From the very first sight of Celebrity Solstice as I stepped off the train at Circular Quay, I was in awe. Against the backdrop of a perfect sunny Sydney day, the ship looked completely at home alongside the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, creating an unforgettable start to the voyage.

Embarkation was incredibly seamless and stress-free. I arrived a little earlier than my allocated time, so I was able to drop my bags at the port before taking advantage of Sydney’s excellent public transport for some last-minute shopping. Once it was closer to embarkation time, I simply jumped on the light rail back to the terminal. Cruising from Sydney is made so much easier and more affordable thanks to the convenience of trains and light rail compared with taxis or rideshares.

Once on board, it did not take long to see why Celebrity Solstice continues to be such a popular ship. Her recent refresh has introduced several exciting new venues and modernised spaces, giving the ship a fresh and vibrant atmosphere while maintaining the premium feel Celebrity is known for.

One of the standout venues was the Martini Bar, which came highly recommended and certainly lived up to the hype. Featuring its distinctive ice-topped bar, talented bartenders and plenty of mixology flair, it quickly became the perfect pre-dinner gathering spot. The lively atmosphere made it one of the most social venues on board each evening, particularly with views over the live band and nightly activities in the atrium.

Another favourite throughout the voyage was The Parlor, a new venue combining the best elements of an arcade and sports bar. Centrally located and always buzzing with activity, it became a regular meeting place for our group.

Sports fans could catch games on the big screens, while shelves lined with classic board games created a fun and relaxed atmosphere on sea days. Games including Catan, Scrabble and Cluedo could be borrowed to enjoy in the lounge or nearby seating areas. The arcade section was also a huge hit, particularly because the games were included. Activities ranged from virtual darts and skeeball to shuffleboard, foosball and even pool, which becomes an entertaining challenge while at sea.

Boulevard Lounge is another new space introduced following the refresh. During the day, it hosted arts and crafts, movies, trivia and game shows, along with cultural enrichment sessions such as ukulele lessons and lei making.

At night, the space really came to life. Karaoke featured on some evenings, but the standout entertainment for me was the duelling pianos. Each evening had a different theme for the two-hour sets, ranging from the 1970s and country music to popular by-request sessions.

Sunset Park was another beautiful addition and quickly became one of the most relaxing areas on board. With its open-air setting and sweeping ocean views, it was an ideal place to unwind during the day or enjoy a drink as the sun went down.

We were lucky enough to enjoy one of the private cabanas for sailaway from Sydney. The beautiful space included a bottle of Veuve and a selection of cheese and cold cuts, making it a particularly memorable way to begin our South Pacific adventure.

Trattoria Rossa was without a doubt the standout dining experience of the voyage and became my favourite venue on board. The restaurant captured the warmth and charm of a traditional Italian trattoria, with a lively atmosphere that made every meal feel special.

From freshly prepared pasta to rich, authentic flavours throughout each course, the food was exceptional from start to finish. Carefully selected wine pairings elevated the experience further, complementing the dishes beautifully and making the evening one of the highlights of the cruise.

Even for guests who have sailed on Celebrity Solstice previously, I would highly recommend experiencing the ship again. The refurbishment has brought a fresh energy on board, with updated venues offering an enjoyable combination of entertainment, relaxation and contemporary cruising experiences while retaining the character that has made Celebrity Solstice such a favourite.