Celebrity Solstice is cruising into action as cruise lines bring their fleets back into service. Some vessels’ scheduled for homeports abroad are relocate where original schedules and itineraries may not practical – or necessarily desirable – right now. Thus, companies are deploying their ships to new locations that make business sense for them. Celebrity Solstice was originally slate to cruise in Asia this year. Instead, she’s base in Los Angeles this coming winter and spring, sailing a combination of Mexican Riviera and California Coastal itineraries at attractive rates.
Celebrity Solstice
It’s been eight years since Celebrity Cruises last based a ship in Los Angeles, so these next few months – until mid-April – represent an easy opportunity for West Coast guests to get aboard Solstice and experience Celebrity’s brand of “Relaxed Luxury.” I took advantage of a low, publicly-available rate to sail on a recent, 7-day voyage to Mexico to write this review.
My experience in an AquaClass balcony stateroom was emblematic of how the line’s health and wellness focus has taken center stage. While typically similar in size to a standard balcony stateroom, the amenities of AquaClass accommodations (termed “spa class” on some other lines) on Celebrity’s vessels are myriad, although slightly different depending on ship class.Occupying a niche between Concierge Class and Retreat (suite) Class, AquaClass benefits include:
- An exclusive restaurant, Blu, serving lighter, “clean cuisine” for breakfast and dinner
- Multi-jet and rainfall shower heads
- Upgraded bedding and pillow menu
- Premium bath amenities
- Access to the common areas of the spa (heated loungers, sauna, etc.)
- Complimentary bottled water replenished in-cabin daily
- Complimentary fitness classes (three classes per person, per week)
- Dedicated Spa Concierge and Spa Service Discounts
- Healthy room service menu options
- Yoga mats in-cabin
In particular, the benefits of dining at Blu, a relatively small and intimate venue, outweigh the other amenities. With a dedicated wait staff and an interesting menu, the experience at Blu felt exclusive – and it was, as only AquaClass guests may dine there. Fares, of course, vary by sailing, but guests are able to bid on upgrades to the AquaClass category via the Celebrity MoveUp program.
Solstice Plan
Although Solstice didn’t receive her long-plann “Celebrity Revolution” upgrade in 2021, she did get refresh during a short drydock – and it shows. I observe no signs of neglect in furniture, fixtures or equipment, and the ship remains clean throughout. For now, the once cutting-edge design and architectural aspects of Solstice-class ships still hold up well, and the top-deck Lawn Club, with the adjacent Hollywood Hot Glass studio, are still impressive, unusual-at-sea attractions.
While the ship’s various culinary outlets may not impress jaded foodies, there are some standouts. An excellent, 4-course dinner prepare by “Le Petit Chef and Friends,” where tabletop 3-D projection technology and culinary prowess mesh perfectly in a rare example of “eatertainment,” was a personal culinary highlight. And the cavatelli with duck ragu at Luminae, the Retreat Class restaurant for suite guests, was a flavor sensation.
Baked goods aboard were particularly notable, with bread, rolls, and warm croissants and pain au chocolat kept tantalizingly warm at OceanView Cafe, the vessel’s casual buffet eatery. In addition, the Spa Cafe’s offerings, most of which are complimentary to all guests, feature a limited but quality array of healthy treats for breakfast and lunch (think: avocado toast, whole wheat turkey wraps, gluten-free muffins and cookies, fresh berries and vegetable soups) to enjoy in the serenely beautiful Solarium.
Days at sea presented myriad activity options, with the seemingly-tireless Activities staff hosting and leading games, poolside activities and innumerable trivia contests, which were fast-paced and well-attended.
Final Words
But the evening entertainment options were even better. Since a new production cast had just come aboard the week of my sailing, nightly main theater fare veered away from large productions and instead featured solo fly-on entertainers, who were magnificent. Vocal impressionist Karen Grainger astonished us with her spot-on tributes to Cher, Celine and Adele, while powerhouse vocalist Leah Canali belted out soulful hits by pop and R&B artists. But it was illusionist/mentalist Andrew Lee who amazed and thrilled the crowd with his seemingly-impossible close-up magic, illusions and mentalist bits. Each artist perform their large format, main theater show in addition to a more intimate, cabaret style show – with completely different material. It was in those cabaret venues that the performances truly shone, easily connecting with a smaller crowd on a more personal level.
But the Celebrity Solstice’s chief – and most valuable – attribute is her crew’s overall warmth, friendliness and efficiency. It’s rare to witness crew displaying all of those qualities shipwide, and a large part of that success obviously goes to Hotel Director Mario Valentino and his capable management team. It’s also no secret that a happy crew makes a happy ship, and when it all comes together aboard, like it does on Celebrity Solstice, guests delight in an ambience that simply can’t be duplicated in a land-based resort.
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Author: Travel Intel
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