise on this lovely ship. Celebrity Eclipse is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful big ships we've ever sailed.
Where does Celebrity Solstice sail to?
Expert Review of Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship - Cruise Critic
Expert Review of Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship.
Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:34:56 GMT [source]
Celebrity Solstice broke new ground when it debuted in 2008, and while several sister ships have undergone what the line calls "Revolutionized" status, this vessel has not. That means that it lacks some areas and amenities that are now standard on the line. When the ship is in Europe, you can expect to find a fairly international mix of passengers.
While at max capacity the ship can hold up to 3,609 passengers, Reflection rarely feels crowded, as passengers tend to find their own spaces to hang out in. It's also well designed, and favorite spots like the excellent thermal spa are capacity controlled. The covered Solarium is adults only, most of the day, and provides ample and airy seating, even when the weather isn't great. The outdoor pool is a nice size, with seating alcoves nearby (unlike on Edge-class ships, these primo lounges are free) and also facing outward.
How much does it cost to go on Celebrity Eclipse?
The animated dining experience Le Petit Chef takes place nightly in the Silk Harvest restaurant. Still, you won't go hungry on Celebrity Solstice and the main dining room, the glass-filled Grand Epernay, is an impressive home base. The Oceanview Café is likewise airy, although it can be difficult at peak hours to find a seat. The AquaSpa Café and Mast Grill round out the ship's complimentary options, although these venues do close at dinner. Suite guests have dining privileges at Luminae, with a menu boasting dishes from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, while Aqua class passengers eat at Blu. It's a food-lovers paradise, with many options onboard from the complimentary Moonlight Sonata, which will satisfy almost any tastes, to the upscale but extra-cost French bistro Murano and the fun, animated experience at Qsine.
Where does Celebrity Summit sail from?
Meetups for veterans, solo travelers, LGBTQ+ and sober cruisers take place daily. There was a time when Celebrity had some of the best mainstream cruise dining. We wouldn’t say that's the case now, as other lines have made more forward-thinking cuisine investments. Celebrity has stated publicly that it's looking to reduce food waste and promote efficiencies; the result of that, unfortunately, is that diners have fewer options than they did a few years ago.
More about Celebrity Apex
The ship has turned tendering -- that often unpleasant experience where you have to board a small boat to get to a port -- into an infinitely more pleasant experience. The Magic Carpet is a tennis court-sized moveable deck, kitted out with an open-air lounge and bar. From there, it's a breeze to get onto the tenders, or you can stay to get a drink and watch others get on and off -- talk about people-watching. We love that the ship positions itself perfectly for the first timer -- not so big that it's overwhelming but not so small that you get bored.
For the second of its Edge-class ships, the cruise line partnered with some big-name designers -- including Kelly Hoppen and Jouin Manku -- to bring an airy, modern feel to every space onboard, inside and out. And while the 2,910-passenger ship is fancy, it's not stuffy – there's a relaxed vibe throughout. Reflection stands out with its exceptional variety of cabins, including its beautiful suites. The ship's 32 AquaClass Spa Suites might be the most coveted cabins on the ship, as passengers booked in AquaClass and AquaClass Spa Suites receive complimentary access to the ship's lovely Persian Garden thermal suite. They also receive complimentary access to Blu, which serves up healthier "spa cuisine." The "main" atrium opens fully to Decks 3, 4 and 5, around an area called the Grand Foyer.
One side brings you past shops and venues like the Qasar nightclub, while the other takes you through the (happily, non-smoking) casino. A smaller entertainment venue, Celebrity Connections, is often used for lectures and other events when there's a show going on in the larger theater. Nature is a theme on Solstice, with its large tree anchoring one of its atriums, a live plant wall in its Solarium pool and of course, the real grass that makes up the Lawn Club on the top deck. On the downside, the rampant upselling and fee surcharges are a bit of a turnoff. Service is sometimes overwhelmed, and on warm sea days, the pool deck can feel crowded, especially when the ship is at its maximum capacity of 3,148. Another hit is the ship's Lawn Club, with its half-acre of grass, upcharge restaurants (the Lawn Club Grill and The Porch) and eight alcoves, private rentable cabanas for those who want shade and a little privacy away from the pool area.
Its interiors blend sophistication with a bit of whimsy -- akin to a trendy W Hotel but with softer edges. Celebrity has been marketing itself to professionals 35 and older who love food and wine, although the ship still attracts a substantial number of baby boomers, as well as a large number of repeat customers. Passengers generally embody a low-key partying spirit -- in general, imbibing seems responsible.
Apex also excels at innovation, with unique features like the heralded Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that juts from the side of the ship and can move up and down depending on its use. At the lowest deck, it serves as a gateway to ports, making embarkation and debarkation easy. While the pool can feel hectic on sunny days, the Lawn Club on Deck 15 provides a lush alternative. Although Celebrity has monetized some of the best spots -- the hut-like Alcoves are rented by the day -- there is still room for people to enjoy the greenery and play mini-golf or bocce ball. The Hot Glass Studio is up here as well; if you want to take a class, book as soon as you board.
