Solstice – the word conjures up sophistication at the highest level.  And that’s what Celebrity Cruise Line’s new ship, Solstice, is - the highest level of sophistication that can be had in a cruise ship.  Solstice debuts in the fall this year. 

Reservations are being taken now for the Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries beginning in December 2008.  Prices start at $879 per person – US dollar.  This 122,000 ton, 2,850 passenger ship is the first in the line of Celebrity’s “Solstice” family.  Considered sleek, contemporary, and minimalist throughout the ship’s design, passengers will enjoy the “no fuss – no busy” features. 

Initially advertisements for Solstice included the idea of larger staterooms, however, a preview done by cruiseclues.com reveals the larger feeling comes from the balcony areas and overall the rooms are within “industry” standards.   Celebrity amenities for the onboard suites of the Penthouse, Royal, Celebrity, and Sky levels will include full butler services.  Imagine having your bags unpacked for you and re-packed at the end of your delicious cruise.  Or, should you desire to remain in your room during meal times, there will be full-menu services for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  These butler services cater to those fortunate enough to enjoy the suites on these levels.

Family rooms, while still spacious, do not provide for the extra toileting facilities that families with small children might need.   Living and sleeping quarters are separated and the family rooms could accommodate up to six family members.  Critics are questioning the ideas behind designing bathrooms with shower facilities only and not accommodating those individuals who would enjoy a tub bath.  Depending upon the clientele who reserve cruises on Solstice, this “shower only” design may not be an issue. 

Dining is another area where there are some interesting changes taking place.  Instead of the long buffet lines with “pack it in and haul it away” mentality, guests will be offered better plating designs which will accommodate more moderate sized portions and food stations.  This is a different take on “Lido” dining we see on other ships and cruise lines.  At restaurant “Blu” guests will be able to choose from lighter “cleaner” menus which include seared and blackened fish and meats which are normally leaner choices accompanied by lighter reduction sauces.  If you’re watching the waistline, this will be a favorite of yours – no more heavy creams and sauces. 

Persons with accommodations in the AquaClass

level will have first priority of dining in the tranquil

setting of this restaurant.  Since it can seat 130 guests,

there will be openings for reservation during the

course of a seven day cruise.  

Of course Solstice will have the main dining room Grand Epernay with a fabulous two story high rise wine tower visible for all to see.  At Grand Epernay more traditional cruise dining can be experienced. 

The AquaSpa café will be where you’ll find healthy spa type cuisine.  Other dining experiences include Mast Grill -  for all you fried food junkies, Murano – old world elegance in French cuisine with tableside service, Tuscan Grill – old world style Italian grill, Silk Harvest – a blend of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai foods, and Bistro of Five – which is the place where you’ll find the late night foodies – and is open 24/7. 

Nightly entertainment venues range from sky view lounges, martini bars, disco-tech dance floor, and wine tasting opportunities.  During the day, sink a birdie on the first ever real turf putting course (the ship had to be widened and supported to hold the weight of the sod and turf), try your hand at Bocce ball, or watch as glassblowing artists astound you with their agility to turn molten glass into fragile art.  All this takes place at the Lawn Club topside on the uppermost deck – no photo available at this time.

Solstice looks as if it will truly be “sophistication” at sea.  Happy Traveling in style!

Photos courtesy of Celebrity Cruise Line