Celebrity Solstice: Ultimate Guide

Some cruise ships are built for flash. Others for size. Celebrity Solstice is built for good times, good food, and just the right amount of luxury. She’s been a favourite among Aussie travellers for years and for good reason. 

Whether you’re off to Alaska to chase glaciers, floating through the South Pacific, or planning a slow summer around New Zealand and the east coast, Solstice makes the journey feel like the destination.

In this guide, we’re unpacking everything you need to know before you book, from 2025/26 itineraries and dining options to the best staterooms to kick back in. 

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2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations

If you’re looking to tick a few dream locations off your bucket list, Celebrity Solstice upcoming season is shaping up to be a globe-trotter’s dream, from icy wilderness to tropical bliss.

Starting off, the ship is heading back to her old stomping grounds in Alaska, with classic Inside Passage routes and jaw-dropping glacier views. These cruises usually run from May to September and are perfect if you’re keen on a bit of wildlife spotting or glacier-gazing from your balcony with a glass of wine in hand.

From there, Solstice makes her way across the Pacific with a few exotic stopovers in Asia with stops in destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. Great food, better shopping, and a serious cultural fix.

Then come the South Pacific and Australian legs. You’ve got itineraries that take in places like New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Queensland coast. Whether you’re into city strolls or snorkelling in turquoise waters, there’s something on the map for you.

And for the truly adventurous, there’s an epic 110-night Grand Voyage that wraps the globe in one cruise. Over 58 destinations in 15 countries. It’s a ‘quit your job and sail off into the sunset’ kind of trip.

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Dining and Culinary Experience

Celebrity Solstice is known for its top-tier dining scene. Even the included options are well above your average buffet-and-burger setup.

You’ve got the Grand Epernay Restaurant, which is the ship’s main dining room and kind of a centrepiece with its massive chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and a surprisingly inventive menu that changes nightly. The Oceanview Café is your go-to for a casual bite with views, and it’s more international than your average airport food court (in the best way).

If you’re feeling snacky by the pool, The Mast Grill is all about quick comfort food with burgers, chips, and grilled goodies. And if you’re on a bit of a health kick, the Spa Café is tucked inside the solarium with fresh smoothies and light bites.

Now for the real treats: the specialty restaurants. These cost extra, but they’re worth it if you’re up for a bit of a splurge.

• Murano serves classic French fine dining (think truffle risotto and lobster tail flambéed at your table).
  
• Tuscan Grille brings Italian steakhouse vibes with big-portioned pasta and juicy cuts.
  
• Le Petit Chef is dinner and a show. Animated little chefs ‘cook’ your food right on the table via projection.
  
• Sushi on Five is the underrated gem for sushi lovers with super fresh ingredients.
  
• And Blu, exclusive to AquaClass guests, offers clean, modern dishes that don’t feel like spa food. Even the desserts are light but indulgent.

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Onboard Activities [Family, Kids and Couple]

No matter who you’re cruising with (your partner, the kids, or even your parents) Celebrity Solstice keeps things interesting at sea.

For Families and Kids

Kids don’t just get babysitting, they get a whole program. Camp at Sea is divided by age group and runs everything from arts and crafts to Xbox tournaments and scavenger hunts. Staff are trained, friendly, and manage to keep the chaos organised.

Teenagers get their own zone with the XClub. There’s karaoke, sports tournaments, movie nights, and space to just chill without feeling like they’re stuck on a “family holiday.”

And don’t worry, there’s plenty of family-friendly action outside of the kids’ clubs. Pool days, lawn games, live shows, even an outdoor cinema under the stars, all solid crowd-pleasers.

For Couples

If you’re sailing with your significant other, it’s ridiculously easy to slip into ‘honeymoon mode’ even if it’s been ten years since your honeymoon.

The Solarium is adults-only and blissfully quiet, with loungers, whirlpools, and a glass roof that keeps things bright but breezy. The Canyon Ranch spa is also a winner if you’re after a couples massage or just want to disappear into a sauna for an hour or two.

Sunset drinks at the Lawn Club are a vibe and they’ve got wine tasting sessions with cellar masters and live jazz on some evenings.  At night, there are plenty world class amenities. Between the theatre shows, silent discos, pool bars, a passport bar, a sky observation lounge, and a Martini Bar with an ice-topped counter (don’t ask, just go), there’s no shortage of date night options.

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Accommodations Details

Rooms on the Celebrity Solstice are surprisingly roomy and well thought out. Even the cheaper ones don’t feel like broom closets.

Here’s the rundown:

• Inside Staterooms: No windows, but comfy and quiet. Ideal if you’re spending most of your time out and about and just need a dark spot to crash.
  
• Ocean View: A window to the world, literally. Great for early risers who love waking up to a bit of natural light.
  
• Veranda Staterooms: These are the sweet spot for most travellers with a private balcony, decent space, and not crazy expensive.
  
• Concierge Class: Comes with priority check-in, better bathroom amenities, a welcome bottle of bubbly, and a concierge to help book your stuff onboard.
  
• AquaClass: Perfect if you’re into wellness. You get access to the Persian Garden (steam rooms and heated loungers), plus exclusive dining at Blu and a few other perks like upgraded bedding.
  
• Suites: Living the suite life gets you into The Retreat, which is basically VIP heaven. You get a private sundeck, lounge, 24/7 butler, and top-shelf everything. If you’ve got the budget, you won’t regret it.

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Deck Plan

Stretching over 317 metres with 15 decks (13 of them open to passengers), Celebrity Solstice carries around 2,850 guests and just over 1,250 crew. You get that nice balance of space and service. At 122,000 gross tonnes, she’s got all the perks of a larger ship without feeling like you’re lost in a theme park.

Here’s a quick overview to help you get your bearings onboard:

• Decks 3–5: Where most of the action happens: main dining, theatre, shops, casino, and a few bars.
  
• Decks 6–11: Mostly accommodation, with some lounges and quiet nooks tucked in.
  
• Deck 12: Pool central. You’ve got the main pool, hot tubs, the Solarium (adults-only), and the Spa and Fitness Centre.
  
• Deck 14: Buffet, Mast Grill, and a few more bars, including the Sunset Bar, which is exactly where you want to be at sailaway.
  
• Deck 15: The Lawn Club with its real grass, sunshine, and a great place to chill when you’ve had enough of the pool crowd.

There’s also a running track, a basketball court, and plenty of little pockets to escape the crowds if you’re just after a quiet read or nap.

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FAQs