By Denise Dubé
Celebrity Cruise’s newest and largest ship, the Solstice, is actually a village on water. It houses almost 3,000 people, has 1,426 little homes, 10 restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, and a shopping mall. An upscale spa offers every amenity—even Botox injections for those who want to leave with a tan and a smooth complexion. Although this village doesn’t have a school, there are numerous enrichment programs. There is also a half acre lawn where you can play a croquet or bocce ball. Golfers and duffers can take a swing there too. That’s only a smattering of what this sleek new ship offers. “I see it as a retreat and a getaway-from-it-all,” said Missouri AAA Travel Agent, Claudia Taylor from a café on the 14th deck.
The Solstice, officially named at Port Everglades, Florida on Nov. 14, is the first in Celebrity’s newest deluxe fleet and offers personalized luxurious cruises at exceptionally good prices. (The Solstice will be joined by the Equinox in 2009, the Eclipse in 2010. The fourth and fifth will debut in 2011 and 2012.) Eco-friendly, the Solstice is outfitted with solar panels, is Teflon coated and has a unique hull design that helps the ship use less fuel. There is also an onboard water system that cleans and purifies waste water.
Like other agents, Taylor was impressed with the sun-protective awnings on outdoor poolside chaise lounges. She and others were surprised by the quiet private parlors tucked into various spots around the ship. Furnished with soft sofas, lush arm chairs and decorated with subtle décor of days-gone-by cigar rooms, they are a great place to relax. (No, these rooms are not for cigars and there are only two spots on the ship for cigarette smokers).
Rather than situating elevators horizontally across the ship, the Soltice sports steel and glass elevators that run vertically along each side. This placement opens the middle of the ship to a spacious atrium that goes from the 14th to the 3rd floor.
Décor throughout the ship is techno-chic with a retro feel. Portraits, sculptures, photographs, decorative glassware and other artistic pieces adorn every part of the ship, whether in the cabins or along the walls or in common rooms.
No Complaints and Best Selling Points
The bar was set high, Celebrity Cruise top officials, Dan Hanrahan and Richard D. Fain said. They succeeded. During a three-day jaunt off the Florida coast, guests commented on the extra details and the amenities. No one could find or think of a complaint. Yes, one person wanted bigger closets, but storage room is there—in the closet and in modular compartments above the bed. There is also a laundry service and empty suitcases fit neatly under the bed.
Worth noting are the unobstructed ocean views from the cabins. Jim “Smitty” Smith, marketing director of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), noticed it immediately. Bright orange safety boats are tethered between floors, rather than the usual docking space beside each deck. Bob Cabrera, from Direct Travel Service, was equally impressed and said cost factored into the ship’s allure. “[About] $100 a day is considered a good value for the industry...guests get elegant luxury for economy prices.” The Solstice also offers AquaClass for those looking for even more luxury. Deck 11 sports 130 contemporary veranda AquaClass staterooms and an exclusive AquaClassSpa. Guests have a specially coded sea pass that opens the door to a higher level of elegance that includes European bedding, five-head shower towers, light dimmers, and unique room service are only a few of the special offerings in this class. Although the AquaClass is plush and elegant, guests will have an equally grand experience just by taking the regular cruise.
Even the food is spectacular and there are a number of choices. The Grand Epernay matches old Hollywood glamour with contemporary design. The Tuscan Grill’s entrance is breathtaking. Wooden casks filled with bottles of wine give an immediate Italian feel. Once inside diners can satiate any Italian food craving. Silk Harvest is a casual Asian dining experience, one that includes Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese food. Murano is a specialty restaurant that blends class and modern continental cuisine. Yes, it is accented with Murano glass. Bistro on Five is casually chic and guests can stay and eat or order take out. Café al Bacio and the Gelateria are great spots to enjoy a cup of coffee, a few nibbles and an Italian gelato. The Mast Grill & Bar offers those typical American hamburger and hotdog favorites. Tacos, Reuben sandwiches, onion rings and every well-known American food is there. No judgments, everyone loves a good burger now and then.
The Solstice also provides more than the American Disabilities Act requires. More than 30 wheelchair accessible rooms are available in every class and on all 13 guest decks. This ship redefines large-scale cruising and will now begin traveling through various European ports, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Those looking for more information or to experience “Starring You Network,” a unique place to experience Celebrity Cruise may visit: www.celebritycruises.com