Our experience on the Solstice was overall average with average to below average food in the main dining room was average at best, food frequently sold Luke warm and uninspired, maybe microwaved. The buffet was average, with little unique foods. the Tuscan Dining room was very good, but the other speciality dining were ok, not impressive. Room service was timely, but be aware of very limited selections without an added fee. for instance an included breakfast was cold cereal, yogurt and pastry with coffee and hot tea. A hot breakfast was $ more. Our cabin was clean simple, and without a comfortable chair. Balcony was small, but adequate. Few activities on sea days without extra fees. A DVD player was not available on the ship for personal dvd's brought along for entertainment. Three of four recumbent bikes in the fitness room were disabled. Other equipment was also in disrepair and staff stated the equipment could not be repaired until return to LA in the spring.

The excursions in New Zealand were spectacular. Tour guides were exceptional, be sure to take the Overland trip from Milford Sound to Dunedin via Queenstown. Wonderful tour. Also the Alpine Jet Boat trip was very good. Fun on the jet boat! New Zealand was well worth exploring! Rotorua area was terrific! We arranged our own tour, which was efficient and wonderful. We also made our own arrangements for sail boating in the Bay of Islands with the Freewind! captain Ron was interesting and extremely knowledgable.