Celebrity Solstice occupies an interesting place in today’s cruise market. Once the cutting edge of “modern luxury” when she debuted in 2008, she is now a classic large ship preparing for a major 2026 makeover and sailing seasonally in Alaska, Asia and Australia.
With newer mega‑ships and resort‑style vessels competing hard for attention, many travelers are asking a simple question before they book: is Celebrity Solstice still worth it, and for whom?
Ship Overview: A Classic With A Major Reboot Coming
Celebrity Solstice is the namesake and lead vessel of Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice class, a group of ships long praised for elegant design, strong dining programs and a calmer atmosphere than many mass‑market lines. At roughly 122,000 gross tons and carrying around 2,800 passengers at double occupancy, she offers a big‑ship range of venues without feeling overwhelmingly large by today’s standards.
The ship is best known for distinctive features such as the Lawn Club, a genuine grass lawn on the top deck where passengers can relax, play casual lawn games or enjoy open‑air entertainment. Other hallmarks include multiple specialty restaurants, a large adults‑focused Solarium pool area, a full‑service spa, a casino and a wide choice of bars and lounges, from quiet wine bars to more energetic spaces.
What makes Celebrity Solstice particularly newsworthy now is the company’s US$250 million modernization program for the entire Solstice series, beginning with this ship. Starting in March 2026, Solstice will sail after a comprehensive bow‑to‑stern refurbishment that adds all‑new venues, reimagined outdoor decks and upgraded accommodations. That timing matters if you are deciding whether to sail her in late 2025, when she remains in her current configuration, or wait until the refreshed version debuts.
Right now, you are booking a mature but still well‑regarded ship with some dated areas and an atmosphere that appeals to adults and couples. From spring 2026 onward, you are looking at a substantially updated product: new dining concepts, a cabaret lounge, an elevated sports bar, an overhauled top deck called Sunset Park and fully refreshed staterooms with added wellness features. Your expectations should align with the specific season and itinerary you choose.
Itineraries & Destinations: Where Celebrity Solstice Shines
Itineraries are a central part of answering whether Celebrity Solstice is worth it, because this ship’s routes are a major draw. In recent years, Solstice has focused on seasonal deployments in Alaska, followed by repositioning voyages that lead into Asia and Australia. For many travelers, it is the combination of these destinations with Celebrity’s more grown‑up onboard vibe that makes the ship compelling.
During summers, Celebrity Solstice typically sails in Alaska, offering seven‑night voyages with scenic cruising and calls at ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and others, depending on the year. The ship’s size strikes a balance: large enough to offer a wide range of amenities and balcony cabins that make glacier viewing comfortable, yet not as enormous as some of the newest mega‑ships that can feel crowded at popular viewpoints.
In the shoulder seasons, Solstice undertakes longer repositioning adventures that have developed a loyal following among cruise enthusiasts. These can include voyages between Vancouver and Hawaii, routes across the South Pacific to Sydney or itineraries linking Australia with Southeast Asia. These extended sailings often visit a mix of marquee ports and less frequent stops such as Tahiti, New Zealand destinations or Indonesian islands, providing a sense of journey rather than just a floating resort experience.
From late 2025 into 2026, Celebrity is emphasizing Asia and Australia cruises on Celebrity Solstice, including 12‑night open‑jaw itineraries between Singapore and Hong Kong, with calls in Thailand, Vietnam and other regional ports. For travelers who prize destination immersion, sea days balanced with port days and the convenience of unpacking once while crossing regions that would be complex to see independently, Solstice’s schedule is a strong selling point.
Onboard Experience: Atmosphere, Dining and Entertainment
Celebrity positions its brand as “relaxed luxury,” and on Celebrity Solstice that generally translates into a sophisticated but unpretentious environment. You will not find waterslides, go‑kart tracks or bumper cars. Instead, the vibe leans toward stylish lounges, art installations, wine tastings, live music and a nightlife program built around bars and theaters rather than high‑adrenaline attractions.
Dining has long been one of Celebrity Solstice’s strengths. The main restaurant offers multi‑course dinners with a blend of international and familiar American dishes, while specialty venues add variety for an extra charge. These typically include a steakhouse‑style venue, an Asian‑influenced restaurant and other concepts that may shift over time.
With the 2026 refurbishment, Celebrity plans to introduce Trattoria Rossa, an intimate Italian restaurant with tableside preparations and fresh pasta, as well as Fine Cut Steakhouse, an Edge‑class favorite known for premium cuts and seafood.
Casual options include the large Oceanview Café buffet, poolside grills and Café al Bacio, a passenger favorite for specialty coffees and pastries. After the modernization, Café al Bacio is slated to receive a design refresh along with other bars such as the Martini Bar, World Class Bar and Passport Bar, aiming to keep these spaces visually current and more functional for crowds.
Entertainment on Celebrity Solstice tends to favor production shows, live bands, solo performers and enrichment activities over over‑the‑top spectacles. Some recent passenger commentary across the Celebrity fleet has noted uneven quality in production shows and occasional scheduling quirks for activities, so expectations should be calibrated.
The upcoming Boulevard Lounge, a cabaret‑style venue with all‑day programming from game shows to candlelit concerts and dueling pianos, is meant to deepen the entertainment lineup and give guests a more intimate option than the main theater.
Cabins, Suites and The Retreat: Comfort Levels and Tradeoffs
Accommodations are another key factor in judging value. Celebrity Solstice offers a broad spectrum of staterooms: interior, ocean view, balcony (often called Veranda), AquaClass spa‑oriented cabins and a suite complex grouped under the brand’s premium offering known as The Retreat. Many of these rooms date back to the ship’s launch era in layout and base structure, but soft goods have been updated periodically, and a complete refresh is scheduled as part of the 2026 overhaul.
Standard cabins on Solstice are generally well designed by contemporary cruise standards, with adequate storage, a comfortable bed, a small sitting area and a compact bathroom with shower. Veranda cabins are particularly popular on scenic itineraries such as Alaska or South Pacific crossings, providing private outdoor space for glacier viewing or sea days. Some passengers have noted signs of wear in fixtures and finishes after more than a decade of service, which is precisely what the modernization aims to address.
AquaClass accommodations appeal to wellness‑minded travelers by pairing a balcony cabin with enhanced bath amenities, spa‑influenced touches and exclusive access to the Blu restaurant and certain spa facilities. After the 2026 refit, AquaClass staterooms are set to incorporate features like massaging shower heads, aromatherapy diffusers and in‑room yoga mats, along with an upgraded Relaxation Lounge at the spa. If you are specifically drawn to a spa‑centric cruise experience, it may be worth waiting for these enhancements to be in place.
The Retreat is Celebrity’s top tier suite concept, providing not just larger accommodations but also a more inclusive experience with a private lounge, dedicated sundeck and priority services. On Celebrity Solstice, The Retreat is scheduled for substantial upgrades: redesigned suites, an all‑new sundeck with an oversized hot tub and prime ocean views, and a refreshed Retreat Lounge.
For travelers who prioritize space, privacy and a quieter enclave on a large ship, The Retreat can make Celebrity Solstice feel more like a boutique hotel at sea, although at a premium price point.
Pros: Why Celebrity Solstice Can Be a Smart Choice
Celebrity Solstice has several compelling strengths that explain her enduring popularity and justify her upcoming multimillion‑dollar refurbishment. First, the overall atmosphere suits adults, couples and culturally curious travelers who want a polished cruise without the overwhelming bustle of mega‑resort ships. Public spaces are thoughtfully designed, with good flow between bars, lounges and pool areas, and the Lawn Club remains one of the most distinctive outdoor settings at sea.
Second, the itinerary mix is a major advantage. Whether you are eyeing Alaska, a South Pacific crossing, Australia coastal voyages or Southeast Asia itineraries, Solstice offers routes that combine well‑known ports with more exotic calls. Longer repositioning and Grand Voyage‑style cruises in 2026 underscore Celebrity’s confidence that this ship can anchor destination‑driven vacations where the ship is both comfortable base and stylish backdrop, not the entire point of the trip.
Third, the forthcoming refurbishment significantly improves the value proposition for sailings from March 2026 onward. Guests can expect fully refreshed staterooms across all categories, new dining outlets, an expanded and reimagined top deck called Sunset Park with cabanas and open‑air entertainment, and upgraded bars and lounges. For travelers sensitive to ship age and interior style, this investment reduces the risk of feeling like you are stepping back in time when you board.
Finally, Celebrity’s service culture tends to earn high marks, particularly in main dining rooms, specialty restaurants and suite areas. While no large ship can avoid occasional missteps, the brand’s focus on hospitality, wine and food experiences, and a calm but social onboard mood continue to appeal to many repeat guests. If those qualities align with what you want at sea, Celebrity Solstice remains a solid contender.
Cons: Limitations, Age and Who Might Be Disappointed
Despite its strengths, Celebrity Solstice is not ideal for every traveler. The ship’s age is the most obvious consideration. While regular maintenance keeps the vessel seaworthy and presentable, some passengers sailing before the 2026 refurbishment may notice dated décor, worn carpeting or older fixtures in certain public spaces and staterooms. Travelers accustomed to the ultra‑modern interiors of the newest resort ships may find Solstice less visually striking until after the modernization is complete.
Another limitation is the relative lack of high‑octane attractions. Families with young children or teens who prioritize water parks, ropes courses, bumper cars, surfing simulators or similar headline features may view Celebrity Solstice as subdued. The focus here is on pools, hot tubs, spa amenities, enrichment lectures and live music rather than thrill rides. The Camp at Sea youth program is being updated, but it remains one element of a ship that skews more toward adults than to activity‑driven kids.
Entertainment consistency can be a mixed point. While many guests enjoy the production shows, live bands and evening programs, others have reported uneven quality or conservative programming compared with entertainment‑heavy rivals. Even with the planned Boulevard Lounge and sports‑bar‑meets‑game‑arcade concept called Celebrity Barcade, this will still not be a late‑night party ship in the mold of some mainstream competitors.
Finally, price is a factor. Celebrity is generally positioned at a small premium over some mass‑market lines, especially on desirable itineraries like Alaska peak season or extended Asia voyages. If your top priority is securing the lowest possible price per night and you are less concerned with décor, food quality or a quieter atmosphere, you may find similar itineraries at lower cost on more budget‑focused ships. The modernization program, while a positive, may also keep pricing firm on refreshed sailings.
Ideal Travelers: Who Gets the Most Value From Celebrity Solstice
Putting the pros and cons together yields a clear profile of travelers most likely to find Celebrity Solstice worth it. At the top of the list are couples, adult friend groups and solo travelers who appreciate a sophisticated environment, strong dining and bar programs and destination‑focused itineraries. If you imagine your evenings in a martini bar listening to a live pianist, chatting over a long dinner, strolling a real grass lawn at sunset and then catching a show, Solstice aligns well with your style.
Retirees and empty‑nesters, especially those with flexible schedules, may also find the longer repositioning and Asia voyages particularly attractive. These travelers often prize comfort, service and interesting ports over nonstop activities, making the ship’s relaxed luxury positioning a good fit. The forthcoming Grand Voyage options intensify that appeal by offering extended itineraries with a wide range of ports without the logistical complexity of arranging separate land trips.
Premium‑minded travelers who do not want to go fully into the ultra‑luxury segment should consider The Retreat on Celebrity Solstice. Suites with access to an upgraded lounge and sundeck, along with a dedicated restaurant and concierge‑style services, create a tiered experience. This can be especially valuable for special occasions, milestone birthdays or trips where you want the scale and dining variety of a large ship but the privacy and calm of a smaller, more exclusive environment.
Conversely, families seeking water parks and adrenaline activities, or travelers who equate “worth it” with the biggest slide or the loudest party, may find better matches on other lines. Likewise, those who strongly prefer brand‑new hardware and cutting‑edge technology might choose to wait until after the 2026 refurbishment or opt instead for Celebrity’s newer Edge‑class ships if budget and itinerary fit.
The Takeaway
So, is Celebrity Solstice worth it? The answer depends heavily on timing, expectations and personal travel style. For sailings through 2025, you are booking an established, well‑designed ship that offers polished service, appealing itineraries and a refined onboard atmosphere, but with certain spaces that show their age and a soft entertainment profile.
For sailings from March 2026 onward, you are considering a substantially modernized version of the same ship, with new venues, refreshed cabins and a more contemporary look and feel.
Celebrity Solstice is a strong choice if you value destination‑rich itineraries, good food and wine, a calmer nightlife and design that favors understated elegance over spectacle. It is especially appealing for adults, couples and suite guests who want a grown‑up cruise experience with thoughtful amenities and enough activity to stay engaged without constant stimulation.
If, however, your ideal cruise centers on high‑energy attractions, extensive kids’ facilities or the flash and novelty of the very newest hardware, other ships may deliver better value. Likewise, highly budget‑sensitive travelers might prioritize lower fares on lines that sacrifice some of Celebrity’s polish and service level in exchange for more basic offerings.
In practical terms, Celebrity Solstice is “worth it” for travelers whose preferences align with what the ship does best: relaxed luxury on interesting routes, poised to feel noticeably fresher once her major refurbishment is complete. Understanding that context and choosing sailings that match your expectations will go a long way toward ensuring you step off the ship feeling that your time and money were well spent.
FAQ
Q1. Is Celebrity Solstice too old to be a good choice now?
Celebrity Solstice entered service in 2008, so some décor and fixtures can feel dated on sailings before the 2026 refurbishment. However, many guests still find the ship attractive and well maintained, with a design that has aged gracefully. If ship age is a major concern, consider booking departures from March 2026 onward, when the extensive modernization is scheduled to debut.
Q2. What are the biggest changes coming with the 2026 refurbishment?
The 2026 program is set to upgrade all staterooms, add new dining options such as Trattoria Rossa and Fine Cut Steakhouse, create a new cabaret‑style Boulevard Lounge and a Celebrity Barcade sports bar, and transform the top deck into Sunset Park with expanded bar space, cabanas, lawn games and open‑air entertainment. The Retreat suites, lounge and sundeck and AquaClass wellness features will also be significantly enhanced.
Q3. Is Celebrity Solstice a good ship for families with kids?
Celebrity Solstice has a youth program and family accommodations, but its overall feel is quieter and more adult‑oriented than many large mainstream ships. Families with teens who enjoy live music, pools and port‑intensive itineraries may be happy, but those seeking water parks, extensive kids’ clubs and thrill rides might find better fits on lines that prioritize family attractions.
Q4. How does Celebrity Solstice compare to Celebrity’s newer Edge‑class ships?
Edge‑class ships are newer and more innovative, with features like outward‑facing design, the Magic Carpet platform and a broader mix of specialty venues. Celebrity Solstice offers a more classic layout and a calmer ambiance, with fewer headline attractions but a reputation for elegant public spaces and strong dining. Pricing on Solstice can sometimes be more favorable, especially outside peak seasons or after accounting for the modernization timeline.
Q5. What kind of dress code and atmosphere should I expect on board?
The atmosphere on Celebrity Solstice is relaxed but stylish. Daytime dress is casual resort wear, while evenings lean to “smart casual” with a few dressier nights where many guests enjoy dressing up, though formalwear is not required. The general mood is sociable and refined rather than rowdy, especially on longer and more destination‑focused itineraries.
Q6. Are the standard cabins comfortable enough for longer cruises?
Standard cabins on Celebrity Solstice are compact yet efficiently laid out, with comfortable bedding, reasonable storage and a small sitting area. For many travelers, especially couples, they work well even on longer voyages. If you plan to spend significant time in your room, value extra space or are booking an extended Grand Voyage, a larger balcony category, AquaClass or a suite in The Retreat will provide more comfort.
Q7. Is Celebrity Solstice a good option for Alaska?
Yes. Celebrity Solstice is well suited to Alaska, with many balcony cabins for scenic viewing, a large indoor Solarium pool area that is useful in cooler weather and itineraries that hit classic ports along with glacier cruising. The ship’s size offers a good mix of amenities and space without being as overwhelming as the very largest vessels deployed in Alaska.
Q8. How strong is the food on Celebrity Solstice compared with other lines?
Food quality is one of Celebrity’s consistent strengths, and Celebrity Solstice is no exception. The main dining room generally serves well‑executed, varied menus, and specialty restaurants add higher‑end experiences for an extra fee. With the addition of new venues in 2026, the culinary program should become even more of a selling point, especially for guests who enjoy multi‑course dinners and wine‑centric dining.
Q9. Will there be a lot of children on board outside school holidays?
On most itineraries outside major school holiday periods, Celebrity Solstice tends to attract a largely adult crowd, with relatively few children compared with more family‑focused lines. During peak holiday periods or specific school breaks, the number of families can increase, but the overall onboard mood generally remains more subdued and upscale than on high‑energy family mega‑ships.
Q10. Should I book Celebrity Solstice before or after the refurbishment?
The right timing depends on your priorities. Booking before the refurbishment can sometimes yield lower fares, and you still get the ship’s strong itineraries and core amenities, albeit with some dated décor. Booking from March 2026 onward means sailing a significantly modernized ship with new venues and refreshed cabins, likely at a somewhat higher price point. If you value up‑to‑the‑minute interiors and the newest features, waiting until after the refurbishment is the better choice; if value and itinerary take precedence, a pre‑refit sailing can still be highly rewarding.