Tag: alaska cruise

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Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Day 1, Sail Away from Vancouver

Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise: Sail Away from Vancouver - Day 1 Vlog

Our Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise is officially underway! We begin our 7-night Alaska adventure by boarding the beautiful Celebrity Solstice in Vancouver, British Columbia. From exploring the ship and settling into our inside stateroom to enjoying an incredible sail away and our first evening onboard, Day 1 was the perfect start to our cruise.

If you’re planning a Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise, this vlog will give you a great idea of what embarkation day is really like, along with our first impressions of the ship.

🎥 Watch the full video here:

Boarding the Celebrity Solstice

After spending a couple of nights at the River Rock Casino Resort near Vancouver International Airport, we took the Canada Line SkyTrain to Canada Place. Boarding the Celebrity Solstice was quick and easy, giving us plenty of time to start exploring before our cabin was ready.

Celebrity Solstice docked at Canada Place in Vancouver before departing on a 7-night Alaska cruise.
Boarding day has arrived as we begin our 7-night Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise from Vancouver.

Exploring the Ship & Settling In

Once onboard, we explored many of the ship’s beautiful public spaces, including the Solstice Theater, Grand Epernay Restaurant, Oceanview Café, Lido Deck, Solarium, Spa, Fitness Center, and Sunset Park. We also moved into our inside stateroom and started settling in before sail away.

Lido Deck aboard Celebrity Solstice with pools, hot tubs, and lounge chairs on embarkation day.
We spent the afternoon exploring the Celebrity Solstice before sail away from Vancouver.

Sail Away & Our First Evening

Sailing away from Vancouver is always one of our favorite parts of cruising. After enjoying beautiful views as we left the city behind, we wrapped up the evening with comedy in the Solstice Theater, dinner in the Grand Epernay Restaurant, and live entertainment in the Grand Foyer. It was a fantastic first day aboard the Celebrity Solstice, and we couldn’t wait to see what the rest of our Alaska cruise had in store.

Celebrity Solstice sailing away from Vancouver at the start of a 7-night Alaska cruise.
Leaving Vancouver behind as our Celebrity Solstice Alaska adventure officially begins.

Watch the Full Day 1 Vlog

Join us as we board the Celebrity Solstice, explore the ship, settle into our inside stateroom, experience sail away from Vancouver, and share our first impressions of this beautiful Alaska cruise.

🎥 Watch the full video here:

Planning Your Own Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise?

If you’re planning your own Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise, you can check the latest pricing and availability below.

👉 Book a Celebrity Solstice Cruise Here (affiliate) Celebrity Cruises Website

More Celebrity Solstice & Vancouver Guides

Planning your own Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise? Check out these additional guides to help you prepare for your trip.

🚢 Celebrity Solstice Inside Cabin Tour, Sideways Stateroom 7160

Take a complete tour of our unique sideways inside cabin on Deck 7, including the layout, bathroom, storage, outlets, USB charging ports, and more.

Celebrity Solstice Inside Cabin Tour, Sideways Stateroom 7160

❓ 10 Questions We Had Before Sailing Celebrity Solstice (Answered)

Get answers to the 10 biggest questions we had before boarding, including carry-on bags, charging ports, complimentary dining, Chic Night, cabin amenities, and more.

10 Questions We Had Before Sailing Celebrity Solstice (Answered)

🏨 River Rock Casino Resort | 1 Bedroom Marina View Suite Tour

Looking for a hotel before your Celebrity Solstice cruise? See why the River Rock Casino Resort is one of our favorite places to stay before sailing from Vancouver.

River Rock Casino Resort 1-Bedroom Marina View Suite Tour
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10 Questions We Had Before Sailing Celebrity Solstice (Answered)

10 Questions We Had Before Sailing Celebrity Solstice (Answered)

Planning a Celebrity Solstice cruise? Before sailing on the Celebrity Solstice, we had plenty of questions about what to expect onboard. From dropping off our carry-on bags and charging our devices to formal night, complimentary dining, cabin amenities, and whether we’d sail the Celebrity Solstice again, we wanted to know the answers before stepping onboard.

After spending a week aboard the Celebrity Solstice on a 7-night Alaska cruise, we’re answering the 10 biggest questions we had before sailing. If you’d like to see everything in more detail, be sure to watch our full video below.

🎥 Watch the full video here:

1. Can You Drop Off Your Carry-On Bags Before Your Cabin Is Ready?

Yes! Shortly after boarding the Celebrity Solstice, we were allowed to leave our carry-on bags in our cabin while our stateroom attendant finished preparing the room. It made embarkation day much easier since we didn’t have to carry our bags around the ship for a couple of hours.

2. What Charging Options Are Available?

The vanity includes two North American outlets and one European outlet, while the bathroom has a shaver outlet. One pleasant surprise was discovering USB-A and USB-C charging ports beside the bed after the ship’s refurbishment. Bringing a European adapter is still a great idea for adding even more charging options.

Celebrity Solstice vanity power outlets with two North American outlets and one European outlet.
The vanity includes two North American outlets and one European outlet, making it easy to charge multiple devices.

3. Will You Get a Table for Two?

We had an assigned dining time of 8:15 in the Grand Epernay Restaurant, but we weren’t sure if we’d be seated with other guests or have our own table. To our surprise, Celebrity had already assigned us a window table for two for the entire cruise, making every dinner feel a little more special.

4. Can You Request a Fan, and Is the Cabin Cool Enough?

Our inside cabin stayed comfortable throughout our Alaska cruise, especially with the thermostat turned down. We also requested a fan through Guest Services, and one was delivered to our stateroom shortly after boarding. If you enjoy sleeping with a fan, it’s worth asking because they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.

5. Does the Shower Have a Door, and What Amenities Are Included?

The Celebrity Solstice features an acrylic shower door instead of a shower curtain, which we really appreciated. The shower also included shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. In addition, the bathroom offered liquid hand soap, body lotion, and a hair dryer, so there were fewer toiletries to pack.

6. Does Celebrity Solstice Feel Crowded?

Even though our sailing was completely sold out, the ship rarely felt crowded. We usually found seating in the buffet, elevator waits were short, and there were plenty of quiet places to relax throughout the ship.

Celebrity Solstice Resort Deck featuring the main pool, hot tubs, lounge chairs, and Alaska scenery.
Even on a sold-out sailing, we found plenty of space to relax around the Lido Deck.

7. What Is Chic Night Really Like?

Celebrity’s Chic Night was much more relaxed than we expected. While many guests dressed nicely, very few men wore full suits on the first Chic Night. On the second Chic Night, more passengers dressed up, and yes, complimentary lobster tail was served in the Grand Epernay Restaurant.

Grand Epernay Restaurant aboard Celebrity Solstice featuring elegant dining room décor.
Chic Night in the Grand Epernay Restaurant included elegant dining and complimentary lobster tail.

8. What Complimentary Dining Is Included?

There are plenty of complimentary dining options aboard the Celebrity Solstice. During our cruise, we enjoyed the Oceanview Café buffet, Mast Grill, Sunset Park Café, Spa Café, Café Al Bacio, and the Grand Epernay Restaurant, giving us lots of variety throughout the week.

9. Can You Relax in the Buffet Between Meals?

Yes! One thing we really appreciated was being able to stop into the Oceanview Café between meal times for a coffee, lemonade, iced tea, or juice while enjoying the incredible scenery through the large windows. It became one of our favorite places to unwind.

Seating area inside the Oceanview Café aboard Celebrity Solstice with large panoramic windows overlooking Alaska.
The Oceanview Café isn’t just a great place to eat. It’s also the perfect spot to relax with a drink and enjoy the incredible Alaskan scenery between meal times.

10. Would We Sail Celebrity Solstice Again?

Absolutely. We loved the elegant atmosphere, relaxing pace, beautiful public spaces, and overall adult-focused experience. If you’re looking for a cruise that feels refined, comfortable, and relaxing, we wouldn’t hesitate to sail on the Celebrity Solstice again.

Adults-only Solarium aboard Celebrity Solstice featuring the indoor pool and lounge chairs.
The adults-only Solarium was one of our favorite quiet places to relax aboard the Celebrity Solstice.

Watch the Full Video

Want the complete answers along with cabin footage, dining, ship tours, and our firsthand experience?

🎥 Watch the full video here:

Ready to Sail on Celebrity Solstice?

If you’re planning your own Celebrity Solstice cruise, check the latest pricing and availability below.

👉 Book a Celebrity Solstice Cruise Here (affiliate) Celebrity Cruises Website

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Grand Princess Alaska Cruise – Final Sea Day Sailing Through the Inside Passage | Day 7 🛳️🌊

Our incredible 7-night journey aboard the Grand Princess is coming to a close as we sail through Alaska’s breathtaking Inside Passage back to Vancouver. Day 7 was a perfect mix of relaxation, entertainment, and behind-the-scenes experiences that made for a memorable final day at sea.

We started the morning with a delicious breakfast in Botticelli’s Dining Room before attending a fun and lively culinary demonstration that had us laughing and learning new cooking tips. A special moment came as we honored the hardworking kitchen and wait staff who made our cruise so enjoyable. Next, we took an exclusive galley tour to see the ship’s behind-the-scenes operations, truly fascinating for any cruise enthusiast.

Throughout the day, we admired the beautiful cakes displayed at the buffet, enjoyed a classic pub lunch featuring fish and chips, and watched a lively juggling show in the Piazza. Our evening was capped off with one last fantastic dinner in Botticelli’s, followed by the Grand Princess Farewell Variety Show in the Princess Theatre, a perfect celebration of the voyage and the memories made.

Sailing through the Inside Passage, even on a gray day, offers stunning views of mountains, islands, and wildlife that remind us why Alaska cruising is such a popular adventure.

Don’t miss this final day of our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise. Watch the full video to experience the magic yourself!

Watch the full Day 7 video here: https://youtu.be/-1y01UFhoC4

🛳️ This post is part of our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise series featuring ship tours, port days, dining experiences, and more from our 7-night round trip from Vancouver, BC.

📍 Ship: Grand Princess
📍 Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
📍 Departure Port: Vancouver, BC, Canada
📍 Itinerary: 7-night Alaska Cruise (round trip from Vancouver)

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🚢 Day 6 on the Grand Princess – Exploring Ketchikan on the 🦆 Duck Tour

Our Alaskan adventure aboard the Grand Princess continued with Day 6 taking us to the charming waterfront town of Ketchikan, Alaska 🐟. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and rich in Native culture and Gold Rush history, Ketchikan is a favorite stop for many cruise travelers 🌲.

For this port day, we decided to experience the Ketchikan Duck Tour 🦆, a fun and unique amphibious excursion that takes you both on land and into the water 🌊 for an unforgettable sightseeing adventure. This narrated 90-minute tour gave us a fantastic overview of the city’s highlights, including Creek Street and the Salmon Ladder 📸. As the Duck vehicle rolled down the streets and then splashed into the harbor, we got incredible views of Ketchikan from both perspectives 😍.

After the tour, we spent some time exploring downtown Ketchikan before hiking up to Knob Hill Overlook, where we enjoyed stunning views of the town and harbor 🏞️. We also stopped to take photos under the famous Ketchikan sign 📷 and soaked in the vibrant local atmosphere.

Back on board the Grand Princess, we wrapped up the evening with a delicious dinner 🍽️ and the high-energy “British Invasion” show 🎶 in the Princess Theater.

📍 Watch the full video here: Watch on YouTube

📅 Book Your Ketchikan Duck Tour (Affiliate)
https://sovrn.co/9bef3j0

From the charming streets to the sparkling harbor views ✨, Ketchikan and the Duck Tour made for a memorable Day 6 of our cruise. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, this excursion is a fantastic way to see it all while having a great time 🤩.

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Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Day 5 – Scenic Cruising Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier 🏔️❄️

Day 5 aboard the Grand Princess was truly breathtaking as we cruised through Alaska’s stunning Endicott Arm toward the impressive Dawes Glacier. This scenic sailing day offered awe-inspiring views of towering fjords, floating blue icebergs, and the vast icy expanse of the massive Dawes Glacier itself, all from the comfort of the ship.

While enjoying the peaceful surroundings, we were lucky to spot a bear on the shore and later a whale swimming nearby, making this day even more memorable.

After a day full of incredible natural beauty and wildlife watching, we returned to Botticelli’s main dining room for the Formal Night Gala Dinner. The elegant atmosphere and delicious cuisine made for the perfect dining experience.

The evening wrapped up with an incredible show, Remembering a Legend – A Tribute to Whitney Houston, performed by Cheaza in the Princess Theatre. It was a moving and powerful performance that capped off a wonderful day aboard the Grand Princess.

About the Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Series

This video and blog post are part of our complete Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Series, where we share detailed ship tours, cabin walk-throughs, port excursions, dining reviews, and entertainment highlights from our 7-night round trip cruise sailing from Vancouver, BC.

Cruise Details

📍 Ship: Grand Princess
📍 Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
📍 Departure Port: Vancouver, BC, Canada
📍 Itinerary: 7-night Alaska Cruise (round trip from Vancouver)

Watch the Day 5 Video

Experience this amazing scenic cruising day for yourself by watching the full Day 5 video here: Grand Princess Alaska Cruise – Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier | Day 5 🎥

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Exploring Skagway, Alaska – Day 4 on the Grand Princess Alaska Cruise 🛳️🏔️

Join us on Day 4 of our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise as we explore the charming and historic town of Skagway, Alaska! Our day begins onboard with some relaxing downtime enjoying the quiet pools and hot tubs 🏊‍♂️♨️, a perfect way to unwind before heading ashore. For lunch, we stop at the Salty Dog Grill, savoring tasty meals in a casual setting 🍔🍟.

In the afternoon, we embark on the scenic and narrated Skagway Streetcar Tour 🚋. This tour takes us to iconic sights including the Gold Rush Cemetery ⚰️ and a panoramic lookout point that offers breathtaking views of the town and surrounding landscape 🌄.

After the streetcar tour, we spend time exploring downtown Skagway on foot 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️. We stroll along Broadway, taking in historical landmarks such as the historic train display 🚂, the infamous Red Onion Saloon 🍸, and the informative Visitor Center 🏛️. Along the way, we pause for a delicious snack at Alaskan Fry Bread, where we try their famous Doughboy treat 🍩 — a local favorite.

Next, we embark on a short but rewarding hike to Yakutania Point 🌲, which offers stunning views of the harbor and the cruise ships 🚢. On our way back, we stumble upon a fun Ducky Derby event 🦆🎉, adding a playful touch to our day.

Back onboard, we enjoy a wonderful dinner at Botticelli’s Dining Room 🍽️, followed by an energetic performance of “Sweet Soul Music” 🎶 in the Princess Theater. From start to finish, Day 4 was packed with unforgettable moments on our Alaskan adventure.

Cruise Details:

📍 Ship: Grand Princess
📍 Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
📍 Departure Port: Vancouver, BC, Canada
📍 Itinerary: 7-night Alaska Cruise (round trip from Vancouver)
📍 Port of Call (Day 4): Skagway, Alaska

Watch More Skagway Adventures:

📽️ White Pass Summit Scenic Railway Excursion in Skagway Alaska 🚂
📽️ Hiking to Yakutania Point & Smugglers Cove in Skagway Alaska
📽️ Walking to Lower Reid Falls & Gold Rush Cemetery in Skagway Alaska

Ready to explore Skagway with us? Watch our full Day 4 cruise vlog for all the details and beautiful sights!
Watch Day 4 Video Here 🎥

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow along as we continue our incredible journey through Alaska aboard the Grand Princess.

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Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Adventure – Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Day 3 🐋🏔️

Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Vlog – Day 3: Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Exploration

Day 3 of our Grand Princess Alaska cruise brought us to the stunning port of Juneau, Alaska – and what an incredible day it was! From calm ocean views to glacier-fed waterfalls, it was the kind of day that reminds you why Alaska is such a bucket-list destination.

We started the morning onboard with a peaceful breakfast in the Botticelli Dining Room, enjoying classic cruise cuisine while watching the mountains glide by. After breakfast, we headed up on deck where we were lucky enough to spot whales 🐋 in the distance as we cruised through the Inside Passage – a truly unforgettable moment.

In the early afternoon, we arrived in Juneau. Rather than book an excursion, we opted for the local city bus 🚌, an easy and budget-friendly way to explore the area. (🚌 Check out the Juneau Bus Schedule here.)

We rode out to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, where we hiked the trail to Nugget Falls. The views of the glacier and roaring waterfall were absolutely breathtaking. To access the trails and visitor center, a fee or pass may be required depending on your visit time or the specific areas you plan to visit in the park, so be sure to check the official Mendenhall Glacier site for details.

On the way back, we stopped by the Juneau Whale Project to see the iconic whale statue before strolling through the shops and soaking up the coastal charm of downtown Juneau.

Back on the ship, we enjoyed a delicious dinner in the Da Vinci Dining Room and wrapped up the night with a fun and energetic juggling show in the Princess Theater.

🎥 You can also check out our separate video on the Goldbelt Tram Excursion in Juneau if you’re planning an upcoming cruise!

This was a day full of natural beauty, Alaskan adventure, and memories we’ll never forget. Don’t miss the full Day 3 vlog here:
📺 Watch the full Day 3 Juneau Vlog on YouTube

Coming up next: Day 4 in Skagway, Alaska!

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10 Fears and Questions We Had Before Our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise (Answered) 🚢❄️

Planning an Alaska cruise can be exciting, but it also comes with plenty of unknowns, especially if you’re sailing on a ship for the first time. Before we boarded the Grand Princess by Princess Cruises for our 7-night round-trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, we had quite a few questions and concerns.

We weren’t sure what to expect from an older ship like the Grand Princess. Our cabin was an obstructed Oceanview stateroom (E224) and we didn’t know if we’d be able to see the ocean at all. We had questions about the number of power outlets, the food options outside of the buffet and dining room, whether the pools and hot tubs would be warm enough, and even if we’d be able to get into our cabin early on embarkation day.

There were also rumors online about plumbing issues, and we received an unexpected email from Princess Cruises before our trip offering us the chance to switch sailings in exchange for onboard credit, which definitely raised some concerns about whether the ship was overbooked or if something was wrong with our room.

To help others who might be wondering the same things, we created a video that answers all of these questions based on our own experience aboard the Grand Princess.

🎥 Watch the full video here:
👉 10 Fears & Questions Before Our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise (Answered)

If you’re booked on the Grand Princess or considering an Alaska cruise with Princess, this video offers a first-hand look at what you can expect, from food and entertainment to stateroom details and embarkation tips.

We’ll also be sharing more from this sailing including a full cabin tour, ship tours, daily vlogs, and plenty of cruise tips, so stay tuned for more.

Thanks for reading and happy cruising! ⚓🌲

🛒Click Here to Book the Grand Princess with Princess Cruises (Affiliate)

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The Truth about the Koningsdam: Our Likes and Wishes (Koningsdam Review)

Are you looking for a comprehensive review of Holland America’s Koningsdam? Join us in this video where we unveil our Likes and Wishes from our recent Alaska Cruise aboard the Koningsdam, departing from Vqancouver Canada. Throughout the video, we will explore various aspects of the Koningsdam including the layout and amenities, our sideways interior cabin, the included food and restaurants available onboard, and the exciting entertainment and activities. Get ready to discover the authentic truth about the Holland America Koningsdam as we recount our remarkable journey to Alaska.

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Holland America Koningsdam Alaska Cruise: Inside Passage Sea Day (VLOG Day 7)

Our Alaskan adventure aboard the Holland America Koningsdam is drawing to a close with one final day at sea. As we sail through the stunning Inside Passage, soak in the breathtaking scenery between the islands before returning to Vancouver. We make the most of your last day on the Koningsdam by exploring the ship, enjoy more dining at the Main Dining Room, and watch one final comedy show in the theater. Join us for Day 7 of our 7-night cruise on the incredible Koningsdam.