Since debuting in 2008 Celebrity Solstice has been an ever popular part of Celebrity Cruises fleet of luxury cruise ships. The head of the Solstice class after which is it named, Celebrity Equinox, Reflection, Silhouette and Eclipse truly live up to their names in making the most of the great outdoors while onboard. This is not only due to 1,216 outward facing cabins onboard Solstice but also the unique half acre lawns that make up the back half of the topmost deck, allowing you to make the most of the Australian sun or view of the Norwegian Fjords.
This Lawn deck is a real unique point of the Celebrity Solstice Class of ships where you can play lawn games such as boules or croquette, relax in a hammock or cabana or enjoy a picnic on the lush turf. In the evenings the outdoor swimming pool also gives you the chance to curl up under the stars as the area is transformed into an atmospheric open-air cinema under the stars.
Previously having an $11 million dollar renovation in 2016, Celebrity Solstice was scheduled to be refurbished soon after from 10th January 2021. Branded ‘Celebrity Revolution’, this ambitious project sees the whole fleet ‘edgified’ between 2019 and 2023 as the whole Celebrity fleet is brought to the standards of their newest class of cruise ships starting with Celebrity Edge. The end result is added onboard features including new furniture and fittings, an outdoor cinema, touch screen kiosks and additions to the art gallery.
As with the rest of the Celebrity Fleet, Solstice boasts a ratio of almost 2 to 1 in terms of staff to guests. This results in an extremely high and attentive level of service including poolside butlers and even wine experts on hand in every dining venue to advice you on a selection of over 500 different options. A selection of these are available with the classic and premium beverage packages and your meals.
Celebrity Solstice has 10 dining venues to choose from depending on your tastes and class options. The Grand Epernay is a two-storey main dining room with impressive chandelier serving all meals. Guests can pre-book a table or just turn up but may have to wait a little to be seated. The Oceanview Café is self-service for all meals and 24 hr coffee, tea and juice, serving a variety of foods to suite all tastes.
During the day Cafe Al Bacio and Gelateria provide Italian ice cream and coffee for those with a sweet tooth looking to start the day right. Meanwhile, Bistro on Five specialises in crepes sweet and savoury freshly prepared- for $5 you can eat as much as you want, breakfast or lunch. Finally, Mast Grill is a popular burger bar for those looking for a tasty snack during the day.
Several specialty restaurant s are available in the evenings too. Murano is the contemporary French speciality restaurant serving either an al la cart option or Five Senses tasting menu. Silk Harvest is an Asian fusion of Chinese, Thai and Japanese inspired dishes, only available by reservation. Tuscan Grille serves as an Italian seafood and wine and American steakhouse combo, available to book for $30.
If staying in AquaClass, AquaSpa Café is free for quick and healthy snacks and smoothies you can enjoy in your swimming trunks for breakfast or lunch in the spa. In addition, the famous Blu restaurant serves exclusively Aqua Class guests in the intimate, clean-eating, Blu restaurant. Suite guests can book for one of the hotly sought-after 32 seats for a £5 fee while complimentary room service is also available.
Celebrity Solstice is a fantastic option for those wanting a truly enriching cruise experience. Guest with a variety of passions and interests will find a sailing and event for them onboard from cookery and wine tasting classes to art auctions and classes and cultural talks.
A walk around Celebrity Solstice will show you the great variety of what’s on offer with regular entertainment acts popping up in the atrium or one of the bars and lounges such as the popular pianist in the Sky Observation lounge or cocktail trickery in the bar. If you go out onto the lawn club you’ll be able to catch an exhibition of Corning Glass Company’s famous glass blowing artistry.
Meanwhile, in the evenings, guests can enjoy a variety of Broadway style shows in the Solstice theatre before dancing the night away at a silent disco or DJ night in the Qasar nightclub or take it easy in the Cellar Master Wine Bar for great examples of connoisseurship from around the world. Those who like a flutter can head to the Fortunes Casino or retreat to one of the intimate card rooms. Finally, member of the Captains Club Loyally Scheme can get exclusive access with an invite to the senior officers’ party.
If you’re looking to truly rejuvenate on a cruise, Celebrity Solstice is for you. As an AquaClass passenger, you get unlimited access to the Canyon Ranch Spa club and relaxation room as well as the Persian Garden steam room. All 130 Aqua Class guests also have exclusive dining at Blu, serving a menu of delicious clean-eating dishes.
In addition, Celebrity Solstice has fully modern gym facilities and even various health and fitness sessions such as yoga or spa treatments for you to keep energised between destinations.
One of the great things about a Celebrity cruise is you can cruise at your own pace. With the daily program delivered the night before, you can pick and choose what you do with your day onboard. Celebrity are famous for their cultural enrichment programs from art exhibitions to talks about your next destination.
For those wanting some souvenirs and retail therapy there are plenty of boutique shops such as Tiffany and Co where you can browse anything from designer watches to clothes and accessories- all tax free. There is also a multimillion dollar art gallery onboard to peruse, boasting contributions from 90 artists from 26 different nationalities. One of the largest contemporary art collections at sea, guest can explore at their own pace with a hand-held audio or iPad guide.
For those wanting to make the most of the sun there’s the pool and four Jacuzzis, with volleyball games and the kids splash park extremely popular among passengers. Meanwhile at the rear of Solstice, you can enjoy the Lawn Club with a game of boules or croquette.