Kevin's girl

22 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate your very nice visuals, insightful comments and these various follow-ups.   In July, for our first time, we will be seeing Jasper/Banff, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, then sailing with Silversea up to Alaska, doing a post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.

 

As you did, we are planning with another couple from Skagway to do a rental car and go up into the famed Yukon Territory, stop at that walking bridge shown above, etc., etc.  YES!!  Sounds like good fun and smart to escape the crowds in Skagway.  That one day for us, there will be four ships with 7,844 passengers.  This includes the Ovation of Seas from 7 am - 8:30 pm, with 4,180 passengers.  That one ship is BIG!!  Any added suggestions, views as to avoiding the "mobs" and maximizing the enjoyable experience for this scenic part of Alaska?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For my latest live/blog, see “the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Check it at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Terry, I am so glad you have found this review of use. Your upcoming trip sounds like one I would like to do. Hopefully it will not before long that it will be in the planning.

I needed to sit down and talk with Kevin before answering your question for mob avoidance and advise. We both agree that you should try to get up to the Yukon Suspension Bridge as early as possible to beat the mass cruise excursion crowds that will come later. The views on the way up will encourage you to stop later on the way back down. We can't remember seeing any towns or places to stop on the drive besides pull outs and scenic views, but the drive is so beautiful there is no lacking of things to stop and see. 

I would not recommend the White Pass train unless it is something you need to check off your bucket list. It wasn't bad just not as much as what I was hoping for. With a car, you will have so much scenery that you won't miss out. 

I can't even imagine little Skagway with that many cruise ships or passengers at once. I am sure you will have a great day on your own and assume you will come back and tell us all how it was. Happy cruising.

3 hours ago, Joeghartman said:

This review is so enjoyable. Amazing pictures. You have me so excited for my Alaska trip!

Thank you. I'm so glad you have enjoyed the review. Have a great cruise.

Birds, mountains and beautiful scenery

We made our way on to the next hike. Yes I said hike. It was Narada Falls. Kevin said we aren't hiking all of the way down there. Me? Oh yes we are, I don't want to miss out. He did fair better than I but well worth the hike.

Nice path

a little wet and squishy at times but a good walk

The goal for Day one is the Paradise area. There was so much to stop and see on the way. It was a nice day to take a drive, even though it was cloudy.

A little something explaining what I mentioned about the tundra in the mountains.

There are so many places to stop and go for a hike

A bit cloudy on the way down and I was hiking down alone so wasn't brave enough to cross the bridge. It was really cool down there.

The clouds had cleared for my way back up the trail

I had to grab Kevin to show him the pretty view

Our first day in the park was a little cloudy but very pretty. We had no idea how much more our second day would have to offer. I hope you enjoy day one.

The drive into the park was very impressive due to the height of the trees. We had learned so much during our tour in Skagway that we knew we would be seeing huge changes in the trees and foliage during our drive.

Our first mountain view, nice boardwalk to the viewing point.

One thing we did notice was how nearly dry the creek beds were when we were there. Still made for pretty walks.

And into the park.

Inside the Muir Cabin

King sized bed, the washer and dryer are in this bedroom

Queen sized bed in this bedroom with the door to the back porch.

Bathroom has dual shower heads and a heated floor.

I could have sat here all week but would have missed out on Mt. Rainier. 

With two acres and 750 feet of creek frontage there were nice quiet walks. Even my very own waterfall.

Our driveway and front yard

And around the back and along our creek

I have been trying to figure out how best to present the post cruise stay. We spent the following week in a little piece of heaven. A place that was magical. It covered in moss and resembled a scene from a movie. We spent much of our time at the cabin taking in the peace and quiet, but did take two beautiful days to drive the Rainier National Park. There were plenty of hikes you can do in the park and so much to see. We took a pass on the hikes this trip. Just a bit more than I was feeling up to, but so very beautiful. I think I will post pics in sections. One section for the cabin, one for the two drives into the Park and one for restaurants and bits and pieces. 

The cabin sits quite a ways off the road and is so quiet.

Front view and front porch

Back view with hot tub

Off the ship and on our way to Enterprise at SeaTac with our Already There driver. Yet again clean car, and a friendly, professional driver. I pre-reserved our SUV on the Enterprise website and also made sure to include our Plus member identification number. Being Plus saved us from standing in a very, very long line to get our car, so sign up before you rent. It was so nice to get out and on our way.

I rented our cabin through Great Getaways http://www.greatgetaways.com/muir-cabin.html. I received a confirmation email right away and confirmed a few weeks before leaving home. The confirmation included the key pad combination, Wifi password and all of the cabin info we needed as well as a link to directions to get there. Easy peasy. The cabin is pretty secluded and you need to pay attention to the directions and sign to find it. 

The driveway is right before the Copper Creek Inn

15 hours ago, maggieq said:

Hello

 

First, can I ask how you are doing now?

 

Second, thank you for taking us through your beautiful cruise. The pictures are amazing and your added detail is very much appreciated. 

 

Third, I do hope you are doing much better and wishing good thoughts!

 

Thank you so much for the concern, and good thoughts. Six month MRI coming up next week, we pray for no new tumor growth. Recovery from the stroke is a work in progress but getting better all the time. 

I'm glad you have enjoyed the review. I will try to get it totally finished up today or tomorrow.

3 minutes ago, Beth_55 said:

 

We live about an hour and a half north of Evansville.   In Dubois County. 

Both of our son's went to USI. The Evansville area is so pretty. It's a nice drive coming down from northwest Indiana. My BIL is from Jeffersonville and all the rest is a bit more central, Indianapolis, Kokomo, and Summitville. Keep an eye out for the Indiana discount when booking through Celebrity. I know it's offered and they have been sending emails to remind me.

3 hours ago, Beth_55 said:

Loved your review ! We did Alaska a few years ago and this made me want to go again !  I did a search for Solstice and that is how I found you. We are thinking of booking a Hawaii cruise on her. Usually sail RCCL but want to try Celebrity. 

 

Glad to hear you are doing well ! We live in southern Indiana. 

I'm so glad you liked the review and it made you want to do it again. Most of our cruises are RCCI but the Solstice has really stolen our hearts. She is a beautiful ship, and in Hawaii? How could you do better? 

We have a lot of family down in southern Indiana. Where about are you from?

18 hours ago, phabric said:

For tender ports,

ship tours,

Elite,

 passengers with numbered tickets

after all ticket numbers, you just go to the loading area.

 

Line up before they open up so you can get a early number everyone in your party needs to be there.

 

On return, you line up for the first available tender back to the ship.

In our prior 20 cruises, this is what has happened. Just not this Princess cruise. All ship excursions, and upper level frequent cruiser program people off first and then your number group that you were assigned when you walked into the lounge. No other line ups or leave when you want later in the day. It was a nightmare. We experienced this in Guernsey and saw many of our CC group go through it in Edinburgh. You HAD to use the lounge and be escorted off the ship in groups or you weren't going off.  If this is the rule for your ship I would recommend getting to the lounge as early as possible and pick up your group number. We waited hours.

 :(

On 3/7/2019 at 10:29 PM, realnice46 said:

Thank you so much for a wonderful trip report and amazing photos. We are set for our first Alaska’s cruise on Celebrity Eclipse May 9,2019. Still trying to decide on tours so this was a big help.

Also booked on Solstice April 2021 for Australia,New Zealand& Tahiti to Honolulu cruise, also a first.

I'm so glad you are finding this helpful. These things can take so much work, it helps to know that people have enjoyed it and find it useful.

We have cruised the Solstice and Equinox, but not made it to the Eclipse. I'm sure she is as pretty as her sister ships. I am a bit envious of your 2021 cruise. We did Tahiti for our 25th anniversary. It was beautiful and a place I would love to go back to. But you have the whole package planned. I can't wait to hear about it. 

On 3/7/2019 at 6:03 PM, violetstar222 said:

Thank you for this breakdown!  I'm on the 2019 Sept Celebrity Solstice out of Seattle.  We are actually doing our wedding on the cruise (day 2 at sea day)!! But... neither of us have ever been on a cruise before which has made this super challenging.  Your review has made it so much easier to envision the trip.  I'm getting tons of questions from our guests as to excursions since its a first cruise for a ton of us.  For the ports - are there any you'd say are more doable on a budget w/out signing up for excursions?  Any tips from your experience on this cruise line?  Was it super crowded/full during Sept?  What would you recommend for how much to bring for layering?  Thanks!!

Wishing you congratulations and fun wedding planning. There are always budget friendly things to do in port. Your guests may not get the wilderness feel that others may, but still things to see and do that won’t kill the wedding buzz.Our weather was really great, nothing was crowded. Ours was the last cruise of the season. 
Ketichikan is an entertaining place to wander around, do a little shopping and get a feel for the for what it was like to be a prospector. Creek street is a nice bit of history and the Totem Pole museum is supposed to be very nice. You can pre book the Crab lunch we ate through the George Inlet Lodge at this website:

https://catchcrabs.com/portfolio-item/world-famous-crab-feast-at-george-inlet-lodge/

The cost for the tour to the Lodge is $59/child and $60/adult. This does not include the seaplane ride but would still be a great way to enjoy the views.
There is also a small place just off the ship where you can buy port side excursions. I took a pic for reference.

Juneau is another port that can be budget friendly. This is from here on CC:

Mount Roberts hike: Sure, you can take the Mount Roberts Tramway, but that will run you $34 each ($17 for kids). What savvy, reasonably fit visitors with appropriate shoes do is hike to the top. You should allow about two hours to make your way up the 1,800 feet, but it's a lush, well-traveled trail with spots to rest along the way. After burning off the previous day's buffets, take in expansive views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel and visit a live bald eagle display. In the Chilkat Theater, you can see a short free film on Tlingit history and culture, and get a free mini lesson in the Tlingit language. Gunalcheesh! (You're welcome.) Spend $10 per person in the gift shop or restaurant, and that's your tram ticket down.

I wished there had been time for us to squeeze this in, but maybe next time. I have read here that there are very few that would recommend hiking to the top. I know I am not that fit. The trail and shop at the top is supposed to be very nice.

Skagway is very small but offers gorgeous views and nice little town and the train close by. Easy walking distance.

2 hours ago, TahitiDreaming said:

Such wonderful pictures - appreciating your details about the journey.  Sounds like your surgery was rough - glad you are recovering well enough to share your trip report with us!  We are headed for Alaska in June on Viking Ocean - their first summer in Alaska.  I have not been before and can't wait - I have been reading as much as I can, looking at pictures, watching videos, and I feel like it will all pale when compared to seeing the real thing!  Thanks again for sharing. 🙂

All of this is just a nice way to pass the time waiting for the real thing. And you are right, nothing can compare. It is bigger than you think, more beautiful than you can believe and most awe inspiring. You will love it and on their first summer in Alaska I'm sure they will be sure they ring all of the bells for you.

Our post cruise trip to Mt Rainier is coming up soon. 

8 hours ago, Paulette3028 said:

You were a troopper on this sailing....other people would have said ''No way will I every sail again on ANY cruise line'.  Kudos to all the crews that helped out.....it is the maritime pledge and they all lived up to it!

They were really amazing.We have just completed cruise number 20 and have yet to be disappointed with Royal Caribbean. Can't wait to book number 21.

Victoria and our last port of call. This was a little hard for us as we as we have never stayed on board during a port stop, but this port just didn’t offer anything we wanted to do. I understand that Butchart Gardens are very nice, but last year we did a British Isles cruise and I used up all of my castle and garden chances for years to come and Kevin was just not interested. We live close to Chicago and are just not really city lovers so the city tours just held no interest either. This was the only night during the cruise that we took advantage of the Diamond lounge and watched as the others hurried off to explore. 

Once the crowd died down we got off took a couple of pics, bought a fridge magnet and got back on board. We went to dinner in Luminae, gave our wonderful servers a little extra tip and headed back to our cabin. Bags were out at 10:00 on the dot and off to bed we went. I usually feel sad at the end of a cruise, especially one as amazing as this one. But this time I had a great post cruise stay planned. I booked a pretty little cabin just two miles outside the Mt Rainier National Park. We had an entire week to do as we pleased and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Our next day was a sea day and we did pretty much nothing all day. It was great! Our sea day flowed very nicely into the next day as we had a late arrival in Victoria BC. This was the day that we saw the pod of four whales right off the side of the ship and from our own balcony. I promise you this whale tale is totally true, but I no photo to prove it. I had been packing when I saw the first blow. I thought It was mistake for sure. I wandered out to take another look and was then afraid to run back in to get my camera. I just had to settle for the memory I was making with my own eyes. The views from the balcony were beautiful all day.

This was the view when the whales would come out and play. Mist out all along the water, then you could hear the blow.

Getting darker and time to bundle up. The sightings were predicted to be between 11:00 pm and 3:30 am. Everyone stayed out on deck just in case. It was really neat. Very quiet, everyone wrapped in blankets and watching the beautiful dark star filled sky. 

I did mention she was the elusive Aurora Borealis, right? So many of us did stay up until 3:30 am and many after that. No colors in the sky, but some beautiful stars.

We grabbed a quick dinner in Luminae and back out for sunset and our watch for the elusive Aurora Borealis.

Our special Royal Caribbean experience made us RCI fans for life. Being the only cruise to take part in their “Gilligan’s Island” excursion. I know that they didn’t plan it and we didn’t buy the “excursion”, but we do have bragging rights along with the other 1400 people who came along. 

It was the Majesty Of the Seas. It was just a little overcast when we got off the ship. Not unusual for the area in the early morning. The storm came up very quickly, there were jet skis out on the water when a water spout formed and they quickly doubled back and the beaches were closed. Bars were opened and we were all set to wait out the storm. Within 60 minutes or so we were called to board the tenders. We watched as the first tender tried to make it to the ship. The waves were crazy high and at times we lost sight of the tender all together. After several attempts to unload passengers, the tender was returned to the island. The people were saying it was so scary. The gang plank between the tender and the ship kept rising up and smacking the top of the gangway entry. I was so glad we weren't on that first tender. The night was cold and wet, they ran out of food and because of the open bar at the storms onset, they ran out of booze. Not really a bad thing to run out of booze when you had to tell 1400 people they were not going to get to sleep in a warm dry bed that night or that you didn't have enough food for an entire second meal. RCI did send additional medical staff and a limited number of blankets. My DH and I got the garbage bad the blankets came in. I have to say that garbage bag was very warm and I was happy to have it. By the wee hours of the morning, word was out that we were in some trouble and Norwegian Cruise line sent their tenders (they were heavier that our Coco Cutters) in with sandwiches, blankets and drinkable water (the water in the faucets on Coco Cay is not drinkable). The officers and other crew came by and replaced my garbage bag with a blanket and gave us food and water. Unbelievable service. The situation was not of their making, they kept us all safe through the night and got us warm and fed ASAP. They truly helped to make it an experience to remember. I have to smile every time I get to tell it. Yes compensation was good, but even more, they made us want to be forever customers. 

I did forget to mention that Coco Cay was not like it is now. They were rebuilding after a hurricane and most of the current buildings were not there yet. And they did not keep emergency supplies on the island because nothing like this had ever happened before. At least if it were to happen while in Grand Cayman there would be hotels and restaurants for food and shelter. 

On 2/28/2019 at 7:50 AM, musik07 said:

How dressy was it on board at dinner? Last summer in the Caribbean I was very over dressed. Thinking of wearing black pants and tops and bringing one dress. I could rewear the tops the next day in port!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It was not dressy at all. Cruising on Celebrity I have always expected a bit dressier than the other cruise lines we have used, but times have changed. There was no "formal night" and the Evening Chic attire is more laid back. On cruises other than Alaska it may be more dressy, but Alaska was VERY laid back. I brought one pair of dressy black pants and nice tops for the Evening Chic nights and was over dressed. The overall feel is to wear what you are most comfortable in and rewearing any of it next day is fine.

On 2/26/2019 at 8:41 PM, LF23 said:

Following your report and loving it.  So helpful in our planning and beautiful pictures too.  Can’t wait for the next installments!  Kudos from another menangioma and best wishes for your continued recovery.  

So glad you are enjoying the review and pics. Sunsets, Inside passage cruising and Washington coming up. 

Thanks for the kudos, it was such a scary thing. I'm glad to hear of other survivors here on Cruise Critic. So Kudos to you too.