Celebrity Solstice Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Quick observations and context: We sailed the Pacific NW cruise from Seattle to Astoria, San Francisco, Victoria & Vancouver. We have previously sailed multiple times on the Summit (and like the ship very much). We found the larger size and newer design of the Solstice VERY nice. Decks 4 & 5 (where the $$$ is) flows better than on Summit. We noticed the extra width and felt it was a more luxurious and relaxed experience. We also liked having more entertainment "out" in that area vs tucked away in a lounge. MDR was excellent as was (I can't believe I'm saying this) the buffet. We're not buffet people, but found this to be the first we went to where a) the food was fresh and really good, b) laid out clearly and easy to get what you want without standing in a long line, and c) staff was quick to clean/clear, meaning you could actually get a table.
Overall - ship was run very well, clean, and felt uncrowded (I don't think they sold out, probably 90%). We would definitely sail on this class again!
Cabin Review
Deluxe Veranda 1C
The cabin (Balcony 8158): Couple noticeable differences. On the plus, the bathroom is better. The shower is laid out better and has a door instead of the dreaded vinyl curtain. Countertop is marble(or faux), more storage and good lighting. The closet space is moved, opening up the doorway so the room feels more open. The closet is a little smaller, but we had plenty of space for a 1-week cruise. Plenty of "hidden" storage, so our room never felt cluttered. Ventilation was very precise and quiet. Overall - we noticed the difference between the two ships and appreciated the Solstice Class. ONE NOTE ON #8158: It is a straight shot from the door to the elevator. We didn't encounter any noise that kept us from going to sleep, but we generally got awoken by the elevator "ding" starting a little after 6am. If you are not an early riser - make sure you get a room away from the elevators.
Port Reviews
Seattle
We did the Space Needle on our own. As expected and nice.
Astoria, Oregon
Walked on our own to the Maritime Museum. Nice walk, the museum is awesome. We probably spent 1.5 hours there, and the organized tours arrived as we we're leaving (wow - the crowd)! Glad we got there early and enjoyed it on our own. There are a couple brew-pubs and wine bars, so if you wanted to grab a drink on the walk to/from the museum, their right on the route. Well marked path along the river!
San Francisco
Overnight on the waterfront - seriously! It's like you're staying in a $600/night hotel. So easy to walk to the ferry's, Fisherman's wharf, downtown. I think all the balconies on deck 8 and higher had a fantastic view.
Vancouver
We toured the Anthropology Museum on our own. Great museum, and really focuses on the First Nation. We had no idea of how Canada had treated their indigenous people. I would make this a must "rainy day" activity if you're visiting Vancouver. We took the 44 bus and it was very easy.