Celebrity Solstice or Jewel of the Seas for Alaska?

[QueenofKrakatoa]

Hello everyone!

 

I have never posted here, and I just wanted to pose this question to those of you who have cruised Alaska. If you've taken either Jewel of the Seas or the Celebrity Solstice, what did you like about the ship? If you've done both, which did you like better? I've read great reviews on both and they both look gorgeous-just looking for some experienced input.

[Kamloops50]

Hello everyone!

 

I have never posted here, and I just wanted to pose this question to those of you who have cruised Alaska. If you've taken either Jewel of the Seas or the Celebrity Solstice, what did you like about the ship? If you've done both, which did you like better? I've read great reviews on both and they both look gorgeous-just looking for some experienced input.

 

Before you look at the ships. Look at where they go and for how long.

Also determine what you want to do in each port of call.

Then look at the port times and decide which works best for you.

[QueenofKrakatoa]

Fair enough. Both cruises I'm looking at our the same length, and share most of the same ports. The itineraries are basically identical, although I think Celebrity has longer times in port. I'll have to double check. Thank you for your input!

[Langley Cruisers]

I don't think it helps to say they are both incredible! Just returned from Solstice Alaska, and have sailed Jewel a few times. Both are great ships. The restrictive smoking policy on Celebrity gives them the edge, I think (Jewel still allows smoking in the casino). Solstice has a phenomenal Hot Glass(blowing) show, which is amazing (and free). Food was excellent on both ships with the edge to Celebrity.

 

We love both ships. I'm really sorry. :D

.

[QueenofKrakatoa]

I don't think it helps to say they are both incredible! Just returned from Solstice Alaska, and have sailed Jewel a few times. Both are great ships. The restrictive smoking policy on Celebrity gives them the edge, I think (Jewel still allows smoking in the casino). Solstice has a phenomenal Hot Glass(blowing) show, which is amazing (and free). Food was excellent on both ships with the edge to Celebrity.

 

We love both ships. I'm really sorry. :D

.

 

How dare you not give me a conclusive answer! 😜 I've heard the food on Celebrity is amazing though, something about the roast beef sandwiches in one of the specialty restaurants? Someone told me I HAD to try it but I can't think for the life of me what it was. Do you know what restaurant that would be?

[Langley Cruisers]

...something about the roast beef sandwiches in one of the specialty restaurants? Someone told me I HAD to try it but I can't think for the life of me what it was. Do you know what restaurant that would be?

 

I wonder if you heard it was the Roast Beef sandwich (Kummelweck sandwich) in the Park Cafe on Royal Caribbean ships? Otherwise, someone else will have to help us as I don't know about a Celebrity roast beef sandwich.

[Coralc]

And Jewel doesn't have roast beef sandwiches because there is no Park Café (until the upgrade). They do have good Cubans and hot Ham & Cheese in the Seaview, though. :)

[Langley Cruisers]

They also both have the outdoor aft seating area in the back of the buffet (in my opinion, one of the best features!). The weather was great on our Alaskan cruise so we sat out there often.

[Lady Arwen]

We were on the Solstice last May and loved it. However, next trip to Alaska will be with one of the cruise lines that goes to Glacier Bay. Alaska is breathtaking...be sure to take the White Pass Railway excursion......the best day ever!!

[bradpole]

Another thing to consider...

The Radiance class ships (which Jewel is one of) has just a ton of areas to sit and take in the incredible views! Although the S class ships are great they aren't as connected to the ocean and the view!

[DonnaK]

Is entertainment important to you? We thought that Jewel, while a gorgeous ship with all the glass, was a terribly boring ship. The evening shows were well below usual RCI standards and the lounges did not have quality entertainers (piano bar, good bands, etc.)

 

I would pick Solstice in a heartbeat.

Edited June 12, 2015 by DonnaK

[helen haywood]

Solstice. It is a beautiful ship.

[Aquahound]

Fair enough. Both cruises I'm looking at our the same length, and share most of the same ports. The itineraries are basically identical, although I think Celebrity has longer times in port. I'll have to double check. Thank you for your input!

 

In that case, I would certainly go for the Solstice. Itinerary is key with Alaskan cruises so if they are the same, I'd go with the more beautiful ship. I love Radiance Class, but I think Solstice Class are the nicest ships at sea.

 

As for specific food items that are a must-eat, if you choose Solstice, do not miss the nutella crepes in Bistro On 5.

Edited June 12, 2015 by Aquahound

[CruiseLoverGal]

Other then moving up to 6* ships Celebrity as cruise company and the Solstice is by far leagues above the competition. The ship marvels any other out there, up to date and just beautiful... Celebrity staff is unbelievable from nautical officers through to stateroom attendants everyone doing the very best to make your experience a fantastic and memorable one !