Alaska Cruise Onboard the Celebrity Solstice
This past August we led a group of over 400 enthusiastic distributors and guests on an Alaskan cruise adventure where majestic scenery and incredible wilderness never ends. We departed Seattle, Washington on the luxurious Celebrity Solstice, the newest Celebrity ship to take on an Alaskan cruising itinerary. After all of the guests had successfully boarded the ship, a private reception was held for them in the ship’s Sky Observation Lounge to welcome them aboard.
The days at sea included personalized business training for all of the distributors and an immense array of activities to choose from. The Celebrity Solstice, part of Celebrities newest and most decorated class of ships, set the stage for this exciting cruise. Guestswatched live demonstrations on the art of glass blowing, relaxed in the exclusive adults-only solarium and jacuzzi’s, and pampered themselves at the AquaSpa by Elemis, one of the largest spas at sea. Guests also enjoyed the wide array of entertaining shows, both daily and nightly, in the Solstice Theater.
When it came time to eat, gourmet cuisine was never hard to find. Whether it was lobster in the stunning Grand Epernay Restaurant, delicious crepes and gelato at Bistro on Five, a reservation in one of the specialty restaurants, or one of the many other dining options on-board, every meal began a new delicious culinary adventure. KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
After a relaxing first day at sea, we arrived in Ketchikan, Alaska bright and early to watch the fog and mist sweeping across the forested hills and mountains. Ketchikan, which is located near the southernmost tip of Alaska’s panhandle, is famous for their fishing and is often referred to as the “Salmon Capitol of the World.” One of the most popular points of interest in Ketchikan is Creek Street, the historic boardwalk that rests atop wooden pilings along the banks of Ketchikan Creek. Fun activities in Ketchikan include fishing, kayaking, and zip lining.
JUNEAU, ALASKA
After an incredible morning of cruising up and down the Tracy Arm Fjord, we arrived in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. As Juneau is not directly accessible by road, the two primary modes of transportation to the city are by plane and boat. Located in the Gastineau channel in Alaska’s panhandle, Juneau, sits at sea level, below 4,000 foot tall mountains. On top of these mountains sits the Juneau Ice field, the large ice mass from which approximately 38 glaciers flow, including the infamous Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau is full of fun and adventurous activities and would not be complete without a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier, whether it’s by helicopter, car, or bus. After visiting the Glacier, take the Mount Roberts Tramway up to the top of Mount Roberts for an unbeatable view of the city and its surrounding scenery, as well as some excellent hiking trails. Other fun activities include kayaking, whale watching tours, helicopter tours, fishing, shopping in downtown Juneau, and so much more.
SKAGWAY, ALASKA
Historically considered the gateway to the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway is full of history, charm, and majestic scenery. Much of the town, which is a short walk away from the cruise pier, has either been preserved or built to replicate it’s gold mining past and is certainly worth a visit. The most famous shore excursion in Skagway is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a scenic journey aboard vintage passenger coaches that retraces the original gold mining route to the Yukon’s White Pass Summit.
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada’s Pacific coast, Victoria boasts the mildest climate in all of Canada. As a cosmopolitan center, Victoria is well-known for it’s stunning architectural designs, colorful gardens, vibrant arts and culture, and natural beauty. Victoria is often called the “City of Gardens” and has a plethora of breathtaking gardens to stroll through, most famous of which is the Butchart Gardens. Whether it’s action-packed outdoor adventures, quaint shops, delicious culinary experiences, or nightly ghost tours through the city, everyone will find something they love in Victoria.
7-NIGHT ALASKA CRUISE EXAMPLE ITINERARY
Date: May 30, 2014
Cost: Starting at $1,695 per person for a balcony cabin
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington; Ketchikan, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia
What’s Included: Cruise, port taxes and government fees, estimated transfers, welcome reception, farewell reception, document wallets and luggage tags, name badges, dedicated air desk, and on-site assistance (based on the number of guests)
