Need help with few soltice question from someone who has done her ,,,,

[aussie mim]

Hey :)Guys, ive done a couple of cruises before but not celebrity, Ive booked the October 23rd 2013 sailing from Sydney to Fiji, and tossing up with a few things first and most important Drinks package, I know we are going to get them just not sure which one ill prob go premium at the extra cost for the cocktails etc, but hubby and other blokes on cruise only really drink beer and rum so heres my question are there many beers (and what kind ) for under $5 and is there rum and scotch for under $8 limit.and what kind of course do they have BUNDY, or should they pay for premium package as well, and ive read somewhere that soltice is going to be refurbished this month april i gather after she leaves OZ, do any one know if this is true and is she having any major work done or just a refresh. What is age group usually on soltice i here most cruises from OZ shes 50/50 aussies and americans. And in the casino do the pokies take cash or do you use your sea pass, aussie or us dollars and last one we have booked early dinner for our group sailaway is 6.30pm, definately dont want to miss sailing out of sydney harbour, so can we go late to dinner first night or do we just dine somewhere else first night. THANKS

[pkw]

Hey :)Guys, ive done a couple of cruises before but not celebrity, Ive booked the October 23rd 2013 sailing from Sydney to Fiji, and tossing up with a few things first and most important Drinks package, I know we are going to get them just not sure which one ill prob go premium at the extra cost for the cocktails etc, but hubby and other blokes on cruise only really drink beer and rum so heres my question are there many beers (and what kind ) for under $5 and is there rum and scotch for under $8 limit.and what kind of course do they have BUNDY, or should they pay for premium package as well, and ive read somewhere that soltice is going to be refurbished this month april i gather after she leaves OZ, do any one know if this is true and is she having any major work done or just a refresh. What is age group usually on soltice i here most cruises from OZ shes 50/50 aussies and americans. And in the casino do the pokies take cash or do you use your sea pass, aussie or us dollars and last one we have booked early dinner for our group sailaway is 6.30pm, definately dont want to miss sailing out of sydney harbour, so can we go late to dinner first night or do we just dine somewhere else first night. THANKS

 

Re the drinks package - the celebrity website lists the brands included in the basic package and also the additional ones in the premium package so you can get a good idea from there which one is going to be best for you. I don't recall seeing bundy on there sorry.

 

I don't know about the refurbishment but we were on the solstice in November and dint really notice anything that needed work done - she is a beautiful ship.

 

The age group was probably younger than Cunard - we are in our 40's and didn't feel out of place.

 

On your dinner for the first night you definitely don't want to miss the sail away from Sydney harbour but it will mean that you will have to find an alternative venue for dinner.

 

Enjoy your cruise - don't mss the hot glass show.

[6andy6]

Hey :)Guys, ive done a couple of cruises before but not celebrity, Ive booked the October 23rd 2013 sailing from Sydney to Fiji, and tossing up with a few things first and most important Drinks package, I know we are going to get them just not sure which one ill prob go premium at the extra cost for the cocktails etc, but hubby and other blokes on cruise only really drink beer and rum so heres my question are there many beers (and what kind ) for under $5 and is there rum and scotch for under $8 limit.and what kind of course do they have BUNDY, or should they pay for premium package as well, and ive read somewhere that soltice is going to be refurbished this month april i gather after she leaves OZ, do any one know if this is true and is she having any major work done or just a refresh. What is age group usually on soltice i here most cruises from OZ shes 50/50 aussies and americans. And in the casino do the pokies take cash or do you use your sea pass, aussie or us dollars and last one we have booked early dinner for our group sailaway is 6.30pm, definately dont want to miss sailing out of sydney harbour, so can we go late to dinner first night or do we just dine somewhere else first night. THANKS

 

1. Currency is totally the US$ on board for all purchases. Even the casino (sorry don't play the pokies so I don't know if it was card or coin).

2. Wasn't aware Solstice was going for any refit. She is, as far as I know (and I only base this on lack of any chat on the boards) going back to the US (currently underway) and then going onto Alaskan cursing after a cruise from Honolulu to Seattle or Vancouver.

3. Age group on my unscientific observations. I would say 70% over 40 with 30% under (give or take a few percentages) with the majority overall, over 30. Once again there were younger folk on but they were not a significant demographic. There was only a handful of children under 10 and of those, I know for certain some were the officers children. I would have also said maybe 60% were from the USA or Canada with the balance made up of Australian's (major), New Zealanders and some Europeans & Asians.

4. Dress style was somewhat more upmarket even on formal nights....thongs and shorts were not seen after 7pm when I looked (something that impressed me) but it wasn't as dressy as say, I would imagine a Cunard ship would be. On formal nights, most made the effort and wore suits or fancy clothes.

5. Night life was good, shows and bars and lounges, but it was more of a sophisticated crowd, not an Aussie pub or RSL type crowd (as a comparison point). Everyone having a good time but not raucous but the nightlife didn't go on much after midnight - it quietened down pretty quick.

6. If you are on fixed dining, you are on fixed dining. And if you are scheduled to eat at departure time then you miss your table. However, if your on Select dining then you can go at any time (though you prepay your tips) or eat in the buffet or pay to eat at the speciality restaurants.

 

In simple terms; the ship was good but its not a P&O type cruise with the nightlife and drinking and partying. They don't really have dress up theme nights...or parties in that vein.

[6andy6]

I don't have all the alcohol prices....but I did take a pic of the bar prices at the Sunset bar on the back of the ship outside - these show just a few cocktails (different bars seemed to do different sorts of cocktails) but also the beer prices and types;

 

 

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I know they did have some Australian beer but not the range we have of course on land...I think just a two or three types (but can't remember not being a beer drinker).

 

This persons recent blog also shows a number of menu's and bar prices although not your Rum pricing from what i can see.

 

http://www.thepreismans.com/med_silhouette_menus.htm

[The_Big_M]

Keep in mind the above prices are in US dollars and _don't_ include the mandatory 15% tip.

[MicCanberra]

Keep in mind the above prices are in US dollars and _don't_ include the mandatory 15% tip.

True althoough if the classic package includes beers to $6, then it includes the gratuities as well.

Note, with the beers Heinekin and Budweiser are considered local so make it into the classic package while VB is an import and therefore does not come into the classic package, go figure.:D

[Oz_Steve]

If they are beer drinkers and would like to try many different beers go the premium. Someone posted the Michaels (I think) list and it is quite extensive. Although you can start on the classic and upgrade later if you see the need.

[MicCanberra]

If they are beer drinkers and would like to try many different beers go the premium. Someone posted the Michaels (I think) list and it is quite extensive. Although you can start on the classic and upgrade later if you see the need.

Yes, an upgrade can be done while onboard.:D