Ship: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises.  Inaugural:  November 23, 2008

What a beautiful ship! The Solstice is one of the most innovative ships we’ve ever seen and boasts a couple of industry firsts, including its own upper-deck Lawn Club. Yes, that’s right!  The Solstice has a backyard of living grass on the top deck, ideal for a putting green and games like croquet and bocce.  We liked the unexpected pleasure of simply walking barefoot on the cool grass.

She also features the first onboard glass blowing show. Corning Glass designed special furnaces for the ship’s Hot Glass Show where artists created an array of dazzling objects, later displayed and sold to the delight of the passengers.  Don’t miss the Corning Glass Museum onboard for an informative look back at the artful use of glass.
One of our favorite spots was the frosty Martini Bar, taking the frosty mug you’ve enjoyed to grand new dimensions.  Here, a 5 inch frosted rim circles the entire, oval lounge, providing the perfect place to set the bartender’s many martini creations. The décor complements the frosty happenings with a white and cool-blue color scheme and 3-D pictures of glaciers.  The Sky Observation Lounge on the upper deck is another favorite. Washed in soft orange and blue, the lounge’s panoramic windows overlooking the sea provided the perfect setting for a quiet rendezvous.

Located adjacent to the photo shop, the art gallery was a great spot to browse. It featured art photography of singing groups like the Rolling Stones and rockers like Elton John. The Paramount Studios Anniversary picture from the late ‘80’s captured many of the studio’s stars of the period. The Solstice’s fitness facilities are the best at sea, outfitted with treadmills and bikes that are plug-in-ready for your ipod’s music during your personal workout.  There are also state-of-the-art weight machines and a classroom for yoga.  You can dare to enjoy sumptuous dining throughout the ship and still stay trim. Relax by either the inside or outside pool, both surrounded by unique lounge areas offering hammocks with privacy curtains and hooded lounge chairs for two.  It’s like being at the finest resort.

The spacious staterooms were carefully planned and decorated in sophisticated shades of tan and brown with red and rust accents.  We were equally impressed by the bathrooms’ showers, which must have been planned by a woman. Why?  Because only a woman would know to add a foot rest 6 inches above the shower floor for easy shaving!  

That’s just the beginning of what proved to be an amazing ship.  The spa, youth areas, shopping arcade, sport’s court and specialty restaurants are all worth noting, but we don’t want to give away all of the surprises that await you.  Come aboard the Solstice and see for yourselves.

- Gloria Neuharth and Jared Pflaster

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