Solstice was very disappointing

K

Karin

Guest
We were on the last of 8 2 dayers and everything was open with a full crew but the service was so bad I had them credit back my gratuities.

At check in we had 2 do it twice since the system was not working right. The next day I had to have all 3 of our credit cards scanned twice because they system cancelled us out.
Staff was very disappointing. In the dining room we had to ask for water and ice tea, waited 20 minutes to order, waited over an hour for dinner after the salad was served. Never made the show because we just finished eating by 10:45. Dinner was not hot.
Cabin steward couldn't remember we had late seating and found him cleaning ours up at 7pm just when we wanted to get ready. He left dirty wash towels on the counter. He didn't even have the right passengers listed in our cabin.
In the ocean view cafe/buffet staff walked by and by and by never asking if you needed coffee, drinks whatever. You had to ask them to clean off tables so you could sit down. When you got dishes and silverware I found dirty ones 4x. Food was never hot here.
They let kids in the solarium.
They allowed smoking on the balconies even though it was 'technically' not allowed.
No chocolates on the beds at night.
Balcony was always dirty.
Nothing was on time - games, shows, presentations, nothing.
Chairs, especially in the dining room, were uncomfortable everywhere. They're made for very tall people since they were very deep. If you're short you'll have a tough time.
Shops are super tiny with not a lot of inventory. Only shops with choice was liquor and jewelry and of course since they have the largest margins. And VERY expensive. Perfumes were retail prices from here; no real bargains at all.
5 specialty restaurants have the great food but you pay extra of course for it which you really shouldn't have to. Dining room meals were just not up to par.

The boat is a work of art - everything from ultra modern to sophisticated. Loved the no smoking, especially in the casino and bars. Lawn club is nice and the solarium is to die for; only wish they didn't allow kids in. Shows were great. Best cabins are in the Aqua Class with private lounges and dining room aft.

Gotta let them work things out I guess but it was not what you'd expect from Celebrity at any time.
 
B

BSeabob

Guest
Well I sure hope things get better for the paying masses when the times comes. Your experience was sure different than my Florida cruisin' buddies who were at the start of those 2 dayers.

We shall see fairly quickly as I think the weekly cruises have started.
 
P

pete_coach

Guest
Gosh Karin, It is a shame that you had such poor service and such an awful time. It is really quite contradictory to the many others who have posted about their experience on the very same trip as you.
Hope you have a better time on your next trip wherever it may take you and whomever takes you. :)
 
R

Ryne08Rich47

Guest
Your impression of this new ship are so different from the reviews on the other cruise web sites.
 
C

Conniemc

Guest
I'm just realizing these were TWO DAY runs....tough for crew to do, I'm sure. I wouldn't want to have to remember every two days new people and preferences on a completely unfamiliar ship. Sure they'll get their act together (at least the crew part) soon. As far as not enforcing policies, again might just be they haven't gotten the chain of command down yet. I can't imagine why they would do TWO DAY sailings...poor staff. Sounds like a madhouse. I think sometimes they float these puppies out before getting the infrastructure worked out. Corporate pressure and all that.
 
C

Conniemc

Guest
Karin, if you're still around, I'm curious. Was just reading the rave "reviews", all posted by paid travel agents who were given the trip free. Did you pay for this cruise or were you one of the travel agents? I'd be more likely to listen to paying passengers, and it sounded like you were, because you took your tips back. I presume none of the "freebie" cruisers were pre-tipping. When do the first "real" cruisers get back (7 days or more)?
 
B

Barry

Guest
this is not that uncommon on a 2 dayer' B2B on a new ship, and that is one reason we hardly do that anymore.....too much hassle and as stated above...reviews are streaming in for a great trip from many. Leave Sat for a week, I'll report back.
 
C

Conniemc

Guest
Yeah, no way I'd take a one night, or for that matter 3-5 night cruise...too much trouble. Seven days is short enuf.
 
G

gris

Guest
OMG I cann't believe you were on the same cruise I was on. Another girl in my office was on the same ship different date and we both loved it. The food was fabulous and hot. The crew were friendly and service impeccable. Celebrity service reminded me of how HAL used to be.
I agree no chocolates on the pillow. Are you sure you were on the Solstice and not on a NCL ship.
 
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