Ruthie1017

We passed the Homeward downtown on the way to the port. While it is closer to the port, you will still need transportation. The convention center is closer walking distance to Pike's Market.

There was no Beatle tribute band (something we were looking forward to). There was a movie on the lawn about Marvin Gaye, and a Motown themed hour in one of the venues.

I am so sorry for the misinformation. It was Homewood Suites Convention Center. We debated between the two, and confused he names. That said, we did go past the Garden Inn while there, and it was not as convenient as the Homewood Suites. My apologies.

Thanks for that validation. I kept thinking I was a part pooper. It was very rainy, but everyone onboard seemed to go forward.

Same captain. Funny guy.

$99. A little pricey, but you see sanitation, food storage, laundry, engine room, galley and the bridge. Don't worry if you try to book it online and it says it is sold out. Go to Guest Services, they appear to add tours depending on requests.

Yes. It works very easy. The only hitch was Delta only tagged one of our bags "Sky Priority" (first off luggage), but that is on Delta, not the program.

Just off the Solstice - Alaska

Just sailed the Solstice from 30 June to 7 July and here are a few remarks:

Embarkation was a snap (we arrived at 10:30) but getting into the port can be time consuming – the Port Authority limits the number of cars that can enter the area. We took an Uber from our hotel but taxis seem to have priority entering. From handing our luggage to the porters to stepping on deck…10 minutes.

Ketchikan – Easy port to walk in. Ships are close by. Our float plane ride was cancelled due to fog. We did the totem park and lumber jack show. The show was a little hokey for my taste.

Juneau – We did the Tracy Arm excursion where a boat comes alongside the ship and you board and go deep to the glacier. I am mixed on the experience only because it eats up A LOT of time. The last two hours you are basically on a passenger ferry sailing to Juneau to catch up with the Solstice. The guide offered some insights, but had I realized, I would have bought a book. In the afternoon, we took a bus ride to the Mendenhall Glacier. It is a very nice National Park.

Skagway - We did the half day White Pass train ride in the morning. We enjoyed it but the highlight was the afternoon walking tour with the Good Time Girls. They were terrific. Nobody even minded that it rained most of the time.

These excursions are run by Alaska Tours who employ college students to be your guide. Each was nicer than the one before.

Dining – We did Celebrity Select dining every night in the main dining room. Franco and Ceasar were great. The Oceanview Café gets crowded very fast. Don’t search for a window seat, take the first table that works.

Entertainment – Standard big shows. The comedian was good but better in the Celebrity Central venue than in the main theater; more like a comedy club. DO NOT MISS Brent Nixon’s or Miss Amanda’s lectures (I’ll tell you where the cute bear butt is in the Ketchikan totem). Oh, and the best Captain ever. Go to his lecture on building the ship. It is hilarious. We also did the all access tour. It was fun. It is a good way to spend a day at sea.

Finally – Bring raingear and a huge shout out to our cabin steward Suzzett.

If you have any specific question…Ask me.

Just of the Solstice - Seattle

Just sailed the Solstice from 30 June to 7 July and here are a few remarks:

We arrived in Seattle on the Tuesday before and stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center. We had Hilton points and that made it a good deal. Nice hotel. The free breakfast/free cocktail hour area was well appointed. One caveat it only has one working elevator and the waits can be long, especially on Friday morning when everyone was checking out with lots and lots of luggage. Hopefully it will be fixed soon.

The location was great. We walked down Pike Street straight to the market. The hotel isn’t too, too close but it was a very doable 10 block walk (15 min) on one of the lesser steep streets.

The next morning, we walked to the Space Needle to take advantage of the early bird admission ($19 vs $27). It is a good 25 minute walk, mostly but not always downhill. After the needle, we walked through Belltown to Steinbruck Park to meet our downtown walking guide. We had some time to spare so we grabbed an egg sandwich at “Rub with Love Shack”. It was the best egg sandwich ever.

The free “Seattle 101” downtown walking tour was unbelievably great – (http://www.seattlefreewalkingtours.org). Jake was a great guide. He was informative and engaging. He knew his stuff, and for the price of a tip (and it should be a good one) it was a great bargain. At the end of it we immediately signed up for“The Market Experience” walking tour of Pike’s Market. We got up front at some of the busier stalls (think flying fish) and were offered samples at other stalls. I can’t say enough.

The next day we took an Uber to the Museum of Flight. The museum is big and needs a lot of time. We have been to many flight museums and this one really rated up there. But, it is out of the city limits.

We used Uber again to get to the pier on Friday. The pick-up was easy, but the drop off was a monster. The Port Authority limits how many vehicles can enter at one time. Taxis definitely had a priority entry here. For a few more bucks we could have avoided the delay.

To any one staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center, there is a good tapas restaurant catty-corner from the hotel. It is called Tango. A good take out place is called Homegrown. It is a block past Tango…turn left at the big Starbucks. I should mention that there are at least 5 highly rated (TripAdvisor) restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. Also, if you want a bottle of wine for the room, there is a convenience store right by the hotel. If you want anything harder you have to walk a few blocks.

If you have any specific question…Ask me.

Brent Nixon told the captain it was probably an earthquake that caused the increase in ice. It was not expected to be as bad as it was.

Thanks for the response. Our sailing is scheduled to be Abe's last onboard, so we will get to enjoy that experience. Again, thanks for posting. I always enjoy the Cruise Critic community.

I will be on the 10/6 sailing. What did you do in Bar Harbourb. We are trying to decide between using the Island Explorer or renting a car for more flexibility. Also, did you happen to save your Cruise Compass'? Thank you for the review!

I scrolled down further and found the Compass'. Thank you. I can access them, but they will not print. Oh well. I will have to take notes. Thanks again.

Hi again. I can access them, but I can't print them. I know this is a recurring problem with them.

I am on the 10/6 sailing. We can't decide between renting a car in Bar Harbour or using the Island Explorer. Any thoughts? What is the name of the lobster roll place in Portland? Lastly, ( fingers crossed), do you have your Cruise Compass'? Enjoyed your review- thanks!

I am on the same sailing, and I have put out some feelers about the compass'. One response was they wouldn't scan, ( my husband has experienced the same problem in the past) and another has yet to cruise, but will try. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Enjoy your countdown!

Enjoy your cruise. I will be on the 10/6 sailing. I look forward to your musings. Any chance you can post the Compass' once you (sadly) return home?

You didn't happen to have saved the Compass'? If you did, could you post them? Thank you!

I am on the 10/6 sailing. We were planning on renting a car in Bar Harbor to self tour Acadia. Did you have any experience on the Island Exployer bus? If it is easy and convenient we might skip the rental expense. I hope you had a great trip. Thank you.

How easy is it in Boston to catch a cab at port? How far away is it from Boston proper? Thanks for the review. I am on the 10/6 sailing.

Hi. I am on the 10/6 sailing. Can anyone provide the Compass for this sailing? I love to plan ahead. Thank you Cruise Critic friends.

Are the vouchers redeemable only in the diamond lounge, or anywhere on the ship?

Sailing 6/11. This is our first time diamond. Are the drink vouchers actual vouchers, or are they embedded in your Seapass? I think I know the answer, but would like confirmation. Thanks again cruise critic community!

Thank you Ken. You answered my questions.

I am booked on the 6/11 sailing. I read that the WOW band will be in your cabin. Are they still charging $4.95? Can it be declined, and the charge removed? I am diamond, are they complementary at that level? Thanks so much. You are a very helpful community.