Celebrity Solstice

The first of the Solstice class to be built, the Celebrity Solstice is currently the largest vessel in the Celebrity Cruises fleet - although its forthcoming sister ship, Celebrity Reflection (due in November 2012), will be even bigger. Three other Solstice class vessels are also in operation: the Equinox, Eclipse and Silhouette.

Celebrity Solstice was designed to create a feeling of open space and light for passengers. This has been achieved to great effect with the help of expert interior design, extensive use of glass and rich colour schemes.

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Natural light has been used wherever possible, plus the architecture of the vessel offers plenty of expansive indoor areas with high ceilings - such as the enormous atrium.

In addition, careful attention has been paid to the ship's layout, especially in regards to the guest-to-space ratio and the passenger flow. This ensures that people can move from one place to another with ease and without feeling crowded.

The liner has also been fitted out with more than 200 solar panels, helping to reduce at least part of the vessel's carbon footprint.

During the summer months, the Celebrity Solstice is based in Barcelona and offers six and 12 night voyages throughout the Mediterranean. Depending on the specific cruise, ports of call might include Rome, Florence, Venice, Cannes, Nice, the Greek Isles, Tunis and Dubrovnik.

As the winter season approaches, the vessel goes on a transatlantic voyage to Florida. The ship's home port from around November to February is Ft Lauderdale and it departs on Caribbean holidays, with possible destinations including San Joan, St Thomas and St Maarten.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,145
Year entered service: 2008
Beam (ship width): 120.7 feet
Draught (ship depth): 27.2 feet
Length: 1,033 feet
Tonnage: 122,000
Crew: 1,253
Maximum speed: 24 knots
Number of passenger decks: 19
Number of lifts: 12
Number of swimming pools: 3
Number of cabins: 1,426

Food, cuisine and dining

The principal dining room on the Celebrity Solstice is called the Grand Epernay. Located at the aft end of the ship, it is spread over two decks and offers guests some lovely ocean views. The centrepiece of the room is the enormous wine tower, which is resplendent with glass panelling and dramatic lighting.

Breakfast and lunch are provided on an open-seating basis. There are two dinner services every night and passengers will be assigned tables and tablemates for this meal. Menus are not overly complicated and the range of choice is generally limited to fewer than ten entrees.

For guests in AquaClass, Blu is an exclusive restaurant decorated in cool, soothing colours and is an ideal choice for a quiet dinner. Fare includes gourmet items like ahi tuna and fillet mignon, while the venue also serves breakfast.

Alternatively, Murano, Tuscan Grille and Silk Harvest are three specialty eateries where diners can enjoy a high-class meal and excellent service. Reservations are required, and dining in these venues will incur an extra fee.

Other more casual options for a quick meal or tasty snack include:
• Bistro on Five
• Cafe al Bacio and Gelateria
• Ocean View Cafe and Grill
• The AquaSpa Cafe
• The Mast Bar and Grill

Complimentary room service is also available to all guests and includes a variety of breakfast items, soups, salads and desserts.

On-board entertainment and activities

There's never a shortage of things to do on the Celebrity Solstice and visitors of any age will be amazed at the wide range of activities, entertainment, enrichment programmes and other events going on all the time.

One unique feature of the Solstice is its half-acre of live grass, which is situated between the two funnels on the upper deck. Called the Lawn Club, this area offers a space to play games like croquet. It's also home the Hot Glass Show, a glass-blowing demonstration that was created with assistance from New York's Corning Museum of Glass.

If you'd like to see a show or two during your voyage, the Solstice Theatre is a lavish, 1,115-seat lounge that offers a range of productions, such as acrobatics, music and dance. Alternatively, the Entertainment Court boasts several of street performers.

Scattered around the ship, there are a number of bars and lounges, perfect for enjoying your favourite tipple, as well as some live music. There's Fortunes Casino if you want to try your luck on a games table or slot machine. And for those looking for a nightclub scene, then Quasar is the place to go.

Of course, there's also plenty for kids to do on the Celebrity Solstice and the Fun Factory has been designed for three to 12-year-olds. It includes educational programs, games and arts and crafts facilities, while the X Club is a hangout area for teenagers.

Spas and fitness facilities

The AquaSpa on Celebrity Solstice is the largest such facility in the Celebrity fleet. Operated by Steiner Leisure, a global name known for its excellent body, skin and hair care products, the AquaSpa is equipped with a wide range of treatment facilities and exercise equipment.

Guests can unwind with a massage, aromatherapy or a relaxing body wrap, or get a bit of pampering with a facial, manicure, hair treatment or teeth whitening.

The fully equipped gym includes cardio and resistance machines and those who really want to get their blood pumping can enjoy a fitness class.

In the Solarium, you'll find a lap pool and two whirlpools, as well as a beautiful water fountain that gives the room a tranquil ambience. Elsewhere on the ship, facilities include a jogging track, two other swimming pools, a sports court and a putting green.

Cabins

The Celebrity Solstice has more than 1,400 cabins, giving passengers a range of options to choose from, whether they're seeking a luxurious holiday with all the amenities or low-cost cruise deals.

Rooms are split into a number of grades, depending on their price, facilities, location, size and services provided. The majority of staterooms offer a view, and many of these have a balcony.

These include AquaClass - named after the AquaSpa, this includes unlimited use of the thermal suite and Persian Garden - as well as Veranda, Sunset-Veranda, Concierge, Family Oceanview, Deluxe Oceanview, Standard Oceanview and Standard Interior.

All rooms, no matter what size or class, come with a sitting area, a vanity-desk with a hairdryer, a 32-inch (or larger) flat-screen television and a private bathroom with a shower. Wireless internet access can be provided for an extra fee.

In addition, passengers staying in the more sumptuous suites will enjoy extra services, such as express luggage delivery, fluffy bathrobes, dining and seating preferences in the specialty restaurants and priority embarkation and disembarkation. Rooms are also much larger and bathrooms in the higher classes generally also include baths or whirlpools.