Solstice Mexican Riviera March 4th-11th...Finally...let the saga...ahem, I mean live review begin!

[Georgia_Peaches]

33 minutes ago, spielerin said:

Was a lot of fun following along your journey. Waiting to board in the terminal. 

We left her in great shape. You are in for a treat. Have a wonderful cruise!

[Georgia_Peaches]

Entertainment

We found something to pass our time on the ship regardless of the music offerings that seemed somewhat scaled back, especially at the beginning of the cruise.  The daily activities were typical in nature from game show Deal or No Deal to dance classes, mixology, wine tastings and slot tournaments.  I was pleased with the good mix of activities that were complimentary and for a fee.  One morning we happened into the Sky Lounge where tons of people (of all ages) were participating in arts and crafts.  That really isn’t my cup of tea but I thought it was a nice offering and a picturesque venue. 

Casino

One of the most educational threads I’ve read lately was all about how to maximize BCC when playing in the casino.  One of the tips mentioned was to see the casino host on the last day of the cruise to determine if I had earned any comps for my play.  I played quite a bit on this trip mostly because I found a few machines (Zeus, White Orchid, and the machine to the left of Zeus) that consistently paid me enough to allow me to keep playing.  Anyway, on the final night I walked up to the casino counter and presented my players card.  I asked to have my card scanned to determine if I had earned any comps.  The guy behind the counter looked at me like I had grown a second head…he thought I was confused but I was certain it was the other way around.  He handed me an instruction card detailing how to access my promo points in the machine but said there were no additional comps.  He said the only thing offered was the promo points…emphatically, no comps.  Maybe I didn’t ask the right question or maybe there are just no comps…I don’t really know.

 

In conclusion, what more can I say….we had a fabulous time!  There were a number of people on the ship who were actually following this review and we had to pleasure of meeting a lot of them throughout the week. For us, one of the best parts of cruising is the wonderful people we meet along the way.  Shout out to our new friends from Napa, the Bay area, Florida, Vancouver, New Mexico, Temecula, Dallas, and yes, Georgia too!  Wishing everyone safe travels home!

Thank you for following and for all the support along the way! 

Bon Voyage….Georgia_Peaches

[cruisequeen4ever]

Thank you for taking us along on your roller coaster journey that had such a wonderful result! I’m boarding next week and am excited to have all the info you shared!

[sunviking90]

17 hours ago, Dr. Pam said:

 

I am totally enjoying your review!  Thank you for sharing. However, I think Mexican boat tours vs. Hawaiian boat tours are getting too close to the whales.  Sure..... it does make for great pictures but?

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/03/11/whale-kills-tourist/70184294/

 

Agree wholeheartedly. We were surprised at how close people reported being to the whales in Mexico. It’s always important to remember they are not there for our entertainment. Here in BC boats are required to stay 400 metres away, and even farther in some conditions. 

[sunviking90]

22 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Have to mirror others.  

 

I felt very safe in Mazatlan never had any sense of unrest.    I suggest wouldn't renting a car and driving to Culiacán (about 130 miles away) which is where the Cartel activity is based.   I think many of us know areas within 150 miles of our home that might be dangerous.

Yes we really enjoyed Mazatlan more than the more touristy Mexican ports. The old town is really pretty and charming. 

[calicakes]

9 hours ago, LaCal said:

I live in Los Angeles 🤣

 

Shootings can happen anywhere here 🙈🙈

I second this, I'm married to a recently retired( Thank God) LAPD Sgt.  

Edited March 11, 2023 by calicakes

[kwokpot]

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Casino

One of the most educational threads I’ve read lately was all about how to maximize BCC when playing in the casino.  One of the tips mentioned was to see the casino host on the last day of the cruise to determine if I had earned any comps for my play.  I played quite a bit on this trip mostly because I found a few machines (Zeus, White Orchid, and the machine to the left of Zeus) that consistently paid me enough to allow me to keep playing.  Anyway, on the final night I walked up to the casino counter and presented my players card.  I asked to have my card scanned to determine if I had earned any comps.  The guy behind the counter looked at me like I had grown a second head…he thought I was confused but I was certain it was the other way around.  He handed me an instruction card detailing how to access my promo points in the machine but said there were no additional comps.  He said the only thing offered was the promo points…emphatically, no comps.  Maybe I didn’t ask the right

For future reference only the Casino Host, on the Solstice it should have been a black gentleman named Anele, can determine if you've earned onboard comps to wipe off onboard charges. Speaking to any other employee will elicit the response that you got. Having said that it will only be worth your time if if been gambling a decent amount. If you plowed through several hundred that's not going to get you any charges deducted from your account. If you've spent thousands then it's worth speaking to the casino host and ask about whether your play on the cruise warrants some onboard charges wiped off.

Three weeks ago on the Solstice my husband plowed through 5 figures of cash in the casino and we had about $150 wiped off our onboard account. 

Edited March 11, 2023 by kwokpot

[vickykay]

Thanks so much for taking us all along.  Really enjoyed your review. Safe travels home.

[DaKahuna]

@Georgia_Peaches Thank you so much for doing this review.  I thoroughly enjoyed following along on your adventures. 

[Azulann]

Love your trip report in every way. Thank you !

[dock]

Enjoyed following along. 
Thank you. 

[scrapcreator]

Thoroughly enjoyed your review and glad you had a great cruise. Safe travels home.

[bjahil47]

Thanks for your reviews!  Safe travels home!

[Cruising89143]

22 hours ago, kwokpot said:

For future reference only the Casino Host, on the Solstice it should have been a black gentleman named Anele, can determine if you've earned onboard comps to wipe off onboard charges. Speaking to any other employee will elicit the response that you got. Having said that it will only be worth your time if if been gambling a decent amount. If you plowed through several hundred that's not going to get you any charges deducted from your account. If you've spent thousands then it's worth speaking to the casino host and ask about whether your play on the cruise warrants some onboard charges wiped off.

Three weeks ago on the Solstice my husband plowed through 5 figures of cash in the casino and we had about $150 wiped off our onboard account. 

We found this guy totally useless. When he introduced himself he proceeded to tell us that he had turned down a contract on Carnival to take this position. Not sure why he had to bring this up? Who cares…..  On RCI the hosts are at a desk on the casino floor. Easy to access. We had to ask for the host on this ship. We found him worthless. We shall see if much has changed in a few weeks.

[Georgia_Peaches]

1 hour ago, cruisingator2 said:

We found this guy totally useless. When he introduced himself he proceeded to tell us that he had turned down a contract on Carnival to take this position. Not sure why he had to bring this up? Who cares…..  On RCI the hosts are at a desk on the casino floor. Easy to access. We had to ask for the host on this ship. We found him worthless. We shall see if much has changed in a few weeks.

Interesting.  When we embarked I made a point of seeking him out to introduce myself (setting the stage for the elusive hand pay lol).  He was with a female employee when I approached him and asked if he was the casino host.  He kind of laughed and said, "Depends on why you're asking."  I could tell that he was trying to make a joke so I laughed with him and told him that I just wanted to introduce myself.  He said, "in that case then yes, I am the casino host...and this is my assistant".  We exchanged pleasantries but I never saw him again after that.

[SFOflyguy]

Well hello RS neighbor!

 

I could not have summed up this cruise better than Ms. GP already has.   I was following their travel saga on the runway at SFO, while I was on a weather delay due to hail and winds.  It wasn't until she posted a pic and her cabin number that I realized we were next-door neighbors.  I did the ultimate fan-boy faux pas when I leaned over the balcony to say hello.

 

My husband and I were dedicated Crystal fanatics until the bitter end.  Our experience on this cruise in RS 1118 and the food/service everywhere onboard, especially in Luminae, have quickly moved Celebrity to the top of our list.  Even though the Solstice is somewhat dated in decor, she is immaculate, and the crew is really proud of their ship.  I have to give a special shout out to our butler Glenn, cabin attendant Komang, and Ada in Luminae...and the lovely Mar in Michael's Club.  (I sent my regards to Mar from Abby Dancer and Iain! She would love a dinner with us Bay Area folk when they overnight in SFO).  Oh, and of course, all the guys at the Martini Bar for my French 77s (a great twist on the French 75).

 

Most of all, we met the most outgoing, friendly, fun people onboard, and hopefully some future cruise buddies.  If any of you are reading this, hello to Temecula, Albuquerque, Perth AU,

Portland, Biloxi and of course GP and Bob.

 

 

[SFOflyguy]

Exactly my experience with the "host"...he chased me down while I was in line at the Cashier cage

since my key card didn't work to collect points and get an advance.  Never saw him again until

day 7.  Probably the best job onboard!

[Georgia_Peaches]

15 hours ago, SFOflyguy said:

Most of all, we met the most outgoing, friendly, fun people onboard, and hopefully some future cruise buddies.  If any of you are reading this, hello to Temecula, Albuquerque, Perth AU,

Portland, Biloxi and of course GP and Bob.

It was such a pleasure meeting you both!  and I agree, we met some of the best people on this cruise.  So glad you took the Celebrity plunge.  I'm hopeful that we can connect our newly found cruising group again in the future!  Love to you both ☺️!

[2Long2NxtCrz]

19 hours ago, SFOflyguy said:

 Oh, and of course, all the guys at the Martini Bar for my French 77s (a great twist on the French 75).

I had never heard of a French 77 until I read your post. I googled it and that sounds like the perfect drink for me. I love a French 75, but adding in Elderflower liqueur? Sounds perfect. Thank you!

[2Long2NxtCrz]

Thank you for the wonderful review and I'm so glad you made it to the ship and got to enjoy your cruise. It's been a crazy 2023 already and I'm very much looking forward to our cruise on the Solstice in mid-April, especially now.

[SFOflyguy]

Yes, those boys at the Martini Bar make a mean French 77.  And an incredible Cosmo.  But ask for the beautiful Riedel glasses with the fluted edges!

 

 

[TeeRick]

Thank You @Georgia_Peaches.  

[GenerationX]

I’m used to turning up fashionably late to a party but this time I find myself not arriving till it’s already over!

 

Ms. Georgia Peaches thank you so much for this wonderful review!!!

I think I sprained my thumb anxious reading through the first few pages of your travel strife!  I loved the story of your first night onboard.  You’ll get no judgment from me on your memory of the events of the night being blurry. If I’d gone through what you did to barely make it, there’d probably be not a bottle of veuve left on the ship by sunrise.
 

I hope your trip home was much smoother!

 

Your review has me even more excited to board Solstice with my mini me in a few days!  I think we’ll try to check out the restaurant in Cabo that you mentioned.

 

Thank you again and I hope you have some great future cruise plans that we can look forward to reading along on!

[LaCal]

1 hour ago, GenerationX said:

I’m used to turning up fashionably late to a party but this time I find myself not arriving till it’s already over!

 

Ms. Georgia Peaches thank you so much for this wonderful review!!!

I think I sprained my thumb anxious reading through the first few pages of your travel strife!  I loved the story of your first night onboard.  You’ll get no judgment from me on your memory of the events of the night being blurry. If I’d gone through what you did to barely make it, there’d probably be not a bottle of veuve left on the ship by sunrise.
 

I hope your trip home was much smoother!

 

Your review has me even more excited to board Solstice with my mini me in a few days!  I think we’ll try to check out the restaurant in Cabo that you mentioned.

 

Thank you again and I hope you have some great future cruise plans that we can look forward to reading along on!

Do you plan on doing a Live posting from your Solstice cruise? 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

4 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Your review has me even more excited to board Solstice with my mini me in a few days!  I think we’ll try to check out the restaurant in Cabo that you mentioned.

Awe thank you for the kind d words!  Wishing you both a wonderful cruise!