Living the Alaskan Suite Life On Board Celebrity Solstice, September 2018

[Kevin's girl]

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kevin's girl]

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. 

 

 

[Kevin's girl]

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.

 

 

 

 

[Kevin's girl]

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

 

[TLCOhio]

On 2/17/2019 at 12:54 PM, Kevin's girl said:

Our guide was really good. He gave us all kinds of information but also left plenty of time for us to just enjoy the views.

 

 

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/

[Kevin's girl]

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.

[Kevin's girl]

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

 

 

Edited March 29, 2019 by Kevin's girl

[PhillyTravelBug]

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

[Kevin's girl]

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.

[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.

[TLCOhio]

16 minutes ago, Kevin's girl said:

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.

 

Appreciate your nice details, comments and follow-up.  YES, look forward to any and all added ideas after discussing more with Kevin. Good tip for getting up to the Yukon Suspension Bridge before the crowds build up too much.  Definitely planning to skip the White Pass Train.   Keep it coming!!  Great sharing.  

 

Great to know you were on the Celebrity Solstice.  As linked below, we have done a couple of fun and interesting sailings on that ship.  First was June 2011 for the Med from Barcelona.  Second was early 2014 in doing Australia and New Zealand.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders on the Celebrity Solstice. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 210,474 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[Kevin's girl]

21 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate your nice details, comments and follow-up.  YES, look forward to any and all added ideas after discussing more with Kevin. Good tip for getting up to the Yukon Suspension Bridge before the crowds build up too much.  Definitely planning to skip the White Pass Train.   Keep it coming!!  Great sharing.  

 

Great to know you were on the Celebrity Solstice.  As linked below, we have done a couple of fun and interesting sailings on that ship.  First was June 2011 for the Med from Barcelona.  Second was early 2014 in doing Australia and New Zealand.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders on the Celebrity Solstice. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 210,474 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

I remember your reviews. I have been a fan for a long time. The Solstice really is a beautiful ship. It may take another couple of days to finish this up but will check back for updates as needed. If I come up with new ideas I'll post 🙂

[Kevin's girl]

Actually being in the park was so special. We were like kids asking each other do you see that? What about the mountain over there??! I know I have mentioned this was all on a rather cloudy day, this is a big deal as Day two was so very clear and we just WOW.

Here comes Paradise 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

19 hours ago, Kevin's girl said:

I remember your reviews. I have been a fan for a long time. The Solstice really is a beautiful ship. It may take another couple of days to finish this up but will check back for updates as needed. If I come up with new ideas I'll post 🙂

 

Nice to hear that you remember my reviews.  AND, most important, it is always fun to read that you "have been a fan for a long time".  Agree that the Solstice has such class and many nice design touches.  Below is the connection to our first sailing on that ship.  Know you're busy, but as you offer any added suggestions for Alaska, it would be very helpful.  Keep up the great sharing!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 244,960 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[Clairescurtains]

Thanks so much for your review, I have really enjoyed it and it makes me more excited about our upcoming cruise on CCL Legend to Alaska. We do have a balcony but doubt the room will be quite as nice as your suite. We have sailed the Legend before and enjoyed it so no worries.

Hope your health continues to improve.

[Kevin's girl]

18 minutes ago, Clairescurtains said:

Thanks so much for your review, I have really enjoyed it and it makes me more excited about our upcoming cruise on CCL Legend to Alaska. We do have a balcony but doubt the room will be quite as nice as your suite. We have sailed the Legend before and enjoyed it so no worries.

Hope your health continues to improve.

Thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed the review. When doing a cruise to Alaska there can't be a bad room. A balcony will make the views sweet enough. 

[Walt fan]

Good afternoon!  Your review of your post-stay makes me want to go back to Alaska.  Not necessarily on another cruise, but maybe a land vacation.  Your cabin is completely amazing.  Waterfalls get me every single time.  Thank you for posting and where you rented your cabin from.  I put this on my bucket list.  I think a land trip to Alaska may make it more towards the top of said list.  

 

Your weather for September was interesting.  Both of our Alaska cruises were in June, with beautiful weather, but so many people everywhere.  I think September would be better and less crowded.  

[Kevin's girl]

19 hours ago, Walt fan said:

Good afternoon!  Your review of your post-stay makes me want to go back to Alaska.  Not necessarily on another cruise, but maybe a land vacation.  Your cabin is completely amazing.  Waterfalls get me every single time.  Thank you for posting and where you rented your cabin from.  I put this on my bucket list.  I think a land trip to Alaska may make it more towards the top of said list.  

 

Your weather for September was interesting.  Both of our Alaska cruises were in June, with beautiful weather, but so many people everywhere.  I think September would be better and less crowded.  

I too would love to go back to that little cabin. It's a beautiful way to spend time. We left so much unseen that I think our return trip there will come before our next cruise. However our next cruise will likely be a return to Alaska, still so much to see and do there too. 

We were so lucky with the weather during our trip. I had read that it was going to be cold and rainy so I packed all kinds of layers and dry gear. I even bought a dry bag for cameras and change of clothes if needed. Never had to use the dry bag. The rain coats used mostly for the wind over a good long hoodie. I could not have asked for better. The lack of crowds was great as we were the last of the season. Many of the tour guides were leaving town at the end of the week. There were fewer whale sightings, but still plenty to tick the boxes. Our next will likely be during the early summer as I really want to go dog sledding and that isn't something you can do in September.

I do apologize for not getting this done sooner. Both starting it as well as finishing it. There is just one more day in the National Park and the bits and pieces to get done. Soon, I promise. 

[fsa1155]

I love your review.  So glad I found it.  We are doing the same trip in September this year. 

[Kevin's girl]

5 hours ago, fsa1155 said:

I love your review.  So glad I found it.  We are doing the same trip in September this year. 

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great cruise.

[Kevin's girl]

For day two in the park we started out much earlier. We had further to drive and amazing weather.Our views today were as if Mount Rainier was saying “Okay you two, I gave you a preview yesterday and now I’ll show you what I really have”. We were gobsmacked. 

Our first mountain view from yesterday was pretty but to see it in all it’s glory this morning was amazing.

Day one

 

 

Day two 🙂

 

[Unibok]

KG, wonderful report. You have brought back wonderful memories of a long-ago week in Paradise and Mt. Rainier, and have built even more excitement for my Alaska cruise in late May -- just 49 more days to wait!

 

Wishing you continued good health and healing.

[Kevin's girl]

2 hours ago, Unibok said:

KG, wonderful report. You have brought back wonderful memories of a long-ago week in Paradise and Mt. Rainier, and have built even more excitement for my Alaska cruise in late May -- just 49 more days to wait!

 

Wishing you continued good health and healing.

I'm so glad to have brought back happy memories. Sounds like you have a few great cruises planned. Maybe you can come back and inspire the rest of us 🙂 Safe travels.

[cruise kitty]

thank you for your awesome trip report!   We're just off the Reflection British Isles cruise, & this one is up for next May :)  Love your photos & review style, it's so helpful for planning our upcoming trip! 

[Kevin's girl]

On 6/9/2019 at 12:32 PM, cruise kitty said:

thank you for your awesome trip report!   We're just off the Reflection British Isles cruise, & this one is up for next May 🙂  Love your photos & review style, it's so helpful for planning our upcoming trip! 

I'm so glad you have found it helpful. We had done the British Isles cruise the year before this Alaskan cruise. Such a wonderful trip. So many great things to see here before the summer thaw hits. Have a great cruise.