We really enjoyed the raw beauty of the Alaska cruise. I would go again tomorrow! The only change I will make in the future will be NOT using to book cruises. In my opinion they mislead you on rebates. Even when you ask specifically about the offers, they don't give you a straight answer. The website does little to clear up the offers but whatever you think you are getting it will be less.
The above was not and is not a reflection on Samantha who assisted us on our booking. I found her to be experienced, friendly and forthcoming. The others who I talked to .....not so much.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Once past security, there are different queues for different classes of cruise guest. For example, "concierge", "suites" and so on. Make sure you get in the right line and the process is faster. The workers trying to "direct" you are not always aware of which line you should be in.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I was impressed with the quality/service and variety in the main dining room. Tried one specialty restaurant and found the menu somewhat limited. The buffet was only used for a snack/fruit/drinks or a visit to the carving stations.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Wife enjoyed the hot tub and yogi class.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The comedy show was pretty good but you have to really look at the daily program to pick up on show times!
Children's Programs
Very few kids on the ship and I was not one of them.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Waiters in main dining room were great as were the room stewards. Some of the supervisors in the buffet area would gather to chat in the middle of the traffic causing one to walk around them. They should move to the side.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Solstice seemed to be in great shape. The cleaning crew were a blur as they scurried around the ship cleaning.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was big enough without being too big. Plenty of room for 2 people to enjoy without being crowded. Bathroom was bigger then I anticipated as was the balcony.
Ship tip
Take advantage of the service to move your "checked" luggage from the ship to the airport at no additional charge! You fill out a form, and the crew checks your bag, delivers you the bag tag and boarding pass. You pack, tag and sit it outside your door. When you disembark, you just bring your carry on items. The bag will be at your destination airport.
Another port with either a long walk or a bus ride. Found it easier and economical to purchase the all day bus fare. Get on or get off where you want. Went on a glass blowing excursion which took 2 buses going and 2 coming back, without the $5 unlimited pass the trip would have cost $8 per person. The glass blowing was really neat, learned a lot and made a keepsake globe that they mail to your home!
Another port with a bus ride.....roundtrip to town was $30 per person. But it did not appear many people were coming back with much. We opted to walk the dock to a couple of gift shops.
This was far and above the best disembarkation I have had on all of my cruises. We had to make a relatively early flight, so used the bag valet as previously mentioned. Then we followed the self disembarking procedure which had us gather on deck 5 at 630am. Earlier the better as there was already a line!
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