Iphone Photo Review Solstice Alaska 8/19-8/26

[twins_to_alaska]

5:37a Back at Pier 91 in Seattle.

 

 

6:00a Saw a seal swimming.

 

 

Everyone had to be out of their cabins by 8a. Sis had a friend who was picking us up at 8:45 and then driving me to the airport before they spent the morning together.

 

Sis luckily remembered that the gangway was on Deck 5, same as Michael's Club, so on our way to breakfast in Luminae we dropped the larger bags off there. We were carrying everything off with us although John had left us Zenith priority luggage tags the day earlier. Had heard the trick of taking the elevator up first (hopefully less crowded) so tried that. John gave us customs declaration cards to take with us and fill out.

 

7:44a One last time at our window table. Baggage unloading. They were super organized. As soon as a pallet of bags was unloaded a fork lift was in place and taking it into the terminal.

 

 

We both decided on a 2 egg omelet. One ordered bacon and the other potatoes and we split the sides.

 

 

 

By the time we were done eating it was striking 8 so we said goodbye to O'Neil, Paolo, and the other Luminae staff. They reminded us to fill out the survey. We had also dropped off comment cards praising O'Neil, Paolo, Nichola, and Marius earlier in the week at Guest Relations.

 

Back up to the 10th floor where we gathered our last things. Jose was knocking on the door by 8:03a. Time to go!

 

Back down the stairs to Michael's Club to retrieve our bags. John offered to walk us down the hall to the priority exit line which was wonderful and saved us a long line. John had been a great concierge.

Edited September 7, 2016 by twins_to_alaska

[twins_to_alaska]

Walking through the terminal I was amazed at the amount of luggage waiting to be reunited with owners. Solstice on one side, Explorer of the Seas on the other. Customs was almost instantaneous. Just handed our form to an official as we walked by.

 

8:20a Outside the terminal.

 

 

Sis's friend had texted during breakfast that she was in the cell phone waiting lot. She had been concerned about traffic and had arrived early.

 

There are numbers overhead so you can let your ride know where you're standing. We headed to the end of the line.

 

 

In the vehicle at 8:33a. To SeaTac. Traffic wasn't too bad that Friday morning. Sad sister farewell. I used one of the kiosks to print a baggage tag and then checked my 25". With TSA pre-check security was fast. I was through and in the gate area by 9:25a.

 

I had a bit of a wait as my flight wasn't boarding until 12:20p, departing 12:50p. I had wanted to get to the airport early so I was happy to settle down with my kindle and free wifi at a window table. A nice couple asked to join me at one point and we had a chat. They had also cruised in the past to Alaska, their favorite cruise to date. Talked about the different ports.

 

Dilettante Chocolates was having a sale so bought 2 boxes.

 

Had time for lunch at Anthony's, excellent salmon and chips (with malt vinegar!), before I boarded.

 

 

 

My seatmates were a grandmother/granddaughter (high school teen) pair who had been on Explorer of the Seas!

 

Thanks all for reading along. I may post a few more pictures and observations as I think of them.

 

Yesterday, with the current Celebrity promotion, I was able to have a discount of $1267 applied to our onboard Caribbean Nov 2017 booking, all other perks and additional OBC stayed the same. So perhaps they'll be a second cruise in our future next year!

Edited September 8, 2016 by twins_to_alaska

[twins_to_alaska]

Some more photos from Day 1.

 

Mast Grill.

 

 

Basketball court.

 

 

More flags.

 

 

Aqua Spa Cafe.

 

 

[twins_to_alaska]

More Ketchikan photos.

 

Dock.

 

 

The beach.

 

 

 

 

Totem Bight.

 

 

[twins_to_alaska]

 

 

Wind had blown the topper off the pole at left.

 

 

 

 

The earlier pictures didn't show the park abutted the water.

 

Edited September 8, 2016 by twins_to_alaska

[twins_to_alaska]

Departing Ketchikan.

 

 

Private crew outdoor area/bar near helipad.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 8, 2016 by twins_to_alaska

[twins_to_alaska]

Endicott Arm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So many waterfalls.

 

[twins_to_alaska]

Skagway. Bennett Scenic Journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 8, 2016 by twins_to_alaska

[reecesavage]

Thanks again for posting such a wonderful review.

[Hatteras51]

I have really enjoyed your review. I have cruised to Alaska twice, and it has been so great to relive our trip through your pictures. Thanks for taking the time to post your trip.

[loupana]

Thanks to those who have commented positively.

 

I wanted to plug LoutheGlue's July 2015 awesome photo review, Photo Review Solstice Alaska June 26 to July 3, 2015

 

I really enjoyed looking at those pictures before I cruised.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2230637

 

patty1955 has 11 nights in Luminae

with menus and uneaten food pictures

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2361724&highlight=luminae+menu

 

Thank you very much, following and enjoying your review...

[Disnyfan2]

Glad you had a wonderful trip and are back home safe. I have really enjoyed your telling of your story. It has been giving me ideas of ym cruise next summer. If you do another cruise, please give us the updates.

[h20cruzer]

Again loved your review, sad that it come to an end. Please do another review then next time your cruise.

Norma

[Ginnyfyr]

You got some fantastic shots! We will be in Victoria on Sept 24th so it was nice to see those pics. Alaska is one of our favourite routes so I always love to see other people's pictures and experiences. Thanks for your review!!

[easyboy]

Very nice photos. Thanks.

[Stem to Stern]

Great pictures Christine! Thank you so much for sharing! Happy Belated Birthday to you and your twin sister!

[kdkcruiser]

Wonderful review - thanks!!!!

[ATLSwissyMom]

What a wonderful review - thank you so much for taking the time to document your journey. My husband and I are going on this same cruise in May 2018 and I am having fun dreaming and planning (even if it is a little less than a year away) - it is our first Celebrity and Alaska cruise.