Shopping On The Solstice
We made sure to peruse the shops on the Celebrity Solstice and got a few great items during our trip. I purchased designer makeup and we bought two dreamy sweaters from a luxury shop on board.
There were high-end new and used handbags from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and more. You could purchase jewelry, including Rolex watches, and designer perfume. Of course, there was also Celebrity branded clothing and gear.
What Do You Do With Your Luggage After Your Cruise
If you have a late flight out of Seattle and youd like to do some sight seeing, Id highly recommend the Port Valet service. Port Valet is a complimentary luggage service sponsored by the Port of Seattle and cruise line and airline partners. Simply enroll ahead of time and youll receive airline boarding passes and special luggage tags from your ships crew. Set your bags outside your cabin the evening before your trip ends and theyll handle the rest. Your bags will be securely transferred from the sip to the airport and youll receive them at the baggage claim of your final destination.
Its free and so convenient. Youll be able to enjoy Seattle luggage-free. You can even track your bags for peace of mind.
Onboard The Celebrity Solstice
Year Refurbished: 2016
Double Occupancy Capacity: 2850
Celebrity Solstice® was the first cruise ship to present a half-acre Lawn Club complete with putting, bocce ball and picnics the first to implement solar technology and the first to present a ‘live’ glassblowing show and studio. The Solstice Class fleet is truly guest-inspired, and its unrivaled experiences continue to be heralded as offering a distinctive statement of hip style and high design, world-class cuisine, and exceptional, anticipatory service.
Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.
Don’t Miss: What Cruise Lines Leave From Charleston
Bars On The Celebrity Solstice
There are several places to grab a cocktail on the Celebrity Solstice. One place that stood out for us was The World Class Bar. The bartenders were fabulous and made delicious custom cocktails. This is also one of the only places on board to get smoked cocktails like a smoked Old Fashion.
Cellar Masters was another favorite since they had a larger selection of wines than most other bars. Thanks to the friendly bartender, I was introduced to a new favorite, Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc. Once I found this wine, I was also able to request it in the main dining room.
The Martini Bar was also excellent. The bartenders put on quite a show and the entire bar top is covered in ice to keep drinks cold.
Recommended Reading: Check In Norwegian Cruise Line
Fitness Center On The Celebrity Solstice
We took advantage of the fitness center three times over our 7-day sailing. There were plenty of treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and two rowers. The center also had various machines and dumbbells up to 70 pounds.
Specialty classes were available, some of which cost an additional fee. There were Peloton classes, HIIT, and yoga classes on different days.
The fitness center was located within the spa but we didnt utilize those services.
You May Like: Are River Cruises Worth It
Don’t Miss: Which Cruise Lines Leave From New York
Choosing An Embarkation Port
Those living in the lower 49 states might choose Seattle as an embarkation port purely for convenience. However, when comparing an Alaskacruise from Seattle to Vancouver, there are some differences.
Passengers booked on the Solstice will enjoy a 7-day roundtrip itinerary from Seattle. The itinerary includes one fjord, Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm. Also, it consists of a stop in one Canadian city, Victoria, on Vancouver Island.
The Celebrity Millennium sails a 7-day one-way trip to and from Seward if choosing to cruise from Vancouver. Alternatively, the Eclipse offers a roundtrip itinerary, with both vessels cruising to Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay.
Currently, the cruise line offers no itineraries to Glacier Bay National Park. Its important to note that Seward is 127 miles from the nearest airport in Anchorage, so passengers require transportation for the 2-1/2-hour journey.
The Millennium, also known as Millie to Celebritys loyal customer base, holds up to 2200 passengers. In 2019, Celebrity revolutionized the Millennium, adding touches from the Edge-class vessels.
Both the Solstice and Eclipse are Solstice-class ships and slightly bigger in size. With a passenger capacity of 2850, they primarily offer staterooms with verandas.
Since I reside in Vancouver, I usually opt for a roundtrip itinerary, although I have taken a back-to-back 14-day cruise to Alaska. For my first Celebrity cruise to Alaska, I chose a 7-night return cruise that visited Hubbard Glacier.
Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruisedetails
Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only or cruise packages, per person, double occupancy, and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Fuel supplement may apply. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. In addition, average cruise prices are updated nightly.
Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions.
Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites.
Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as ofNovember 5th, 2022.
Also Check: Which Cruise Lines Do World Cruises
Alaska 2022 Cruise Highlights
Sailing roundtrip from Vancouver, Celebrity Eclipse will offer seven-night cruises that allow viewing of Hubbard Glacier, as well as stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and either Sitka or Icy Strait Point. A post-cruise land-side Cruisetour of the Canadian Rockies can be added to this itinerary.
Celebrity Solstice will be the only ship calling on Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier, in addition to visiting Victoria, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan on seven-night cruises roundtrip from Seattle.
The recently refurbished Celebrity Millennium will be offering seven-night, open-ended cruises between Vancouver and Seward. A multi-night Cruisetour into the heart of Alaska or the Canadian Rockies can be added to these sailings.
Dont Miss: What Cruise Lines Include Airfare
Sailing From The Seattle Cruise Terminal
Id been to Seattle about 6 years ago so I was already familiar with the airport and downtown area. We wouldnt have time to see the city before our cruise, but wed have almost a full day in the city before catching our flight home.
When we arrived in Seattle, we planned on calling a taxi or Uber to take us to the cruise port . Wed read online that it would cost us approximately $65 and would take about 40 minutes. However, at the baggage claim, we saw a woman with a Celebrity Cruise Line clipboard and uniform. She was talking with other people from our flight about transfers to the port. We inquired and were told that we could sign up for about $30 per person and it would be charged to our room. This service was available for Royal Caribbean as well. We decided to use that service and found it a bit time-consuming . Next time, Id probably just take a cab.
We arrived at the port and there were two cruises leaving that afternoon the Celebrity Solstice and a Royal Caribbean ship. The lines for the Royal Caribbean sailing were terribly long and it was a bit confusing. Once we figured out where we were supposed to go, the Celebrity line went fairly quickly.
You May Like: What Cruise Ships Have Solo Cabins
Don’t Miss: What Cruise Lines Go To The Bahamas
Should You Arrive The Day Before
If youre sailing to Alaska there is a good chance youll be leaving out of Seattle , Seward , or Vancouver . Our itinerary called for us to leave from Seattle and I felt comfortable about this since I was able to book a nonstop flight from Orlando.
Since the cruise was leaving in the afternoon I thought wed have plenty of time to catch a flight that morning since wed be gaining 3 hours by traveling to the Pacific time zone. I didnt take into account the current situation with the airlines. I woke up at 4:30 AM to text messages that our flight had been delayed twice. At that point, wed likely arrive too late and would miss our cruise.
I had to book new flights at 5:00 AM that cost three times as much in order for us to get to the boat on time. In fact, Im still waiting on a refund from Delta for my original ticket cost.
So, Id strongly suggest arriving at your debarkation destination at least one day in advance.
Experience The Best Of Alaska And The Canadian Rockies By Land And Sea On A Celebrity Cruisetour
On an Alaska cruise, youll journey along the states southeastern coastline aboard award-winning ships experiencing the beauty of glaciers, natures ever-changing and fragile masterpieces. But, with a Celebrity Alaska or Canadian Rockies Cruisetour, youll explore that and so much more.
With one of our 9-to-13-night Alaska Cruisetours, you can combine your seven-night Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where youll stay in authentic lodges and travel remote roads and railways in deluxe motor coaches and on a luxurious train with domed glass ceiling. A Cruisetour will offer opportunities to take you to destinations like cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denalia visit to these inland areas truly give you a feel for the diverse beauty of the 49th State. Or journey into the heart of Canada on a Canadian Rockies Cruisetour. From the colonial charms of British Columbia to the dramatic wilderness, alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains of the Canadian Rockies, youll enjoy some of Canadas most extraordinary destinations.
You May Like: All-inclusive Cruises Adults-only
Celebrity Cruises Announces 2023 Alaska Cruises
Celebrity Cruises has released its list of Alaska cruises for 2023.
Three Celebrity Cruises cruise ships will be deployed to Alaska in 2023, with the first sailing beginning May 3, 2022.
Celebritys cruise season in Alaska runs between May and mid-September, and includes the Inside Passage on every itinerary.
- Celebrity Eclipse will sail roundtrip from Vancouver offering seven-night itineraries to Hubbard Glacier. The itinerary also includes visits to Juneau, Ketchikan and either Sitka or Icy Strait Point.
- Celebrity Solstice offers seven-night itineraries sailing roundtrip from Seattle, and one nine-night Ultimate Alaska voyage. Celebrity Solstice is the only Celebrity ship to visit the pristine Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier. Additional stops include visits to Victoria, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
- Celebrity Millennium will sail seven-night, open-ended itineraries between Vancouver and Seward.
The new 2023 Alaska sailings open for sale to the general public on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
One reason to book an Alaska cruise with Celebrity is every cruise offers guests the chance to learn more about the culture and history of the Last Frontier, from the native Tinglit people to the gold rush days that brought adventurers and fortune seekers to the wilds of Alaska.
More Alaska information:
Read Also: Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Juneau Alaska
Celebrity Cruises To Take Guests To Every Continent And Corner Of The World In 2024
From year-round sailings in Europe and Asia, to the award-winning Edge Series ships making market debuts around the world, Celebrity Cruises’ new season will turn traveler bucket lists into “book it” lists
MIAMI, Nov. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Celebrity Cruises announced its most ambitious season of sailings ever, with nearly 500 sailings for the 2024-2025 season that send the line’s fleet of 16 relaxed luxury ships, including Celebrity AscentSM, the fourth ship in the highly acclaimed Edge Series, to more than 250 destinations in 70 countries. The new offerings include first-ever homeports for some of Celebrity’s award-winning Edge Series ships new year-round offerings in Europe, with new ports new overnights and double overnights and new experiences across the rich cultures of every region while basking in the fullness of the Celebrity cruise experience.
Highlights of the new 2024-25 season include:
“For our 2024/2025 season, we wanted to take our offerings to new heights – all in celebration of our fourth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Ascent, sailing its inaugural season in 2024,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “There’s truly no better way to see the world’s best places than on the world’s best places where our guests are treated to the accommodations and amenities of a Celebrity ship – a luxury hotel, Michelin-quality dining, and a world-class luxury spa retreat all in one with the world just steps away.”
Discover Asia
Read Also: Cruises To Portugal And Spain
Homer Discovery And Heartland Wildlife Cruisetour 10b
This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 3A and offered as a pre-cruise option.
2023 Departures May 13, May 27, Jun 10, Jun 24, Jul 8, Jul 22, Aug 5, Aug 19, Sep 2
Included Experiences Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail Anchorage to Talkeetna
2022 Departures May 13, May 27, Jun 10, Jun 24, Jul 8, Jul 22, Aug 5, Aug 19, Sep 2
We Used Our Phones A Lot More Than I Expected
Passengers could book dining reservations, check the daily itinerary, and even look at dinner menus in advance through Celebritys app.
The general cruise fare included a basic Wi-Fi package, which pretty much only worked for the app.
We used the messaging feature to stay connected, setting up a group chat to let each other know where on the boat to meet and send reminders about dinner reservations or excursion times.
It was important to keep my phone charged to stay connected with my family and easily know what was happening around the ship.
You May Like: How Much Does An Alaskan Cruise Cost For Two
Explore The Last Frontier On An Alaska Cruise In 2022
Visit the great outdoors with us in 2022, where once again well have three award-winning ships dedicated to bringing you all of Alaskas wild wondersCelebrity Eclipse®, Celebrity Solstice®, and Celebrity Millennium®. Were starting our cruise season in Alaska even earlier in 2022, so there will be even more opportunities to visit the wide-open spaces of The Last Frontier.
In our 2022 cruises in Alaska, well once again visit spectacular Homer, Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula. Nestled on the farthest reaches of Alaskas dramatic Kenai Peninsula, Homer is widely known as the place the locals go to play. We also visit Icy Strait Pointrecently named Seatrades Port of the Year. Theres nothing more iconic in Alaska than the majestic glaciers and unique seaways, and on every Alaska itinerary, youll sail the breathtaking Inside Passage and get up close and personal with active glaciers.
In Alaska, youll have three stunning ships to choose for your vacation, and each one will make sure your vacation in unspoiled Alaska is anything but rugged. Celebrity Eclipse will sail round-trip from Vancouver offering 7-night itineraries to Hubbard Glacier. Vancouver is a city that perfectly blends urban sophistication with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and its the ideal launching point for your Alaska vacation.
Wherever you go in Alaska with us, youll be sure to experience an unforgettable luxury vacation in one of the most majestic destinations in the world.
Three Celebrity Cruise Ships To Sail Alaska For The 2023 Summer Season
Celebrity Cruises announces that three cruise ships will sail Alaska for the 2023 Summer season. Cruises will begin in May and run through mid-September.
Building on the successful return to cruising the cruise line has experienced so far Celebrity Cruises announced the 2023 Alaska Season this week. Sailings will start in May and run through September 2023 aboard three different vessels.
The ships will homeport in Seattle in Washington, and Vancouver in Canada, visiting some incredible destinations that include the inside passage on every voyage. With the lifting of the cruise ban in Canada at the start of next month, cruising in the Pacific Northwest is returning to normal.
You May Like: Which Cruise Ships Have Single Occupancy Cabins
Celebrity Alaska Cruise Sea Days
The Eclipse offers some unique features that are only available on the Solstice-class ships. The Lawn Club allows for lawn bowling, croquet, and picnics. Next to the Lawn Club, passengers can sign up to create a piece of blown glass at the Hot Glass Class.
Celebrity ships cruise along the inside passage, which offers calm seas and picturesque views of islands, and forests for as far as the eyes can see. However, once my ship cleared the tip of Vancouver Island, the waters became rough and caused a lot of seasickness. Whether you suffer from seasickness or not, be prepared by packing motion sickness patches.
Since all ships have solarium pools, cruise-goers can enjoy a dip or a soak in a hot tub, regardless of the weather outside. One of my favorite places onboard was the eye-catching library.
Two stories high with large windows looking out to the Lido, the space was always filled with natural sunlight. There was no time for boredom on a sea day with a games room, Canyon Ranch Spa, and activities galore. Celebrity also offered many enrichment programs to learn about Alaskas glaciers, wildlife, and landscape.
Since the sun didnt set until 11 pm in the summer, I found myself busy, making use of the daylight hours. In ports, I usually stayed on shore until I was required to be back on the ship.
You May Like: Who Has The Biggest Cruise Ship
Cruise News Today May 10 2022
Celebrity Eclipse Cruise Canceled Due to Barnacles
Two weeks before setting sail, Celebrity Cruises has canceled the May 22 Alaska voyage from Vancouver on Celebrity Eclipse due to barnacles.
Celebrity will be putting the ship into a seven-day dry dock to clean the hull. The reason for removing the barnacles is to keep invasive species out of the coastal waters.
Affected guests can either rebook on the same ship at a later date, choose another Alaska cruise on Celebrity Millennium or Solstice, or get a full refund. Those who rebook will receive a 25 percent discount. They have until May 17 to choose.
Quantum of the Seas Back in U.S. After 7 Years
For the first time since 2015, Royal Caribbeans Quantum of the Seas is back in the United States after having spent seven years sailing in Asia.
On May 4, the ship welcomed passengers in Seattle, kicking off a summer season of Alaska cruises. Quantum is operating seven-night cruises roundtrip, visiting ports including Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Victoria.
Following the summer season, the ship will head Down Under to begin sailing from Australia for the first time.
American Queen Voyages First Expedition Ship Sets Sail to Alaska
American Queen Voyages first expedition ship set sail on Saturday out of Vancouver.
Ocean Victory is the seventh vessel in the fleet, which is comprised of ships on rivers, lakes, and oceans.
You May Like: Where To Book Cheap Cruises