We really had a great time. Our last cruise on the Celebrity Millenium was very mediocre so we had low expectations. The ship was much better with more amenities and the food was even better. Low expectations are the secret to happiness. The ship had 60% capacity so not very crowded. I would love to sail on her again.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
There were two ships embarking that day. Princess was in front of the main Terminal and my Celebrity ship was over on the side. There is a smaller terminal in front of the ship off to the side so don't go to the main terminal if your ship is off to the side or you will have a long walk. My embarkation time was for 11 am. Got there about 10:45. Got processed right away and went to the waiting room. Unlike other embarkations there is no group number or any segregation at all. You all just sit there wondering if you are in the right place. About 11:30 they started announcements over the speaker but with so much echo it was hard to understand. They let in suite guests then other high class tickets, then loyalty guests, and finally after they weren't calling anyone else, we Steerage class walked over to the gate and they let us in. On board about noon.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Liked the food better than the Millenium's even though they had the same menus. The MDR was pretty good, not a lot that wowed us but some great standouts. The Beef Tournedos on the first formal night was amazing. The Creme Brule was outstanding. Even though I ate those a couple months ago on the Millenium, they were just better for some reason. I guess the Cook on cruise ships really can make a difference. Breakfast buffet was pretty good. Same items every day but so much variety you never needed to repeat. The Lunch buffet was pretty decent with a different Nationality food each day. Greek day was awesome. The Dinner buffet is a real letdown. It is considerably smaller than lunch buffet and not much seemed appetizing. Celebrity is like most Lines that shut the buffet down for hours at a time. Coming back from an excursion is a disappointment when you can't find much to eat. Hamburger stand closes at 5:30.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We didn't do much other than hang out on deck but we could have done a lot if we wanted. Six Jacuzzis was nice. Outdoor pool was well heated.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
This cruise was the Singer/Dancer troupes first cruise. They only knew one show so that is the only production show we saw on board but it was really good. They had a lot of energy. They did perform a short show in the atrium. The other entertainers were all individual singers, one comedian, and one magician. All were really good so we had no complaints about not having more production shows. The house band was amazing especially since the had to learn a new show each day.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Very competent crew. Seemed mostly happy to be there. One visit to the front desk to ask for a time change for getting off at San Diego was quickly and pleasantly handled. Isn't it funny how when your request is granted, the Staff are great but when you are told "No", the staff are rude and incompetent?
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This unusual ship has a lawn and a live tree floating in the atrium. Those were a couple clues that the designers wanted to make something different with the Solstice Class. They also have a Glass Blowing shop where you could pay to make your own glass vase or other item. I think it costs about $125 and sells out quickly.
Ship seemed clean and well taken care of.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Inside cabin was probably the largest we have ever had including Jr. Suites on other lines. Large entry space could park a scooter. Bathroom easily holds two people. There were only two inside cabins in that part of the ship so maybe that is why it was bigger.
Ship tip
Check out the ship beforehand and get to know the unusual features. It is not your ordinary mid-size, 13 year old ship.
Stayed the night at the Guest Harbor Inn about a mile away. It costs $108 plus tax. An older motel but looked recently renovated. Left car there for $10 per day during cruise. They had lots of cameras in the parking lot. All was well. Good food in the area.
Hired a "glass bottom" water taxi to tour the arch and drop us off at Medrono's beach then take us back a few hours later. It costed $15 pp but probably could have haggled down to $10. The water was the best I have ever seen there. Not like Aruba blue but pretty great for Mexico.
Walked the "Blue Line" to old town. Lots of expat volunteers along the route to answer questions. Police at major intersections. Very safe feeling. Saw the cathedral and other historical buildings, went to the Market, then walked along the Malecon. Saw the divers and lots of statues. A beautiful day with great weather. Took a Pulmonia taxi back to ship for $15. Wonderful day.
Strange to have San Diego as a port for the Mexican Riviera but it was a nice change. Only issue is that since it was your first port to visit after being in a foreign country, they made us go through customs then. That added hours to getting everyone off the ship. We were given an 11:30 time to start the process but we had Sea World tickets and had to be back on board before 5:30 so that would have only given us a few hours. We asked the front desk if we could have an earlier time and they moved it to 9:30. It was still almost 11 before we got off. Uber was $15 there but $25 back. Allow lots of time getting back to port due to rush-hour traffic. It took less than 15 minutes to get there but an hour getting back.
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