Questions re Celebrity Solstice and Trans Pacific.

[readingfast]

Our first time on the Solstice in April and there are just a couple of things we would like to know, if possible.

Is there a clothes line in the bathroom?

Are there plenty of hangers?

Can you instruct your attendant to empty the fridge of the mini bar on boarding?

Is there a coffee maker in the cabin or, can you order coffee first thing by room service?

In fact, any information/advice would be very welcome.

 

On this particular cruise, we enter the USA at Hilo. We have a trip booked there, but are worried about the time as, we are from the UK and will have to go through immigration. Has anyone any idea how long this will take or, a contact where we could find out?

I have heard that the tendering on these voyages can be very hit & miss. Any tips?

We have OBC from our travel agent, any advice as to making sure it is on our account as, on the last ship they lost it!!!

Many thanks in anticipation

[Alakegirl]

Clothes line, no not on this ship

Hangers, yes, if you need more just ask the steward

Empty the fridge, yes, just ask

Coffee maker, no but room service is free

 

There are so many reviews of Solstice, enjoy reading them

[TFLG]

We did a trip on the Solstice where Hilo was the port of entry. Immigration came out onto the ship early in the morning while still at sea and everyone went through immigration on the ship prior to docking. It was a total cluster$%@&. They arrived late, the line was longer than the ship, some of it outside where it was raining. Plenty of pushing, shoving, yelling and bitching. I hope they have a better system now.

[NantahalaCruiser]

Recomend you bring something in writing from your TA to document the OBC. Then check your account early in the cruise to see if the OBC is there.

[beentothere]

We did a trip on the Solstice where Hilo was the port of entry. Immigration came out onto the ship early in the morning while still at sea and everyone went through immigration on the ship prior to docking. It was a total cluster$%@&. They arrived late, the line was longer than the ship, some of it outside where it was raining. Plenty of pushing, shoving, yelling and bitching. I hope they have a better system now.

 

I do not believe this issue is unique to the port or the ship.

We had similar experiences in Vancouver, Ushuaia, Maui,

and more. Celebrity always claimed they never had issues before.

[Kitekat]

We have done this cruise in both directions and are from the UK so can speak with some knowledge.

This is the first time in a while that Hilo has been the port of entry to the US and everyone has to go through immigration. Be prepared for long queues. The amount of time it takes will depend on how many officials they send on to meet your ship, of course.

If the officials are taken on board the day before, you will be cleared and ready to go. However, it is more likely that you will be processed on land at the quayside. There will not be enough officials and there will be a lot of grumbling, plus at the quayside, it is not under Celebrity's control. Whichever way it goes, good luck. And enjoy a fabulous cruise. The rest of the time will more than make up for this PITA.

[chemmo]

Readingfast, we did the opposite itinerary (Hawaii to Sydney) and it was our favourite cruise ever!

 

We loved the leisurely sea days, visiting Bora Bora, NZ and Tahiti....Best of all we felt we had three holidays in one - a week in Hawaii, the cruise and then Sydney after! When one is flying so far it is great to get so much out of your travels! Such a lovely mix of passenger nationalities too.