Just off Solstice 4th of July sailing to Alaska via Seattle

[tuffy0317]

It was a mixed bag for us:

 

The weather was pretty soggy the whole trip (except in Seattle before and after when it was gorgeous), but that didn't stop us from kayaking in Ketchikan (with Southeast Sea Kayaks - they are awesome!), taking the ship's private excursion to the glacier before Juneau (plus because we got to see a glacier and the ship had to turn around in Endicott Arm, minus because it was a bit long), whale watching in Juneau (where we saw an active pod of orchas) and going on an epic 8 mile hike in Ketchikan in the pouring rain (booked through Celebrity, run by Packer Expeditions, and was awesome). In Victoria, we went to dinner and just wandered around the charming town.

 

We were in concierge class and for the first time in 9 cruises I can say our room steward was not up to par. Our room was actually dirty (coffee stains, clumps of hair, the last guest's medicine bag, stains in the bathroom) when we arrived and that set the tone for the rest of the cruise. We were also surrounded by kids screaming, slamming doors and running up and down the halls, which was so different from our previous Celebrity experiences. The ship just went through dry dock in October 2016 and some parts were in great shape, while our balcony railing was actually chipped and much of the wood on the ship needed a good coat of varnish.

 

The crew, other than our steward, didn't seem quite as perky as usual (I actually got snapped at in the Oceanview for requesting a wine glass), but the captain was awesome, hilariously funny and more than made up for it.

 

We're nerds and enjoyed the nature talks by Brent Nixon and the cultural talks by Miss Amanda and just hanging out and looking for whales while we were on the ship. Food was top notch, as always, and especially enjoyed Silk Harvest.

 

We had two full days in Seattle before and after, so happy to make recommendations (we stayed at the to-die-for-location-not-at-all-budget-friendly Inn at the Market).

 

Let me know if you have questions!

[easyboy]

Sorry about your room steward and other crew experiences. Seems unexpected.

Thanks for your feedback!

[gailie]

It was a mixed bag for us:

 

The weather was pretty soggy the whole trip (except in Seattle before and after when it was gorgeous), but that didn't stop us from kayaking in Ketchikan (with Southeast Sea Kayaks - they are awesome!), taking the ship's private excursion to the glacier before Juneau (plus because we got to see a glacier and the ship had to turn around in Endicott Arm, minus because it was a bit long), whale watching in Juneau (where we saw an active pod of orchas) and going on an epic 8 mile hike in Ketchikan in the pouring rain (booked through Celebrity, run by Packer Expeditions, and was awesome). In Victoria, we went to dinner and just wandered around the charming town.

 

We were in concierge class and for the first time in 9 cruises I can say our room steward was not up to par. Our room was actually dirty (coffee stains, clumps of hair, the last guest's medicine bag, stains in the bathroom) when we arrived and that set the tone for the rest of the cruise. We were also surrounded by kids screaming, slamming doors and running up and down the halls, which was so different from our previous Celebrity experiences. The ship just went through dry dock in October 2016 and some parts were in great shape, while our balcony railing was actually chipped and much of the wood on the ship needed a good coat of varnish.

 

The crew, other than our steward, didn't seem quite as perky as usual (I actually got snapped at in the Oceanview for requesting a wine glass), but the captain was awesome, hilariously funny and more than made up for it.

 

We're nerds and enjoyed the nature talks by Brent Nixon and the cultural talks by Miss Amanda and just hanging out and looking for whales while we were on the ship. Food was top notch, as always, and especially enjoyed Silk Harvest.

 

We had two full days in Seattle before and after, so happy to make recommendations (we stayed at the to-die-for-location-not-at-all-budget-friendly Inn at the Market).

 

Let me know if you have questions!

Any dinner recommendations for Seattle or "must see"? We only have 1 1/2 days, sadly!

[EOwens]

If you like history, I'd suggest you got to the Seattle Science Center (located in the same area as the Space Needle). They currently have an exhibit of the Chinese Terracotta Warriors. They have pretty amazing exhibits at the Science Center.

[Cruise Raider]

You know, we've sailed to Alaska nearly a dozen times and most recently just a couple of months ago on the Solstice. Thankfully, we experienced mostly great weather throughout the trip but it was very rainy and windy in Skagway.

I agree with you that the captain is hilarious ... always came over the PA with a funny little quip and spoke of 'spinning doughnuts' in the waters in front of the glacier.

We didn't have the same experience at all with the crew, which we considered to be the best of the best!! Luckily, our room steward was the definition of perfection!! I am sure we just ran into different staff members. Carla, the hostess in the MDR was awesome and set us up with a great table for dinner ... we loved our waiters and sommelier. They all took such good care of us in our little corner of the dining room every evening. The staff at the Passport Bar and Cafe Al Bacio were also amazing!!

I also agree that Brent Nixon and Miss Amanda are not to be missed. We oftentimes caught them on the TV if we missed their actual presentation ... but there is nothing like being at their actual presentation! We actually try to pick our cruises where we know Mr Nixon will be a speaker.

And I do think that most areas of the ship were in great shape but like you, experienced a few things that could have used a little TLC.

Other things I loved:

-the casino had fun little drawings after the late show

-the photo booth no longer wastes all that paper to print out the pictures ... you pull them up on the screen to now order your prints

-the classic beverage package allows you to now pay the upcharge for a drink rather than the entire cost as before

-luggage valet costs are now covered by the city of Seattle

-Cellar Masters!!

[tuffy0317]

Any dinner recommendations for Seattle or "must see"? We only have 1 1/2 days, sadly!

 

My favorite restaurant in Seattle is an unmarked pink door in Pike Place Market called "The Pink Door." Awesome Italian with a lovely patio (if the weather is nice!).

 

If you like art, we finally made it to the Chihuly Gardens and Museum this time and it's spectacular! It's also at the base of the Space Needle, so you can knock two touristy things off at once :) Take the monorail over from downtown for a nice day.

 

If the weather is especially nice, a ferry ride over to West Seattle or Bainbridge Island to walk around and get some lunch is a great way to spend time outside.

[tuffy0317]

-the photo booth no longer wastes all that paper to print out the pictures ... you pull them up on the screen to now order your prints

 

I've seen people in other reviews not like this, but I LOVED it! Such a streamlining of resources!

[tuffy0317]

Sorry about your room steward and other crew experiences. Seems unexpected.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

It was definitely unexpected and I'm hoping it was just a fluke! Maybe it was the soggy weather :)

[gailie]

My favorite restaurant in Seattle is an unmarked pink door in Pike Place Market called "The Pink Door." Awesome Italian with a lovely patio (if the weather is nice!).

 

 

 

If you like art, we finally made it to the Chihuly Gardens and Museum this time and it's spectacular! It's also at the base of the Space Needle, so you can knock two touristy things off at once :) Take the monorail over from downtown for a nice day.

 

 

 

If the weather is especially nice, a ferry ride over to West Seattle or Bainbridge Island to walk around and get some lunch is a great way to spend time outside.

 

 

 

Great suggestions!! Thanks so much!!!!

 

 

 

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[ClaudiaB]

We did Southeast Sea Kayaks about 4 years ago and we loved it. So happy to hear they are still around. When we went it was one of those rare Ketchikan days with absolutely clear blue skies and no breeze and the water was still as glass. Our guide asked if we had other plans, because she was enjoying it so much that she, too, wanted to stay out and kayak an extra hour or so. And so we did.

I'm going to have to check out Packer Expeditions. Sounds like the kind of thing even us "old" people still like. I remember doing the hike up Laughton Glacier in Skagway. Get off the White Pass Railroad just when it's beginning to get really beautiful and hike for several miles up the glacier. That was a great day - last half was pouring rain almost sleet and so windy and cold! (this was first week of Sept.) We still had a great time! We looked an awful lot like drowned rats coming back onto the ship. Most people were back on board, all nice and ready for the evening, because the weather had been so bad, but here came Chris and Claudia dripping wet and freezing with our poles and backpacks and muddy selves back onto the ship. Our butler happened to be in the hall when we tramped in and within about 5 minutes he had hot beverages and extra towels and blankets (!) for us. We would do both of those excursions again.

[Cruise Raider]

I've seen people in other reviews not like this, but I LOVED it! Such a streamlining of resources!

 

Not like it??? I see NO downside to it!! Hmmmm ... to each his own, I guess. Change is hard for some ... even when it is for the better. I agree with you .... such a streamlining of resources and so much less wasteful and better for the environment.

[Cruisy McGee]

We are doing the same cruise in August. Also going kayaking with Southeast Sea Kayaks, Also spending the weekend after at Inn at the Market, also having dinner at The Pink Door! Glad to hear you enjoyed all of those things!

[New Hampshire]

Just left the Solstice this AM, July 14. We too had a soggy, chilly and windy week. The sun came out in Victoria. Service in the Martini Bar was terrible the first two nights and Select Dining was total chaos. Fortunately, this improved as the week went on.

[tuffy0317]

We are doing the same cruise in August. Also going kayaking with Southeast Sea Kayaks, Also spending the weekend after at Inn at the Market, also having dinner at The Pink Door! Glad to hear you enjoyed all of those things!

 

Have an amazing time! I promise it'll be great, even if the weather is soggy (but I will wish for sunny skies for you!)

[happymom52003]

Just left the Solstice this AM, July 14. We too had a soggy, chilly and windy week. The sun came out in Victoria. Service in the Martini Bar was terrible the first two nights and Select Dining was total chaos. Fortunately, this improved as the week went on.

 

Totally agree about select dining. We had all but two of our dinners in Luminae. We were traveling with 12 family members, so we planned two dinners in the MDR all together. Both nights felt like total chaos. My family members all agreed that they will not do select dining again, even though it is nice to not be tied into a set time for dinner. However, I feel that you definitely get better service and things run more smoothly during the set dining times.

[happymom52003]

Any dinner recommendations for Seattle or "must see"? We only have 1 1/2 days, sadly!

 

We had a fantastic time in Seattle. I'll list what we did.

 

-Space Needle

-Chihuly Glass Museum

-Museum of Pop Culture

(all three of the above are located right next to each other, and there is a monorail that can take you there from downtown Seattle....very easy

-Mariners baseball game

-Pike Place Market

-Aquarium (skip if you have limited time....was ok, but have seen much better)

-Restaurants we loved: Blueacre Seafood, Anthony's Fish Bar, Cutter's Crabhouse

[pascalburns]

enjoyed the review.thanks