Celebrity Solstice Review
Hard to say good-bye to Celebrity Solstice and Alaska!
Rating by category
Additional details
Just back from a 7-night trip to Alaska on the Celebrity Solstice and it was an incredible journey for me, my 80-year old dad and 12-year old daughter. We loved this trip and had a hard time leaving the ship for the last time. After a 7-day trip to Mexico on Carnival years ago, I swore off cruising forever. But this is all my dad wanted for his 80th so after countless hours of research, I booked the Celebrity Solstice. Best decision ever. Well, getting the basic beverage package was a great decision too! :-)
Embarkation city: SEATTLE. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt downtown for two nights. Ok location and ok hotel somewhat close to everything touristy. The service was lacking and rooms were small (but huge bathroom). It was a long walk to Pike Market, close to the monorail that goes to Space Needle (a must see) and very quick walk to the "Duck Tours" kiosk which...cheezy as it sounds... was so much fun and a great way to see the city. The hotel has an independent deli and Starbucks attached downstairs which was nice. City area was a bit sketchy.... If I went again, would choose a different hotel but highly recommend the Duck Tour (seriously). Two days in Seattle was enough.
EMBARKATION was smooth sailing. Enough staff on hand to keep the lines moving and avoid confusion. Impressed with organization and how fast it went....
Cabin Review
Concierge Class 3
These staterooms were in the PERFECT location!!! Right next to the elevators and the center atrium which always had something going on but not noisy at all. We never heard a peep from any cabins around us or out in the hallway. These two cabins connect by an outer door that creates a private hallway between the two cabin doors so you can walk between the two cabins privately. Located in the center of ship, these cabins probably have the least amount of motion (the ship did have some occasional rocking/rolling when at sea). Rooms are good size and well-stocked. LOVED the extra large balcony on the "hump." Enough room for all four of us to sit outside together. Concierge class which was nice but not a huge difference from regular class of rooms... but I did use the "pillow menu!" Plenty of space under the bed(s) for storage of luggage. There were three of us in this room and still had empty drawers, plenty of hangers and plenty of room. Each room had two robes and one good blow dryer. As other reviewers have stated, the complimentary afternoon canapes weren't great (we never ate them) so don't book Concierge class just for that! :-) If I traveled on the Solstice again, I would book these same staterooms. We were so sad to leave! Out of a dream and back to reality...!