Review: Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship

The Solstice is the latest boat to leave shore in the Celebrity fleet. Think of it as a floating W hotel. This ship is loaded with style, trendy food and plenty of entertainment options. Once aboard it's your choice: Get blissfully tuned out or delightfully engaged.

It seems to me the idea behind the Solstice is to get people to tune out from their traditional environments. Whether than means a city slicker like me, getting to zone out in the AquaSpa or a suburban mom getting to enjoy a wine tasting at a swank restaurant.

Things are decidedly upscale on this vessel. Upon check in, we made our way to our state room (there are more than) 2,800 rooms. Forget about the notion of cramped quarters, on the Solstice 85% of the rooms have balconies that lookout upon the sea.

As a mom of two young girls I was all too delighted when I got my room assignment-I was staying on the exclusive AquaClass level. It's an adult's only retreat. A perfect escape from the hectic world of play dates, preschool and diaper changes.

AquaClass includes little touches like Frette robes, special toiletries (love the foot refresher) and big plush towels. This particular level has access to special adults-only relaxation zones like the Persian Garden and cultivates a calm air. Perfect for a couple seeking a bit of solitude.

The ambiance is Miami chic. Fountains, artful lighting and sleek art are strategically placed throughout the ship. The rooms were spacious and zen-like. Our in particular was done up on cherry-colored wood finishes with blonde and beige fabrics.

As a novice cruiser, I thought it best to bring a friend along to share in the spoils of the Solstice. My pal is a bit of a pro and an expert organizer. In but a few minutes, she'd figured out the layout of the ship. She knew to race to the spa to sign up for fitness classes and a spa appointments-otherwise I would have missed out trying to get same-day service. When it comes to cruising the early bird does get the worm. My advice: Try to book appointments and excursions first thing!

Once the schedule was set. It was time to dig in and experience what the ship had to offer. There are so many decks one can literally disappear into the sun. A favorite spot was the Lawn Club-a manicured grass lawn. That's right grass. The Solstice is the first ship to grow grass on board. It's a perfect venue for bocce, putting and other lawn sports.

Another first? The Hot Glass Show. Celebrity has teamed up with The Corning Museum of Glass and created the first ever floating glass show and exhibit. We watched as expert artisans blew vases and explained their art as the waves gently rocked the boat.

There are plenty of shops (18 in all)-but since I'm a city girl, I didn't give them much notice-NYC offers me all I need. I did enjoy the live music dotted throughout the ship. A guitarist hung out poolside during the afternoon and an acapella group crooned outside of the casino. Speaking of casino, I brushed up on my blackjack skills-I left the table $5 richer than when I started. After an hour of play I say that's a good investment. It was fun to watch the serious players and pick up a few tricks. Nightlife abounds with more than nine spots to find an adult beverage and unwind. Evening performances include the cirque-de soleil-like Solstice! Show. Disappointingly, it was a C-level performance at best.

A cruise isn't complete without a few good meals. To than end, we sampled a number of buffets and sit down meals. Dinner at Blu was elegant-but portions were surprisingly small and the desert menu was completely uninspired. Dining highlights included a healthy and light breakfast at the Aqua Grill and sumptuous lunches at the Ocean Café buffet.

A girl's got to work off all those calories somehow. That's where the shiny new fitness center comes in to play. A morning yoga class appealed to all ages and abilities. The instructor held each pose for quite a bit of time, allowing her to make the rounds in the class and correct alignment.

We missed out on a gravity workout-the eight slots filled to quickly even for us. Beyond classes, the gym was packed with cardio equipment and weight machines. All overlooking the vast Atlantic-no workout ennui here.

As a writer specializing in parenting, I was keen to find out what was on offer for the playground set. Children are welcome on the Solstice...if they are potty trained. If your tots are in diapers, you'll have to stay on land. The kid's facilities are separated by age. With three grouping for kids 3-12. Celebrity has teamed up with Leap-Frog toys to outfit the rooms and there are plenty of crafts and other entertainment to keep kids happy and occupied.

The teen club -Club X-is across the way-so teens don't have to walk through a bunch of ankle-biters to get to their space. The teen room is stocked with the latest in video games-including Guitar Hero--and has access to an outdoor basketball court/multi-sport area.

While our 48hour cruise brought us along the coast of Florida, the real deal goes across the Atlantic or around the Islands. Holiday 2008 excursions include 7 days in the Caribbean. In 2009, the ship will offer longer trips to Europe and the Mediterranean.

Anyone in need a of respite from market crashes and toddler tantrums, will relish in the pampering of Celebrity's latest venture. I say, "All aboard for a grown-up excursion." And if you've got sophisticated older kids, this is a family vacation that won't soon be forgotten. In all, Celebrity will launch four "Solstice Class" ships dedicated to innovation and design. There's sure to be a itinerary that will strike your fancy.