Solstice - GLBT Roll Call - 12/07/08

[daviddfld]

The following information is from a post by Carol Ann on the main post for the Solstice sailing on 12/07. We met Carol Ann and her husband Bob at the event, and she did a great job describing what we saw, so I have copied the information for you all to read:

 

"Evening to everyone,

 

Bob and I just got back from the Solstice Preview. I'll try to recount some of the highlights for you. There is also as you all know another thread on the Celebrity Board and also an article by Melissa on the main page.

 

We arrived and received a large Cream and Navy zippered Tote. It was filled with goodies ie. water bottle, mouse pad, beauty products, a piece of glass ware etc.

 

We were given champagne as though we were going on-board the ship and escorted into a large area that was sectioned into 3 separate rooms.

 

In the 1st area were items from the "Lawn Club" collection from flip flops to a lovely picnic basket. There will be glass items from bottle stoppers to jewelry. Then an area that had Corning Glass and some of the items that will be sold from one of their higher end lines.

 

Another vendor from So. Florida will have a line of really beautiful hand made necklaces and bracelets.

 

The Solstice Diamond was also displayed. There was one .50 pt diamond pendant and also they had two lose 4ct stones. They were

just amazing. You could look into the center and see a cut star. They were under glass and came with their own security guard

 

Now the food. They had samples of many choices from all the specialty restaurants. We sampled items from Murano's (Crab Cake) and also a wonderful sample of Lamb that just melted in your mouth. We sampled items from Tuscan Grill and Oriental Restaurant that were really good also. The Gelato was next. Amazing flavors, Coconut, Peach Mango, Coffee, Pistachio and others I can't remember. This also was amazing. The crepes looked delicious but we were too full to try them.

 

There will now be the ability to see your cruise photos from the comfort of your own cabin TV or a viewer in the Photo Area. You just insert your card call them up onto the screen view, select and order.

There is also a feature that will super impose your picture at a reduced size onto objects. An example is the family riding a flying carpet and one where the husband is life size standing next to his wife who is on a pedestal. Really cute.

 

They also had some items that will be offered in there logo shop. The items are with a new vendor and are being lauded as being a bit more up scale in design and manufacture.

 

 

The next room had the Wine Programs where you can buy a package of your own design from a very extensive list. They also previewed a self service wine machine but we're vague on how this works.

 

The mock up of the Martini Bar was cool. We sampled a Solstice Martini it was amazing. Made from fresh blueberries and Bacardi Limon Vodka. For those interested Sudi will be at the Martini Bar along with the bartender that we met this afternoon.

 

There was a rep from the production company with screens showing the three main shows. The one that stands out is the show were

the dancers, entertainers will actually float or fly out over the audience. It really looks amazing.

 

I have to say I didn't take in alot of details regarding the spa. There was however a mock up of a Aqua Spa Cabin. We were told that some of the same features as CC are there in addition to an upgrade

of linens , beauty products etc.

 

Regarding Aqua Spa dining at Blu. We were told by Simon (our Hotel Director) that Aqua Spa guests will be assigned to a table in Blu. With a reservation they can go to the traditional dining room. Also the Specialty Restaurants have to be reserved and paid as all others have to.

 

The Balconies are 5 meters square. The Aft and Aqua Spa Verandas are the same size as all others.

 

Dave and Larry it was great to meet you and we look forward to seeing you in December. We were able to meet Host Anne and Host Andy and Melissa from Cruise Critics.

 

I'm sure there are things I haven't touched on but there was so much to take in. Its hard to come down off the Solstice High we were on. Its going to be really hard to wait until December for sure."

[daviddfld]

I forgot to mention that while at the Solstice Event recently, we met and spoke with Nick Weir, who will be Cruise Director on our sailing.

 

We talked about FOD/GLBT get togethers, and he said absolutely. We talked about what to call them ... FOD or GLBT ... and concluded that GLBT might be the more current term to use. Seems that most people under 40 have no idea what FOD stands for!

 

David

[lkushnerid]

My partner and I have just booked passage on this sailing. The deal was too good to pass up! Just had to try the Aqua Class while they are offering these prices. Looking forward to meeting you all on board!

Andrew

 

Hi Andrew,

I noticed you guys live in Ft. Lauderdale. David and I are in Deerfield Beach, maybe we could meet for a drink and discuss the trip.

My email is lkushnerid@comcast.net

Regards,

Larry

[Rusty311]

Thank you for the preview. I'll want to see and do everything - but in reality, I like relaxing and being pampered on a cruise. A few spa appointments and optional dining reservations and I'll be happy. I am anxious to see the new production shows.

I think this ship will be special. I was very pleased with the Queen Victoria, and expect Solstice to be as nice... in different ways.

The countdown continues.

Larry

[ryndam]

We generally are not too fond of cruising on ships this large, but the AquaClass price for this cruise, as well as the dining assignment in BLU sealed the deal. We'll be onboard.

 

Rob & Jim from Houston

[Cruise Crazies]

Larry and I will be there ready for a Friends of Dorothy party every night!!!

[rienreiter]

Hello Everyone:

 

Add one more to this lively and exciting roll call. Just booked today.

 

I see that there are a lot of couples on board. I'll be traveling solo without my partner. Glad to see that the Martini Bar is going to be BUSY. Looking forward to meeting all of you and posting during the coming months.

 

Juan

[stinsowm]

Welcome Rob, Jim and Juan. This cruise will be me and my partners first together since 2004. I sail every year with my mom, but it is hard for Ben to get vacation time from his job. Look forward to many martinis and fun times on board.

 

Walter

[daviddfld]

Welcome to all the new posters on board. We look forward to a GLBT get together, or just mingling in the Martini Bar.

 

I was going to put together a list of posters on this board but never got to it. How many of us are there so far?

 

David

[garykool81]

Hey everyone. My partner (Ian) and myself (Gary) will be onboard this sailing. We're already signed on to the main roll-call on the Celebrity roll-call board as well. I didn't even see this thread here until today! Looks like we're going to have a ton of family onboard!

 

Ian and I are meeting up with a great friend from Los Angeles who convinced us to go on this cruise. We had intended to visiting him out on the West Coast, but he really wanted to go on this ship, so we caved in. This will be cruise #3 for this year haha.

[rienreiter]

Walter and David: Thanks for the welcome!

 

Walter, I see from the main roll call that you already know a few people on board. It's nice sailing with people that you have previously met. It makes the posting more fun.

 

David, I don't know exactly how many of us there are here in this roll call but for sure there is quite a few of us.

 

Gary, for some reason your name sounds familiar and I thought that perhaps we had previously met on another cruise. But after looking at your cruise history, I conclude that we have not met. Therefore, I look forward to meeting you and Ian as well as your friend. Welcome to the group. BTW, I used to live in Alexandria, VA.

 

Juan

[stinsowm]

Hi Juan..you are right the people you cruise with can really make a huge difference. I have made some lifetime friends on cruises in the past--including Kathy D who is sailing with us. You are also sailing with me in Nov 09 where unfortunately Ben will not be with me then. Ben and I do look forward to meeting you and everyone on this sailing. I think it is great there are so many gay/lesbians on this sailing. We will have lots of gatherings I am sure.

 

Walter

[daviddfld]

Here's the info I picked up from this thread. Did I miss anyone? Any corrections needed?

 

David DAVIDDFLD Deerfield Beach, FL Traveling with Larry (LKUSHNERID)

Larry LKUSHNERID Deerfield Beach, FL Traveling with David (DAVIDDFLD)

Wayne ENYAW Tuscon, AZ

Ernie E ROLLER Atlanta, GA Traveling with 7 friends

Joe TORONTOGAYMALECOUPLE Toronto, ON Traveling with Partner

Walter STINSOWN Nashville, TN Traveling with Ben

Andrew CALIBER35 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Traveling with Partner

Larry RUSTY311 Pomona, CA Traveling with David (VIVAVINO)

David VIVAVINO Baltimore, MD Traveling with Larry (RUSTY311)

Bradley BRADLEY TALL ONE Canada Traveling with Partner

Ruth RUTHITH Boston, MA Traveling with Emily

Rob RYNDAM Houston, TX Traveling with Jim

Larry CRUISE CRAZIES Flagstaff, AZ Traveling with ???

Juan RIENREITER

Gary GARYKOOL81 Washington, DC Traveling with Ian

[DCT61]

Don and Russ from Nashville...travelling w/ another couple from Nashville.

[daviddfld]

Don and Russ from Nashville...travelling w/ another couple from Nashville.

 

Hi Don & Russ ...

 

Welcome onboard! We're looking forward to a very "happy" sailing!

 

David

[rienreiter]

Walter: I have met some great people on past cruises. Some of them I still keep in touch with. Sorry to hear that Ben will not be able to join you in 2009. It's great to see that there are so many of "us" on board. I have a feeling that we may all be taking over the Martini Bar.

 

David: Looks like I am sticking out like a sore thumb but I will be traveling alone.

 

Welcome to Don and Russ!

 

Juan

[daviddfld]

Walter: I have met some great people on past cruises. Some of them I still keep in touch with. Sorry to hear that Ben will not be able to join you in 2009. It's great to see that there are so many of "us" on board. I have a feeling that we may all be taking over the Martini Bar.

 

David: Looks like I am sticking out like a sore thumb but I will be traveling alone.

 

Welcome to Don and Russ!

 

Juan

 

No sore thumb at all, and you will have all of us to keep you company!

 

Where are you from, Juan? Your bio doesn't state your location.

[garykool81]

Gary, for some reason your name sounds familiar and I thought that perhaps we had previously met on another cruise. But after looking at your cruise history, I conclude that we have not met. Therefore, I look forward to meeting you and Ian as well as your friend. Welcome to the group. BTW, I used to live in Alexandria, VA.

 

Juan -- How long ago did you live in Alexandria? I moved up here in late '99. I've spent all of that time living in the Montgomery County area (Olney, Rockville, Gaithersburg and then Germantown).

 

Have a good weekend!

[Rusty311]

Juan - I like the luxury of having a cabin to myself - lots of room, do what you want when you want, watch movies at 2 AM if so inclined, and you don't have to undress in the dark if your room mate is sleeping. David and I each have our own cabins, so you are not the only solo in this group.

 

About meeting people and keeping in touch - I too have meet people with simular interests to me and have kept in touch. We seem to be attracted to the same curises. My cruise in May, I meet three people that I'd traveled with before and we did not know we would be cruising together.

 

I like cruising because of the ambiance, service and all inclusive feature. I like treating it as a spa vacation, and on Celebrity, I enjoy the optional dining options. I have not eaten in a restaurant on land that compares to the M class optional dining. I have my own table - to the right by the kitchen, table with the window. It seats one to three - and I get to watch all the activity in the room.

 

The prices on Solstice are changing for the November, early December cruises. Maybe having to fill the ship the three extra weeks isn't as easy as they thought. Watch your rates, and if they go lower - with a call you can get the lower rate, or a better cabin. Does anyone know the percent each of the cruises are booked? We may be in for some even better deals.

 

David and Larry from FL - with all your past cruises, I will want to hear your opinions on the ships and recomendations. What an exciting time for the cruise industry.

 

Have fun

 

Larry

[ftl principal]

Hey guys... We seem to be late in getting posting. Leave it to David and Larry to start a thread so far in advance... Always ahead of the game, aren't we?

 

My partner Mike and I will be on board and we are looking forward to it. Our wonderful travel agent (aka David) suggested that we join him and Larry. So here we are. We love Celebrity and we are looking forward to being on this new class of ship.

 

It definitely sounds like a nice group of people will be on board so it should be a total blast. We are looking forward to it.

 

Mark

[daviddfld]

Hey guys... We seem to be late in getting posting. Leave it to David and Larry to start a thread so far in advance... Always ahead of the game, aren't we?

 

My partner Mike and I will be on board and we are looking forward to it. Our wonderful travel agent (aka David) suggested that we join him and Larry. So here we are. We love Celebrity and we are looking forward to being on this new class of ship.

 

It definitely sounds like a nice group of people will be on board so it should be a total blast. We are looking forward to it.

 

Mark

 

Thanks for your kind words! And of course we're delighted that you decided to sail this one with us.

 

Our friends Stephen & Keith will also be joining us, but they most likely won't post here on Cruise Critic.

[daviddfld]

David (DAVIDDFLD) & Larry (LKUSHNERID) Deerfield Beach, FL Traveling with Stephen & Keith

Wayne (ENYAW) Tuscon, AZ

Ernie (E ROLLER) Atlanta, GA Traveling with 7 friends

Joe (TORONTOGAYMALECOUPLE) & Partner Toronto, ON

Walter (STINSOWN) & Ben Nashville, TN

Andrew CALIBER35) & Partner Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Larry (RUSTY311) Pomona, CA Traveling with David (VIVAVINO)

David (VIVAVINO) Baltimore, MD Traveling with Larry (RUSTY311)

Bradley (BRADLEY TALL ONE) & Partner Canada

Ruth (RUTHITH) Boston, MA Traveling with Emily

Rob (RYNDAM) & Jim Houston, TX

Larry (CRUISE CRAZIES) & ??? Flagstaff, AZ

Juan (RIENREITER)

Gary (GARYKOOL81) & Ian Washington, DC

Don (DCT61) & Russ Nashville, TN Traveling with another couple

Mark (FTL PRINCIPAL) and Mike Ft. Lauderdale, FL

[rienreiter]

Wow! Lots of posting today. Sure proves that we are one lively group who will make nice company.

 

David: I am here in Ft. Lauderdale. Way out west in the boonies by the standards of some who live on the east side. I live on the west side of Plantation.

 

Gary: I left Alexandria when I was still a kid back in 1969. But I go back to the northern VA area occasionally as I still have relatives there in Fairfax County.

 

Larry: Sounds like you are spoiled from the luxuries of having a cabin to oneself. It always feels spacious. Whenever I travel with my partner, I look at the cabin and wonder how 2 people fit in a cabin. I am spoiled too by the luxury of so much space. And having the bathroom all to yourself; another luxury! I see that you too also have been fortunate to meet people whom you still keep in touch with. And I agree that the specialty restaurants on board Celebrity are top notch. The only thing that I have experienced that is comparable is Todd English on the QM2. And am also glad to see that I am not the only solo cruiser on board. Checked cabin prices for our cruise today but did not notice any changes.

 

Hello Mike and Mark. Welcome to the group!

 

Juan

[stinsowm]

Welcome Mike and Mark! Ben and I are really excited to see all the other gay/lesbian folks that are going to be on board. Between seeing old friends and making new this cruise really is shaping up to be an outstanding week.

 

David--thanks for keeping up with everyone with the roll call as well.

 

Juan--if I lived closer to Ft Lauderdale then I would be cruising even more. I have a good friend that lives near Plantation, but she and her husband are moving to Tennessee this fall.

 

Haven't heard from Seth lately...hope you are doing well.

 

Walter

[garykool81]

Gary: I left Alexandria when I was still a kid back in 1969. But I go back to the northern VA area occasionally as I still have relatives there in Fairfax County.

 

Wow -- I have seen how much this area has changed over just the past ten years, so I cannot even imagine how much it must have been developed since the late 60s! It seems like the construction never ends around this area.