I’m a Chronic Cruiser and I Was Obsessed with Celebrity Solstice’s Alaska Sailing

First of all, while Celebrity is certainly a family friendly cruise line, I was (pleasantly) shocked by how few kids I saw around the ship. I’m used to other cruise lines where kids run rampant—particularly in the pool area—with screams and shrieks abound. Not here. Perhaps it’s just the nature of an Alaskan cruise (vs. a warm weather one), but the crowd featured a lot of couples (smooching in front of a glacier does sound pretty romantic) and a lot of friend groups.

In my case, I traveled with one of my besties and it was the perfect scenario. Having one partner in crime was great for dining (i.e. not having to wait for a giant table), bopping around the ship’s many lounges and bars, exploring the Alaskan towns and participating in the endless Solstice social activities.

Sailing as a duo also made it super easy to meet other guests while on board. Whether we were chatting it up with strangers in the hot tub, making new friends at the daily LGBTQ+ meetup or laughing with the staff during the very-public Finish That Lyric contest (my friend came in first, I came in second), the cruise was an extremely memorable experience for both of us.

Allow me to rave about the accommodations—and to recommend opting for one of the beautiful AquaClass rooms. (The renovated ship now features even more AquaClass rooms than before, so this shouldn’t be a problem for you to secure.) These wellness-focused staterooms are quite large. I was initially worried about sharing a room with my friend (we’re both grown adults and we both travel with a lot of products and outfit options), but my worries were not necessary.

The AquaClass rooms, which feature a large living area and one of the biggest cruise balconies I’ve ever experienced, are very nice. I couldn’t believe how much space there was to maneuver with another adult (often a problem on cruises) and to store all of our belongings.

The bathroom was also huge, with a large stand-up spa shower featuring incredible water pressure, plenty of counter space and ample shelves for storing my “beauty” products (it takes a lot to look this good). The room also featured comfy robes which we donned for our daily trips to the spa (access is a perk of choosing an AquaClass room).

But the best part had to be the beds. I actually got a great night of sleep every night. The beds are comfortable and the pillows are plush while still being supportive (I hate feeling like I’m drowning in a feather pillow). It was great to wake up actually feeling rested after each day of our Alaskan adventure.

My friend/travel companion agreed, telling me, "As a self-proclaimed terrible sleeper, I was pleasantly surprised by how well I slept. The rooms are comfortable and accommodating, with climate controls and blackout options that let you create your perfect sleep environment."

The main dining rooms are great, of course. And I loved the variety of the upstairs buffet (and the option to grab an ice cream cone at the end of each visit). However, the specialty restaurants are standouts and definitely worth a stop.

Trattoria Rossa offered delicious Italian options, while Fine Cut Steakhouse delivered one of the best filet mignons I’ve had (at sea or on land). Murano, the upscale French restaurant, was also a must-visit.

AquaClass sailors have access to the exclusive Blu restaurant (which was probably my favorite). The service was stellar, and the maître d’ greeted us with a huge smile during all of our frequent visits. Be sure to ask for a window seat at Blu as the views are spectacular.

As for bars, there are a ton of fun options.

First of all, spring for the premium drink package so you don’t have to feel guilty trying different cocktails and wines throughout your sailing. This took the pressure off having to order “what I normally like” and gave me permission to try some very tasty specialty drinks.

World Class Bar is a great spot to have a craft cocktail, and the menu boasts a few clever twists on the traditional espresso martini. Sunset Bar offers gorgeous views and is probably the best option for sipping in the open air as you sail away from port. And my fave was probably The Parlour, which is home to hundreds of games (yes, seriously). There is skeeball and darts and pool and every board game imaginable. The Parlour was a great spot to sip a beer and play Battleship between our evening activities.

There are also onboard “excursions” you can sign up for, and I recommend the bourbon tasting. The tasting gave me an opportunity to try bourbons I’d never sipped before, and the group was small, so I was able to ask questions and truly participate.

Say yes to the activities (of which there are many) and get involved as much as you can. My friend was brought up on stage for the illusionist in the main theater (a really fun show). As I mentioned, Finish That Lyric is a high-energy and very funny activity—at least go watch, but it’s certainly more exciting to participate.

My travel companion particularly loved the entertainment, saying, "The entertainment was absolutely phenomenal. From live performances and interactive games to spectacular shows and dancing, the entertainment team works tirelessly to keep you engaged and having fun."

And make sure to spend time lounging in the Solarium (which features floor-to-ceiling windows that are ideal for taking in the Alaskan views). I spent plenty of time relaxing on the Solarium loungers with a glass of Prosecco and my Kindle as we slowly sailed past the snow-capped mountains on both sides of the ship. It was nice and warm in there (a great contrast to the chilly Alaskan air outside), creating a cozy feeling. And it features an indoor pool and hot tubs for when you want a soak. Spa music plays throughout, and the area is adults-only for a large portion of the day, ensuring things remain chill and relaxed.

Grab a spot in the Solarium as you approach the Hubbard Glacier (which is like sailing up to The Wall from Game of Thrones). The glacier is a gorgeous blue color and visiting it via the Solstice was an unforgettable experience. (Another great viewing spot for the glacier is from the fitness center, but then ya gotta be on a treadmill, so I opted for the Solarium).

Getting off the ship is obviously one of the great parts of this Alaskan sailing. In Juneau, make sure to stop by Jellyfish Donuts. I wasn’t brave enough for the savory salmon donut, but I loved the Black Forest donut. We also visited Amalga Distillery where they make their own whiskey and gin. I recommend ordering a Sea Donkey (gin and their homemade ginger beer).

At Icy Straight Point, take the cable car up the mountain even if you’re afraid of heights. The views at the top are worth it. There is the option to take a zipline down if you’re truly brave, or you can ride back down in the cable car.

Ketchikan is a cute and very walkable town. Stop by the “Red Light District” and maybe even take in an axe-throwing show while you’re there.

As far as excursions, do yourself a favor and take a helicopter to the Mendenhall Glacier while you’re in Juneau. It was breathtaking to fly over the glacier, but to actually land on it? Words (and my iPhone photos) can’t do it justice.

According to my friend, "The shore excursions were the real standout for me. Experiencing Alaska through the helicopter glacier landing truly elevated the entire cruise and created memories I'll treasure forever."

Honestly, my favorite thing about this sailing is that there are so many options. The daily itinerary offers so much to do—dueling pianos, shows, dance parties. There are so many lounges and restaurants to choose from, so you never get sick of the menus or the atmosphere. And make sure to switch things up—relax in the spa and Solarium for part of the day and then head down to the game room and play some pool right after. Like I said, there are so many options.

A close second favorite though would have to be those views. Whether pulling up to Hubbard Glacier or just staring out at the mountains from your balcony, this Alaska sailing is all about spectacular visuals. “Once-in-a-lifetime” sums it up perfectly.