Scenic Wonderland

Item: Celebrity Solstice
Rating: 4.6
Author: MaySept

Celebrity Solstice Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

MaySept

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 118

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

7 Night Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 10, 2018

Ship: Celebrity Solstice

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 1507

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

A great trip to one of the last relatively unspoiled regions of the country - but it is odd to see so many jewelry stores in these little towns

Embarkation

3 out of 5

The Seattle cruise port itself is chaotic. We got out of a cab, then had to search for someone to take our luggage in. Then we had to walk through traffic to get into the terminal. Fortunately, the rest of the check-in process was quite good. In most other cities (e.g., Amsterdam or Tampa or even Rome), you get out of a cab and immediately hand the luggage off, then walk a few steps to get into the terminal.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Blu Restaurant

5 out of 5

A special venue, just for Aqua Class cruisers. The service is excellent, and the food is a bit lighter than the MDR (but those in Blu can order anything from the MDR menu). We ate at Blu almost every night, and we did not feel the need to use the specialty restaurants.

AquaSpa Cafe

5 out of 5

A nice selection of light foods, including fruit and pastries

Oceanview Cafe and Bar

4 out of 5

this is a step above the usual buffet - excellent selection and some variation from day to day

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Online@Celebrity

4 out of 5

the internet service is much better than in the past, but the connection cost is high; the staff working in the iLounge are patient and helpful

Pool

5 out of 5

I loved the indoor pool - most mornings, I was the only one there from 7 to 7:30 in the morning, and it never really got crowded until the family hours (this is a nice touch)

Solarium

5 out of 5

usually quieter (and warmer) than the main pool area

Guest Relations And Excursions

5 out of 5

they handled all of our minor issues very quickly and efficiently

Fitness Center

5 out of 5

nice selection of fitness machines

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Celebrity Theater

5 out of 5

We really enjoyed the many Beyond the Podium talks - they were informative and entertaining - a great combination.

Children's Programs

4 out of 5

we did not use - but they seemed fine

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

room steward was excellent, all crew members and staff were friendly and helpful

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

the ship was immaculate

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

A bit tight, but that is life aboard a cruise ship

Ship tip

Enjoy the ship - food, entertainment, excursions, etc. You will not be disappointed

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

5 out of 5

we walked around a bit the day before the cruise

Thumbs Up 2

Ketchikan, Alaska

4 out of 5

quiet little town - we took a relatively simple trip to the Totem Village and to see some wildlife

Thumbs Up 0

Juneau, Alaska

4 out of 5

we had a lovely catamaran ride to a glacier - excellent experience in the afternoon, by the time we took the Medenhall Glacier tour, the rain had started, and that put a damper on outdoor activities

Thumbs Up 1

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

excellent bus trip into the Yukon - I think the bus is a much better choice than the train - we got to get on and off the bus and to see more things

Thumbs Up 3

Victoria, British Columbia

5 out of 5

lovely visit to Butchard Gardens - not enough time to see much else

Thumbs Up 3