Just Back from Solstice - Alaska 5/23-3/30

FYI - I also posted this review in the CC "review page.

We returned yesterday from the 7 day Inside Passage/Sawyer Glacier cruise. I wanted to write this before I went back to work and every becomes a distant memory.

We arrived in Seattle 2 days prior to sailing. The weather was Beautiful! It was in the mid 70's and no rain. We were surprised at all the steep streets and hills in Seattle. Coming from Florida we are not used to anything that steep but that didn't stop us from doing a lot of walking. We also took cabs which I found to be pretty reasonable. We went to the Chihuilly Glass Museum that is located next to the space needle. This is worth seeing. The exhibits were spectacular and with the weather being so nice we were able to spend time in the gardens. From there we took the Monorail close to the Pike Street Public Market. The Monorail was 2.00 per person and was only a few minute ride. The Public Market was about a 4 block walk from the monorail through downtown Seattle. It was a very busy area because we were there on a weekday. The Market is very large and very busy. At one point we were a little overwhelmed because there were so many people and it was hard to get around. After lunch time the crowds let up a little and we were able to browse a little more. There were so many beautiful fruits, vegetables, flowers and fish to buy BUT we were leaving on a cruise and it was impossible for us to purchase anything we were not going to eat that day. Of course, we were able to find a few things because there are delicious bakeries and coffee shops among everything else.

On Friday we took a cab to Pier 91 to meet the Celebrity Solstice. The ship was just beautiful. We had previously sailed on the Eclipse so we knew what to expect but it was even nicer this time. We had a Balcony cabin on the Starboard side and we had fantastic views throughout the entire cruise. While docked in all the ports out cabin actually faced the port. In some cases that was good in others it was just OK.

The food on the Solstice was GREAT!!! When we sailed on the Eclipse about 4 years ago the food was not very good so we were a little nervous but it was a totally different chef and the food was fabulous. I am a pretty picky eater and I can honestly say I liked everything I ate. Even the buffets were good. We didn't go there for dinner but breakfast and lunch was really good. We had pre-booked 2 specialty restaurants on the 2 formal nights. We did this because my husband did not want to bring a jacket and we figured this would be more casual but we saw a lot of men and women more casually dressed on formal nights and they ate in the dining room. We ate in Murono which was very very good. The service was excellent and the food, though a little unusual was delicious. We also ate in Tuscan Grille which was our least favorite. The service was also excellent but the food was not as good as other meals we had. I personally thought the dinning room food was better.

First I have to tell you that the weather was GREAT in all our ports. Skagway got a little bit cold, and Ketchikan had rain on and off for about an hour but it was mostly in the mid to high 60's and sunny.

Our first stop was Ketchikan. We have been on many cruises but I have to say this was not my favorite port. We took a 2 hour tour (that we booked privately), the tour was really good but the town was a little run down and not as beautiful as the other ports. We ended our tour on Creek Street and it was a very nice little area, but it was very small so we ended up walking back to the pier and doing some souvenir shopping. The Salmon were not running because it was too early in the season. We learned very quickly to look for the "Locally owned stores". I was shocked to see the same stores that are in the Caribbean such as Del Sol, Diamonds International and MANY Caribbean owned jewelry stores. I'm sure the cruise lines must have a piece of these stores because it because they are the only stores they "Endorse". Our tour guide told us several years back all these stores came from the Caribbean and actually put a lot of locals out of business.

The next morning we were up at 6:00 AM to start our the ships journey through the inside passage, Tracey Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier. It was not very hard to get up because the sun rose at 4:15 that day and didn't set until after 10:00 PM. This was one of the best parts of the trip. The scenery was AMAZING!! The inside passage and Tracy Arm were Breathtaking. unfortunately, we were not able to get very close to the glacier because it was too early in the season and there was too much ice for the ship to go through. But it didn't really matter because everything was just unbelievable. We sat on our balcony and watched the whole "Show" while the ships Naturalist narrated on and off for several hours.

That afternoon we docked in Juneau which was a beautiful City. We had a private tour to Mendelhall Glacier, Shrine of St. Therese and through the mountains and homes in Juneau. The City is really nice, clean and also had breathtaking scenery.

Skagway was a nice little down but I would recommend booking some kind of excursion because it is a long day and the town is small. We pre-rented a Green Jeep and took a very long ride up to the Yukon. We stopped in a very small town of Carcross CAN. and Emerald Lake. To be honest, I thought the ride was much too long and the town and lake were really not much to see. The lake was pretty but not worth a 4 hour round trip ride. The snowcapped mountains driving up and down were just gorgeous and worth seeing but it was just too long a ride for us. When we got back we still had a few hours to explore downtown.

The next day and 1/2 at sea were well needed after all the touring and running around we did the previous days. We were a little disappointed that there were not many activities on board on sea days but we found a few things to do and took a lot of naps!! In Victoria BC we made the mistake of not preplanning a tour. The port was pretty far from downtown. There is a shuttle that cost 11.00 per person round trip but since it was after 6:00 PM when we docked a lot of downtown was closed. We heard wonderful things about the tour to the gardens and if we go back we will plan in advance. There was nothing to do downtown but walk around and look at closed stores.

I have to say that Celebrity does a GREAT job on the Solstice. The service, food and cabins were wonderful. We didn't see a lot of the entertainment because we were in the casino but we had a great time there. I can't wait to go back and now that I kind of know the way of the land it will be a little easier to decide what excursions to book.

Thanks so much for sharing. My daughter and I will be taking this cruise at the end of the summer and your positive comments have me wishing it were closer! Did you stay on your balcony or go on deck for good views of the fjord? We've also booked a starboard balcony stateroom and it's great to know we'll enjoy our views!

We spent most of the fjord on the balcony. We were invited to see the glacier on the ships helipad because we are Elite members but once we were there we decided to go back to the balcony. There were too many people and if you didn't secure a spot on the railing you couldn't see. We only stayed about 15 min and went back. It might be worth it to go up to deck 14 so you can see both sides. It took several hours to go through the whole passage.

Thank you for your very informative review. My DW and I will be doing this trip leaving on June 6. You have made my anticipation much more enjoyable.

Thanks again, Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Thanks for your review.

Thanks for posting the review.:D

We were on this cruise as well. We found the entire experience amazing. Given the amount of grousing I've seen about Celebrity on these boards, lately, I was a bit nervous about what to expect. I found there was no need for concern. The ship was beautiful, the food outstanding and the customer service was like nothing I've ever experienced. Celebrity took outstanding care of us. We can't wait to sail with them again.

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We spent most of the fjord on the balcony. We were invited to see the glacier on the ships helipad because we are Elite members but once we were there we decided to go back to the balcony. There were too many people and if you didn't secure a spot on the railing you couldn't see. We only stayed about 15 min and went back. It might be worth it to go up to deck 14 so you can see both sides. It took several hours to go through the whole passage.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Maybe next time you go, you might want to consider sailing from Vancouver where you would see a more spectacular segment of the inside passage. You could also arrive a few days early, take the ferry over to Vancouver Island and see Victoria and the Butchart gardens at your leisure.:)

We were on this cruise as well. We found the entire experience amazing. Given the amount of grousing I've seen about Celebrity on these boards, lately, I was a bit nervous about what to expect. I found there was no need for concern. The ship was beautiful, the food outstanding and the customer service was like nothing I've ever experienced. Celebrity took outstanding care of us. We can't wait to sail with them again.

 

 

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Glad to hear you had a great time. Just remember that these forums do allow people to air their greivances (no matter how large or small), so a lot of them do to get advice on how best to remedy the situation or just to vent.:D

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm glad I read your comments about Victoria in particular. I had planned on getting off the ship and just doing our own thing. Sounds like that may not be a great plan after all.

We're looking forward to a great trip and just hoping to get past Ketchikan this time around. :)

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm glad I read your comments about Victoria in particular. I had planned on getting off the ship and just doing our own thing. Sounds like that may not be a great plan after all.

 

We're looking forward to a great trip and just hoping to get past Ketchikan this time around. :)

Please do come to Victoria:D It is about a 20 min walk in and then maybe cab it back. It is daylight until at least 9pm and there is lots of time to walk around the Inner Harbour http://www.victoriabcca.com/reviews/victoria_inner_harbour_causway/inner_harbour_review.php and maybe walk through the beautiful dowager Empress Hotel. https://www.google.ca/search?q=empress+hotel+images&client=firefox-a&hs=x3c&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=fflb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Yc2LU4iWEcHZoATUtoLYCg&ved=0CDMQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=583 A lot of stores stay open late in the summer because of the tourists - you must visit Roger's Chocolates http://www.rogerschocolates.com/ or have a pint at one of the two Irish Pubs = The Bard & Banker and The Irish Times Pub which are both in Heritage Buildings. We love our city and hope you can visit us:)

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Maybe next time you go, you might want to consider sailing from Vancouver where you would see a more spectacular segment of the inside passage. You could also arrive a few days early, take the ferry over to Vancouver Island and see Victoria and the Butchart gardens at your leisure.:)

Absolutely a great recommendation! Been there, done it, fantastic recommendation.

Please do come to Victoria:D It is about a 20 min walk in and then maybe cab it back. It is daylight until at least 9pm and there is lots of time to walk around the Inner Harbour http://www.victoriabcca.com/reviews/victoria_inner_harbour_causway/inner_harbour_review.php and maybe walk through the beautiful dowager Empress Hotel. https://www.google.ca/search?q=empress+hotel+images&client=firefox-a&hs=x3c&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=fflb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Yc2LU4iWEcHZoATUtoLYCg&ved=0CDMQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=583 A lot of stores stay open late in the summer because of the tourists - you must visit Roger's Chocolates http://www.rogerschocolates.com/ or have a pint at one of the two Irish Pubs = The Bard & Banker and The Irish Times Pub which are both in Heritage Buildings. We love our city and hope you can visit us:)

Thanks for all the links and the great info! I didn't mean to imply that I wouldn't come enjoy your city; just meant that I would rethink doing it without a plan in mind. :) Victoria Island was one of the bright spots on this itinerary, esp since we weren't able to fit it into our plans when in Vancouver last summer.

I also didn't mean to imply that Victoria is not a great city, but we just chose the wrong thing to do. We had eaten an early dinner on the ship so we weren't going to eat again. We walked around downtown and there were a few souvenir type stores and Rogers Chocolate open but it was not enough for us. I would love to go back with a tour planned. I know there are many beautiful things we missed.

We were on this cruise as well and had a wonderful time! We had a port side balcony but decided to go to deck 14 for Tracy Arm. The scenery was unbelievable and stunning. We enjoyed all of the stops and had excursions booked at each- ziplining in Ketchikan, hiking near Mendenhall Glacier, a train ride/bike excursion in Skagway, the garden tour in Victoria and a post cruise excursion in Seattle with airport drop off. The weather was great with the exception of a very windy day in Skagway, we could not have gotten better weather IMO.

Celebrity did a fantastic job pampering us with delicious food and the great atmosphere in the Speciality restaurants. The buffet was pretty good and I thought the Alaskan themed lunch was tasty and presented very nice. I can't comment on the MDR as we never set foot in it. The Solstice is a beautiful ship with great service and her crew was top notch. Thank you Celebrity for making this cruise (our 9th) one of our most relaxing and enjoyable cruises!

We were also on this cruise! This was our sixth cruise, but first Celebrity and first Alaska. Celebrity did not disappoint! We splurged on Aqua Class, balcony room. We loved the Blu restaurant, and used the Persian Garden almost every day. We had a specialty restaurant voucher, which we used in Tuscan Grille. The dinner and service were outstanding. The view is unbelievable. We did the Juneau flight plane to Taku lodge. It was outstanding! We took a bus tour to the Yukon (Emerald Lake) in Skagway. Weather was good, and sites were amazing!

I also didn't mean to imply that Victoria is not a great city, but we just chose the wrong thing to do. We had eaten an early dinner on the ship so we weren't going to eat again. We walked around downtown and there were a few souvenir type stores and Rogers Chocolate open but it was not enough for us. I would love to go back with a tour planned. I know there are many beautiful things we missed.

Not that Victoria is a boring city but docking there 6pm on the Last Night of a 7 day cruise and all aboard in a mere 4 hours is not my idea of a great night.

Kind of a bust from a great week if your ask me. :cool:

No comparison. Solstice by far is the best cruise ship in Alaska. :p :p

For me Solstice in 3 weeks. Thanks for your review.

Thanks Mabell2, floralscent and cub77cub for sharing your experience and reviews. Glad to see all 3 where very positive, and very glad all 3 shared great food experience.

We'll be onboard in a few months time. Like Cub77cub, were going Aqua, so looking forward to trying out blu and "living" in the persian garden. So 3 more positive reviews really adds to the excitment....

Thank you for your most informative review. We're doing this cruise in 2015 and can't wait (special birthdays)! Could you just let us know if the Oceanview café and/or Café Bacio open early when we sail down Tracey Arm Fjord? Also, what are the dining arrangements when we visit Victoria? Do they change the dining times as we are due to arrive in Victoria at 6pm? Thank you in anticipation.

Thank you for your most informative review. We're doing this cruise in 2015 and can't wait (special birthdays)! Could you just let us know if the Oceanview café and/or Café Bacio open early when we sail down Tracey Arm Fjord? Also, what are the dining arrangements when we visit Victoria? Do they change the dining times as we are due to arrive in Victoria at 6pm? Thank you in anticipation.

The Cafe' al Baccio opens around 7am normally but just check the daily schedule.:D

Can any of you upload the daily activity newsletter? I think they are Celebrities Dailies, but can't remember for sure.

Also, I head that quite a bit of activities on ship may be shut down on the last night when we are in Victoria. Any truth to this?

Thanks.

Can any of you upload the daily activity newsletter? I think they are Celebrities Dailies, but can't remember for sure.

 

Also, I head that quite a bit of activities on ship may be shut down on the last night when we are in Victoria. Any truth to this?

 

Thanks.

would love to see those daily activity newsletters too!

would love to see those daily activity newsletters too!

Me too, please!! :) :)

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Please do come to Victoria:D It is about a 20 min walk in and then maybe cab it back. It is daylight until at least 9pm and there is lots of time to walk around the Inner Harbour http://www.victoriabcca.com/reviews/victoria_inner_harbour_causway/inner_harbour_review.php and maybe walk through the beautiful dowager Empress Hotel. https://www.google.ca/search?q=empress+hotel+images&client=firefox-a&hs=x3c&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=fflb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Yc2LU4iWEcHZoATUtoLYCg&ved=0CDMQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=583 A lot of stores stay open late in the summer because of the tourists - you must visit Roger's Chocolates http://www.rogerschocolates.com/ or have a pint at one of the two Irish Pubs = The Bard & Banker and The Irish Times Pub which are both in Heritage Buildings. We love our city and hope you can visit us:)

We have visited Victoria a number of times -- both cruise port stops and land trips, and I love this city. While Buchart Gardens are lovely, we also enjoy the Royal Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. And the last several years we have been stopping at The Bard & Banker for meals -- I love the atmosphere with the little "snugs" in addition to the great food.

We loved the Cafe Bacio! They opened at 6:30am on Tracy Arm Fjord day. I also forgot to mention that room service was great. We had coffee within 15 minutes of ordering! Also, they have fancy coffee drinks on the sky deck that morning. I think they also had hot coffee and tea in the sky lounge

Thank you for your most informative review. We're doing this cruise in 2015 and can't wait (special birthdays)! Could you just let us know if the Oceanview café and/or Café Bacio open early when we sail down Tracey Arm Fjord? Also, what are the dining arrangements when we visit Victoria? Do they change the dining times as we are due to arrive in Victoria at 6pm? Thank you in anticipation.