April 17th, 2012 | 
Author: I consider Skagway, Alaska as one of the must-sees in the state. I highly recommended the White Pass and Yukon route Railroad. This depot was built in 1898 and follow the Trail of ’98. It was completed in 1900 after the big rush was over. The train climbs to 2865 feet. You travel past the Gold Rush Cemetery into Tunnel Mountain past Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch (3,000 pack animals died here of exhaustion). There is a steel bridge over the White Pass Summit.
Also in town is the National Historical Park Visitor Centre where there is a walking tour map available. You can learn about Soapy Smith & his gang. The National Park service has restored many of the original buildings. Skagway’s most famous trail is the Chilkoot, its entire length taking 3-5 days to hike.
While you are in town don’t forget to taste the local brew at the Red Onion Saloon! Have a wonderful visit to Skagway!
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Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska (Scenic Cruising)
Named after Civil War general Benjamin Franklin Tracy, this narrow fjord is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Juneau. Breathtaking Tracy Arm extends over 30 miles long, with nearly a quarter of its area covered in ice. In fact, it encompasses some of Alaska’s largest glaciers, including the twin Sawyer glaciers, which often expel enormous chunks of ice into the waters below in a magnificent process known as calving. During the summer when Princess ships visit, icebergs float along the surface of the glistening water in an array of sizes, from just a few inches up to three stories wide.
Protected within the Tongass National Forest, Tracy Arm Fjord is a haven for wildlife. Black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals, mountain goats and a variety of seabirds have been spotted in the area.
As you glide through the pristine fjord, you’ll first pass by a lush forest where a number of beautiful waterfalls cascade down, and then you’ll be treated to views of snowcapped mountains and blue-tinged glaciers more spectacular than you could ever imagine.
This excerpt was taken from the Princess Cruises website.
The Winner Takes it All is most appropriate for this incredible class of ship. Awesome Cruise Director, Lisa Richard sang this ABBA/.Mama Mia song at the finale show. Best Cruise Director we have experienced, not a traditional Cruise Director background, senior Manager at Toshiba, with a love for theatre, toured and played in Vegas with Mama Mia, before joining Celebrity (X). One of the few female Cruise Directors at sea.
Captain Gerry Larsson-Fedde, also was one of the best (a Norwegian) with an excellent command of English, great humour (It’s only me!) and even surprised everyone with a song/guitar rendition of “Brown-eyed girl” at the final show. Don’t miss this show, even though everyone has to pack.
Captain Gerry and Lisa are on vacation for 2 months, May/June 2011, I think but returning in July to Europe.
General Comments
Best ship we have ever sailed. Excellent Celebrity service, food quality, food presentation, friendly greeting by officers and staff, easy ship layout, solarium, spa was great.
Officers were visibly present throughout the ship and you don’t always see that. No heavy sales pitches or announcements.
Celebrity has hit a home run with the Solstice class, you must sail this. Princess, NCL and Carnival can’t come close. Royal Caribbean is close in many features though and our next favourite.
Best suited for mid-50’s age group, but a very good children’s program in place., People who appreciate great dining/presentation will enjoy this.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival have more activities with climbing walls, wave riders, ice rink, slides but you can’t go wrong with Celebrity.
Features
X has introduced drink packages, most other lines have not. Classic pack is $39/day plus 15% gratuity, includes waters, smoothies, special. Coffees, pop, beer/water up to $5 and wine/alcohol up to $8. Many people chose this, a good option, we did not. Other packages also available.
Dining and Wine/Dine packages also offered with good wine selection.
They had several drink specials, 3 days I think, buy one get one free from 4-5 pm, How about a yummy mudslide or sex on the ship(beach!)
We love the fact that there is no smoking in all rooms and balconies (just like Royal Carib) we did have to report some people a few times, as smoke blew into our balcony several times, Security was prompt and they were warned, third time they would be fined $250.
Real grass lawn club on Deck 15, playing bocce ball etc, besides Corning Hot Glass blowing show. They had string quartet concerts, acoustic etc on the grass, wine/cheese in lawn area, very nice, something you won’t find on any ship.
Embarkation, disembarkation was very good. We opted for walk off disembarkation, seems many others did as well, we waited 45 min.
Room
Nice linens, beds comfortable, roomy shower ( we had a Balcony 2B, Deck 6 midship- all balconies, concierge and aqua class are the same size-more amenities with the latter two though) Nice touch, night light in Solstice class bathrooms, leg shaving bar for the ladies, flat panel tv’s powered by Apple, got 14 channels (Apple computers in the iLounge)
For those of you who don’t know, there are no clocks in any ship stateroom (only on the phone), so bring your own clock, also most don’t have night lights (bring your own on other ships), we used earplugs, fan noise not high, but we like it quiet. Good size balcony with quality furniture with see through balcony railing.
Entertainment
Various additional artists performed in Deck 3 and 4 atrium open areas (good use of space) and throughout the ship. Acoustic guitar (Jana Seale) , string quartet (Adagio strings), jazz (Cheek to Cheek quartet), A Cappella quartet (Metro Park).
Great Celebrity Life lectures, Captain’s ship navigation, recycling talk, improve comedy workshop (Nancy Howland Walker) , humour (Rich Ceisler-very late adult shows except for last night), body health, detox, dance, trivia etc.
Shows: Ghostlight-Spirit of Broadway (great songs), David Meyer (xylosynthesizer-amazing), Tony Pace-vocals/impersonator-excellent, The Show (acrobatic/Cirque –unique) Pulse (up tempo, active music/dance-interesting) and finale, (variety show of previous and the big finish with Captain and Lisa)
Past Captain’s Club had great events, wine tasting, backstage tours, officer party etc.
Dining
Grand Epernay, main dining was outstanding, our waiter/assistant were efficient. Last formal night has lobster tail. They offered some specialty dining appetizers on certain days.
Food quality, temperature, great desserts, great everyday food options (shrimp cocktail, escargot, Caesar salad, salmon, steak etc- available everyday)
We went to buffet for breakfast (after workout, great equipment, quite busy in the am) and lunch, did not use dining room for those meals but others did.
Tuscan Grill- best dining experience almost ever on land or sea (well worth $30 each) on deck 5, way aft, picture window, wake view with sunset- Italian flavor, presentation/food quality over the top. Saw Murano and Silk Harvest, menus looked good, others had positive view, Blu-healthy dining for AquaClass or Suite guests only ( we heard very good, but some though it was too healthy and came for main dining)
Had great lunch at Bistro on Five (crepes soups/salads, for only $5 each) AquaSpa café (free, very healthy lunch).
Other
We used Premier parking in Fort Lauderdale, $48 incl tax for the week, had to switch lots and delays in pick-up, but priced right.
One of the best vacations ever on a fantastic ship.
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