Nessie07

Back from the Solstice today. Didnt have the internet package so could post sorry.

The power outage was an experience for sure. Went out when we were in our room, which was an inside room so very dark! And it was so quiet! We grabbed our phones for a flashlight and headed out on deck. I feel like it took a good 10 minutes for an announcement to be made. But I dont remember really being told what had happened, just that all was now well with the ship but we had to be escorted back to Seattle by the coast guard to be checked out. 

That night on the ship was like any other after that point. A few jokes about our cruise to Seattle Haha. They kept us updated about what was going on and when we would be on our way. I believe we left around 2am. 

They managed to get us back on track for arrival in ketchikan only an hour late. And then we stayed an hour later than we were supposed to.

It was an amazing cruise! 

On board now. Just back to Seattle. All is good on board and hopefully back on our way soon

On board Solstice now. Lost power while we were in our cabin. Maybe out for 30 minutes or so. Just arrived back in Seattle to get checked out by coast guard and then hopefully back on our way.

This will be our third year in a row going to Alaska. We chose to go to Alaska because it is only about an hour drive to Seattle for us and it is wonderful to not have to fly somewhere to go on a cruise for a change. We are celebrating our anniversary, the kids stay home with Grandma, and we just want to relax. Last year we only got off in one port. We don't book excursions and prefer to stay on the ship and hang out by the pool or in the hot tubs. For us the ship is the destination. We relax and enjoy each other the whole time. We appreciate the beauty of Alaska but for us it's not too different from where we live.

My point is, it's your vacation so you should do what you want to do. That's what we love about cruising. You can do it all or nothing at all!

Did you travel with a man and if so, how many prs pants did you pack? And use?

 

I'm still waffling ;p

 

But also, we got a new cruise invoice last night - husband emails to me, says "nothing new, no clue why we got this". I look at it and say - our cabin changed! We actually got an upgrade ;-) [same size cabin but 2 decks higher, still midshop, but full glass railing instead of half metal, so that's nice ;-)]

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Did you travel with a man and if so, how many prs pants did you pack? And use?

 

I'm still waffling ;p

 

But also, we got a new cruise invoice last night - husband emails to me, says "nothing new, no clue why we got this". I look at it and say - our cabin changed! We actually got an upgrade ;-) [same size cabin but 2 decks higher, still midshop, but full glass railing instead of half metal, so that's nice ;-)]

We also only got off the ship once during the week so we were not really out and about where we may get dirty.

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We ended up not wearing a lot of the things that we took with us because I of course overpacked. We also wore several things more than once. We lucked out with the weather and never wore our warm clothes, coats and fleece. We ended up going to the pool everyday and came home with a tan. Never know what you need in Alaska haha.

We also booked Alaska for next year on the Celebrity Solstice. I'm looking forward to sailing celebrity again after several years.

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Oooh looking forward to this! We just sailed the Explorer (2nd year in a row) so decided to do the Solstice for next year. We live in the Seattle area so we like not having to fly to cruise. It's been about 5 years since I sailed celebrity so I need a refresher!

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I was on this sailing too! We really lucked out with the weather! Thanks for your review!

For those asking the cruise director was still Topi but he left after this sailing. I don't know who replaced him. Topi was great!

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Ok I'm back from my cruise today! Had a wonderful time and we ended up having weather in the 70's!!! Did not end up wearing any of my warmer clothing other than some Jeans and light zip up hoodie while on deck at night.

So what everyone says about layers and variety is true. You just never know what you will get. We actually ended up with a little tan because we got to spend so much time at the pool!

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Just off Explorer today. There were signs saying no straws at all bars but you could get one if you asked. What doesn't make sense to me was almost every drink I had there was a plastic stir stick in it.

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Please...only if you find it interesting! I do write a lot! LOL

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It was fun!! Rather exhausting in a way, but very, very fun.

 

I've been working on a Trip Report. I started well before we left...talking all about my process in planning our vacation. And now I'm writing the actual review portion of the report. Nessie, if you are interested:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2641355

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I used to get mine permed and died and it worked really well (do they even do that anymore??). I've never done the extensions but considering it too especially since I wear less make up on the cruise.

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Thanks for all the comments! I think I'm going to stick with my gut feeling of NO on the lashes for now. As pretty as they look I think they will drive me crazy and I can't keep up with the upkeep for them. Going to get some nice mascara instead!

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I'm back. Just wanted to check in here and say that I'm available for continued Alaska wardrobe discussion!

 

I think we were blessed with really good weather overall. Vancouver was dry and warm.

 

Ketchikan had rain, no surprise, but it wasn't especially cold because the wind wasn't high. The rain was more of a light rain, not a southern gully washer...and it would come and go. Temps were in the 60s.

 

Icy Strait Point was dry. The sun was shining for a bit...but it was cloudy. It was cool on the water (we went whale watching)...but it also wasn't blustery cold. Definitely wanted gloves and hats though. Same moderate 60s temp.

 

Juneau was rainy off and on and overcast, with some patches of sunshine. Same temps.

 

Skagway was sun shine and beautiful. Probably the warmest weather...until we hit a spot at the lake that acted like a wind tunnel. The wind chill is severe...but getting away from it and into the sun shine was an immediate relief. Temps probably pushed toward 70.

 

Hubbard was sun shine and no wind. It was freezing cold on deck in the morning at 6:30 am...the wind was blowing. DS went back to the cabin to put on his long underwear pants and was much happier. I wore a cami, a long sleeved smart wool shirt, a furry fleece vest, my fleece pullover, and my raincoat. I also had on a hat, and I pulled my fleece hoodie on AND my raincoat hoodie on. I wore wind stop gloves. I wore my smart wool socks and my hiking boots, which really helped my feet and my core stay warm. I was wearing lined leggings and probably could have been more comfortable with a pair of jeans over those...or something else. As soon as the sun came out though...I was fine.

 

Seward was rainy and overcast and chilly on debarkation day.

 

Traveling to Anchorage that day, Anchorage was sunny and warm.

 

Traveling back into the Kenai Peninsula...it was overcast and had been raining, but the weather was on the clear and we had some clouds and a lot sunshine. There could be rain that could be described as the sky was dripping. The weather was warm and lovely on the Peninsula.

 

We were back in Seward over the weekend as well. It was also warm and sunny there. The locals were calling the 75+ degree weather a heat wave and were wearing shorts and spaghetti strap tops.

 

I didn't think to do this until we hit Anchorage on Friday (debarkation day):

 

Saturday Kenai Peninsula (this was taken in the evening...the high was higher earlier in the day):

 

Sunday Kenai Peninsula:

 

Sunday Seward...again in the evening...it was much warmer earlier in the day (I don't know why the actual high of the 24 hour day goes away if you pass by it):

 

Monday Anchorage:

So it sounds like you had very good weather and packed well.

Did you accomplish to do and see everything you were hoping too? How was the ship? And any and all other details please!!! Haha. We are about 13 days to go now so the excitement is really kicking in!

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I am thinking about getting eyelash extensions for my upcoming cruise to glam up my look a bit. But I'm feeling a little unsure if I will like them or not. I guess I'm worried they will bother me or I'll end up damaging them.

Has anyone had these and what is your experience?

Cruise is in 2 weeks so I'm running out of time to decide!

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Howdy! We are going on our first Alaskan cruise in a couple weeks on the Explorer of the Seas. I know in the past on some RC ships they have a glow dance party night. I was curious if anyone has recently been on this ship and seen this done? Trying to decide if I should pack my own glow sticks for the kids or not. lol. Also, curious if they ever do the midnight buffet where they showcase the chefs on board amazing work? Thank you!

And sadly no midnight buffet anymore.

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Safe travels and I hope you have a wonderful trip! Let us know all about it when you get back!!

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I always end up wearing the same few things over and over again even though I plan for everyday. Last cruise since we only had 2 weeks to prepare, I found a dress I liked and got it in 4 different colors/patterns. Made it easy.

I'm pretty set for port days. Since we dont have anything planned except a light hike it will be Jeans, tshirt, sweatshirt, and light coat. And I'll bring my hiking shoes.

Now I'm trying to plan my ship outfits. We like to dress for formal nights since we dont have the opportunity in our regular lives. And I'll wear a dress and heels other nights. Just not sure what ill bring yet.

Anita Latte how many days now? It's getting close right? I think you are the first to cruise from our little group here haha.

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I had one on Explorer last July and we loved it. So much in fact we booked again for this July same room. The screen always worked for us. Never once had a grey screen.

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Using a list (I have a Word document and also powerpoint where I can mix & match my pieces to show day/evening outfits) helps me NOT overpack. I have a standard packing list and just adapt the clothing to type of trip & climate....

 

99% of the time we're flying when we travel, but we have at least 1 checked bag included so that's not my concern. I like to take public transport (or we rent apartments and might have to walk up a few narrow flights of stairs or over bridges etc) So I don't want to carry too much - I want to be able to manage my stuff on the street, not just in a smooth airport hallway. For instance, for our AK cruise (to keep on topic ;-) we're probably going to take the SkyTrain from the Vancouver airport and it's a couple blocks walk from the station to our hotel and right now we're planning to walk it.....

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I dont use a list at all. I'm trying to not overpack but always end up doing it anyway when I cruise.

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Did anyone see the packing list thread on the Alaska board? Super detailed and pictures. It was from a few weeks ago or so.

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So me and a glass of wine or 2 spent some more time online looking for clothes. I put a bunch of stuff in a wishlist so now I just have to go back and decide on what to get. I'm hoping I've found the swimsuit that will work. I've already sent at least 3 back.

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