Celebrity, Solstice - Caribbean - 1/09

Wow. The first of Celebrity's 2,850-guest Solstice Class is stunning. Gorgeously built and decorated. I was impressed...

The ship was also very spacious -- Celebrity bit the bullet and built a ship that won't go through the Panama Canal ("post-Panamax") but this means they could make it much wider than other ships.

What amazed me most, though, was that they could make a ship this size AND maintain an excellent feeling of intimacy.

This intimacy is in part thanks to ship design: thirteen distinct bars/lounges help separate people into special interest groups (wine-lovers vs. Martini sippers vs. clubbers, etc.). Additionally, Celebrity seems to have put a lot of energy (and payroll) into a large activities department (FIVE people!) that helps ensure plenty of socializing.