Review of the Cruise Ship Solstice

This is a review of the newest Celebrity ship, the Solstice. This ship, according to Celebrity Cruise Line's Web* site, which weighs in at 122,000 tons, holds up to 2850 passengers, had its inaugural sailing on November 23rd, 2008. While frequent cruisers will find the layout familiar, the details of this ship has been redesigned from the water-line up.

When you first enter the Grand Foyer, you are struck by the richness of the marble, teak, and brass, as well as the scale. Whether looking toward the massive staircases spanning three decks or the elegant glass elevators rising ten decks, you can feel the huge size difference between this and the previous Millennium class ships. And yet, the lines and the traffic flow prevent you from ever being aware of the additional 800 passengers this ship can handle.

After entering the stateroom you really begin to see the differences in the new design. The integration of a new floor plan lends itself well to the new amenities you will find in the cabin. From the large flat screen TV mounted on the wall over a new roomy dresser to the newly designed closet space, these cabins feel a lot more like a bedroom than a ship's cabin. The bathroom sports a circular glass enclosed shower that is far nicer than the tiny square shower used in most other ships. And finally, the bed. Celebrity has followed in the footsteps of major hotel chains in giving priority to a luxurious, comfortable bed that is far superior than the cot you may have experienced on previous cruises.

In keeping up with RCCL's rock climbing wall and skating rink, Celebrity has included amenities not usually found on a cruise ship. Up on deck 15, a large portion of the deck is covered with a lush green lawn where bocce, croquet, and putting competitions are held. Just off the lawn, Corning has supplied artisans from its glass museum to give live glass-blowing demonstrations throughout the cruise.

Of course, where would cruising be without cuisine? Those accustomed to the cattle call of four symmetric buffet lines upstairs will be pleased by the free flowing feel of the new buffet. Each type of food is given its own station allowing the cruiser to almost always be able to find something to eat without waiting in any line. The exception being the famous home-made ice cream where lines formed for the daily seven or eight delicious flavors, including cinnamon, ginger, and coconut amongst the common staples of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

The dining room downstairs is as classic and beautiful as any seen on other ships. The white linen, crystal, and silverware is set off by the beautiful, yet subtle lighting and the two story glass and chrome wine tower. Diners will not be disappointed by the food choices and presentation, although there is a tendency that the food in the dining room doesn't quite measure up to that in the new 'specialty' restaurants. These, of which there are several on the Solstice, require reservations and a surcharge to cover the lavish French, Asian, and Italian feasts that are served in each.

As massive as this ship is and with the large number of fellow cruisers, there are still many nooks and crannies where one can find a little quiet and solitude. Out in the sun, there are several small decks which most passengers never see or know about. Inside there are many small rooms and corridors where you can settle with a book or a quiet glass of wine with friend and family. On the other hand, there are many bistros and public areas where you can gather at any time to enjoy some live music and the company of others.

The Solstice is the first of four new ships in this class to be released over the next several years. The Equinox is the next to come out in August of 2009, two more yet to be named. Regardless of which of this new class of ship you choose to sail on, you will not be disappointed.

* http://www.celebritycruises.com/plancruise/ships/ship.do;jsessionid=0000wPCLkZdUhPO9HTzgcVdW9PR:12hdebebp?shipCode=SL&cS=FLASH