Celebrity Solstice - The reviews are In.... (LA Times Ad)

[bigwally]

Here is the pull-out from this last Sunday's LA Times. A cutaway of the ship with a few stills and travel agent quotes on how magnificent she is:

 

[Longboysfan]

Too bad we can't read the writing on the ad's.

Thanks for the picture.

[hcat]

We had the same ad in our local paper Newsday (in NY) plus there was another ad too...they have never done so much advertising--guess they have to filll this ship & are reaching out to everyone they can attract! Big bucks for these ads!

[BurgerBits]

We had an advertising booklet sent to us in the snail mail with most of these same pics & text sets... arrived yesterday. Pretty slick, very good production values, matte heavy paper...

 

Yup, big bucks!!

[bigwally]

"The Lawn Club brings back the pleasure of running in the grass we had as children, and the romance of a picnic in the park. Celebrity Solstice has spoken to me. It says, 'Home' And yes, I am an unabashed fan." - Amy Blecker, Cruiseresource.com

 

"First impressions? In a word 'WOW!'. The design of the ship is exquisite, with space after space that makes you gasp with surprise and amazement." - Gene Sloan, USA Today

 

"You really feel like you're on a floating hotel, and not a miniaturized resort. Room to relax, room to breathe." - Richard Ouzounian, The Toronto Star

 

"The AquaClass staterooms allow for the tranquility of the spa to be translated to your cabin. If this isn't luxury, I don't know what is." - Julia Coney, Allaboutthepretty.net

 

"Celebrity Solstice breaks the mold in every conceivable way." - Ralph Grizzle, Avidcruiser.com

 

"Anyone in need of a respite from market crashes and toddle tantrums will relish in the pampering of Celebrity's latest venture." - Nicole Feliciano, Momtrends.com

 

"The 'WOW' factor. Some have it; others don't. And I'm not talking about fashionable celebrities here. Well, yes I am. Celebrity Cruises, that is. As a veteran of more than 50 cruises, I'm not easily dazzled. But one spin around the decks of the 122,000-ton, 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice had me saying 'WOW!'" - Harry Shattuck, Houston Chronicle

 

"My own view - and the one held by other cruise writers and travel agents on board: The hype is justified. Solstace is, simply, one of the most comfortably stylish ships on the seas. It's a premium ship - that's to say, it aims at an upscale ambiance, dining and service, but without the super-high prices of true luxury cruising. It hits the mark." - Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald

[ChevyCruiser]

I guess those reviewers didn't experience sewage smells around the ship, soot-covered balconies, obstructed views from some balconies, tables jammed within 6 inches of the next in the MDR, Cabana Hogs, an air-conditioned Solarium with a chilled pool, 2 of 8 elevators out of service every day for "cleaning" an obnoxious cruise director cajoling them to spend money in the casino so Celebrity could build more ships, and Bistro FOR Five -

 

but I'm willing to bet that they are the ones who wore out the lawn so that it was "resting" most of the Inaugural.

[bigwally]

I guess those reviewers didn't experience sewage smells around the ship, soot-covered balconies, obstructed views from some balconies, tables jammed within 6 inches of the next in the MDR, Cabana Hogs, an air-conditioned Solarium with a chilled pool, 2 of 8 elevators out of service every day for "cleaning" an obnoxious cruise director cajoling them to spend money in the casino so Celebrity could build more ships, and Bistro FOR Five -

 

but I'm willing to bet that they are the ones who wore out the lawn so that it was "resting" most of the Inaugural.

 

 

LOL! You should have been asked to quote for the ad! :D

[laurebon]

"The Lawn Club brings back the pleasure of running in the grass we had as children, and the romance of a picnic in the park. Celebrity Solstice has spoken to me. It says, 'Home' And yes, I am an unabashed fan." - Amy Blecker, Cruiseresource.com

 

"First impressions? In a word 'WOW!'. The design of the ship is exquisite, with space after space that makes you gasp with surprise and amazement." - Gene Sloan, USA Today

 

"You really feel like you're on a floating hotel, and not a miniaturized resort. Room to relax, room to breathe." - Richard Ouzounian, The Toronto Star

 

"The AquaClass staterooms allow for the tranquility of the spa to be translated to your cabin. If this isn't luxury, I don't know what is." - Julia Coney, Allaboutthepretty.net

 

"Celebrity Solstice breaks the mold in every conceivable way." - Ralph Grizzle, Avidcruiser.com

 

"Anyone in need of a respite from market crashes and toddle tantrums will relish in the pampering of Celebrity's latest venture." - Nicole Feliciano, Momtrends.com

 

"The 'WOW' factor. Some have it; others don't. And I'm not talking about fashionable celebrities here. Well, yes I am. Celebrity Cruises, that is. As a veteran of more than 50 cruises, I'm not easily dazzled. But one spin around the decks of the 122,000-ton, 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice had me saying 'WOW!'" - Harry Shattuck, Houston Chronicle

 

"My own view - and the one held by other cruise writers and travel agents on board: The hype is justified. Solstace is, simply, one of the most comfortably stylish ships on the seas. It's a premium ship - that's to say, it aims at an upscale ambiance, dining and service, but without the super-high prices of true luxury cruising. It hits the mark." - Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald

Too bad none of it is true. We have been there and will not go there again

[vacruiser]

I guess those reviewers didn't experience sewage smells around the ship, soot-covered balconies, obstructed views from some balconies, tables jammed within 6 inches of the next in the MDR, Cabana Hogs, an air-conditioned Solarium with a chilled pool, 2 of 8 elevators out of service every day for "cleaning" an obnoxious cruise director cajoling them to spend money in the casino so Celebrity could build more ships, and Bistro FOR Five -

 

but I'm willing to bet that they are the ones who wore out the lawn so that it was "resting" most of the Inaugural.

 

I just got off and didn't experience any of these issues other than chair hogs.

[rolfecms]

The same ad was in yesterday's Chicago Tribune. The same cutaway view of the Solstice was in the October issue of Conde Nast as a four-page pull out. Nice keepsake.

[Infi]

This ad was also in the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel on Sunday, a neat surprise. Love the cut-out of the ship. A very nice keepsake. Must have cost a pretty penny, though, Celebrity!

[caliber35]

Too bad none of it is true. We have been there and will not go there again

 

Actually, it's all true, in my opinion and that of dozens of member reviews. It seems that you either love or hate the Solstice, but the vast majority of those who have sailed her, love her. This is the first larger vessel that begins to compare to a true luxury line like Crystal. The standard cabins have the best layout and the most comfortable bedding of any of the 30 ships I have sailed. The decor and design work surpass even the QM2. And the crew was the friendliest and hardest working crew I have yet to encounter. Yes, she has her flaws, such as the omission of a T-pool and an undersized theater, but if you are looking for a near-luxury cruise experience at a mass-market price, you cannot go wrong with the Solstice!

[Cruisenouvelle]

I guess those reviewers didn't experience sewage smells around the ship, soot-covered balconies, obstructed views from some balconies, tables jammed within 6 inches of the next in the MDR, Cabana Hogs, an air-conditioned Solarium with a chilled pool, 2 of 8 elevators out of service every day for "cleaning" an obnoxious cruise director cajoling them to spend money in the casino so Celebrity could build more ships, and Bistro FOR Five -

 

but I'm willing to bet that they are the ones who wore out the lawn so that it was "resting" most of the Inaugural.

Ha Ha - a lot of those agents, writers, etc., were on 'freebie' cruises. Would you bite the hand that feeds you ??

[hylasgirl]

Actually, it's all true, in my opinion and that of dozens of member reviews. It seems that you either love or hate the Solstice, but the vast majority of those who have sailed her, love her. This is the first larger vessel that begins to compare to a true luxury line like Crystal. The standard cabins have the best layout and the most comfortable bedding of any of the 30 ships I have sailed. The decor and design work surpass even the QM2. And the crew was the friendliest and hardest working crew I have yet to encounter. Yes, she has her flaws, such as the omission of a T-pool and an undersized theater, but if you are looking for a near-luxury cruise experience at a mass-market price, you cannot go wrong with the Solstice!

 

 

It is so nice to read this. I am so tired of all the negative people writing in on the Solstice. There are many many people that found the ship to be amazing!! It is too bad that they don't come back time after time to reinforce the positive experience of this ship. Instead it is all the people that have WAY too much to complain about. The negative reports on this site are a very few percentage. And it just amazes me how many people are effected by it. Who cares if some of the reviews are writing after a free cruise!?? I have talked to MANY people that have nothing but good to say about this ship. I have talked to people that are ready to cancel because of reading things on this site! (blank stare!) I can't imagine letting complete strangers (and negative at that) influence the decision to sail on this ship!

 

Nobody can even write anything good on the CC about the Solstice without getting slammed.

 

It is a shame that the beauty has been wasted on some...

[tinybabynurse]

We were on the 4th revenue Cruise and we had, overall a very good time. Were there some issues? Yes, but we would be happy to be on Solstice again. Anytime for any itinerary.

 

We have a full review on "member review".

[Summerchas]

I really feel sorry for those of you that found things to criticize on the Solstice and try to ruin the experience for others that are booked in the future. I was on the first cruise on November 23 and will be sailing AGAIN on the Solstice on Feb. 15. I can't wait. The ship is beautiful, the food is great, the staff is hard working and friendly, and the cabin is wonderful. I guess some can't be pleased by anything, but don't let your lack of appreciation for something so great, allow it to take away from others experiencing how great it can be. Everyone looks at life differently, take pleasure from what you can.

[tprime76]

It is so nice to read this. I am so tired of all the negative people writing in on the Solstice. There are many many people that found the ship to be amazing!! It is too bad that they don't come back time after time to reinforce the positive experience of this ship. Instead it is all the people that have WAY too much to complain about. The negative reports on this site are a very few percentage. And it just amazes me how many people are effected by it. Who cares if some of the reviews are writing after a free cruise!?? I have talked to MANY people that have nothing but good to say about this ship. I have talked to people that are ready to cancel because of reading things on this site! (blank stare!) I can't imagine letting complete strangers (and negative at that) influence the decision to sail on this ship!

 

Nobody can even write anything good on the CC about the Solstice without getting slammed.

 

It is a shame that the beauty has been wasted on some...

 

With a post count in the 2000s I would have assumed that you knew better by now... :-)When it comes to cruise critic, the X board is, by far, the most negative board on the site. You have those who constantly lament that the line is crap compared to when it was family owned, those who seem to figure out a way to let the most minute details ruin their vacation and those who just stop by to say that it was their first cruise with X and it will be their last because this other line was better. I have been on 11 cruises on many different lines, which makes me experienced by some opinion and a relative newbie by others. That being said, EVERY CRUISE on the different lines we have been on has had something go wrong with it, in some cases more than one thing. We still found a way to enjoy our time on the ship and usually the problem was small compared to the overall experience. My responses have been relatively snarky lately to the overly critical people on this board because it has just gotten too negative lately.

 

I have read all of the same negative posts you have and had no problem paying the final payment for our March cruise on Solstice. Enjoy your time in the Med. and I certainly plan on enjoying my time in the Caribbean.

 

Tom

[GreenseyesM]

Chevy Cruiser,

You apparently sailed the Solstice in the first or second sail right? Your mistake. Next time wait a while before sailing a brand new ship...Ever been in a brand new home? I have. Some things always need tweaking.

I returned from the Solstice on Sunday. The elevators were all working and speedy, the pool water in ALL of the pools was warm. I agree that the chair hogs were out as they always are on EVERY ship I have been on, but we found ample space even during sea days. In fact many cozy spaces. All 3,000 PAX can't lay by the main pool. The MDR was never crowded and we had more than ample breathing room. I never saw soot, but someone said they did on their deck and no doubt they were anxious to blab about it. There were five of us and no one mentioned smelling anything bad. My husband and I actually went to deck 6 and deck 7 by the elevators to check it out and nope, nada. Only funky, musty smell I encountered was in the entrance to Sky. We were in cabin 1046, a CC category. Gazing above YES I did glimpse the window washing machinery, would I call it an obstructed view? Technically, perhaps. Did it aftect my experience? Not in the least, the larger veranda space was what we focused on (we were at the angle of the jut out). I went to the grassy area expecting to see a mangy field and instead I saw an area no bigger than in a square foot radius where there were bald spots and was "resting".

Now what was the most unpleasant thing the five of us experienced? It had nothing to do with the ship which was absolutely gorgeous. It was the fellow passengers. I have never encounterd such a bunch of rude obnoxious people. They were rude to the staff and others. I witnessed a pax yelling at the Maitre 'D at the top of his lungs in front of all of us that the dinning room should be open at 6! not 6:05. Another PAX berated my daughter to tears for sitting at THEIR table for breakfast. It was a table for 8 and there were only 3 of them and no they weren't saving the seats for anyone else.

Someone mentioned that this board attracts unhappy souls. I'm starting to think that Celebrity does as well.

There is criticism, but there is also constructive criticism i.e "the elevators were broken and it was a major inconvenience, but inquiring as to why we were told it was due to the tree branches from the suspended tree (pretty cool object actually) which would be rectified".

I read the reviews before I sailed and was horrified as to what I might encounter. It was too late to cancel and I was nervous as we were bringing first time cruisers. I will never pay attention again to anyone who has ONLY bad things to say without offerening explanations.

I wonder why people pick a cruise line and then constantly complain. I thought this board was to INFORM.

I hadn't been on Cruise Critic for a few years. I've found a big difference in the attitude.

The majority of cruisers don't post here, it just seems that most who do are malconents.

[shay204]

If you want some really great pictures of Solstice, plus the cruise ports, one of our CC members has a fantastic site. You might want to check it out! He has captured the ship and the cruise on a day by day basis. I don't think he will mind if I share this with you, as he has already posted it on a different board.

 

http://www.pbase.com/pierce324/solstice08

[GreenseyesM]

Shay204

Thank you for sharing the link to your friend's pictures. Awesome. A picture IS worth a thousand words. Your friend let the Solstice speak volumes.

I tried to take similar pictures, but did not come close.

Now people can see how awfully close/crowded the dining room and pool area are and how plainly aweful the grass area is.;)

I too loved the gold ants!

Thank you.

[Drew B]

I think there are different issues at play here. Most of those quotes are about the design of the ship. From that point of view, I think Solstice looks to be just about the most amazing ship at sea. While everybody is entitled to their own opinion about something as subjective as decor, I'd be shocked if the VAST majority of passengers don't consider her to be a stunning ship.

 

Then, there is the issue of execution of a great cruise within this phenomenal space. There are some issues (say a sewage smell or a glitch with the elevators) that are simply unfortunate, unintended, temporary problems. I find it easy to forgive something like this.

 

Then, there are intentional cases of poor decision-making that show passengers disrespect. Those, I don't forgive so easily. The only case like this I can see in what ChevyCruiser posted is the issue of Dinner FOR Five. The fact that they advertised a venue as an included option and then, BEFORE THE SHIP EVEN SAILED ONE TIME, tacked on a surcharge is pretty unforgivable in my book. It's a completely different scenario from if they debuted the ship with it as a complementary option and realized that (because it was free) it became too congested and untenable. In that case, if they decided that adding a surcharge was the best thing to do in order to thin the crowds and make the experience better, they should have announced that in X amount of time (3 months? 6 months?)

a surcharge would be levied. Customers who had booked expecting that option, then, would be able to decide if they still wanted to sail, now that there was a surcharge (I imagine that 99.99% still would). THAT is how you treat your customers with respect...