LPCKG

We are sailing on Solstice in July and are looking at a B2B cruise next year, does anyone have experience of booking B2B onboard? We’ve booked on board before but never a B2B cruise we’re based in the UK.

We did this excursion last June, never again! We opted to do a Glacier helicopter trip in Juneau and hoped to catch some whales in our final port. We accept no guarantee offered, at the start the scenery was beautiful but those on the top deck (us included) ended up wet through due to waves lapping up over the opening sides due to speed the boat circled in the hope of finding a whale. We returned early (approx.30mins) due to at least 3/4being sick due to the conditions, failing light and no whales.

Maybe we were unlucky, we’d seen lots of good reviews before out trip but we didn’t bargain on getting wet there appeared so many others nice things we could have done that we were disappointed save for that the rest of the cruise was amazing.

We stayed at the Edgewater, Seattle in a Cityside room. Get location, hotel and easy transfer to port. We’ve rebooked to stay later when sail again on Solstice.

We also stayed at the Mayflower once, we didn’t rated but I know this suits lots of others. They did offer a port transfer for 1$10pp I seem to recall.

We haven’t disembarked in Vancouver so cant comment on transfer options.

We signed up this on our last cruise on X, there was too much ice in Tracy Arm for the cruise ship so the ship headed straight to Juneau. We got off the ship and transferred to a smaller vessel for the ride up to South Sawyer . They take you back to the ship in Juneau. It was a long day - we departed the ship around 7.45am and got back around 2pm BUT the glacier was amazing...if you can book this excursion I highly recommended this trip.

We are returning next year and plan to go whale watching this time round.

We always book our own flights from UK, usually flying from Manchester, but have East Mid or Leeds as alternative options too. If you book your own flights early the price tends to be better, plus you get confirmed times/airport details etc. We fly at least one day in advance to ensure if any issues arise we have scope to make alternative arrangements. £600 seems very expensive. We fly at least 3/4 times a year to Barca - even in peak season our flights have been £300/350 max for 2 pax and luggage. I don't know your travel dates but I would wait until flights come on sale before booking through Celebrity.

Having been to Peniscola, I can report it's rather beautiful and well worth a visit. However, this is no day trip on a cruise stop from Barcelona - by car or train, if you want time to enjoy the sights. Perhaps someone needs to take another look at the map for any other uniquely named tourist stops a lots closer to Barcelona. I'd recommend Tarragona.

We've just returned from an Alaska cruise. We flew one week prior to our cruise, Manchester via Heathrow to Seattle, the jet lag wasn't too bad adjusting to the time difference did take a few days I was glad we'd decided to have a full week before as there are some early starts onboard to enjoy all the excursions available. We would have managed and I'm sure you will if you did decide to cruise first. The week before made it far more enjoyable for us, as we were already relaxed and fully adjusted to the time difference but if you have an opportunity to explore Denali, I'd be tempted to cruise first - the first day is generally a sea day and we'll need to fly out at least a day so you may have overcome any jet lag by then.

Thanks. I rang today, the nice lady I spoke to on the phone emailed me a copy as we spoke. I have to say I was impressed. We've changed our booking, retained the on-board booking offers/bonus - as changing but keeping same cabin type. The overall price has gone up slightly to reflect the prices for this cruise as opposed to the one we booked. We didn't need to pay a new deposit just made aware of the price change/slight change to final payment date due to new sail date too. I'm not sure what happened the first time I rang but felt better at least being prepared it was nice to be helped by someone. We always wanted to sail with Celebrity, just on a different cruise. Phew....

i hope a fellow cruise critic may be able to assist, we recently returned from an Alaska cruise onboard Solstice. We've never booked onboard before and made a booking for a 7 night Caribbean cruise with added bonus of drinks package/ onboard spend. We enjoyed the cruise that much that we have changed our minds and wish to change our booking and return to Alaska.

Thankfully I didn't book flights etc. Celebrity have said we can change but may lose some of our booking bonus. I didn't retain a copy of the onboard booking offer sheet. I'm not to fazed by the 'may' I just don't want to be short changed.

Does anyone have a copy that they could upload - we disembarked on 7 July 2017? I need to sort flights this weeks but want o have this information as a point of reference when I ringback tomorrow (Tuesday)? Thanks in advance if you can help.

I need to have a look at an add on post cruise added in Seward/that area. Maybe less time pre-cruise and shift our proposed dates. Thank you one and all the State is so vast all insider knowledge/practical tips are so helpful. I relied on Toms guide when we visited Ketchikan prior to DIY excursion, he's guides are so helpful too.

Do you really want to leave without seeing any of main land Alaska?

 

There are alternative transfers available, as well. Celebrity offers their contracted train that leaves around 7am, They also have bus transfers, BUT with international travel you really need to be at that airport 2.5 hours prior to your flight, so a later flight would likely be a better option. Superior would be to consider staying another week. :)

Our plans are flexible, nothing is booked yet although certain parts such as the cruise are more or less set. We are trying to cover some new places as well as a couple of the same yet a little bit more of Alaska in general having been so awestruck from our first every visit. We plan three weeks rather than two. We planned to undertake land tour inc. a bit of time in Canada pre-cruise the flights back to Heathrow via Seattle appeared slightly more straight forward we just need to work out where. But, I'm grateful for your helpful reminder before we confirm any travel arrangements.

We looked into this and will be using Alaska Cruise Transportation from Seward to Anchorage because the price is great at $50, it's narrated, and the timing is right. The $50 is key because there are four of us. We're going to pick up a rental car at the airport after the tour/drive.

 

Seward to Anchorage Bus for cruise ship passengers

 

• Depart Cruise Ship terminal 8:00AM – Fridays, Mondays
  
• Moose Pass (drive by)
  
• Turnagain Arm – (drive by) dall sheep, beluga whales
  
• Drop off at Anchorage Airport 10:30AM
  
• Drop off at Downtown Anchorage hotels 11:00AM
  
• $50.00 per person
  

Our Seward to Anchorage narrated 2.5-3 hour shuttle option is the best alternative to get from your cruise ship in Seward to Anchorage airport or hotel. Our direct Seward bus will pick up at the Seward cruise ship terminal, directly at the ship, our friendly drivers/guides will direct you to your bus, where you will be seated in comfort with lots of luggage space in the luggage section.

You will then continue on to the most scenic Seward highway in your direct Seward bus. You will learn about history and surrounding places of interest on you way from Seward to Anchorage in your direct transfer bus. You will then continue traveling to Anchorage to be dropped off at Anchorage Ted Stevens airport, or hotel (NOTE: This discounted transfer has limited drop off locations, if your hotel is not on the list, you can get off at the airport and call your hotel for their free airport shuttle and they will come and take you to your hotel directly. If hotel drop off is important to you, please select our wildlife transfer which has many more drop off options). We make your experience while traveling from Seward to Anchorage easy and unforgettable. Reserve your transfer from Seward to Anchorage today, receive your confirmation e-mail with travel details and get ready for an unforgettable ride.

This transfer is a shared transfer service in our most comfortable coaches with restroom, tinted windows, easy step up (unlike full-size vans that other transfer companies use, you don’t have to bend over or hit your head climbing in and out), air conditioner/heater, large picture-view windows, full size individual bus seats (unlike vans that other transfer companies use, you will have a private seat for yourself and will not be holding somebody else’s bag), DVD player, full narration.

Thank you. I really wasn't sure what options were available I don't won't to make a flight booking we might miss but this appears to be perfect timing wise.

We're are fortunate to have recently returned from a 7 night Alaska cruise. We enjoyed it that much that we wish to return undertaking a slightly different route. Celebrity are offering a 7 night northbound cruise disembarking in Seward. If anyone has travelled this route this year or plans to before the seasons out, please could you let me know what transfer options are offered to Anchorage airport. We played to head straight back to Seattle, there's a dir ct flight at 13.40 same day. Do Celebrity offer transfer, if so what time do they depart/arrive? If this isn't practicable we can look at other flight options but this flight appears ideal. Planning on land based stay pre-cruise.

We cruised on board Solstice on 29 June we took the smaller boat on the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion via Celebrity. The tenders pulled up alongside the ship. We were taken to the Sawyer Glacier which was amazing. The captain had to turn the ship around passengers who remained onboard didn't get to see the TAF due to the volume of ice cravings before the ship headed back onto Juneau. We were onboard for the 180 turn, which was amazing too.

Planning our next cruise to Alaska. We had every intention (we even booked it onboard) of cruising the eastern Caribbean next year but we had the best, most relaxing yet awesome cruise and excursions on our round trip cruise from Seattle on board Solstice.

Since returning we are planning a trip before seeking to change our booking. We cannot wait....I'm seeking an answer to one question to assist with planning if anyone can help, any know what transfers Celebrity offer from Seward to Anchorage airport post cruise. The identified flight would depart at 13.40 bound for Seattle? The train doesn't fit our post cruise plans can we make it with a transfer or should we look at a later flight - anyone cruised/cruising northborad this year on board Celebrity?

BEVCLINGRAT - we have this code on our cruise later this month. BEVCLINGRAT equates to classic beverage package plus gratuities for cruise staff NOT grats for the beverage package. Your invoice should show the amount charged inc. grats then a discount to neutralise the package.

I think the other code relates to OMC, had similar/if not same in the past - not sure how much OMC as that would be subject to cabin type. Contact Celebrity Guest services to clarify...they should be able to help.

I'm so pleased to read such positive comments about this trip. We're taking our first cruise to Alaska next month, we've booked this trip I am really looking forward to it and very much hoping for at least one ahhhh... moment.

Happened to me too. If it is. It right, then they will have to fix it with us upon check in as there is no way for us to print two passes.

 

 

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Happened to me too. We sail 30 June onboard Solstice- however, when I log in now it says 10% on line check in complete. I rang Celebrity, they told me I didn't need to do it again and bring the passes with me..also can't download the cruise booklet without completing the process again. I'll check it at the weekend and probablycomplete check in again ? Has this happened to anyone else.

I am on solstice week after, so please post where you went if you can. Thanks.

I will ensure I post an update. We're booked on excursion TA01 Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer too, so I wonder what happens/ where they take you if it doesn't visit Tracy Arm.

Subject to conditions, we're heading to Tracy Arm on 3 July on board Celebrity Solstice. Any recent updates as to how anyone else got on would be really good.

We're on the 30 June sailing, first time Seattle departure thank you for the helpful tips.

Goto www.thepreismans.com/eclipse_so_car_menus.htm

This guy published the menus for his January 2017 cruise - International cocktails are available.

Thank you for the information.

We've taken a two year break from cruising, last sailing on Celebrity in 2014 and, also also, 2013. On both occasions we sailed in a Sky suite back then both had an iPad docking station. We were unable to make use on the docking station on our second cruise in 2014 as we'd upgraded our iPad and iPhone. Maybe these have been removed in general due to changing technology.

We've usually packed all hand luggage before we head for breakfast on the final morning then head back to the cabin to collect our small plug along bag before heading to a lounge area before disembarking.

Although 8am is only an hour different any earlier is unreasonable. This isn't what I consider reasonable when paying a few Thousand pounds each for our cruise. I remember being in cabins until 9am ish, waiting for our disembarkation time to be called. We didn't cruise this year but I really hope Celebrity views the material/guidance placed in cabin on the penultimate day.

On embarkation the cabin area is usually blocked off until 1pm. They really shouldn't allow new guests to board until 12noon to allow them to get on with cleaning/prep'ing the ship for the next cruise. We don't usually arrive at port until 1pm ish to enable us to board, eat and head straight to our cabin. Everyone does things differently and most people prefer there way of doing things on there holiday. This is merely what we like to do. We don't want to stop cruising so, for now, we'll carrying planning for cruise this summer.

We're taking our first cruise to Alaska in June, I'd read layers is the way to go. The waterproof rather than water resistant and all others tips are really helpful. Great thread.