Its my first

We did the Alaskan cruise last spring and in each port we rented a car and couldn't have been happier. In Skagway we used Avis, and had a nice, newer car that was clean and comfortable. I think we paid $120. for the day. We did the Yukon Highway trip just past Emerald Lake and used Murray's guide to find the various stops we needed to see (http://*****************/). By renting a car we were able to take as much or as little time we wanted to at each stop. I am petrified of heights but, the Yukon Suspension Bridge is a must do.

The way it was explained to me, when you are on select dining you will, more than likely. have a different wait staff each night, so gratuities divided between all of them and by ore paying the staff is sure to receive their proper gratuity. I'm not sure why this can't be figured out at the end of the cruise but, what do I know?

We had a glorious week May 1 - 8, with sunny weather the whole way! It was simply gorgeous. We got all the way up into Tracy Arm Fjord and saw Sawyer Glacier even with the icebergs floating in the water - stunning scenery.

 

DH and I agreed that it's sort of like winning Gold at the Olympics - why would you go back if it was so perfect? Then we just looked at each other and laughed and laughed!!!!.......

 

:D:D:D:D:D

You were on the Solstice in Alaska? We leave on the 29th, it's our first cruise and I am soooooo excited. It seems like the weather will be pretty decent for us- we rented a car in all 3 ports, is there anything we must see?

Taxis, from what I hear are kind of expensive. There are buses that travel from the port to Mendenhall and it's about $20 per person ($40 for the 2 of us). We decided to rent a car from First City Car Rental and it's only $65 for the day; figured it was much better to spend the extra $25 and have a car to go everywhere.

Glad to hear the weather was good. We leave on the 29th, hopefully it's just as nice. What is the coupon book - I've heard others mention it. We sail out of Seattle, so where would I find the coupons?

Question: I thought of caching in Alaska but, how does it affect your phone's data? I have Verizon but was told I would not have coverage. So, I bought a package that allows for so many calls and texts and a small amount of data- we're you able to use your phone with out compromising your data plan?

Tell me more about the Wine Connoisseur dinner. We enjoy wine with dinner and this sounds like something we would like. We're sailing on 6/12 and are putting all of our notes together. Also, if you have the chance, could you upload the Dailies? I've been saying for years that cruiselines should provide access to them for people who would like to have them in advance and plan their trip. Maybe I'm just a little anal retentive! Thanks so much Lois and we hope to cruise with you someday.

If Lois doesn't have the Dailies o can find them in the review from the first week. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2204579

You can find them at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2204579&highlight=solstice.

Thank you for the Dalies. I am looking forward to going over them tonight :)

To answer questions: The formal nights were more casual than I have experienced in the past. I saw a few gowns and one tux. As PP said, the cruise overall was definitely more on the casual end.

 

I put the American cash on there because our guide on the Duck Tour in Ketchikan said he is always asked multiple times a season what currency is accepted up there ???? So, evidently some people don't realize it is a US state, or just aren't thinking?

 

As PP said, we had gorgeous weather for this trip. Not a drop of rain. Fog and clouds in Ketchikan, but that was the worst of it. We took the train in Skagway, which was a nice experience. For the price, I would not do it again, but it was very relaxing, and everyone in our party enjoyed it. Speaking of Skagway, if you have kids age 7 and under, there is an amazing public park just off 6th and Broadway. We were directed there by a very nice shopkeeper when a diaper emergency presented itself. They said there would be changing tables there, and they were correct! Very clean restrooms, and the only changing tables we saw in town. The park was wonderful for our two year old to burn off some energy after sitting on the train. It has the crushed rubber mulch, lots of slides and swings. Definitely check it out if you have a little one. Oh, and it is free!

 

Overall, we loved our cruise and would definitely sail Celebrity again. The ship was beautiful. I thought the Oceanview Cafe had the best buffet food we have had at sea. I mean, there was roast duck on the buffet...and it was good! The buffet did get very crowded, especially on sea days, but I think this was mainly due to people sitting and watching scenery, not necessarily eating. Tables were always promptly cleared, so I am not sure what, if anything, Celebrity could do to improve this, short of adding table space.

 

Our other complaint was our room 9298. Every day, multiple times a day, there was a loud, repetitive banging noise, usually accompanied by a saw or drill type noise. Loud enough that it could be heard outside the room and on the balcony. When we first heard it in the afternoon, we thought it was maintenance. Annoying, but we could live with it. Then it kept us from sleeping. We called guest services three times about the issue over the course of the cruise, but it did not happen when the manager was present. Our cabin steward heard it and told us she had heard it was something with the pipes, but it was never resolved. We did see maintenance walking around our deck looking perplexed. The room itself was wonderful otherwise. I would hesitate to book this area again, but since I have not read about a similar experience, maybe it was just a one-off problem.

 

The staff on board was wonderful, incredibly polite and accommodating. The only times we felt service was slow was when a venue was obviously busy, and it was evident that waiters were rushing to serve as fast as they could.

 

Oh, and disembarkation in Seattle was a breeze! We did have 200 passengers disembark in Victoria, which seemed like a large number, probably due to the fact that we left from a Canadian port. I think from the time we walked down the gangway to the time we were on the Celebrity airport shuttle was 20 minutes, honestly. Very quick and efficient. Our number was called just before 8:30, so I think we may have missed the rush earlier in the morning.

 

If people are interested, I can post dailies, as I kept them all. I just have to get them scanned.

Thank you for the great review. Sounds like you had an awesome time. We leave the end of May and if you can post the Dailies that'd be great. We've never sailed before, so I'm trying to get all the info I can.

We are renting a car in Juneau, too. It has been recommended that we definitely stop at The Shrine of St Therse. Friends said it is a beautiful place and a nice easy hike. Also, the Chapel by the Lake, I am by no means religious but, I am told it is beautiful scenery. If you stop at Auke Bay Harbor you might get to see Paul Allen's (Microsoft Co founder) yacht. Serioulsy though, there's a lot of activity in that area with boats coming and going.

I have also enjoyed reading this review.

 

But I do have one question. As someone who lives in Alaska we are accustomed to strange questions about our state, but was there confusion as to what currency Alaska uses?

I believe this is to let people from other countries know to have American money with them. Often times, when in Canada or Mexico, I will use American money and it is accepted but, here in the US that is not the practice.

Thank you for all the information. We sail at the end of the month and I can hardly wait. If you get a chance, will you post photos of the Dailies, once you get home? I am anxious to see what there is to do on this cruise.

Hm gotta have my Appletini! A smaller size I could handle - I will just have 2 :). Would like to know about this. Seriously might consider upgrading just for that!

If you want a Martini from the Martini Bar, that's the Premium Package. Supposedly you can get smaller versions of some at the Martini Bar but, that's not a given. I would wait until I was on board and decide from there if it is worth the upgrade in package.

On cruises with tendering, it makes sense to spend some extra on cabin and book Concierge or better to get priority tendering advantage, or to book all excursions through the ship which will ensure you are among first off.

 

I'm not a fan of booking ship excursions, but if I was in a tender port, I would absolutely book a ship excursion if not staying in a suite.

 

Also Captain's Club elite perks help with priority as well.

 

My experience in Grand Cayman with tendering was suites got off first before they announced, then Excursions came off before announcements then priority tenders for Elites and other cabins and then general cattle call.

We are Concierge Class and our TA is telling us that we do not get priority tendering. Is there somewhere on Celebrity website I can find this information?

Lanyards to hold the sea pass card.

 

If they do...

 

Are they free or a fee?

 

Where do I get them?

 

Where do they punch a hole?

 

thanks

I have two words for this one...Dollar Store. We have several in our area and they all carry them and, surprisingly enough, they only cost a dollar- go figure:D

This may be a strange question but, I have never cruised before, so not too well informed. The bathrobes, are they new or are they washed and re-used?

What were your favorites besides the Shrine of St. Teresa? Did you go to Mendenhall with your car?

 

Thank you!

You can go to Mendenhall with your car. A city bus leaves you about a mile and a half from the Visitor Center; with a car you drive right to the lot. Call Juneau Car Rental- I think we are paying $65 for the day. Well worth it to have the freedom to be on your own time. Also, ask then to send you a list of things to see and do. Also, check Trip Advisor and then look up the things you are interested. Auke Bay Harbor, is beautiful, too and it's only accessible by car. There is a lot to do, just search things to do in Juneau and go from there.

You can go to Café Baccio as you wait for your room service and get coffee to go:D

I have never cruised with Celebrity and we leave on the Solstice the end of May. I updated my drink package so I could experience the Molecular Bar, hopefully it's still there when we sail.

Awesome! Thank you for the link! We are leaving May 29th! :)

We're going to be cruisemates! Have you signed into the roll call, yet? Anyway, we booked The Moore, it's an older hotel- nothing fancy but, it was less expensive than the others. It's a couple of blocks from the Westlake Station and Pike Place. Check them out, they may still have availability.

I know this has been asked a million times... but I am looking for a hotel in downtown Seattle near Pier 66, but the prices are ridiculous.

 

Do they generally drop as the date gets closer, I am looking for the end of August.

I am coming into Seattle at the end of May and I found The Moore Hotel, which is a few blocks from the Westlake Station and Pike Place. Rates are based on occupancy but, I found it less expensive than anyone else. For 2 people it's about $140. a night.

We were considering renting a car in Juneau; however, have had second thoughts. It appears that we can get to most of the interesting points quite easily by shuttle or city bus. We, of course, want to go to Mendenhall Glacier, gardens, and the fish hatchery. Several years ago we did the tram; however, we will probably do it again. It seems that car rental might not be needed. Any thoughts?

We are using Juneau Car Rental- they are right at the dock. With a car you can go all along the coast and see some amazing sights. There are maps and information on line that shows you all the places you can go. And, driving on your own, allows you to stay as long as you want. PS: Much cheaper than paying for a tour for just one person.

Here are some things I found to do:

Shrine of St Therse, Mendenhall Glacier Center, Chapel by the Lake, Skaters Cabin, Alaskan Brewing Co. You can look this places up and see what the advantage is to having a car.

We are first time cruisers and have bought the drinks package. Has anyone else bought this and could you tell me what exactly is included and are their any hidden extras?:confused:

I am cruising to Alaska at the end of May, and it's my first cruise. Over the last several weeks I have been following posts on Cruise Critic and I don't feel so overwhelmed anymore. From my understanding, you will be very happy with the included restaurants and the classic drink package includes quite a bit. However, I updated to the Premium Package because it includes Red Bull, and I drink a couple a day. Also, go to the Roll Call Tool at the top of the page and use it to find your particular cruise, this puts you in touch with others sailing with you and they will be very helpful.

I received a complimentary Classic Beverage Package on my upcoming Celebrity Cruise. It's free for me, but are gratuities and service charges included then? If they are, is it worth paying them? What goes in the package?

 

Thank you.

My cost included the Classic Alcohol Package, too. I am not a big drinker but, I upgraded to the Premium Package for 2 reasons: #1 I drink Grey Goose and it's not in classic and #2 I drink Red Bull everyday and that is free in the upgrade. So, just 2 Red Bulls a day and 1-2 drinks, will pay for the upgrade. If you want to upgrade you should do so by the end of day today. Tomorrow the upgrade cost, as well as all package prices, goes up.