March 24, 2014. The Solstice. Tauranga.

The ship, The Solstice, is a lovely ship. The Celebrity is the Cruise Line. This is the fourth ship we have been on this year and have noted that every ship has charms. Each ship is different in décor, staffing, passengers and routines. The Solstice is more American than all the others. The plugs work without an adapter, the decorations are modern, the guests are Canadian, American or Australian and the staff is mainly from eastern Europe. And the television has ESPN on two channels, so I was able to see some college basketball. There is also a connection with Corning Glass. Every evening at 8:00, a demonstration of glass blowing is held in the glass studio on the 15th deck and glass works are displayed all over the ship, all made on board. Folks who go on cruises seem to go on lots and lots of them. Yesterday we chatted with a couple who had taken 40 cruises with the Celebrity Line. And many people have told us they cruise 100 days a year. It is amazing to me. We are certainly enjoying this ship. It has modern luxury without a lot of rules.