Ventured into the Western Caribbean last week aboard Solstice. Beautiful ship. Only minor hangup (and it was very minor) was lack of deck chairs for days at sea. But will over 2000 passengers it was not to be unexpected.

Ports (Georgetown, Grand Cayman;Cozumel;Roatan;Costa Maya) were all great. Lots to do in each. One thing....if you have never been, the ship docks in Cozumel but everything that happens off ship other than local shopping takes place across the water on the mainland in and around Playa Del Carmen. Highly recommend the Ruins at Tulum excusion at the Cozumel stop. Although not a culinery officianado, we will pass on poor quality food. that was never the case on Solstice! wherever you ate, be it the buffet or the Epernay dining room, the food was very good. Excellent variety and prepared very well. Best food at sea we have had to date! So good in fact we found no reason to put down extra dollars to use the speciality restaurants. Staff was the most pleasant, cordial, and responsive we have found at sea to date. Accommodations were adequate although a bit tight. Excursions were handled extremely well and an excellent number to choose from. Onboard entertainment was good as well. Note: This is not a cruise for the under 21 group. Saw maybe 20 or 30 teens/tweens/kids the entire cruise. I would venture a guess that passenger average age was mid forties or older. Two formal nights brought forth more long gowns and tuxedos that I have seen outside of a night at the Metropolitan Opera!! And if you are doing a Western Carib be prepared for the heat on shore! Embark and debark in Lauderdale a breeze! was onboard within 35 minutes of landing, and outboard in less than an hour of debark! best ever.

One final note...if you want to take advantage of the excursions, expect to lay out 100 or so per person per excursion on average! Read more