Vonodin Posted May 26, 2013 #1 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Solstice 5-17-2013 sailing Alaska--Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria Let me start by saying it was a marvelous, wonderful cruise. The weather could not have been better. However, it was not the Caribbean... My wife and I went with another couple, leaving the kids at home for the first time. This is simply MY point of view, and hope it enlightens or helps those getting ready to take this cruise or are thinking of it. I am not going into a whole lot of depth, more statements. If you would like more you can ask. I hope to be able to add pictures at the end. We live across from Seattle so simply walked across on the ferry and took a taxi to the terminal. Having been on Princess once, and RCI twice, I must say nothing really jumped out at me for Celebrity being anything more spectacular or above the rest. Solstice is a very lovely ship. She is absolutely gorgeous. However, I am still amazed at what all a cruise ship entails. Any cruise ship for that matter. I am in awe on every ship. We were Aqua class room 1605. Our friends 1603. Very large balcony on the hump. Made even bigger by opening the doorway between. Embarkation as Aqua was FANTASTIC>>> Just kept mentioning it to the terminal staff, was shown the way to go, and did not stop till we were in front of the check-in desk. Less then two minutes from getting out of the taxi till we were checking in. The shower was neat, but not anything to get all gaw gaw over. Do not drink so on day two returned the first and second bottles of champagne. Asked if we could get sparkling apple juice instead.. However, there was a language barrier. I suppose I could have pursed more, but it was not a big deal to me. The tea was a little weak. However, I did drink some each day. Drank the waters, as well as took on excursions. Placed in fridge overnight, cold next morn. Received two towel animals. Chocolate every night. The room was spacious, yet did not really need the little table. Never really sat on the sofa. Bed was by the balcony. There is storage above bed in cabinets as well as room for luggage under. Not a lot of drawers/closet space. Left some clothes in luggage. The staff was always very pleasant and helpful. I have never had so many men turn the water on and pump the soap so I could wash my hands in the bathroom. Yes, there are paper towels above the "cloth" towels. Above very urinal was a quote. Very interesting. The Baristas in Cafe al Bacio were super. Jirina, Olga and Eva were everything you would expect in your local Starbucks. They knew your drink preference by day 2. On that note, We did do the PMNA (premium non-alcoholic drink package for $18 a day plus gratuity. $144 total) Well worth it. I had 28 coffee/teas from al Bacio alone. (A decaf white chocolate mocha at night was pretty tasty.) Not to mention CANNED coke, smoothies, and premium water through out the day too. Took unopened coke on excursions, and back to the room many times. Did not have to drink the coke in the fridge. We did the 3 night Specialty Dining Package. Plus we received one from our TA. Ate at Blu 3 times. Tuscan twice, Murano and Silk once. I would do a Package next time too. The lobster in Murano is a must. Had "Steak and Lobster" in Blu on second formal night. A second lobster fell on one of our plates too. (Just ask) The fillet in Tuscan the best.!! Silk was okay. Did not care for the Sushi Ordered multiple appetizers and desserts. Ordered escargot in Blu when not on the menu. They would have brought frog legs too if we had really wanted. They were on the menu in MDR one night. Did Tuscan first night. ( X puts you there with package.) Blu second night... service was not great. (first formal) Adi in Tuscan was WONDERFUL the night before. Murano 3rd night. Took 3 hours, but the food was excellent. They bring each appetizer separate. unlike Tuscan and Blu. They all brought the extra desserts about the same time. Service in Blu on the 4th night was much better. Assistant waiter Klara, she was super once you got to know her. Tuscan 5th night . Had the Fillet again. Tried different appetizers and desserts. Service was great. Had Adi again. Blu second formal (6th night). As mentioned ask for a second Lobster, and the steak too. Service was great. Did silk last night. The spicy soup, cream cheese wantons, and the tempura shrimp were excellent. . Could have just ordered the shrimp and wantons and been happy. The sushi was not the best. The cheese burgers and fries at Mast Grill were fantastic. Three times worth....once without the bun... Tried the Banana and Nutella crepe at Bistro on Five. I make that at home on wheat bread with peanut butter.. Nothing exciting. The egg/bacon and cheese crepe was ok. Yes I ordered both for the $5. Ate breakfast once in Blu.. It was ok, nothing special. Ate lunch in MDR between Tracy Arm and Juneau. Not impressed, seemed rushed and forgotten... Ate breakfast three times in Oceanview cafe. You can always find something to eat here. Everything was good. The homemade hard ice cream was great. Long line at times. We did not take formal wear this time. Smart casual. It was really nice. Saw everything as far as dress on formal nights. Sat. and Wed., sea days, formal nights..2nd and 6th nights. Slacks, button shirts, dresses, blouse, pants, tuxes, evening gowns. Wore nice jeans with polo, and button down shirt some nights. Seemed like there was always something going on in the Sky Observation Lounge. Private party, art auction.. who knows.. except those attending. Was not able to get in there when we wanted to. I do not drink so did not sit in many bars much. However, the bartenders in the Martini and Molecular bars put on great shows. Casino was always busy. Lost in slots, won in craps. Noise from the Grand Foyer on the 3rd floor reverberated all the way past the library. A little loud at times. Hot Glass show was great. Just bundle up. Windy and cold The Solstice entertainers were good. The third show..cirque type show... not to be missed. Is amazing. The heated beds in Persion Gardens were relaxing and very warm. Solarium pool and hot tubs were used by many. Outdoor hot tubs too. Ketchikan was overcast. It rained before we got off and after we got back on. Did the Wilderness exploration crab fest ke19. Pretty awesome, and good crab. Walked Creek street before we went out to George inlet lodge. Tracy Arm was beauuuuutiful.....Very few clouds, blue skies and sun. Yet cold. Were able to get real close to the glacier. Lots of bergs in water. Sunny blue skies. Tendering in Juneau sucked. Fortunately had an excursion through the ship. We were the 4th boat off. Our friends had to wait till late afternoon to get off. After waiting in line to get tender tickets. Only two docks for tenders. That needs to be fixed. Heard they are going to dock every other week Something about every other trip switching with Princess. Sadly there were 8 foot swells out where the whales were. So the Excursion was cancelled. Did receive a full refund. It was a Mendenhall glacier, Whale watch, wildlife quest. ju-40 Ended up walking up to a booth and for $30 each, rode a bus around town and then to Mendenhall glacier. Back in town walked around the shops. Getting back on tender was not to bad. Skagway. Beautiful blue sunny skies. A little chilly in morning. White pass railway and Historic city tour sk-49 Took the bus up/train down . Ran back onto the ship ate at Mast grille then back for Ghost and Good time girls sk-06 Living in Puget Sound we get to Victoria quite often during the summer. Did not get off the boat. Living in Seattle area, we just took clothes we wear during winter. My "heavy rain" jacket has a zipper liner, allowing me to use it 3 different ways. (as I do during winter here.) Wore a tee shirt with a long sleeved pull over half zipper fleece afternoon of Skagway. Morning in Skagway and Juneau, had the inside liner of my rain jacket on over the same. (Blue sunny skies) In Ketchikan, had both parts of my rain jacket/liner. With a tee-shirt and pull over fleece. (More overcast possible rain) Tracy Arm, did bundle up some, used my stocking cap to cover my ears. Wife had hat, gloves and scarf when we were top side, and still cold. Not as windy when on our balcony Disembarkation was a breeze. Handed the declaration to the officer, and he waved us through. Not a line at all Again this is MY thoughts... Hope this helps and /or enlightens The cruise will be awesome no matter what!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drarill Posted May 26, 2013 #2 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Great review Erik. Thanks for sharing your experience. I have one question for you. We booked the cabin next to yours, 1607, on the Eclipse. Have read mixed reviews about the noise from the pool deck, how was it? Did you smell the cigarette smoke from the smoking area on the deck above? I know there is a designated smoking area on the port side on deck twelve, but don't know if we are going to be affected. Any feedback will be appreciated. BTW, I'm planning to buy the premium non alcoholic package. Last two cruises got the classic non alcoholic, but this year I'm upgrading myself. :):) Thanks again for your review!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2OH! Posted May 26, 2013 #3 Share Posted May 26, 2013 can you clarify the formal nights... you mention Sat. and Wed., sea days, formal nights..and then state it s 2nd and 6th nights. wedensday is not the 6th night. Any help would be appreciated as we are trying to plan for tuscan grill or murano one night. Thanks! amy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonodin Posted May 26, 2013 Author #4 Share Posted May 26, 2013 can you clarify the formal nights... you mention Sat. and Wed., sea days, formal nights..and then state it s 2nd and 6th nights. wedensday is not the 6th night. Any help would be appreciated as we are trying to plan for tuscan grill or murano one night. Thanks! amy Count Friday as the first night for dinner, making Saturday the 2nd formal and Wednesday the 6th formal. Both Sea days. Hope this clarifies. Had trouble while on the cruise as to what day was what seeing how normally we are Sunday to Sunday rather then Friday to Friday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonodin Posted May 26, 2013 Author #5 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Great review Erik. Thanks for sharing your experience. I have one question for you. We booked the cabin next to yours, 1607, on the Eclipse. Have read mixed reviews about the noise from the pool deck, how was it? Did you smell the cigarette smoke from the smoking area on the deck above? I know there is a designated smoking area on the port side on deck twelve, but don't know if we are going to be affected. Any feedback will be appreciated. BTW, I'm planning to buy the premium non alcoholic package. Last two cruises got the classic non alcoholic, but this year I'm upgrading myself. :):) Thanks again for your review!! We never once smelled smoke from above. Yes it is next deck up but it is enclosed with windows on the side of ship. I believe the smoke went towards the pool area more. Pools were not used as much. No noise from deck chairs. Only a high heel or two a few nights. 1607 is back enough I believe to have carpet above it. Not much walk area above it either. The PMNA package is great. Celebrity lost out on my wife and I. You can get CANNED coke products and take with you. They do not have to open them. Hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drarill Posted May 26, 2013 #6 Share Posted May 26, 2013 We never once smelled smoke from above. Yes it is next deck up but it is enclosed with windows on the side of ship. I believe the smoke went towards the pool area more. Pools were not used as much. No noise from deck chairs. Only a high heel or two a few nights. 1607 is back enough I believe to have carpet above it. Not much walk area above it either. The PMNA package is great. Celebrity lost out on my wife and I. You can get CANNED coke products and take with you. They do not have to open them. Hope this helps Thanks Erik!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martess Posted May 26, 2013 #7 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Great Review - We are on the June 14th sailing - Thank you for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Aurora Posted May 26, 2013 #8 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Having been on Princess once, and RCI twice, I must say nothing really jumped out at me for Celebrity being anything more spectacular or above the rest. The cruise will be awesome no matter what!!!!!!! Thanks so much for the comments and review. I curious of you think that there was anything that Celebrity could have done which would have made this cruise more spectacular for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVfromAZ Posted May 26, 2013 #9 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Thanks for the review, we will be on Solstice in August, so excited!!! Is the pool in the Solarium heated? Is there a charge for the Crepes in Bistro on 5? Thanks, Roberta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBKL Posted May 27, 2013 #10 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Thanks for the review, we will be on Solstice in August, so excited!!! Is the pool in the Solarium heated? Is there a charge for the Crepes in Bistro on 5?Thanks, Roberta There is a flat $5 charge for eating at Bistro on 5. They have soup, salad, paninis, crepes, etc. Wait staff take your order. Like other venues it is all you can eat. We loved it and ate there several times during our cruise. We're looking forward to it on our Alaska cruise. We found that due to the fee it wasn't packed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonodin Posted May 27, 2013 Author #11 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Thanks so much for the comments and review. I curious of you think that there was anything that Celebrity could have done which would have made this cruise more spectacular for you? Not really. It was absolutely wonderful. Could not have been better. Any cruise for me so far has been spectacular. I would like to see what a Caribbean cruise on X is like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonodin Posted May 27, 2013 Author #12 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Thanks for the review, we will be on Solstice in August, so excited!!! Is the pool in the Solarium heated? Is there a charge for the Crepes in Bistro on 5?Thanks, Roberta The pool is heated. It and the hot tubs were used $5 all you can eat in Bistro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
232271 Posted June 19, 2013 #13 Share Posted June 19, 2013 what is the dress code in the MURANO?? thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted June 19, 2013 #14 Share Posted June 19, 2013 Enjoyed the review. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphycat1 Posted July 22, 2013 #15 Share Posted July 22, 2013 On the return portion of the cruise, is it truly an "inside passage" cruise? Does Solstice sail between Vancouver Island and the coast of British Columbia? None of the Alaska cruises we have taken out of Seattle (Holland America) do that, so we would consider that route a real plus. Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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