First Celebrity Cruise
Celebrity Solstice Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 50
7 Night Pacific Coastal (Los Angeles Roundtrip)
Sail date: April 22, 2023
Ship: Celebrity Solstice
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 8106
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
After 8 previous cruises, this was our first time on Celebrity. We wanted to try a different cruise line, and tried very hard to judge this cruise on its own merits, and not on the basis of ways it differs from our usual line. Bottom line was that we liked the cruise and itinerary a little more than we thought we would (as we had been to the majority of ports of call previously), but the ship and shipboard experience a little less. Depending on the itinerary, we may sail Celebrity again, but likely on a different ship than the Solstice. And speaking of itinerary, we had a change that isn’t reflected in the ports of call section of this survey. Just want to say that the marine museum in Santa Barbara was very interesting, and is definitely worth a visit. There is a coupon for two-for-one admission on the town map handed out in port.Embarkation
We took the Celebrity transfer from LAX. A very smooth process. Our actual boarding was delayed due to some sort of coast guard requirement, but we appreciated that we were advised of the reason for the delay, rather than being left in the dark.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
We had dinner in the MDR each evening, breakfast in either the MDR or the Oceanview Café, and lunch in the Oceanview or Mast Grill (once) when we were onboard. MDR dinners were mostly just okay. Food was well enough prepared, but uninspired. As a small example, the side dishes consisted of carrots, green beans, and mashed potatoes pretty much every day, and for most entrees. Three out of four breakfast dishes ordered in the MDR were not good—cold pancakes, eggs Benedict with overcooked poached eggs and tough English muffins, and a barely warm omelette. Breakfast was much better at the Oceanview, and the selection was very good. Ditto for lunch. The Mast Grill burger was good, but the venue is on the edge of the running track and across from the Mast Bar, where smoking is allowed, which doesn’t make for a great dining experience.
Onboard Activities
We spent some time in the casino, and appreciated that it was non-smoking. We took in a Q & A session with ship officers, which was interesting. Can’t say the same for the port talk given by the person in charge of destinations/excursions. We left at the halfway point, when all he had done was reiterate the itinerary and list of available shore excursions, all of which was already known information. Tried to spend some time by the pool or in some of the interior public spaces, but they were incredibly NOISY thanks to overly-enthusiastic activities staff trying to recruit game participants or offering play-by-play commentary on things like a bean-toss game. Even the library was noisy, thanks to it being open to the central atrium.
Entertainment
Although I missed it myself, I heard nothing but rave reviews of Unity, in the Solstice Theater. Singer Antonio Lorensa (sp?) also put on an enjoyable show. The one production show we saw in its entirety, Amede, was mediocre at best. The cruise director introduced it by warning people not to look for a story line in this mish-mash of dance, song and aerialists, and she wasn’t wrong. The staging and costuming were amateurish, the sound muddy or screechy at times, and the music/songs just plain odd. Outside the main stage, there were some nice pop-up musical performances in the central atrium, usually around dinner time, but they often had to compete with noise from other nearby activities. Recorded music around the pools was repetitive and again, too loud.
Service and Staff
All staff we encountered were professional and incredibly hard working. Staff provided impeccable service in the main dining room, clearly describing menu choices, accommodating special requests, and delivering well-paced courses. Oceanview Cafe staff were also very good, as was our room steward. Other, casual encounters with staff—at bars, in the hallways, or embarking/disembarking in port—were also positive.
Ship Quality
No complaints about ship cleanliness, although it is definitely showing its age in places. I’m not a fan of its design. Again, this may be a reflection of changing tastes since the ship was launched, but activities seem to be shoehorned into places they don’t belong, like a ping pong table in a marble foyer on deck 4. All of this contributes to the noise I’ve mentioned before. I also miss the bank of aft elevators and the promenade deck I am familiar with from other cruises, as well as a generous number of tables and chairs near the buffet to accommodate those wishing to dine on the open deck. On a positive note, there are LOADS of loungers, but having them arrayed on each side of the deck 14 running track makes for some awkward encounters.
Cabin / Stateroom
Although we chose this cabin we had some doubts, given its location in the bow and overlooking the helipad. Turns out the cabin was great. It was probably the most spacious cabin we have ever had, and with no foot traffic in the hallways, it was so quiet. Bed was comfortable, storage good, and bathroom/shower perfectly serviceable. Other than some wear and tear in terms of a sticky drawer and chipped cabinetry, no complaints at all. It is worth noting, however, that there were some operational noises when anchoring at tender ports, and it’s a long walk from the bow cabin to aft dining venues. These weren’t issues for us, but could be for some.
Ship tip
The Solstice is a bit chopped up, so look at the deck plans before you embark and check out all the nooks and crannies early in your cruise to find the spots that best suit you and your preferred activities.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
We had two days in San Francisco, and given we had been there twice before, weren’t sure how much we would enjoy this stop. Turns out we enjoyed it immensely. On the first day, we took a shore excursion to Sausalito and Muir Woods, and this was probably the best cruise line excursion we have ever taken. Great guide and nice timing, with 1.5 hours at each stop and great commentary along the way. Second day we played tourist, strolling along the embarcadaro and Fishermen’s Wharf.
First time there, and pleasantly surprised. Our planned excursion was cancelled, but we filled the day wandering from one end of town to the other, and enjoying lunch and a drink in one of the many little restaurants that line the waterfront streets.
Didn’t see much of the city itself, but we did take an excursion that included a visit to a couple of the local wineries. I don’t usually associate Mexico and wine, so it was interesting to learn something about this local industry.
Disembarkation
Incredibly smooth and efficient. We used the cruise line airport transfer service, and were at our gate at LAX by 9:15–an hour from gathering place on the cruise ship to awaiting our boarding announcement.