Solstice: Visuals, Highlights Shared! Add Yours?

[Go2See]

Great photos! It really helps to get a better idea of the ship!

[ladylemondrop]

Amazing photos! I can never get mine to display on these boards easily, they always seem to be rejected when I try to upload - I love ALL your photos Terry, they are just fabulous.

[TLCOhio]

Amazing photos! I can never get mine to display on these boards easily, they always seem to be rejected when I try to upload - I love ALL your photos Terry, they are just fabulous.

 

Go2See: Great photos! It really helps to get a better idea of the ship!

 

Appreciate these very nice comments from Go2See and louise1809. Glad to know you're persons of such high class' date=' great taste and wonderful judgment to make these generous comments.

 

Not sure if I have posted these tips/details on this thread already, but for louise1809, here are some key items on posting larger photos to these boards. Your [b']FIRST STEP[/b] is pick an outside web source that will store or “host” your pictures to be posted. Cruise Critic does not have the space to do larger pictures on their site. You can check such places as photobucket.com, imageshack.com, photoshow.com, flickr.com, picasa.google.com etc. I’ve used photobucket.com and have been pleased with how they upload, etc. SECOND, you need to make an export of your picture in a size such as around 1000 pixel wide by about 700 to your desktop of your computer. That’s the approximate size that I use for this purpose. If you make your file too big for posting, then it slows the process and takes long to upload, etc. THIRD, you use this outside web host to which you upload these different pictures sitting on your desktop. FOURTH, after uploading each picture, you will make a copy of that imbedded address in your file for future posting purposes. It will have have the square parentheses or bracket symbols before and after the capital letter IMG at the start and end of this location on your photo storage site.

 

Then as you want to post each different picture, you would, FIFTH STEP, copy and paste that imbedded address file for each picture as a part of your message on the CC Boards. In my files, I also have brief written description of each picture and have them grouped by the different city or country locations. With this imbedded file address, the reader on these boards doesn’t have to check on anything or paste to their web browser. It just pops up showing the picture. Does this help? Let us know how it works out and/or any added questions. It will hopefully pop up as these couple of pictures do below. You can preview your post to see if it's working OK before doing the actual post to these CC boards.

 

Any other questions, needs, interests?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 135,677 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[TLCOhio]

For louise1809, I noticed that you will be on the Reflection for an October cruise departing from Rome and visiting Santorini, Istanbul, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Mykonos, Athens and Naples. Have not been to Santorini, but have been to ALL of the rest for these superstar ports. Great locations and cruise!!! Below are some ideas, tips, options consider.

 

Let me know here or on the July 2001 Med cruise thread any added questions, needs, comments, etc. That Solstice Med live/blog has lots of details, visuals for Rome, Naples/Amalfi Coast areas.

 

You can check out my earlier post on “Athens Tips, Suggestions, Examples to Enjoy!” for many details, ideas and interesting visuals on this great city. Lots of ideas here from me and others experienced with Athens. This posting has had over 7,600 views. Appreciate those who have dropped by, made comments, etc.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 135,677 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Here was our first view of Istanbul in 2006 from our just-docking cruise ship as we smelled the sweet blend of this historic Turkish city. YES, you could really smell how “special” is this unique city with so much culture, charm and interest! Istanbul has so much variety, history, culture, architecture, people, food, charm, etc. It’s the total experience here that is so amazing.:

 

 

 

Hagia Sophia, the former patriarchal basilica, later mosque, now a museum in Istanbul. It is a mix of both Christian and Islamic visuals on the inside. It was made into a museum to avoid the question for which religion it should be focused. From its dedication in 360 until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire. The building was a mosque from 1453 until 1931, when it was secularized. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. There is great artistic value in its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!":

 

 

 

Looking downhill towards the library and other ruins from when Ephesus, along the Turkish Coast, was Rome's capital of Asia Minor. The history here is real and totally amazing! This Library of Celsus was built in honor of a Roman Senator and completed in 135 AD by his son, a Roman Consul and powerful official. The library was built to store 12,000 scrolls and to serve as a tomb for his father. The interior of the library and all its books were destroyed by fire in an earthquake in 262 AD. Only the facade survived, but was later destroyed by another earthquake. In a restoration during the 1960's and 1970's, the front was restored and serves as a key example of Roman public architecture.:

 

 

 

At Ephesus along the Turkish Coast, here is the famed outdoor theater that hosted Saint Paul preaching, plus rock stars, etc. At this site in the 1st century AD, the Apostle Paul spent over three years in Ephesus preaching the Gospel. This included a sermon condemning pagan worship in this theater:

 

 

 

Here’s a sampling of the narrow, flowered street in Mykonos in the Greek Isles with its many shops. The streets were made so narrow in order to fend off pirate attackers. It is an island with lots of history and legend dating back thousands of years, including connections to ancient Greek mythology. Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. As Delos developed as a sacred center, Mykonos was under the influences of the different people, including Phoenicians, Macedonians and Athenians. With the rise of Alexander the Great, the fate of Mykonos became a commercial center for agriculture and maritime trade. Mykonos flourished with enormous wealth during Roman occupation during the reign of Augustus Caesar. During the Middle Ages, Mykonos fell under the Venetians and later were victimized by the Saracens and latter the Turks. Starting in the 1950’s, its unique architecture, seclusion and hospitality have made it a haven for the rich and famous.:

 

 

 

This harbor view in Mykonos shows one of the charming windmills. From as early as the 16th century, these are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos. The island is 33 square miles in size and has a population of 9,300, mostly in its main village.:

 

[ladylemondrop]

Thanks Terry, great advice, I will try it!

[txskier]

excellent photos, THANKS for sharing!

We are on the Solstice next year on the Hawaii leg, can't wait.

thanks for the camera tips too!

[TLCOhio]

excellent photos, THANKS for sharing! We are on the Solstice next year on the Hawaii leg, can't wait. thanks for the camera tips too!

 

louise1809: Thanks Terry' date=' great advice, I will try it! [/quote']

 

Appreciate the nice follow-up and comments from louise1809 and txskier. Good luck on your upcoming Solstice trip on the Hawaii leg. Keep the ship in good shape for when we are on her Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland. Let me know how the photo tips work for you.

 

For louise1809, let me know if you have any other problems/questions on doing the larger photos. Good luck!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 135,723 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[BecciBoo]

Terry: I just wanted to thank you for all your work on this project!

 

Just read for the 2nd time preparing for our first ever X cruise Reflection in Nov. Lots of inspiration and information from you....hope to meet you one day!

 

Hidy from Texas!;)

[TLCOhio]

Terry: I just wanted to thank you for all your work on this project! Just read for the 2nd time preparing for our first ever X cruise Reflection in Nov. Lots of inspiration and information from you....hope to meet you one day! Hidy from Texas!

 

Appreciate so much this follow-up and kind comments from Hidy in Texas! Love the Longhorn State!! As noted in the live/blog connection below, we got off of the Solstice in February. Check out these more recent postings for added info/background on this nice ship, its entertainment, food options, etc.

 

With your posting, it is over-due to add some new postings and details on the Solstice from our Australia-New Zealand trip. Hope this helps those planning future trips on these S-Class ships. More updated pictures to come!!

 

Yes, hope to meet someday and maybe sail together. Join us next year. Nothing offered by Celebrity for this dramatic part of the world. But, we are continuing to work on our planned mid March-mid April 2015 Africa (Kenya-Zanzibar-Madagascar-South Africa-Zimbabwe-Botswana) adventure on the Silversea Whisper. Had lunch last month with the retired director of the Columbus Zoo who has taken twelve trips to Africa and worked with Jack Hanna. Later this month, we will be meeting with current Zoo Director, also experienced from his many trips to Africa. Fun doing that future research!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 71,790 views for this fun posting.

 

 

In Sydney, here is a view of the Celebrity Solstice and Harbour Bridge from the Opera House area. Isn't this a great location for a ship to be parked? Not in a boring, ugly and/or distant warehouse/port docking site.:

 

 

 

Here is a view of me near the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a little night and light rain action. You can see the Solstice and Sydney skyline in the background. Great views from up here of the Opera House, all parts of Sydney, seeing "up-close-and-personal" how this unique bridge was built. Even for a "middle-aged" guy like me, the climb up and down was not that hard or challenging. And the reward with the spectacular views was totally excellent!!:

 

 

 

Unique angles from Opera House with the Solstice showing through the gap or window :

 

 

 

In doing the BridgeWalk during our first night on the ship, I missed dinner in the Main Dining Room that first evening. But here are two quick "eye-candy" or "Food Porn" samples for my first night there enjoying this veal dish, plus dessert with this cherries-ice cream dish. Both super excellent. Wonderful night there in the MDR with the wine flowing and good company. Excellent staff service.:

 

 

 

 

 

From our balcony on the port side, we had great and up-close views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the historic Rocks area. Plus, after our first breakfast there on the ship, here are views of an Aussie friend paying a nice visit to our dining table to help "clean up"!! Fun!! If docked in such locations, be ready for "visitors" if you leave any of your breakfast food outside!:

 

[TLCOhio]

To continue updating my original Solstice postings and visuals, here are some from the sail-away in super scenic Sydney. PLUS, more on this ship. Join in and share your Solstice and S-Class ship visuals to help people be prepared for the "hard-ships" they must endure during such sailings.

 

FIRST, where is best to be when doing sail aways? As some pictures below and others later prove, the back of the ship in and around the Sunset Bar works best. Have drinks services, great view on either side, plus out the back, etc. Like these views below, including while doing the Bridge Tour?

 

Added questions and comments? Other info/visual needs?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 180,853 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

As the Solstice starts its sail-away, here is that view from the top, back of the ship near the Sunset Bar. Lots and lots of super great memories from Sydney during our only two-and-a-half days there. When the Solstice docks in Sydney, it has the best, most prime location. How many other cities can offer this type of key setting?:

 

 

 

Here is our wonderful roll call Chart Master Mike from Miami, capturing some of our Cruise Critic group (good folks from Kansas and South Carolina) during our sail-away party at the Sunset Bar on the magical 15th level of the Solstice. Such a wonderful location to soak up the spectacular sights during this sail-away. I am keeping some names secret of folks pictured in case they are members of the government “witness protection” program.:

 

 

 

From our Bridge Tour this morning, here are some visual samples. The Bridge is on the same level as our room, the tenth floor. First, here is a view from the outside of the portion of the Bridge that hangs out from our ship. You can set some people in a later group doing this tour in the glassed, over-hang area. Next is inside this glassed over-hang with the ship officer explaining what all of the many buttons, dials and knobs do to control the ship's speed, direction, etc. Plus, you can see many other screens that update all of the key navigating information, etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

This next picture shows the glassed opening in the floor of this portion of the Bridge where the officers can see straight down to the water and be able to check how close is the ship to a docking point. The second picture down from this control area showing the side of the ship and various balconies on this port side of the Solstice.:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Here are more of my visuals and highlights from the Solstice. This includes great highlights from Tuscan Grille dining fun and excitement.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 153,110 views. Nice to be hitting this high of a level for viewership. Appreciate the interest and follow-up questions/comments!!

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

For dining in Tuscan Grille during a sea day, we started with a nice glass of sparkling Italian wine (Prosecco Spumanti). Fun, especially as the glass kept being re-filled!! One bread stick (got to save room for the later “good stuff). My first choice for “primi piatti” was this pictured crab cake with a good sauce. It’s called Polpette do Granchio. Roasted pepper caponata and basil emulsion. Also had, but not pictured, the Calamari, too. Then, this next shows this “warm-up dish” of Pomodora e Mozzarella di Bufala. Finally, the main course was Lobster Papardella Alfredo. But, the best is always saved for last . . . a nicely designed and super tasting of this Italian favorite, Tiramisu. Others had for dessert (called dolce here in this speciality dining palce) either Toffee Panna Cotta, Pistachio Marble Creme Brûlée or Dark Chocolate Fondue. I also had some Limoncello to top off the dining delights. Did we like it all? Absolutely!! Plus, we had lots wave action to see (and survive) from this great viewing position on the back of the ship with its big glass windows on the fifth floor of the Solstice. We also had a decent amount of other weather activity to observed from here as the sun was setting and darkness arriving. During our 2011 Solstice cruise, I was too busy enjoying the food and setting to get many pictures. Corrected that error this time!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing one of the evening’s shows was Cruise Director Ian Cresswell. He was born in Durban, South Africa, and raised in Melbourne, Australia. He seems very fun, outgoing and entertaining. He directs a staff of 80, including the many various music talents and others running programs and activities on the ship. Ian hosted a welcome party for our Cruise Critic group on one of the early mornings and ask me to speak as the one who started our very active roll call for this sailing. He has an entertaining job, plus he enjoys it and does it all very well.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Sure the Tuscan Grille food and drinks were nice. BUT, we need more, right? Like some entertainment!! See more below!

 

For this cruise, I had a new Nikon f1.8 35mm fixed lens that works better in lower-light situations. You can see the results from this lens and my new Nikon D7100 that is faster with higher pixel levels. I was very pleased with the quality of these show pictures. Plus, have many more food "porn" visuals being better, too. New lens and camera working well? Getting good results? Agree? Helps preserve the memories and share them with others.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, you might look at this earlier posting that I did on the Italy board that shows many options and visual potentials for this city that is so great for "walking around", personally sampling the great history and architecture. This posting is now at 40,598 views and I appreciate those who have dropped by and tuned in.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

Here are six of my photo highlights from the Solstice production show called "Ghostlight--The Spirit of Broadway". Lots of great tunes, including many from the Four Seasons as done on Broadway with Jersey Boys. Other very good tunes that connected with many of the Baby Boomers (and older) on this cruise. The singers and dancers really worked hard and did a super good job. Great voices!! Lots of energy and excitement. Nice lighting, staging, sets, etc. First-class for a cruise ship. Not quite Broadway and London's West End. And, all done in less than hour. Worked extremely well for a night's entertainment either before or after dinner!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 11, 2014 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

Here are some highlights for some of the sea day activities. Our ship speaker, Milos, was super wonderful, drew big, BIG crowds, etc. Plus, of course, they serve lots of food and beverages during these Sea Days. But, crossing the Tasman Sea was fairly rough. Sorry!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 23,450 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

 

Here are three examples for naturalist Milos doing his speaker series presentations, including great humor with nice substance on his details for factors on the world’s creatures, how the earth was formed and evolved, etc.. The Solstice speakers do well in using visuals to help illustrate their talks and add connection with the audience. Also do well in answer questions, taking added one-on-one time after their presentations, etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here was the Executive Chef doing a cooking program in the main lobby. Was fairly crowded on this first of the two sea days crossing from Tasmania to NZ.:

 

 

 

As we were departing the ship at Napier, NZ, for Cape Kidnapper and their Gannetts, the Captain of the Solstice was outside supervising. I asked him if he would posed for a picture with three members of our Central Ohio group. He said YES! and enjoyed this time with these three fine ladies, including my wife on the left. Fun start on a beautiful weather day with that dramatic New Zealand sky. Very friendly Captain! Or, maybe it was the ladies?:

 

 

 

Right before our last dinner on the Solstice, this was one of the 6:20 pm Sunday evening sail-out views from from the top deck as we bid farewell to the super scenic Bay of Islands in NZ's Northland area. Love the Sunset Bar area for such sail-outs. Like this view of these dramatic coastal settings?:

 

[TLCOhio]

Dining on the ship is a big part of the fun and experiences, especially in the evenings. Here are some more examples below. More to come!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 20,415 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

 

For that "last supper" in the Solstice Main Dining Room, here are some in our Central Ohio group. Notice the smiles and happy looks? In the foreground, left, Dennis and Janet from Columbus. On right, Sharon and Izzy, honorary Ohioans, but actually from the Washington, DC area. Also in the background at an adjoining table are the side of my wife's head on the left and John on the right and his wife, Susan, in the middle. Next are three "food porn" examples for what was enjoyed on that final MDR menu. First, the beef steak done up with a little style. Second, my Chicken Kiev and finally a little sweetness with a tasty, good-looking dessert (that is like a long cream puff)!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At NZ's Bay of Islands, where the Solstice is tendered, here is the view from our balcony of the sunrise. This is an excellent, scenic location and this sunrise was a nice start/sign for a wonderful day ahead. Get up early and see the sights, especially when you are docked or tendered in a great location.:

 

 

 

Our favorite location for breakfast was on the back of the Solstice at the Oceanview Cafe. Here is the view of Auckland's historic Ferry Building from our table, plus some other key downtown buildings, as we are sadly getting ready to depart the Solstice. Like this view and setting? This docking area in Auckland is super handy for having quick and easy access to the city. But, this port area can be very congested, especially with lots of luggage after such a long, 14-day cruise.:

 

[notsodesperatehousewife]

Terry, Celebrity should have you on the payroll! Your enticing pictures make me want to experience a cruise on this ship.

[TLCOhio]

During our early 2014 Solstice cruise, one of the fun, interesting options was doing the speciality dining locations that we had enjoyed during first Solstice cruise in June 2011. Here is a visual sampling from our evening at Murano. Great food, service, table location, company, etc.

 

Proof? Here are a few of my visual samples!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For Athens, Greece, check out this posting with many ideas, tips and exciting visuals. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

There have been over 9,768 views on this posting.

 

 

This bread item in Murano had a very unusual shape and tasted wonderful, too! Great way to start our dining experience here.:

 

 

 

Here is the warm goat cheese soufflé with smoked tomato coulis, parmesan cream, basil pesto.:

 

 

 

My wife and I ordered Châteaubriand for two at Murano. Here is it being prepared table-side. The second pictures shows how it looked on my plate with its fricassée of baby vegetables. There were the options of Béarnaise & Cabernet sauce. I had to be fair and could not choose between these two great options. Solution? How to decide? Have BOTH!! Great decision.:

 

 

 

 

 

For dessert, the choice was Grand Marnier soufflé. The sauce? Crème Anglaise á la Gousse Tahitienne.:

 

 

 

Doing "quality control"? Here is the Executive Chef and the Maître D' dropping by our table to make sure that we enjoy our dining experience. The Maître D' is giving credit to the chef. Yes!!:

 

[TLCOhio]

Terry, Celebrity should have you on the payroll! Your enticing pictures make me want to experience a cruise on this ship.

 

Appreciate so much your kind comments and encouragement for me to be put on the Celebrity payroll. YES!!!! That would be fun and a great idea to be able to do more sailing. Will you be my agent to work out those details? I'll pay a full 10% commission.

 

Below are more visuals to give better examples for what to expect, try and enjoy. Or, maybe to bring good memories from past S-Class sailings.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 71,790 views for this fun posting.

 

 

When we were on the Solstice in scenic areas such as New Zealand, it was fun and exciting to be up on the top decks, enjoying both the ship’s beauty, plus the natural glory from these great, spectacular areas. Below are two of my visual examples on the sights and viewing areas. The Sunset Bar area was one of our favorites for viewing on the sail-out from a number of the ports. Nice memories!!:

 

 

 

 

 

During our first Solstice cruise in June 2011, we did not get a chance to try the Bistro on Five. But, we did on this early 2014 sailing and enjoyed the experience. Good to have variety in a very pleasant location. Pictured first, was this Caesar salad. Second shows a panini sandwich with a very good, spicy chicken salad on the inside. Worked well!! Do these pictures make people hungry?:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Oceanview Cafe was very popular and busy for breakfast and lunch during our Solstice cruise earlier this year. Maybe, even more so than what we experienced in June 2011. “Popular” also means busy, which is a mixed challenge to navigate around and with the crowds there. BUT, we liked its great variety and speed. Ours was a busy cruise and saving time was of value. Our favorite was to get our food and have a table on the open, back of the ship with the views and fresh sea air. Below is one example for people being served, getting their food.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Here are some more samplings for around the classy Solstice. Big ship, nice design, lots of options.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 180,853 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Here is a sampling for the look of the lawn on the Solstice during our recent cruise. Not perfect or ideal, but mostly being green and looking fairly to somewhat good/decent. There is speculation on the these CC Boards that the lawn and glass show will get dumped to do more of an outdoor grilling set-up in these areas at the top of the ship. Personally, I like the lawn idea, but understand the reality for its maintenance, costs and maybe it being time to “move on” to another, newer, better feature in this space!!??:

 

 

 

A decent amount of music was available at different locations around the ship. Below is one example in the central atrium. The next two pictures are of Mario D’Andrea. He’s both a valcalist and guitarist!! They called him a “mixed up Italian . . . direct from Las Vegas”. Very fun and super entertaining!! He was accompanied by Ken Ge and the Solstice Orchestra, also very good. Enjoyed the evening shows. Some done at 7 and 9 pm. Others performed at 8:30 and 10:30 pm. But could not catch all of the shows as "things" were busy during our 14-days on the Solstice.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those who have not yet done a sailing on a Solstice-class ship, a great plus are the graphics at the elevators. Below are two examples. These help you see quickly what is on the different ship levels, on the floor where you are at, etc. Very good and helpful design work to aid in navigating a fairly large ship such as the Solstice.:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Below are some more entertainment and other visuals reflecting "life" and challenges on the Solstice.

 

Seem boring and bland??

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 153,110 views. Nice to be hitting this high of a level for viewership. Appreciate the interest and follow-up questions/comments!!

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here are three samples from the main theatre performers. First shows magician and comedian Leo Ward starting his “slight of hand” work on the Solstice stage last night. Second, he is in the audience returning the diamond ring to a female audience members who volunteered to see her valuable disappear and then, fortunately, get it returned from a totally different location. It’s magic. We were in the third row, center, close enough to watch Leo very carefully, but we were amazed in how he did all of these tricks. Plus, lots of funny comments and banter with the audience. Third shows a funny comedian from Colorado who entertains us well. Very exciting way to complete the evening!!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's another sail-out example for why to be up on the top deck. Here was the view as we departed from Hobart, Tasmania. Lots of sail boats and others out in the waters of this Australian island with such an exotic name.:

 

 

 

Interesting dramatic lines/angles for how the back of the Solstice in tied-down in Sydney's scenic harbor.:

 

 

 

On our bed to great us as we returned from dinner and the show? Here it is!! Fun and different??:

 

[TLCOhio]

It's getting nearer to dinner time for me!! Hungry? Want to build up excitement for dining and other food, dessert treats? Here are a few varied examples from the Solstice during our Jan-Feb 2014 sailing. Any of these bring back memories from sailing with Celebrity?

 

All of these pictures are GUARANTEED to be organic, low fat and zero calories. That's my pictures, not the real food on the ship. Sorry!!

 

Need dessert? See the next pictures from the Solstice!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 71,790 views for this fun posting.

 

 

Here are a few of my visual samples for starter items on the Solstice, plus a couple of main course items. Sorry, I do not remember the detailed names on each of the items. BUT, you get the idea, right?:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Do you need or want dessert while on the Solstice? What is the world without sweets? You need that sugar for energy, right? Busy port days and lots to do in the evenings, etc., burn off all of the extra calories!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 180,853 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Ready for dessert? Here are a few examples!! Not just at dinner, but at lunch, too!! The last item was from Murano.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Had enough food and desserts? Here's more on the ship, its design, size, style, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 71,790 views for this fun posting.

 

 

In the scenic Bay of Islands in the northern part of New Zealand, here is the full view of the Solstice. Big??!! Second is a closer look at those dramatic stacks with its famous "X" showing. Third is an artsy look down at the back of the ship with the waves being created by its propulsion.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Solstice in wonderful settings? First is sailing out in New Zealand's great Milford Sound after dropping us off to commence an overnight trip to thrilling Queenstown. The other two views show different angles while the Solstice in docked in spectacular Sydney Harbor with its nearby Opera House and arched bridge.:

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

After dinner, there is always room for more food delights. These are from Silk Harvest, the Asian speciality location on the Solstice. During our first Solstice cruise, we really loved this setting, food and family-style experience. These four pictures do look very good, but during our most-recent visit, the results were a little more mixed. Maybe we ordered the wrong things. Maybe the kitchen was having an off night. Crowds seemed the weakest in this speciality place compared to the more popular Tuscan Grille and Murano. Maybe that's part of the "crowd" on our sailing. Nor sure on the long-term future for this dining venue. There has been more debate/question about Silk Harvest on these CC Boards and concerning its future.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 153,110 views. Nice to be hitting this high of a level for viewership. Appreciate the interest and follow-up questions/comments!!

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here are four examples from what we tested and did during our January 2014 Silk Harvest visit. The last picture is dessert, of course!! Four different types of ice cream toppings! But, there was fruit there in the middle to keep it healthy!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

On cruise ships such as the Solstice, you will see lots of interesting things from this moving platform.

 

IF . . . and only if . . . you are up and about at the right times to see and enjoy these sights. Your best vantage point? It depends! Maybe from your balcony. Or, at the back of the ship near the Sunset bar or one deck below where you can see things on both sides of the ship.

 

Some sights, ports, sail-ins or sail-outs, however, might be bland, boring or only so-so. Do the research ahead, know more about your options and potentials for each port. Then, there is the weather?? Always a factor, too. Below are some examples for these options on the Solstice.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, you might look at this earlier posting that I did on the Italy board that shows many options and visual potentials for this city that is so great for "walking around", personally sampling the great history and architecture. This posting is now at 40,598 views and I appreciate those who have dropped by and tuned in.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

First is the perfect sail-out in Sydney with its famed, arched Harbour Bridge perfected framed in the background as those of us on the Solstice's top, back side experienced these thrilling sights. Second is an example while sailing into New Zealand's Milford Sounds. Like these fjords, waterfalls, etc.? Lots of people out on their balconies, getting pictures, etc. It was rather cool for this sail-in so a balcony worked better here than being up on the windy top deck. Third is sailing out from Akaroa's scenic bay in southern NZ. Lots of us are smart to be in these rear locations of the Solstice to see a full view of scenes left, right and back in these great locations. Finally, you will often see a pilot boat following the ship to pick-up the local guides for the ship while it is in a port. But, these guides/pilot need to get back to their home port location.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUT, not all ship docking locations are perfect and scenic. Here is the Solstice docked in Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Plus, another large ship next to it. Not a bad location, just more of a port filed with goods, timber logs, etc., to be shipped out, being near commercial places, a round stadium, etc.:

 

[2morecruises]

Terry

 

You are bringing back excellent memories. Hard to believe it been 6 months since we both sailed on that outstanding cruise.

 

I believe you'll agree with me that the 2 day Queenstown tour was/will be truly unforgettable. I still remember on the second day traveling to Dunedin when our bus made a "pit" stop, I step off and find you sitting on the bus stop bench trying to connect to the world on your laptop. The "Southern Alps" must/has to be on everybody's bucket list.

 

Thank You for including me in your "photo show". I always knew Buckeye alumni had good hearts. :)

 

Mike (retired Solstice Jan 20th 2014 AUS/NZ Roll Call Admin) ;)

Edited August 12, 2014 by 2morecruises