TripmeUp

My husband and I (in our 40s) will be travelling on the Celebrity Solstice in Mid-March going to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

Do you have any recommendations for shore excursions? Are the ones offerred by Celebrity any good?

What suggestions do you have for making the Solstice cruise a great experience (it's our first time)?

We appreciate your feedback and advice!

bighairtexan

You are going to love the Solstice. A few recommendations: when you first embark, avoid the crowds at the buffet and head to Bistro on 5. There is a modest $5pp charge and they serve crepes (entree and dessert), paninis, soups, salads. It's a really nice venue and not that crowded.

Also the Aqua Spa Cafe is a great place for breakfast and lunch. It's no upcharge, open to all passengers and serves lighter, healthy fare which is DELICIOUS.

The MOLECULAR BAR (still on the deck plans as Galleria Tastings, offers some of the most delicious and unusual cocktails (some of them are served to you w smoke drifting off the top). The martini bar is a more hopping social scene, but the Molecular bar is unique.


I never use ship excursions so I'll be of very little help there.

PS: make sure you try the waffles in the buffet. mmmmmm

qwovadis

http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/...cfm?ShipID=381

always save have more fun with DIY shore excursions

from $50 per half day all in can get very cheap with

4-6 folks for nice private driver guide.

St Thomas has had a crime wave of late check

www.travel.state.gov for info watch out for remote

dodgy druggy areas off the beaten path.

One cruiser was murdured there on a tour recently.

So be safe and careful,

qwovadis

news.travel.aol.com/2010/07/14/arrest-made-in-st-thomas-teenage-cruise-passenger-shooting

Poor little 14 year old cruiser got caught in a drug gang war

around Coki Beach very tragic my prayers are with the family.

Avoid areas like these...

ParrotMom

We were on the Soltice last may and I want to tell you that the ship is gorgeous, the art work alone is worth the cruise..Qwovadis is right about St Thomas.. if your planning on shopping there know your prices ahead of time... . We were there for a week many years ago and the only thing that was great about St. Thomas is going to St. Johns.. Also agree about the Aqua Spa and their food, not too many tables. Guess there is a special fan club for the Soltice.. we too loved he Bistro on 5.. well worth the $5.00.. did not like the Tuscan Grille..BTW stay away from the art auctions.. they are the biggest scam artists... I've already posted our experience.. Don"t miss the glass blowing displays on the lawn deck.. I didn't miss a one.. Oh how I loved the Soltice.. the Equinox is the same, but alot more staid. Oh yes... the young girl murdered was caught in a gun fire..It isn't the safest place at night according to shop people.