Celebrity Solstice (December 2012) - Post 5

Flight home - Auckland to Melbourne - 4th. January.

I experienced on this flight home, for my first time, Emirates Airlines A380 first class suites. What a fantastic indulgence - the best flight I've ever taken. If only one could afford to fly like this every time!

Emirates A380s at Auckland airport awaiting departure for Sydney (L) and Melbourne (R).

The Melbourne bound A380 prior to departure Auckland, Jan 4th.

Seat 2K - my private little nook - with a glass of Dom at the ready.

The centre seats.

Despite being only a 3 1/2 hour flight, I booked a shower for right after take-off. Just because I could and what a great experience. I've had ships' bathrooms smaller than this.

Passengers can book one of the two bathrooms for 25 mins with the shower water being available for 5 mins. of that time (there's an automatic timer in the shower so you don't get caught out when the water goes off!)

As you'd expect, the plane has a great tv entertainment system.

This is luxury - after a very good dinner, being able to shut the suite doors and stretch out in privacy with a bottomless glass of good red. I could have happily stayed on to Dubai!

Celebrity Solstice (December 2012) - Post 4

Some shots from around the ship.

Up until 1 year ago, this lovely small lounge was used a cigar bar. Typically, the finger-wagging puritans (who always seem to resent others enjoying something they don't) got their way and now this room is barely used by anybody.

Tables in the excellent French style speciality restaurant.

The main pool deck.

The adults-only indoor swimming pool with bar and cafe.

Some shots of the ship's atrium.

The top deck has quite an expanse of real lawn.

Early morning sunlight in my cabin.

The main dining room.

Hank and his son Trey, from Florida - friends I made on board. 

Celebrity Solstice (December 2012) - Post 3

Tauranga.

 

Late afternoon departure for Auckland.

Just prior to our departure from Tauranga, I was privileged to be given a personal tour of the bridge by the ship's very congenial master, Captain Costas Nestoroudis.

Isabella, from the Pursers' staff escorted me to the bridge.

Looking aft from the port bridge wing.

. . . and from the starboard.

Captain Nestoroudis and me.

Auckland - Jan 4th. - End of the cruise.

Auckland skyline reflecting on the solar-panelled glass roof of the enclosed pool area. 

Housekeeping on the ship was excellent.

All fast at Princes Wharf.

The cruise terminal was very busy with approximately 3200 passengers disembarking with a similar number embarking a few hours later for the return cruise.