Summer 2025 was the season where we broadened our cruise horizons and took our first sailing outside of Europe as we headed to the final frontier of Alaska onboard Celebrity Solstice. Debuting in 2008, did you know the ship gets its name from the use of solar panels which contribute to her power grid?
Embarkation
After a couple of nights in Vancouver, staying at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, we took a short taxi trip down to Canada Place to begin our embarkation. We paid 20 Canadian Dollars for the journey. If you’re feeling fit, Canada Place is easily accessible but with baggage in tow it was a much easier option for us to take transport.
After seeing the negativity around Canada Place we were concerned at about how the process would work and the time it would take to get onboard. We needn’t have worried as the process was super efficient and we were onboard in no time; be prepared to walk a lot to complete the process.
As we arrived at Canada Place our taxi took us to the underground drop off point; stepping out of the taxi the first thing to do is drop off your luggage. On the day we departed there were three cruise ships embarking however where to drop your bags is clearly sign posted and the friendly staff will guide you where to go next.
Heading up to the next level we met more friendly Celebrity crew who helped us to complete our check in along with orange slips that we had to keep visible so the staff could direct us to the correct place as we worked our way around the maze of Canada Place.
After a short wait we had to clear US customs to have your documents checked and fingerprints taken, make sure you have your ESTA completed if you’re a UK resident!
Once we’d cleared customs we went through security and finally we were able to board to settle in and begin exploring the ship and look forward to the adventure ahead!
Stateroom
With the scenery and potential to see an abundance of wildlife we selected a balcony cabin on deck 8.
Whilst the cabin was showing its age, all the Celebrity amenities including exhale bedding and luxury toiletries along with ample storage were still familiar.
There’s also enough space for a large sofa to unwind on after a day of being out and about exploring the incredible ports.
You can see a brief cabin tour here.
Favourite bar: World Class Bar
Located on deck 5, World Class Bar is synonymous with Celebrity Cruises offering up a range of premium cocktails. Sometimes cocktails can be too strong but the drinks are crafted so well that they are enjoyable as you chat the night away with fellow passengers and the attentive crew.
If you sign up to a mixology class, one of the expert bar tenders will be taking the class with you, sharing their exceptional knowledge. After completing the class previously, we surprised one of the bar tenders with our request to have a ‘mixology class only’ cocktail.
Dining
Offering up Celebrity Cruises classics such as Oceanview Cafe and The Mast Grill, Celebrity Solstice provides plenty of choice depending on your mood.
For breakfast, we switched between Oceanview Cafe which had all the breakfast classics along with international offerings. Other days we opted for the Spa Cafe which was more much relaxed and served a selection of healthy choices from their menu, including freshly made smoothies. Due to the time at sea on the cruise the Oceanview Cafe could be extremely busy so be prepared to queue for your lunch.
Of an evening we headed for the main dining room: Grand Epernay.
Favourite port: Skagway
As with all the ports in Alaska, there are so many options to spend your day.
Skagway almost feels like you’re walking into a Gold Rush Theme Park with well preserved buildings and is a town steeped in history of a bygone era.
A popular choice for passengers in this port was: White Pass and Yukon Route railroad. As we’d travelled on the Rocky Mountaineer only a couple of days prior, we opted against another train journey and decided to take a walk to the gold rush cemetery.
It sounds morbid we know but it was a great opportunity to stretch the legs after being onboard and within the cemetery you will stumble across the Lower Reid Falls. Be prepared for a two hour round trip from the port to the destination, the views are certainly worth it though.
After a long walk we were in need of some retail therapy in the centre, picking up yet more merch. Another highlight for us was our stop off at the Salty Siren for some locally caught halibut and chips, along with tasting the offerings from the Skagway Brewing Company. This place is one not to miss!
Unique feature: The Lawn Club
Half an acre of real grass on the top deck of a cruise ship is certainly unique! Here you can hire exclusive cabanas, watch movies and even sign up for a glass blowing class for an extra charge. Whilst the weather wasn’t that inviting to sit up here during our cruise, we did have a chance to play lawn bowls which is a perfect way to unwind during a sea day – although a little competitive for some!
This blog was written before the scheduled refurbishment of Celebrity Solstice as part of the Celebrity Renewed programme.
For The Love Of Cruise 