As a cruise columnist it’s not often that I am truly surprised by a ship. Well, I can tell you that as of yesterday I am not only surprised but in awe of the Celebrity Solstice. This is the prettiest cruise ship I have ever been on. Yes, that’s a big statement, but it’s true.

I am not alone in my ebullient praises of Solstice. My colleagues — Gene Sloan of USA Today and Fran Golden of Gatehouse Media feel so as well.

This ship gets it – and what I mean by ‘it’ is that it takes cruise architecture to a whole new level of chic design. As Project Runway Season 4 winner Christian Siriano would say, “It’s fierce.” Throughout the ship strong architectural lines are played up by light and dramatically draped textiles. Gorgeous!

The 2,850-passenger, 122,000-ton Celebrity Solstice is the first in a series of five “Solstice-class” ships, all of which will features the half-acre Lawn Club with real grass; the Hot Glass Show; Solarium indoor pool; and 10 restaurants, including several specialty options.

What’s my favorite thing about the ship so far? To be fair I’ve only been on the ship a few hours. But, so far, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my shower in my AquaClass stateroom. It’s a rainforest showerhead with six bodywash jets. There are 130 of these staterooms on Solstice and no doubt they will be fully booked on every voyage.

The Aqua Spa is amazing and this morning I indulged in a bamboo massage – puts the hot stone massage to shame. The Lawn Club is pretty cool and the glass blowing show is so much better than I expected. The Atrium area is just stunning and the little nooks and crannies around the ship afford lots of solitude away from the crowds. Service so far has been terrific and the food has ranged from good to okay. Martinis are the best at sea! I am really looking forward to dinner in the alternative restaurant Blu tonight.

Stay tuned for more updates and photos from Solstice!