Celebrity has it all, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice departed Sydney last Monday (8 April) bound for Honolulu, she has just completed her biggest cruise season yet.
Although I have not had the pleasure of sailing on this vessel, I have spent many hours on board and without a doubt, Australians love her sophisticated style. As the newest and most contemporary ship based in the region, Celebrity Solstice has redefined cruising from Australia. She carried a wide range of guests from across the globe, with 45 per cent of guests coming from Australia and New Zealand,” said Gavin Smith, regional vice president and managing director of Celebrity Cruises Australia.
The maiden season for the newest superliner to be based in Australia featured 12 sailings that ranged from one to 18-night cruises and called at 28 ports in seven countries. The recently refurbished Celebrity Millennium also stopped in Sydney for a brief visit, her first visit here since she was based in Australia for the 2010-11 cruise season. Over 38,500 people cruised with Celebrity Cruises over the summer on these two ships, 90 per cent of which were on Celebrity Solstice alone.
According to Gavin Smith, Celebrity Solstice’s arrival was not only a hit with Australian passengers; she had a positive impact on the Australian economy as well. “Each turnaround is a massive operation; 5,700 guests get on and off the ship – the equivalent of around 12 A380s, 115 coaches or 1,500 taxis. Each Sydney turnaround, we estimate a contribution of over $8 million to the Australian economy,” said Smith.
Celebrity Solstice returns to Australia on 23 October 2013 for a second extended season and will offer a total of 16 cruises, with more itinerary options to the South Pacific islands.
While Celebrity Cruises is a fairly new name in cruising in Australia, it is well established in Europe and the United States where the cruising bible, the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2012 gave Celebrity Solstice the highest rating of any ship to be based in Australia.
Celebrity Solstice brought a number of firsts for Celebrity Cruises in Australia and New Zealand. With her cool, contemporary design and exceptional service, Celebrity Solstice introduced features never before seen in our waters, such as the world’s first half-acre grass Lawn Club at sea, daily glass blowing shows from the renowned Corning Museum of Glass and spa holiday inspired AquaClass cabins. Carrying up to 3,148 passengers and a guest to staff ratio of 2:1, some 85 per cent of cabins on board Celebrity Solstice have balconies and suites come with butler service, as well as a number of personalised services in Concierge class and AquaClass.
The ship boasts no less than ten dining venues. One of the leading restaurant designers, Adam Tihany, is famed for creating legendary New York restaurants Per Se, Jean Georges and Le Cirque, and his influence is evident in the design of the dramatic two-level Grand Épernay main dining room. There are also five speciality restaurants including the classic steakhouse “Tuscan Grille”, fine dining in “Murano”, Asian specialities in “Silk Harvest”, indulgent yet fresh healthy options in “Blu”, and crepes at “Bistro on Five”. There are also a number of stylish bars and lounges on board including the ice-topped Martini Bar and the wine cellar on board is second-to-none, including a range of fine champagnes. Wine tastings are also a key feature and at “Cellarmasters” wine bar, guests can even choose their own wine at the touch of a button with the “Enomatic” wine serving system.
While there are a number of adults-only areas including the AquaSpa and one of the pools, children aged three to 11 on board will be happily occupied in the Fun Factory, while for teens the X Club, features teen oriented entertainment and a dance club. Although kids are well catered for the demographics appear to be in the over 50 arena. In my opinion, this ship will sell out fast on her next season.
Celebrity Solstice cruises for the 2013-14 season include:
- A 17-night Trans Pacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney on 5 October 2014 which calls at Hawaii, French Polynesia and New Zealand
- Three South Pacific cruises including one NEW 9-night cruise and two 8-night cruises – plus one 12-night South Pacific Fiji cruise
- Five 12-night open-jaw cruises between Sydney and Auckland (3 Sydney to Auckland and 2 Auckland to Sydney)
- One 14-night Sydney to Auckland Christmas and New Year cruise, and one 14-night Auckland to Sydney cruise
- A 17-night Australia and New Zealand cruise from Auckland to Perth which can be combined with the following 17-night ‘Top End’ Round Australia cruise from Perth to Sydney to create a 34-night circumnavigation of Australia cruise
- One 3-night sampler cruise departing Sydney on Thursday 23 October 2014
- An 18-night Trans Pacific cruise from Sydney to Honolulu on 3 April 2015
Prices for a 12-night New Zealand cruise sailing from Sydney to Auckland on 28-Nov-13 start from $1,329 per person.
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