Cruise Ships for Cruise Skeptics

            Some travelers who have yet to try a cruise wonder how it’s possible to spend so much time on a ship without being bored or feeling cooped up. Clearly, these travelers have not checked out the truly spectacular, spacious, comfortable ships that populate the major cruise line’s fleets.

            One ship is particular seems to win over cruise skeptics. In a recent survey of its owners and agents, Cruise Holidays asked which cruise ship they most often recommend to cruise skeptics. Royal Caribbean’s spectacular new ships, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas, as well as the Freedom of the Seas and the Mariner of the Seas, were popular choices – but, the clear winner was the Celebrity Solstice.

            Launched in 2008, the Solstice had some cruise industry "firsts,” such as the first real, growing grass at sea in its half-acre Lawn Club, where guests play on bocce courts and a putting course. The ship also had the first glass blowing studio at sea, developed with the Corning Museum of Glass.

            More important for the cruise skeptic, however, may be the ship’s thoughtful design. There are expansive interior spaces, many bathed in natural light. It’s easy to find the entertainment and dining venues, including three specialty restaurants, which are clustered together.

Depending on the level of luxury desired, guests you can reserve anything from a standard stateroom to a fabulous penthouse suite. Even the standard staterooms are spacious and comfortable, decorated with warm colors and a mix of leather, wood and marble finishes. Bathrooms are also surprisingly spacious, featuring ceramic tiles and plenty of storage. And, a full 85 percent of staterooms have their own balconies.

Guests can use the flat-screen televisions in their cabins to reserve shore excursions, check on-board charge accounts and see what’s for dinner. A glance at the menu for the AquaSpa will show a tempting array of treatments, from massage to acupuncture to teeth whitening.

The Solstice has proven so popular that Celebrity has been adding some Solstice-class features to the rest of its fleet. If you’d like to experience the Solstice, its sails itineraries in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, French Polynesia, Australia and New Zealand. Talk with a Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert to select the itinerary that’s right for you.