Solstice vs. Summit

[Isac2]

Hello,
this is my first post here on these forums so be kind if I missed some of the essential rules. Anyway, I was on my first cruise about a year ago, and since I live over i Europe this whole concept these Caribbean cruises was a bit vague. However, it didn't take long (minutes I suppose) before I realized how absolutely wonderful it was... I have the bug I suppose

My first cruise was with the Solstice, and as it was a new and fresh boat, I found nothing lacking. This time around I would like to try a different route, and the dates that suite us are with the Summit. Those of you who has been on both... will I be disappointed? How do these two ships compare? Are there a lot of kids on the Summit (found the Solsitice to be very peaceful)? How are the Verandas? How crowded is it (I found Solstice to be very OK and space-full)? Please share your views!


Thank you!

 

[Ted_D]

Welcome to these boards!

You will enjoy Summit, as you did Solstice. As you already know, Summit is not as new, but she is well maintained and the M-class ships are well designed and appointed. The food, entertainment, and service are the same. For me, I find the M-class ships to be as spacious as the Solstice class, other than the lawn, which is a unique feature for the S's.

You also asked about kids on Summit. How many there will be will depend entirely on which cruise you book and when it is. There will always be more kids present on a Caribbean route than in Europe, but the numbers go way up during the summer months, holidays, and US school breaks, and way down in mid-winter months. Also, there are always more kids on 7 night cruises than on longer ones.

Post often, and share your cruise experiences with us.

Ted

 

[Conniemc]

Welcome!

IMO if your very first cruise was on a Solstice class, you haven't really cruised.

"New and fresh" do not make a good ship. Regardless of age, ships are updated and refurbished, which you SHOULD pay attention to before you sail. The Waldorf Astoria in New York is very old too, but one of the finest hotels in the country. Look at the Century, which was turned into a completely new ship recently.

The Century class for me, is a bit small, but many many people love that class.

Unless you are geared for a "playground" like atmosphere, or really like having 10 restaurants to choose from, you should definitely try Summit. The M class is spacious, sophisticated, and offer more than enough diversions. The cabins are actually better than the newer ships as they spent more money on things back then, like wall thickness and structural issues.

The Solstice class does not offer a true ocean voyage experience IMO. It's more of a enormous floating high rise on the ocean. I sailed on a ship a bit smaller than her (The Princess Ruby) a year ago and couldn't even HEAR the ocean from my cabin, it was so far down.

Go to celebrity.com and take a virtual tour of the different classes of ships and amenities. That should give you a good idea which class is best for you.