Celebrity - Celebrity Solstice

The Celebrity Solstice, launched in 2008, carries around 2,800 passengers and more than 1,200 crew—and it strikes a nice balance between classic cruise elegance and modern amenities. What sets this ship apart are some unique features, like its onboard glass-blowing studio, a stunning theater complete with aerial performances, a lively dance club, and both indoor and outdoor pool areas. There’s also a strong enrichment program, which ended up being one of our favorite aspects of the sailing.

The Celebrity Cruises App was helpful but not essential. Each evening, a printed schedule of activities was delivered to the cabin, though the app mirrored this information accurately. We skipped purchasing Wi-Fi, but the app’s free messaging feature worked well for staying in touch when we split up—just note that you have to manually check for messages since notifications don’t pop up.

Overall, the ship was very well maintained, with one particularly memorable exception. While docked overnight near Bangkok, the crew spent hours trying to capture a stowaway monkey that had somehow made its way onboard. Thankfully, the situation was resolved safely, and the monkey was returned to shore before departure—a story we won’t soon forget.

Design-wise, the ship leans into a refined, understated elegance, with soft, neutral tones throughout. The two-story main dining room is especially beautiful, featuring crisp white walls and sparkling glass chandeliers that create a bright, sophisticated atmosphere.

For non-smokers, navigating the ship was relatively easy. Smoking was limited primarily to a rear bar area and a section of the pool deck, while the casino—tucked away and surprisingly quiet during our sailing—was easy to avoid altogether.

We originally booked a guaranteed interior cabin at a fantastic last-minute price about two months before sailing. Then came an upgrade offer we couldn’t resist: for just $150 total, we moved into a mid-ship balcony cabin on Deck 8. The room was comfortable and well-designed, featuring a king bed and a small sofa. Like many older ships, though, the power outlets were located near the vanity rather than the bed—a small inconvenience. Storage space was adequate for the two of us, even with extra luggage for a longer trip. One standout touch: cabin stewards still provide twice-daily service, complete with chocolates on the pillow in the evening. Laundry services were available ($59 per bag or $150 for three), though we didn’t use them.

Entertainment on Solstice truly stood out. Most evenings featured two main shows, typically at 7:00 and 9:00, though early dining made it tricky to catch the first performance. The production cast—15 incredibly talented singers, dancers, and aerialists—delivered shows that were nothing short of spectacular. In fact, these were easily the best performances we’ve seen across our three cruises. Guest performers added variety with music, comedy, and unique acts, and we rarely had trouble finding good seats (except during popular at-sea day matinees). The cruise director, a lively Brit, kept things running smoothly while keeping guests engaged and informed. Her husband led the activities team, organizing everything from axe throwing and curling to archery and dance classes—many of which took place in the Grand Foyer, an unexpectedly fun and dynamic venue. That said, the “Entertainment Court” felt a bit cramped for games, and we think the Celebrity Central theater would have been a better fit. Evenings often wrapped up with deck parties or late-night fun in the Quasar silent disco. One of the biggest highlights for us was the at-sea programming. The enrichment series featured three speakers covering topics like local destinations, wildlife and sustainability, and technology. We attended every port-focused session—they were incredibly informative, offering practical tips on everything from currency and safety to must-see attractions and local food. Even better, all presentations were recorded and available on demand through the cabin TV. Music lovers had plenty of options as well, from an acoustic guitar duo performing pop and Latin hits to a classical quartet and an upbeat party band. We especially enjoyed spending time in the Sky Observation Lounge, which offered a relaxed setting and great views to wind down after a full day. All in all, the Celebrity Solstice delivered a well-rounded, engaging cruise experience—with standout entertainment, thoughtful programming, and just enough unique touches to make it memorable.

For this sailing, we took a more independent approach to shore excursions—and it paid off in a big way. We booked all but one of our tours through Travel Authentic Asia, a company that offered multiple options at each port. Thanks to a very organized (and much appreciated!) spreadsheet created by someone in the Cruise Critic community, around 70 fellow passengers ended up joining these excursions. Everything was well coordinated, and we were able to see an incredible amount at each stop.

In Ko Samui, we had the unforgettable experience of feeding elephants at a sanctuary and visiting stunning temples—including one housing a mummified monk, which was both fascinating and unique.

When we reached Bangkok, we decided to make the most of our overnight port stop by booking a hotel in the city rather than commuting back and forth to the ship. That extra time allowed us to explore highlights like the Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Chetuphon, take a long-tail boat tour through the canals, and venture out to Ayutthaya to see the remarkable ruins of Siam’s second capital dating from the 14th to 18th centuries.

In Ho Chi Minh City, we explored a mix of cultural and historical sites, including a Chinatown pagoda, the Independence Palace, and the historic French colonial center—experienced in a fun and memorable way by trishaw.

Our stop in Hue brought us to the impressive Imperial City of Hue, which served as the seat of emperors from 1804 until the monarchy ended in 1965. Walking through the citadel gave us a real sense of Vietnam’s royal history.

For our final excursion, we discovered a different local company through a Facebook group—Roll with Locals—and it ended up being the highlight of our entire 46-day trip. We again booked a hotel, this time in Hanoi, to maximize our time.

This experience had it all: a breathtaking boat ride through Ha Long Bay, exploring dramatic rock caves, and kayaking in the calm, emerald waters. Back in Hanoi, we took an incredible motorbike tour through the city—an adventure in itself—watched a train pass just inches away on the famous street tracks, sampled delicious street food (including egg coffee!), and visited important landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Hoa Lo Prison (often referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton”).

Overall, these independently booked excursions added so much depth to our trip. They allowed us to explore each destination in a more immersive and meaningful way—and in some cases, created the most memorable moments of our entire journey.