Solstice or Rhapsody with a child ? Alaska 2013

[pearl12970]

We ( husband , me & 6 year old , my parents ) are booked on the Rhapsody of seas ( Aug 9 ) in a balcony & an ocean view. *We now want to change to 2 balconies Or a balcony & ocean view on the same deck, but all balconies are taken.*

We can get 2 balcony staterooms on the Celebrity Solstice . However the Solstice docks at Victoria at 6 pm*& departs at midnight . With a 6 year old , that would mean no shore excursion for us.*The Rhapsody docks in Victoria at 6am & departs at 9pm

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findac...ilDate=1130809

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/sear...s=B&promoType=

. I am tempted to cancel the Rhapsody & book on the Solstice bcos we get 2 balconies at the same rate as a balcony + ocean view on Rhapsody. However i have to consider the possibility that we may not get off the ship fact that we won't see anything in Victoria.

I also want to know which of the 2 ships has more activities for kids.

 

This is our first cruise to Alaska & I am so confused !! Any advice , suggestions will be highly appreciated.

[Mulege]

Victoria is beautiful at night. Solstice has connecting staterooms so that would be my choice. Solstice is much newer and gets higher ratings. Full in room dining on Solstice.

[drarill]

We ( husband , me & 6 year old , my parents ) are booked on the Rhapsody of seas ( Aug 9 ) in a balcony & an ocean view. *We now want to change to 2 balconies Or a balcony & ocean view on the same deck, but all balconies are taken.*

We can get 2 balcony staterooms on the Celebrity Solstice . However the Solstice docks at Victoria at 6 pm*& departs at midnight . With a 6 year old , that would mean no shore excursion for us.*The Rhapsody docks in Victoria at 6am & departs at 9pm

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findac...ilDate=1130809

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/sear...s=B&promoType=

. I am tempted to cancel the Rhapsody & book on the Solstice bcos we get 2 balconies at the same rate as a balcony + ocean view on Rhapsody. However i have to consider the possibility that we may not get off the ship fact that we won't see anything in Victoria.

I also want to know which of the 2 ships has more activities for kids.

 

This is our first cruise to Alaska & I am so confused !! Any advice , suggestions will be highly appreciated.

The Solstice is a beautiful ship, I like the way the cabins connect and having a balcony is a plus!! Victoria is beautiful at night.

[Keith1010]

I would go with the Soltice.

 

The downtown area of Victoria is about a five minute drive from the ship so you can spend a short time there walking around.

 

Keith

[Cruise Arizona]

My kids absolutely loved the hot glass show on the Solstice where artist make bowls and dishes and anything else you could make from glass right before your eyes. That alone would put Solstice ahead for me, so the two rooms and with the balconies would make it no contest.

[epixx]

Among the two choices you offered, I recommend the Celebrity itinerary if the purpose of your trip is to visit Alaska. The RCI ship only stops at two ports in Alaska, while the Solstice at least visits three.