Celebrity Solstice Cruise through Alaska - An Adventure to Remember
Ross Furukawa
Join me as I recount our epic journey aboard the Celebrity Solstice operated by Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's premium brand known for elevated, feature-rich modern ships. Compared to Carnival Cruise lines which are lower cost, floating night clubs with rooms, we were hoping this was the right choice when celebrating my parents' 50th anniversary in Alaska, and weren't disappointed.
For the uninitiated, taking a cruise with a large group is by far the most convenient way to travel. You can visit a lot of different cities and it is incredibly convenient. Imagine having to rent half a dozen cars, organize every meal and coordinate hotels, sights, etc. My family wouldn’t make it past day 2. The cruise solves these problems, and allows everyone to travel somewhat independently while bringing it all together at least once a day. Genius. Plus, you only have to unpack your bag once.
This extended review is 95% rave and 100% packed with unforgettable memories. This was my first time visiting Alaska, and while it’s never been on my bucket list of states to visit, I was shocked at the magnificence of the terrain and ease of use of a cruise.
We took this cruise during the week of Summer Solstice, and there were a few nights where it never got completely dark.
Setting Sail with Style
From the moment we set foot on the Celebrity Solstice in Seattle, it was clear this wasn’t just a ship—it was a sophisticated floating city. The embarkation at Pier 91 was smoother than a freshly waxed kayak, and as our extended family of seventeen—five brothers, spouses, children —stepped aboard, we were greeted with warm smiles and glasses of chilled champagne. Managing transportation for such a sizable group had been a logistical tango, but once we were aboard, the excitement overshadowed any previous stress.
Luxury Afloat
The Celebrity Solstice is more than a ship; it’s a floating resort, spanning over 1,033 feet and accommodating over 2,800 guests. Despite its size, the ship exuded an air of intimacy and exclusivity, with no detail spared in its design. Our stateroom, very snug for a family of four (including two kids who thought every hallway was a race track), offered marginal views of Alaska’s rugged coastline due to the lifeboat that was in front of our window. The cozy quarters quickly became our home for 7 days, where each early sunrise and late sunset painted a new view of the horizon—a sight more captivating than the ship's size itself.
The Solstice was a playground for all ages, with modern amenities seamlessly blending into its elegant decor. Whether we lounged by the pool, explored the various decks, or found serenity in the ship’s library, each corner offered a new perspective of luxury and convenience at sea.
Culinary Capers
Now, let’s talk food—the second most important thing after not falling overboard. Dining aboard the Solstice was an experience fit for royalty (minus the crowns), starting with the Grand Epernay Dining Room .
Here, every meal felt like a royal feast, with our head waiter, Tuiya, orchestrating a symphony of flavors and impeccable service that left us feeling satiated and happy. Tuiya’s ability to anticipate our dessert cravings was uncanny—desserts so divine, they could have tempted a bear out of hibernation. Part of the reasoning behind taking our humongous family on a cruise was the entire effort (usually led by my 72 year old mom) of cooking or organizing 17 people for a meal would have been a stressful, full time job. Having a family dinner together in the ballroom was a luxury and made everything just easy.
In addition to the main dining room, the Solstice is home to 9 specialty restaurants, 10 bar/lounges. All were outstanding in their own right, but four stood out to our group as a good mix of quality and value.
For a taste of Italy with a side of sea breeze, Tuscan Grille delivered robust flavors and rustic charm that transported us to the vineyards of Tuscany. Plates of pasta al dente and steaks cooked to perfection made us question if we were still sailing the high seas or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant on land.
Murano Restauran t , with its elegant French cuisine and plush surroundings, offered a gastronomic journey through the vineyards and kitchens of France. Each bite was a testament to culinary craftsmanship, leaving us contemplating a career change to become professional food critics—until dessert arrived, and our focus shifted back to savoring every last crumb.
Feeling adventurous? Silk Harvest introduced us to the vibrant flavors of Asia, where sushi rolls were rolled with precision and dishes ignited our taste buds with a symphony of spices. The Oceanview Cafe became our go-to for casual but delicious moments, offering a bounty of options from made-to-order omelets at breakfast to indulgent desserts at midnight—a buffet that catered to every whim and craving, even the late-night cravings fueled by laughter and moonlit strolls on deck.
Entertainment Everywhere
Evenings aboard the Celebrity Solstice were nothing short of spectacular, with entertainment that rivaled comedy and entertainment in most cities (that are not LA or New York). The theater, with its plush seating and state-of-the-art sound system, hosted performances that left us applauding louder than a calving glacier. From Broadway-style musicals to jaw-dropping magic acts and live music that had even the most reserved guests tapping their feet, the quality of the evening entertainment was a pleasant surprise.
The casino provided a dose of excitement, with blackjack tables and slot machines tempting us to test our luck as an option for onboard nightlife. And for those seeking a quieter escape, the bars and lounges offered cocktails with views that we all came for.
One memorable evening, we found ourselves at the centrally located Quasar lounge for a lively game of trivia. What started as a casual challenge quickly escalated into a battle of wits among family members and new friends, much to the delight of the quizmaster and the amusement of fellow passengers who couldn’t resist joining in on the fun.
Scenic Splendor
Now, let’s talk about Alaska—the star of our seafaring adventure. Sailing through the majestic fjords during the summer solstice was like being inside a painting where Mother Nature forgot to put a price tag. The midnight sun turned the towering cliffs into golden sentinels, casting a glow that made the sea sparkle like a treasure trove of gems. The fjord walls seemed close enough to touch, inviting us to reach out and connect with the untamed wilderness surrounding us.
One of the highlights of our journey was our visit to the Mendenhall Glacier , a breathtaking river of ice that commanded reverence with its sheer size and otherworldly blue hues. We took a guided hike to get up close with this natural wonder, marveling at the ancient ice formations and keeping watch for playful seals in the nearby waters. Some of our best photos came from this part of the trip.
The Modern Family Internet Story
No modern adventure is complete without a tale of technology woes, and ours involved a comical encounter with the onboard Wi-Fi. Note: internet access is very limited and VERY expensive, so we decided to go without it for 7 days. However, during our stop in Juneau, my youngest daughter—who is known to spend some quality time with my iPad—convinced me to let her catch up on his favorite show, Modern Family. Little did we know that those two episodes, streamed on the ship’s Wi-Fi instead of our wireless AT&T data plan, would cost us more than a pair of gold nuggets from Klondike. At $60 per episode, it turned out to be a modern lesson in budgeting, Alaskan style, reminding us that unplugging isn’t just a suggestion but a necessity when cruising.
Challenges? Sure, but with a Smile
Of course, no journey is without its quirks, and ours included navigating a stateroom that felt like playing a game of Tetris with suitcases and the occasional zigzag around some enthusiastic kids in the hallways. Oh, and did I mention the lack of internet? It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, offering a forced digital detox that allowed us to reconnect with each other and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of Alaska’s untamed wilderness.
For every minor inconvenience, there were ten moments of pure delight and discovery. Like the time we gathered for a special anniversary dinner at Murano , where the chef surprised us with a dessert display that was customized for the anniversary.
Or when we stumbled upon a quiet corner of the Lawn Club and spent an afternoon playing lawn games with newfound friends, the ship’s gentle rocking adding an element of challenge to our croquet skills.
Fond Farewells
As we reluctantly disembarked in Seattle, our hearts overflowed with gratitude for the memories we’ve created and the bonds we’ve strengthened. The Celebrity Solstice not only provided us with luxurious accommodations and impeccable service but also became a vessel for shared laughter, heartfelt conversations, and moments of pure joy.
We leave with a promise to carry these memories with us—a testament to the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness, the warmth of its people, and the transformative power of travel. For anyone seeking a cruise that combines luxury, adventure, and enough food to feed a pod of hungry orcas (metaphorically, of course), look no further than the Celebrity Solstice. It’s a floating paradise where memories are made, sunsets are applauded, and the only thing bigger than the ship itself is the joy of the journey.
Our takeaway? When traveling by cruise ship with a group as large as ours, a cruise is the way to go, and Celebrity delivered a classy, tasteful experience that exceeded everyone's expectation. Imagine having to rent 4 cars, coordinating meals, hotels, sightseeing while navigating the tastes and desires of 17 different ages, tastes, budgets, moods and energy levels. This cruise solved all of this. No driving, everyone can go on their own all the way up until dinner time when you clean up, dine with your family, then go to bed without having to load dishes in the dishwasher. Magic.
So, until we meet again on the high seas—fair winds and following seas, my friends. And remember, on a cruise ship, every day is an adventure waiting to be savored.
