---

September 8, 2023

Fifteen years following the debut of Celebrity’s first Solstice Class ship, these timeless, refined, and innovative ships continue to satisfy.

Solo cruiser JD Schwartz shares his experience having sailed on three of Celebrity’s five Solstice Class ships including Eclipse (two Caribbean cruises, one transatlantic voyage), a transatlantic voyage on Silhouette and a Southern Caribbean cruise on Equinox.

In 2008 Celebrity launched its first of five Solstice Class ships, “Celebrity Solstice”. A new class of ships for the brand that would raise and redefine the product. At 122,000 tons, Solstice was one of the largest ships ever built at German shipyard, Meyer-Werf. Four more Solstice class ships would follow “Solstice” including “Celebrity Equinox”, “Celebrity Eclipse”, “Celebrity Silhouette” and “Celebrity Reflection”. The “Reflection’s” increase in capacity and gross tonnage are based on the addition of a deck added primarily for staterooms.

Innovations at the time of introduction included the Lawn Club, glass blowing theater (Hot Glass Show), multiple dining venues and eighty percent of the staterooms featuring verandas. Carry overs from Celebrity’s popular Millenium Class ships would include a wonderful, enclosed solarium with padded loungers, pool and hot tubs; grand sweeping foyers and atriums and inviting outdoor spaces from the sunset bar to the topside, forward facing sun deck now named “The Retreat” for suite guests only.

After sailing on over fifty ships and 150 cruises and crossings, my top pick for a cruise ship to the day remains as Celebrity’s Solstice Class. More than the voluminous exterior deck space, the interiors of these ships reflect seamless navigation, uniqueness, comfort, and appeal. They are easy to get around, offer an abundance of intimate and casually elegant venues, a vast array of eclectic and wonderful artwork and culinary options that should satisfy anyone’s appetite.

Enter 2015, Celebrity Eclipse – my entre to and first of five Solstice Class voyages. This was a short five-day cruise from Miami to Cozumel and Costa Maya Mexico. Boarding was organized and swift and within twenty minutes of the drop off I was in my stateroom. Now, time to explore.

First stop, the Sky Lounge. Solstice Class forward lounge is flanked with an expanse of floor to ceiling windows which, until recently, boasted a 280-degree view. Celebrity’s “Revolutions” modified the space with either suites or a meeting room on the port side of the lounge reducing the view and space. However, the Sky Lounge remains as one of my top picks for a lounge on any ship.

One can be immediately taken back by the design and furnishings of the Sky Lounge. While somewhat minimalistic (which I prefer), the space is crisp and streamlined, providing an atmosphere that lured me back to the Sky Lounge many times. At night, Sky Lounge is transformed into a busy nightclub.

Heading outdoors from the Sky Lounge you immediately feel embraced by the ship’s flow of deck space, ease of navigation, and vastness. The glass Solarium with its harmonious water and light features flow seamlessly into the outdoor pool deck area with its pyramid shaped two story massive awnings – a great feature and striking design element. There is space for everyone in and out of the sun. Cozy loungers, Bali beds and circular shaped hammocks complement sofa style sitting areas for casual conversation, lounging and people watching. The outdoor twin pools and four hot tubs are right sized for the ship’s capacity – a growing issue with some of the newbuilds. It never felt crowded or overwhelmed.

Speaking of the Solarium this is clearly one of Solstice Class’ best features. A strategic takeaway from Celebrity’s Millennium Class ships. Regardless of the weather, it’s open unless the seas are too rough and the waves in the pool flood the deck. In the mornings, it’s water aerobics and lap swimmers. During the day,
it’s off and on crowd-wise. A place to cool down from the sun or warm up on those cool weather sailings. Late afternoon and evening, it’s a respite for a visit to one of the hot tubs followed by a quick dip in the pool. The adjacent Spa Café. Is a nifty spot for a healthy light breakfast or afternoon snack. At night, the light and water features of this amenity capture the imagination of anyone taking time to savor this special place.

From the pool deck heading aft up a twin level of wide staircases there is a choice of either entering the Garden Café (the buffet venue) or continuing up another staircase to the Lawn Club and its’ outdoor features. Eclipse and Equinox feature a glass blowing theatre, reservation only cabanas, and the lawn club. On Silhouette it was the Lawn Club Grill.

Real grass on the deck of a ship? It’s a game changer. Landscapers tend to the fragile space like museum curators. Salt water and grass don’t mix well. Continuing aft are a flank of padded chairs on both starboard and port sides. Bocci ball anyone? At the stern you arrive at Sunset Bar. The ultimate design for the aft deck of a ship. In addition to the nautically designed bar, adjacent areas flank this venue and model an outdoor patio with great views of the ship’s wash and of course the sunset or sunrise depending on the direction you are sailing. The only thing missing (for obvious reasons) is a fire pit.

Traveling down the staircases we head forward along rows of deck chairs and the jogging track passing the Mast Bar adjacent to The Mast Grill. Lunch favorites include grilled sandwiches, fries and a host of condiments and sides.

Heading up another set of stairs (well lit at night) a forward wrap around deck with an atmospheric glass structure provides access to the tot, tween, and teen centers. Further forward you’ll pass the enclosed netted court area for deck sports and finally a fabulous view overlooking the bow of the ship. One more flight of stairs up will grant you access to today’s The Retreat for suite guests only.

Welcome to Oceanview Café

Oceanview Café offers the advent of separate seemingly endless islands of food where I first experienced and loved on Celebrity’s Mercury. The concept worked then and it’s splendid now. To be expected it does get crowded at peak mealtimes so pace yourself.

The remedy and trick to garnering a tasty hot breakfast? Line up for an omelette, a toasty waffle, or Celebrity’s fabulous eggs benedict bar (which I love.) The list of ancillary breakfast items is nearly endless.

Lunch at this voluminous dining venue yields fresh baked breads, salads, an Asian and Indian section including Sushi; a pasta station, daily specialties (from fish and chips, BBQ ribs, to paella), cheeses, to a desert and free ice cream bar and literally everything in between. No one should walk out hungry with options beyond. Head to the stern for the perfect al fresco dining affair. Finally, dinner at Ocean View is quiet. The lights are dimmed and much of the same fare from the main dining rooms is available – and warm! Late night snacks include pasta, pizza, salads, and an abbreviated selection of desserts.

MAIN DINING ROOM
Eclipse – Moonlight Sonata
Silhouette – Grand Cuvee
Equinox – Silhouette Dining Room

World-class designer Adam Tihany defines his concept behind the design of the 1,400 seat two story dining room on board all of the Solstice class ships as simply “inspired by celebratory champagne and bubbles”. A rather modest statement in my opinion. The execution of Tihany’s design is beyond words. The scope of detail and imagination is simply mesmerizing. On my first Eclipse cruise, I was seated at a table for eight on the first level next to the two-level chrome webbed wine racks giving me a broad view of the entire space. I felt as though I was on a different planet. The photos show the beauty of the space but not how one feels. The service and food, while more than acceptable, became secondary. Request a table on the first level if you can. It feels less crowded.

Often, I opt for late seating. The service seems less rushed with meals than can last three hours, at which time the staff is folding napkins for the next day’s breakfast. Time to get some air, a late show or turn in. It’s after 11PM. Post COVID, I don’t hesitate to exploit the anytime dining option. Seated as a solo is speedy and there are always folks nearby happy to strike up a conversation.

Daylight dining in these restaurants shows off a different perspective of the MDR. Breakfast or lunch is well received, and the dining room shows off its splendor with the spectacle of sunlight.

DINE ON – Extra Cost

BLU

On my second “Eclipse” cruise (2016 eight-day Caribbean), I opted to try Aqua class only because of an upgrade offer. The stateroom itself mirrors any other veranda stateroom except for a few extra amenities. Aqua class offers some spa specials and of course, dining at BLU (Deck 5); a culinary mélange of fine and healthy dining in a cozy, elegant restaurant with great views of the sea and a highly attentive staff. I was greeted by name on day two and seated immediately.

The cuisine was well prepared and served exquisitely. At times I may have preferred some of the offerings in the Main Dining Room but found dining at BLU refreshing, fresh and healthy. The couple I met on day one at an adjoining table were priceless. We dined together each night – me at a table for one and a wonderful British couple at the next table. Since that cruise our friendship ensues with weekly chats, annual visits to one another’s homes and embarking together on two-week voyage to Norway and the Arctic.

I never sailed in a suite which would have qualified me access to Luminae, Deck Three aft. It’s a pretty space and from what I have heard and read, it’s topflight and delivers on the promise. Sweet dreams!

Tuscan Grill offers solid cuisine and specializes in Italian fare. There’s something for everyone. The menu is exhausting yet inviting. Expect to spend some time for dinner with great views of the sea and ship’s wash. As a side note, loyalty members gain access to Tuscan Grill’s relatively uncrowded breakfast.

Murano is the extra cost fine dining French affair which I’ve never experienced. It’s a gorgeous space. I could never justify the many hours spent dining, wine paring and its myriad of courses. One day perhaps.

Qzine is a wacky animated dining venue with overhead projectors animating the food tables. Yes, there is real food and it’s funky and delicious. If you have kids, bring them along. Otherwise, prepare yourself for a fantasy dining experience that will surely set the stage for a fun and fanciful night out.

THE GRAND FOYER AND ATRIUM AND BEYOND

I had to look twice in the Atrium when I first encountered its five-story tree. The sheer logistics of installing such an element had to be a massive undertaking. By day or night one can become highly entertained riding up and down in the atrium elevators witnessing the reality that there’s a huge tree in the middle of the ship.

What also makes such a large space inviting is how retro the design is. Story’s high art deco lit columns flanked and draped with white gauze curtains frame the atrium. With or without an event, Solstice class atriums are a spectacle.

The Grand Foyer and lobby on Deck Three is the intersection for Guest Relations, Shore Excursions, and a meeting place at the rather quiet Passport Bar. I like sitting in this foyer, people watching and admiring the quiet and casual elegance of the space unless there’s an event planned. I have seen some wild and crazy things take place in this normally quite spot. Bow and arrow target practice, dance lessons and bean bag contests are the low impact events. Watch for the crazy when one night a packed atrium hosted by the Cruise Director with a monster-sized slingshot rifled undergarments into the crowd. Who says Celebrity is dull.

Strolling forward on Deck Four from the Atrium we arrive at of Celebrity’s most infamous watering holes: The Martini Bar. The entertainers are the bartenders stacking tin mixers and pouring out shots into stacked martini glasses from ten feet in the air. High fives and crowds keep this bar popping until whenever.

Heading forward we enter another aspect of the ship innovated for Solstice class. The Shops on the Boulevard. The art deco theme continues in this two-story space with high end brand stores and the adjoining Casino on Deck Four. More shops on Deck Five offer jewelry, sundries, sportswear, logo gear, and watches. Deck Five also sports the Photo Gallery and a space for art auctions and exhibits.

Forward to the boulevard of goodies we enter a smaller two-story atrium, The Entertainment Court where more events take place including game shows and small venue contests. It’s also a foyer for entry into Celebrity Central (used for lectures, a cooking theatre, and late-night shows), the Future Cruise Center and a meeting place for small events. Finally, the forward corridors lead into The Theatre. Another grandiose showstopping space.

Port and starboard on Deck Five we venture outdoors to the Promenade decks. Port for smoking, starboard for nonsmoking each with lounging areas, outdoor furnishings, and tables. While not full length and interwoven with low hanging lifeboats and tenders, the lounge areas are wide with unobstructed views of the passing sea.

Back inside on Deck Five, one of the more noteworthy and appreciated destinations is Café Al Bacio and the Gelato Bar. Celebrity loyalists flock here at all times of the day for coffee, teas, and pastries. Celebrity does it right with a full staff of baristas and wait staff. Even at busy hours, the line moves swiftly. Best organized coffee bar at sea in my opinion.

Closing in on another one of my favorite lounges is the Ensemble Lounge. This is clearly one of the more formal spaces onboard featuring live classical and contemporary entertainment. The bar is a favorite for pre and post dinner drinks. It’s a dimly lit space during the day and dark at night. Ensemble is reminiscent of a first-class lounge on liners in a bygone era. Entrance to the Retreat Lounge (replacing Michael’s Club) and Murano are located on the starboard side of Ensemble.

THE LIBRARY

I love this space. It may not be the most functional library, but it clearly makes a statement and is well used for those wishing to delve into a favorite book. The use of space and position on Deck Eleven makes it accessible and very inviting.

STATEROOMS

Balcony staterooms are 195 square feet plus a 55 square foot balcony. Larger than the industry average, very comfortable with a mini fridge and decent storage space although the closets positioned next to the bed are tight. The highly efficient bathroom with circular shower are the standard and well maintained. The sofa is great for napping and lounging and the desk area is sufficed for working at sea as I typically do. Ample power and USB ports never made charging my arsenal of cameras, phone, and computer a challenge. Bedding is upscale. Overall, I really like Celebrity’s staterooms as I have stayed in standard, Aqua and Concierge Class categories.

I’m always looking for my next cruise and hope to sail on any one of these fine ships for years to come.

Don’t miss more updates, news and reviews of Celebrity Cruises on Cruising journal with photos, videos and cruise offers.

JD Schwartz

Comments