Solstice = W Hotels

[cruzbynite]

Just returned from the Solstice and I must say it was like staying at a W Hotel. When I made that determination , I then did the following based on the cruise lines I have sailed:

 

Holland America = Ritz Carlton

Norwegian Cruise Lines = Ramada Inn

Carnival = Holiday Inn

[CaroleLee]

Just returned from the Solstice and I must say it was like staying at a W Hotel. When I made that determination , I then did the following based on the cruise lines I have sailed:

 

Holland America = Ritz Carlton

Norwegian Cruise Lines = Ramada Inn

Carnival = Holiday Inn

 

Interesting comparison. Having sailed Solstice ( and 4 months away from a repeat sailing)I would agree with Solstice= W or in AQ a boutique hotel

 

Carole

[YOW]

I've often thought of X as a W, since first sailing Constellation back in 2004.

 

Some cruise lines, we've found to be more directly analogous to hotel chains, while others maybe not as much. For example (and these are our experiences; YMMV):

 

Princess felt somewhat like a Hyatt or Hilton.

 

Oceania seemed more like an independent, maybe fitting with "The Leading Hotels of the World" group.

 

Royal, hard to say, because of the range their ships, but a fairly consistent product so maybe like the Marriott family.

 

Disney was a lot like (duh) a Disney resort.

 

NCL... tough one. Older ship (Sun) had the interiors of a Ramada and dining ranging from (MDR) Friday's to (specialties) more mid-range restaurants. Newer ship (Gem) felt more like a Vegas casino/resort, with a full range of dining options.

 

Carnival, again similar with the wide range of ships, very Vegas-y (but sometimes too over the top, even for Vegas)... more consistent food than NCL but not the calibre of X.

[jackdiamond]

What is a W hotel?

[3girlsmom]

W's are part of the Starwood Chain (Westin, Sheraton, Four Points, etc.). They are classy, trendy, service-oriented hotels, usually in great locations. We love them....& we Love Celebrity!

[OCA REP]

They are classy, trendy, service-oriented hotels, usually in great locations.

 

Hey... you just described Celebrity!

[2blueyam]

This is interesting. I have always thought W hotels were hip and trendy with loud music playing in the bars. Those are not attributes that I have heard about Celebrity.

 

Maybe having only been in the public areas of a W hotel (FLL Beach) and not actually staying at one has given me the wrong impression.

[3girlsmom]

W's are "hip & trendy". Personally, I consider Celebrity to be the "hipest & trendiest" of the cruise lines as well. The "loud music" would depend on where you are and at what time. Yes, the FLL W has a VERY "busy" night life. ; ) I was there in July & the bar scene was not a crowd I wanted to spend time in. The rooms, service, pool area, etc. were all delightful though.

 

Celebrity has the Martini bar where we like to hang out, & Michaels Club, where we don't. I think they are trying to attract people who like trendy things but also those who like elegant, quiet places as well. Things can be hip & trendy without including loud music.

[hcat]

we recently returned from Equinox (had a great cruise) but we did notice the ship is much louder than on past cruises on X. Some may call that hip & trendy, we called it loud!

 

Hard not to avoid hearing the "atrium" music even in the library area & seems there is music everywhere, some louder than others ! (no more harps on board!)

 

Some afternoons at the pool we had to leave-- the DJ was playing loud rap music (not exactly right for the Celebrity demographic! ) and they had very loud pool games that not everyone appreciated which were presided over by an over enthusiastic activities director..we still enjoyed the band & steel drums at the pool but not all the noisy stuff.. did not get any sorbet either!

 

there are serene places like Cafe baccio & Gelateria with a nice mellow giuitar player in the afternoons, the aft bar area, spa relaxation room etc..& of course our own balcony!!! the indoor pool is also quiet-- esp. in the mornings...just have to find the nice mellow spaces..

[Solstice23]

Just returned from the Solstice and I must say it was like staying at a W Hotel. When I made that determination , I then did the following based on the cruise lines I have sailed:

 

Holland America = Ritz Carlton

Norwegian Cruise Lines = Ramada Inn

Carnival = Holiday Inn

 

100% Agree thats what we have been saying for a few years! When we boarded the Caribbean Princess in 2009 my wife said it was like a Sheraton in the late 80's early 90's

[royalcruz]

When we were on the Solstice last winter, the martini bar played loud dance music and the vibe was similar to the Fort Lauderdale W Living Room bar. This winter the music was much quieter, as there was a band that played each night in the atrium.

[cruzbynite]

The martini bar surely gets busy around the dinner hours, but after 8:30 it's good. The noise level has improved in the martini bars over the years.

[dmk]

Just returned from the Solstice and I must say it was like staying at a W Hotel. When I made that determination , I then did the following based on the cruise lines I have sailed:

 

Holland America = Ritz Carlton

Norwegian Cruise Lines = Ramada Inn

Carnival = Holiday Inn

 

I think Crystal and Silversea are more on the level of the Ritz Carlton.

[Solstice23]

I think Crystal and Silversea are more on the level of the Ritz Carlton.

 

Holland is more lie a Florida seniors time share!! Just kidding ;)

[tprime76]

Holland is more lie a Florida seniors time share!! Just kidding ;)

 

No, you aren't kidding.... :-)