I have been on 30 cruises over the past 35 years and believe Celebrity to be best of the Major Lines. I have yet to sail on the "Top" Lines (Regent Seven Seas, Silversea etc) but sailing Celebrity has been just fine.
The annoucement that the Solstice would be doing Alaska in 2013 sounded great to me. I have been to Alaska many times, on many ships. I cannot say enough of how lovely she is. The whole ship just done right. The service great, food good to great and our suite beyond wonderful. Thank you Brij, our Butler who took complete care of us and 9 other suites!!
The weather in Ketchikan- 80 and sunny! My last trip to Alaska on the Infinity in 2006 we had the same beautiful weather. Don't miss the Dungeness Crab tour.
Royal Suite 1614. The best (will maybe the Penthouse was better!). Large living and dining room, bar area and powder room (half bath-plus!!). Bedroom, walk in closet, tons of storage, vanity and super master bath-marble walkin shower, large jacuzzi tub, double sinks and spacious. Very nice veranda even had a jacuzzi tub with lounge chair and table and chair. Could live in this suite. Beautiful decor