Solstice Q: Info on Poker, wine packages and limits to bringing wine onboard

[PhD-iva]

We are booked on the Nov 20th RT Rome on the Solstice. My DH enjoys poker if its Texas hold'em, not the poker-type "games" generally offered in casinos [sorry if I'm not very clear on the distinction]. Can anyone confirm the type of poker offerings, and perhaps some information on the "rake."

 

Separately, is there a limit to the number of bottles of wine we can bring on board at embarkation or at each port? We're considering doing that as opposed to purchasing a wine package offered on board.

 

Also, does anyone have any details on various wine packages that the Solstice offers? Its hard to compare quality -- I might not like what you like, but any details as to prices, types of wine will be appreciated.

 

We're very excited to go on the Solstice. Part of the pleasure of cruising is the pre-cruise disclourse on CC.com!

[George C]

They did have hold'em but I didn't play so I am not sure on the rake. Celebrity allows 2 bottles of wine per cabin when you 1st board, we put some extra in checked luggage without having a problem. Do not believe you are allowed to bring any on at the other ports. Great ship.

[txsloth]

Solstice has 2 Texas Hold'em poker tables. They are electronic (no actual cards or chips) but the play is otherwise just like in a casino. The rake is quite high. They have at least one tournament on each sea day.

 

I don't know if European cruises are any different, but I think you'll only be allowed 2 bottles of wine per stateroom and anything bought in ports will have to be stored until the end of your trip. I don't believe wine packages are available yet on Solstice, but I could be wrong.

[ghstudio]

Celebrity takes 10% of every pot on the texas holdem machines....

[SusieV]

Those poker machines are just horrible. Very antisocial and much less fun. I can't understand why Celebrity installed them. Surely a dealer would be able to get more players involved in the game.

 

When we were on Constellation (electronic table), we tried and no one would come and play a cash game, although several people did play tournaments. We don't play their tournaments because the blind structure and starting stack make it a waste of time.

 

Compare that to the Galaxy the year before with a live dealer, where if you weren't there right after dinner you had to wait!

 

Yes, the rake is high- 10% up to $10.

 

Personally- unless I have very compelling reasons otherwise, my husband and I will prefer not to cruise on a ship with the electronic poker tables, as we tend to spend our evenings in the casino and it is an important part of our cruise experience.

[txsloth]

Those poker machines are just horrible. Very antisocial and much less fun. I can't understand why Celebrity installed them. Surely a dealer would be able to get more players involved in the game.

 

When we were on Constellation (electronic table), we tried and no one would come and play a cash game, although several people did play tournaments. We don't play their tournaments because the blind structure and starting stack make it a waste of time.

 

Compare that to the Galaxy the year before with a live dealer, where if you weren't there right after dinner you had to wait!

 

Yes, the rake is high- 10% up to $10.

 

Personally- unless I have very compelling reasons otherwise, my husband and I will prefer not to cruise on a ship with the electronic poker tables, as we tend to spend our evenings in the casino and it is an important part of our cruise experience.

 

We had the opposite experience on the Constellation--we had a raucous cash game nightly--we even took a group photo together the last night! I think for a casino this size, these types of tables are the only thing that really make [financial] sense. Live poker games, especially without very experienced dealers, require a lot of attention from a supervisor.

[jr40511]

Solstice has 2 Texas Hold'em poker tables. They are electronic (no actual cards or chips) but the play is otherwise just like in a casino. The rake is quite high. They have at least one tournament on each sea day.

 

I don't know if European cruises are any different, but I think you'll only be allowed 2 bottles of wine per stateroom and anything bought in ports will have to be stored until the end of your trip. I don't believe wine packages are available yet on Solstice, but I could be wrong.

 

 

What other table games are available on Solstice? 3card poker and blackjack?

[txsloth]

Definitely blackjack...a couple others but I couldn't tell you what for sure (I'm sure some of the other table games are fun, but I always hear they are very heavily weighted in favor of the house, unlike blackjack which is only slightly weighted in favor of the house).

[LuAnn]

We are just off the Solstice T/A...great ship and a wonderful cruise!

 

We did purchase wine in ports and brought it on board with no problem...we really only purchased up to 2 bottles in each port and sometimes only 1. We had fellow CC members who had brought on tons of wine in Ft. Lauderdale...like a case! and had no problem with having it brought on board. So...not sure if it depends on the staff working that day??? or ????. My suggestion would be to try and bring on 1 bottle and see what happens..and then go from there! LuAnn

[ghstudio]

As far as wine and "the rules", you can bring on 2 bottles of wine at embarcation and you can not bring any wine/liquor on board at any of the stops.

 

Now, the reality:

 

1)Each of you can bring 2 bottles of wine aboard...remember you don't have to get on board together....just get on separated by a few people and there is no way they will even bat an eyelash. I think the rule is actually two bottles a person, but it might be per cabin.....so split up for a few minutes and then don't worry about the rule.

 

2)You also can pack a bottle of liquor in your checked bags and it will probably get thru just fine. I have never had my bags opened and the bottle removed.

 

3) Finally, bringing wine/liquor on board at stops is hit and miss. More often than not, they just let it go and I take it to the room. On my most recent cruise on the constellation they decided to take my Khalua and it was returned at the end of the trip.

[POPDISPLAY]

Celebrity collects 10% of every poker pot, up to $15.

Plus, the poker pro machine creates hands to promote betting.

The card that makes one players's set makes another players straight or flush.

 

20 hands per hour

 

It's a huge money maker for the cruise line

 

And a total scam for the line's guests.

 

$200 - $300 PER HOUR is going to Celebrity from the players' bankrolls.

[Karen@Steve]

The wine you bring on board is for consumption in your stateroom. If you take a bottle to the MDR or other restaurant they will charge you a $25 corkage fee. However, you can pick up some extra classes in the Cellar Masters and bring glasses of wine to your venue.

[Wine-O]

 

We did purchase wine in ports and brought it on board with no problem...we really only purchased up to 2 bottles in each port and sometimes only 1. We had fellow CC members who had brought on tons of wine in Ft. Lauderdale...like a case! and had no problem with having it brought on board. So...not sure if it depends on the staff working that day??? or ????. My suggestion would be to try and bring on 1 bottle and see what happens..and then go from there! LuAnn

 

Yeah, that was a great cruise, wasn't it. ;):D